Page 23 of Cuffed By the Wolf

Chapter Eight

SASHA

Iexhale as I step inside the bar, a smile spreading across my face at the familiar mix of alpha, omega, and beta scents swirling with the sharp tang of stale beer and salty peanuts. After two days working alongside Sheriff Drake, I’m craving two strong drinks.

The man is unbearable. What woman in her right mind would consider settling down with him?

I’m starting to think he’s enjoying this—piling on these impossible tasks just to mess with me.

I’m so buried in work that Fitch and I haven’t had a proper lunch; we’ve been eating at his desk in the garage.

I notice the sheriff shooting us daggers. I’m not sure why he cares if I date one of his deputies. Fitch seems to think the sheriff likes me. I told him he’s mistaken.

Drake is controlling, hellbent on pushing me out of town as quickly as possible.

Still, I was caught off guard when he offered to help me track down the bastard who destroyed my life. It touched me that he cared enough to offer. And part of me liked the idea that he wanted me protected. Maybe that’s the whole fated mate bullshit.

Because honestly, all I wanted was to run my hands over his chest and whisper, thank you, alpha.

“Sasha, welcome,” Harry yells, waving me over from behind the bar.

A smile lifts my cheeks. “Harry, it’s good to see you again.”

“I’m really glad you’re here. What can I get you to drink?”

“I’ll have a strawberry margarita on the rocks.”

“Coming right up.” he grins.

So far, the only place that made me feel unwelcome was Everette’s antique shop. Even Ms. Gloria had been friendly. I sweep my gaze around the bar. Several locals sit chatting at tables while others play darts and pool.

“How was your day?” he asks, sliding the drink across to me.

“Busy. I’d like to forget today. What about you? Anything interesting happening in town?”

Harry fills me in on the latest gossip.

“The women sheriff sleeps with just walked in,” he says.

I turn toward the three women who’ve just arrived. They all look between twenty-five and thirty-five.

They settle at a nearby table. Perfect, time for some eavesdropping.

“He said he’s coming over tonight. A new employee’s got him stressed out.”

I clench my teeth as I listen in.

There’s absolutely nothing I can do about them fucking my fated mate. Shit, they aren’t even pleasing him. I knew that before he said he’d have me in some compromising positions all over the room. It’s clear the man. The wolf wants to fuck me. He’s also clearly jealous of other men being around me. Maybe it’s a wolf thing.

I can’t believe he eavesdropped on my conversation outside my camper. The absolute nerve of that man.

I thought I could get out of taking my scent suppressants daily. It’s difficult when I’m constantly wet for the grumpy sheriff.

“Harry, put this round on me,” I say with a grin.

“Got it,” he replies.

A waitress delivers the drinks and nods toward me.