Page 44 of Challenged Mate
“Let’s do it.”
Stanley’s brows lifted—the only sign my acceptance surprised him. But, without missing a beat, he held out his hand.
I sat my beer on the bar, then placed my hand in his. Calloused fingers tightened around mine, and he led me to the dance floor.
I felt the girls’ eyes on me as I walked away, and my acute hearing picked up their mutters of disbelief.
I tuned them out, focusing instead on the frustration and anger still swirling within me—stoked by yet another deceit from a Wilds shifter.
Music thumped in the tall speakers around the room. Stanley drew me to an open space near the back corner of the dance floor. He raised the hand that held mine and guided me into a single spin before drawing me close to his body.
My palms rested against his chest. His hands landed on my hips. A small voice questioned if I really wanted to do this, but I silenced her with a decisive sway of my hips.
Stanley and I moved to the music. Stanley positioned me so there were at least a few inches of space between our bodies. The gentlemanly act surprised me, but I didn’t complain.
“So, how did it feel to show my brother who was boss the other day?” Stanley asked, moving along to the music with easy rhythm.
I shook my head, loose curls swaying in front of my vision before I pushed the strands back. “I wouldn’t have been so lucky if Chase used his magic. He fought me with one hand tied behind his back.”
“Maybe, maybe not. Given your heritage, I’m sure your power will give Chase a run for his money.”
His reply reminded me that no one, aside from Asher, Chase, and Kayla, knew I didn’t have control over my magic. Though, I was certain some suspected.
“It’s hard to believe the female Summit heir is actually the daughter of a Mother Goddess,” Stanley continued, adjusting his hold when my latest sway moved his hands below my hips. “I’m sure learning the truth was a shock.”
It took everything I had not to show my surprise.
Was my mother’s identity common knowledge now?
I refrained from asking Stanley how he knew about her. Instead, I responded to his statement with, “I’m fine.”
Maybe Debbie had I point. Ididuse that word a lot.
“I’d say.” Stanley’s smoky voice murmured as his eyes traveled over me again, stopping at the hem of my dress and moving back to my face. “You look beautiful, tonight, by the way.”
“Thanks.” Neither his compliment, nor his perusal, bothered me. It was difficult to reconcile this decent act with the aggressive male I met the other day.
Kayla had warned me he was dangerous, but I wasn’t alarmed by his attentions at all.
As if hearing my thoughts, Stanley cleared his throat and said, “I’ve wanted to apologize for how I acted when we first met. I’m sure you know about the chip on my shoulder regarding my position in the pack. Seeing you, knowing the alpha will have you, irritated me.”
“Why?”
Stanley smirked. “You’re joking, right?”
“Does it look like I’m joking?”
“You’re a catch, Blair Hemmings. Any male in our pack would kill to have you. I’m sure it was the same in the Summit Pack.”
“I’m not a possession, Stanley.” How many times would I have to say that?
“I’m not trying to piss you off. We’re shifters, Blair. Our wolves are possessive of mates, even potential ones. Females talk about males the same way.”
He had a point. “Fair enough.”
Stanley smiled. Again, it was hard to ignore how handsome he looked. “So, did you have a boyfriend back in Colorado? Can we expect someone to arrive and challenge our alpha?”
Hunter’s image filled my mind, but I said, “Not exactly.”
