Embracing the Wolf - Book #2 (Anna Avery) (5 page)

“You’ll bring ‘em to their knees, you stud muffin.”

“That’s the idea.” He winked and took a swig of his beer.

I slapped his arm and laughed. “You’re disgusting.”

Elle, Rachel, and I were all laughing over Asher’s comments, but Sawyer stepped away. I watched him head down the porch steps and into the yard. Someone had started building a bonfire for later tonight.

“I’ll be right back,” I told my friends and followed Sawyer out into the yard. I couldn’t stand the awkwardness between us. Just a short time ago, we were sort of a couple, if being forced on dates was considered being a couple. Still, I had grown to like Sawyer and, before bonding with Adam, imagined us being mates. In the end, the undeniable pull toward Adam ruined any chance with Sawyer. I knew it was still a sore subject for him, but ignoring me wouldn’t fix it.

“I’m sorry if I ruined that back there,” I said, coming up alongside Sawyer. He looked over at me and then out at the trees. “I can explain to Rachel that nothing is going on between us anymore. I’m pretty sure she doesn’t like me, but I can make her listen.”

“Rachel?” he asked quizzically. 

“Yeah, weren’t you two … you know, hitting it off before I came along?”

“No, it’s not like that. We were just chatting with Elle. Rachel’s nice, but not for me.”

I didn’t question why. I wanted our conversation to stay on safe ground, and I was afraid of what his response might be. Not that I thought he was still hopelessly into me, but it’s never easy to talk to an ex about present or future relationships.

“So, why did you leave?” I sat down beside him on one of the hay bales surrounding the stacked bonfire wood.

“It’s still a little weird … being around you. I’m happy for you, but I’m not …” He looked over at me. “Ya know?”

I nodded as my stomach churned with dizzy butterflies. “Yeah. I’m sorry, Sawyer. I wish things would have gone differently.”

He leaned over so that his arms were resting on his legs and looked over at me. His spiky, sandy blond hair glistened in the falling sun. “How do you mean? You’re not happy with Adam?”

My bottom jaw dropped in surprise. “What? No. I just meant, if he hadn’t forced me to date you, then you wouldn’t have gotten hurt. I love talking to you, and now things are just …”

“Awkward?” Sawyer supplied.

“Yeah,” I agreed. “And I don’t know how to fix it.”

“You don’t have to,” Sawyer said. “It’s the way of our world—the strongest prevail.”

“It’s not like that,” I told him. “I didn’t choose Adam over you because he’s the alpha. I didn’t really have a say in the matter. It just … is what it is. We’re Chantes.”

Sawyer was nodding his head, but not saying anything. I figured I said what I had to say and staying longer would only undo what I had done. I stood up and was on my way back to the deck when Sawyer finally spoke.

“It’s not you I’m mad at.”

I stopped and turned. “What?”

“Adam knew how he felt about you when he paired us together. He may have been trying to fight it, but he knew damn well he would eventually claim you, and he did. He made me … and then took you … just like that.”

His green eyes turned hard as he stared at me. I could see the pain hiding within them, and it made my heart break. In a normal situation, a girl would have a choice between the two men. In my predicament, there was no question, no doubt who I was supposed to be with. It was Adam. It would always be Adam. Since the bonding, every other man fell off my radar. I didn’t see Sawyer, or anyone else, in the same light as I saw Adam. That just made my relationship with Sawyer that much harder. I couldn’t give him even an inch of hope, and my compassion would only make him think I pitied him.

“He didn’t have a choice either,” I told him again, turning and heading back to the group. I hugged my arms to my chest and lost myself to my thoughts as I walked. I could feel familiar eyes on me. His gaze licked my skin and awakened my wolf. I lifted my head to see Adam standing on the steps staring out at me.

“Everything okay?” he asked as I reached him. He wasn’t staring at me anymore. His eyes locked on Sawyer’s back.

“Yeah, why?” I smiled, hoping he couldn’t feel the inner turmoil roiling through my stomach. There wasn’t much we could hide from each other now that we were Chantes, but I still hoped he didn’t pick up on my guilt.

“You’re upset,” Adam stated. “Is it because of him,” he nodded toward Sawyer, “or have I done something?”

“It’s nothing,” I reassured him. “Nobody did anything.” I stepped up the first couple of steps and wrapped my arms around his waist, resting my head on his chest. Closing my eyes, I inhaled his scent. It eased my mind and washed away any semblance of worry I had.

“Food’s ready,” Elle called over the loud crowd. Everyone stopped talking and bowed their heads. Adam bent over, kissed the top of my head, and then grabbed my hand.

“Come on, my Chante.” Together we walked up the steps to join the others. Adam walked over to the front of the deck. There were at least thirty people on the porch and more lingering in the yard. The ones mingling on the lawn began walking forward.

“It is with great pleasure that the Everwood pack welcomes the Annual Conference to Wyoming. Some of you know my family and me, but have not met my mate, Anna.” Adam held our joined hands up to signal to me. I met everyone’s eyes, a smile on my face, and nodded in greeting. A few of the responding faces were not so welcoming. The blonde Adam was speaking to earlier stood in the back with her friend, both of them eyeing me like a hungry cat facing a mouse. My wolf responded with a vibrating growl I hoped no one heard.

When I looked up at Adam, he was looking down at me. Heat warmed my cheeks and settled in my belly. I don’t know why I was so worried about looking plain; I could have worn a hospital gown, and I would always feel beautiful when he looked at me like that.

“We look forward to getting to know each and every one of you. Our homes are yours,” Adam continued. “Now, let’s eat.”

A wave of applause filled the small space, bouncing off the trees and mountains. Adam tugged me toward the table where the plates and silverware were set up. After filling our plates, we took them to the glass patio table. The sky was beginning to darken to a hazy purple. Someone lit torches surrounding the deck. The burning oil was a bit strong for my sensitive nose, but I would get over it.

“There are a lot of new faces here,” I said as I scooped a spoonful of potato salad.

“These are only a portion of those coming,” Adam said, taking a swig of his beer. Joe, Asher, and the two bimbos from earlier joined us at our table. My muscles tensed against my bones as my wolf readied herself for a fight. As much as I tried to convince Sawyer and Elle that I wasn’t jealous of these two, my wolf didn’t care. She saw the way they smiled and eyed Adam and was ready to sprout claws and sharp teeth.

“Anna have you met Chloe?” Joe signaled to the blonde. “And Cadie?” he said, signaling to the brunette. 

“No, I don’t believe I have,” I said with as much politeness I could manage, all things considered. I had been a wolf long enough that I should have had a handle on my inner beast. The amplified emotions got to me sometimes, especially where Adam was concerned. Chloe and Cadie’s eyes were on Adam. They smiled coyly before looking over to me. My teeth crunched together as I pasted on a fake smile. I would not lose my cool in front of all of these people.

“Lana, is it?” Chloe said with a smirk.

“It’s Anna,” I bit out.”

“Of course. There are just so many people here tonight it’s hard to keep the names straight,” Chloe said with a saccharine sweet smile.

“I’m surprised we haven’t seen you around,” Cadie commented. “What clan are you bred from?”

I glanced at Adam briefly and then back at the slut twins. “No clan.”

Their eyes widened in unison. Joe nudged me underneath the table with his foot. When I looked at him, he was silently laughing to himself. Angry, I stomped on his foot, and his knee shot up and shook the table. Served him right for causing trouble.

Adam cleared his throat. “Tell me, how is the Elson tribe?”

After that, Adam, Chloe, and Cadie chatted as though I wasn’t there. I continued to stuff my face, if for no other reason than to keep my mouth from saying something stupid. Cadie laughed like an excited hyena, while Chloe flipped her hair so much I thought—or hoped—it would catch the flame of the nearby torch. My jaw ached from grinding my teeth so hard, and my muscles were so tight, I half expected them to snap under the pressure.
Adam is just being a good host, entertaining them.
Did he have to smile so much, though? They weren’t
that
funny.

“Anna, may I speak with you for a moment?” Elle asked, coming to our table. I looked up from my plate—my mouth fuller than a chipmunk’s—and nodded. I’d been thinking of an excuse to escape since Chloe and Cadie first sat down. I stood up, excused myself around the mouthful of food, and walked away with Elle.

“What’s up?” I asked, though it came out sounding like, ‘
was pup.’

“Swallow that damn food before you choke, and I have to give you the Heimlich.”

I chewed a few more times and swallowed. “Sorry, what did you need?” I asked as we stepped into the house.

“What are you doing?” Elle snapped.

I looked down at my hands afraid I had sprouted claws and fur. I was relieved to find my normal, human hands. “What do you mean?”

“Why are you letting those twats slobber all over your man?”

“I wa—”

“Are you looking for a fight?” Elle interrupted.

I shook my head. “What? No, why—”

“As the alpha’s mate, all eyes are on you. There isn’t one woman who doesn’t envy your position and would kill to take it. Got me? Don’t let a pair of hoochies swoop in and intimidate you.”

“Did you just say hoochies?” I laughed, but stifled it when Elle glared at me. “Okay, okay.” I held my hands up in surrender. “I wasn’t trying to appear weak or let them intimidate me. I trust Adam and acting like a jealous girlfriend would only embarrass him … and me.”

“We’re werewolves, Anna. We get off on overprotective mates. If people see you cowering in the corner while other females flirt with your mate, they’re going to either assume you’re an easy take down, or that you couldn’t care less.” Elle stepped over by me and placed her hands on my shoulders. “You’re not just an underling anymore. You’re the alpha’s mate, soon to be an alpha yourself. If you don’t assert your position, someone is going to kill you for it. Now, get your little ass out there and show those bitches your grrr face.” She turned me toward the door and spanked me on my butt.

I smiled and nodded. “You’re the best. Thanks.”

“Just get out there and make me proud. Because, as your teacher, it’s my rep that’s on the line. Don’t make me look stupid.”

“You need to work on your manners,” I told her before I slipped back outside. Chloe took my seat in my absence and was leaning a little too close to Adam. I flexed my fingers at my side, curling and uncurling them into fists.

I made a beeline towards Adam’s table. His eyes found mine as I cut through the group of people. Chloe’s head snapped up just as I reached the table.

“Oh, here, let me get out of your spot.”

I eyed her with disdain and held up my hand. “No need.” Stepping around Cadie’s chair, I sat on Adam’s lap and wrapped an arm around his neck. Leaning in, I kissed him and twined my fingers through his hair. I meant for it to be just a quick kiss, but when Adam’s tongue slipped through my lips, I couldn’t stop myself. I pressed myself closer, and Adam snaked an arm around my waist to hold me tighter. My wolf perked up and devoured the lusty sensation Adam stirred within us. The noise of the party faded away until all that I could comprehend was the hardness of his chest against mine, the softness of his lips, and the scent of our mingling arousal swirling in the air. I was just about to rip his shirt when I opened my eyes and reality came rushing back. The noise of our visitors flooded my ears and splashed a metaphorical bucket of cold water on me. I smiled against Adam’s mouth.

“I missed you too,” he said with a chuckle.

“Why’d you stop?” Joe asked.

“Because I could feel your pervy eyes enjoying the show too much,” I joked. “You need to find a woman, Joe. Maybe Cadie or Chloe would be interested?” I looked at them in unison. Chloe’s left eyebrow crawled up her forehead as her aqua eyes glared at me with a vengeance. I had a feeling the bimbo twins wouldn’t settle for anything less than an alpha of their own. Unfortunately, they had their eyes on mine.

“Oh, please,” Joe said. “I don’t need you to get me dates. Besides, I have my eye on that.” Joe pointed to a woman out in the yard. “No offense, ladies. You’re both very beautiful.”

“No offense taken,” Cadie said, her tone snarkier than a hormonal teen girl.

“Are you going to talk to her or stalk her from afar?” Adam asked, nodding to the woman in the yard.

For as long as I had been living with the Everwood pack I’d never seen Joe with a female. I assumed it was because as Adam’s second-in-command he was always too busy, but maybe Joe was shy when it came to interacting with females he liked.

“I have it worked out. Don’t worry about it,” Joe said.

Adam reached around me and grabbed his beer, bringing it slowly to his lips. Was it irrational to be jealous of a bottle? He winked at me, and I smiled, still riding the high from our kiss.

Adam’s gaze fell over my shoulder. His smile turned hard as he stared at someone. I followed his gaze and caught Elle watching us. I curled my lip over my teeth and held up my hand to mimic claws to show her I had in fact put on my grrr face. She nodded and smiled. A few people moved out of the way, and I realized what had Adam on edge. Anthony had stepped onto the porch and was chatting with the visitors. It looked like Wade’s interrogation hadn’t gone the way Adam expected it to.