Page 41 of Finding the Forward: Part One
Right. She was from the south. Baked good apologies were common courtesy, not come-ons. What would I have to do to get her to bake me bread? I’d absolutely love a good loaf of sourdough bread. Or focaccia decorated with edible flowers.
“Dean, Grif will be impossible to live with if you scare her away. Little Alpha, my omega wasteasingyou. He knows very well what you meant. As do I.” Jonas’ arms crossed over his muscled chest in an easy gesture.
“Oh.” She jumped.
More little wisps of fear danced in the air as she carefully turned so she faced both of us.
“Alpha Jonas. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Verity Thorne. I hope you don’t think I’m presumptuous in speaking withDean first. You were next.” She inclined her head and flashed a pleasant smile.
Alpha Jonas?If I wasn’t afraid of offending her, I’d snicker.
“We’re all adults here. Dean can speak with who he likes. I appreciate your courtesy.” Jonas looked her up and down, appraising her.
He wore long mesh shorts and a ribbed tank top, showing off his tattoos and muscles. The arm sleeve was his favorite story that his dad always told him and his sister. Jonas also had two cranes on his chest and several other smaller ones, including our pack tattoo on his bicep. I’d helped design the sleeve and the one on his leg, which he’d gotten after we mated.
“While I’d like to see Grif, I’ll respect all your pack rules and boundaries. I have no desire to disrupt and make no assumptions.” She bit that plump pink lip again.
What did her lips taste like? From here, I had a good view of her ass. What sound would she make if I bit it?
I knew what sound I’d make if she sank her teeth into me.
“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you as well. Grif’s been looking for you for a while. I’m glad he found you.” Jonas gave me a sharp look, getting my lust for her through our mate bond.
“Yes, well, I’m not the easiest to find. The treats were simply an apology.” While she didn’t bare her neck in submission, she didn’t meet his eyes in challenge, either.
“Please make us treats. I like bread.” While I loved to cook, I was shit at making bread.
“Grif likes chocolate cupcakes.” Jonas smirked.
She smiled shyly. “He may have told me that. I... I have to get to class, but it was very nice meeting you both. I can’t wait to see you play–and meet the other member of your pack.”
With a wave, she made her way to the door. Jonas blocked her with his body. With a smirk, he slid over so she could pass.
She ducked her head. “Alpha Jonas.”
Verity strode off down the hall, her crutch making a soft thumping noise with each step.
“Alpha Jonas,” I cackled, wiping my face with my towel.
“Southern alphas are built differently.” He leaned against the doorway again. Jonas had played for the Carolina Lightning Bugs for a bit before coming to the Knights, though he’d started off in Toronto.
“Are those the ones who are masters at backhanded compliments?” I asked.
“That would be southern omegas.” He gave a little shudder.
“I like her.” I grabbed the spray bottle and wiped off my equipment.
“She’s not just a power-up, is she?” Jonas looked back out at the hallway.
I got the tote and put it over my shoulder. “Nope. Not one bit. They’re both drawn to each other like little magnets.”
Yeah, she wasn’t a quick fuck to make Grif play better. Earlier, I’d seen her in the stands watching the Maimers’ practice when I’d been with the goalies. He came and sat next to her, handing her a cup of something. Her face had lit up, and she’d scooted closer to him.
Sure, that was my husband. But I also liked a happy husband, and I feltzerojealousy. Not to mention, Grif had been denying that part of himself for so long. Maybe she’d help him come to terms with it, ease into his omega-ness, before it blew up in our faces.
After all, those heavy-duty blockers only worked for so long.
“She’s analpha.Didn’t expect that.” Jonas grimaced as we walked down the empty hall.
