Alpha Hole

Ch. 41

The day flew by in a blur of shopping bags, laughter, and Jenna helping me to pick out an entirely new wardrobe claiming that Jaxson owed it to me.  I didn't really feel like Jaxson owed me a new wardrobe, but I did think that maybe some new clothes might help me fit into this persona as future Luna a little easier.  Jeans, t-shirts and tennis shoes didn't really scream 'she's the bitch in charge' as Jenna had so starkly put it earlier in the day. 

"Try this one on," Jenna said, handing me a black dress as she sauntered back into my dressing room. "You're going to give Jaxson a heart attack in this one." She said conspiratorially.  It was still strange for me how comfortable shifters seemed to be with changing in front of people. 

And yet, I slipped into the dress, admiring how it hugged my body. Jenna beamed, clearly pleased with her choice. "Perfect," she declared- her light green eyes sparked with smugness.

After picking out several more outfits, we moved on to the furniture store— where Eric, ever the patient chauffeur, rolled his eyes good-naturedly as we debated over different couches. But we finally settled on a plush, gray sectional and two walnut side tables. A few young males from the pack had picked up the furniture, and Eric instructed them to take the stuff to Jaxson's private home. 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the town, we headed to the trendy restaurant where we were meeting Jaxson for dinner. Jenna had convinced me to change into the black dress, insisting it was perfect for tonight, and she had fashioned my hair into a fishtail braid— somehow making me look like I hadn't been trying on clothes all day. My heart raced with anticipation as we walked in.

Jaxson was already there, seated at the bar. He wore dark jeans and a black t-shirt that clung to his muscles, making my breath catch. When he saw me, his eyes lit up, and a breathtaking smile spread across his face.

"Hey you," he said, striding over to me and wrapping his arms around my waist- pulling me against his chest.

But just as our food arrived, a group of females from a neighboring pack walked in. They were all beautiful, and it didn't take long for them to spot Jaxson. With coy smiles and batting eyelashes, they sauntered over to our table. Irritation curled in my gut. 

"Jaxson," a tall brunette purred in greeting, running a finger down his arm. Irritation curled inside me—causing a low rumble to resonate from my chest. Concern was etched in his features as he looked at me. The she-wolf continued giving me no regard. "We're hosting a shifter ball next weekend. Bianca mentioned she's planning to come. You should too." Was she dense?

"I think I'm going to have to decline, but we do appreciate the invitation.  Silver Peak is always a gracious host." Jaxson said as he continued to look in my direction. 

The blonde beside her pouted, her smile dissolving to a forced frown for a moment. "Are you sure? It's going to be the event of the season. You wouldn't want to miss it. And of course Eric and his mate are welcome."

I didn't miss how she purposely made eye contact with everyone at the table except me, acting as if I wasn't even there. Heat rose in my chest, a mix of jealousy and possessiveness that was beyond my control. Before Jaxson could respond, I , my tone sounding board, said, "I'm pretty sure Jaxson is going to be in dispose that weekend. I doubt he'll be able to leave OUR bedroom."  Just as I said the word 'our' I moved my hair off my shoulder allowing my mark to be seen. 

The females' eyes widened slightly, their smiles faltering. Jaxson didn't miss the possessiveness in my voice, and a smirk played at the corner of his lips.

"Well, we won't keep you any longer, enjoy your dinner," the tall brunette said, giving a cheeky smile.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Jenna let out a small chuckle. "See," she whispered, leaning closer to me. "Your wolf is going to be more and more aggressive until you mark him. And it's only going to get worse the closer you get to your heat."

I shot her a look of disbelief, but she just smiled knowingly. Jaxson, looked between us with a curious expression.

"What's so funny?" he asked, his eye searching mine with amusement.

"Nothing," Jenna said with a wink. "Just girl talk."

The rest of the dinner was a blur of delicious food and light-hearted conversation. Yet, the encounter with the females from the neighboring pack lingered in my mind. I couldn't shake the possessive feelings that had surged up so suddenly and powerfully.

As we finished our meal and prepared to leave, Jaxson pulled me close again, his breath warm against my ear. "For the record, I liked seeing that side of you," he murmured.

I blushed, the heat rising to my cheeks. His words stirred something deep inside me, something that felt primal and undeniable.

Back at the house, the new furniture had already been delivered and set up. Jenna popped in to see it —before saying goodnight, leaving me alone with Jaxson in our newly furnished living room.

As we stood there, the tension between us was palpable. I took a deep breath, stepping closer to him. "Those girls—." I started

His eyes softened as he cupped my face in his hands. "Don't matter— you are the only female I'm concerned with," he said, his voice full of sincerity.

I let him pull me into a deep searching kiss.