Page 43 of Wolf Roulette

I gestured at my jean cut-offs and white throwover that covered my navy bikini. “I didn’t know what to wear.”

Sascha was in his token jeans and white T-shirt. “You look incredible.”

Two women walking by grinned at each other.

My cheeks flamed. “Alright.”

He brushed back a strand of hair that had fallen loose from my ponytail. “Are you blushing?

I glared at him. “Where are we going?”

Flashing a grin, he opened the door of his blue pickup truck. “Hop in, spitfire.”

I’d show him spitfire. Batting away his hand and ignoring his deep chuckle, I climbed into the vehicle.

We left pack lands, but instead of turning toward the town at the entrance to pack lands, Sascha turned left. I’d only been down here to play in Clay.

“I’ve wanted to get away with you for a while.” One hand on the wheel, he rested his other arm on the frame of the windowsill.

I shrugged. “Leader life.”

“It is. To be clear though. I’ll always make time for you.”

I tried not to fidget. “Don’t worry. I know what it’s like.”

He directed us around a bend and slowed where the road changed from tar-seal to dirt. “You are my main priority.”

It was hard for someone who’d never been anyone’s main priority to suddenly become one. Even though I believed him, my natural inclination was to get feisty or make a joke.

Battling with those urges, I settled for silence.

Sascha took my hand, and the tension drained from me.

I wanted to tear down everything between us so badly. Dredging up my courage, I said, “It’s a strange concept for me.”

“I know, little bird.”

Tears stung my eyes.

I wound down the window, letting the warm summer air calm me.

Sascha let go of my hand to navigate the switchbacks. “You’re winning over the pack females.”

Am I?“Cool.”

He shot me an amused look. “It’s a compliment. As my mate, you would assume leadership over the females in our pack. They’ve seen you interact with Axel and Jemma, and I heard them talking about your acceptance of Emily and Cameron. Sometimes, top females have trouble maintaining dominance and inspiring confidence, but you’ve taken to it as I always knew you would. Your past as head steward may have generated some bad will initially, but really, every member of my pack knows you have what it takes to lead.”

I suppose it might have helped to convince them—even with how my stint as head steward ended. “So the males and females are separate entities within the pack?”

He nodded. “As pack leader, my order is final, barring a situation where the females lose faith in my ability to protect and provide. As top female, your advice and opinion will always hold powerful sway with me and with the entire pack.”

Hmm.

“What?” Sascha asked.

“Trying to remember if any of my romantic fantasies ever involved being called a top female.”

He laughed and lifted a shoulder. “Some of our terms must seem nonprogressive.”

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