Page 25 of Tainted Romance

“What?”

“That you keep glaring at me.”

“I’m not glaring,” I said defensively. Sure, I might be shooting him the odd dirty look, but it wasn’t glaring.

“Well whatever it is, stop it because it is about to be show time.” The next thing I knew he was threading his fingers into mine - well, let’s not lie here. He forced my fingers open for his.

“Taylor and Allie, I hear congratulations are in order.” Alpha Harris had made his way over to us, our mothers of course only a step behind him.

“Thanks,” we both forced out at the same time, causing a small smile to be shared between us.

“I’m surprised you two kept it a secret for so long.”

Alpha Harris barely ever spoke to me and, well, speaking to him twice in a fortnight just felt odd.

“When a thing is good, you don’t want to ruin it.” Taylor grinned and shook Alpha Harris’s hand.

We are going to be in so much trouble when they all find out this is a lie. I personally am planning to make the time the truth comes out around the same time I leave the country.

“It won’t be ruined, son.” He patted him on the back, smiling warmly. “It only gets better.”

Please, this was torture and it wasn’t getting any better.

“As your mothers told me, you two are entitled to the cabin for as long as you like.”

I choked on my own saliva. My body was trying to kill me, which as a result would have saved me from an awkward answer. My body’s self-destruct button didn’t plan on Taylor slapping me hard on the back = saving me.

After receiving an odd look from the Alpha, I spluttered an answer seeing as Taylor was just staring at me. “We, um, well thank you, Alpha, but we don’t need to go away.”

The cabin was always doomed as the love hut by the younger wolves. Pretty much it was used for newly mated wolves to get some alone time. Apparently, it was a lovely cabin, but I was never EVER planning on finding out for myself.

“It’s a stressful time when you come out as mates. Don’t be stupid, accept the holiday and get a break from everything.” Alpha shot a glance at our mothers, and even I smiled at that.

“Didn’t you hear them, Dad, they aren’t interested,” Zane’s overly chocolate and alluring voice entered the conversation. My heart rate spiked slightly, knowing he was near.

“Son, have you congratulated your best friend?” Alpha Harris asked as Zane stood somewhat back from Taylor with his arms crossed.

“Yes.” Zane had his eyes locked on Taylor’s, and I swear they were having a little secret conversation with each other.

“Zane was overwhelmed with congratulations,” Taylor piped up.

I noticed Zane’s slight eye roll. However, everyone else mustn’t have picked up on it.

Stupid Zane. Why did he look so good? Him and his stupid attractive body. I hated him for having such good looks, but mostly, I hated him for not being the one next to me. Who knew mates had such a pull on each other. I had never thought I would be wishing to be publicly telling people we were mates.

“We will think about it.” I smiled at Alpha Harris. “Taylor and I are still…” I looked up at Taylor, faking a look of love. “We are still getting to know each other.”

“Which is the point of the cabin, to take time from everyone and get to know your mate, plus, it gives one an excuse to hit the snow. I did hear a healthy amount has been falling up there.”

“Fine, we would love to.” I heard the words come from my mouth and I was just as shocked as Taylor that I had agreed to it, but I just wanted Alpha to shut up.

“Good, we can arrange the dates after the meeting which we should get started. Come on son, time to take the stage.” Alpha Harris waved over his shoulder while walking away.

Zane, however, wasn’t in a hurry to follow. “You two are putting on a show,” he grunted, now standing in front of us. His eyes flickered down to our entangled hands.

“I think I was born to be an actor.” Taylor smirked.

“Born to be a bullshit artist you mean,” I grumbled and went to pull my hand away from his.

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