SIX-PACK SERIES BOOK THREE *While this book can be read as a standalone, I'd highly recommend reading books one (Alpha Gray) and two (Alpha Theo) for context before this book* JAX : I'm no stranger to one night stands. Lots of girls want a hook-up with an alpha, so why should this one be any different? Maybe it's because she's the best I ever had. Maybe it's because she refused to tell me anything about herself. We agreed to one night, no strings attached. The problem is, I can't get that night out of my head; I've been obsessed with finding this girl since. When she shows up at the squad complex for training, I feel like it's my lucky day- until my best friend introduces her as his sister and things get... complicated. I can't go against bro code, right? Even if Quinn is my dream girl. Even if there's a crazy attraction between us that's harder to resist every day. I'm so screwed. ~ QUINN : One night. It was supposed to be one night of anonymous, meaningless with a stranger. I just wanted to have a good time and forget about my cheating ex. It definitely did the trick- I haven't thought about my ex since, but now I can't stop thinking about that night or the sexy stranger who had all the right moves. When I arrive at the complex for a fresh start, I'm shocked to see him again- and even more surprised to find out that he's not only an alpha, but also one of my brother's best friends. Theo would Jax if he found out about that night. He can never know- which means I have to keep my distance. Even if I can't stop fantasizing about Jax. Even if it kills me.
View MoreQUINN
“Earth to Quinn!” My friend Kyla’s voice slips into my daydream, startling me back to reality.
“Huh?” I swivel my head around to face her, blinking, as she sets two frothy pint glasses of beer in front of me on the bar top of the brewery where we both work.
“For table six.”
“Right,” I nod, reaching for the glasses. I pick one up in each hand and start to spin around to head out from behind the bar. Before I can take a step, though, Kyla reaches out to grab my arm, halting me.
“Hey, what’s with you today?” she asks, searching my eyes with her dark brown ones. “Having trouble sleeping again?”
I shake my head quickly, my long brunette hair swishing in front of my face. “Nah,” I lie, blowing a loose strand out of my field of vision. Kyla’s giving me that stern look that says she doesn’t believe me, and I heave a sigh in defeat. “Okay, yeah. A little.”
I shrug her hand away and turn around to deliver the beers, jumping a little when I feel the smack of the bar towel on my ass.
Kyla waves the towel at me, smirking. “Hurry and drop those off so you can come back and tell me all about it.”
I roll my eyes, making my way out from behind the bar. I don’t really wanna talk about it, but if I know Kyla, she won’t let it rest until I do. We met when I started working at Cedar Ridge Brewery at the beginning of the summer and we’ve grown really close over the last few months. She’s one of my only friends these days- after high school graduation, everyone seemed to have a plan for what to do next. A bunch of my friends went off to summer training camp for the security squad, while others went off to college or settled into new jobs that were waiting for them after high school. But me? I didn’t have a clear plan for the next step.
It’s not like there are a lot of choices in our little corner of the world. Wolf shifters generally stick with their own kind; stay close to the pack. Most of us don’t venture far from our territories because there’s safety in numbers- we all look out for each other. Here, we don’t have to hide who we are; being a shifter is as normal as living and breathing. And with the formation of the six-pack alliance several years back, our territory has expanded considerably.
The packs work together to run the businesses on the outskirts of the territory to bring in revenue for the packs. The biggest attractions are Cedar Ridge Ski Lodge and Cedar Ridge Brewery. While the ski resort and lodge are shuttered during the summer months, the brewery is a year-round business, so I was able to pick up a summer job as a waitress.
At least I kept telling myself it was a summer job. Now that summer’s coming to an end, I have no idea what my next move is going to be.
Before I graduated, I had a few fleeting thoughts about trying the college thing- but leaving my pack for months on end and integrating with the human population? No thanks. Besides, even if I’d wanted to, I doubt my dad would’ve allowed it. He’s the alpha of our pack and he’s always been overprotective of his only daughter.
I also considered going out for the security squad to become a fighter for the six-pack territory, but my boyfriend talked me out of it. If I made it, I’d have to live up at the squad complex, and for some reason he was vehemently opposed to living a twenty-minute drive apart. At the time, I thought it was sweet that he couldn’t stand the thought of being away from me. Now, I can see how it was just another way he tried to control me.
Clay Masterson. We started dating at the end of our junior year of high school, and he was everything I thought I wanted: handsome, sweet, charming. I thought he hung the moon. We continued dating through our senior year and when graduation came, he begged me to stay in Summervale with him. Even after we both turned eighteen and the full moon confirmed we weren’t fated mates, he said he’d still choose me as his mate if I stayed. And like a fool, I believed him. Designed all my plans for the future around him.
Until I caught him in bed with another girl.
I still can’t get the image of it out of my head. Clay, all sweaty and grunting, on top of Camilla, a girl I used to consider my friend. I got off work early and went to surprise him, and boy was he surprised. He ran after me, tried to beg my forgiveness, but I couldn’t even look at him. I’ve never sobbed harder- I felt like my heart was being ripped from my chest. I confronted Camilla a few days later and learned that it had been going on all summer, right under my nose- and that’s when I knew it was really over between Clay and me.
That was two weeks ago. I’ve been walking around like a zombie ever since- barely eating, rarely sleeping. I’ve run the full gambit of emotions; at first, I was heartbroken, then I was angry, and now I’m just… numb. I wish I could just forget about Clay and move on, but every time I start to, something reminds me of him and I’m right back there, standing in the doorway of his bedroom, my world shattering around me.
“Here you go, boys,” I breathe, setting the glasses of beer in front of the two customers seated at table six. “Can I get you anything else?”
They both turn their full attention to me, and the guy on the left gives me a blatantly obvious once-over before his lips curl into a smile. “Yeah, how about your number?”
Real smooth.
He’s cute- college aged, tousled dark hair, charming smile. He’s also decidedly… human.
I chuckle, setting a hand on my hip. “Sorry, I’ve got a…” my voice trails off before I can say ‘boyfriend’. I guess I don’t have one of those anymore. And once again, Clay’s taking up real estate in my mind.
“A what?” he asks, slyly reaching out to brush my arm with the backs of his fingers.
I recoil from his contact, sidestepping to break it- then I quickly regain my composure, drawing a breath and glancing over to the bar as my mind races for an excuse. “A girlfriend,” I say, tossing Kyla a wink.
Even though she probably can’t hear me over the brewery noise, she tips her head at me and smiles as she fills a pint glass from the tap.
“Whoa, that’s hot,” college guy’s buddy says, staring at me wide-eyed.
I laugh softly, rolling my eyes as I turn away. “Enjoy the beers guys.”
Shifter hearing can be a curse- the two of them discuss the way my ass looks in my shorts all the way back to the bar. Pervs.
“So are you gonna tell me what’s on your mind?” Kyla asks as I round the corner to walk behind the bar. She leans one elbow up on the bar top casually, tucking her shoulder-length blonde hair behind her ear with the other hand.
I sigh, stepping closer to her and folding my arms over my chest. “You already know. Don’t make me say it.”
Kyla blows out a breath. “Figured as much.” She reaches out to stroke my arm reassuringly. “That asshole didn’t deserve you, Quinn. The quicker you move on, the happier you’ll be.”
“Easier said than done,” I grumble as my eyes flutter to the floor.
“That’s it,” Kyla snaps. I look up at her questioningly and she’s got a determined glint in her eye. “You’ve been moping around this place for long enough. We’re going out tonight, and you’re gonna find someone who will make you forget all about that cheating scumbag.”
I shake my head. “I don’t think…”
“I’m not taking no for an answer,” she interrupts, holding up her hands in front of her. “The best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.”
“What?!” I choke on a laugh. “Did you just make that up? I don’t think I need some rebound fling.”
“Oh you absolutely need a rebound fling,” Kyla says matter-of-factly. “You’re coming to my place after our shift ends. We’ll get all dressed up and go break some hearts.”
I wrinkle my nose. “On a Wednesday?”
“Especially on a Wednesday.” She waggles her eyebrows. “Hump day.”
I let out another laugh, swatting her arm. I could continue to protest, but I know she isn’t going to take no for an answer.
If I’m being honest, I’m actually a little bit intrigued. Kyla’s from Stillwater and I’ve never been out to the bar there. Before going to work at the brewery, I never really ventured outside of Summervale’s territory- there was never any need to. I should be taking advantage of the fact that there are other packs in the area, other towns I can go to where I won’t run into Clay. That guy will never leave the cushy familiarity of Summervale.
“Fine,” I sigh.
Kyla’s lips spread into a grin as she lets out a little squeal, balling her fists in front of her and jumping up and down. “Yes! This is gonna be so fun!”
I can’t help but giggle at her reaction- she looks like a little kid. Even though Kyla’s got two years on me age wise, she looks super young. I’m not sure if it’s her short stature or her round doll-like face or the smattering of freckles dotting her nose and cheeks, but the girl could easily pass for a high schooler.
“Okay, I’m gonna text Tony and see if he’s down,” she adds, reaching into her back pocket for her phone.
Kyla’s mention of her boyfriend takes my enthusiasm down a notch. I was assuming this would be a girls’ night, just the two of us. The addition of Tony changes the dynamic.
It’s like she can sense my hesitation. “Is that okay?” she asks, blinking those big brown eyes of hers.
“Yeah, of course,” I breathe, faking a smile.
Can’t wait to third-wheel you and your boyfriend’s night out.
Kyla’s small fingers move across her phone screen quickly as she taps out a message to Tony, hitting send before she looks back up at me.
“Perfect. We’re off at nine, so I told him to meet us there at ten. Should give us enough time to get ready.”
I nod, forcing another smile. “Sounds good.”
Kyla looks past me, a smirk creeping across her face. “Looks like you’ve got some admirers at table six.”
I chuckle, rolling my eyes. “Yeah, about that…”
JAX I lift my nose in the air, catching her scent again. It’s the faintest hint of strawberries and vanilla, carried on the breeze from somewhere to my right. I veer in that direction, paws pounding the forest floor as I take off running again. My adrenaline is pumping, my wolf frenzied with the thrill of the chase. I’m getting closer, I can feel it. It’s not only her scent that I’m following, but the pull of the bond. Over the past few weeks, I’ve learned how to reach out for it, to tug on the connection between us to get a sense of where she is or how she’s feeling. Since we sealed the bond, it has only continued to develop and grow stronger. The more it does, the more I feel like we’re becoming two halves of the same person. I must be getting closer, because I can feel her excitement through the bond- it’s palpable, and it only serves to rile my wolf up even more. I see a flash of silver fur ahead and I know that I’
QUINN “I’ll get it!” I call out in response to the knock on the front door of the packhouse. It may seem strange for me to be answering the door of the packhouse in Westfield, but this place already feels like a second home to me thanks to Jax’s family. That, and I already know who’s waiting on the other side of the door. I grin as I pull it open and am met with Brooke’s shining smile, Theo’s classic smirk, and Dad’s stiff, inscrutable expression. “Hey, you guys made it!” I chirp, waving them inside. It has been just shy of two weeks since the full moon confirmed Jax and me as mates, and his mom wasn’t kidding about wanting to have my family over for dinner soon. With the battle in Denver drawing closer, there’s no time like the present. The danger of the fight and the uncertainty of the outcome has been weighing on us all over the past couple weeks. “Nice place,” Brooke comments as she slides her black
JAX“So you’re going to Denver to fight, huh?” I ask as I pull my t-shirt on overhead and tug it down my torso.We made it a whole three steps inside of Quinn’s door before we ripped each other’s clothes off. I set Quinn on the edge of the dresser and spread her thighs, bringing her to orgasm with my tongue before I fucked her senseless. Good thing these rooms have cinderblock walls, or I might’ve shoved the dresser right through it.Quinn slides her leggings up her long legs and turns to me, resting her hands on her hips. “If you’re going, I’m going.”There’s a determined glint in her eye, her wolf showing herself to me by way of shimmering copper swirls in Quinn’s irises.I can’t help but crack a smile. “Hey, I never said I was gonna stop you.”“Good, because you couldn’t stop me if you tried,”
QUINNI wish we could stay at the Westfield packhouse with Jax’s family and just forget the world for a while. Forget about the security squad and the shadow pack and Denver and just be together. But life doesn’t stop for anyone, and we’re already running late as we say our goodbyes to Jax’s parents and sisters, promising that we’ll be back for dinner on Sunday.I’ve always wanted a big family, and now I’ve got one. Jax’s family fits me like a glove- from the moment I met them, I know they were my kind of people. Guess it makes sense now, in hindsight. This is how fate designed it; the way that things were always supposed to be.Rather than heading straight back to the complex, we take a detour to Summervale to retrieve my stuff. It makes us even later, but I can’t return to the complex without my phone and computer, can I? Theo and Brooke have already left, but D
JaxI blink my eyes open as a wave of pleasure courses through me, pulling me out of my half-asleep haze. The first thing I see is Quinn- her hazel eyes peering down at me from above, the mischievous glint in them telling me that I’m in for some of her delicious brand of trouble. Her long dark hair is swept to one side, cascading down like a curtain, the ends tickling my chest as she reaches out to press a finger to my lips.It takes me another second to comprehend why she’s got her finger to my lips, urging me to be quiet. As I start to come to, I realize that her other hand is tucked inside my boxers, wrapped around my dick. It’s getting harder by the second as she strokes it, and holy shit what a way to wake up. My girl’s on top of me, jacking me off, and I’m… wait a second, I’m in my childhood bedroom?!The pieces start to click into place. The council meeting last ni
QUINN “Tonight?” I parrot, searching my dad’s face for answers. “But it’s late… what’s going on? Dad forces a smile, stepping closer and setting a hand on my shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “It’s not for you to worry about, honey.” His patronizing tone has resentment and frustration curling in my gut as he withdraws his touch and all but ignores my concern, turning instead to Jax and Theo. “You boys are coming too, Gray said squad leadership needs to be present. Cory took Ellie home, but he should be back any minute…” “Dad,” I interrupt, balling my fists at my sides and speaking through gritted teeth. “Please just tell me what’s happening.” He heaves a sigh in annoyance, casting me a sideways glance. I feel Jax step up behind me, his chest meeting my back as he slides his large hands to rest on my shoulders. “Respectfully, sir, it won’t do any good to keep her in the dark,” Jax says, h
JAX The way she says my name nearly makes me shatter. Even though I felt certain Quinn was my mate, confirming it is far better than I ever could’ve imagined. It’s earth-shattering, life changing. It’s everything- all I’ve ever wanted, she’s all I’ll ever need. My Quinn. My girl. My mate. Despite the chill in the air, our bodies are warm, slick with sweat. I slip a hand between them to seek her clit and push her over the edge, and it only takes a few gentle rubs of her sweet spot to get her there. Her body trembles, her head falls back- I hold her tight in my arms and watch in awe as she rides out her climax, doing all I can to prolong reaching my own. She’s so fucking gorgeous in the throes of bliss that I can hardly take it. My control’s hanging by a thread, but now that I know for sure that Quinn’s my mate, I won’t leave this spot until I mark her as mine forever and seal the bond between us. Slowly, beautifully, sh
QUINNWhen you’re in a new, exciting relationship, three days apart feels like an eternity. As the days pass slowly, I start to get nervous that something’s going to go wrong and Jax isn’t gonna show on Monday. Of course, the thought is irrational- Jax is the best guy, he has a heart of gold! There’s no way he’d stand me up. Still, I can’t help but agonize about all of the ‘what if’s’ while riding the high of something that feels too good to be true. Guess I’m my own worst enemy in that way.You’d think the downtime at home would be relaxing, but really, I’m just bored. Theo has been spending a lot of time with Dad- he’s teaching Theo everything he knows so he can transition him into the role of Alpha this spring- and while Brooke spends her evenings here with us, she spends her days at her parents’ house a few streets over. So basically, it&rsquo
JAX As Quinn and I walk back into the Summervale packhouse after our little ‘chat’, Brooke pokes her head out of the kitchen doorway, a smile spreading across her face when she sees the two of us. “So?” she asks excitedly, rushing over to meet us as Quinn pushes the front door closed behind her. The smug expressions that Quinn and I are sporting must give us away because Brooke lets out an excited squeak, clasping her hands together in front of her chest. I slide an arm around Quinn’s waist and tuck her into my side almost instinctively as she laughs, shaking her head at Brooke. “Please just play it cool in front of my dad?” Brooke nods, quickly reining in her enthusiasm. “Of course. I’m just glad you two figured things out.” I’m not sure if we ‘figured things out’, per se, but at least we’re finally on the same page with admitting we have real feelings for each other and wanting to give this th
Alpha Jax" by C.J. Primer is a gripping werewolf romance that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows Emery, a strong-willed and independent woman who finds herself drawn to the mysterious and brooding Alpha Jax. Primer does an excellent job of building tension and suspense throughout the story, and the chemistry between Emery and Jax is electric. Overall, "Alpha Jax" is rated 4 out of 5 stars and it’s a captivating werewolf romance that will have readers rooting for the characters from start to finish.
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