44

I was wearing my skinny jeans, a plain vest top and I’d kept my makeup minimal.
But here I sat with a smirk spreading over my lips, watching Colton slowly pace back and forth on the phone, his index finger running across the slight dark stubble on his beautifully sculptured chin.
He seemed really frustrated, it was because of work. His eyes were so dark and angry it amused me. So far, he hadn’t done anything to convince me that walking away from him would be a mistake.
It made me feel better that I could actually walk away from him if I wanted, even though I doubted I could if I tried.
You know the procedures, I’ve been over them enough times. If anything happens just simply remove the individual from the premises and I’ll deal with the paperwork, he spat down the phone, which has been going off non-stop all morning.
I guess by his moody face and occasional glances my way he knew that his time was slowly flying by him.
However, in my moment of lucidity, I doubted myself. Did he even want me as much as I wanted him ? It didn’t take genius to work out which way my thoughts were going.
I meant did he want to complete our mating bond ? He just said we should avoid it.
Was he even attracted to me ? I sighed out-loud and pulled my mobile from my jeans pocket.
I had another missed call from my brother and a new text. I opened the text, not at all worried about it.
Where are you ? Please call. It read.
There was no chance I was phoning Ray to tell him were I was. If he found out I was with Colton, I was afraid it would put me and my brother in more problems that I just couldn’t face right now.
There was a lot we had yet to talk about, but I didn’t want to delve into our problems this weekend.
A shadow fell over me, distracting my thoughts. I looked up to see Colton standing above me. He was no longer on the phone but it was still in his hand. He tilted his head slightly, his eyes analysing me.
Without helping it, I looked at his lips, wanting more than anything to kiss them.
My thoughts were broken when his phone started ringing once again.
Without saying anything lifted the hand and crushed the device in his hand so it crumbled and fell to the floor like sawdust.
My eyes widened and so did my mouth. Didn’t he need his phone ? Colton outstretched his hand and waited for me to take it.
Feeling my heart start to go wild, I reached out and let him pull me up from the couch.
Go and put some shoes on.
I swallowed deeply and nodded, very aware of how hot he looked right now. I ran into the bedroom quickly and grabbed my converse that were lying on the ground by the bed.
I wondered what we were doing. I pushed my feet inside my shoes and fixed myself in the mirror.
When I made my way back, Colton was standing by the patio doors. He was now wearing vans and a pair of aviators.
I bit my lip as I walked over to him, I couldn’t see his eyes anymore, but his mouth twitched up into a casual smile.
Are you ready to be persuaded ?
Give it your best shot.
He grinned boyishly and took my hand in his, interlocking his warm fingers in mine.
We headed outside into the hot, summers day with a nice breeze. His car was parked underneath a tree, but we didn’t head over towards it, instead he pulled me towards the beach.
Now that it was daytime, I was able to make out my surroundings more clearly. We were in a caravan park, but it looked like it was used by the rich because of the stunning caravans dotted around, some even had gardens.
Our neighbouring caravan was just as nice as Colton’s, and the couple sitting on the decking waved at him, he waved back, but didn’t stop to chat.
This was my parents’ favourite place to come, he started speaking. They used to bring me and Evelyn here every summer. After they died, I came here a lot on my own. You’re the first girl I’ve brought here.
I felt both happy and sad about that, Colton really was alone.
Do you not see your other family ? I asked, remembering what Toby said about Colton keeping his distance.
He shook his head. No. After my parents murder, I became alpha straight away. I was only sixteen, so Toby’s father ran the pack until I was old enough to take the responsibility. I stayed with Toby’s family through school, but that’s the only time.
How old were you when you took over your pack ? I asked, I liked hearing about his past.
Nineteen, he smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. I guess you could say I became too independent. I moved into my parent’s house, the house I’m in now and blocked myself off from the personal family thing. It’s better that way.
His hand tightened around mine as he helped me down a slope towards the beach. This beach brought me back to the night where he took me to his private beach resort.
It was clear Mr and Mrs Dawson cared a lot about their children and were very successful.
I think Toby thinks a lot of you, I said. He looks up to you.
Colton smiled a little. He should. He’s my beta.
What’s a beta ? I raised my eyebrow at the alien word.
He’s my second in command, he keeps the pack organized when I’m not around.
Oh, I frowned and shook my head at how crazy it sounded, but it made sense strangely.
We walked along the golden sand, the smell of salty air wafted up my nose and made me reminisce of the times when I was younger when we used to visit Gran in Ironer Bay.
I made a mental note to visit her sometime. Speaking about family was making me miss her.