Page 10 of Alpha's Twins
For a moment, I pause. A nagging voice in the back of my mind says, why not just have some fun with another female?You don’t need Serena to want you anyway.
It seems so obvious, and judging by the smile the brunette witch is giving me, it shouldn’t be too hard, either. Hell, maybe she needs some fun, too.
“Aiden? You coming?” Callum calls through the door just as my wolf begins to niggle at me, clearly less on board with the plan, which surprises me.
I turn, raising my beer to him in acknowledgment and head back to the meeting. I’ve been dreading this, but if I’m honest, it’s just more of the same. As everyone else begins to relax about Malik with no sightings, it just pisses me off. Now would be the perfect time for him to make his move. He’ll wait until everyone’s guard is down.
As expected, the meeting discussed the latest patrols and how trade has increased, but my brothers aren’t keen to increase the numbers they put on their own borders. They want to concentrate on their own packs and put the business with Malik behind them—which only works if Malik is actually gone. My wolf is convinced he’s still in the mountains. His rogue army may have been defeated, but I can feel he’s still out there somewhere, I’m sure of it. I try pointing out that Ralph obviously failed to take him out after Emily’s father weakened him. Malik waited until our packs were in a state of transition after Ralph’s death to make his move—what makes them think he’s not just waiting for the right moment again? My brothers listen, and I know they’re not completely at ease either, but they want to refocus on their own packs and put this behind us. They’re clearly not going to listen to the youngest brother on this.
I try to stuff down my rising frustration and focus on the meeting, but it’s getting harder and harder to ignore as my wolf feels like snapping every time Tristen or Callum try to change the subject. Eventually, I sit back and try to gather my thoughts, almost zoning out in an attempt to keep my cool.
Suddenly, I hear someone mention Serena’s name and see red. “Will you stop pushing me about Serena?” I growl.
All the faces at the table turn to me in surprise. “What are you going on about, Aiden?” Callum snaps. “I said Serena’s here.”
What the fuck?
I knew Sarah and some of the other women were meeting Serena for dinner earlier. I was relieved she agreed, as it would do her good. Even if she didn’t want to talk to me, she should integrate with the pack. But I didn’t know they’d bring her to the bar.
I turn, and there she is. Serena.
She stands out like a star in the dim light of the bar, impossibly small for a shifter, but with the kind of presence that demands attention. Her hair falls in glossy waves, catching the light as she tosses it over her shoulder, and her curves, more pronounced than I remember, are accentuated by the figure-hugging jeans and pretty low-cut blouse she’s wearing. I can’t tear my eyes away from her full breasts, the dip of her waist, the way she moves like she’s made of something ethereal and untouchable. Her lips are a perfect pink, and her eyes, so bright and aware, scan the room and meet mine for the briefest second. It’s enough to make my heart still in my chest. She smiles, but it’s uncertain, as if she doesn’t know if we’re supposed to even bother greeting each other.
“Looks like she’s doing just fine,” Tristen chuckles from his seat next to me.
Sarah and Cate flank Serena, their laughter loud above the music. I watch as they make a beeline for a group of men standing by the bar. Sarah heads toward a tall shifter with a beard that I recognize as her mate, but I barely notice because my eyes are glued to Serena. She’s smiling, and I can see the other men nearby noticing her, turning to take her in, one byone. I can feel their eyes on her, and my wolf begins to seethe even more.
I realize I’m probably glaring when Serena looks away awkwardly and Cate says something to her, sparking more laughter. I hate this. I hate how I can feel her presence in the room like it’s a tangible thing, a force pulling me toward her.
“Earth to Aiden,” Callum waves a hand in front of me, laughing at my expense. “You’re staring.”
I grunt and force myself to look away, even though every cell in my body and wolf is protesting. “Let’s just finish this up,” I mutter, and the guys exchange smirks, but for once, they let it go as we wrap up the meeting, and I head back toward the bar with Jace. I’m relieved my brothers haven’t followed us, because I need time to cool off.
By the time we reach the bar, Jace is already eyeing a redhead who’s pouring drinks on the other side.
“Okay, spill. What’s up with you?” he says, but I ignore him and flag down the barmaid. She’s pretty, with red hair spilling over her shoulders, and eyes that draw you in. She’s a regular here and never fails to make an impression. She saunters over, leaning on the bar with a smile that’s all invitation.
“What can I get for you, Alpha?” she asks, her voice low and playful.
“Two beers,” I reply, trying to sound casual, but my wolf is distracted, still stuck on my brothers and Malik. But mostly Serena.
The barmaid pouts, her lips full and tempting. “Are you sure you don’t want to try the witches’ brew again? Just made a fresh batch.” She leans in closer, her scent sweet and intoxicating. “I’ll give you a taste.”
Jace nudges me, grinning. “We’ll take it,” he says, and the barmaid’s eyes light up.
“Coming right up,” she winks, turning to pour the drinks. I roll my eyes at Jace, and he shrugs.
“I don’t have a mate,” he laughs, his eyes fixed on the barmaid. He’s right, obviously. Besides, I always told myself I could still have fun with or without a mate. The thought lingers, tempting but almost uncomfortable as the barmaid places the drinks in front of us, her fingers lingering on the glasses. They’re filled with the witches’ brew, a dark, swirling liquid that smells like spice and something more dangerous.
“On the house,” she says, focusing her attention on me.
“That so?” I smirk, feeling Jace’s satisfaction radiating off him.
“Think of it as a welcome back gift,” she replies, her voice teasing. “Haven’t seen you since the night before your…” she trails off, her eyes flicking to the table where my brothers are still sitting. “New arrangement.”
I glance at the drinks, then back at her. “I see,” I reply, suddenly wishing I hadn’t even accepted the drink.
“Enjoy.” She winks again, and Jace laughs, reaching for his glass.
