Page 1 of Wanted

CHAPTER 1

Chance

A tap on my left shoulder causes me to turn to find Ms. Elsie, one of our pack elders standing over me. The smile on her face is so big that it makes her eyes disappear.

She gestures toward the dance floor.

I peer toward the spacious ballroom to see Chael, our alpha and my older brother, towering over his bride. The grin on his face is larger than Ms. Elsie’s. He holds Reese, his mate, so close to him that I doubt a sliver of air could pass between their two bodies.

My wolf purrs at the sight.

I ignore him and turn to Ms. Elsie, who continues to motion toward the dance floor. She wants me to dance.

I rise to my full height, take her hand, and bring it to my lips for a quick peck. Then I shake my head.

Her expression falls. “You haven’t danced to one song all night,” she reminds me. I give her shoulder a light squeeze.

“I have to check the premises again.”

Ms. Elsie frowns and folds her arms over her chest. “How many times are you going to do a security check?” She emphasizes her question with a stomp of her foot.

“As many times as it takes to ensure our pack’s safety.”

That’s my role as the lead beta of the Nightwolf pack. I protect us all.

Ms. Elsie narrows her eyes on me before shaking her finger my way. I study her lips for whatever she’s about to say next.

“One day you’re going to find your mate, and she will make you relax and enjoy everything around you.” She spreads out her arm, showcasing the members of our pack on the dance floor, seated at the surrounding tables, laughing and smiling at everyone or clapping to the music.

A rhythm I can’t hear but can feel from the vibrations the clapping sets off.

I look back at Ms. Elsie and bow my head before leaving. The flick of her lips tells me she must’ve sucked her tongue at my lack of response.

I give the marble dance floor and spacious ballroom my brother rented out for his wedding another glance. The rose pink and white decorations and flowers are beautifully done. The scent from the flowers isn’t too overpowering for my sensitive wolf nose.

Reese made sure not to choose bouquets that would be too much for our wolf senses. The double doors remain open, allowing the backdrop of the New Mexico mountains to be on full display. There’s nothing like the parade of colors that ignites the sky as the sun sets, taking the daytime with it.

I don’t know why, but my head pivots again, and my gaze lands on Chael and Reese. They’re still slow dancing, clinging to one another even though the rhythm of the clapping has changed to a more fast-paced beat.

They’re the only two who exist at this moment.

My wolf purrs again.

“Stop it,” I grit out. “We don’t have a mate,” he whines.

Ever since Chael found Reese, my fucking wolf has done this. Longing for something that was never supposed to be ours.

“We are the protectors of the pack,” I remind him. “The alpha has a mate with whom he’s creating a family.” I talk to my wolf as if he’s a person at times.

I tear my gaze away from Chael and Reese and continue toward the door.

“Where are you going?” A grinning Gloria moves in front of me. She bats her long, dark eyelashes and trails a finger up and down the length of my tuxedo jacket.

My wolf pushes out a harsh breath, as if to say, “not interested.” At least he and I are on one accord about something.

Gloria’s from a shifter from a nearby pack. She owns a small stationery store in town. And yeah, she and I have had something before. Moreso when I had an itch, she’d scratch it, and vice versa. I preferred to go to women outside of our pack for those needs.

Things could get messy if I fucked women in my pack. Especially since I knew I’d never mate anyone.

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