A Line I Hate - Halley's POV
I straighten my spine and lift my chin, forcing my voice to be steady. “Alright, let’s do this in an organized fashion.”
Dalton grins, stepping past my brother and getting a little too close. “You look lovely this morning,” he says, and I smile politely, though it makes me uncomfortable.
My eyes flick to the side where Sam has stepped up and watching. He doesn’t move, but his jaw is tight and ticking with his hands curled into fists at his side.
I let my attention sweep over the rest of the alphas as I step back. The ten I haven’t met with personally are already sizing me up as if I’m a prize or a weapon. My pulse quickens.
“Perhaps I should go in order? Reed, how are we doing this? What is your plan?” I ask, trying to sound casual.
“They can introduce themselves and then the ones who haven’t gone on a date with you should go first. It’s only fair,” he says, scanning them again.
There’s a murmur among them with groans and growls. Most are saying it’s a waste of time. Reed steps up next to me.
“I’ll make it simple,” he says firmly. “If you haven’t gone on a date with her, step forward and introduce yourself then step back in line.”
This really riles them up. They grumble and shift impatiently. I catch a few of them eyeing me almost in disbelief.
Ten alphas step up.
The first is a lone alpha named Travis. He quickly introduces himself and tells me he’s the alpha of Lone Rock. When he steps back in line, the next alpha looks up at me. He’s one of the two alphas of Crescent Moon. His name is Larson and his brother, the other alpha, is Mason.
That’s three down, I tell myself as they step back in line.
The rest are a blur and I miss most of their names, though I try to remember them. By the time they’re done telling me their names and packs, they are ready to lose themselves to their wolves. It’s too much dominance in a small area.
“Which alpha do you want to go out with?” Reed asks. “Just pick one to start with. I’ll do my best to keep the rest in line.”
I nod toward Larson and Mason. They seem nice. Reed motions toward them and they both step forward with a faint, respectful bow. My wolf grumbles low in my chest, reminding me that even this carefully curated choice doesn’t mean it’s safe. I force a soft smile, keeping my tone light, though I just want it to be night fall already.
Sam will probably sneak back in my room, even though Reed has said not to.
“Let’s go for a walk,” I say, then look up at Reed, my gaze searching his. “Help the other alphas find something to do.”
I join the brothers and walk down the steps of the porch. The mid morning air is crisp, carrying with it the scent of the forest. They both talk about their pack, their duties, and the politics of Crescent Moon, but my ears only catch snippets. My eyes keep flickering toward the treeline, noticing a dark figure following along.
It’s probably Sam, so I force myself to at least appear to be paying attention.
The walk takes us along a winding trail through the trees. Larson points out a few landmarks, or what he thinks are landmarks. Mason is a bit on the quiet side. He doesn’t really talk, or say anything over Larson, which tells me that there may be an issue with dominance or one brother may not be as dominant as the other.
It could lead to problems and I know I can use that as a reason to get rid of them.
By midday, we circle back near the edge of the forest as they take me back to my father’s house. Larson seems pleased with the walk, but I know I’m craving a different kind of presence entirely. My wolf whines within me softly, nudging me to get back home, yet I know I’ll probably have to go on another date after I get something to eat.
As soon as I reach the porch, I turn back and say my goodbyes. They both leave easily, seeming satisfied.
“So, what do you think?” He asks, then glances to the other side of the porch, where our father sits.
“Mason isn’t as dominant as his brother. He didn’t talk much.”
Dad nods and then stands. “That’s a problem. One may be more dominant than the other.”
“I guessed that, but wasn’t that sure since I don’t know much about packs with more than one alpha,” I add.
“I would get rid of them,” he says, stepping closer.
Reed looks at me, a soft smile spreading across his face. “Do you want me to tell them?”
“Yes,” I say, shaking my head. “Make it nice, though. They are really nice, but I don’t like imbalances. Do I go on another date today?”
Dad looks off behind me. “One more after lunch. Looks like Travis is next.”
“Okay, that’s fine,” I say, heading toward the front door.
The rest of the afternoon after I have lunch is another blur of conversation. I feel like I’m just wasting time until dark.
Though Travis tries to be entertaining and make jokes, I can’t get myself into it. As soon as it’s over, I tell Reed the issues while our father listens in. Once again, he suggests eliminating him and I tell Reed that I’m fine with it.
I walk into the house completely tired. My legs are heavy as I make my way up the stairs. The alphas have all left back to their temporary housing.
As soon as I open the door, I flick on the light, only to catch a quick movement. The lights go back out just as my back collides with the door softly.
His scent hits me before I see him.
“Sam?”
My breath catches in my throat as his weight pins me against the door. The world narrows to the heat radiating from him. His scent assaults my senses, overwhelming me. My hands rise almost instinctively, brushing against his chest.
“Halley,” he says, his voice low and rough with restraint.
I press closer to him without thinking, the ache in my chest demanding more of him. Every brush of his body against mine sets my nerves ablaze. My wolf hums beneath my skin, wishing to let this moment consume me.
His hands slide to my arms as his heat sinks into me thoroughly.
I tilt my head to the side, his lips finally finding flesh and trailing along my jaw. My chest rises faster as my pulse beats in my ears. I’ve never wanted someone this desperately, and yet we’re not supposed to do this.
He stops near my ear, giving me a chance to say no, but I don’t. My hands move up to his shoulders, clutching and holding onto him as if letting him go will end me.
The air between us hums with the bond. He brushes his mouth over mine, teasing and testing. I gasp softly, caught in the moment. Every inch of him is now flush against me.
I let my forehead rest against his, closing my eyes and letting the tension of the day drain away.
“Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be staying away until Reed figures things out? He said he’d help, but…”
“Don’t worry about it. He’s with your father down stairs and knows that I can’t stay away.”
“What?” I ask, my voice hesitant.
“Stop worrying about it. Kiss me already.”