chapter 7

Connor’s gaze locked on Tally from across the room as Theron handed him a glass of champagne, the bubbles catching the dim light.

“What’s your read on her?” Theron asked, his voice low.

Connor didn’t need to ask what he meant. Could Tally handle the emotional weight of their Alpha triad? Was she strong enough? Beneath her fiery attitude and the sadness shadowing her, she was perfect. The moment his fingers brushed her skin, a warmth had surged through him, sinking deep into his bones. Theron felt it too their Alpha-Omega bond confirmed it.

“She’s the one,” Connor said, not bothering to mask his hunger. “If she can accept us, our triad will be whole.”

Unlike most packs, the Wildwoods Alphas were tied to an Omega. Connor and Theron had known since childhood they’d form a triad. Sharing women was nothing new, but a mate? That was uncharted territory. Choosing a human mate complicated things further. What if her body rejected the change? What if she faced challenges for her place in the pack?

“The females could be a problem,” Theron said, his eyes narrowing. “Especially Keya. She’s still pissed we turned her down.”

They exchanged a glance before looking back at Tally, who was chatting with an older woman, her laughter bright and genuine. She didn’t need rescuing not yet.

“True,” Connor said. “But we’d treat her like one of us. Let her handle it her way.”

Theron passed his empty glass to a waiter, crossing his arms. “To a point. She’s so small, Connor. Keya’s from an Alpha bloodline she’s not our Alpha, but she’s got the drive to lead. I won’t let anyone touch Tally.”

“She’s tougher than she looks,” Connor said, tuning into Tally’s racing heartbeat across the room. Her arousal hit him like a wave. When her eyes met his, the spark of desire was undeniable. She might not grasp the depth of their connection yet, but her body wanted them. That was enough to start with.

“Might take time to get her on board,” Theron muttered, frustration lacing his voice.

“Then we use every trick we’ve got to show her what we’re offering,” Connor said, a grin spreading as Tally licked her lips and looked away, flustered.

“I like the sound of that,” Theron said, chuckling. “This’ll be fun.”

“I’ll take the lead,” Connor said, already moving toward her.

“Keep your eyes on the prize,” Theron called, his growl laced with amusement.

Their prize was Tally her curves, her fire, her everything. Connor closed the distance, determined to chip away at her walls. A few steps, and he was there.

He tapped her shoulder, her skin like silk under his fingers, its caramel glow a stark contrast to his paler tone. It drove him wild.

She turned, her dark eyes wide behind her glasses, innocence giving way to raw desire. He felt it like a punch to the gut.

“Want to dance?” he asked, extending his hand.

She stared at it, hesitant, until the older woman nudged her. “Go on, girlie. He’s a looker, and you’re stunning in that dress. Forget the fools and have fun.”

“Thanks, Grandma Kate,” Tally said.

“Don’t worry, I’ll let Nita know you’re looking for her,” the woman said with a grin.

Connor drew Tally into his arms on the crowded dance floor, the soft music setting an intimate mood. No need for wild moves just close, slow swaying. Her body was tense, but her scent, thick with arousal, brought a smile to his lips.

He leaned in, pressing them closer, his lips brushing her ear. “Relax, Tally.”

She sucked in a sharp breath, her soft moan barely audible but enough to make his cock twitch. He slid a hand down her back, settling at the curve of her hips, pulling her against him until her body cradled his hardness.

“Oh, my…” she whispered.

“That’s all for you, beautiful,” he murmured, grazing his lips over her bare shoulder. “You’ve got me so hard I can’t think straight.”

She pulled back, eyes wide with shock. “But I haven’t done anything.”

He smirked at her innocence. “Your scent, your look that’s more than enough.”

He guided her to a shadowed corner, craving the feel of her softness against him. The torment was worth it.

“Connor, you and Theron are gorgeous, but I’ve never…” She glanced around, realizing they’d slipped through a curtain into an empty side room. “This isn’t the same place.”

“I wanted you alone,” he said, his voice rough with need.

She blinked, her tongue darting over her lips.

“Christ, Tally,” he growled. “Keep doing that, and I won’t be responsible for what happens next.”

Her tongue swept her bottom lip again. “Doing what?”

He backed her against the wall, caging her in. “That. Licking your lips, pulling me in. I need to taste you.”

Her gasp gave him the opening he needed. His lips claimed hers, and fire exploded through him. Her soft moan, low and needy, made him grip her waist harder than intended. He burned to be inside her, to feel her stretch around him. When her tongue met his, the world vanished his wolf and his heart zeroed in on her.

Her nails dug into his arms, clawing through his jacket as she moaned, each sound driving him wilder. She pressed her hips closer, her arousal thick in the air, confirming how wet she was. He broke the kiss, trailing his lips down her jaw. “Tell me you want this,” he said, nipping her shoulder.

“Oh, God,” she moaned.

“Tell me you want us both. Tell me you’ll try.” He kissed down to her chest, aching to tug her dress down and tease her nipples until she came undone.

“I…”

He rocked his hips, his throbbing length finding no relief. Desire coiled tight, tugging at his control. He cupped her breasts through her dress, squeezing as he licked her exposed skin. Her moans burrowed into him, urging him on. She yanked at his jacket, pulling him back to her lips, their kiss a hungry clash.

Her boldness woke his wolf, ravenous. When her hand slid down to grip his cock through his pants, he groaned, loving her touch even through the fabric. She might be pinned against the wall, but she held the reins.

Footsteps approached, snapping him out of the haze. He curled an arm around her, steering her toward the outdoor section of the restaurant.

The moment was broken, but her fire was still there, smoldering. She was their mate no question. Now it was about fanning that flame until she came to them willingly.