Page 32 of Chasing The Alpha's Son
“The private lodges are that way,” Mia says, pointing to a hallway past the fireplace. “That’s where most of your rooms are.” She surveys the ragtag Elite Pack crew and finally rests her eyes on me. “I’m sure you’ll want to change before dinner,” she says, smiling too broadly. “The stewards will show you to your suites now so you can freshen up.”
Four stewards appear to our left, ready to take us to our rooms.
“Get changed?” I whisper to Katie. “I only brought enough clothes for one outfit a day!”
She shakes her head. “Big mistake—huge.”
“Jasper, Clayton, and Olivia,” Mia pipes up before we can head off. “My father has graciously invited you to stay in our dignitaries wing, and I’ve been asked to personally see that you find your rooms.”
“Excellent,” Clayton croons.
“Thank you, Mia,” Jasper utters.
“The rest of you, I’m sure you’ll find our guest cabins more than adequate.”
Mia nods to the stewards, who gesture for us normies to follow them. As we turn to leave the lounge, I glance back to see Mia taking Jasper’s arm and leading him away.
“Hey.” Katie nudges my side as we follow our guides through the halls of the Rocky Packhouse. “I’m sorry for not being supportive and then for being kind of awkward. I just… Well, there’s something I need to talk to you about.”
“Mystery, intrigue,” I say, teasing. “Well now I have to forgive you; I’m hooked.”
“Don’t.” She slouches a little. “I need my best friend.”
Katie’s brow is furrowed, so I link my arm through hers. “Don’t worry, your best friend is here. He nearly died trying to get here but…”
Katie laughs and shakes her head. “And I know I’ve been flaking on our Christmas traditions, so maybe we can make some time while we’re here and catch up. That is, if you’re not too busy canoodling with Jasper in the hot tub.”
So there are hot tubs?!
“That sounds awesome,” I say. “And maybe you could help me out with something to wear?”
My room is a loft apartment on the fifth floor, nestled in the apex of the roof; it’s the only room on this floor. Katie, Todd, and Simon are in rooms on the floor below me. A California king sits under the slanting roof, a bearskin rug—that’s pretty creepy—laid out before it. There’s a swish-looking en suite, a cozy armchair by a fireplace, and a wall of windows, with a door leading onto a small balcony.
As soon as I’ve refreshed myself, I head outside and take a deep breath, letting the cold mountain air fill my lungs. The view is just as, if not more, spectacular from up here. Out across the range, the moon, about two-thirds of the way through her cycle, looks like a cookie with a bite taken out of her. I know it’s too early, but I swear I can make out just a touch of blood red creeping around one of the edges.
For a moment the breeze dies down and voices float through the canyon, pricking up my ears. To either side of me the lodge descends in levels, each a step down and out from the last. The windows are glowing yellow on the snow below, lighting up the balconies attached to each room. Way off to the right, about three floors below me, but in what might as well be an entirely different chalet, Mia is walking out onto one of the balconies. Her arms are wide like she’s embracing the night air, and she spins, leaning back on the balustrade with her elbows.
Jasper follows her outside.
I can’t make out the words of their conversation, just the melodies of their voices as they travel on the wind. Jasper joins Mia at the railing and gazes down at the valley. Mia arches her back and turns to face him, then runs a hand down his arm.
The muscles in my neck tense, my teeth clench, threatening to become fangs, and I growl louder then I mean to. Jasper’s back straightens. Has he heard me?
Not wanting to be caught spying, I run back inside as fast as I can, shutting the glass door behind me and flopping into the chair. I don’t think he saw me; I was too fast.
But was she flirting with him? They’ve probably met before, the kids of alphas at some interpack function. So maybe they’re just friends, with history. Only that thought makes me feel worse. Maybe it was nothing.
Or maybe not. Maybe Clayton isn’t the person I need to be worried about.
A DIFFERENT ALPHA
“Why did no one tell me that I’d need formal wear,” I say, wriggling in a too-large button-down shirt Katie borrowed from Todd and/or Simon.
“It’s not formal,” she sighs. “It’s smart casual.”
“So why can’t I be casual?”
I huff and look in the mirror. Katie is behind me lying on my bed, propped up on an elbow.
