4

I flash him a triumphant grin, pleased that I managed to convince him. Fifteen minutes later, we’re at a high-top table at the Clearwater Tap. I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting it to be this lively on a Wednesday night. The place is packed, with music blaring and drinks flowing. I’d wager it’s almost as crowded as the Goldenleaf bar on a Saturday night, which is impressive since the entire squad usually hangs out there on weekends.

“Is it always this busy?” I lean in closer to Ryder, trying to make myself heard over the music. This guy has been holding out on me!

He nods slightly, taking a gulp of his beer. “Wednesday night is ladies’ night. They drink for free, while guys pay a twenty-dollar cover to make up the difference. Seems to work out well.”

“I can see that.” I scan the room, still amazed by the number of people crammed inside. The center has quickly turned into a dance floor. “Why am I just hearing about this now?”

Ryder snorts. “Because if you knew, you’d be here every week.”

I laugh; it’s true. I’m always up for a good time, and this is definitely my kind of scene. Plus, I love being around women, and tonight there’s no shortage of them at the Clearwater Tap.

Ryder takes another swig of his beer, setting it down and fiddling with the label on the bottle. “My pack keeps pestering me about finding a mate,” he sighs.

“Better get on it,” I tease, glancing at the dance floor. “There are plenty of options.”

He rolls his eyes, his jaw tightening. “I’ve tried. Just can’t seem to find the right one.”

I wince internally, recalling how things ended recently with Ryder and Arabella. She’s a member of the squad, so he has to see her daily while she flaunts her new hookup in his face. Suffice it to say, she’s a bit bitter about their breakup.

“You have a few sisters, don’t you?” Ryder asks with a smirk.

My eyes widen in shock. “Oh hell no!”

He throws his head back and laughs.

I point a finger at him. “Anyone who touches one of my sisters is a dead man. Besides, they’re too young for you, man.” I say it playfully, but there’s a serious undertone. I’m fiercely protective of my three younger sisters.

“I’m just messing with you,” Ryder chuckles, reaching for his beer again. “But Thomas’s got a hot sister, too.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “You really have a death wish, don’t you?”

He laughs again, shaking his head.

Ryder’s an only child, so he doesn’t quite grasp the instinctual protectiveness that comes with having siblings, especially younger sisters. As a guy myself, I know how their minds can work, and there’s no way I’m letting any guys near my sisters.

Still, I see where Ryder is coming from with his question. It’s not unusual for the daughters of alphas to mate with an alpha from another pack. These alpha females not only help lead the pack as Lunas, but such unions can also strengthen alliances. However, that’s not really necessary for us since the six-pack is already united.

“Why don’t you just tell your pack you’re waiting for your fated mate?” I suggest.

He shakes his head. “I’ve tried that already.” He lifts his beer to his lips for another sip. “It worked for a while, but now that I’m getting older, there’s more pressure to settle down with someone.”

“I don’t envy you, man,” I say. At twenty-six, he’s hardly ‘old.’ He wouldn’t be getting this kind of pressure if he weren’t the Alpha.

“You’ll be in my position soon enough,” he replies, pointing his beer bottle at me and raising an eyebrow. “Then you’ll understand how tough it can be to satisfy everyone’s expectations.”

I finish my beer and set the empty bottle down. “I’m not in a rush. I look forward to becoming Alpha one day, but for now, I’m happy helping lead the squad—especially with all the recent issues involving the shadow pack.”

Ryder nods in agreement. “For sure.”

I get to my feet, scanning the crowd for the bar. “Want another round?” I ask, motioning toward his beer.

He shakes his head, finishing his drink in one swift gulp. “Nah, I need to head back and catch some sleep.” He sets the bottle down and stands up. “You stay if you want. I’ll leave the back door of the packhouse unlocked.”

I feel a twinge of disappointment at his departure, but I know it’s pointless to argue. Ryder isn’t one to be swayed by peer pressure—when he makes a decision, that’s it.

“Alright, thanks, man,” I say, reaching out for a fist bump. “I probably won’t be too far behind you.”

Ryder gives me a skeptical look, but I brush it off and turn toward the bar. He’s probably right—considering how many women are here tonight, it’s hard to imagine leaving without chatting with at least a few of them. As I make my way to the bar, I scan the dance floor, checking out the scene.

This is exactly why I’m so protective of my sisters: I find myself mentally undressing these girls with my eyes, and I have a strong feeling tonight could lead to some kind of hookup. The reality is, there are plenty of guys out there just like me.