not going to happen, so get it out of your head right now.”
“But that’s where the money is, Dad,” Jason said. “If I could go there and start a business, establish my name, then I could make this pack a fortune.”
“Money doesn’t matter,” he said. “Not a damn bit. You being here, being a part of this pack, that’s what matters. And besides, you’re set up to marry Maddie Blackclaw. If you think you’re going to get out of that, you’ve got another thing coming.”
Jason scoffed. “Dad, have you ever even seen the two of us together? We’ve got about as much chemistry as a wolf and a dragon.”
“That doesn’t matter. You don’t get married for chemistry; you get married because you’re the right age, and because it’s the will of the pack. And you’re damn well past the right age. It’s about time for you to do your duty instead of running around with humans.”
“You’re so damn stubborn,” said Jason. “Set in your ways.”
“You can think whatever you want,” said Jared. “But here’s what’s going to happen—you’re going to stay here. Then you’re going to marry Maddie and imprint. Then you’re going to have kids. You’re so concerned about making the pack stronger? Then that’s how you’re going to do it. And that’s why you’re getting married. I’ll be damned if my son wastes his best years screwing human women in Seattle.”
“Bullshit,” said Jason, standing up. “Just because that’s what you did doesn’t mean it’s what’s right for me. I know what I’m good at, and I know how I can serve the clan. Don’t take out your bitterness on me for not getting out there and seeing the world when you had the chance.”
But Jared said nothing, instead staring hard at Jason.
Jason couldn’t figure out what effect, if any, his words had.
“Screw this,” said Jason.
With that, he got up and stormed out of the room, then out of the house, grabbing his bag on the way out.
When he was outside, he stood still, letting the anger and frustration flow through him. His father was stubborn, he thought. And he knew he was right.
“Yo.”
Jason turned to see Eric at the entrance of the house.
“Nice welcome back,” he said.
Jason shook his head.
“The old man doesn’t know what the hell he’s talking about,” he said.
“Maybe. But it’s not like you’re going to talk him into anything. You should know by now what he’s like when he gets an idea in his head.”
“Yeah, nothing makes him change his mind.”
Eric shifted on his feet as if he wanted to say something he didn’t know quite how to put into words.
“Uh, anyway, it’s good to have you back. Been boring without you.”
“Thanks,” said Jason. “But I’m serious about leaving.”
“Yeah, I bet. But...what are you doing tonight?”
“Was thinking about going to Marley’s and getting drunk. Why?”
“Because there’s going to be a party tonight. Some of the alphas are throwing a kegger out in the woods. A few other bears from some of the other packs are going to be there. Might be fun.”
“And Mom and Dad know you’re going?”
He laughed. “No way. I’m sneaking out. But you don’t have to.”
“Then maybe I ought to tell them you’re going.” Jason grinned, showing he wasn’t serious.
“Then you won’t know where it is.” Eric grinned right back.
“All right, fine. When is this thing?”
“Midnight. I can meet you at your place if you want.”
Jason considered it, thinking that it might be good to get out and be around some people instead of staying home and being pissed.
“Yeah, that sounds good. See you then.”
“See you.”
With that, Eric headed back inside. Jason, bag in hand, went back to his cabin. By this point, the camp was alive, other members of the pack saying “hi” and “welcome back” as Jason passed, a few trucks starting up and heading into the woods.
And Jason spotted a few of the women in the pack, all of them looking Jason up and down with the same sensual eyes.
All right, maybe the old man wasn’t wrong about wanting to get laid. But fuck, I’m an alpha. Am I just supposed to ignore how every woman in the shifter and human world wants me? Nope—I’m going to have my fun. Maybe settle down someday down the road.
But not now.
As he neared his cabin, he spotted one of the other women in the pack.
And this one nearly caused him to drop his bag.
She was long and lean, wearing a pair of cut-off jean shorts and a barely-there crop top,