The Beta's Forbidden Mate

Chapter Six

I looked at Asher, trying to figure out what it was he wanted from me.

My body ached to feel his, but this was about more than just sex. I could feel it in my gut. There was something bigger going on here.

I also knew, without a doubt, that he was dangerous. I shouldn't go anywhere alone with him. What I should do was turn around, walk away, and put him out of my head forever.

But I couldn't. I couldn't ignore the connection between us. I'd been trying for a week now, and the feelings were only getting stronger.

I had to know why.

"Okay," I said, nodding at Asher. "Let me put my bass away and grab my coat."

"Try to be quick." His eyes continued to dart around the room, watching the exits. "I can't stay long. They're already getting suspicious."

"Who is 'they'?" I demanded.

He just shook his head. "Not here. Too many people."

Too many witnesses, my survival-brain chimed in. Recklessly, I shoved it down.

"I'll be right back."

My friends were still on the stage, unplugging their instruments at snail speed as they blatantly stared at me. I climbed back up, heat rushing to my face under their questioning eyes.

"So uh...who's that?" Rhea asked, glancing at Asher with raised eyebrows. He didn't seem to notice; his hands were shoved in his pockets and he kept glancing at one door and then the other.

"He's um...cute," May said with a worried smile.

Kelly looked less than convinced. "Is this the guy you told me about? He looks like he's waiting for the cops to bust in here and drag him off."

She was right. The way he jumped every time someone came into the bar gave him a furtive, guilty air that I didn't like.

He was definitely hiding something. And I had to find out what.

"Listen, umm...we're going to head back to the apartment," I said, wincing in anticipation.

Kelly's mouth dropped open. "You're joking. Liv you barely know that guy! You said you've never even talked to him!"

My cheeks flushed hotter.

"Seriously though, I know you've been feeling a little bored lately, but you didn't have to go so...wild," May chimed in. "We meant more like, a guy with a motorcycle."

"Yeah, not a drug dealer," Rhea said.

"He's not a drug dealer!" I whispered hotly.

"How do you know?" Kelly said.

That stopped me. "Because...because he just isn't," I insisted.

"We only want to make sure you're safe, Liv," May said.

"Are you sure you don't want to come dancing with us at Khaos?" Rhea asked. "Your new friend can come, if he wants."

I shook my head. "I'll be fine, you guys. Seriously."

"Fine," Kelly said curtly. She pulled her phone out of the pocket of her dress. "But we're doing this strictly protocol."

I sighed, knowing it was pointless to argue.

She pointed her phone at Asher, who was shifting restlessly from foot to foot, eyeing a group of burly guys at the dartboard. "What's his name?" she asked, taking a picture of his face.

"Asher Fenwood."

Kelly rolled her eyes. "Weird, but whatever. Where does he live?"

"I have no idea," I said with a wince. "Somewhere in the mountains."