Page 21 of Alpha Hunt

The pair of them wait in silence until Jagger continues, “Just think about it.”

“Sure.” I dip my head. The pair rise, pushing their seats away from the table.

Gage claps a hand on my shoulder once more. “Come around to see the twins sometime.”

“I will,” I tell him. They both turn away and I watch them as they weave through the breakfast crowd, eventually making their way out of the door.

Their words swirl around in my head as I sit there, still astonished. They want me to join them. I could belong, at last.

How do I explain that I would love nothing more? That I’d sell my soul to be a part of what they have here. But I’ll probably never have it. Because if they ever find out what I truly am, they’ll reject me too.

There’s no denying it – I learned long enough to accept my reality.

I’m a freak.

Chapter 9

Casey

“You’re sure about this?” Jagger’s eyes are on my face. I know he’s looking for signs of hesitation.

I pack my sweat towel into my bag and zip it shut. “When have you ever known me to not be certain once I’ve made a decision, Law?” I tilt my chin, making my determination clear.

“Never,” he acknowledges. “But this…” He shrugs. “This a big deal…and more, Stone. It’s totally unlike anything I’ve ever known you to do. The mate hunt is…intense.”

“Can you think of anyone more suited to handle that?” I raise an eyebrow. “I mean, look at me.” I sweep a hand up and down my length. “I even got myself all cleaned up for the occasion.”

Jagger scoffs. “You just booted Grier’s ass around the ring for forty minutes. If you hadn’t showered after that, I’d order you to do it.”

“Still…” I say. “It’s the thought that counts, right?” I sling my bag over my shoulder and head for the door.

“Yeah, right.” He gives a snort as he falls in step beside me. “I’m just making sure you’re aware of what this implies, Casey. As your Alpha, it’s my responsibility to take care of your best interests. And the mate hunt is binding. There’s no going back.”

“I know what it means.” I pause midstride, looking at him. “Whoever catches me keeps me.” I bob my eyebrows.

“This isn’t a joke.” He looks pissed. “A mate bond is sacred. You don’t mess with that on a whim.”

“I understand, Jagger.” I put a hand on his arm. “I’m serious about this. It’s not just a whim.” I stop completely and turn to face him, waiting for a moment as a pair of shifters make their way past us down the hall. “It’s been something I’ve been thinking about for a while.”

“Really? You could have fooled me. What happened to the woman who said she’d eat her own young if she had any?”

“I was joking, you dork! I’d never eat a child! At least not a whole one.” I pat my belly. “Gotta watch my weight at my age.” Jagger’s eyes narrow, and I shove his shoulder playfully, which is pushing the limits of our friendship now that he’s Alpha, but I can’t help myself. Sass is wired into me. “And I’m joking about that, too.”

“How can I believe you’re serious when you’re incapable of showing any kind of gravity for even a minute, Casey?” His brow remains furrowed.

“I’m being an ass. I’m sorry.” I make my expression serious. “Look, I’ll admit that I’ve been influenced by what’s been going on around here lately. Savannah’s babies…” I trail off as I think of that moment when I’d held that child in my arms. My eyes go misty at the memory. “I want a whole pack of pups.”

“So you got broody. You can’t base something like this on a moment.” He folds his arms over his chest.

“It’s more than a moment. It’s been a long time coming. Spending time with Savannah has made me see things differently.”

“The two of you have become friends,” he says.

“I guess you could say that,” I answer. “I like the woman; I can’t deny it. And I’ve seen how she is with Gage. And you with Sierra. I…” I lick my lips. “I want that, Jagger. The bond, the babies…the feeling of belonging. I want it all.”

“You belong here, you know.” His eyes are level.

“Yes. But it’s different. You, of all people, should know that. Remember when there was a time when the pack was everything to you?”

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