Page 22 of Alpha Ruined

“That’s not funny.”

“Fine. How about because youowe me,” he says simply.

Her eyes widen in disbelief. “Excuse me?”

“You owe me for saving your ass this morningandprotecting you from the town drunk,” he deadpans.

“You terrified me this morning!”

“The sheriff showed up after you left. I was outside the building and told him a stray cat must have triggered the alarm.”

Her brow furrows. “Really?”

Why would he do that? He had no reason to cover for her.

He nods, an errant tuft of hair falling into his forehead. “Really. Besides, I’d like to redo my first impression with you.”

She bites her lip. “You can’t redo a first impression.”

The corner of his lip quirks. “Try me.”

He grabs her cup again and purposely takes a long sip, locking eyes with her.

“Drinking my tea isn’t going to make me say yes. Have you ever thought of asking before you take something?”

“Of course. It doesn’t mean I will.”

“Wow,” she breathes. “That’s an insane way to live.”

“Whatever you say, sweetheart.”

Sweetheart.

Her inner Omega perks up at the term of endearment. A flush creeps up her chest and her cheeks flame.

He notices and smiles, the corners of his eyes crinkling.

Along with his Alpha scent, he’s almost irresistible.

“I really am just here for this article,” she tells him. “I’m really not looking for…I don’t need to…”

Her voice trails off as Cole watches her.

C’mon, just say it.

“I’m not in Green Woods to make friends. Or otherwise.” She blurts out.

Even though he’s gorgeous, clever, and pureAlpha, she’s leaving in less than a week and never coming back.

Entertaining the idea of wanting something more is out of the question.

Forever.

“I understand. No strings attached,” Cole says, gesturing with his hand. “Purely, just dinner. You’re here by yourself, and it can’t be enjoyable to eat alone every night.”

He has a point.

Still, she can’t shake the feeling that something is…offabout him.