Page 18 of Chasing The Alpha's Son
But what’s even stranger is Jericho seemingly hinting that I should take part. Does he really think the scrawny pup from Stony Point stands a chance? Is this some dumb hazing ritual for me to prove I’m strong enough to be with Jasper? Couldn’t his challenge have been something I’m good at, like cake eating or binge-watching TV?
“If you wish to compete please register your interest with Tobias Volk, who is present here tonight. You will receive instructions in the mail, and for those who simply wish to observe, the race shall be held in a week’s time at Lunar Lake. Now I have spoken enough. Please enjoy tonight’s festivities. And Merry Christmas to you all!”
There’s a smattering of applause but mostly the room is too confused, too shocked to notice the alpha as he leaves the stage. Music chimes back in and eventually the excited murmur of the crowd returns to normal.
What is Jericho thinking? There’s no way I’m competing in that death race. Not even for…
I twist my head and glance behind me. Jasper is still there. Clayton is talking excitedly beside him, but Jasper is saying nothing, he’s just staring back at me. My ear twitches and I’m able to catch a little of what Clayton is saying.
“Well I suppose that answers the question of where I’ll be staying for the holidays. How about it, Jasp? I don’t imagine it will be too hard to win a spot and we can see in the new year with champagne and a hot tub full of Rocky Pack wolves.” Jasper’s expression is a mix of desperation, sheer determination, and a little pinch of queasiness. “Doesn’t sound too shabby? Jasp? Jasper?”
Jasper’s attention falters and he shakes his head.
“What?”
“Is some she-wolf’s scent distracting you. I said it won’t be too shabby, the hot tubs and the mountain girls.”
I know Aisha said that Clayton is straight but even the thought of him hanging out with Jasper at Christmas, them drinking hot cocoa together, sitting in a hot tub, their shoulders bumping against each other, has my fangs ready to elongate and tear into his flesh.
Spinning on my heel without thinking, l head off in search of Tobias. If I wasn’t in a jealous tailspin there’s no way I’d be looking for the pack secretary, wanting to sign up for a suicide race. Sure it helps that my alpha has all but commanded me to, but part of me wants to stick it to Jasper too, to show him that I’m not so easily ignored. If I win then he’ll be forced to spend time with me.
I’m halfway across the room when a cold, steel grip clasps my wrist and I freeze.
“Don’t, Max”
I keep looking ahead. Party guests stream around us, oblivious to the electricity sparking where our skin is touching.
“How do you even know what I’m doing?” I ask.
“Because…I can sense you.”
I turn and face him.
“Have you been sensing me this whole time?” Annoying tears spring to my eyes.
“I have.”
“You’re keeping tabs on me.”
“Yes.” His hair hangs over his eyes which won’t meet mine. “To make sure you’re safe.”
“If I’m not safe away from you then why keep me at a distance?”
Jasper’s mouth contorts, his lips press together, his neck muscles pulse. Is he shivering?
I step closer. The crowd presses in around us. No one can see when I link my index finger around his thumb.
“Isn’t the safest place I could be right here with you?”
“Max, you know I want that; you have no idea how much I—”
Some couple who think they’re Fred and Ginger bump into us before spinning away. Jasper retracts his hand, shoving it in his pocket.
“Your dad said the wolves who get to go to this blood moon thing can take their mates. Take me. Then I won’t have to race.”
“I can’t,” he mumbles too low for human ears to hear.
“Then I don’t have a choice.”
