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But a mate …his tiger pleaded.
Hush, we don't need anything like that. It's not in the cards for us.
His tiger responded with a low, angry growl.
“Hmm.” He averted his eyes in deep thought. All the sense he had in his body was fighting every emotion his tiger had. He felt pulled in multiple directions. He warned his tiger to back down and let him finish this conversation.
While his tiger was very clearly upset, Benton just didn't really click with anyone. Maybe it was a consequence of being raised by a single mother, but he didn't get serious. Fated mates just didn't seem like it was possible, let alone for him.
He was content with being alone, like his mom. They had gotten through life just fine. Plus, he wouldn't want to bring a cub into the world to live the same way he had.
Gerri sensed the indecision and raised an eyebrow, as well as a sly smile.
“Oh, come now, wouldn’t you at least like to meet her? See what the universe has offered you, what all the world has to offer?” He gave her a cynical look.Maybe she'll back off…
Gerri let out an unhappy sigh.
“Well, I suppose you have made up your mind then. That’s a shame. There will be thousands of players, mostly shifters. It should make for a pretty interesting tournament. Of course, most will be rich donors who don’t care about winning. However, there will be some top players, shifter players, who will be quite the challenge. You like a good challenge, isn’t that right?”
Now she was talking. Benton began to feel that surge of adrenaline as he thought of kicking some shifter ass at the tables. He usually faced off with humans, and they were terribly predictable, and their bluffs were easy to call.
Shifter players would definitely be a challenge. Maybe even a competitor. Even if he didn't win, he would get some great practice in. Hell, what was he thinking?
Of course, we will win, his tiger announced smugly.
Benton accidentally let his lips curl into a knowing smile. Lost in thought, Benton almost didn't catch Gerri's last statement.
“If I were you, I would definitely want to hold up that trophy and show them who exactly is the best of the best. But I can understand if that’s not for you,” Gerri taunted.
It was like she had read his mind. Damn, she was good. His interest was definitely piqued now. He felt the sudden fire in his belly. She proceeded to stand and collect her things. He scrambled to his feet, which caught her eye.
She turned to see him debating with himself before lifting her purse onto her shoulder.
"Well, I will be going. Thank you ever so much for your time, young man. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors." She turned to leave.
Stop her!his tiger howled.
“Wait … I’m in.”
Gerri's lips curled into that same mischievous grin she had worn earlier. They exchanged phone numbers, and she gave him the address of the casino where the event was happening. Benton wasn’t sure what he had just signed up for, but he figured it should be fun.
"Thanks for reconsidering. It will be for a noble cause. We'll see you in a couple days. Call if you need anything."
Benton grunted in response. Gerri winked and turned on her heel.
Raising money for some charity? Whatever.
So much for my vacation.He rolled his eyes.
So much for your freedom, his tiger taunted.Our mate… his tiger purred.
As far as all this fated-mate business, he would just have to see about that. That wasn’t even a draw. Poker … that was what pulled him in.
Benton sighed as he watched Gerri sashay away, clearly satisfied with the transaction and herself.
THREE
OPAL
