Chapter 20

Chapter 0020 “To keep the peace between Colt and the packs. We have to get along and your protection is part of that.”

That struck a nerve. “Protection?”

“Yes.”

“From what exactly?”

“All the above.”

“Like getting jumped in the girls bathroom?” It was a low blow but he pis sed me off first.

His eyes narrowed. “Yeah.”

He was saved as my last tattoo walked in. He was a human kid so no more pack talking. Instead, a grumpy Alec left the store and stood outside.

My last client was named Trent. He was barely 18 and wanted a cross with a sunset background for his sister who died from a car crash. I had it all done but the color. I swear, men’s tolerance is much shorter than a female.

“This should be our last session.” I smiled at him.

“Good.” It was on his chest so I had the displeasure of being close and personal with a human joc k that thought he was Go d’s gift to women. “Are you going to take my date offer?”

“No. I’m not.” Sighing, this will be a long hour. Thankfully, Alec walked back in. Something was wrong by his stance. We couldn’t mind-link so I couldn’t ask.

“Come on. It’s only dinner!”

“Trent, I said no.” Pushing a little harder than needed, Trent flinched.

“Ow!”

“Sorry...” Alec glanced at me and I swear his l*p twitched.

“Be careful woman!”

“I suggest you sit there and shut your mouth so I can finish or you will leave here with an unfinished tattoo.”

He was grumbling under his breath but I just ignored him. Working quickly, I got him done. “I’ll take a picture and you are good to go.”

“That looks good.” Trent was flexing his muscles in the mirror.

“Thanks.” Clicking the picture, I turned to leave but Trent reached out and grabbed my hand.

“I’m taking you out, let’s go.”

“I believe I said no. Now leave.” Ripping my hang out, I started to walk away. Trent wasn’t taking no for an answer.

“I didn’t give you an option.” Trent again grabbed my arm, a little too hard.

Without thinking, I turned and punched him in the face right as Alec came over. Shooting pains made my vision go black as I heard Alec toss Trent out and lock the door. Trent pounded on the glass a few times but eventually walked away. I was holding into the wall for support. By the time I opened my eyes, Alec had shut the blinds and turned my neon open sign off. “You okay?” The gentleness of his touched surprised me as he took my hand in his. “Been better.”

Taking my hand back, I walked to my chair and sat down. “You get guys like him often?”

“Not too much. My reputation generally makes guys avoid me.”

“I see.”

Standing up, I made my way to my station to clean it. Alec just stood at the door, watching me. “I’m about done and I’ll give you a ride home.”

“I’m in no rush.”

“Not ready to be done working?”

“Working?”

“Did you not just tell me I was only a job to you?”

Alex frowned. “Do you want to be more? Maybe have an arrangement with me?”.

I saw red. “F uck you.”

“How many guys have you had this arrangement with?”

“F ucking jealous are you? Don’t act like you give a s hit about me.” I was mostly done. Grabbing my stuff, I walked out the store, not carting if Alec followed or not. Unfortunately, he was quick and got into my car before I could lock the doors on him. Neither one of us spoke as I rushed home. Most of the guys were “What’s wrong, Ice?” Colt walked up to me and glancing at Alec.

“Nothing.” Stomping away from them all, I went right up to my bedroom. Slamming the door shut, I managed to make it to my bed before laying down.