Page 63 of Alpha Theo

“Can’t wait,” he adds, waggling his eyebrows.

My heart beats faster in my chest.

Me neither.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Theo

I probably should’ve looked at the weather forecast before I took Brooke out on this hike. It started out well enough- we went out to the forest after dark, started up one of my favorite trails. Chatted about the new border security system and Brooke’s program. I’m still in awe that she’s building something like that from the ground up- the girl’s brilliant. Even though I’m not, conversation with her is always so easy, so natural. I don’t regret skipping out on the bar one bit.

I love being in the forest at night- the sounds, the smells, the stillness. Shifters have great night vision, so even though the forest’s dark, we can see clearly and appreciate its beauty. Being out in nature pleases our wolves, too- helps them settle. From the way Brooke describes her wolf, it sounds like this is the perfect activity for her.

I didn’t account for the weather, though. We’re well over a mile away from the complex when we hear the first rumble of thunder, see the first bolt of lightning crack across the sky. I didn’t sense the weather changing- this storm must’ve rolled in fast. A few minutes later, I feel a few heavy raindrops hit my skin and I know there’s no way we’re making it back without getting soaked.

“Come on,” I say, reaching out to grab Brooke’s hand and spin her around. That damn static electricity catches me off guard again when I touch her, but I hold on, changing direction and pulling her down the path.

“Should we make a run for it?” she asks.

I turn back to look at her, considering, as she blinks at me through the darkness. She’s not wearing her glasses tonight- she must’ve switched them out for contact lenses. She looks great, but I kinda miss the sexy nerd look.

“How attached are you to those clothes?” I ask, giving her a once-over. She’s rocking anEaglest-shirt and a pair of yoga pants.

“I’mnotshifting,” Brooke says adamantly.

“Hope you don’t mind getting wet then.” I wink.

Brooke rolls her eyes at my innuendo and makes a face, pulling her hand away from mine.

“Let’s just hurry back,” she says, pushing past me and heading down the trail.

I follow her- and honestly, I don’t mind this view one bit. I get to watch her cute little ass in those yoga pants.

Another rumble of thunder sounds, louder this time, and the rain picks up.

“Ugh!” Brooke groans, trudging down the path in front of me.

She shouldn’t make those sounds around me- my thoughts about her are already dirty enough.

The raindrops start getting bigger, coming down faster. Within a minute or two, it’s an absolute downpour.

“You sure you don’t wanna shift?” I call out to Brooke.

She spins around, arms folded, eyes narrowed.Damn, she lookscutewhen she’s mad.

“Yes, I’msure,” she huffs. Her shirt is soaked through and tendrils of wet hair cling to her face and neck.

A laugh escapes my lips at the sight of her all drenched and pouty.

She throws her eyes wide. “What’s so funny?”

“You are,” I chuckle. “Getting all worked up over a little rain. Lighten up, kid!”

Brooke whips back around, starts to stomp down the path again. The rain’s coming down hard, already turning the dirt path into mud. I swear it’s like things move in slow motion when I see Brooke’s foot slip and she starts going down.

I lunge forward to try to catch her, but I’m too late and the ground’s too slick. I grab for her waist, but my own damn feet slip out from under me. The next thing I know we’re both on our butts in the mud.

I blink at Brooke beside me through the darkness, sliding an arm around her waist to try to help her up. I’m expecting her to be pissed, but…

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