The Reluctant Alpha (West Coast Wolves #1) - Susi Hawke Page 0,35
the challenge is scheduled for one week from today at ten o'clock in the morning at a neutral spot in the desert between you. I’ll text you the coordinates. Now this is where I'm supposed to suggest you get your affairs in order, should the challenge not go your way. But since my money's on you, I'll tell you to make sure you get a decent sleep the night before. Let's see, what else would a halfway decent parent tell you if they were here right now? I never had kids, so I wouldn't know. My mom would tell you to wear clean underwear and remember to brush your teeth, if her advice helps."
"Thanks, Ash. I'll take it under advisement. Or how about I let Elisha take charge and make sure I'm rested and well fed?"
Ash chuckled roughly in my ear. "Works for me too. Let your mate spoil the hell out of you, now that I think about it. Nothing will make you fight harder than knowing your sweet little mate is depending on you."
"Fuck you, Ash. Now I’m going to be stressing for the next week and remembering mine isn't the only life I'm risking." I held my breath, half afraid after talking to the territory chief like we were old friends.
I shouldn't have worried because Ash cracked up more. "Did you really say ‘fuck you’ to me? I like your style, kid. I knew I liked you. Now do us both a favor and don't screw this up. I'm looking forward to taking you up on your offer to visit your guestroom. In fact, I'll bring a bottle of my best scotch so we can toast your success."
"Sounds like a plan. See you Monday, Ash. I look forward to meeting you. I'll be the cocky one with four other alphas as my backup team. Yes, before you ask—there is a story. And I'll be happy to tell you all about it over a glass of scotch. Until then, I'll merely remind you Monty has all my deltas, and I have no other options."
Ash snorted. "Can't wait to hear the tale. A group of alphas working together? I wish I saw the like more often. Besides, you're welcome to bring anyone you want for your backup team. Hell, bring some damn cheerleaders and a marching band. Give us a show before the main event. Simply make sure you deliver at the end because I already know I'm going to prefer doing business with you."
"I'll do my best, Ash. Have the scotch ready."
Eight
Elisha
Even though I had every faith Matt would win, tomorrow was scary to think about, so I was doing my best not to. Think about it, that was. And since I was having the best day ever, pretending we weren't one day away from the challenge was easy.
My life with Horace was nothing more than a bad dream at this point. After all the times I'd woken up to him pushing his fat, sweaty body into mine, waking up with my dick in my mate's mouth was amazing.
And afterwards, I'd been forced to take a long, hot shower where Matt took his time soaping me up and cleaning my body. He'd given special attention to every nook and cranny. Yeah… more than the temperature had been hot in our morning shower.
Paula was rattling around the kitchen when we went downstairs, but her presence was okay since I was supposed to be off today anyway. After shooing us to the breakfast room, Paula made sure we got to enjoy a private meal before letting anyone know where we were.
Sometimes, she could be too bossy, but days like this reminded me how thankful I was to have her in my life. During my time with Horace, I'd wanted to take over managing the household because he wasn't as mean if he thought I was earning my keep. Plus, I really did enjoy cooking and meal planning. Housework, not so much. My role seemed to be changing anyway because I was mated to Matt, so it was probably a good thing Paula was so protective when it came to her job. Letting Paula work while I found other things needing my attention was easy.
Like my garden. Matt hadn't discovered my hideaway yet, and I'd been too shy to bring it up. But if he ever saw my lush plot, taking over the backyard with more fruits and vegetables than normal for the region, he might have a few questions.