The Russian's Defiant Wolf
Chapter 4
Anna
Two hours. Two hours I’d been running, and my wolf still wanted more. I was exhausted, but duty called.
My grandfather would throw a fit if I didn’t make an entrance and greet the Oborot pack’s alpha.
Afterward, however, I was heading straight to Casey’s, where I’d be staying for the duration of the Oborot pack’s stay.
My home was to be used by the alpha and the beta of the Oborot pack, and even though it was against my grandfather’s orders, I had come up with some ground rules for my new houseguests.
I had left a laminated four-page list on the kitchen counter for the visitors. Upon reflection, some of the things I’d written down, I probably shouldn’t have. They’d been just to spite my grandpa.
The two-hour run had done wonders for my anger and given me lots of time to think. I had every right to be angry at my grandfather, but it was time to move on.
When my grandpa stepped down from alpha, I would become the new alpha if I wasn’t challenged.
So, I’d find my grandpa, let him know I was ready to move on, introduce myself to the Oborot pack leader, and then head to Casey’s to wash off the sweat that had made my skin feel clammy.
When I came close to the bar, I heard music and laughter coming from inside.
Opening the door, I almost groaned at the heat that rushed me. The bar was crammed. Two packs together creating so much body heat made for a sweltering room.
It didn’t help that I was still wearing my coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. I quickly removed them and hung them up on the coatrack just inside to my right.
It helped somewhat, but I was still in desperate need of a shower. Thank god for deodorant. I didn’t smell too bad.
Laughter drew my attention toward the dance floor area. Casey, currently the only adult on the dance floor, was surrounded by cubs from both packs.
Spotting me, Casey weaved through the crowd of cubs who protested and begged her to carry on dancing with them.
Promising to return, which made me smile, Casey headed over and stopped before me, looking as if she wanted to hug me. When she caught scent of me or noticed the sweat on my brow, however, she held back.
“You looked like you were having fun.”
“I was.” Casey smiled. “They are such wonderful people, Anna.” Her brows furrowed. “You look happy. I feel like I haven’t seen you like this in forever.
“You also look sweaty and smell like wet dog.” The glint in her eyes told me she was teasing somewhat.
“I’m feeling better.” I continued to smile. “Have you seen my grandpa?”
“Um, I know he left earlier to show people to their houses.” She looked around. “Oh, he’s there.” She pointed. I turned toward the bar, following Casey’s pointed finger.
My gaze locked with my grandpa’s first. He was sitting on a bar stool, a glass of whiskey in his hand, which surprised me.
He only ever drank whiskey when something bad had happened and he felt he needed a strong drink to forget the day’s or night’s events.
He stared at me with the oddest expression on his face. A shiver ran down my spine. What had I done now?
Tensing and preparing for a verbal beatdown from my alpha, I began to move toward him, but I suddenly felt compelled to switch my gaze to the right of my grandfather, and when I did, my breath caught.
My gaze locked with mocha eyes belonging to the sexiest man I’d ever seen. Not that I got around, hence my virgin status.
But this man was the epitome of, well, as Casey would say, every girl’s wet dream.
Without thinking, I let myself admire him, from foot to head.
I began at his well-worn black boots and admired jeans that had seen better days but hugged muscular thighs. His white V-neck T-shirt molded over a wide chest and broad shoulders.
Was it possible to be envious of clothes? My wolf stirred and seemed to decide for both of us. Hell, yes, I was jealous of his clothes.
The need to rip the offending garments straight off him with my claws was strong.
My gaze traveled over a jaw dusted with stubble, high cheekbones, and dark hair that hung in short waves above low-set eyebrows that were drawn together in a frown.
Moved against my will again, my gaze shifted, but not to my grandpa on the left. This time another man, sitting to the right of the man I’d just unashamedly ogled, captured my attention.
When my gaze met the shifted eyes of the new man, I wanted to curse. My cheeks heated and a flush crept up my neck because this man was just as panty-wetting gorgeous as the last.
He was dressed much the same as the first man but wearing a black T-shirt. I had to calm my rapid heartbeat. My wolf was frantic, and my skin grew itchy as she tried to take over.
He was large. Dark medium-length locks framed a rugged face with a square jaw. His nose was wider than the first man’s and his plump lips had curved up into a knowing smile.
Embarrassed at being caught, I forced myself to turn back to Casey, who had been watching me with a huge grin on her face, as if she knew all the dirty thoughts swirling in my mind.
“Who are they?” I whispered, not trusting my natural voice.
“Alpha Viktor and his beta, Erik. You like? I certainly wouldn’t mind being caught underneath either one of them.” Casey shivered dramatically.
“What did I tell you about hunky Russian guys, huh?” Casey’s gaze left mine for a second, then came back. “You better go introduce yourself. They’re staring, and your grandpa looks furious.”
“Doesn’t he always.” So much for making pleasantries and becoming a happy family again.
Casey gave me a stern look. “You have to forgive him sometime, Anna. It’s Christmas. You have your aunt and uncle, and you have me and all your friends. Who does your grandfather have?
“He may be our alpha, but you know what they say—it gets lonely at the top.
“Let’s hope he loosens up this year and has a fling with one of the Oborot pack members. I saw a really pretty woman who looked like she was around his age; should I set him up?”
I cringed at the thought and furiously shook my head no.
Casey giggled, then made her way back onto the dance floor, much to the cubs’ delight as they swarmed her.
Smiling at the sight, I pivoted on my heel so I now stood facing the bar. Keeping my eyes locked with my grandfather’s, I moved toward him slowly.
Just a few feet from him, the most delicious scents captured my attention and teased my nostrils, making me pause. Where were those smells coming from?
My wolf started panting and yipping in my head. She wanted out and she wanted the two delicious men in front of me.
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