Alpha's Virgin Pup (Puppyville Pack, #2) (5 page)

“Yes,” Lorenzo manages. Brick lets him go, and Lorenzo makes a show of looking all abused and injured.

“Your mate?” Lorenzo finally spits out. “This weak omega? I’m going to tell my alpha Luka how the Puppyville Pack treats its guests.”

“My love life is none of your concern, Loren. Bobby’s right. You disrespected me. Go on tell Luka that. Luka and I go way back, do you think he’ll listen to you?” Brick leaves his threat hanging in the air.

Thick tension brews inside the town gym we use for meetings. No one’s speaking. Honestly though? Inside, I’m turning cartwheels. Fireworks are going off inside my head, because Brick finally called me his mate and everyone there heard. 

Some jealous pups give me scathing looks for being the one to tame Brick—well that’s not true, no one can really tame an alpha. But I can hold his heart captive and make his wolf want mine.

I have supporters too. My friends, Blue and Jolly, flash me thumbs up signs from their corner. Rover’s got my back and I know Brick’s enforcers might not entirely approve of me. Still, an omega from the pack is still a safer choice than an exile who betrayed Brick once, and would do it again in a heartbeat.

My triumph turns to dust the moment a new expression crosses Loren’s face. I didn’t like the almost caricature malice painted there, or the way his lips tilt crookedly to what passes for a smile.

“Is that how it is?” Lorenzo tosses a lock of his luxurious brown curls. Damn him. I’m suddenly conscious of my mop of unruly red hair. His look of challenge is clearly directed at me. “Fine. Brick, I challenge your omega to an official duel.”

Someone, Rover I think, growls. “A challenge for what purpose?”

“To see who’s more suitable as Brick’s mate.”

“You’re here on guest rights, Loren. Beating Bobby won’t change my mind either,” Brick says evenly.

Lorenzo, the snake, isn’t out of ammo yet. “What, Brick? Afraid your little runt can’t defeat me in a fair fight? Is that the kind of mate the pack wants for its alpha?”

“Whoever said I’m saying no, fruit cake? I accept your challenge,” the heated words pour out of me before I can stop them. My wolf’s howling, primed for a fight. I don’t need to remind the beast we aren’t exactly the cream of the crop.

Brick is by my shoulder. “Bobby, you don’t need to do this.”

“Lorenzo is right. If I can’t defend my man in front of my pack, why would you pick me?”

“You’ll regret this, runt.” Lorenzo smirks, and I have the feeling I just played into his hands. I’ll probably lose. It’s a fool’s errand, but aren’t we all fools when it comes to love?

“Whatever. State your place and time. I’ll be there, buddy. You can be sure of that.”

“All bark and no bite,” Lorenzo says dismissively. “Since you’ve signed your death, I’ll give you a parting gift and let you pick the location.”

A location? Did he do that on purpose, or he knows I haven’t been in any fight in all my life? “The old junkyard,” I say immediately. Okay, sounded manly enough. Besides, I don’t think I can stand the pack laughing behind my back when I say something like the mall or park.

Lorenzo scrunches his nose. “That old stinking place? I suppose it’s a fitting place for a runt. Three days at sunrise then.”

“Did you come here to talk about the Grizzly Falls pack problems, or interfere in my love life?” Brick demanded.

“Both. You can’t imagine how lonely it’s been for me, Brick. I’ve regretted leaving your side.”

“You didn’t leave Brick. He kicked your ass out of town,” I say, flatly.

For once, Lorenzo loses his temper. His pupils turn amber and I almost hope he loses it. Attacking me now could mean we never have to do this stupid duel. Lorenzo shakes his head.

“Clever, runt.” He does his annoying hair toss again. I can’t believe I’m fighting this twink, but I won’t make the mistake of underestimating him. Betraying your alpha and pack isn’t an easy thing to do. Maybe Lorenzo uses his cock air-headed stupidity as a front to hide his real self.

“Oh yes, the mission. It’s all in here.” Lorenzo fishes out—I swear an old-fashioned envelope.

“Hasn’t Luka heard of email or a simple phone call?” Rover asks, snatching the paper.

“Luka doesn’t like technology.” Lorenzo yawns. “Where can one find a decent five-star inn around here?”

“Your ex is a charmer,” I tell Brick once Lorenzo leaves.

Brick frowns. “Bobby, there’s no turning back from this. Are you sure?”

“What? You’re going to protect me from this? Backing down is a show of weakness.”

“I’ve severely underestimated you, Bobby,” someone says, placing a hand on my shoulder. Trig, one of Brick’s enforcers.

“I knew he wouldn’t falter. Brick, we need to discuss this letter,” Rover points to the note.

“I’ll meet you later. Trig, can you keep an eye on Bobby?” Brick asks, ignoring my scowl.

“I don’t need a babysitter!”

Brick pulls me to him for a kiss. I don’t know if it’s to shut me up, or prove some kind of point, but it’s effective. The demanding press of his lips, his arm around my waist, and his hard body pressing up against mine is enough for me to forget why I’m mad at him in the first place.

“Be good, I need you alive.” With that, Brick leaves.

Blue and Jolly come up to us. Blue slaps me on the back. Jolly grins at me.

“The way you told off that guy was awesome,” Blue says.

“Kind of reckless though,” Jolly mutters. “Bobby, you’ve never been in a fight your entire life.”

“I did. Remember back in high school?”

Jolly gives me an exasperated look. “Punching a bully is one thing. Going up against another wolf in a closed pack circle is another.”

My stomach dropped at the reminder. I haven’t been inside that circle, but I’ve been a spectator watching on the sidelines. The powerful members in our rank fight for dominance all the time. It’s our way to establish hierarchy.

I look to Jolly and Blue, neither of them fighters. Then to Trig, who expels a breath, probably sensing my intent. The big-scarred wolf is one of Brick’s best fighters. I’ve seen him in the circle, run through his enemies like an unstoppable force of nature, but I also know there’s a softer secret side to him. Blue tells me Trig likes knitting, but I’m not sure if Blue is just pulling my leg like always.

“Please, Trig? I need some pointers. You’ve won all your fights.”

“I don’t know about this, Bobby. You can’t teach someone to be good in three days,” Trig says dubiously. I have a feeling Trig knows Brick pushed him towards my direction exactly for this reason.

“I just need to learn the basics.”

Blue nudges Trig sharply in the ribs. They’re childhood friends together with another pack mate, Paul, and everyone knows Trig has a soft spot for Blue and Paul.

Trig grunts, and then gives me a contemplative look. “Learning the basics isn’t good enough. We have to make sure you survive the fight, or else Brick’s going to have my head.”

“No one wants that pompous airhead to be Brick’s mate either,” Blue says with a shudder.

“With Trig teaching you, you have a chance,” Jolly agrees.

Trig blinks in surprise as I pull him into a tight hug. “Thank you! I promise you won’t regret this, and I’ll even go to a knitting class with you if you want.”

It’s something to see the big guy change color at the knowledge I know about his secret hobby. He throws Blue a searing look, but sighs. “You’re something else, Bobby Roy. It’s a deal. I teach you to fight and you owe me a class.”

I shook his offered hand. “I intend to win.”

“Wanting to win and seeing the goal is the first step,” Trig says with approval.

O
n the TV screen, the wolves locked gazes and began circling. They take silent measure of each other, before going for each other’s throats. Before anyone can breathe, the fight’s over in a matter of seconds. I wanted the smaller gray beast to win. To see him slink away, only to leap at the faster bastard and catch him by surprise, but no such luck. In nature, only the winners deserve to live.

Jolly and I shudder and share a look.

“I’m so dead,” I declare, hugging my knees to my chest. Jolly’s been my best friend since high school. He knows me inside out, so I don’t bother hiding my apprehension and fright.

“Bobby Roy, I’ve heard Lorenzo won all his fights not because he’s good or fast. He cheats. Does anything immoral to win,” Jolly whispers.

“He’s shady, everyone knows that,” I mutter.

All the curtains in my living room are drawn, even though it’s early morning. I look around the space, feeling miserable. Back in Brick’s warm bed and apartment, I imagine Brick knocking on my very front door, fetching me for our date. I fantasize coming back here after we’re done with all the foreplay—the conversations we have, and me counting the number of times I’ve made him laugh.

Each date brings us closer to each other and by then I’ll know his favorite color, movies and music. I’ll know how Brick ticks. Every dance and tease we do in the bedroom brings our bodies closer, and feeds the heat threatening to erupt inside us. We’re no longer strangers to each other, but the passion between us doesn’t lose intensity...

That’s what I imagine anyway. My ultimate fantasy, but I’m nowhere close to them.

The apartment door opens, and I squint at the figure standing there. Blue is dressed to the nines in a matching, ill-fitting, bright red tracksuit that looks like it’s never been worn. Seeing us, his eyes narrow.

“Where the hell have you guys been? Trig’s going to explode. You know how he hates anyone being late. We’re supposed to meet at the park half an hour ago.”

“We were doing research,” Jolly begins. Blue marches up to us and gives the TV and the Nat Geo Channel a disgusted look. The special program ‘Rabid Wolves of the Wild’ isn’t over yet.

“Bobby, you think you can learn anything from watching TV?” Blue demands, turning it off. “Christ, guys. You’re still in your jammies.”

“Jolly and I like jammies,” I mutter, wincing when Blue goes about pulling the curtains open. Sunlight blinds us, and Jolly and I groan.

“Too bright...I’m suddenly remembering why I hate exercise,” Jolly says.

I give Jolly a look. “Aside from gym in high school, you’ve never exercised in your life.”

Blue gives a snort. “And you think you can take Lorenzo with that attitude? I passed by him on the way here. He’s jogging around town, telling everyone he sees how’s he’s going to send you to the dirt.”

I growled at that. “If that underwear model thinks I’ll take my beating lying down, he has another thing coming.”

Blue claps his hands, startling us. “That’s the attitude. Come on guys, before Trig throws a fit.”

After donning our work-out gear, all three of us troop downstairs.

“Let’s take my car,” Blue suggests.

“With your sickeningly encouraging taunts, I thought you ran over here,” Jolly adds.

Blue rolls his eyes and slides into his convertible. “Please, it’s not like I’m joining your stupid program.”

“You’re dressed for it,” I point out, riding shotgun, while Jolly rides in the back. The drive to the park takes fifteen minutes, tops. Blue parks the car and we head out. Even from a distance, I can feel Trig’s metaphysical energy. Blue isn’t kidding. He’s pissed and everyone knows powerful wolves have a short temper.

We find Trig in a clearing off the beaten path, far away from the human joggers, dog walkers, and parents pushing their strollers. Unlike us three misfits in our never-been-used sportswear, Trig looks damn good. Anyone who looks at him knows he’s some kind of boxer or athlete.

“Damn you, Trig. I feel fat,” Blue declares.

Jolly looks at his slight tummy. I’m not on the slightly heavy side, but I’m gawky and rail-thin. A pale and freckled redhead who looks like he’s avoiding the sun isn’t any better than his ‘healthy’ friends.

“Form a line,” Trig barks like some military sergeant.

“I’m not—” Blue begins, but shut ups when Trig gives him a searing glare.

“I don’t want to hear complaints. We have three days to turn you three marshmallows into something decent. Let’s warm up.”

Warm up turned out to be torture. Literally. Trig made us do rounds, push-ups and pull-ups and whatever ups I didn’t know the name to, only stopping when lunch time arrives.

“A werewolf knows when it’s time to feed his beast and feed his belly,” Trig says.

Sweating and exhausted, all three of us pile into his truck. Trig drove us to a favorite steakhouse most of the Puppyville pack favors.

“I can eat two servings. Meat and side dishes, because I love them buttery potatoes,” Jolly injects.

“I can eat a damn buffalo,” Blue growls.

Trig chuckles and opens the door for us. He reminds me of the big tough big brother I’ve never had.

A couple of regulars—human, werewolf and whatever flavor of supernatural greet us.

“Trig, busy morning?”

“Looks like you toughen up some soft meats there.”

I blush. Jolly looks uncomfortable, but Blue takes it all in stride. Some fellas from the pack give me positive encouragements. The silent ones do those manly jabs on the shoulder that hurt like hell. I gulp when a giant shadow falls over me. Trig’s instantly by my side, but it’s only Harvey.

“Bobby Roy, I hear you’re starting fights now,” Harvey says in a rumbling voice.

“I’m defending my man. Nothing wrong with that, right?” I toss him a challenging stare, except I have to crane my neck because Harvey’s that huge and imposing.

He surprises me by letting out a laugh that sounds like a train passing through. “Nothing wrong with that all along, but I do envy the prize Brick came home with.”

Harvey clasps my shoulder. “You go on and win that fight, Bobby Roy. Show that pussy-footed outsider shifter that every single one in Puppyville’s got balls.”

“I’ll do that,” I say. Feeling underwhelmed, I meekly follow my chums as a waitress sits us.

“What will it be fellas? And Bobby, order whatever you want, it’s on the house.” Cherry Sails gives me a wink. Cherry and her twin Chester are about my age and are also part of the pack.

We give her our orders and when she left, I tell everyone, “I’m overwhelmed by the support’s everyone giving. I’m definitely encouraged to win.”