Page 2 of Wolf’s Fated Bride

The omega points at the last sled, which bears my cousin. People shout obscenities at him (because they think it’s me), while he smiles at them, showing his snow-white teeth. I wish he would stop that cheerful nonsense and behave as I would. First impressions are important, and now the Stormcrests falsely believe that I’m approachable and outgoing.

I’m anything but.

If the omega didn’t bet her friends that she could bag me for the night, I’d be standing here by myself, cherishing the last bit of solitude I’ll get for the duration of my stay in this pack. Is it time to go home yet?

The omega whistles. “The Fireborn alpha is handsome.”

“You think so?” My cousin and I look a lot alike. In fact, after he trained with me this year and gained more weight, we’re nearly identical.

“Yeah, clean-shaven, which is nice.” She looks up at me as I glare at her down my nose. Not reading my displeasure, she bats her fair lashes, “I’m not a fan of bearded men.”

I shaved to throw the Stormcrest pack off a little. Usually, I have a beard and trim it neatly. I don’t care for looking unkempt, but a beard is a must.

“I’m happy you approve,” I deadpan.

“My sister likes beards. She’ll ask him to grow one.”

I tense. “Your sister?”

“My sister Maren. Your man’s promised bride.” The omega sticks out her hand. “I’m Runa.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “Shouldn’t you be with the rest of your family? They’re about to receive the Fireborn Alpha.”

She drops her hand. “My father will receive him. My attendance is only required at tonight’s party.”

“You mean dinner.”

“I mean what I said, wolf.” She crosses her arms over her chest and mimics my stance.

She’s mad because I wouldn’t shake her hand. There’s no way I’m touching this omega. I should’ve sent her away already. “It’s my understanding that the family will hold a private dinner.” A quiet one where the bride the Stormcrest pack promised me will say words I’ll be able to hear over the drunken revelry.

“My brother called the gathering a dinner to get the Fireborn Alpha to agree to attend the party. He’s a bit of a grump, I hear. Very bossy. Serious. Bearded too, but I guess he shaved.”

“I don’t like parties,” I say.

“You don’t have to attend.”

But I do. “You’re right.”

Runa smiles. “I only need to be there at the beginning. After that, we could not attend together.”

She doesn’t give up easily. I fight a smile. Her game is fantastic, and she’s a persistent omega with more courage than some of the beta males I know. I like her boldness. But I also can’t allow her to continue flirting with me. I push off the wall.

“Hey, don’t leave me hanging. I’ll lose my bet and have to kiss a frog tonight.”

I sigh as the group of females watch us. “I can’t help you. I’ve got a date with your sister.”

“Why would you…” She blinks, realization registering on her face.

“Ash Fireborn.” I introduce myself, but don’t offer her my hand to shake. “It’s been a pleasure.”

Her pretty blue eyes widen, and her full lips part. Freckles dust her small nose, which is red from the cold. Her rosy cheeks color more pink with embarrassment as the weight of our conversation settles in. She flirted with the only wolf on the planet who would reject her. I can’t imagine another alpha letting her walk away.

She spins on her bootheel and marches off.

It’s a good thing that she doesn’t care for bearded guys.

It’s a bad thing that I find her freckles cute.