Page 4 of The Alpha's Temptation
I open my eyes and glance at the birthday present I wrapped a month ago.It’s a special edition set of Selena’s favorite book series, one I’ve seen her read so many times that the thing is practically falling apart.
“Okay, I’ll be down in a bit,” I tell my sister.
“Awesome, thanks!”Penny skips out of my room.
Groaning, I sit up in bed and rub the sleep from my eyes.I have a busy day of Alpha duties.I don’t have time to help Penny, but I’d never tell my sister no, especially not about something related to Selena.
Selena could be our mate, my wolf says as I climb out of bed.
No way.She’s too young for us.
My wolf snorts.
Young?Who cares about that?She could befatedto be ours,he stresses.
And what about our promise to Penny?We swore we’d never date one of her friends.
My wolf growls and paces inside me.He doesn’t have an answer to that dilemma.
I think back to when I was seventeen and Penny came to me in tears—yet another friend had been using her to get to me.Penny was distraught.It wasn’t the first time, and I tried to comfort her.She looked up at me with tear-stained cheeks and made me promise I would never go after one of her friends.It was easy to promise at the time.I mean, I would only ever want my fated mate.
But as time has passed, I’ve wondered more and more if Selena could be my fated mate.
I get dressed and grab the birthday present before heading downstairs.Decorations are scattered all over the living room and kitchen.A happy birthday banner is half-taped to the wall, so I fix the other end, making sure the sign is level.
“Thanks.I also have streamers, these spindly things, and a bunch of balloons,” Penny says, passing me a pack.
I nod, set my present on the kitchen table, and get to work.
I’m lightheaded by the time I've blown up all the balloons, while Penny rushes around, taping up the streamers and other decorations.A giant gold balloon with the number 18 floats around the living room ceiling.
Penny hops off the couch with a satisfied smile.“What do you think?”
I smile.“Looks great.Selena will love it.”
Her grin widens, and she bounces over to hug me.“Thanks for helping, Foster.”
“Of course.”
“What are you doing today?Want to join Selena and me for breakfast?”
Yes.
“I can’t,” I tell her.“I have a meeting in town.”
“Boring!”she singsongs.
“Necessary,” I sing back.
“All right, well, have fun.Selena and I are having a movie night here tonight, so we’ll see you then.I’ll save you a slice of pizza!”she calls as she runs out the door.
“See you!”I reply before the door closes.
I go back upstairs once she’s gone and shower quickly before I head into town.
I took over as Alpha of the South Pack when my father passed away.He was killed a few years ago when hunters stumbled upon him and my mom when they were out on a run.They were both shot, and since then, I’ve been in charge.
My heart aches when I think about my parents.I rub my chest, trying to ease the pain.Time has helped ease some of the grief, but not all of it.I still miss them so much, and I know Penny and Selena do, too.
