Nope.
Nothing at all.
“Hello, Little One. Come have a seat.” Granger smiles as I enter the kitchen and pulls out the chair beside him. I walk over and plop down. He’s looking at his phone—again. He’s always on his phone. I peek over to see what he is doing.
News articles.
Bor-ing.
“Do you want to see what I’m reading?”
I smile sweetly and pat his arm. “Why don’t you text me the info and I’ll read it later.” He laughs because we both know I won’t.
“Evening, Scooter. You hungry?”
Ascher winks, and it’s all I can do to stop from drooling. He’s wearing low hung jeans and, of course, no shirt. His hair is mussed, and he’s sporting a 5 o’clock shadow. My fingers tingle with the urge to run through his hair and mess it up even more while nipping at his jaw. I press my thighs together, hoping to stem the pleasure building between them.
“Yes. What are you making?”
“Nothing fancy. Spaghetti and a homemade sauce with garlic and fresh basil. There’s also garlic toast if you like dipping the bread into the leftover sauce.”
“That sounds like heaven.” He flashes me a coy smile before turning back to the stove. I’m not even sad about it because I get to check out his backside again.
“Like what you see?”
My head whips to Granger, who’s studying me with a smirk. At least this time, I only got caught checking out his friend, not lip-locked with him. I’ve been trying my hardest not to stare at them when we’re all together. Epic fail.
“The blush on your face is cute.”
I ignore his comment, searching the room for something else to focus on. Milo comes walking into the kitchen and my grip on the seatback tightens to keep me from falling out.
Well, there go my panties.
Milo is in the process of putting his shirt on and it occurs to me that I’ve never seen him without one. Hell, the man shouldn't wear tops at all, like Ascher. His chest is sculpted with a light dusting of dark hair across the top. Wait, are those nipple rings? Stars above, help me because I want my mouth on them so bad.
I chew my lip, my eyes drifting down over the contours in his stomach to the bit of hair trailing from his navel and disappearing into his jeans.
Which is where I’d like to be.
“Mmmm. I can smell your arousal. Is Milo getting you worked up, or was that Ascher?” Granger whispers in my ear. His breath on my skin is tantalizing and fueling the wildfire inside me.
“Something smells . . . delicious.” Ascher’s eyes are burning with lust.
My body is vibrating and my pussy is begging for release. The world becomes fuzzy but I hold on to some of my dignity and suppress a moan. I’m already embarrassed that they can smell how turned on I am. If I could use my legs right now, I’d flee the room.
Milo pulls his shirt down and gives me an apologetic smile, but there’s no missing the spark of amusement in his eyes. “Sorry. I was rushing and didn’t want to be late.”
He walks over and sits down opposite me, holding my gaze the entire time. This would be a good time to get up and move. I’m already melting into Granger’s heat, and now Milo’s. The sexual tension between all four of us crackles and thickens the air.
“No need to apologize.” Granger reaches over and tucks some of my hair behind my ear. “She was enjoying the show. Isn’t that right, Claudia?”
“I . . .”
The front door opens, tearing me from my hormonal haze and back to reality. I clamp my mouth shut, grateful that my secrets weren’t spilled. I know I can’t hide my scent, but admitting just how much I enjoyed the show would’ve been awful. Damn, I’ve got to figure out how to get myself under control.
Blave strides around the corner, a blonde hot on his heels. The picture I held in my head can’t compare to the female in front of me. She’s classically beautiful, with her hair pinned high on her head, light blue eyes sparkling with vibrance, fine features enhanced by the perfectly applied makeup on her face. She’s dressed to impress like she’s about to walk the runway during New York’s fashion week.
Her presence alone has me wanting to run back into the room and throw on a nicer outfit. Maybe then I’d feel like I have a small fighting chance at gaining the attention of the men in the room.
Blave slides his eyes over the guys curiously before landing on me.
What was that?
Did he . . .
No, I must be mistaken.
That couldn’t have been his primal side rising to the surface, could it? The brightness in his eyes disappears in a flash. Maybe it was a trick of the light?
“What are you guys doing?” His question sounds more like an accusation.
“I was deciding what I wanted for dessert. I’m thinking something with honey or coconut.”
I stiffen at Granger’s remark. I don’t even need to glance at him to know he’s wearing a smug grin. I can hear it in his voice. This isn’t funny, though Ascher doesn’t seem to get the memo when I cut my eyes to him. He turns back to the stove but not before I catch the twitch in the corner of his mouth.
I’m officially mortified and need to leave.
Granger slings an arm over the back of my chair, finalizing my decision, but it’s Milo’s hand coming to a rest on my thigh that has every muscle in my body seizing up. I peek at him out of the corner of my eye. Per usual, his face gives nothing away.
“Why are we standing here? Move so I can sit down.” Catherine’s nasal, high-pitched voice has me rubbing my ear against my shoulder. Blave goes to the fridge and Catherine picks a seat at the opposite end of the table.
“So, Granger, who’s your new pet?” Catherine leers with a perfected fake smile.
Pet?
Who the hell is she calling a pet?
She cackles and I consider shredding her expensive-looking candy cane outfit. Sparkles McTwatwaffle has been here all of two minutes and she’s already name-calling? I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from lashing out. It’s amazing how someone so pretty on the outside can become hideous after opening their mouth. My wolf scratches at me, wanting out so she can give this woman a piece of her mind.
“Looks like your high horse got an extra round of grooming today. Did I mention how nice it is that you’re joining us for dinner? Let me introduce you to this beautiful woman sitting next to me. This is my friend, Claudia.” Granger’s words drip with disdain.
A charge in the air pricks at my skin. Guess Catherine isn’t as welcome as I thought. No matter. I’ll take the high road and be nice. Since I don’t know her, maybe my first impression is misleading.
“It’s nice to meet you, Catherine.” There, my first step in extending a friendly gesture.
“I bet it is. Everyone wants to meet me.” My mouth drops. “Blave, honey, where’s my drink?”
“Ignore her. This will all be over soon,” Granger whispers in my ear.
Not soon enough.
“What do you want?” Blave snaps.
Oh. Someone’s in a nasty mood.
“White wine, please. And none of that cheap shit. You know it gives me a headache.”
The balls on this woman are pure steel. Blave’s eyes drill into the back of her head like he’s imagining all the ways he could hurt her. I lean back, enjoying the exchange.
“What did you guys do today?” Ascher asks.
Catherine rolls her eyes like this is the most dreadful conversation she’s ever had to participate in. “We had lunch with Daddy and made plans to take his yacht out this weekend. Afterward, Bavie and I went out and picked up supplies for our trip."
Bavie?
Did she just call him Bavie?
I snort. That’s fucking gold. When I look over at Blave, I find him staring at me. I hate it as much as I don’t.
“A weekend trip? Sounds like a bucket of fun,” I say, shifting in my seat while holding Blave’s gaze. “Hey Bavie, did you remember to pack your arm floaties? They s
hould help keep your inflated ego from drowning. Safety first.”
I keep my face stoic, enjoying the play of emotions rolling across Blave’s face. Normally, I’d keep my mouth shut, but something about this asshole has me wanting to wrestle him down a notch. I’m considering this payback for the hotel room encounter and for how he acted the other day.
Jerk.
“Fucking hell.” Ascher doubles over with laughter. I can feel vibrations emanating from Granger and Milo as they try to contain their laughter. I don’t hold mine back.
“Are you making fun of Blave?” Catherine shrieks. The snarl on her face spurs me on. I can’t breathe, I’m laughing so hard.
“I’d never dream of making fun of Bavie. I’m only concerned for his wellbeing and want to make sure he’s swimming safely.”
Catherine growls, but I just smile at her and relish the satisfaction of getting under their skin.
“Knock it off, Claudia.” Blave’s stern look has no effect on me. Two assholes don’t make a right . . . right? Whatever, score one for me.
“Dinner’s ready,” Ascher announces.
Claudia
Dinner is mostly quiet once we get settled and start shoving food in our mouths. My original assumption of Catherine stands unchallenged; she’s a stuck-up twat. When everyone’s finished with their meal, I start clearing the plates.
“Scooter, sit down. We can get those.”
Ascher is always trying to discourage me from helping with the housework. I’m starting to think he doesn’t like the way I clean. “It’s okay. I don’t mind, honestly. You guys are helping me out. It’s the least I can do.”
“What exactly are they helping you with, and how long do you plan on being here?” Catherine demands.
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but it’s none of your business.”
I may entrust some of my secrets to these guys, but that doesn’t mean I’ll let everyone in. Plus, she has Blave, who hasn’t been staying here. Why does she care about what I do with the other three?
She clicks her tongue. “I don’t feel comfortable with my Bavie hanging around some other woman I don’t know, doing things I don’t know about.” She turns to Blave. “If you’re planning on letting your friends keep their new plaything around to share between them, that’s fine. You, however, will not be staying here while she is.”
Share?
What does she mean by that?
And doesn’t she know Blave hasn’t been staying here?
Lots of questions start rolling around in my mind but now’s not the time to ask them. Instead, I maintain my focus by loading the dishwasher. Whatever petty game Catherine is trying to play, I want no part of it. She seems like the type who enjoys arguing just to hear the sound of her own voice.
Blave slams his hand on the table. The plate I was holding slips to the floor but luckily doesn’t break. “I don’t know who you’re talking to, but it damn well isn’t me.”
Blave is leaning toward Catherine, snarling. This can’t be good—well, not for her. I, on the other hand, am enjoying this. “You think you can spout off at the mouth, trying to tell my friends or me what to do? You are crossing lines, Catherine. Ones you’d be wise to think twice about.”
Wow.
The hairs on the back of my neck raise at his alpha voice. If I were Catherine, I’d be pissing my pants at the murderous look he’s giving her. Instead, she breaks out into a fit of giggles.
The bitch actually giggles.
“That’s hysterical. Have you forgotten who I am? I’ll be considered your equal soon. So when I say I don’t want you hanging around some slut who’s sleeping with your friends, that’s exactly what I mean.”
The anger rolling off Blave blasts me in the chest. I take a breath and choke on his emotions.
Wait . . . slut?
Did she call me a slut?
Seriously, fuck this bitch. I’ve had enough of her pretentious ass. Who the hell does she think she is? I march over, ready to give her a piece of my mind. Faster than I can blink, Blave is up out of his seat, blocking me from her.
Wrong move.
“Get the fuck out of my way, now,” I snap. “I will not have some crazy-ass bitch come in here and call me a slut. I let her first insult go, but this . . . this has gone too far.”
When he doesn’t move, I shove his chest. He doesn’t budge, not even an inch. My blood boils and erupts like a volcano, barreling through my veins. Red dances on the edges of my vision. The tips of my fingers tingle, and I stretch them, loving the feeling of my nails lengthening. I bare my sharp teeth at him, opening my mouth wider as my canines elongate.
“No.”
His commanding voice booms through the room, but I push past its pull. Not only has he treated me like shit every time we’ve met, but now he’s letting his girlfriend do the same. Pissed doesn’t even describe the level of anger consuming me.
“No? I don’t give two shits what you have to say. You’re not my Alpha. I’ve put up with your crap long enough, and now you expect me to deal with hers?” I yell. Screw this. I dart to the side, but he latches onto my arm.
“Let her come at me. Ripping her throat out will be fun.” Catherine's wicked laugh has me jamming my nails into Blave’s hand, trying to pry off his grip.
“Catherine, not another word,” Milo threatens.
“I said no, and I mean it. I’ll deal with her, but if you want to keep acting like a child, you can go to your room.”
There’s no hesitation, no thought needed when my hand connects with Blave’s face. “Fuck. You. I don’t need your help. How dare you belittle my ability to take care of myself. I’ve survived this long on my own, and I don’t need you or anyone else telling me what to do now.”
I can’t think straight. All I want to do, all I’m craving to do, is maul his ass. When it’s clear he won’t back down, I storm off, slamming the bedroom door behind me. A slither under my skin lets me know just how close my primal side is to surfacing, how easy it would be to grant her control. But it’s too risky. I can’t afford to lose sight of the bigger picture.
I’ll be ecstatic if I never have to see Catherine or Blave’s face again. His behavior proves that whatever attraction I had to him wasn’t real. There’s no way I could ever be with a male like that.
I grab the remote, flick on the smart television, and pull up YouTube, needing some music to chill me out. As I’m scrolling through the playlists, an idea comes to mind. It’s petty as hell, but I don’t care. It’ll make me feel better, and that's all that matters.
Ascher
I think I lost ten years of my life when Claudia smacked Blave in the face. I watched Blave for any signs of movement, ready to charge in and protect Claudia. He let it slide, though, and I don’t know if I should be worried or not.
Blave let someone hit him and didn’t do anything about it. You don’t hit an Alpha, or anyone part of the Alpha’s family, including the Betas. You just don’t. Everyone knows that’s rule number one. On the other hand, my chest puffs up in pride at how she stood up for herself.
“She needs to go,” Catherine sneers.
“Fuck off, Catherine,” I bark. “No one cares what you think. This whole mess could’ve been avoided had you kept your mouth shut—as usual.” I turn my attention on Blave, pissed that he’s still letting Catherine get away with talking to my mate like that. “And you,” I point. “Shouldn’t have brought her. She wasn’t invited in the first place and let's be honest, no one here likes her stuck-up, entitled ass. You let her talk to Claudia like she’s a piece of shit and did nothing about it—still haven’t done anything.”
I’m beyond livid and it takes a lot for me to get riled up. It’s been years since I’ve been this angry and Blave, of all people, knows that. I run my tongue over my teeth and throw up some mental walls, hoping that by blocking my wolf’s aggression, I’ll be able to calm down—soon. This is way more control than I wanted to exert today.
“Hey! Are you going to let
him insult me that way?” Catherine shrieks. I don’t know how he can stand to be around her when her voice sounds like nails on a chalkboard.
“ENOUGH! Both of you.” Blave’s whole body swells with his anger. I couldn’t care less how upset he is. “Watch yourself, Ascher,” he points, “and—what the fuck is that noise?”
Music filters into the room and vibrates the walls, blaring from Claudia’s room.
“Is she fucking serious with this?” Blave snaps.
Milo chuckles. “Fitting. It’s a song called Fuck You.”
Granger laughs and so do I, catching the clear implication. The song changes. “What’s this one?”
“Fuck U Betta by Neon Hitch,” Milo shrugs.
I double over in laughter along with Granger. Tears well up from how hard I’m laughing. Even Milo joins us, snickering.
“You should’ve let her come at me when you had the chance,” Catherine hisses.
“Ascher, go get her to stop.”
“No, Blave, I won’t. Fix this yourself. It’s your mess, not mine.” I finish loading the dishes.
The tension between Blave and Claudia was evident before tonight, and we just took another two steps backward. This isn’t how I pictured tonight going. Catherine wasn’t part of the plan when we asked Blave to come over for dinner; well, we more or less begged him for several days. The goal was to get Blave and Claudia to spend time together in hopes they’d reconcile and get to know each other.
Our plan was perfect until Blave informed us an hour before dinner that he was bringing Catherine. Fucker did it on purpose, I know he did. The three of us didn’t miss the way he acted in her apartment. She affects him, but he’s putting up a fight because of his insecurities.
“Fine.” Blave takes off down the hall. He bangs on the door. “Claudia, open the door now.”
“Go to hell. I’m meditating.”
I can’t help it; I fall apart again and so does Granger. Milo is trying hard to keep his composure while Catherine looks so steaming mad you could fry an egg on her forehead.
The Chase Is On (Pack Everhart Book 1) Page 17