It just means being human.
Everly shows up at the clubhouse around six. She walks in and her eyes find me immediately.
I'm at the bar with Tank and Bozo, but I stand up when I see her.
She's wearing jeans and a leather jacket. Her hair is down and she looks tired but beautiful.
She walks over and I pull her close, kiss her quickly and possessively.
A few guys whistle and I flip them off without looking.
"Miss me?" she asks.
"Yeah."
"Good. I missed you too."
I lead her to the bar, and there's a drunk prospect sitting where I want her.
"Move," I say.
He looks up, sees my expression, and immediately gets up.
I guide Everly to the seat, position it so her back is to the wall and I'm between her and the room.
She raises an eyebrow. "Territorial much?"
"Just being smart."
"About what?"
"About keeping you where I can see anyone who approaches."
She smiles. "That's very alpha of you."
"Deal with it."
She laughs and the sound makes my chest warm.
We sit down and she fits against my side like she belongs there. My hand goes to her hip automatically.
This is a claim, public and clear, and I want everyone to see it.
Tank grins. "You two are disgustingly cute."
"Fuck off," I say without heat.
"Nah, I like it. Rush finally pulled his head out of his ass."
Everly laughs. "It was touch and go for a while."
"I was there. I watched the whole painful process. Man was circling you like a shark for weeks."
"He was lurking," Everly says.
"I wasn't lurking."
"You were absolutely lurking."