The Alpha's Temporary Mate (Fated Match)(37)

“Do you usually join them?”

Kieran inclined his head. “When I can, since I’m so close to the park. I haven’t been out in a few weeks due to work.”

“I’m not the most coordinated sports player.”

He nodded, looking back at his laptop. “Don’t worry about it. I wasn’t planning on being there today anyway. They won’t be disappointed.”

“No,” she said. “I meant, you’ll have to promise to overlook any instances of me running into trees and things as I attempt to play.”

The smile he gave her was well worth any bruises she would acquire in this outing.

“I’ll go change and be back down in a minute,” she said.

“I’ll let them know to expect us,” Kieran replied as he reached for his phone.

As Chloe headed for her room, she wondered how exactly a werewolf match in the midst of mortals would turn out. Her nervousness was about the potential for supernatural exposure, she assured herself, and not because, once again, she was about to be judged by packmates that were important to the man living with her.



He’d planned to spend the day going over every minute detail of a new investment. Hours of work lay ahead of him—the reason he’d turned down the soccer game invitation in the first place. Though he loved to meet with members of his pack, business came before pleasure. Especially business that helped line the pack coffers as well as his own. He’d had a plan for his weekend the same way he had a plan for every other minute of his days.

But now he was walking through Central Park with a bouncing witch at his side.

Everyone needs a break now and then. He tried to rationalize the situation, ignoring the fact that he’d never been one to shirk a responsibility.

This is a chance to show off Chloe to more of the pack. It’s a strategic outing. Good for our ruse.

Giving his younger packmates a chance to meet Chloe would help pave the way at the retreat and provide her with a few familiar faces to search out when they were in the woods. This work was more important than his investments if he wanted to protect his freedom.

That’s all well and good, an inner voice whispered. But that’s not why you asked her out.

No. He’d see the sadness in her eyes and wanted to do something, anything, to erase it.

Damned witch was wrapping him around her finger—a dangerous possibility he refused to dwell on too long.

“What are your packmates like?” Chloe asked.

“They’re good kids,” he replied. “Just relax. This is supposed to be fun.”

“I am relaxed.”

He arched a brow. The woman nearly vibrated with excitement and nervous energy.

“I just don’t know what to expect,” she defended. “I think we’ve covered that I don’t regularly interact with werewolves.”

“Be prepared for anything. Wolves are competitive and don’t mind playing dirty in order to get what they want.”

That brought a smile to her lips. “Good to know.” She shot a pointed glance in his direction.

Unable to stop himself, he threaded an arm around her waist to pull her closer to his side. His sensitive hearing picked up her swift inhale, and the sound brought a smile to his lips.

“Just be yourself,” he advised. “They’ll love you.”

She snorted at the words. “I think wolves are a little harder to win over.”

He glanced down at her bouncing curls. She certainly wasn’t having much trouble making him enjoy her company. Though cohabitation was necessary for his plan to look convincing, the past week with her had been far easier to adapt to than he’d anticipated. Too easy, in fact. He didn’t want to get used to having her in his home when she was only a temporary addition to his life.

“Is that them?” Chloe pointed at a group up ahead of them.

“Yes. Are you ready?”

She took a breath and rolled her shoulders back. “Bring it on.”

He leaned down, allowing his lips to brush against her cheek as he whispered in her ear. “Remember the point is to have fun.”

She turned toward him, her mouth a breath away. “And to pretend to be madly into you,” she whispered, low enough that no supernatural hearing would be able to pick up on their words.

“That too.” His gaze dropped to her lips. So close. All he had to do was lean down a little and—

His arms were empty. Chloe grabbed his hand and pulled him off the path, into the bright, sun drenched field.

Though he had to smile at her eagerness, the lust riding his body wished she’d held still just a few moments longer.

The group ahead of them turned to watch their approach. Eight young adults gathered around, obviously enjoying being in each other’s company. A soccer ball lay at their feet, waiting for a game to start up.