He blinked and sprang away. There was another colour explosion and she caught a brief glimpse of smooth human skin before he vanished through the door leading to the male changing room and she was left alone.
Chapter
Twelve
After her second shower of the day, Mallory sat on the edge of the guest bed thinking about Alexander’s astonishing transformation.
Samantha came to fetch her. ‘The boss has asked you to join him for dinner. Apparently you’re coaching him through it or something?’ The beta werewolf shrugged. ‘Last time I checked he could hold a knife and fork and maintain a sensible conversation, but it’s not my place to question my betters.’ From the look on her face, that’s exactly what she was doing.
Deciding that it would be a good idea to have the scary beta on board, Mallory explained. ‘He’s too alpha.’
Samantha’s eyebrows shot up. ‘Tooalpha? Isn’t that what women like?’
Mallory snorted. ‘Is that whatyoulike?’
‘Well, no – but I can’t speak for everyone.’
‘A fantasy boyfriend can be deliciously alpha,’ Mallory said. ‘But a real boyfriend – a real-life partner – should be someone who is confident and sexy but who also treats you like an equal and is nurturing and kind.’
Samantha didn’t blink. ‘Alex is all of those things.’
‘So why aren’tyouhis girlfriend?’
‘Ugh. It would be like dating my bossy older brother.’
Mallory snapped her fingers. ‘Bossy. There you go.’
‘He has to be bossy – he’s the damned boss.’
‘I’m not trying to change his personality or his alpha position, I just want him to show more of his vulnerable side and to think carefully about what he really wants in a partner. Does he want someone to order around or does he want someone to share his life?’ Mallory shrugged. ‘If it’s the former, then okay. I’ll adjust my search parameters.’
‘Alex doesn’t want a doormat. He’s not like that.’ This time Mallory stayed quiet and Samantha filled in the silence. ‘That’s not what he needs. And certainly not whatweneed as First Mate.’
Mallory thought about what he’d told her earlier in the day. ‘Is Alexander intimidated by smart women?’
Samantha gaped. ‘Definitely not!’
‘Does he know how to talk to women?’
‘Yes! Believe me, Alex can charm the knickers off almost any woman he sets his sights on.’
‘So why hasn’t he settled down yet?’
‘It’s not a personality defect,’ the werewolf said defensively. ‘He’s just not met the right woman.’ Her eyes narrowed a fraction as she stared at Mallory.
‘What is it?’
Samantha shook her head. ‘Nothing.’
Mallory stood up. ‘Well, I hope I can help him find who he’s looking for.’ She smiled. ‘Are you escorting me again?’
‘Just showing you the way. This is a big place. You might get lost.’
Mallory nibbled her bottom lip as they descended the grand staircase. She wasn’t sure whether to broach the subject or not, but this was good intel and it would help her cause in the future if she knew the answer. ‘Samantha,’ she hedged.
‘Yes?’
‘Earlier today when we were in the gym, Alexander changed.’
