“Dinner was a good choice. You’ve been clear with me from the beginning about your looking for a pack. So it’s something we can all work through,” I say, even if I’m faking being laid back.
Part of me wants to strangle the Beta sitting at the table. The other part of me is slightly intrigued and wonders what exactly Sloane sees in him.
“Well, you two already know each other from the team,” Sloane says awkwardly.
“Not really,” the Beta whispers.
I’m back to wanting to punch him.
It’s been nearly a week, and I haven’t had a moment alone with Sloane. Meeting this asshole is cutting into my time.
“Right, I’m the mascot, and I work at a diner on my time off. When I’m not at my one-bedroom apartment I’m usually at my foster dad’s place,” Ethan says, and I nod my head.
He’s the mascot and works at a diner. What the fuck, Sloane?
“I play hockey, and then I go home,” I say, and Sloane rubs her forehead.
Her phone vibrates on the table, and she mutes it, forcing a smile between us.
“So we all like hockey, that’s something,” she says, and I let out a sigh.
Maybe it doesn’t matter how deep my connection with Sloane is, maybe I’m just not cut out for pack life. A feeling of loss and rejection fills me until Sloane grabs my hand and squeezes.
“Hey. You’re here, you’re trying. That’s all I can ask,” she says, and I search her face.
Her phone goes off again, and her brows furrow, but she mutes it again.
“Man, I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing either,” Ethan says, and my perception of him shifts ever so slightly.
Sloane’s phone goes off again, and she turns the screen.
“I’m sorry, guys, I’m going to take this really quick,” she says, and we both nod.
Ethan breaks the silence first.
“Listen, if you’re wondering what the fuck Sloane is doing with me, I’ve already asked myself the same question a million times. The fact is, she’s the girl of my dreams, and if you think you’re going to go all macho Alpha on my ass, you can try. But I’m not going any-fucking-where, so bring it, motherfucker.”
His speech makes a smile take over my face against my will. But the Beta has balls, and I like that.
I rest my chin on my palm.
“Do you think you could kick my ass, mascot?”
He looks me up and down and clicks his cheek. “No, but I’m pretty fast. I could tire your big ass out and then use my wiles to take you down. Some David and Goliath shit.”
My smile widens.
“You aren’t so bad,” I reply, and his eyes widen.
“Is this some reverse psychology bullshit where you make me feel comfortable and then slit my throat in my sleep?”
I look him up and down and sigh.
“No, Sloane likes you, and I’m trying.”
Ethan looks like he’s seen a ghost as I say that. “You know, you have a bit of a reputation for not liking people.”
“Well, I like Sloane the most. And what did you say? She’s your dream girl? Same. Being a dick to you doesn’t fit my agenda.”
