Page 27 of The Wolf Prince's Mate

Shit.

Wow.

“I wasn’t planning on asking Clay to consider mating with me. It’s not like that between us,” I said, blatantly ignoring the way my pulse grew faster with the thought of the gorgeous male I’d been in bed with twelve hours earlier. “Even if I was, with his wolf the way he is, I don’t think he would ever agree.”

“I don’t think so either,” Hunter agreed.

Ouch.

Between the two of them, those men seemed determined to grind whatever small amount of self-confidence I had left into dust.

“I just wanted to ask if you were considering it.”

“I wasn’t, so we’re cool. If he asks for a meeting—which is highly unlikely—just tell him I’m fully booked. I’ll friendzone him evenharder than we already are if I have to. I want a clean break from this.” I gestured between me and Hunter. “If you know of an Alpha of another pack who’s strong enough to meet the criteria so I can get out of here, I’d like to meet them.”

Hunter’s forehead creased. “Silas could manage, but he’s really the only one.”

I made a face. “I’ll talk to him. Maybe he can be my backup if I don’t get along with anyone. At least I know we get along well, and the sex would be fine.”

Hunter’s wolf snarled, and I surged to my feet. Hunter did too.

He stepped back around the desk quickly. Putting the furniture between us wouldn’t make much of a difference, but I hoped it would make a little.

“I’ll get to work,” he said.

He was dismissing me, but I wasn’t offended.

I wanted an out anyway.

“The first meetings will be tonight, so watch your phone for the invitation to the schedule. When you find someone you’re interested in a second meeting with, just let me know. Consider me your personal assistant for the next six to ten weeks.”

“Hopefully, I won’t need you that long.” If I found the right guy, everything would happen naturally.

In theory.

My confidence was so far in the pits at the moment, I wasn’t even sure there wouldbea right guy.

“I’ll be here if you do. This is a big decision, so if you need more time, it’s yours. No pressure.”

Sure.

No pressure.

Except that therewaspressure. A shitload of pressure. Because if I didn’t find a mate soon, the truce I’d made with his wolf was probably going to fall apart. Wolves weren’t exactly known for having long memories.

I slipped out of Hunter’s office and glanced down the hall.

No Clay, luckily.

I headed straight for the stairs, not willing to risk bumping into the Beta on the elevator, and sent a quick text.

Me

Shit happened. You ladies busy?

Syd

My plants are patient. I can meet at the Lodge in five, unless you want to hide out in the garden while we chat

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