Page 2 of Secrets and S'mores
At the same moment, Onyx tilts his head and says, “When’s he coming back? Shouldn’t you be mates already?”
“Uh, yeah. It wasn’t working as an alliance anymore,” I say, embarrassment heating my cheeks again.
Onyx lets out a harsh laugh. “He finally realized what a raging bitch you are?”
I’m grateful for the anger that rises in my blood. It’s better than the uncomfortable feeling of not belonging. I’d rather be pissed than lonely.
“Onyx, shut up,” Jasper growls.
“Don’t use that word,” Marigold says at the same moment, glaring at Onyx.
A smirk flashes across his face. Those dark eyes, like starless skies, bore into mine as I bare my teeth at him.
“Maybe I’m the one who dumped him.” I want to get in his face, draw a weapon to threaten him, do anything to retaliate. But I’m unarmed except for my hidden dagger and this hardly counts as a true emergency. So instead I give him a one-fingered salute and walk away before I make things worse.
His laughter taunts me, followed by a verbal lashing from Marigold.
Seething, I seek out the coolers of alcohol I know I shouldn’t have. Grabbing two bottles between my fingers, I stride away to a dark corner where even Jasper won’t bother me.
It’d be best if I went home. My mother’s new Beta, Orion, is waiting to drive me back to our territory. But he’s an asshole too, sohe can wait.
I drink just past tipsy, still sober enough to fight, but perhaps not very well. It’s stupid, but despite my rage, I remind myself to stay cautious. I can’t trust allies to not take advantage of me. My pack was the enemy and I am no favorite.
A simpering girl from the Valley Pack pulls someone from the Ironcrest Pack past me and into the deepest shadows. I can hear a soft whine from one of them. If Hawk had wanted me like that, he would still be here. But if I’m honest, I didn’t feel that way about him either.
“Look who’s here lurking in the shadows,” a low voice cuts through my reflective bitterness. Onyx moves through the darkness like he belongs here. Bathed in dim reflections, his hair is ashen and his skin bronze as he steps closer.
“Maybe I’m trying to be less of a bitch.”
“What a noble cause,” Onyx says, his eyes scanning me. “Look, I’m sorry. Marigold says I have to apologize.
“I don’t want your apology.”
“Alright, but I’m trying to do the right thing.” His forearms rest against the wall as he leans into my personal space.
“I doubt that. Back off.”
I try to ignore him, but his inhale is audible. “You smell good.”
“Too bad you don't,” I snap, even though it’s a lie. I can smell his citrus soap mingling with sweat and something that reminds me of a bakery, like fresh baked bread.
The asshole smiles down at me. I hate that he’s a head taller than me. I hate that he’s pretty.
“Why are you still here?” My arms cross over my chest.
“Maybe I’m drunk and horny and I like it when women are mean to me,” he purrs.
“You’re pathetic. Find someone else to annoy.” His eyes light up at my insult. I guess he was telling the truth about liking mean women. Then he’s going toloveme.
“Are you lonely since Hawk left you?”
He’s cruel, cold and mocking, and I should not be attracted to him, but all the hairs stand up on my arms at his nearness.
“Like you always feel, since no one wants you?” My whisper is ragged, holding none of the malice I should feel. He should fear being this close to me. The last time we clashed, I made him bleed.
He’s near enough I can feel the heat rolling off his skin. My hand presses to his chest, and I mean to push him away, but my intoxicated body reacts without my permission, brushing down the faded fabric and across his torso. Damn, he’s a wall of stacked muscle.
“Ah, seems someone does want me.” The bastard is delighted at my moment of weakness.
