Crazy for the Alpha (Sequel to Tutoring the Alpha)

Chapter Eleven: Because the Night

Mickey's POV

              As soon as I got home, I went upstairs to take a shower, expecting to find Benny watching TV or studying or scribbling away in her little diary. I'd hardly seen her at all today, and after the grueling practice I'd just had, all I wanted to do was wrap my arms around her and hear all about her day. She wasn't in our room when I got there, and even though I could sense her presence somewhere on our private floor, I didn't bother going to find her. If she wasn't in our room, that probably meant she was busy with schoolwork, and as much as I'd missed her, I didn't want to disturb her studying.

           I showered quickly, washing all of the sweat and dirt from my skin, and then changed into some clothes for the party. I kept it very simple, knowing that Benny wasn't even going to be there for most of it; dark jeans, a black v-neck, and some Jordans. I sprayed my cologne on my neck and wrists, and then headed downstairs to help set up for the party. Max and Zane had taken Nic out to "get some food" to keep him distracted until the party started, which would be around seven, so we had about an hour and a half to finish getting things together. The minute I set foot on the first floor, I was thrown into the chaos of moving boxes of streamers, transporting cases of soda and beer, and climbing up on ladders to hang sparkly Christmas lights all around the living room. Katie was in charge of organizing the party, and she was running around like the little assistant movie director that she was with a bluetooth in her ear and an iPad clenched in her hands, shouting instructions at everyone.

          When an hour passed, and I still hadn't seen or heard from Benny, I decided to take a break and venture upstairs to find her. The party was starting soon, and if she was wrapped up in her work she might not even be aware of what time it was. I was climbing the stairs when I caught a whiff of Benny's scent on the third floor, and then I heard her voice over the booming music and the chatter of other female voices. What is she doing down here?

"Oh yeah, that's definitely the one. Ross won't be able to keep his eyes off you, I promise."

Smirking, I peeled off the main hallway and dared to move through the women's hall. The music was even louder and more obnoxious here than downstairs, and at least three of my wolves bumped into me and then backed away, giggling, when they realized who I was.

"Sorry, Alpha."

"Oh, excuse me, Alpha, sir. I didn't see you there."

I followed the sound of Benny's voice to the last door on the left. I knocked once, but when a minute passed with no response, I knocked again, harder. The door flew open, and if we'd been alone I would've growled out loud. Benny's eyes were shining with energy and happiness, her brown skin glowing faintly and her lips stretched back in a wide grin. She looked good enough to eat.

"Hi!" She exclaimed, her eyebrows raising a little in surprise. "What're you doing here?"

"I came to find you. The party's about to start." I could see Monica cowering in the background, her eyes downcast and her hands picking at one of the leather bracelets around her wrist. She was standing taller than usual, in a pair of black high heels, and she looked better than I'd ever seen her look in a tight black dress. Some of her hair was pulled back in a way that framed her face and made her look softer and prettier.

Benny's friends with Monica? I was shocked.

"Oh, okay. I guess I better go get ready." Benny turned to address Monica over her shoulder. "You look great. Trust me. I'll see you down there."

Monica just nodded, her eyes wide with trepidation when she dared to look up at us, and I frowned. Why does she look so scared? Extending my hand out to Benny, I was pleased when she stepped close to me, and I led her back down the hall, amid many stares and whispers from the other women. I wasn't a fan of showing public displays of affection, but I felt like I needed to protect Benny from their harsh gaze, so I wrapped an arm around her shoulders as we left.