Page 8 of Alpha Games
“Right.” Both I and my wolf agreed.
Fallon leaned back on her elbows. “I know this concept may be foreign to you, Alpha dearest, but you might need to try to be a little less intense.”
I thought back through the list of things I’d done. The clothes. Getting her stylist out of debt. Protection. Admitting I was wrong and having my pack come out here on a last-minute notice.
“I’m not that intense,” I said, looking to my pack for confirmation. None of them would meet my eyes, but I was used to this part of being an Alpha. It was difficult for any except the most dominantshifters to maintain eye contact for long. I still encouraged it even if they were uncomfortable. Everything in life was a lesson and the younger ones especially needed to learn to stand up for themselves.
“This is going to go well.” My sister met my gaze and then rolled her eyes. “I can’t wait to see how you handle the speed dating tomorrow.”
5
Aspen
“What are your hobbies?” I sat across the small dinette table from Trenton in my hotel room and tried to pretend I wanted to be here.
He growled in frustration. “You know what I like to do.”
Gritting my teeth through the fake smile plastered on my face, I tried again. “Everyone in Nuva Pack is aware of your hobbies, but we aren’t in Nuva anymore. If you don’t take this seriously, you’ll be returning to the pack without a mate so shut up and answer the question.”
“How am I supposed to shut up and talk at the same time?”
Goddess, help me. He was hopeless.
I could have told you that.
I took another deep breath. “I meant–”
“I know what you meant.” He folded his arms over his chest, pouting as he looked away. “I like cars and shit.”
“That’s progress.” I channeled some zen-like teacher skills. “Care to elaborate on why poop is so appealing to you?”
Trenton rolled his eyes. “Very funny.”
“Not really.” I shrugged. “I don’t know any female who is going to be impressed by your fascination with bodily excretions.”
“Seriously, Aspen. Do we really have to do this? It’s speed dating. I’ll just let the girls do the talking and move on to the next ones.”
I massaged my forehead. “This is exactly why we’re practicing. Molly doesn’t want you to come across as a dud, so we need to turn your charm factor up a notch.”
“You’re saying I’m not charming.” He rested his forearms on the table, smiling with a dimpled grin.
Gross.My wolf recoiled.
“Not if you like shit.”
“Fine.” He clenched his jaw. “I like working on classic cars and playing football.”
“That’s much better. Is there anything you like to do that one of the Lunas might be interested in? Something a little softer and more romantic?”
He studied something on the table and I worried I pushed him too far. We’d been at this all morning and the speed dating round was this afternoon. I wanted him ready, but there was only so much I could do to polish a… turd.
We might have to go withgood enough.
“I like bonfires,” he mumbled, “and hanging out under the stars.”
My eyes widened. “That’s perfect. You can always use that answer if you get asked what your idea of a romantic date is.”
Look at me go. I was a great teacher, turning him all soft and… shit.