Page 50 of Alpha Reid

“Will you stay with me?”

My chest swells. For the first time, she’s not pushing me away-she’s inviting me in. I feel like I just won the goddamn lottery. The corner of my mouth ticks up into a half-smile as I glance down at her snuggling in, red hair fanning out on the pillow beneath her head. “I’m not going anywhere.”

I slide under the covers beside her, looping an arm around her waist and pulling her body into mine. It fits so perfectly against my own, like I finally found my missing piece.

Maybe I have.

~

The next morning comes much too soon, and I wake with Serena still wrapped up in my arms. I could spend the whole day in bed with her, touching her skin and breathing in her scent and just being near her. Duty calls, though, and I slip out of bed, careful not to wake the sleeping beauty as I return to my own room to shower and get dressed.

That’s when the anxiety hits, because as soon as I’m away from her I can think clearly again, and it hits me how foolish I’ve been acting with Serena. Mate or not, I can’t keep tiptoeing around the truth. Ignorance may be bliss, but the time for that has passed- as Alpha, I have to do what’s best for my pack. I have to get answers, even if they’re hard to hear.

I throw on a white dress shirt and a pair of slacks and make my way downstairs to find that Cy’s already off doing his morning rounds of the territory. He’s left a fresh pot of coffee on, but before pouring myself a cup, I pull out my cell to call Gray for an update as to the IT situation. I’m about to dial when I hear a knock on the front door of the packhouse and divert my attention that way, instead, making my way over to answer it.

I’m halfway there when the door swings open and Brock lets himself in, followed by Astrid. The guy always walks in like he owns the place. Not that I mind, of course- he’s practically family.

“Hey man, how’s it going?” I ask, approaching and offering him a fist-bump. I wasn’t expecting him, but it’s a pleasant surprise. I raise my chin in greeting to his mate as she steps around him and comes into view. “Astrid.”

“Good morning!” she chirps, balancing a drink carrier in her hand containing four paper coffee cups. “I brought you a latte.”

I’m typically a black coffee guy, but sweet little Astrid isn’t the type of girl you can say no to. She pulls one of the cups from the drink holder and passes it my way, and I accept it with a smile.

“Thanks, appreciate it.” I head for the kitchen, gesturing for them to follow. “So what are you guys doing here?’

“Astrid was hoping to talk to Serena,” Brock supplies, throwing a thumb in her direction.

She holds up her free hand, flashing a smile. “It’s a friendly visit, I promise.”

“I’m sure it is,” I chuckle. Though I’m sure she can have her moments, I’ve never seen Astridnotbe friendly.

As if on cue, the scent of tangerine and vanilla hits my nose and I hear footsteps on the stairs, turning at the waist to see Serena bounding down, her hands above her head tying her hair back in a ponytail. Her eyes are downcast, but she looks up when she hits the landing, freezing her movements when she sees the three of us in the kitchen.

“Hey,” I breathe, raking my eyes over Serena’s form because I just can’t help myself. Today’s outfit is forest green leggings and a white thermal, and I’m already undressing her with my eyes. “You’ve got a visitor,” I say, nodding toward Astrid.

“Good morning!” Astrid greets, far too enthusiastically for this hour. “I brought you a latte.” She recycles the same line that she used on me, as if it’s the only explanation needed for her early morning visit.

“Oh, I…” Serena stammers, slowly descending the rest of the stairs. Astrid already has the rest of the cups out of the carrier and is heading Serena’s way with one in each hand.

“Thanks,” she says as Astrid thrusts one in her direction, obviously not taking no for an answer.

Serena looks nervous. She’s fidgeting more than normal, her eyes darting around like she’s searching for an exit. Does she think all the girls are against her after the confrontation with Fallon yesterday, or does Astrid make her particularly anxious? Whatever the reason, my wolf picks up on her agitation and he doesn’t like it one bit.

“I missed the girl talk the other night, so I figured I’d come over and we could catch up,” Astrid smiles.

“Uh, sure…” Serena mutters, looking around. “You wanna go sit on the patio or something?”

It’s chilly outside, but Serena’s suggestion doesn’t surprise me- the girl loves being outdoors, no matter the weather.

Astrid nods enthusiastically and Serena leads the way to the back door. Brock and I watch after the girls as they head outside, closing the glass patio door behind themselves and heading for the outdoor sectional positioned on the far side of the patio.

“She’s hiding something,” Brock grumbles, sipping his latte.

Okay, now this guy drinks lattes?! His mate has changed him.

“I know,” I sigh, watching Serena through the window as she sinks down onto the sectional across from Astrid and pulls her legs up underneath her, still looking nervous.

“What are you gonna do about it?” he asks.

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