Page 6 of Tempted By the Alpha Outlaw

For a moment, the room blurs at the edges, narrowing to the stranger as his gaze lands on mine.

Something’s coming.

No.

Something’s here.

His lips curve in a smirk…then a smile. And, much to my embarrassment, I realize I must have an absolutely stupid grin on my face.

The three of them walk right past me, attracting more than a little attention from the pack–but I don't care about any of that. The stranger is watching me, eyes locked on mine. One sharp canine snatches the edge of his bottom lip and he…he winks.

I don't think anyone else saw it. That was just for me.

Reyes moves to the head table, Tilda at his side, the stranger shoving his hands in his pockets behind them. I can’t stop looking at him, my pulse getting so fast that I’m afraid my heart’s about to burst out of my chest. I want…I just want. I don’t even know what that means yet, just that I want, I need, to be close to him.

What’s happening to me?

“Good evening, everyone,” Reyes says, the rest of the pack going quiet. That’s how it always is; the Prime demands the pack’s attention, no matter if he’s trying or not. “I spoke with a couple of you about this beforehand, so you may be aware–but I wanted to introduce you to Colt Morgan, our new mechanic,” he says. “I know things can get cagey around outsiders here, but rest assured we spoke with a few people out in Austin and New Orleans and he’s…”

I can’t bother to pay attention to anything else Reyes is saying; I’m too fixated on Colt Morgan, on the tattoos spiraling down his throat, beneath his tattered black t-shirt and leather jacket. He’s not looking at me anymore, but I can still feel the tension radiating between us.

Or maybe it’s just me. Just a crush.

I’ve never had a crush on anyone before.

“Happy to be here,” Colt is saying. “Feel free to swing by the shop if you need anything fixed, I’m here at your service.”

Even those simple words do something to me, heat pooling in the pit of my stomach. I instantly start searching my mind for anything I need fixed at home or in the classroom, a simple reason to go and see him.

Why? Heck if I know.

The rest of dinner is a blur. I go through the motions: helping Lucy to her seat, stopping River from stacking rolls on his plate like a tower. The noise and warmth of the pack surround me, but my mind is elsewhere.

It’s on him. Colt.

Even his name feels dangerous, like a loaded gun or the kick of an engine. I can’t stop replaying the moment our eyes locked, the way his smirk curled just enough to make my pulse race. My wolf—who I usually try very hard to ignore—stirs every time I think about it, pacing in restless circles inside me.

“Maggie, are you even listening?” Kate elbows me, pulling me back to the present.

“Huh?” I blink, realizing she’s been talking to me while Lucy’s tugging on my sleeve.

“I said, what’s with you tonight?” Kate’s teasing grin softens with curiosity. “You’re all spacey. Usually, you’re Miss Perfectly Poised.”

“I’m fine,” I lie, forcing a smile. “Just…a lot on my mind.”

Kate narrows her eyes but doesn’t press further. Thank goodness.

The last thing I need is her digging into why my face is suddenly so warm.

After dinner, the pack starts clearing out in small groups. Families head back to their cabins, older wolves linger for a bit of conversation, and the pups—bless them—wear themselves out chasing each other around the tables. The last plates are stacked, the tables wiped clean, and the hum of the dining hall has softened into the quiet shuffle of chairs being put back into place.

My best friend Peaches stands at the far end of the hall, her dimpled smile in place as she wipes down one of the long tables. Her curly red hair catches the faint glow of the overhead bulbs, the bounce of it soft and familiar. She’s humming to herself as I walk over, wanting something—anything—to distract me.

“Almost done over there?” I ask, leaning against one of the chairs.

“Almost,” she chirps. “You’re stayin’ late too?”

I shrug. “Habit, I guess.”

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