Page 47 of Moon Fated

Not all packs were toxic.

Not all alphas would take advantage of her or anyone else.

She looked at me through her lashes. “What do you think a game of pool is going to contribute to this situation?"

I leaned in, my lips brushing the shell of her ear. “Not just pool, Strawberry. I’m challenging you to a game of strip pool.”

Her eyebrows arched. When she spoke, she kept her voice low. “After what just happened, you want to play strip pool? Here?" She motioned to my pack and the rest of the pub, full to the brim with folks from town.

"Scared you'll lose?"

My wolves hooted and hollered around us. It wasn't often that the Evelyn Berry I knew backed down from a challenge, and I was counting on that streak of defiance to work in my favor.

Her lips pressed into a thin line, the barest hint of a smile tugging at the corners. I could see the war behind her eyes, the desire to throw caution to the wind.

"Scared I’ll embarrass you in front of your loyal followers, more like," she muttered, though her gaze lingered on the pool table, weighing the offer. “But fine. Have it your way.”

Will pulled up a stool for Marissa, and Liam grabbed a few extra for him and his friends.

“Call the ball, call the pocket,” I said, moving behind her and pretending I didn’t have much space so I had an excuse to drag my hand over her hip and press up against her tight jeans. There was that damn flush on her skin that was going to undo me.

“Don’t think I’ll make this easy for you.” She grabbed the triangle rack and started dropping in balls.

"Wouldn't dream of it.”

Chapter

Twenty-Five

Evelyn

The cue ball cracked against the striped orange ball, sending it careening toward the far corner pocket. I held my breath, willing it to drop. At the last second, it caught the edge and bounced out. Damn.

Rowan's low chuckle sent a shiver down my spine. "Tough luck there, Strawberry." His blue eyes sparkled with mischief.

I winked at him. “Don’t get too comfy.”

Rowan shook his head as he circled the pool table, sizing up his shot. The dim lighting of the pub cast shadows across his chiseled features. Something in the way he carried himself made my insides liquify. It couldn’t be summed up as mere confidence. It was more than that. It was raw power barely contained. Like a shaken up Coke. I wondered what would happen if I popped that tab.

I tossed my hair over my shoulder, hoping nobody would notice my blush. “Are you wearing any jewelry, Rowan?”

He grunted. “Don’t distract me.”

“Oh, I’m not trying to distract you.” I leaned low over the side of the pool table, knowing exactly how much of my bra would be peeking out of my shirt right about then.

Rowan’s eyes flicked up. His hand tightened on his pool cue. Without breaking eye contact, he said, “Seven. Side pocket.” He took the shot and sank the ball. My mouth went dry.

My stomach swooped, and adrenaline pumped through my veins, making me heady. The air between us practically crackled. As a lone wolf, I was used to keeping others at a distance, but Rowan drew me in like a moth to a flame.

I knew it was mostly the bond to blame. Mostly. I also knew if I held out long enough, that would start to fade. I’d intended to do just that. Stay away from him. Focus on finding Callista. Get back to Seattle. But now…

Rowan straightened up and flashed me a devastating grin, his eyes burning into mine.

I exhaled and reached up to my right ear.

His smile faltered. “Earrings don’t count.”

“They sure as hell do count,” Mia called out.

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