Page 23 of The Alpha Wolf's Pregnant Bride

“Nah,” I click my tongue with derision. “You wanted to show off tonight. That's what this is.”

“Show off?” He frowns. “Why would I wanna show off?” he dismisses when suddenly his attention dragged over my shoulder, eyes lighting up with starlights.

I follow the direction of his gaze, scoffing and folding my arms when I notice why he's suddenly tight-lipped.

From out of the shadows, Cassandra and her friend, Dakota, emerge with their arms linked together, giggling and appearing rather carefree.

I've just lost the witty remark I wanted to make at my best friend for his obvious interest in the she-wolf who only recently rejoined our pack.

Not because I'm a good friend. But because my breath is taken away by the sight of Cassandra crossing the meadow in the layers of flowing white cotton that billows out behind her. Her raven black hair is a stark contrast to her dress, but it's the perfect combination of femininity that lights my soul on fire.

What happened to the Cassie I knew? The one who hid behind oversized hoodies and sweater-paws that drew out my pitiful sentiments for her? The girl who barely smiled because she knew we would tease her for those shiny silver bands on her teeth?

She's done a complete three-sixty, and the other males are lapping it up. Like hungry pups with their tongues dangling and drool slipping from the corners of their mouths, their starry eyes are fixed on her.

“Hey!” I slap the back of my hand on Jarrod's chest to snap him out of his daze, simultaneously reeling back my ownthoughts just as Cassandra and Dakota pass us. I point to the corner of my mouth. “You got some drool there.”

Jarrod's cheeks ignite with color, and he hangs his head. “Sorry. I was trying to show off,” he admits sheepishly. “I'm gonna—” he awkwardly points to the bonfire and jogs off.

“I thought as much…” mumbling under my breath, I calmly stroll toward the gathering, trying my best not to look Cassandra's way.

My insides boil with the confirmation that my best friend, the Beta, has his eyes on her. I'm too ashamed to share Jarrod's tastes. I'm the Alpha, after all. We're not the same, and I can't be pining for a she-wolf who left this pack in the first place.

Fuck! I shouldn't be pining foranyshe-wolf. Even if her return means I'm forced to face the one thing I've always denied.

Whether she was layered or not, those delicious curves have always been mesmerizing and tempting. The only difference is that now she wears her skin with pride.

Her confidence now only adds to the allure, and I hate it. Disgusted at myself, I square my shoulders and strengthen my resolve, turning my gaze toward the skies to address the moon.

That's why we're here, gathered in the meadow, to praise the Moon Goddess and ask for protection.

As the Alpha, I've only warned the pack not to leave Moon Shine territory outside slated times, warning them of the dangers that lurk outside our bounds. They have no idea what we're facing since the threat of the rogues has yet to touch our borders.

Still, we are to remain cautious, which is why we've added more wolves to the patrol rotation and doubled down on security measures around the perimeter.

The pack members get to their feet and join hands around the bonfire. When I'm done uttering words of praise to the Moon Goddess, I look down and see a set of dark brown eyes between a gaping hole in the flames staring at me. Eyes as fierce and fiery as the flames licking at straw condemn me for simply being.

Faced with Cassandra's judgment, I'm suddenly forced to reflect on all the times I refused to make peace with how attracted I was to her. Not just now but long before she left.

I'm grateful for the respite that comes when I have to close my eyes to circle the fire, hand in hand with the members of my pack. Trying to be mindful of my thoughts, I'm unable to focus much and open my eyes, relieved when I can't see Cassandra across the bonfire.

I steal a glance at my Beta and decide it's best to put aside the unwarranted attraction I feel for her and give him a shot. It's not like my attraction is strong enough to let a she-wolf get in the way of a brotherly friendship.

She-wolves are too complicated, anyway. With their raging hormones and unplanned bouts of emotional warfare, it's not worth risking the life I know.

I close my eyes again, joining the pack as they hum around the bonfire. When I've decided it's enough, I call out, “All hail Moon Goddess Selene!” and the pack does the same. We unlink the chain around the fire, the gathering dispersing for the rest of the evening meant for mingling and homemade wine.

I notice Cassandra and her friend strolling toward the wine barrel, interlaced hands swaying as she remains carefree.

Why am I the only one distressed? Grunting, I cross my arms and decide that not even wine will cure my spirits tonight.

It's even worse when I notice Jarrod heading over and offering to pour them drinks.

Why do I care so much?

“Cyrus…”

I'm pulled from the bitter scene in front of me when a female voice calls my name. A pitcher is held up in front of my face, but I'm too irritated to take the offering.

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