THE ICE ALPHA'S BRAT

One Kiss Changed Everything

Veronica practically ran out of the store, her high heels clicking frantically against the floor. Her face was bright red, and she didn't look back once.

"Um, excuse me, ma'am?" a sales attendant called out, holding up a pile of shopping bags. "Are you still getting these bags?"

"No! Go to hell!" Veronica screamed back, slamming the heavy glass door behind her.

I couldn't help it. A loud chuckle escaped my lips, and I turned to look at Hunter. His face was still twisted in pure disgust and displeasure. He looked like he had just swallowed a whole lemon.

"What's wrong with your face?" I teased, leaning closer. "You look like you just walked into a garbage dump."

Hearing my laugh, Hunter looked down at me, his dark eyes softening just a fraction.

"Her scent is all over the air. It’s sickening." He sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "If you let everyone know that I am your mate, that kind of thing could be easily avoided. No one would dare touch me."

"In your dreams, wolfboy," I retorted, flipping my hair. "We just met today, and you already want to put a ring on it? Slow down."

I didn't wait for his reply. I just strutted over to the luxury bag section like I owned the place.

One of the managers quickly guided me to a plush leather seat, acting like I was royalty. Within seconds, the attendants brought out three rare, expensive bags for me to inspect.

"Is this all you have?" I asked, looking bored. "Bring me the most expensive one in the entire store."

"Right away, Miss Wells!" the manager stammered.

He rushed into the back room and returned with a gorgeous, limited-edition handbag.

"Perfect," I said, blowing at my nails. "Bag it up. And give it to him." I pointed a manicured finger at Hunter, who was standing behind me like a massive, brooding bodyguard.

The attendant nervously packed the bag into a luxury box. With shaking hands, she held it out to Hunter, too scared to even look him in the eye. "H-here you go, Alpha. I'm so sorry for the disturbance earlier. Please don't hold it against our store."

Hunter didn't say a single word. He didn't even blink.

"Take the bag, Hunter. Don't frighten the poor girl," I said, standing up and smoothing down my cheer skirt.

He took the bag with one hand and watched me as I strutted right out of the boutique.

Behind us, Hunter tossed his black card onto the counter to pay, grabbed the receipt, and followed me out.

By the time he got to the parking lot, I was already sitting comfortably in the passenger seat of his expensive sports car, looking at my phone. But instead of walking over to the driver’s side, Hunter opened the passenger door.

Before I could say anything, he squeezed his giant body into the same seat right next to me.

"What the hell are you doing?" I snapped, shifting against the door because his massive shoulders were completely invading my space. "Go and do what you're supposed to do. You're the driver, remember?"

"I told you, I can't breathe," Hunter growled softly, looking down at his arms. "That woman's disgusting perfume and scent rubbed off on my skin when she grabbed me."

I looked out the window and realized he had literally thrown his expensive leather jacket right into a trash can on his way out of the store. He was just wearing a tight black t-shirt now.

"Then go buy a damn perfume," I said, rolling my eyes. "Or go wash your hands. Get out of my seat."

Hunter leaned awfully close, his chest practically pressing against mine, trapping me against the car door. "And whose scent would be better than any perfume, if not my mate’s?"

"Wait, what…"

Before I could process his words, he buried his face straight into the crook of my neck, inhaling deeply.

His hot breath brushed against my skin, sending a weird, electric shiver down my spine.

I froze completely. My mind went totally blank. For the first time in my life, Trixie Wells didn't know what to do or say. I couldn't even move a muscle.

Suddenly, Hunter’s large hands gripped my waist. With zero effort, he lifted me up and pulled me onto his lap. He wrapped his powerful arms tightly around me, burying his face deeper into my shoulder, just breathing me in like I was his personal oxygen supply.

"Hunter, stop it," I muttered, my voice sounding way weaker than I wanted it to.

When my brain finally came back online, the heat rushed to my face.

"Get off me right now!" I gasped, bringing my hands up to push his hard chest away.

But Hunter was too fast. He grabbed both of my wrists in one of his massive hands, effortlessly locking them behind my back.

He lifted his head, his face just inches from mine. I was flushed bright red, my heart hammering against my ribs.

"Let me go," I demanded, trying to sound fierce despite the blush covering my cheeks.

Hunter just looked at me and smirked, his dark eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Make me, princess."

"You are infuriating," I hissed.

Before I could yell at him again, he leaned in and gave me a quick, firm kiss right on the lips. It was over before it started, but it left my brain completely fried.

"Good girl," he murmured against my lips, looking entirely satisfied with himself.

He released my hands, lifted me back into my own seat, and smoothly climbed over the center console into the driver’s seat.

He started the engine, the car roaring to life, and pulled out of the parking lot.

I just sat there, frozen. I stared straight ahead out the windshield, my lips still tingling, completely unable to wrap my mind around what the hell had just happened.