Page 29 of Alpha Theo

I see her purse her lips in the reflection of the passenger side window. “Nope.”

“Aw, c’mon. Not even a little?”

She laughs, blonde hair swishing as she whips her head back around. “No chance, Lance.”

Brooke uncrosses her arms, pointing a finger at me.

“And let me letyouin on a little secret, mister smooth talker. No girl wants to be referred to as achallenge.”

I smirk. “Isn’t it better than being called easy?”

Brooke heaves an exasperated sigh, cranking the volume back up on the radio.

The six hour ride to Denver is more of the same. Loud music, then banter back and forth, then more music. The crazy thing is, I actuallyenjoytalking to Brooke. I can’t remember the last time I had a real conversation with a girl, let alone more than one. It’s fun to rib her a little, to try to get her fired up or get her to laugh. I fuckinglovethe sound of her laugh. It’s not one of those annoying, high-pitched fake laughs, it’s the real deal.

I mean, I still want to sleep with her. Even more now than before, because the more I get to know her, the more intrigued I am. She’s my opposite in every way- I’m impulsive, she’s cautious. I’m wild, she’s guarded. I’m hot-tempered, she’s patient. I used to find her whole ‘good girl’ persona annoying, but it’s real. She’s just a good person.

I’m not.

A one-night stand with a guy like me could break a girl like her.

Fuck, since when am I concerned about a female’sfeelings?

I need a reality check. If Brooke isn’t down, maybe I can get my dick wet with one of the Denver she-wolves.

~

We arrive in Denver in the early afternoon, pull up to the gate at the edge of the pack’s territory, and punch the intercom to announce our arrival. By the time we wind the streets up to the packhouse, they’re ready for us- a couple of huge guys are waiting in the driveway like bouncers at a club.

Security’s tight around here.

One of the big guys gathers our bags while the other escorts us up the front walk and into the biggest packhouse I’ve ever seen. It’s all sleek and modern, clean lines and minimalistic furniture and decoration. It’s fucking impressive.

Alpha Cole meets us in the foyer. He’s different than I expected- shorter than me, with buzzed black hair and dark eyes. A cute little brunette girl trails behind him. I wonder if she’s his mate.

“Theo, I presume?” Cole asks, extending a hand to me.

I take it and shake it firmly. “You must be Cole. Great to finally meet you.”

“Likewise.” Cole moves aside and the girl accompanying him steps forward. I give her a once-over, get a better look at her. She’s sexy as hell- nice and petite, curves in all the right places. Curly light brown hair and dark eyes with thick lashes. Totally boneable.

“This is my sister, Astrid,” Cole says, and my interest is officially piqued.

Nothis mate. Which means I cantotallyput the moves on her.

“Theo,” I drawl, reaching out to take her hand. I bring it to my lips, dropping a kiss on the back of it like I’m in some old-timey movie.

Astrid blushes, smiling coyly and eye-fucking the shit outta me.

Oh yeah. It’son.

Cole looks to Brooke, and I’m so distracted by his sister that I forget to make an introduction.

She steps forward, holding a hand out to Cole and introducing herself. “Hi! I’m Brooke. Nice to meet you, Alpha.”

He shakes her hand, smiling politely. “The pleasure’s all mine. C’mon, I’ll show you guys your room so you can drop your bags off, then we’ll head over to the hive.”

Thehive? I stifle a laugh. What a lame-ass name for the Denver security complex.

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