* * *
Connor watched Tally from across the room. Theron handed him a glass of champagne.
“What do you think?” Theron asked.
Connor knew what Theron wanted to know. Was she emotionally stable and strong enough to be part of their Alpha triad? She was. Though there was a lot of sadness and one very fiery attitude in her, Tally was perfect for them. He knew it from the warmth that hit him to the bone when he touched her. Theron had the same feeling. It was one of the things he could sense from their connection.
“She’s perfect. In every way.” He didn’t bother to hide how much he wanted her himself. “If she can accept us, our triad would be complete.”
Unlike a lot of packs. Wildwoods Alphas came connected to an Omega. Theron and Connor had known from birth they’d be a triad. It was normal. For years they’d shared women, but never a mate. This was new ground. Choosing a human mate made things even more difficult. There was the question of what if her body didn’t take the change? What if she was challenged for her position?
“The females could be trouble. Especially Keya. She’s been angry about our rejection for a while now,” Theron said. They glanced at each other and then back at Tally. She appeared deep in conversation with an old woman. Every few moments she’d laugh or smile. That was their sign she didn’t need any intervening.
“Yes, but we’d have to treat her like one of our own and let her handle it how she sees fit.”
Theron handed a passing waiter his empty champagne flute then folded his arms over his chest. “Up to a point. No way I’d let anyone hurt her. She’s so tiny. And Keya comes from a former Alpha family. She might not be Alpha in our group, but it’s in her blood. She wants to lead. I won’t let anything happen to Tally.”
“She’s a lot stronger than she seems, Theron. Very fierce.” Connor homed in on the tripping heartbeat that belonged to Tally. She was aroused. A second later, she glanced up and met his gaze. Oh, yeah. She wanted a taste. She might not know how deep things truly were, but for now, they’d take her sexual attraction to them and use it to encourage her to be with them.
“Could take a while to get her on board with our needs,” Theron grumbled.
“Then we need to use whatever means necessary to make her see our side of things.” Connor grinned at Tally. She licked her lips and skittered her gaze away from them.
“I think I like where this is going.” Theron chuckled. “This will be fun.”
“I’ll start it off,” Connor offered and readied to march to Tally.
“Keep your eyes on the prize,” Theron growled low.
Their prize was sweet Tally and her sexy body all for them. For a mate. Connor strode to Tally to do whatever necessary to break down her walls. A handful of steps and he was there.
Connor tapped her on the shoulder. Her skin was so smooth, softer than anything he’d ever touched. And the color was driving him to distraction. A smooth caramel that put his paleness to shame.
She glanced at him, her eyes wide behind her glasses. He loved how innocent she appeared before lust filled her dark brown eyes.
“Would you like to dance?” He offered his hand and watched her stare at it for a mute moment.
“Go on, girlie,” the older woman said. “He’s handsome and you look amazing in that dress. Ignore all the idiots and have a good time.”
“Thanks, Grandma Kate.”
“Don’t worry, if I see Nita I will tell her you are looking for her.” The old lady grinned.
Connor pulled her into his arms on the dance floor, already packed with a bunch of couples. The music was soft, so there was no need for outrageous dance moves that might get someone hurt.
Tally glanced everywhere but him. He sensed the tension in her muscles. Her arousal was what brought a smile to his lips.
He leaned down, pressing their bodies tight together and murmured by her ear, “You need to relax, Tally.”
She inhaled sharply. Her ragged breaths and almost inaudible moan made his cock jerk. He slid a hand down her back to the curve of her and pressed her into him. He wanted her body cradling his cock.
“Oh, my...” she whispered.
“That’s all you, beautiful.” He brushed his lips over her shoulder. “I’m so hard I can’t think straight.”
She reeled back, staring at him wide-eyed. “But—but I haven’t done anything.”
He smiled at her shocked expression. “You’re doing enough by smelling so delicious and looking so appetizing.”
He guided her to a darkened corner where he could press her closer to him and torture himself with her softness.
“Connor, you’re both really handsome men, but I have never...” She glanced around. “This isn’t the same room.”