Page 32 of Pack Rivals, Part One

She looks like she spent the afternoon rolling around in my bed and then put on my clothes.

I like that. I like it a lot.

"Hey," I say.

Her eyes are clearer today. They've lost that shimmery haze from yesterday and I can smell, under her caramel scent, the traces of suppressant.

It means she's more in control of her emotions and her instincts. Although, only just. Her pupils blow wide as her gaze tumbles down my form.

"Hi," she squeaks back.

"Do you remember me from last night, or is it a bit hazy?"

"I remember you."

"So, can I come in?"

She bites her lip, wobbling in indecision.

I don't wait for an answer. Gently I turn her around, and with my hand on the small of her back, guide her inside.

The cousin is there, pretending to read a magazine on the sofa, plus an older woman with the scent of a mated omega, also with her face buried in a magazine. A magazine she is holding upside down.

"Good evening ladies," I say to them both.

They both glance up from their magazines as if they're surprised to find me standing before them.

I flash them my most charming smile. The ones the gossip magazines have announced would be worthy of Prince Charming.

"Silver Boston," the older woman says. "I do believe we've met before."

I don't recognize her but I nod nonetheless. "Of course, errr …"

"Julia Robinson."

"Julia Robinson."

"I'm Bea's aunt.”

I glance at Bea, who's hovering by the kitchen counter. "Seems omegas run in our family after all," she pouts, "not that anyone told me."

"Have you come–" her aunt starts.

"To take Bea out to dinner? Yes."

"I've said no," Bea tells us all.

"Shame," I say, fiddling with the cuffs of my jacket. "I have a table booked at Sin Sky."

"Sin Sky!" Courtney shrieks, glaring at Bea. Bea glares back, then turns to me. Her nose twitches and she rubs at it.

"I'm really flattered that you asked me, and that you booked a table at–"

"The most exclusive restaurant in the city," her cousin says.

"But I'm not dating right now so …"

"Does it have to be a date?"

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