too-quiet corner of the mall.
Christian tutted and stepped forward, pushing Riley back against the wall.
“Ah, ah. You’re not going to escape me so easily this time.”
When he pushed closer, his breath hot against Riley’s face, Riley tried to do exactly what he’d done the last time. But Christian pulled back and shoved his knee away.
“I don’t fall for the same trick twice, pretty boy. Now, where were we?”
Riley tried to push him away, but with the pregnancy, his center of gravity was off-kilter. Between that and the fact that Christian was a foot taller than him and a great deal more muscular, he stood no chance against the alpha.
His wrists were caught and pinned to the wall above his head, while Christian’s free hand trailed down his body, his gaze darkening when he spotted Riley’s bump.
“Well, this is a surprise. Did that brute of an alpha you were with knock you up?”
Riley tried to kick him again, but Christian just laughed and pressed him harder against the wall.
“Some alphas are turned off by an omega with another man’s brat in his belly. But not me.”
“That’s because you’re a fool,” a voice growled, and then Christian’s weight was gone, the alpha sailing across the corridor and slamming into the far wall. Brendan stood there, his hands clenched into fists, fury rolling off him in waves.
“Are you hurt?” he asked Riley, his voice tight.
Riley just about managed to shake his head, staring past Brendan to where Christian lay on the ground, groaning.
“Stay right there,” Brendan said, pulling his phone from his pocket. An employee rounded the corner, spied Christian on the floor, and approached.
“Sir, are you…?”
“He had my husband pinned to the wall,” Brendan said. “I’m on the phone to the police right now.”
“I’ll get mall security,” the man said, wide-eyed.
Christian made to get to his feet.
“This is all just a misunderstanding.”
“You can tell that to the police,” Brendan said.
“That’s not necessary. We’re practically old friends, your omega and I.”
Riley shuddered at that.
“Is that so? Do you even know his name?”
Christian stood slowly, brushing off his tailored suit. “I’m terrible with names, but I never forget a pretty face.”
Security arrived in the form of two mall cops who looked irritated at having their dinner disturbed.
“Nothing to see here, gentlemen,” Christian said smoothly. “Just a tiny misunderstanding and an alpha overprotective of his pregnant mate.”
Riley put both arms around his bump and huddled against the wall, watching the back and forth with wide eyes.
“On the contrary,” Brendan said. “This man assaulted my husband. The police are on their way.”
One of the mall guards glanced Riley’s direction. “He looks okay.”
Brendan gestured to the ceiling either side of the corridor. “Why don’t you check the footage from those security cameras? I’m sure the cops will want to see it. We’ll wait here for them.”
“Brendan?” Riley called, wanting his husband by his side.
The alpha closed the distance between them, taking him by the hand and urging him away from the wall and into a seat.
Riley leaned in and whispered in Brendan’s ear. “Please, I just want to go home.”
“Hold tight a little longer,” Brendan said, stroking his cheek.
The police arrived while Christian was trying to talk his way out via the second security guard. The first guard returned with them.
“Cameras aren’t working, haven’t been for weeks. They’re on the list to get repaired, but they’re not a priority since there’s no retail in this area.”
“Brendan?” Riley said again. He just wanted to get out of there.
The alpha turned and gave him his full attention, speaking softly. “I know. But we need to make a report. Even if it goes nowhere, we’re safer with a police report. Trust me. I’ll have you home as soon as possible.”
Riley stared into Brendan’s worried eyes and nodded. He trusted Brendan. He’d do as he said.
The next two hours were grueling and exhausting, but they were finally able to leave, and Brendan drove them home.
“I’m sorry to put you through all that,” the alpha said. “But it was the easiest way to keep you safe.”
Riley yawned and rested his head against the window.
“You heard what the cops said. It’s his word against mine. It won’t go anywhere.”
“But it will make it easier to get an order of protection against him.”
“We both know those aren’t worth the paper they’re written on when it comes to people like him. Knowing you were my fiancé that first time we met didn’t even give him pause. Hell, my being pregnant only seemed to encourage him.