Page 23 of Alpha Varsity

Asher Martin.

His eyes narrow as he lifts his nose to take in my scent. “You’re afraid of me.” Is that scorn in his voice?

It seems more like anger.

But maybe that’s just his everyday vibe toward me.

Hell, it was his general vibe even before he hit full puberty and became a wolf. He grew up in a violent home. Violence breeds violence, as we all know.

And right now, I have a 250-pound angry linebacker standing on my porch, no doubt here for revenge. Whether it’s revenge for the past or revenge for getting him suspended this week, I can’t be sure.

I glance toward my parents’ house. Should I call for help? They might be back from the game by now. But then there would be more repercussions for Asher. My mom would have him punished to the full extent of pack law for threatening me. I’m not sure I want that for him. I never believed he deserved the angry rebel hoodlum reputation he got in this town.

Asher’s nostrils flare when I look toward the house. “Thinking of calling for help?” He prowls closer.

I hold my ground with my neck stiff and straight, but my heart hammers against my sternum. My palms are damp with sweat. I know Asher smells my fear.

“You really don’t understand why I’m here, do you, Lotta?” His voice is soft and dangerous. He drops theMs. James, which is just as well. He always manages to infuse it with enough taunt to make me certain it doesn’t convey any respect.

“You think I want revenge. That makes sense after what you did to me and my family.” He steps even closer.

I resist the urge to back up. I’m still Asher’s teacher, dammit.

“Or maybe you think I want something from you.” He cocks his head, studying me. “Maybe I’m here to see if you’re really taking off your panties for your students.”

A flash of anger brings out my wolf, but it’s too late.

Asher moves before I finish balling my fists. He pins me up against the wall of the casita with a hand around my throat, his other hand holding under one knee.

I cry out with shock at his sudden violence. But I realize he isn’t choking me. I’m dangling above the ground, my weight held by my knee rather than my throat.

He’s just scaring me. Showing me how much stronger he is. What he’s capable of. One squeeze of that powerful fist, and he could snap my neck. No amount of shifter healing properties would bring me back from that.

“Let’s see if you can figure out the real reason I’m here,” he growls.

I try to kick him in the balls, but he traps my free leg by pinning it against the wall with his hips. His body presses against mine. I feel every ridge of his rock-hard muscles.

I’m sweating and cold at the same time.

“Close your eyes, Lotta.” His growl is a low rumble now.

I stare at him in confusion. What?

“Close them and take a deep breath. Then tell me why I’m here.”

I don’t move. I’m still holding my breath, trying to decipher what in the hell he’s saying. What does he want from me?

“Breathe.” There’s Alpha Command in his voice, and my body instinctively responds.

I suck in a deep breath, searching his face for a clue.

“Close your eyes.” Alpha command again.

My lids snap closed. The heat of his breath whispers across my face. His forehead touches mine.

“Why am I here, Carlotta?” The growl is low now. Taunting.

With my eyes closed, my other senses sharpen. I hear the pounding of my own heart. The wheeze of my breath. The scent of my fear mingled with the deeper notes of hi–

---