AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It didn’t take long to get to the Chug. However, the last thing in the world I wanted to do was hash out the mysterious disappearing cat and Faith Hilltop’s histrionics in my store to the Alpha. I sensed that the less I objected, the faster the ordeal would go.
Though it was early evening, the parking lot was packed to the gills. A stark difference from my previous visit. Either Dean Hart had called a pack meeting, or wolves just liked drinking on a Sunday.
The bar was nearly silent when we walked in, save for the low buzz of conversation. Werewolves had excellent hearing, so it stood to reason that no one needed to shout—unfortunately, it led to the bar appearing somewhat eerie.
Mitchell led us to the bar with his hand on the small of my back. He parked me on one of the stools before waggling a finger and telling me to be‘be good’like a child. I showed him my teeth before he disappeared through the staff door.
I ordered a Diet Coke and waited. And waited. Mitchell didn’t return, and save from Kaleb and Dean, I didn’t know anyone else. A lone Sídhe in a room filled with wolves, who could scent my nerves on my skin like perfume.
“Did your date stand you up?” A male wolf slid into the stool next to mine and held up a finger to the bartender.
It took a second to realize he was speaking to me. My face crinkled as I struggled to form a response fast enough.
“That was pretty corny.” The wolf smirked. “But sometimes corny works. I’m Wyatt.” He held out a hand for me to shake.
I studied him for a moment. His hair was arranged to look carefully disheveled, sitting around his ears—honey blond that no doubt grew lighter with the sun. The corners of his eyes crinkled when he smiled, showing that though he looked young, he’d spent much time outside.
I reached out to shake his hand, letting go before he could feel my clammy palms.
Wyatt looked down at his hand, puzzled, before he shook off whatever concerned him. “Mitchell told me about your ex. That’s tough.”
“Breakups aren’t fun.” I grimaced.
“You’re telling me.” Wyatt hooted, thanking the bartender as she pushed a bottle of Bud in front of him. “You haven’t seen a wolf breakup. They’ll put any human relationship to shame. Lots of drama. Fur flying.”
“You’re kidding.” I turned on my stool to face him.
“Wolves take mating very seriously.” Wyatt nodded sagely.
“I’d say marriage is pretty serious.” My voice was dry.
“A piece of paper?” Wyatt took a sip. “Have you heard of Shíorghra?”
“Of course,” I told him. “But true bonded pairings are rare. Each Fae creed has different ways of finding their Shíorghra, but most never do.”
“I’d say the same for wolves,” Wyatt noted thoughtfully. “Finding your true mate is all the more important to wolves.”
“Why—” As soon as the question left my lips, Wyatt glanced over my shoulder. I followed his gaze, quickly finding Mitchell.
The scarred wolf approached us, sliding his arm around my shoulders as he stared at Wyatt, his face blank.
Wyatt bit back a smile. “Just keeping her warm for you.”
I raised a brow. “How demeaning.”
The men ignored me. Mitchell lifted the corner of his top lip, flashing his canine teeth before he turned to me.
“Dean wants to speak to you.” He told me before glancing at Wyatt. “You as well, pretty boy.”
Wyatt bared his teeth, the expression too frightening to be a smile. “I live to serve our Alpha.”
“So obedient,” Mitchell growled.
“I can be obedient.” Wyatt fluttered his eyelashes.
Mitchell scoffed, letting go of my shoulders and marching away.
“I don’t think he likes you,” I whispered conspiratorially, though I knew Mitchell could hear me.
