Page 45 of Challenged Mate
“What do you mean?”
Rather than keep my mouth shut, I found myself explaining, “I don’t have a boyfriend, but my pack wanted me to mate our beta’s son. He may want to, but he won’t challenge your alpha.” His father would never let him. Neither would mine.
“Hunter Warner, right?”
I nodded, not at all surprised Stanley knew Hunter by name. As a future beta, he would be known by all shifters. There were only so many leaders within the packs.
“Did you want to mate with him?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t want to mate with anyone,” I snapped.
Liar.
Piercing blue eyes formed in my mind.
Mentally, I waved them out of sight.
Stanley whistled low, but another smile pulled at his lips. “Better keep that opinion to yourself, Blair. There are many females in our pack who would claw your eyes out for the honor of mating our alpha.”
I scoffed. “They can have him.”
Being forced to mate a male I didn’t know was one thing, but the fact said male hadn’t bothered to speak with me since I was dragged to his territory didn’t paint him in favorable light.
Stanley’s eyes brightened. His fingers pressed against my hips. “So, you aren’t interested in him?”
What part of our conversation did he not understand?
“No.”
The song ended. A brief lull overtook the club before the DJ started the next track. I used the opportunity to step away from Stanley. My head buzzed with the mild effects of wine and beer, but the anger which drove me to the dance floor had faded to a quiet hum. Best to make my escape.
My hands fell to my side. “Thanks for the dance.”
Stanley’s hands rested on my waist, but he drew them back after hearing my words. “No, thank you. This conversation was enlightening. I’m happy to know my efforts won’t be in vain.” He leaned forward.
I froze, fearing he was about to do something idiotic… like try to kiss me.
Thankfully, I was mistaken.
Stanley gently picked up one of my limp hands and brought it to his lips. “See you later, Blair.” He released me and straightened, turning on his heel and striding away before I could form a response.
The next second, Kayla appeared at my side. She glared after the retreating shifter, disapproval dripping from her tone as she asked, “What was that about?”
I frowned and watched Stanley’s departure, the alcohol making my thoughts fuzzy. “I have no idea.”
Eleven
Turmoil dominated my dreams—courtesyof the three beers I had at Miko’s as the girls and I danced the night away. I hadn’t gone to bed wasted, but alcohol always gave me wild dreams. And this one featured a grizzly bear with tie-dye fur chasing me through the Summit Pack’s woods.
Fear pumped through my veins as I struggled to outrun the creature with heels strapped to my feet. Its teeth nearly sank into my calf when, all of the sudden, a deep throb pulsed in my core. I ignored the sensation and continued to run. The throbbing increased, making me stumble. My knees crashed against the twig-littered forest floor. The bear growled in victory.
I was pulled out of the crazy dream before the ravenous bear found its prey.
Lying on the soft mattress, I stared at the ceiling. The covers were rumbled at the foot of the bed. I willed my breathing to slow as I mentally chased away the fear coursing through my body.
