Maya“Absolutely no way.”I shake my head vehemently at Nathan and then at Rex, who's supposed to be calling the shots. Nathan’s smile slips for a second and dismay crosses his face, but he recovers quickly.He breezes past me, looking painfully handsome, and the nearness of his broad shoulders as he brushes past sends my senses haywire. Just being in the confines of this office with him is making me heat up, and I can feel my palms start to sweat. It takes all of my willpower not to squirm under his intense gaze.“You didn’t even ask what the job is.”His tone is light and teasing, and I watch him with suspicion as he rests against the edge of the large wooden desk, arms folded across his chest in a way that makes his biceps bulge.He’s awfully chipper for someone I kicked out of bed last night.“I don’t need to know what it is to know that it’s not a good idea.”Rex says nothing, just glances back and forth between us as we stare each other down.“We need to have a chat,” Nathan say

Nathan “Alpha Reynolds took a shine to Marie, and they went on a few dates. They weren’t fated mates, but, as your mother likes to remind me, he was a good-looking man. And he was the alpha of what was then a great pack, known for their warrior skills. Her father was happy for her to meet up with him and see where it went.” Dad’s jaw is clenched. There are veins bulging out of his forehead and neck, and he’s grinding his teeth. Loudly. Even after all this time, he clearly struggles with the idea of her entertaining anyone other than him. I’d tease him, except now I understand it completely. I would be exactly the same. Dad shifts in his chair, but it’s not the seat that’s making him uncomfortable. “But then we met and from the moment we saw each other, the moment I caught her scent… that was it. She was so beautiful.” He sighs dreamily, wearing the same goofy grin he gets whenever he sees her. I can’t help but smile along with him, now that I know that feeling. “It was magical, and

NathanBy the end of the day, I’m exhausted. Being this close to her and not being able to touch her is agony. I don’t know where we are in terms of us, so I’m playing it safe. There have been heated looks, and awkward moments, and my aching cock has been rock-hard all day. Her scent. Just her intoxicating scent is enough to have me on the verge of falling to my knees and begging her to let me kiss her. To taste her. I want to bury my face in her neck and breathe her in deep. I want to yank that tight little skirt up and thrust my hand between her legs, or maybe my face, until she cries out and I’m drenched in her juices. FUCK.She smiles sweetly at me as she picks up her purse from the floor and I try to look as though this isn’t killing me.“Thanks for today. I’ve learned a lot.”I wave her thanks away with a small shake of my head.“It’ll be a breeze to you. And it’s been great having someone here to help.”Maya frowns at me, her smile tightening a little at the edge as she straig

NathanLeading Maya to a quiet corner of the living area, I find us a cosy place to sit before leaving her to get drinks. The house is quiet but the few people hanging out and playing pool do a terrible job of pretending they don’t know what’s just happened outside. If they didn’t hear the ruckus themselves, no doubt the rumour that I’ve found my mate is already bouncing around the pack mind links. Danny nods and gives me a knowing little smirk, the only person brave enough to acknowledge the elephant in the room.“Everyone’s staring,” Maya whispers as I lower myself onto the couch beside her and wrap a protective arm around her shoulders. My thumb traces circles on her shoulder as I hand her a beer and lean back into the plush cushions. Now that she’s back by my side, and she has accepted that we’re fated mates, my wolf is much more content. All the tension from the confrontation earlier leaves my body, and I’m suddenly exhausted.“Those girls are talking about us. About you.”I perk

MayaDean is furious as we walk in silence toward the alpha’s office. Jonathan Jones stands in the doorway, looking like we’re all coming for a friendly chat and not one bit like an angry alpha is marching in his direction, determined to make someone’s life difficult. Except Dean’s not mad. He’s scared.I cling to Nathan’s hand and give it a reassuring squeeze, although I feel as though I need it more than Nathan does. He looks unfazed despite the red mark on his jaw that has to hurt.“Alpha Reynolds,” Johnathan calls out in greeting, extending a hand to my brother and forcing him to engage in pleasantries before he can launch into the rant we all know is coming.“Alpha Jones, good to see you again.”I can’t help but smile at my brother’s displeasure at having to play nice. In every other way, he is an amazing alpha, but he doesn’t trust anyone. Too many years spent listening to the hatred my father constantly spewed out about other packs are etched in his mind. Logically, he knows ou