Embracing the Wolf - Book #2 (Anna Avery) by Stephanie Nelson Read Free Book Online Page A

back. You’re passionate about what you believe in, and you can believe in us. Everything will be okay.”
    I nodded my head wordlessly, thinking about what he said. I wanted to see the strength in myself that he saw—to be as confident of a positive outcome as he was. In that moment, I convinced myself everything would be okay—that all I had to do was keep an optimistic mind. Adam’s words lent me strength and eased my mind. Everything would be okay, simply because it had to be. I couldn’t accept anything less.
    * * * *
    Around three in the morning I woke up. I stared up at the ceiling while I listened to the party still carrying on outside. Adam was lying on his back, his arms bent under his pillow. I propped myself up on my elbow and watched how peaceful sleep made him. He wasn’t an alpha from an olde bloodline or responsible for managing a pack of rowdy werewolves while he slept. He was just a man—a gorgeous man—lost in a sea of dreams.
    Crawling out of bed, I slipped on a pair of cotton shorts. My mind was too chaotic to succumb to sleep again. Tiptoeing, I slipped out of my bedroom and closed the door quietly behind me. All of the lights in the house were still on, and the television echoed from the living room. I headed down the hall and rounded the corner. Eight men I didn’t recognize and Asher sat on the large sectional watching some action movie. It was right in the middle of a car chase when all nine heads lifted in my direction. I held up my hand in a small wave and an apologetic smile crossed my face for interrupting their movie. One of the men, a guy with hair the color of muddy water and eyes just as dark, appraised me with an unwanted appreciation. His eyes traced the length of my legs, coming up to settle on my breasts.
    “Dibs,” he said, popping up off the couch.
    Asher chuckled, reaching out to capture his arm before he could reach me. “That’s not a wise choice. That is Anna—our alpha female. You lay one fingertip on her, and we’ll be having your funeral this weekend.”
    Realization settled in the man’s eyes. Asher released his arm, and the man walked over to me, holding out his hand. I wasn’t in the mood to play the political role, but it was part of my game now. I doubted the Presidents of the human world wanted to shake hands and kiss babies either, but they did it.
    I clasped his hand and shook it once before dropping it. Now, more than ever, I would have to keep my shields up, play the game of strong alpha female for two important reasons: keeping the threats at bay and not embarrassing Adam. Finding out he was somewhat regal in the werewolf community made me feel like I was some sort of rebellion he’d decided on—kinda like when a rich girl dates a bad boy just to piss off Daddy. It was a silly thought, I know. Adam and I weren’t merely ‘hanging out,’ we are each other’s Chantes. Still, I couldn’t help the small insecurity from skipping through my mind. I could feel everyone’s eyes judging me as they decided whether I would succeed or tank as an alpha.
    “Nice to meet you …”
    “Anna,” I supplied.
    “… Anna. I’m Everett of the Windsor clan.” His eyes slipped from mine and traveled down my neck where they settled on the swell of my cleavage. I was used to walking around the house in whatever, without a second thought, until now. I would have to invest in some turtlenecks and parkas until the conference was over. My wolf growled within me, disliking the lack of respect Everett was showing us. Without a thought, my knee snapped up in one swift motion and landed between Everett’s legs. He bent over; his hands went to his crotch and he coughed a few times.
    “Everett, you may be a guest in my home but, while you’re under my roof, you will show me the respect I deserve. Keep your eyes off my chest.” I knelt down so I could look him in the eye. With my pointer finger, I tipped his chin up. “As a matter of fact, unless I speak to you, do not