Page 77 of Alpha Games

“Bring it,” Jesse leaned over to growl at my phone.

Clara started yipping. “Watch your back, pussy. I know people who will take your 9thlife.”

“Guys, stop.” I slid my phone over to check the time and messed up the charger. Frustrated, I started playing with it again. “Ranger will be here any minute. I have to go with him to the fights.”

“Okay. Remember canines stick together and I’m your best friend. The position isn’t open to–”

My phone died.

“I am so sick of this freaking thing.” I tossed it over toward the back of the counter.

“Why don’t you just ask Ranger for a new one?” Jesse grumbled.

“Seriously, what’s gotten into you today? Did something happen at home?” I asked as he finished pulling up half my hair into the curled pony and pinned it with the clip.

“Nothing.” His eyes flicked to the open door. “Wear your tennis shoes. It’s a hike up to the fighting ring.”

*

Beau was on duty standing outside my door. He used his keycard to let Ranger inside. I finished shoving the rest of my own clothes into my duffle bag. Jesse was packing up the rest later because apparently, I didn’t have the right garment bags for transport.

“Are you ready?” Ranger’s deep voice curled low in my belly, teasing me with promises of what was to come. First, we were heading downstairs to watch him beat the tar out of a spoiled rich kid–which made Ranger hotter if that was possible–but last night was only a teaser and I couldn’t wait for more. He kissed my shoulder, waiting for an answer.

Him and his bossy words rule.

“Almost.” I bit my bottom lip, leaning back against him as I checked my phone.Damn it.It still wouldn’t power on. I’d wanted to send a text to my papa and make sure he was doing okay.

“That charger isn’t safe.” Ranger growled as he looked over my shoulder. “Why didn’t you tell me you needed a new one?”

“At this rate I’ll probably need a new phone,” I huffed, trying the magic position again which seemed to be the only spot it would work.

Ranger lifted the device and stilled, staring at it intently. It was a few moments of weird silence until I slowly looked up at him and realized he was speaking through his mind-link. “Most of my pack are iphone users. No one has a charger for this. But we’ll pick one up at a gas station for you later tonight.”

“Don’t do that,” I said.

“Do what?” He put my phone back on the counter, giving me his undivided attention.

I shifted nervously under his intense gaze. “Don’t bother the pack using your Alpha bark for me and my stupid issues like a phone charger. They have better things to do.”

“First, any issue you have is now a vital pack concern.”

I growled in frustration, about to tear into him, when I saw the teasing glint in his eyes.

“And second, I never use an Alpha command unless it’s necessary to protect life or limb.” Ranger held out his arm for me to take. “Now if you don’t mind, I have to fulfill a demand from my Luna. She’s a bossy little brat.”

*

I was anxious to hear from my papa and learn how the trip was treating him. The stupid phone situation was really getting on my nerves. But I pushed away thoughts of myself, hanging onto Ranger’s arm as we stepped out of the elevator and into the lobby.

Today was about… my mate?

It was still strange to think this was happening and I hadn’t figured out if I’d take him up on the offer to delay for a few seasons or not.

Though the offer was one of the reasons I didn’t mind playing the part of arm candy for thislittle bit. I could look like an accessory as long as I knew where the balance of power really laid.

The camera crews were already set up and filming. Lens were quickly turned our way. Everyone wanted to get an interview in with Ranger, but he walked past them with an aloof attitude I’d never be cool enough to pull off.

I knew I was in over my head being alongside a shifter like him, but the way he held me close to his side was empowering. Like maybe I did belong here after all. Or at least I would, once I learned how to walk in heels so I’d be taller than I was. Thankfully, I’d taken Jesse’s advice and worn my tennis shoes today. Beau flanked us, keeping a distance away so as not to blow his cover. I hadn’t seen Ivan this morning, but the big guy was working on some tech stuff and finishing up a report.

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