ENDURING {Sequel to Everlasting} ❗️EDITING ❗️

Chapter 87

"Why did you do that?" Zed questions the moment we're out of earshot.

"Curiosity." I respond, giving a light shrug.

The young wolves make no offer to move as I pass through, though Zed ensures no one barges me or traps me between bodies. I'm grateful, sometimes I think people forget I'm not as strong as I once was.

It doesn't mean I don't hear the whispers, the quiet laughter and glances as I pass them. I don't let it get to me, knowing better than to let the doubt slip back in. Hardin wants this, and I want this, we can make it work.

"Hey stranger." Arms wrap around my waist, lifting me off of my feet into the air.

"Hardin, no!" I squeal, squirming against his grip.

He just chuckles softly, placing me on my feet in front of him. I immediately open my mouth to make a comment about him man-handling me, when I notice the men standing with him.

All Alphas and Betas. Staring. At me.

"Where did you get to?" Hardin wonders, uncaring for the strict looking men that expect only a straight faced, cold Alpha.

"Getting to know the crowd, I'd forgotten how bitchy teen girls can be." I admit, rolling my eyes.

Hardin arches his eyebrow. "They said something?" That famous over-protectiveness.

"No." I shake my head, seeing his shoulders visibly relax again. Does it bother him so much the idea of someone opening their mouth to me?

"Kat...why is the beta bleeding?" Hardin suddenly wonders, after gazing at the crowds for a moment.

I shrug innocently. "Wasn't me, pinky swear."

Hardin rolls his eyes at my words, seeing past the look of innocence on my face. His hands slip below my waist, circling behind me to my ass, pushing me flush against his chest.

My cheeks heat, feeling eyes on us as Hardin shamelessly gropes my ass.

"Do you have any idea how fucking sexy these look on you?" He growls lowly against the top of my head, gently pulling the waistband of my gym leggings so they snap lightly against my skin.

I immediately feel goosebumps rise along my arms.

"You're welcome to take them off me, Alpha Stone." I softly respond, resting my hand on his belt purposely.

Hardin clears his throat to cover his groan, and I couldn't help but to grin. If we weren't surrounded by Alphas and wolves, I know he would fling me over his shoulder and carry me back to our bedroom.

"Tease." He grumbles, adjusting his suit bottoms to hide the fact that he's semi-hard.

I step back slightly as I realise what he's wearing, navy suit bottoms with the matching jacket, a brown leather belt and matching shoes, with a crisp white shirt and navy tie. It's simple, and professional, and it hugs his muscle in all the right places.

My mouth waters instantly, recalling how he wore a suit similar to this when we fucked in the bathrooms. Seems like so long ago.

"You look a little flushed, Kat." Hardin teases, almost smirking down at me.

Fuck, I'm almost certain he can small my desire. Which means everyone else can too. Damn wolves.

It's that moment that I actually take notice of what everyone's wearing, everyone that's not a graduate is dressed professionally. Everyone except me. Naturally all the Alphas and Betas are males, making me stand out like a sore thumb in the crowd of superiors.