Page 18 of Alpha Gray

Vienna asks us to dance for the millionth time, and I finally break down and agree. Being on the dance floor puts me closer to Gray, so maybe he’ll actually come say hello. The dance floor is crowded now, and the six of us make our way through the bodies just as a new song comes on. It’s a hip-hop song- one of my favorites- and I immediately start swaying my hips to the beat. I steal another glance at Gray, and our eyes lock this time, but he looks away just as quickly.

Damn. What do I have to do to get this guy’s attention?

Hannah, Vienna, Brooke, and I make a little circle, all dancing with each other while Boyd and Davis sway on the periphery. I start to move my hips more exaggeratedly, trying my best to look sexy while I dance. It doesn’t seem to get Gray’s attention, but it does get Boyd’s, and he comes up behind me, cautiously approaching and setting his hands on my hips.

Ordinarily, I wouldn’t return Boyd’s attention, but it occurs to me that maybe it’ll make Gray a little jealous. I lean back into Boyd’s chest, swaying my hips and rubbing my shoulders against him to the beat of the music. After a minute or two, I really get into it, throwing my head back and stealing a glance in Gray’s direction.

Bingo.

He’s looking right at me, no question about it. His eyes are narrowed and he doesn’t look pleased.

Could that be jealousy?

I dart my gaze away, smirking to myself as I close my eyes and continue to move to the music. Spinning around to face Boyd, I slink my hands up his shoulders and wrap my arms around his neck, grinding my body against his as I dance.

I should feel a little guilty, leading Boyd on like this, but any shred of guilt I have is replaced by satisfaction when I steal another glance at Gray and find that he’s still watching.

Sweet victory.

If he wants to avoid me, I’ll show him what he’s missing.

After a little while, the DJ switches to a slower song, and we all head back to belly up to the bar. We’re all a little sweaty and out of breath, but I’m riding the high of my triumph over Gray.

Boyd starts calling out drink orders to the bartender. “Whaddya want?” he asks, turning to me, but I just shake my head.

“I’m gonna grab some air,” I say, fanning myself with a hand.

“Okay. Well what do you want when you get back?” Boyd grins, and that guilty feeling that I had for leading him on returns.

“Ummm… surprise me!” I say, clapping him on the shoulder and spinning around.

I head for the door, pushing it open and drawing a long breath of the cool night air. I’m still a little sweaty, and the air feels so good on my skin.

I take a few steps away from the door alongside the building, leaning back against the outside wall. It doesn’t take me long to cool off and catch my breath, and I’m thinking about heading back inside when the door swings open and someone comes out.

It’s a guy I don’t recognize, but he looks to be in his early thirties. Most wolves stay in shape because of how active we are, but this guy has a little bit of a beer gut and he stinks like booze. After he staggers out the door, he looks around and his face splits into a big grin when he sees me leaning up against the building.

“Well hey there, sweet thing,” the guy drawls, stepping toward me. “What brings you in here tonight?”

He’s flirting.Gross.

“Just here with some friends,” I mumble, folding my arms over my chest and looking away. Hopefully this guy will take the hint.

He doesn’t. Instead, he takes another step toward me and I’m overwhelmed by his stale alcohol smell.

“You lookin’ for some fun?” he asks, closing the distance between us.

I turn to him, narrowing my eyes. I’m thinking about cocking back my fist to punch the guy when the door of the bar flies open, loudly colliding with the outside wall. Gray steps out, steam practically coming out of his ears.

“Is this guy bothering you?” he growls, looking at beer-belly guy menacingly.

The guy immediately steps back, throwing up his hands and showing his neck in submission. “No, Alpha!” he chokes, eyes wide.

Gray gives the guy a steely look, taking a step toward him. “Why don’t you head on home, Trent.” From the tone of his voice, it isn’t a suggestion.

“Yes, Alpha,” the man stammers, taking a few more shaky steps back. “That’s just what I was about to do. Have a good night.”

Gray nods and the guy retreats quickly, heading away from the bar in the direction of the town. Once he’s out of eyesight, Gray turns back to me, rubbing the back of his neck and shaking his head.

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