Page 30 of Last But Not Leashed

“You’re something else. You’re not supposed to be this enthusiastic, sir.”

I huffed my amusement. “Why not?”

“You’re quiet and shy.”

“I think I’ve lost the opportunity to return to my shy and quiet life,” I admitted. “As such, while Allison seems to believe there’s nothing wrong with being last but not leashed, I’m operating under the expectation of retaliation at a later date. As I’m going to be leashed anyway, I feel it’s important I’ve properly earned it.”

Allison cackled, her mirth so intense she plopped off her counter and hit the floor, kicking her feet. “Y-y-you…”

I waited as did the rest of the pack.

Allison choked, shuddered, and gasped out, “You’ve lost, Ethel. Let poor Dale have his fun. Be glad he’s willing to meet your parents.”

I nudged Allison with my foot. “I’m expecting them to pay me for the privilege.”

I loved the sound of silence.

Jerome shot me a disgusted look. “You’re taking advantage of this mess.”

“Yes, I am.”

Throwing his arms in the air, Jerome turned and stomped out of his kitchen. “Fine. Do what you want. Get out of my house and don’t you dare come back until the wee hours of the morning. And I will kill you if you wake us up.”

I picked up my bag, slung it over my shoulder, grabbed the collar, leash, and handcuffs and held them in one hand. With my free arm, I plucked Ethel off the counter, tossed her over my shoulder, and headed for Jerome’s truck before my future mate got tired of my alphas’ shit and killed them both.

Chapter Nine

Ethel drove as she didn’t want to pay to repair Jerome’s truck, a real risk thanks to my claws. She banished me to the back seat, although I wasn’t certain why I’d gone along with her orders. The front seat had plenty of space for me, my claws, and even my bag. Going along with her wishes would preserve my life for a few minutes, as I expected I’d test everyone’s patience when I met her parents.

How better to learn what sort of in-laws I’d have? A few pushes, a few comments, a few toes dipped into murky waters, and I’d know exactly what I’d be getting into.

While the decision was already made, understanding the nuances of my decision to secure Ethel as my mate was important. How would I know which lines I couldn’t cross unless I poked and prodded them? My fur color would establish the basics. I’d play the rest by ear.

With a little luck, I’d have fun doing it.

On the other hand, everything that could go wrong probably would, and I had doubts I’d survive when it did. Ethel alone could take over the world if she wanted, and I loved her for it. I played hard to get, but I belonged to her as much as my virus insisted she belonged to me. My delays weren’t necessary, although I wanted to be in a better position to have a home before I took the plunge.

Sacrifices would be made, and I wouldn’t survive another night with her without giving in to my need to make her mine in all ways—or have her make me hers in all ways. All it would take was one intentional kiss to break me.

I wondered which one of us would make the first move.

It wouldn’t take her long to figure out how much power she held over me, and I’d enjoy when I finally unleashed myself around her, showing her how much I wanted her.

Then again, she likely already knew. Lycanthropes had sensitive noses.

“When we arrive at my parents’ place, I recommend you cuff my hands in front of me,” she muttered.

I worried. “Why?”

“I can’t strangle my parents for this stupid stunt if my hands are behind my back. They should’ve ensured no harm came to you.”

I barked a laugh. “Really, Ethel? I’m a lycanthrope male. We have a reputation of being difficult to capture on a good day, thus the bonus bounty for you. I’d like to know what you’ve been telling them about me for them to resort to using that tactic,” I teased.

“They know I’m interested in you. They know you’re one of my contractors. Little else.”

A wiser man would’ve left it alone, but curiosity ate away at me. “Tell me more about the little else, please.”

She giggled, drumming her fingers on the steering wheel. “I had one too many girly drinks with Dad, and I think I told them I liked you in your jeans so much that I wanted to rip you out of them.”