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“You know that Wilder woman has been after you for a while. It wouldn’t surprise me if it’s all part of her narrative.” He shrugged. “Who knows, bro? Could be the right timing.” With a smirk, Vincent disappeared out the door.
Lucas could not disagree more. He could not think of a single right time to find a mate. He was happy with the way his life was now. He just wanted to get out to Hawaii, help with their alpha problem, and get home as quickly as possible.
Everything was in perfect order in his world. He had everything he wanted. A mate did not make the list. A wife and kids would interrupt the regimented time schedule he had adopted.
Even if this was one of Gerri’s schemes, Lucas would not allow it to cloud his judgment. He could surely avoid the woman, should she even exist. He would do what he was there to do and leave without a hitch.
Now to find that email Gerri had promised him …
THREE
ELIANA
“Here we go again …” Eliana breathed to herself.
Just another day in the restaurant, Eliana had almost forgotten about Gerri’s promise to send an alpha to help her. Until he stepped into the room.
Frozen in place, her heart pounded, and her head spun. She didn’t know what was happening to her. She usually rushed off to greet and seat the newest customers as they arrived, but this man, in all his chiseled, sensual deliciousness, had her spellbound.
His dark hair, devastating eyes, and his sheer size reeked of alpha male energy. Eliana had never seen or felt that. Her pack members didn’t exhibit those qualities. Her father wasn’t like that, and Uncle Phil was the furthest thing from it.
Eliana was intoxicated by his aroma. Hot cocoa with roasted vanilla rose over the scent of the dark roast coffee brewing nearby. Sweet and tempting, she tried to hold in the burning desire to drink him in.
He was a man on a mission, his stride smooth and confident as he approached the counter. Eliana’s heart beat faster with each inch he came closer. It hit her when he was about halfway through the building.
Mine… her wolf howled.
No, no, no … Not this, not now!
Mate …the howl confirmed.
There was no way she could handle this on top of everything else that was happening. Her wolf fought her every step of the way.
I can’t. We can’t. There’s too much at stake here.
Of course, you can. He’s here. He’s close enough to taste,her wolf countered.
Between the restaurant and the pack, I don’t have time for messy courtships. I need to stay focused. I need to do my job,Eliana argued.
But he’s our mate. There would be nothing messy about the courtship except when the clothes come off. That’s a mate’s job.Her wolf was baiting her.
This could not be a worse time for him to step into my life. I cannot, I will not. My duty will always come first,she resolved.
With a man like that, it’s guaranteed you would come first. Again and again and again,her wolf snickered.
Eliana wasn’t winning this argument, but she had every reason to fight for her side. It was difficult enough running a business full-time. Not to mention holding her aunt together while she did it. And if that wasn’t enough stress, it was compounded by running a pack which she had no idea how to do.
She was determined but not willing to drive off the deep end.
The pack was counting on her to pull through. To have the knowledge, to answer their questions, to lead them in this time of tragedy. Why it fell to her, she couldn’t fathom, but she accepted the role graciously and dutifully. There was no time for fun or men.
But he is ours,her wolf whined.
Eliana put her foot down and pushed the fated mate sense down deep inside. She had obligations. She would not allow some stranger who walked in off the street to become a distraction to her responsibilities.
No matter how hard it was to withhold the burning desire, slowly moistening her panties, she had to be strong. She had to put the needs of her pack before her own. And, oh, how needy he made her …
She squeezed her thighs together to stifle the sensation. Then she plastered her best smile on as the stranger reached the counter.
