Rone

Chapter Three

Rone

Chapter Three

I took a shot of vodka and then brushed my teeth.

I packed up all of my things, haphazardly tidying my motel room as I went. It was almost noon and I was late. The night before Daniel and I had agreed to meet at the café in town for half past ten. I hoped he was a patient guy.

My eyes stung as I left the room, the sunlight too intense after a night—and morning—of drinking. I slipped my shades over my eyes as hiked my duffel bag higher on my shoulder, swaying slightly on my heels.

Daniel had two empty mugs in front of him along with a plate of crumbs. "You're late," he said disapprovingly. I watched him take in my appearance from the beat-up leather jacket, the ripped black jeans, to the high heels. I could tell he wasn't impressed.

I slid into the booth, kicking my things under the table and hailing down the waitress. "Coffee," I ordered, "and whatever special is on for breakfast." The waitress looked at her watch and then back at me, debating whether or not to give me a hard time for ordering the special at lunch. She didn't.

"You smell like alcohol," Daniel commented, narrow eyes tightening.

I waved him off. "Coffee will fix that."

"Spencer is going to be wondering where I am," Daniel mumbled, agitated.

"No one likes someone who is passive aggressive," I snapped, irritated more so that I was out of aspirin. I rubbed my temples. "You're pissed at me for being late—just say it."

"Yeah," Daniel agreed, "I am pissed. You were supposed to be here almost two hours ago." I held my tongue as the waitress appeared with my coffee.

I shrugged. "What does it matter? Rone doesn't want me around at all, an hour isn't going to change that."

The beta sighed.

I raised an eyebrow. "What did I say about being passive aggressive?" I downed half of my coffee in one go, not bothered as it scalded my tongue. I looked Daniel up and down. "Are you mated?"

"No," he answered stiffly.

"Do you have a girlfriend?" I asked, catching the tight line of his shoulders.

"No," he answered, "I don't." Daniel's expression became guarded, a glare taking over his face. He didn't want me to ask my next question.

I leaned back in my seat, sliding my sunglasses off of my face and tucking them onto the front of my shirt. "So, tell me about Rone. What do I need to know about your Alpha?"

Daniel sunk into the booth, thankful I laid off. "Spencer is a really smart guy. He's really focused and committed to the pack. He's really—"

"So where has he been?" I asked, finishing my coffee and lifting my finger to wave down the waitress. I needed at least three more if I was going to deal with this Alpha. Daniel frowned and I interjected before he could speak. "The useless assholes I was talking to," I closed one eye, "Garrett and company—they called Rone a newbie."

"Spencer is from our pack," Daniel said, "he just left for a while."

"Here you go, hun," the waitress chirped, setting down a pile of mashed eggs over soggy toast. I grimaced and she left, hurrying to get the coffee pot.