Tyler lifts his chin in a slight nod, then whirls his finger around in the air in a small circle. “Turn.” Getting a good look at their backsides, he peers over his shoulder back at Caleb and winces with a disappointed shrug.
I didn’t realize a voluptuous bottom was a requirement to lead.
Embarrassed by his beta’s behavior, Caleb hides his face.
I scoff at his ridiculous public assessment. The room whips their heads toward me and frowns disapprovingly at the disruption.
No big deal, just myworst nightmare. It’s fine.
Caleb glares at me and holds up two fingers. “That’s strike two.”
I shut my mouth so hard it clicks.
“Ladies, thank you. I’ll let you know,” Tyler says.
The women look to Caleb for confirmation they are indeed dismissed.
Caleb waves his hand, excusing them.
They curtsey and return to their seats.
Caleb asks Tyler. “What do you think?”
Tyler does as well and leans into Caleb.
“As a hookup, I’m down. But... What if I choose them, and their fated mate dies waiting for them?” He shakes his head. “I can’t do that to someone else.”
“No worries, I get it. This is just a formality. The crown wants you to consider your options in case your mate doesn’t come along. They’re more concerned with my match.”
Tyler rolls out his shoulders and exhales his relief. Who would have thought someone so hellbent on appearing like a horn-dog could have virtuous values? And I’m wondering if that’shis armor, a defense mechanism to appear like an obnoxious monster, so the world doesn’t find out he’s sensitive.
Caleb stands, clearing his throat. “Thank you all for coming. My beta, and I will review your information, and I will present my final decision to the council. Upon their approval, we will contact the necessary parties. Until then, you are dismissed. Thank you for your time today.”
At first, I’m relieved it’s over, but then I remember that can only mean I’ll be returned to my cell. The collar on my neck suddenly becomes tighter.
Once the room clears, I expect Caleb to drag me back to the dungeon immediately, but he doesn’t.
Instead, he plops back down in his seat and wipes his face, groaning. “Ugh, I really don’t want to do this today.”
“Me either.” Tyler stretches his muscles and exhales. “Is it too late to cancel?”
Caleb laughs, and his biceps flex, veins splaying over the muscled hill as he stretches over the back of his chair. . .
I catch myself staring and shake my head at the dirty thoughts plaguing my mind.
I saw that, my wolf says.
Saw what?I feign innocence.
He has nice arms, doesn’t he?She wiggles her brow.
Thankfully, he stops stretching, so I can breathe again.
How could someone so hot besoawful? His genes should have gone to someone more deserving.
Speaking of jeans . . .my wolf teases.
Shut. Up, I tell my horny wolf.
