Page 64 of Midnight Moon
“Fine,” I bit out, praying he couldn’t hear my quickened pulse. “Just… cold.”
The pain from the silver net and shock from the wolf’s attack had distracted me from my half-dressed state. Now, I was acutely aware of my bare midriff, naked thighs, and bare feet. Nudity didn’t bother me within my own pack, but with Asher… it was a different story.
I continued stomping through the forest, fighting the urge to wrap my arms around my torso. I couldn’t explain why, but modesty felt like weakness in this situation.
I reared back and stopped walking when a dark green t-shirt was dangled in front of my face. “Here.”
I looked at Asher. He stared at the ground near my feet.
I accepted his shirt, determined to keep my eyes off his sculpted torso, and quickly pulled it over my head. The fabric fell an inch below my tight shorts. “Thanks.”
He nodded, then took the lead.
We walked in silence. I scanned our surroundings to keep myself from admiring his muscular back.
I needed to get my head on straight.
Being around Asher was a distraction, and I couldn’t afford any of those.
Through a break in the trees, I saw the roof of the Badlands Pack’s meeting hall.
I picked up the pace, passing Asher.
“Blair,” he called out, stopping me in my tracks.
I looked over my shoulder. “Yeah?” I hoped I hid how desperately I wanted to put space between us. I couldn’t think straight with him around.
His shoulders lifted and fell as he took a deep breath. “There’s one more thing I need to tell you.”
Of course, there was.
I turned around fully and gave in to my desire to wrap my arms around my bare midriff. “Okay?” I prompted.
He licked his lips, then said, “While it’s true Chase and I entered the Alpha Games with the hope of solidifying a mating alliance for our alpha, we are also here to investigate a disturbance our pack’s strongest sorcerers sensed within shifter magic.”
My brows drew down in confusion.
Shifter magic?
I never heard of such a thing. I told him as much.
Asher ran a hand through his hair and stared over my shoulder, towards the clearing. “There’s not enough time to explain everything. The others are waiting for us. I just need you to know that Chase and I are working hard to win these games because we believe doing so will lead us to the source of whatever is affecting shifter magic.
“Maybe whoever is behind the attacks will stop targeting your pack and focus on us,” he continued with a shrug. “I don’t know. But we aren’t trying to steal your future from you. If anything, I agree with Chase. You should still be able to become Summit alpha even if you mate the Wilds alpha.”
I let his words sink in, and I found myself more confused than ever.
The next question out of my mouth took both of us by surprise. “What’s your alpha like?”
Asher reared back as if I slapped him.
I wasn’t sure what to make of his reaction.
I mean, why wouldn’t I ask about my potential future mate?
As much as I wanted to deny it, the outcome of these games was looking more and more promising for the Wilds Pack. Might as well find out what I could about my potential future… for preparation’s sake.
A minute passed with no response.
