Page 176 of Roulette Rodeo
"Five minutes?"
"At least." He stops just in front of me, close enough that I can smell motor oil and that underlying scent of amber and smoke that's uniquely him. "Poor man's probably having an aneurysm thinking something's happened to you."
I pout, crossing my arms defensively.
"I regret nothing. That level was impossible."
"I'm sure it was," he says, clearly fighting back more laughter. "But maybe answer the chat before our pack alpha has a complete meltdown? I'll be back."
He starts to turn away, but I can't resist.
"Yes, Alpha Talon," I say in my most innocent voice, making sure to draw out his name.
He freezes mid-step, and I watch with satisfaction as his shoulders tense. When he turns back, his eyes have darkened from their usual whiskey brown to something closer to molten chocolate.
"Don't," he groans, his voice dropping an octave. "Don't go saying it like that while lying upside down on my car. Makes me want to put you in a different position."
I shift deliberately on the hood, stretching out more fully, and whistle low and appreciative as he starts walking away again, clearly needing distance.
"No one's stopping you from flipping me upside down and sideways."
"Reddddd." The way he draws out my name is part warning, part plea, all frustrated alpha.
I laugh, delighted by his reaction.
"Sorry, not sorry!"
He shakes his head, muttering something under his breath that sounds suspiciously like "gonna be the death of me" as he disappears back into the garage.
Still grinning, I finally open the group chat to see what chaos I've missed.
Rafe: Red isn't answering her phone.Rafe: It's been three minutes.Rafe: Why isn't she answering?Shiloh: Maybe she's busy?Rafe: Doing what?Corwin: Literally anything? She doesn't have to be available 24/7Rafe: But what if something's wrong?Talon: She's fine. She's literally outside playing phonegamesRafe: Then why isn't she ANSWERING?Talon: Because she's on level 47 of Angry Birds and you're interrupting her concentrationShiloh:Corwin: Our omega's priorities are birds vs pigs over the pack alphaRafe: This is not funny.Talon: It's a little funny
I quickly type out a response:
Red: I'M ALIVE! Just defeated the pig empire!
The responses are immediate:
Rafe: Finally. Don't ignore calls.Red: I wasn't ignoring, I was FOCUSEDShiloh: On angry birds?Red: It was a very difficult level!!!Corwin: Which one?Red: 47-3. The one with the stupid glass fortressCorwin: Oh that one's a bitchRafe: Are we seriously discussing game levels right now?Talon: Jealous she hasn't gotten addicted to your boring finance apps?Rafe: They're not boring. They're practical.Red: I downloaded one! Then immediately deleted it because it made me sad looking at numbersShiloh: What did you think would happen?Red: I thought there'd be fun charts! Colors! Maybe a congratulations when you save money!Corwin: That's... actually not a bad idea. We should do a coloring night.
Rafe: We're getting off topic. Why did I call originally?Rafe: Right. The meeting with the mayor tomorrow about your official pack registration.Red: Oh right! The boring government stuffRafe: It's not boring. It's important.Red: Important can still be boringTalon: She's got a point
My phone starts ringing, and this time it's not Rafe.
Poppy's face fills the screen—a selfie she took where she's making the most ridiculous duck face imaginable, which she insists makes her look "mysterious and alluring."
I answer immediately.
"Hello, my favorite chaos gremlin."
"GIRL!" Her voice is so loud I have to hold the phone away from my ear. "The Country Ridge Fair is here and your ass is coming!"
"Is it?" I ask, though I'm already mentally going through my wardrobe options.
"Hell yeah! Bring your pack too. You gotta make that shit official now so everyone knows you're takeeeeeen!"
I laugh at her emphasis, swinging my legs again.
