Page 15 of Forbidden Devotion
“Your pack isn’t exactly welcoming. I often leave the dorm to search for a more hospitable environment.”
“And go to my cabin?”
“I didn’t know it was there until I happened on it. Obviously.” Sinclair rolled his eyes. “The whole place smells like you.”
Mitchel sniffed reflexively. The telltale scent of vampire stung his nostrils, but beneath it lay something more. Something inviting. He shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. An introduction. And civil. He could handle civil. “I’m Mitchel.”
Sinclair stared, unimpressed if his blank expression was anything to go by.
“Um, Mitchel Edgehill. Alpha wolf of Borson University’s student pack.”
Without standing or even leaning forward, Sinclair unfolded his arms and extended one hand.
Decent manners demanded Mitchel’s approach, however reluctant he was to touch the vampire. A power play, elegantly done and impossible to avoid without showing his ass.
Damn vampires.
Mitchel came forward, took the delicate hand in his own, and shook. He managed to hold back the growl that gnawed at his lips, but it was a close thing.
“Sinclair Davis. I’d say pleased to meet you, but in the interest of honesty, I’ll reserve my judgment. Have a seat.” Sinclair let him go and gestured at the empty chair.
Stiff-backed, muscles tensed, Mitchel sat. The soft leather creaked under his weight.
“Edgehill, you say?”
“Yes.”
“That’s one of the original werewolf bloodlines, isn’t it?”
“It is.”
“A clan known to be particularly hostile toward vampires.”
How much did Sinclair already know? “For good reason.”
“Indeed. Were you born an alpha, or how does that work? I’m unfamiliar.”
“I don’t see how that’s relevant. Where are you going with these questions?”
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m making conversation, an art with which you’re unfamiliar, I take it? I could talk slower.”
“Enough.” Mitchel balled his hands to fists in his lap. “I didn’t come here to be insulted.”
Sinclair had the decency to shift his gaze away. When he looked back, the blank smile was firmly back in place. “I’m sure you didn’t.”
Silence stretched uncomfortably between them until Mitchel couldn’t take it any longer. “I was born an alpha, but birthright is no longer required to lead a pack. The position can be earned by any wolf who proves themself worthy.”
“How forward thinking of you.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Exactly as I said. No hidden meaning. Scout’s honor.”
Mitchel cocked a brow. “No wayyouwere a scout.”
“And what do you mean by that?”
A quick reply refused to leap to his aid. He’d lose a verbal sparring round. Was losing.
