Page 62 of Alpha Theo

He arches a brow. “Why’s that?”

“Because I’m sure Connor’s going, and I feel like it’d just be awkward…” I heave a sigh.

Theo bristles at the mention of Connor. Scowls. “You don’t even have to talk to that guy, you could just hang with me.”

I snort. “Yeah, you and all of your adoring fans? No thanks, I’d rather just avoid the place entirely.”

“Well what are you gonna do instead, work?”

I bite my lip, slowly nodding.

“No way, kid, fuck that.” Theo drags his boots off of my desk, sitting up in his chair. “Let’s do something, you and me.”

I eye him skeptically. “You’re gonna skip a Saturday night out at the bar?”

“Sure. Why not?” He shrugs nonchalantly. “Isn’t that what friends do?”

Friends, maybe. ButTheo? The Goldenleaf bar on Saturday night is practically his hunting ground.

Although I’m suspicious, I’m intrigued. Hanging out with Theo would be a lot more exciting than spending another night holed up in my room.

“What’d you have in mind?” I ask.

He grins. “Pine Mountain?”

I shake my head adamantly. “No motorcycle ride.”

Theo rolls his eyes, blowing out a breath. “Fine. Umm…” He leans back in his chair again, eyes trained on the ceiling as he considers.

My own eyes roam his hulking form. Wind down the dips and curves of his muscular biceps and forearms. Travel across the planes of his broad chest. Linger on the sharp edge of his jaw, the rough stubble of his beard, his lips.

He snaps his fingers. “Got it.” His eyes meet mine again. “How about a little night hike?”

“A night hike?” I parrot back to him, furrowing my brow.

Theo grins, nodding. “It’s the best time to be out in the forest. I know a couple of really good trails, we could let our wolves out if we want to…”

“No,” I blurt.

He snaps his mouth shut, staring at me.

“I mean,” I say, softening my voice, “Sure, I’ll go on a hike. But on two legs, not four.”

I don’t trust my wolf around Theo- if I let her out, I’m not sure she’d cede control to let me take over again.

The corner of Theo’s mouth tips up into a smirk. “I wouldn’t watch you undress if you didn’t want me to…”

I smack at his bicep with the back of my hand, sighing exasperatedly. “That’s not the reason. My wolf’s just a little… difficult to control, that’s all.”

He nods in understanding. “Got it. No worries… the hike will be just as good on two legs.”

There’s that smile again- my belly does somersaults.

Ireallyneed to find a way to turn off this attraction, bury these emotions. I keep trying to remind myself that if I let him in fully, it’ll only end in heartbreak. Yet for some reason I can’t stay away. I’m drawn to him.

I’m not sure if it’s Theo himself or the way I feel when I’m around him- more carefree, more uninhibited. Things I’ve never allowed myself to be. Fallon was always so wild that I went the complete opposite direction; overcorrected. Became too cautious. Now, Theo’s slowly pushing me out of my comfort zone- and while it’s scary, I actually kindalikeit. I’m finding myself seduced by the excitement, the danger of it all.

Theo rises to stand, grabbing his jacket off of the chairback.

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