Midnight Howling Book 1

Chapter 13: Alexander/Lyra

Smut warning Ill mark its beginning and end

Alexander

Alex lifted his second glass of amber-colored liquor to his lips, taking a large sip as the warmth spread through him. Wolf alcohol was far stronger than anything humans could drink, and it hit him quickly. His gaze drifted down to Jessica, the subordinate wolf from this morning. She was chattering about something—nails, maybe? He wasn't really listening. Frankly, he didn't care.

Jessica was attractive enough—her blonde hair cascaded in loose waves down her back, and her tight red shirt with its plunging neckline left little to the imagination, tucked into skintight jeans. She was exactly what he needed tonight—someone to distract him. He didn't want a mate, just a good time.

As he looked around the pack, it was clear he wasn't the only one with that thought. Wolves were pairing off for the night, seeking comfort or release. He glanced down at Jessica again, who continued talking, oblivious to his wandering attention.

"Let's talk somewhere more private," Alex said, nodding toward the grove of trees on the edge of the celebration. Jessica's eyes lit up, and she eagerly followed his lead.

"Sure!" she replied, practically bouncing toward the trees.

Alex trailed behind, keeping his pace casual, not wanting to draw too much attention. Jessica leaned against a willow tree, gazing up at the stars, her silhouette illuminated by the moonlight. The scene triggered a memory of Lyra—how she had screamed into the sky in frustration. He shook his head, trying to push thoughts of her away. Now was not the time to think about the small human.

Stepping closer, Alex reached out and brushed a strand of hair from Jessica's face. Her eyes met his, and a smirk tugged at his lips as he leaned in, teasing her with a brush of his lips. Her breath hitched, anticipation building, but he pulled away just before their lips fully met. A pout formed on her glossed lips, her disappointment palpable.

Laughter from the bonfire caught his attention, pulling his gaze to the other side of the clearing. There she was—Lyra. Her curly black hair was pulled into a messy bun, and she wore a long-sleeve black shirt and light-wash jeans with Converse. She looked... cute. Alex found himself smiling slightly as he watched her. She was laughing, holding a cup in one hand and a plate of food in the other. The firelight danced off her skin, giving her an almost ethereal glow. For a moment, everything else faded away.

Then Liam stepped into view, blocking Lyra from his line of sight, and moved her further from his gaze.

Alex instinctively took a step toward her, but Jessica's hand pressed against his chest, bringing him back to the present. He frowned, trying to hide his disappointment as Jessica studied his face. She brought her other hand to caress his cheek, leaning closer.

"Don't worry about her," Jessica purred, batting her lashes. "I'm sure the Alpha's already got someone babysitting her tonight." She pressed herself against him, her hips grazing his. "Couldn't I distract you instead?" she asked, her voice low and sultry.

Not our mate, Sol grumbled in the back of Alex's mind, irritated.

Alex shoved Sol away, locking his wolf out. He leaned in, crashing his lips against Jessica's, pushing her back against the tree. She moaned into the kiss, clearly enjoying the roughness. He kissed her harder, letting his frustration bleed into the moment. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, her desire evident.

Breaking the kiss to catch his breath, Alex grabbed her hand. "Let's go," he said, pulling her away from the gathering and toward the back of the pack house.