Page 24 of The Denver Alpha

“Psh, rules are meant to be broken anyways,” Tobias says arrogantly, lifting his chin.

I cock a brow. “Oh really? That’s not the tune you were whistling the other night,” I tease, nudging him in the ribs.

“If Alpha caught him saying that, he’d probably piss himself,” Eddie cuts in.

We all laugh, the sound mingling with the low thump of a bass beat and the dull roar of conversation as we continue down the forest path, drawing closer to the party. It isn’t much longer before we reach a clearing in the trees and the full scene comes into view.

I’m immediately taken aback by the sheer number of people, though I should’ve expected it- I mean, bigger pack equals bigger party, right? There must be at least a hundred people out here, and those are only the ones I can immediately see through the dark. There are a few tiki torches burning so it isn’t pitch black, but the low light is a whole mood. I count at least four kegs sitting in tubs of ice off to one side of the clearing, plastic cups clutched in most everyone’s hands, and of course there’s a speaker pumping out tunes nearby since no party is complete without music.

I’ve barely had a chance to take it in when the guys and I are called over by Ashlyn, and I try not to cringe as we make our way over and I see that Tayla’s with her. I glance at Eddie to see that he’s having a similar reaction to seeing Kylie, and this whole thing is officially awkward by the time we approach the trio of women.

“Juliet, so glad you made it!” Ashlyn greets, a genuine smile on her lips. She looks past me, searching for someone. “Where’s Shay?”

“Date night with Sam,” I reply with a sigh. I wish she was here with me instead, especially seeing the pinched expression of distaste on Tayla’s face aimed my way.

Tobias leans in, his fingers ghosting over the bare skin at the small of my back. “Be right back, we’re gonna go grab beers.”

“You ladies need a refill?” Mike asks.

Ashlyn and Kylie eagerly thrust their cups toward him, and all four guys head off in the direction of the kegs. I watch after them for a beat before swiveling back toward the girls. Just as I’m dreading having to make polite conversation with Tayla, she suddenly heaves an annoyed sigh, pushing past me and stalking off without a word. I stumble a little when she shoulder-checks me as she exits, my jaw dropping open in protest.

“Don’t mind her,” Ashlyn says quietly, edging closer and nudging me with an elbow. “She’s just pissy because she’s on the outs with the alpha. She’s just looking for somewhere to throw the blame.”

I wrinkle my nose and give a little shake of my head. “Why would she blame me? I haven’t done anything to that girl.”

“Because you’re pretty and you’re new, so you’re an easy target,” Kylie shrugs.

“We’re glad you’re here,” Ashlyn reassures, slipping an arm around my shoulders. “Seriously, don’t mind Tayla. She’ll come around once Alpha takes her back.”

I wonder what went wrong between them, the question on the tip of my tongue, but then Kylie speaks up and changes the subject.

“I guess tonight will be the real test of where Eddie’s head is at since I can’t stay late,” she pouts, watching him intently as he pours a beer from the keg across the clearing. “I have that interview tomorrow and I can’t be hungover.”

“Where are you interviewing?” I ask, quickly redirecting the conversation from her situationship with Eddie since I definitely don’t want to be asked to weigh in.

“Jokers. They’re looking for bartenders and a cocktail waitress.”

“Seriously?” I ask, interest piqued. “That’s the club we went to last weekend, right? That place was awesome, it’d be so cool to work there!”

Kylie nods, finally tearing her gaze from the back of Eddie’s head and swinging it on me. “They’re actually having open interviews tomorrow if you’re interested. I could totally use the moral support of having someone to go with, I suck at interviews.”

“Yeah!” I exclaim, a little too enthusiastically. Then, reining it in, “What time are you heading out?”

“I can pick you up at ten a.m. if that works?”

I nod, positively beaming. “Sounds like a plan.”

The guys return with drinks in hand, passing cups out to Kylie and Ashlyn as they join our little group. Tobias slides up beside me, holding a plastic cup in each hand.

“I brought options,” he says, nodding to the cups. “Beer, or beer.”

“Hmm,” I muse, squinting my eyes and tapping my chin in mock consideration. “Guess I’ll go with beer?”

He grins, passing me a cup. “Solid choice.”

I smile back as I take it from him, bringing the rim of the cup to my lips and taking a sip. The cold beer is a welcome refreshment in the summer heat, going down almost too easily, and I take another couple sips before lowering the cup and licking the foam from my lips.

Tobias leans in beside me, nudging my side as he drops his voice low. “Wanna go for a walk?” he asks.

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