A Mate for the Beta: by E A Price Read Free Book Online Page A

tables.  Her heart thudded in her chest.  He wants to sit with me, he wants to spend time with me.  No, a nasty little voice said, he probably just wants to talk to you about Iris.
    She breathed in and out slowly trying to calm her heartbeat.
    He studied the menu, despite knowing it inside out, sneaking quick glances at her.  Her blonde curly hair framed her heart shaped face.  She wore no makeup, she was a natural beauty.  She was an angel.
    He cleared his throat.  “What are you having?”
    She examined her own menu biting her lip.  He felt his trousers tighten as blood rushed to his groin.  He shifted uncomfortably.
    “I think the chicken kiev and an iced tea.”
    “Me too.”   He said quickly.  Both were the last things he would normally order but part of him thought that she might take to him more quickly if he liked the same things as her.  He desperately needed her to like him .
    “So... is there any news about Iris?”
    He looked at her directly, his eyes were piercing.  She wavered under his gaze and felt heat pooling in her womb.   “No, I’m sorry.  Nothing yet.”
    A young bobcat called Dennis came over to take their order.  He was training to be an EMT and working at the Diner part time.
    “Hey Liv,“ he called cheerfully looking her up and down appraisingly, a whiff of arousal hit Alec and his wolf grumbled. 
    Liv returned the greeting.  Dennis noticed Alec and cringed.  Alec had arrested him for underage drinking, more than once.  “And hey Sheriff... nice to see you.”
    “Dennis.”  Growled Alec.
    Dennis looked between the two of them with interest but dare not say anything.  “What can I get you both?”
    Alec ordered for both of them.  An ice tea for each of them, one chicken kiev for Liv and two for him.  Liv was surprised at the double order, she’d probably never eaten around wolves before.  They eat a hell of a lot.
    Dennis jotted down the order and before leaving his eyes settled on Liv’s generous breasts, widening in lust.  Alec stared at the young man unflinchingly.  Sensing the Beta’s dominant nature Dennis unconsciously bared his neck in a show of submission and backed away.
    Dennis was the same age as Liv.  He was probably the kind of boy she was dating, a silly, young boy.  What if it was Dennis?  Would Liv degrade herself by being with a pervy little cat like Dennis?  She needed someone better than that damnit.  She needed him!
    Alec banged his fist on the table , startling a few of the other diners.  He stared at them until they looked away.  Turning back to Liv there was a look of curiosity on her face but she didn’t say anything.
    Absently s he tapped her fingers on the book she had dropped earlier.
    “Good book?”   He asked.
    “Hmmm, don’t know yet.   It’s a murder mystery, they’re my favourites.  But the murder hasn’t happened yet, there’s just lots of long winded exposition about the characters.  I’m hoping things will pick up once someone dies.”  She blushed.  “That sounds really callous doesn’t it?”
    He laughed.  “It’s just fiction , better to read about it than have it happen.  You enjoy reading?”
    He felt her warm to the subject.   “Oh yes, ever since I was a little girl.  My mother wouldn’t allow a TV in the house, so it’s always been books for me.  I go to the library practically every day.  Did you know you can see right into.... erm, the station from the second floor window.”  She felt herself pale, she was about to tell him she could see into his office, she was about to admit that she had been watching him, she was about to admit that she was a crazy stalker!  Thank god she managed to catch herself .
    “Really?   I’m surprised I’ve never seen you around here before.”  He looked down thoughtfully, how could he have missed her?
    Probably because I ’m a chicken who runs in the opposite direction to you .  She shrugged.  “No idea, I’m probably not that