Page 83 of Just One Bite
I bite my cheek to hide my excitement.
“You really want to do this? You’re not drunk?”
She shakes her empty cup. “This is water. I’ve heard Octavia does heavy pours, and I want to practice tonight.”
That means she’s been flirting with me for real. I grip her wrist, and she tilts her head as I wrap another around her waist so we’re hip to hip.
“Okay … then I will. Let’s do it this weekend. The sooner, the better.”
I can’t keep myself from smiling as I lean into her lips. My body hums with the satisfaction of how easy it is. How it’s never quick, and the way need drips from her tongue and scent. She can’t fake that.
I should ask her to be my girlfriend for real. I open my mouth but stop. This isn’t the right place or time.
Plus, what if I’m misreading this. Maybe she doesn’t like me, she just likes me touching her. That’s a thing. Then if I tell her, it might freak her out, and she’ll never talk to me again.
No. Parker, don’t be a fucking coward.I need to be a man and ask her. Tonight.
She snaps me out of my spiral when she says, “I don’t think it’s about me, anyway. I think it’s about you. Aster and Barrett obviously see you as a threat.”
“Other Weres have always treated me like a threat because of the alpha thing. Gavin told me … that he thinks I’m going to be something big and that one of the greatest pack leaders that ever lived four hundred years ago was a hybrid. I don't know what he sees in me."
“You don’t think you’d be a good pack leader?”
“I kinda thought I’d stay a lone wolf after my mom died.”
“Well, maybe … all the other lone wolves thought that too. Maybe they’re still waiting for their Alpha. For you.”
I can only manage a half smile. “I’m not sure I’ve got what it takes.”
“You’re a good leader. People look up to you. I’ve seen it … really, you’re the kindest, most generous man I’ve ever met.”
My chest warms with her compliment. It’s so nice I don’t even ruin it with a joke.
“Come on.” I lead her into the crowd, where there are other Weres with their girlfriends and mates. It’s almost time for me to meet Ryker on the ice, but I can’t resist one dance.
Savoring the beat of the music, I tug her closer till her ass is brushing against me. I have to lean down to put my lips next to her neck.
“Comfortable?”
She nods, and I tug on her hips. I love how she lets me. Now that she’s said the words, my brain won’t let the thought out. The thought of marking Olivia. Then I can’t stop imaging biting her and how this urge I have for her is never going to stop. Even if I do mark her and I’m lucky enough she accepts the bond one day, I want to claim my territory with her over and over again. And that’s just one part of it. I tune into the sweet scent of her blood again, and my mouth waters at the thought of fresh warm blood touching my tongue. I need something. I need her.
The air shifts as Aster and Barrett funnel into the party with their packs, and the room erupts in praise. Those fuckers would plot their way into the only free moment I have with Olivia.
“Parker …”
She must notice my eyes, because I’m itchy andwolfy,as she puts it.
I guide her through the crowd, and we slip into the bathroom. It’s dimly lit, with stone sinks lining the wall of mirrors. Sturdy.
“What are you doing?”
I smile and prop her up on the counter.
“It’s good for our cover,” I say.
“Uh-huh. Sure.”
“I think I’m starting to crave blood.”Your blood.
