-Adrian-
The bus finally stops in front of the hotel, and my pack erupts in celebration around me. I don't join them. After weeks of territorial disputes with that rogue pack trying to claim vacant land near our territory, I'm wound tight as a fucking spring. I watch as my inner circle gather their things, some already buzzed from drinks on the ride over. The afternoon sun hangs low in the sky, casting long shadows across their faces.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. I don't need to look to know who it is.
Jasmine:When are you coming back?
I stare at the message, jaw clenched so hard my teeth might crack. I'd been crystal clear weeks ago that whatever was between us was over. She'd grown too possessive, acting like she had some right to give orders to my pack members. The territorial dispute with the rogues had given me the perfect excuse to create distance between us.
Again with this one? Nox sighs in my mind, his tone more weary than angry.
She's persistent, I respond silently.
She's tedious, he corrects flatly.
My phone buzzes again. Against my better judgment, I check it.
Jasmine: [Photo attached]
Jasmine: God, I miss your cock stretching me out.
I exhale slowly through my nose, a predator restraining itself. The photo is a shot between her legs. She is wearing pink crotchless panties. Months ago, a photo like that would have had me hard in seconds.
How original, Nox comments dryly. As if we haven't seen that before.
I silence my phone and slide it away with a barely controlled movement. Her desperation won't ruin this weekend. I follow my pack through the hotel's revolving doors, darkness settling over my features.
"You coming, Alpha?" Asher calls back to me, already halfway to the check-in desk. His eyes narrow slightly, reading my expression with the precision that makes him an excellent Beta.
I don't answer, just stalk forward. Jax steps beside me, his brow furrowed with concern.
"Everything ok?" he asks quietly, his voice low enough that only I can hear.
"Yes," I snap, then force myself to rein it in. "I need a drink. A strong one."
Jax nods, knowing better than to press. "First round's on me, then."
I survey the hotel lobby, marking exits and entrances instinctively. The space opens up with high ceilings and modern decor—sleek marble floors reflecting the warm lighting from contemporary chandeliers overhead. Plush seating areas dot the expansive space, and a gleaming bar is visible through an archway to the right.
Asher walks back toward us, fanning out key cards between his fingers. "Got all checked in. Here's everyone's rooms," he announces, distributing them among the group. When he hands me mine, he holds onto it for a beat longer than necessary. "Corner suite. Best view in the house for our Alpha."
"Thanks," I say, taking the card with a firm grip. "Though I doubt I'll be spending much time admiring the view."
Killian pockets his card and jerks his thumb toward the bar. "Why don't we hit the bar before we head up? I've been dreaming about their whiskey selection since we planned this trip."
"Not drunk enough?" Fynn jokes, elbowing him playfully. "You were three sheets to the wind before we even hit the highway."
"Hell no!" Killian laughs, throwing an arm around Fynn's shoulders. "After the last few weeks, I want to spend the weekend so plastered I forget my own name. We deserve it after all that shit with the rogues."
"I'll drink to that," Jamison chimes in. "Thought I was going to have to rip that one bastard's throat out with my teeth."
"You almost did," Xander reminds him with a smirk. "Would've been less work if you had."
The group heads toward the bar, and I feel my phone buzz in my pocket again. I let out a low growl that silences those nearest to me.
Does she not have anything better to do? Nox asks, his tone bored.
Apparently not, I think back, darkness edging my thoughts.
"What's wrong?" Jax asks as we claim a high-top table, his voice carrying genuine concern. "You've been checking your phone like it might explode."
I take out my phone and slam it on the table—several texts and a few missed calls lighting up the display.
"Jasmine," I say, her name like venom on my tongue.
Jax raises his eyebrows. "I thought you broke it off with her. Like, definitively broke it off."
"I did," I say, my voice a dangerous rumble. "We are done. I made that abundantly clear."
"Doesn't seem like she thinks you're done," he observes, nodding at my still-buzzing phone. "Some people need more than words."
I reluctantly open my messages, my expression darkening further.
Jasmine: When you get home do you want to take me in the bed or in the shower?
Neither option sounds appealing, Nox comments coolly. I'd prefer she wasn't there at all.
Setting my phone down with enough force to make nearby glasses jump, I run a hand through my hair. "Yeah, she's getting on my fucking nerves. Can't take a fucking hint."
Jax picks up my phone and scrolls through the unanswered texts, his eyes widening at some of the photos. "Fuck, man! How can you not give in to that? I mean, she's—"
I snatch my phone back from him, my eyes flashing gold with warning. "Easy. She's not my mate. And she's trying to manipulate her way into a position she hasn't earned."
She was temporary. Nothing more. Nox remarks.
"Sorry," Jax says, raising his hands in surrender. "Didn't mean to cross a line. You do know she's going to be absolutely batshit when we get back to the pack, right? She's already acting like she's entitled to Luna status."
"I can still ignore her there," I reply, signaling for a server with a sharp gesture. "And if she causes problems, she can find another pack to call home."
That would be the simplest solution, Nox notes dispassionately.
Asher appears behind us, clapping a hand on my shoulder. His grip is firm, grounding. "Ignore who? Not that I need to ask."
"Jasmine," Jax answers before I can.
Asher lets out a low whistle. "I told you not to touch that crazy bitch. Said it from day one." He leans in closer. "Want me to handle it? I can make her forget about your cock, once she has mine."
I fix him with a hard stare, then let out a dark laugh. "No. I'll deal with it when we get back. This weekend is about forgetting problems, not creating new ones."
"Fair enough," Asher concedes. "But my offer stands."
"I need a drink," I growl, spotting the bartender at the other end of the bar. I rise to my full height and stalk over to him, commanding attention without trying.
Behind me, four women sit at a nearby table, their excited voices carrying through the bar as they laugh together, clearly a few drinks in already. I try not to eavesdrop as I wait for the bartender's attention, but their animated conversation grates against my already frayed nerves.