Page 97 of Midnight Moon
She knew me well enough to know I’d prefer if she changed the subject. “So, who do you think will win this fight?”
“The Wilds Pack,” I answered without hesitation. “They have the benefit of age.” Not to mention, strength and power.
“I think so too,” Stephanie said. Unlike me, she didn’t shy away from looking at the Wilds shifters. “Speak of the devil…”
I looked up just as Chase jogged up to our spot on the railing. “Good afternoon, ladies. How are we this fine day?” He spoke to both of us, but his attention rested on Stephanie.
I rolled my eyes. Was he seriously flirting right before he was due to fight?
“Shouldn’t you be focused on your upcoming match?” Stephanie asked, never one to shy away from calling someone out.
“Maybe, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to speak with such beautiful ladies.” He winked at Stephanie and shot me a quick grin.
“Your friend doesn’t seem to have the same problem.”
On cue, the three of us looked over at Asher.
My body stiffened and when I saw he wasn’t alone.
“Why is Alpha Ben talking to Asher?” Stephanie asked with pursed lips. “And why can’t I hear them?”
I only knew the answer to one of her questions.
Asher was masking their conversation with magic, but I had no idea why my father was speaking with him, or why he hadn’t sought me out the minute he arrived in Montana.
How long has he been back?
Was he avoiding me?
My father stood on the outside of the wood railing, facing my direction, but his attention fixated on Asher.
I noted the Wilds shifter’s back; his muscles flexed with tension.
My father’s expression mirrored the same emotion.
Whatever they talked about wasn’t a friendly discussion.
“No idea,” Chase replied a little too easily.
I narrowed my eyes, but continued to watch the agitated pair, eager for a clue to let me know what was going on.
As I observed Asher and my dad, Chase resumed his flirtation. “So, Stephanie, got any plans for dinner?”
“Yeah, eating with my pack.”
“How about eating with me?”
My friend scoffed. “Do you expect to lose this match? If not, I think you’re going to be a little too busy for dinner.”
“No, we will win,” he said with well-deserved confidence, “but the final match won’t be until midnight. I’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your company until then.”
“Thanks, but I’ll pass.”
“Why?”
“Because I shouldn’t be seen fraternizing with the enemy.”
Chase gasped dramatically.
