Page 15 of True Wolf

He had a point but I wasn’t in a good head space, so instead of agreeing, I refilled both shot glasses, pushed the bottle across the bar in his direction and tossed both back before storming off.

“Good chat,” he yelled at my back with amusement laced in his tone.

This dinner was the last place I wanted to be at the moment but I also refused to hurt Jo’s feelings so I found my way to her and pointed to the table to get this thing moving. “We eating or what?”

She grinned and nodded but a slight frown took over seconds later. “You okay?”

I leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I’m great, Jo. Stop fussing over me before your husband gets in his feelings.” I tossed my chin in his direction but then glared when I noticed him and Xander in a heated discussion. They both looked tense and kept stealing glances at me. When I tried to tap into their conversation, I realized both had me blocked.

Here we go with this secrecy shit.

“I’m not worried about Lazar’s feelings. He’s a big boy.” She winked and my expression twisted in disgust.

“Keep your personal shit,personal, Jo.”

She laughed and looped her arm through mine. “Come on, let’s get you fed.”

Tira found her way to me. One of many throughout the night that attempted to get my attention and at this point I was exhausted from coming up with reasons why everyone should leave me the fuck alone, so I didn’t send her away.

Dinner had been decent. Excessive amounts of grilled meat, which Jo attempted to balance with vegetables and salad that everyone barely touched. I enjoyed listening to what I missed while away, especially in relation to my nephews. Things moved from celebration dinner to social hour with the pack members enjoying drinks and just hanging out together. I had to admit I did genuinely miss my family and as much shit as I was giving everyone, I was glad to be back with them.

“I’m glad you’re home. You know we missed you.”

“So I’ve been told.” I lifted the glass of Cognac and drained what was left, placing it on the ground beside my chair before I gave her my attention. Tira was pretty—rich brown skin, head full of thick, natural hair currently framing her pretty face. Heavy lids camouflaged soft brown eyes that were smiling at me above pouty lips.

“I bet you have.” A slight tilt of her lips formed a smug grin. “It’s not what you want to hear but no one was pleased about you running off to chaseher. At least not any of us.”

Ustranslated to the females of our pack.

I chuckled lightly. The buzz from the drinks throughout the night lightened my mood. “There are plenty of others that could occupy your time, Tee.”

“Mhm.” She sipped the fruity concoction from the glass she was holding then turned to place the drink on the table behind her. When her hands were free, she settled into my lap and again, I allowed her grace I hadn’t offered to others throughout the night. “Thereareplenty of eligible wolves in our pack, Zion, but they’re also notyou.”

She edged closer, looping her arms around my neck, brushing her pussy over my now hard dick. “The list expressing why they’re not you isverylong.”

I smirked and lifted my hands to her ass, giving a firm squeeze which also brought her closer and forced her legs wider. “Sounds like you’re giving me an option on how I can end my evening.”

“I am.”

“Sounds tempting.”

Maybe Xander was right. Getting laid could be a reset to assist with moving past the fuckery of the last three months.

“You have no ideahowtempting. Say yes and we both benefit.” She smiled sexily.

“Yes.”

I stood and lifted Tira with ease. She locked her legs around my waist, smiling lazily as I moved toward the elevator.

“You’re leaving?” Toyin was tucked in one of the oasis chairs near the fire pit with Rafe asleep in her lap. She arched her brow as I moved closer with Tira still clinging to my body, her legs circling my waist.

“I’ve had enough family time.”

“Hmm, but isn’t it rude for the guest of honor to leave his celebration before everyone else?” she teased. I smiled and shrugged, unbothered.

“Possibly, but I’ve done my part. Jo said I had to be here, not that I had to stay all night.”

“Let him go,” Laz rumbled from a few feet away where he was in an intense conversation with Xander as he had been for most of the night. Something was up with the two of them but I didn’t have the energy to care. Right now, I had more pressing issues to tend to. One of those pressing matters was warm and pulsing against my abs, eager to receive my attention.