Page 16 of Caged Hunger

Cameron tried not to laugh when the tips of Basher’s ears blushed red. He dropped the cases on the ground, then stood and looked over at Blade.

“Sorry, sometimes I forget that betas have sensitive feelings.”

Alexis screeched as something went flying past her face and struck the wood panel next to Basher’s head.

“What the—” Basher started, staring at the dagger embedded in the wood beside him. He turned back to Blade, eyes narrowing. “Did you just throw a knife at me?”

His words weren’t threatening. More curious than anything.

“Umm, no? Why would I ever throw a knife at your perfectly chiseled face? It’s not like I have self-esteem issues and don’t like other men turning my husband on,” Blade huffed, walking over to where they were standing and pulling the knife free from the wood. He slid it into the loop of his back pocket.

Next, he turned to Ace.

“I think you’re done setting up here. It’s time for your vitamin D injection before it starts getting busy here,” Blade growled, grabbing Ace by the hand and yanking him toward the men’s restroom.

Judging by the grin spreading across Ace’s face, he clearly enjoyed his so-called “vitamin D injections.”

“Those two have issues,” Basher said, standing next to Cameron.

“You have no idea. Ace is Marcus’s kid brother—and Blade is the guy giving it to him. Just in case you ever wondered why Marcus keeps threatening to shoot Blade in the face.”

“Noted.”

“Thanks for helping me with these cases of beer,” Cameron said, grabbing Basher by the forearm and giving it a little squeeze.

Basher’s skin was warm and rough, with a light dusting of hair settling over his many tattoos.

Cameron wanted nothing more than to wrap himself in those massive arms.

“Let me know if you need anything else,” Basher mumbled in typical Basher fashion.

Cameron watched as Basher turned and headed to where Marcus and Nikolai were busy setting up the sound system.

“Damn, that guy is one smoking-hot piece of beef,” Alexis said as she joined Cameron in watching the beast stalk away.

“I want him to smother me with those biceps before pounding me so hard I can’t see straight,” Cameron muttered under his breath.

“Or walk,” Alexis added.

They both started laughing.

“What’s so funny?” Lucas asked, stepping up next to them.

“Just admiring that crazy-hot piece of ass,” Alexis noted.

“Yeah, I swear Marcus is hiring hot guys just to tease us taken folk. Still, I wouldn’t trade my super-studly piece of man for anyone. Caden knows exactly where all my horny buttons are.”

Cameron chuckled as they continued to watch Basher help Marcus and Nikolai with their setup.

“So, what do you know about Basher and where he’s from?” Cameron asked Lucas.

Lucas shrugged. “Only that he just got out of prison for drugs and assault, but nothing more than that.”

“I heard he killed a man,” Alexis added.

“He doesn’t seem like the type to kill a man unless it was self-defense,” Cameron noted.

“Who knows. He does seem to be taking a shine to you though,” Alexis added with a smile and an elbow to Cameron’s stomach.