With murder in her pretty blue eyes, she bent down and gathered up the fallen clothes, giving me an exemplary view of her spectacular ass. She straightened and walked toward her room.
“Makayla,” I called after her. Tensing, she stopped but didn’t turn around. “Just remember, I’ll smell the heady scent of your orgasm and hear the moans you make when climaxing. And I’ll know it’smytongue,myfingers,my cockthat you’re wishing was pumping between those silky thighs.”
Makayla walked stiffly into the guest room and slammed the door so hard it rattled the windows. Satisfied that her night would be as miserable as mine, I returned to the living area to find Hardt making himself at home on my sofa.
“Just making sure she knew where to find everything,” I explained coolly as I picked up my beer.
“Right.” He leaned back in a display of cocky nonchalance, the neck of his bottle clasped loosely between two fingers. I’d never cared for this guy in high school. And I really didn’t care for him now.
How was this guy Tyler’s beta?
“I just stopped by to see if you need anything. You haven’t been around for a while, so it may take some time for you to get reacquainted with the pack.”
Hmm, really? Because it sounds like you’re trying to make a statement about my prolonged absences, Hardt,I thought, nodding along.
“As you know, it’s the job of leadership to ensure all pack members feel welcome and at home. So I’m just doing my job.”
“Your job?” I repeated. “As beta?”
“Well, technically, I’m acting alpha at the moment, what with your brother’s death and all.”
“Yeah?” I took a sip of my beer while holding his gaze, daring him not to look away. “I could have sworn that honor fell to my father,AlphaHawk, right?”
“As Tyler’s beta, he frequently left me in charge when out of range for a meeting, like the one he just took in New York City.”
“I see.”That doesn’t make you alpha, buddy,I thought, and I allowed him to see that knowledge in my gaze now.I definitely won’t be bowing to you. Ever.
I didn’t break our stare, just continued to test his mettle, wondering how long he could play this dominance game.
A beat passed.
Then two.
“I’m just here to help, man,” he said, his gaze finally leaving mine. “The pack can use more of what they know right now, and I’ve spent the last decade maintaining the order under Tyler’s direction. I’m a good resource, is all. So I just wanted you to know that I’m here. To help, I mean.”
Uh-huh. I took another drink, then set my beer to the side once more. “Well, I appreciate the offer, Hardt,” I told him, not giving anything away while ensuring he knew I saw right through his bullshit.
He wanted the pack.
Fine.
Maybe I’d let him have it.
Or maybe he’d piss me off enough to ensure I fought for it.
Time would tell. If I chose to stay, he didn’t stand a chance. And the way his gaze had flickered away from mine confirmed he knew it, too.
“So thanks for stopping by,” I added with a lazy smile, not so subtly kicking him out.Wants to help, my ass.
Fortunately, he showed some intelligence and chose to let me escort him out.
“Seriously, let me know if you need anything.”
“I absolutely will,” I replied, forcing a grin. “Have a good night, Hardt.”And maybe find a cliff to jump off of while you’re at it.
He started down the sidewalk, and a final thought occurred to me. “Oh, and, Hardt?”
His hazel eyes glowed in the moonlight as he glanced over his shoulder, his long hair twisting with the wind. “Yeah?”
