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

noticeable.”  A hint of hurt entered her voice.
    “That’s not true.  Not at all.”  He said a little more forcefully than he intended.  He checked himself and strained to be gentler.  “I noticed you sat in here from all the way over on the library steps...”  Oh shit .  He practically admitted that he purposefully came into the Diner because of her.
    He held his breath waiting for her response.
    She frowned.  “You were in the library?  I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in there.  Do you read much?”
    He exhaled softly, pleased that she had focussed on that.
    He rubbed his hand over his jaw.  He had stubble, probably a couple of days old.  While it would look unkempt on other men it just added to his rough handsomeness.  She winced as she had an irrational urge to ask him to rub his chin over her shoulder.
    “I just wanted a word with Terri, I rarely go in.  I’m sorry to say I’m not much of a reader.”  But the thought of a long winter night, the two of them on his couch, his head cradled in her lap while she read a book to him was certainly enticing.
    “What do you usually do in your spare time?”   She almost wished she hadn’t asked that, it sounded like she was trying to turn the meal into a date.
    He was surprised but pleased at the direction the meal had taken, however he couldn’t tell if she was just being polite or if she was truly interested in getting to know him. “Running, hunting, working out.  I don’t really have that much free time with being the Sheriff and my duties as a Beta.  How about you?”
    “Well other than reading I like cooking and you may not believe this,” she glanced down at her rounded figure, “but I love hiking.”
    His eyes tracked down alighting on her breasts.   They darkened with desire.  His visible reaction made her nipples harden.  She crossed her arms so he couldn’t see them.
    “Why wouldn’t I believe you?  What do you like to cook?”  He changed the subject before she could say something else about her body.  For one thing he didn’t like hearing her put herself down, but also if she drew attention to her breasts again he may not be able to control his wolf.  The urge to mate with her was only getting stronger with every passing moment.
    She relaxed a little.  “ Anything really, I usually just make what I like.  I love Italian, my favourite is spaghetti and meatballs.  I love baking too.  But then I love cake, oh and cookies.” Obviously by the size of my thighs she thought bitterly.  “What about you?”  Or does one of your girlfriends do all your cooking? 
    “I don’t mind cooking but usually I just grab something quick and easy.  If I want a big meal I eat out.  We used to have a lot of pack meals when Adam’s mother was alive.”  He smiled at the memory of Louisa Grey.  “Dinner was an event in that woman’s house.  Hasn’t been the same since she died, maybe it will change when Adam takes a mate.  I can’t remember the last time I had a real home cooked meal.” 
    The words tumbled out before she could stop them.  “Maybe I could cook for you sometime...” 
    “That’d be nice.”  He said quickly.
    Their eyes locked and... Dennis chose to bring their food and drinks over.  The moment was lost, Liv looked away.  Shit .
    Dennis didn’t look Alec in the eye and tried to avoid looking at Liv altogether for which Alec was glad.  If the boy had done anything else even remotely annoying Alec was certain he would have punched him.
    Alec looked down at his food with some distaste.  He really didn’t like the look of it.   Liv was digging into hers, making the most charming little moans.  His cock stirred.
    He needed a distraction.  Reluctantly he started eating, at least if it tasted awful it would dampen his lust.  He hoped .
    It wasn’t bad, in fact it was surprisingly good.
    They ate in silence, both concentrating on their food.  It was never uncomfortable.  Neither felt the