Page 4 of Midnight Moon
The crowd that had accompanied my father into the clearing took turns congratulating Mike and Hunter on their victory, as well as reassuring me they had faith I’d be successful during the Alpha Games. I knew they were only saying that because Hunter would be my partner in the inter-pack contest.
I bit the inside of my cheek and nodded politely to their falsely kind words.
Mercifully, Stephanie saved the day when she looped her arm through mine and announced to the group of shifters that she and I had dinner plans before I left for Montana tomorrow.
“I’ll walk with you both,” Hunter offered.
His sister quickly shot him down. “No, thanks. We’ve got it.” She tugged me away before he could insist.
It wasn’t until we were well within the walls of her family’s log cabin that Stephanie released an exasperated sigh. She kicked her muddy sneakers off by the front door. They banged against the custom carved coat rack near the entrance. “Ugh! I can’t believe we lost. I thought for sure we had them that time.”
I took more care removing my boots, placing them neatly on the mat by the door. “Me too.”
Stephanie stomped into the kitchen. She opened the fridge and removed two bottles of water, tossing one my way just as I slipped onto the counter-height stool at the edge of the kitchen island. “Why couldn’t you have just kissed Hunter or something?”
The water bottle almost slipped through my fingers. “I’m sorry. What?”
“You know Hunter’s got it bad for you.” Stephanie took a sip of water, then waved her hands in the air. “If you’d kissed him, he totally would’ve let you go, and we could’ve won.”
I held up my pointer finger. “First off, no. The last thing I need is for your brother to think I might be interested in him. Second off, I would never want to win in such an underhanded way.”
“Why not?” Stephanie pressed, leaning forward to rest her elbows on the counter separating us. “The Alpha Games are ruthless. Make no mistake, you’re going to have to get your hands dirty to win.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Um, hello? Do you not remember the last games?”
“Of course, I do.” They were only five years ago.
“Then you remember how the Coastal Pack alpha totally broke the alliance he made with the Moors Pack and made it impossible for those shifters to compete in the last game of the competition.” She gave me a pointed look. “You can’t afford to be too trusting in the Alpha Games. Remember that.”
I managed to keep a straight face but, inside, I wanted to scream.
I’d spent the better half of the last five years being lectured regarding what I did, and didn’t, need to do during the upcoming Alpha Games. Most of the advice came from my father, but many pack members felt it was their duty to give their two cents; including my best friend. To say I was over all the unsolicited advice would be an understatement.
Silence settled in the kitchen.
Stephanie shifted her feet. My best friend was never one to handle quiet well. “I did it again, didn’t I?”
I lifted a brow. “Did what?”
“Killed your mood.”
I smirked. “No. Losing the competition killed my mood, not you.”
“But I promised you a carefree hangout session before you leave tomorrow, and I’m ruining it by talking about the games. I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine.” I offered a genuine smile. “Make it up to me by taking me to dinner?”
Stephanie perked up, practically bouncing on her feet. “Yes! But we need to clean up first. We can’t hit downtown looking like this.” She gestured to her wrinkled and stained clothes.
“Downtown?” I asked. “We’re leaving pack lands?”
“Duh! You didn’t think we’d have your going away dinner at Victor’s, did you?” She referenced the nicest restaurant on pack lands.
I shrugged. “I love Victor’s.”
“Sure, but you have his food all the time. Tonight’s got to be special. So, go shower and change. And wear something sexy.”
