Page 66 of Attraction

“No… no, she just… well, you know, we’ve never had a woman on the team before and I just wonder if sometimes, maybe we’re a bit too Alpha?”

“Too Alpha?” Zak chokes, laughing. “Digby, have you listened to yourself? Relax, we are what we are, right? It’s the law-of-nature and you can’t mess with that shit. Just because we embrace what we are, and recognize the natural order, that doesn’t make us bad. C’mon, she’ll love it and anyway she’ll be like a rock-star tonight. Hey, it’s all part of the perks, right? The shit we have to go through. We work hard, play hard— fuck harder. That’s not too macho, that’s bein’ what nature made us. She knows that. When we start fightin’ against it, well that’s when the world gets broke. We don’t need to be the ones changing things—she just needs to fit in.” He scowls as he watches Digby considering his words. “Look, for example… QT. He used to whine like hell about what we made him do and now he just accepts it. He’s an Omega, and he has his place in the order of things. That’s where he stays, and he’s happy with that. Digby this is part of us, it’s what makes us a team—a pack. Don’t go just changin’ things just because some bitch has you on heat.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Sorry, I just…” He sighs.

“So, have you told her about this?” Zak holds up the bottle to the light, turning it around and looking at the large dead worm floating at the bottom of the clear liquor.

“Uh, nope, not exactly. I thought I’d… I’ll tell her later. I was pressed for time. Anyway, I’ve gotta go to the store and get some eggs. I told her I’d do pancakes when she gets back for brunch.”

“Brunch?What the fuck?”Zak laughs. “And the pancakes—you’re makin’ them? Oh, my God, man, what the hell’s happened to you? She must sure as hell be some crazy fuck, for all this effort. Hey, I don’t suppose she’s touted the idea of a threesome, maybe? You know you need to keep me at the front of the line for that if she does.” He grins, watching Digby’s lip curl into a snarl. “Hey, relax I’m jokin’… but I’m here if the subject comes up—that’s what a number two’s for, right?” He laughs. “Hey, do you remember that girl, the one that had a thing for Marines, so we told her that’s what we were?”

“Oh my God, Lizzie, Lucy… noLouisa!Hell, that was some crazy fucked-up night. Hey, never ever mention that to Kat—that night stays between us. Anyhow, I want pancakes too and I’m tryin’ to be nice. Zak, I like her, I mean, Ireallylike her, and I think I might wanna…you know?”

“What? Wait… hold up! You serious? You think you wannabondwith her? Oh, my fuckin’ god, I mean, I know you marked her but…seriously?Wowser! Man, she has got to your brain—well, more likely your balls. Digby just slow down and think about this, brother.” Zak snarls as he takes a breath. His forehead crumples at the bridge of his nose as he watches the look on Digby’s face. “Wait, have you toldherthis? About the bondin’ thing?”

“No, not yet. I thought I might mention it tonight… maybe? Too soon, do you think?”

“Too soon? Hell yeah, too soon! Look, I wouldn’t say anythin’, not yet. Give it some time. Besides, you’ve got nearly a month ‘til the next moon, so at least have some fun first. I for one, am looking forward to tonight, bein’ out—cuttin’ loose.‘Selene’s’… lovely ladies—beggin’ me for it andTequila!Besides, we may not get many chances to hit it again, not now we’re gettin’ back operational. Look, I don’ wanna lose my wing-man too soon, right brother? So, let’s just have fun.”

“Yeah, you’re right, it’s gonna be good to blow off steam and like you said, have fun.”

“Yeah, though, I’m not sure I’d have picked—Selene’s.No offense but takin’ her there… well, I just hope you know what the hell you’re doin’. You know what that place is like. You put someone like Kat in there…BOOM!You’re gonna need your eyes-on the whole time. You gonna be able to handle it? I mean, you gotta lot of Alpha goin’ on, not to mention more than a few of your ex’s—Alyssafor one. How the hell you gonna deal with that?”

“Yeah, I know. It’ll be fine, Kat can hold her own. Besides, all that attention, what’s not to love?” He smiles, fist-bumping Zak. “Anyhow, it wasn’t my choice. Darius picked so I couldn’t say no.”

“Yeah, well, you know what he goes there for. I’d say by now he must’ve worked thoseBlue-Roomsabout a million times.” He laughs. “I take it you’ve still not told him about her—I mean about Kat bein’ a… you know?”

“They’re callednoir—the rooms, and it’s black not blue… noir… forget it. And no, no I haven’t told him yet. But I will. I just… well, I just need to find the right time.”

“Right, well I’m done. I can’t wait to see her face when you tell her that she has to eat that worm. You know, with hindsight I should’ve gone with the scorpion one—maybe next time?”

“Yeah, okay. Oh, and while I remember, can you book a couple of Ubers to pick us up from here?”

“Sure, no problem.”

“And Zak, one more thing. Can you please,please… stop teasin’ Bud about… well about hisproblem?”

“Bud? Why what the hell’d I do to him? Oh… oh,uh—right? You want me to,uh—stop?” He laughs teasingly.

“Yeah, somethin’ like that.” Digby grins.

“Okay, yeah sure, I can,uh… do that!”

“Zak, get the hell out!” Digby laughs. “And don’t forget about the—uh—Ubers.”

* * *

Kat comes to a grinding halt. “Shit,” she curses, grimacing in pain as her leg cramps up. Stopping where she is, she takes a deep breath and stretches it out—bending at the waist, taking a long slow breath, she reaches her arms to the ground easing the spasm of cramp in her thigh muscle.

Looking up, she takes a moment to survey her surroundings. The park is filled with people, families enjoying the sun, kids on the swings, and a madly barking dog chasing a ball.

It’s a nice day and everything feels good in the world right now.

The sun is warm, and with the cramp eased, she strolls—wandering the pathway and appreciating the fresh air. Smiling because for once in her life she’s happy with her choices.

You made the fucking team. Girl, you are Special Forces—black-ops now, baby!

She grins, unable to get over just how good it feels thinking that—and hearing Digby say it to her was even better. It made everything feel real.

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