As soon as the door shut behind her, Brett called from the kitchen. “Who’s there?”
Damn it. “It’s me.”
He walked out into the foyer. “What’re you doing back so early?”
“Let’s go in the kitchen and I’ll tell you.” She dropped her purse on the floor and kicked off her shoes next to it.
“Why don’t you tell me now? You should be pledging yourself to Chris. What are you doing here?”
Lately her relationship with Brett had been a lot like dating good cop/bad cop. Or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. She steeled herself for a session of “bad Brett.” “I think he’s getting wary. He told me he’s had too many wolves join lately. He even brought the Stonewall Alpha over to try to convince me to join Stonewall instead.”
“You failed?” Brett stepped closer, his arms swinging wide. “You’re a female. How on earth could you screw this up?”
She worked to keep from taking a step backward. Sometimes she couldn’t believe this was the same sweet man she’d fallen in love with. “I didn’t fail, exactly. He said he wanted me to do a trial period. To go to the bar every night for a couple of weeks so I could get to know wolves from both of the packs, and so he could get to know me. Then I can join at the end of it.”
“I’ve never heard of such a thing. You must’ve tipped him off somehow.”
“Me? You’re the one who thinks we need to join all incognito like this. Why not just tell him we’re a group of lone wolves who want to join his pack? Why not join all at once?”
He took a step toward her. “Don’t you question me. I know what I’m doing.”
God, he could be a jerk sometimes. Why did she even stay with him? Because half the time he was still the man she’d fallen in love with. “I just don’t get it.”
“You don’t need to get it. You need to obey.”
And half the time, he wasn’t. She fell silent. Brett hadn’t been like this when they’d first fallen in love. He’d been so gentle and sweet she couldn’t resist him. Once she’d left her parent’s pack, he’d started to let his temper show. And it didn’t matter that she told him she didn’t like it or that she asked him to go back to how he used to be. He acted how he wanted to act.
“Is that what you wore?” he said.
Alex looked down at her clothes—a pair of low-rider jeans, a snug but not-too-tight black t-shirt with a wolf howling at the moon on the front, and her favorite pair of boots. “Yeah.”
“It’s not sexy enough. No wonder he didn’t let you in. He has to look at you and think sex. He has to wonder how fast he can get you on your back. When you go tomorrow night, I want you in a tight mini-skirt and a tank top that shows off your boobs.”
At his words, she pictured herself in bed with Chris, all his strength surrounding her. He’d be gentle. Gentle and strong. And he wouldn’t change once she got to know him. She remembered that flash of lust in Chris’ eyes and knew that she didn’t need to dress like a skank to catch his interest.
She shouldn’t be thinking like this. She was Brett’s. “Not every man finds the ‘ho look attractive,” she said.
Brett took two more steps so he towered over her. “You’re questioning me again. Just shut up and do what I say.”
Alex knew when to stop. She’d learned it the hard way, when her mouth had gotten the better of her and he’d smacked her across the face. He’d been really sweet afterward, really sorry, but she hadn’t forgotten the lesson.
So she kept her mouth shut and nodded.
“Good girl.” He stroked her hair. His hand trailed around her neck and down her chest to massage one of her breasts. “Let’s go upstairs.”
For the first time ever, she didn’t feel like sleeping with him. And she wasn’t sure how to say no. Maybe she could tell him she had a headache?
Brett’s phone rang. He pulled it out with his free hand, still playing with her breast. “Brett.”
Alex could hear the voice on the other end. It was Mad Dog. His real name was Maddox. She figured he was telling Brett the bad news about getting kicked out of the pack. Just her good luck to be here when he found out. When Brett’s hand fell from her chest and he stepped away, she took the opportunity to grab her purse and shoes and leave.
Brett would be pissed, but she just couldn’t deal with him right then. She’d sleep in her car if she had to.
Not too far away from their house was a park that bordered on Stonewall territory. Alex went there sometimes to get away, and it seemed like the perfect place just now. She parked her car and walked into the park until she found some picnic benches. She lay down on one of the tabletops and watched the clouds crawl across the stars.
Her phone rang. Probably Brett. She ignored the first ring or two then curiosity got the better of her so she pulled it out of her purse to look at the display. Not Brett. Some unknown number. She took the call.
“Hi, Alex?” a woman’s voice said. “I’m Dana Ryan from Roanoke pack. You probably saw me at the bar with Chris.” When Alex didn’t answer right away, Dana said, “Kissing him. I’m his girlfriend.”
“Um, sure.” She didn’t remember the woman at all. It also felt wrong to think of Chris with a girlfriend.
“We’re having a party at the bar tomorrow night to celebrate some recent happy events, and Chris wanted to make sure you’d show up. Seven o’clock?” Her voice sounded clipped and professional. And perhaps a little cold.
“Yeah, I can be there at seven.”
“Good. Don’t be late.” The woman hung up.
Odd. She was going to go to the bar tomorrow night anyway; Chris knew that. Guess he wanted to make sure she got there on time.
She dropped the phone back in her purse and went back to watching the stars.
* * *
Chris sat at his usual spot at the bar the next night as his wolves arrived, one after another. Dana had done a fabulous job at getting the word out. Not that their party was any big shindig, but it had taken some planning nonetheless. And she’d managed it in less than twenty-four hours.
She excelled at that sort of thing. He knew she saw herself as the future Alpha Female of the pack. Because of that, he’d been trying to let her know that what was between them was little more than friends with benefits. She never heard him, though. And it was partly his fault, for letting her take care of things like this party, which made her feel like they were all bonded. But she was just so good at it.
Chris had originally planned to arrange for the bar to be closed except for his pack. Mike, the bar owner, was a friend and Chris thought he could convince him. But Jake talked Chris into letting some of his pack mingle in the party. So Jake, his mates, and most of his sister and brother-in-laws now wandered through the growing crowd. Add to that Chris’ most trusted wolves and that made quite a number who were watching and listening. Hopefully something would turn up.
Chris himself was useless. He could play host, but that was about it. The new wolves would be on their guards whenever Chris stood nearby. He had to trust his wolves and his friends to have his back.
When Alex showed up, Chris tried not to stare. She wore a slinky black dress and had bright red lipstick on those kissable lips. She totally outclassed the place. As she wandered the room, a group of wolves made room for her to sit. Chris wished he didn’t feel threatened when one of the males put his arm around her shoulders. But he did.
Dana stepped up beside him and put her hand low on his back.
“You out did yourself,” he said. “Thanks.”
She preened. “You know you can count on me.”
Snagging her around the waist, Chris planted a kiss on her cheek. She deserved the thanks. “I sure can.”
Dana slipped her arms around his neck. “On my cheek? You can do better than that.” She kissed him, long, slow, deep.
Problem was, he didn’t feel like taking it any further. Not anymore. He had a feeling they were headed for a break-up. And this time it’d be permanent.
“Later,” she
said. “When the party’s over.” She must have totally misread the look on his face. With one last kiss, she sashayed away to join a group of wolves choosing tunes on the jukebox.
He could always count on her for something like this—planning this party last-minute. And yet, he hadn’t trusted her enough to ask her to help with spying on the new members. He’d told himself it was because they’d assume she would tell him anything she overheard and would be as on guard with her as with him. But that wasn’t it. Deep down, he didn’t really think she had his back. Not unless there was something in it for her.
Chris needed to mingle. But first, he’d order one more beer.
* * *
Ben was late. He’d spent the day job hunting then joined a local gym some of the other wolves had recommended. He hadn’t had a good workout in a couple of weeks, what with leaving the Army and coming to Marysburg, so he decided to work out right then. And then he’d had to find dinner. Just as he was finishing up, he realized it was already eight o’clock. The woman, Dana, had said to be there at seven.
He raced back to his room, quickly changed his clothes, thankful that he’d showered after his workout, and walked the few blocks to the bar.
Even from outside, he could tell the place was packed from the noise. Talking, laughter, music. He pushed open the door.
All of a sudden, Ben smelled the most amazing smell, like sex and chocolate and first-thing-in-the-morning coffee, only better. He’d heard about this. There was only one thing it could be.
He’d found his mates.
Chapter 5
Ben’s gaze swung to the bar as though pulled there. Chris sat on a stool, eyes wide, staring at him. No wonder Ben had felt comfortable talking with Chris. His mate. His fricking mate.
Chris looked at Dana and said something to her. As far away as he was, Ben could only imagine what he was saying.
She looked confused.
As Chris stood, he shook his head, still speaking. Then he left Dana behind and plowed his way through the packed room to get to Ben.
They clasped arms, holding onto each other at the elbows and staring into each other’s eyes. The smell was so much stronger now. Ben had no doubt. He’d spend the rest of his life with this man.
And with their female.
“Where is she?” Ben said. He swung to look at the room, one hand still gripping Chris’ arm. All he saw was wolves, wall-to-wall.
“There couldn’t be a worse situation to try and find somebody,” Chris said.
“We just need to follow our noses.” Ben stepped forward, pushing through a group of people to get to the other side, and Chris followed him. Excitement jumped in Ben’s stomach.
The scent grew. Ahead of them, someone was pushing through the crowd, coming in their direction. Someone else stepped aside, and a body ran into Ben. It was her.
Alex.
The air left his lungs. She was so beautiful. Everything he’d ever wanted. He reached for her.
Alex’s eyes were wide. “No,” she said. “No, this isn’t happening.” She dove into the crowd toward the door.
Ben reached after her but came up with air. “What the hell?” He headed into the crowd behind her, Chris on his heels.
They were still a good ten feet away when the door opened and Alex bolted out. Ben growled, pushing people out of the way, but another minute passed before they got to the door themselves.
Then they were on the street. Her curvy figure disappeared from the sidewalk into the parking lot. Ben and Chris sprinted to catch up. They caught her fumbling with her keys, trying to get her car door open.
“What’s going on?” Chris said.
Ben took the keys from her, to stop her. “Why are you running away?”
Alex took a step back from them. “This can’t be happening.”
“But it is,” Chris said.
“No. No, it can’t be happening. I’m in love with somebody else.”
Ben felt his heart clenching in his chest. She couldn’t have just said what she’d said.
* * *
Alex grabbed her keys from Ben. She felt torn in two, and couldn’t think straight. Every instinct in her body screamed at her to go to these two men, to go with them, to rip the clothes off their bodies and ravish them. But Brett…she couldn’t just let go of him. She had to fight this. “This isn’t happening. I love him. You understand? He’s my mate.” She’d thought saying the words would remind her but they didn’t change a thing. She wanted Chris and Ben. But she couldn’t go there.
Ben growled, his eyes flashing yellow. “He’s not. We are.”
“No,” she said. But despite her words, she wanted to wrap herself around him and kiss away his anger. How could she feel like this? What kind of person was she that she could want them so much when she was with Brett?
Chris stepped closer to her. His fingers slid down the side of her cheek. “You’re ours, now. I’ve seen how bad things get when mates can’t accept that they’re meant to be together. Don’t do that to us. It’ll hurt all three of us.”
A tear rolled down her cheek. She felt so torn. She didn’t even know if she was crying because of Brett or because she wanted Chris and Ben so badly and wouldn’t let herself go to them. “But I love Brett.”
“Stop saying that.” Ben’s voice had taken on the low rumble of a wolf about to change.
Rather than feeling scared by his reaction, in a crazy backwards way it turned her on even more. Which made her feel even more guilty.
Chris gripped Ben’s neck. “Hold it together. We’ll be all right.”
Ben’s bones began to pop with the change. “She’s our mate. I’ll kill him.”
Alex couldn’t take any more. She had to get away. She had to figure out what the hell was going on. Ben stood close enough to the door that she couldn’t get inside, so she pushed him back, catching him off-guard. He stumbled a few steps, taking Chris with him. While they righted themselves, she got the car door open and got inside.
Ben slammed the palm of his hand against the door frame. “No!”
She turned on the car. “I’m sorry,” she said, but she felt sure he didn’t hear her. Her heart broke as she peeled out of the parking space. They had to jump to get out of the way.
As she drove, every muscle in her body screamed at her to turn around and go to them. How, how could she leave them behind?
* * *
Ben ran after her car for a few steps then stopped. He watched until she turned a corner and disappeared from sight. A sick feeling of wrongness crept over him, chilling his skin from the inside. All of his anger fell away. He just felt empty. So empty.
Chris pulled Ben into a hug.
“She’s ours,” Ben said. He didn’t move, didn’t even return Chris’ hug. “Ours.”
Chris rubbed Ben’s back. “I know. We’ll get her. Just not tonight.”
* * *
His mate loved someone else. Chris couldn’t believe it.
She should’ve known better. Women almost always found their mates. There were too few of them not to. To fall in love with someone else before she found her mates was sheer stupidity.
And why hadn’t she mentioned this guy when she approached Chris about joining the pack? Hell, why hadn’t he been with her?
Chris held onto Ben and fought the urge to run after Alex, the same urge Ben was no doubt fighting. “We’ll get her,” he said again.
Ben rested his head on Chris’ shoulder, his face turned toward Chris’ neck. “How can I feel so shitty and so horny at the same time?”
Chris gave a short laugh. That was exactly how he felt. “Let’s go someplace.”
“Yeah.”
Technically, Chris couldn't take Ben back to his place. Ben was still in his so-called trial period which meant he couldn't go onto pack territory. Not that the trial period mattered anymore. No way would Chris let either of them join some other pack.
While it would be easy enough for Ben to pledge fealty then and there, Chris didn't
think the time was right. Ben was too distracted. And Chris wanted to do it in front of the pack, so everyone knew this strong wolf stood beside him. But not tonight.
Which meant they'd have to go to Ben's hotel. Chris had no idea where Ben had been staying. He put his hand on the back of Chris' neck and gently pulled his head back so he could look in his eyes. “Where's your hotel?”
“The Bluebell,” Ben murmured. He looked shell-shocked.
Chris tugged him toward his car. He should probably be just as rocked as Ben seemed to be. But he was pack Alpha. That meant he'd had a lot of time to learn to compartmentalize. If he thought about what had just happened, he'd start screaming. Or he'd tear the city apart trying to find Alex. Or he'd kill the loser she thought she loved. So he didn't think about it. Needing to take care of Ben helped.
He opened his side door and Ben got inside. Then Chris circled the car to get in the driver's seat. It took little more than three minutes to get to the Bluebell; they could have walked. Chris parked in the lot and turned to Ben. “Keys?”
“Got 'em.” Ben pressed his lips together in a sad attempt of a smile. “Room twelve.”
A few minutes later, they entered the room. Ben pushed the door closed and dropped the keys on the dresser. He still looked listless and distracted.
Chris took Ben's face in his hands, his fingers brushing the soft hairs of his buzz cut. “We'll get her back.”
“I know.” Ben wouldn't look him in the eye.
“She's so young. She didn't know what she was doing. But we'll show her. It'll be okay.” Chris leaned forward and pressed his lips against Ben's.
He'd never kissed another man before. He'd never imagined it could feel so right.
All of a sudden, Ben gripped him around the waist, pulling him closer. Their heights were about the same which made it easy to kiss. Ben’s hands dug into his back, his strong arms holding Chris tighter than any girlfriend ever had. He loved it.
Chris gave back as good as he got. He didn’t feel like he had to be gentle with Ben. His hands roamed over Ben’s body in rough strokes and squeezes. Ben did the same to him. Chris’ cock grew even harder.
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