Unmasking the Wolf by Christy Gissendaner Read Free Book Online Page B

job?”
    “Dominic.”
    “Of course.” Gina smothered a yawn. “Boston’s fine. A bit different from Clinton.”
    “Are you going to ever use your degree?”
    She’d been over this a million times with her mother. “I told you, there’s not many career options in Clinton.”
    “But you’re in Boston now. Put your business degree to work for you.”
    She sighed. “I’ll try, Mom. Besides I like working at the coffee shop.”
    There was a pregnant pause. She braced herself for the guilt trip she knew was coming. Unlike her father, who stomped around if he didn’t get his way, her mother took a more direct route. “Your father misses you.”
    Tears pricked her eyes. Despite their different opinions, she was very much her father’s daughter. Stubborn to a fault, and very determined. “He has an odd way of showing it. He hasn’t tried to call once.”
    “He’s upset. You know he only wants the best for you.”
    “Marrying me off to a complete stranger isn’t what’s best for me.” Gina was tired of the same old argument. “I didn’t ask to be the alpha’s daughter. It’s not fair.”
    “Nothing in life is fair. We take our lot in life and make do.” Ever calm and reasonable, Angela’s voice turned cajoling. “Come home. Do you need money for the bus?”
    “I’m not coming home yet. I like being here. It’s the first time I’ve had my own life.”
    “What’s so wrong with your life in Clinton?”
    Gina sighed. “Nothing. I just don’t want to repeat the cycle that’s plagued our family for centuries. Dominic left. Why is it so wrong for me to?”
    “You’re the . . . ”
    “Yes, I know,” Gina interjected. “I’m the alpha’s daughter. I know , Mom.”
    “Well.” Angela cleared her throat. “Give my love to Dominic. I’ll call you in a few days.”
    Gina tossed aside the cell and fell back against the pillows. Why was everyone in her family so determined to butt into her life? All she wanted was time to make her own choices, to get away from the wolf life being forced down her throat.
    She must’ve drifted off because soon she was jolted awake by her actual alarm. She turned it off and slid out of bed. A brisk shower helped revive her. She dressed in a pair of jeans and a light sweater. Winter would be upon them soon. There was a chill in the air that hadn’t been there yesterday.
    Dominic was in the kitchen making breakfast. She peered into the pan. “What you cooking?”
    “Egg white and spinach omelet.” He expertly flipped it with a spatula. “Do you want one?”
    She grimaced and shook her head. “I’ll get something at work.”
    After breakfast, Dominic dropped her off at Vino’s. She walked in the door, right at eight, and headed for her apron. A line had already formed, and Vino seemed to have his hands full. “What can I do to help?”
    “Run the register if you don’t mind.”
    She set to work, her mind occupied by the morning rush. She took in money and made change for several hours. It was nearly lunch when a lull finally arrived. “Do you have any plans for the weekend?”
    Vino seemed surprised by her question. “Not really. Usually I hang out with my buddies and ride my bike.”
    “Cool. I didn’t know you had a motorcycle.”
    He shrugged. “It’s just a hobby.”
    The day passed pleasantly. Despite how busy they usually were, Vino was a good boss. He let her go a few minutes before closing. She tried Dominic’s cell, but he didn’t answer. He wasn’t due to pick her up for twenty minutes, so she decided to walk to Mason Building and meet him.
    The snooty receptionist wasn’t at her desk. Relief filled her. The last thing she desired was to cross swords with her again. She tried Dominic’s office first, but he wasn’t there. Pulling out her cell, she called his number again. Still no answer.
    Damn. She hoped he hadn’t already left. Perhaps she should go check to see if his car was in the parking garage. She turned to do so, but encountered