Page 11 of Alpha Games
She laughed nervously, crossing her arms over her chest. “Even if the mountain lion was a shifter, I don’t think I’d want that kind of favor from someone like you.”
“Someone like me?” I cocked my head to the side, watching the color drain from her face.
The bell rang.
“Alphas, please switch seats.”
Aspen gave me a tight-lipped smile. “Your time is up.”
It felt like we’d done this dance before. Tucker walked toward to the table. It took one glance to send him scurrying away.
Anger simmered under Aspen’s skin as she turned her heated glare to me. “You’re breaking the rules.”
That was cute.
I laid my forearms on the table. “I’d do a lot more than break some stupid show’s rules if it meant spending time with you.”
I wasn’t exactly trying to be smooth, but I didn’t expect her expression to completely shut down.
“My apologies, Alpha. It must be nice not to adhere to the rules like the rest of us wolves have to do.”
I blinked, taken aback. She would think that about me. I remembered the class division before I took my position and it still grated on me now.
The bell rang, signaling the next five minutes, and a few of the production staff glanced our way.
“I’d give you a line on how rules are made to be broken, but that isn’t what’s happening here. I just want more time on our first date.”
Why was I suddenly nervous?
Because you’re messing this up.
Those big brown eyes pinned me in place, seeming to see straight into my soul. “First date? I think I was supposed to have twenty first dates today.”
My wolf flashed in my eyes and I yanked him back, staying in control. “That’s not going to happen.”
“Oh really?” Her tone was mocking, a challenge. “Says who?”
“Says your mate.” I instantly regretted my word choice when I saw the fear on her face.
Was I coming on too strong?
No. Be stronger.
“Thank you for your time.” Aspen moved to stand.
Stop her.
I panicked, reaching for her hand.
The connection of our fingers sent a current racing through me, both soothing and igniting the protectiveness of my beast.
“Sit. Please.” My voice was huskier than I intended. “We haven’t finished our date yet.”
She stared at our conjoined hands, but didn’t take a seat. I felt the war within her. The desire to stand up for herself, to fight against these urges, and the craving to give in.
I could help with that. “What do you need?”
“I… I don’t know.” She sank onto the chair, pulling her hand to her lap. I mourned the loss of contact for a moment until she turned those fiery eyes back to me. “Why does it feel like that when you touch me?”