Page 135 of The Alpha's Second Chance Mate

“It’s jealousy. Plain and simple,” Stormy said. “This suave hero comes riding in on a white horse. He’s got looks, charisma, and brought backup. He’s calm and collected. On top of that, he has a close relationship with you, Cole’s mate. How could a guynotbe jealous of that?” Stormy asked. “He needs to get over it and help the guy instead of pushing him away. Normally, I’d say you should talk to him about his feelings or something, but right now the only thing you twoshouldbe worrying about is getting Ashton back.”

There was a knock on the door, which startled us. Turning, I saw the outlines of three familiar men through my curtains.

“It’s Langston,” I said.

Stormy grinned. “Ooh, I finally get to meet him in person? Nice.”

Hurrying to the door, I unlocked and opened it. Langston stepped in. He’d changed into more casual clothes. All three men had intense looks on their faces.

“Hey, this is my friend Stormy,” I said. “I told you about her.”

Stormy sat at the kitchen table, eyes wide and a wide grin on her face. Her gaze traveled down Langston’s body, blatantly checking him out.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am,” Langston said.

Stormy blinked, and her smile widened. “Oh no. The pleasure isallmine.”

I rolled my eyes. Stormy had never really run in shifter circles, which was why she and Langston had never met. From the look on her face, I figured she was starting to wonder if that might be where she could find a new love.

Langston reciprocated that look of desire, grinning as he checked her out. A blush crept into Stormy’s cheeks.

“Okay, lover boy,” Porter said, pushing past Langston. “On to business.”

Langston blinked as though coming out of a trance and turned his attention to me. “Right, sorry.”

“Did you guys find a place to stay?” I asked.

“Sure did,” Porter said. “Got rooms, had some time to freshen up and do more research. The lady running the B&B was really helpful. We went ahead and rented the whole thing to have some privacy.”

“Yeah, she was real helpful.” Zayde grinned. “I think she wanted to jump Porter’s bones. She probably cut us a deal hoping to see him shirtless at some point.”

Porter shoved him. “Gross, dude. She’s old enough to be my mom.”

Zayde shrugged and winked at him. “Every lady needs a little lovin’ every now and then. Age is just a number.”

“Whatever,” Porter said.

Even though the banter was playful, there was something in their faces that I didn’t like. It made my stomach lurch.

“Is Cole here?” Langston asked.

“Uh, no.” I glanced at Stormy, then back at Langston. “I sort of made him leave. Told him to get his head on straight.”

“Shit,” Langston hissed. He looked even more tense than the other two, worried in a way I’d never seen before. “We found something he needs to see. He gave me his number while we were walking around North Crest. I’ve been trying to call him, but he isn’t answering. Can you try? This is something he needs to see in person.”

“Did you try Trent?” I asked as I grabbed my phone.

“No, figured I’d reach out to Cole so I don’t step on any toes, you know?”

I wished Cole could keep his mind on business and do the same. Even after the way he’d treated him, Langston was doing his best to keep Cole in the loop. I wasn’t sure I’d have been so accommodating.

After dialing his number twice, I cursed and shook my head. “He’s not answering for me.”

“Do you think he’s okay?” Stormy asked.

“He’s fine,” I grumbled. “Probably nursing his pride. Let me try Trent.”

I dialed his number, and he answered on the second ring.

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