Desires of a full moon (Rise of the Arkansas Werewolves, #3)

“In the university fountain.”


“What?” Haley’s mouth hit the hardwood.

He smirked. “Unless you lose.”

Haley shut her mouth and spoke through her gritted teeth. “Fine.”

Jayden’s smirk slid off his face.

“What? You didn’t think I’d agree?” She shrugged. “It’s not like I’m going to have to do it anyway. I plan on winning.”

Jayden’s sexy smirk was back and it gave her stomach a tumble. Maybe they could meet his friends another night?

“Come on.” Jayden took her hand and walked her out the door. “Braxton’s already called to say they’re getting there early. Seems like the bed and breakfast meeting didn’t go so well.”

#

Jayden walked into the crowded college bar with Haley at his side. He watched her face light up as she looked around at the people dancing to the band and playing pool. As much as he wanted to stay home and strip her naked, he was glad they came. She needed this.

He spotted Braxton and Kate in a corner booth. Braxton was nursing a beer and Kate a glass of white wine. As they made their way over to them, Jayden didn’t miss the looks the college guys were giving Haley. He slid his hand from her waist to her hip and shot a glare at any asshole looking too long.

He couldn’t really expect any male to keep his eyes off Haley; with her tight jeans and red shirt she was smoking hot. Not to mention her fuck-me red heels.

He definitely had plans for those heels when they got home.

Braxton nodded when he saw them approach.

“How did you two beat us here?” Jayden let Haley slide into the booth first before settling in beside her.

Braxton gave him a pained look.

“It was going well until one of the men started talking about LSU and how they were going to suck this year.” Kate sighed. “You would have thought they were talking about sacrificing Braxton’s first born by the way he jumped up from the chair and started in on the guy.”

“It’s football. It’s serious.” Jayden snorted. “You can’t trash talk about someone’s team. It’s like fucking their mate.”

Braxton nodded and looked at Kate. “See. I told you.”

Haley let out a laugh out. “I feel your pain, Braxton. But we are in Hog territory now. And when in Rome…”

“I know, I know.” Braxton stood. “Come on, let’s get the ladies some drinks. I got a feeling I’m going to need it to numb the pain of being around all these Razorbacks.”

#

Haley watched Jayden and Braxton make their way to the bar. Every female within a twenty-foot radius turned, eyeing both males. Haley narrowed her eyes.

“It gets easier once you’re mated.”

“I don’t know what you mean.” Haley jerked her head towards the pretty blonde.

Kate slid her gaze toward the two males. “You won’t feel so jealous about girls looking at your man once you’re mated.”

Haley knew the rules. Once a male werewolf mated his chosen female he could never cheat on her. They would be forever faithful until death.

“I don’t think we are headed in that direction. We’re just having fun right now.” Haley shook her head and smiled.

Kate fought a smile.

“No, really. It’s not serious.”

“Honey, anyone in this room that saw you two walk in knows it’s serious.” Kate cocked her head.

“What do you mean?” Haley’s breath caught in her throat. Was it obvious that she’d fallen for Jayden?

“I mean I see how he can’t keep his hands off you.”

“It’s Jayden. I may not have grown up here but his reputation certainly has preceded him. I know he’s quite popular with the ladies.” She forced a smile and swallowed back the bitter taste those words left.

“Really?” Kate wrinkled her nose. “Because when I met him in January, he was doing his best to get away from a group of oversexed ladies that were staying at my bed and breakfast.”

Haley gave Kate her full attention. “For real?”

Kate nodded and finished off her wine. “It was a group of writers. Romance writers. They stayed drunk and were continually trying to molest Jayden. Scared the poor guy to death.”

“What about Braxton?”

“Oh, they tried with him too, but I made it very clear who he belonged to.”

“So you’ve been mated for a while.”

Kate waved her hand in the air in a dismissive gesture. “Oh no. We were not mated then. But I knew he was mine.” She leveled her gaze at Haley. “When you know, you know.”

“Okay, ladies. Chardonnay for Kate and Pinot Noir for the lady in red.” Jayden winked as he set the glasses down on the table.

“Yeah, man. What’s the damn deal letting her out wearing red?” Braxton elbowed him in the ribs.

Haley glanced down at her top. “What do you mean?”

Jayden slid in beside her and rested his hand on her knees. “He means that red is the color all males seek out.”

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