Worth the Price Read online

  Steve took his car and drove out to the Rockwood Vineyards, where the reception would be held. It was a short fifteen-minute drive, although it seemed longer. Steve resolved to do better. Tommy might be looking for him. Reaching the property, he parked his car. All he had to do was endure a few more hours of this. No doubt the other pack members would linger, consume all the alcoholic drinks available, and retire with a random lover in hand.

  Steve could never do that, leave everything behind, including his troubles, to have sex with a complete stranger. Werewolves were creatures who were comfortable with nudity and casual touches but not him. Steve put back his tie once more and joined the party.

  By then, most of the tables and chairs were occupied. Steve promptly took his assigned seat near the couple’s table. He thought he’d croak when the time came to give his speech. Steve rose to his feet and raised his glass to Abel and Tommy.

  “No one could have asked for a better brother, although you gave me headaches sometimes, Tommy. And Abel, I know you’re the perfect man for my brother. Take care of him.” He raised his glass, relieved the others followed. From the corner of his eye, he spotted Leon raising a beer bottle towards him, in a mocking salute perhaps?

  Steve refused to let Leon get on his nerves. The pack numbered thirty members. Why was the Beta so fixated on him anyway? From the rumors he’d overheard, Leon always had his pick of lovers and never had a problem attracting interested parties. Maybe Leon toyed with newbies all the time.

  To be fair, Leon wasn’t all that bad, merely teased him all the time. Part of him wanted Leon to turn his attention elsewhere, and yet his wolf seemed to want the Beta nearby, too. A conflict of emotions.

  Others started to make their speeches, and Steve decided Tommy wouldn’t need him any longer. He slipped away, far from the tables and into quiet vineyards. Strung lights lit the path, probably for the wedding reception, but he could see just fine in the dark. He sensed other pack members already celebrating early, drunk and tangled in each other’s arms.

  Steve walked down a little further, until he couldn’t feel anyone there.

  “Want a smoke?”

  Steve sucked in a breath and warily glanced at Leon. “I didn’t sense you at all.”

  Leon shrugged, offering him a cigarette stick, which he politely refused. Leon tucked it back in the box. “Part of my special skill set.”

  “Your special skill involves creeping up on unsuspecting victims?” he asked cynically.

  Damn it. Steve knew he shouldn’t be talking to the pack Beta like this, being a new recruit. Pissing off the top people who could decide if he was a perfect fit or not, wasn’t the wisest idea. Tommy was mated to Abel, a high-ranking member and an asset, so his brother’s place was secure. Steve was more on a trial basis, but something about Leon prickled at him.

  “Victims?” Leon wore a pretend look of hurt. “If you were my prey, you wouldn’t be standing here.”

  “Are you threatening me?”

  “Not at all. Besides,” Leon flashed him a smile. “I prefer to do a different kind of stalking.”

  “What sort?”

  “Are you really this clueless, or merely playing hard to get?”

  “What?” Steve asked, baffled.

  He was alarmed when Leon leaned far too close for his liking, then did the unexpected. Leon claimed his lips, all heat and bite, tearing through all of his defenses.

  That kiss only provoked one response. Steve’s barrier fell away, and he melted into that kiss.

  End of sample chapter.

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