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Both Ellie and Bennett turned to look and had completely different reactions. Ellie issued an appreciative low whistle, and Bennett choked on his hot wing.
Chapter Three
Craig took a long drink from his beer and tried not to turn around and stare at the woman who was firmly on his mind.
“What’s got that look on your face?” Diego asked before he sank his shot and moved around the pool table.
“Who’s that sitting with Bennett and his girl?” Craig tried to maintain a neutral tone even though his wolf was irritated at the idea of bringing the female to the attention of his second. The ladies loved Diego.
He took a quick glance up before sinking another ball.
“Oh, that must be the older sister.” Diego didn’t seem too interested, much to Craig’s relief. “Bennett said Elles was expecting her sister to visit this week.”
Interesting. Bennett had met Ellie the first day she’d moved into Hillard, and his wolf had immediately locked on to her. Like her sister, she had an unusual scent, and he hoped that they would have an answer soon about the origin, as his beast was quickly making plans of its own.
“Did Bennett get the sample of Ellie to send to Tyson?”
“He did. Ty is running the DNA,” Diego answered, “We should know in a few days if she has shifter markers. I’m sure Bennett is eager to find out since his beast seems to have made up its mind. But things sure would be easier if she can transition.”
“I want to know as soon as you have the results.”
“You got it, Boss.” He gave a mock salute. “Now hurry up and miss your shot so I can take my ten dollars.”
Craig smiled and took his shot, and the next, and the next. Until Diego sighed in defeat as he watched the last one fall into the pocket.
“And here I thought you’d been distracted by a pretty face.” Diego laughed as they left the table to some younger packmembers and moved to the bar.
“That’s why I’m in charge, son.” Craig smirked. “Because I can multitask.”
“Uh, oh,” the other male murmured, “stalking females at ten o’clock.”
Craig didn’t even have to look up to know that it was Cheryl and her “rabid pack of bitches” as most of the other pack females referred to them. Since the first day he’d arrived to take over the alpha position, this female had offered herself as the official “welcome wagon of the Hillard Pack”—she’d also offered him a whole lot more, which he’d turned down immediately. He’d been in enough packs to know which females were only out to solidify their place in the hierarchy, and no matter what Cheryl seemed to think of her leadership abilities, her actions toward most of the pack females told him a very different story. He didn’t take this job to get a mate, and he sure as hell didn’t have time to deal with a conniving, manipulative wolf trying to sleep her way to the top.
“Alpha,” she purred in what he could only assume was supposed to be a seductive tone. “So nice to see you out relaxing for a change. It’s not natural for a wolf to be all work and no play.”
“Cheryl.” He nodded politely. “I didn’t come to Hillard to play. I’m here to make sure this pack thrives. That’s my focus and it will remain so.”
“But wouldn’t it be easier with a strong female by your side?” She reached out and laid her hand on his arm.
Diego’s low growl caused her to glance at the other man. It was extremely rude for a female wolf to press her suit when the male had already indicated he wasn’t interested. But somehow, Craig wasn’t all that surprised by her brazen behavior—but that didn’t mean he’d ignore it, especially when so many pack members were here watching.
He reached for her hand and removed it. “The only female I’m interested in having by my side would be my mate, and you arenother. So, I suggest you accept that and move on. I have zero interest and even less patience for your games.”
The flush of red that spread across her cheeks was evident, and the flex of her jaw showed her anger at his public rejection. Craig didn’t play games and he didn’t like to humiliate anyone for sport, but this wasn’t the first time she’d been inappropriate. It was past time her alpha put her in her place. Truth was, the previous alpha should have done it, but he’d been told they were sleeping together right up until the male had found his mate while meeting with other packs in California. Rumor was, Richter hadn’t even told her he’d resigned his position and simply had other pack members ship his belongings down south. Craig had heard Cheryl had lost her shit and rampaged through the former alpha’s house as if he’d broken some promise to her, and that kind of instability was something to be wary of in a shifter.
“Fine.” She turned to walk away.
“Alpha,” he said loudly enough that all the wolves surrounding them could clearly hear. “I believe you meant, yes, Alpha.”
She stopped in her tracks, and he could see she was likely taking a moment to calculate her response. If she didn’t tread lightly, Craig would have cause to eject her from the pack, and he almost wished she would. He’d seen firsthand how one grasping wolf could destabilize an entire pack, and there was no way it was going to happen on his watch.
Cheryl stood there, looking around at her group of females, as well as the other pack members who happened to be within hearing range. Craig could almost hear her gears grinding as she decided how to proceed with his obvious correction to her behavior.
Time’s up.
A low growl rumbled from his chest, and he walked over to stand beside her, seeing her muscles tense at his approach.
“Now that you’re aware of my limits”—he leaned in close to her—“I suggest you make your choice. The Hillard Pack will adhere to traditional standards, and if you don’t respect your role here, I suggest you petition to join a pack elsewhere. I’ve seen the way you like to throw your weight around with the other females, and that stops now. You will not be the alpha female here. Accept that or leave.”
