Page 77 of Step Alpha

Great. The ballot my name is on. Just another day of humiliation for me at Wolf Ridge High.

To make matters worse, Casey Muchmore’s in this class. She’s been notably absent from my fan club since I got a peek inside her proverbial closet. If only I had dirt on every alpha hole in this school. I shrink in my seat. Still, I shudder to think what she might do to me in retaliation for my name daring to be on the same ballot as hers.

Yep. Everyone is sending me their glances as they pick up their ballots. Like they’re wondering if she’s going to kick my ass.

I pick up my ballot and boldly check Lauren’s name, then abstain from the king vote. Abe doesn’t need any more votes. These guys think they’re so funny. I would seriously laugh my butt off if Lauren won queen, and Abe has to share the first Homecoming dance with a human.

I’ll bet nothing would irritate him more.

These things are so stupid, anyway. Why do we have to vote to prove what everyone in a pack already knows?

Just so they can wear a crown? I sort of doubt Casey Muchmore cares about a stupid princess crown. She already knows she’s alpha.

I smile remembering Bailey joking that she was going to steal the Homecoming crown and give it to me after Cole and his creepy ex won it their senior year. I guess I was bitter then, too, about the whole dumb process.

Casey looks at me as she turns her ballot in and gives me a flick of her brows.

My stomach twists into a big knot. I have no idea what that look means. Probably something likeDream on, bitch.Or maybe,You’re dead meat, Runt.

After school, Lincoln finds me at my locker for tutoring. We’ve been hanging out after school in the library almost every day after school this week. I don’t know if I actually still need his help with math. We go over the problems and do the homework together, but mostly, it’s turned into a social date. It works for me because Wilde likes me waiting in his Jeep when he gets out of practice, so it gives me something to do.

Wilde…my extremely hot and devious stepbrother. The guy who makes me ride his fingers every night in bed.

I’m usingmakesloosely since I’m a more than willing participant.

I have to say, I feel like a different person. The nightly orgasms are changing me. Even though nothing at school has changed, I’m more relaxed. Confident. I feel prettier. I don’t care as much what everyone thinks of me.

Lincoln leads his shoulder against the locker beside me. “Hey, do you want to go to Homecoming with me? Just as friends?”

I hesitate.

Fuck.

Wilde would kill Lincoln. I mean, really–I would fear for his safety.

But it’s not likehecan take me. Orwouldtake me. And I’ve never been to a school dance. Not one. No one’s ever asked me. I didn’t even have a group of friends to go with.

Lincoln flashes a grin when I don’t answer. “No? That’s cool. I get it. I’m low status at this school.”

“It’s not that.” I reach out and grab his shirt to stop him from walking away. He turns back in that slouchy-casual way of his. This guy has confidence in spades. I love how unruffled he is about my perceived rejection.

“Well?” he prompts when I still can’t find words. “Like I said, it’s just as friends. I’m not looking for a date-date if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“I’d love to,” I burst out, surprising myself.

Wait,what?

I’m actually going to do this? Go to the Homecoming dance with a guy? Ahumanguy? A guy who isnot Wilde?

Ugh. Just my luck. Abe, J J., and Markley walk by right when I say it.

Abe stops. “What’s this? The runt and the new kid are going to the dance?”

J.J. drops a hand on Abe’s shoulder. “Abe.” He says it like a warning, which I don’t understand.

Abe turns his attention directly on Lincoln. “Is it a double-date?”

Lincoln and I both stare at him in confusion.

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