Big Bad Alphas

“I thought the tables could go over here, the appetizers could go over on that side, then we could have a little dance floor in the middle,” Caroline explains while pointing everything out to me, though I find it hard to keep track.

“You really made this party into a princess’ ball from a fairytale book,” I mutter while my eyes roam the giant room. “I didn’t even know this building existed.”

“Well you haven’t seen much yet, but the ballroom was used for pack meetings when we first were established, and when there were fewer members. Now it is utilized for special events, as such.” She turns to me with a big smile. “Planning this party has really given me something to do, ya know? Have you told Eric yet?”

“I tried.”

That conversation was not a very long one. The morning after our kiss, I mentioned the idea to him downstairs. The probability of having a celebration for his father’s birthday, and inviting high members of other packs, is not a likely one in his eyes. To make a long story short, Eric does not want a party.

”And?” Caroline looks to me with hopeful eyes.

“He said that he doesn’t think it’s a good idea.” Her shoulders drop. “But I will try again.”

“I already ordered most everything that we will need. My dad’s birthday is Saturday; it’s Wednesday, we have to get this party locked down in permanent marker on the calendar. If Olivia’s mate holds a high position in another pack, then it will be easier for her to forget about Eric, as she would definitely head back with them as soon as possible.”

“Okay,” I mumble. “We can do this. We’re killing two birds with one stone.”

She places her hands on either side of me while her eyes sternly grab mine. “You have to convince Eric. Pulling this off will be a million times harder if he is running against us.”

“I’ll do all I can.”

Later that night, after Caroline and I scan through the guest list, I clean up and get ready for bed. I love planning with her, but going through all the names was tedious. She shook me awake every time I rested my head on the table and drifted off.

Rubbing my eyes, I climb into bed without turning off the light. Eric said he had to run out to the borders quickly, not telling me why, as he probably did not want to bore me, though, I find it hard to imagine any yawn-worthy words coming out of his mouth. He could talk to me all day about border safety, and I would be perfectly happy listening to his voice.

Leaning against the headboard, I reach over and grab my book that is resting on the bedside table. I would love to sleep, but I promised Caroline I would talk to him about the party. Tomorrow is already Thursday, meaning we cannot procrastinate Eric’s approval anymore.

A few minutes pass, and I hear the front door open. My ears perk up, and I swiftly set my book aside, mentally preparing myself and going over points in my head.

Just as I take a deep breath, he comes through the bedroom door. “That didn’t take too long.” He smiles and slips off his shirt, making me gasp inwardly.

“You sleep shirtless now?” I ask while holding back a blush. He makes a move to turn off the light, but I stop him. “Wait, we need to talk.”

Eric glances back at me. “About us?”

“No.”

Relief washes over his face. “Alright, but you need actual sleep so let’s keep this light.”

He sits down beside me, making my mind wander to our kiss. “It’s about the party.”

“I told you—”

“I know,” I cut him off. “But I have more reasons now, better reasons.”

Etc takes a moment to think. “I will listen to your argument for a kiss.”

My eyes narrow in on his handsome, mischievous face. “How about, a cheek and a peck for the argument?”

“You don’t want to kiss me, Isabella?” He leans in, tempting my mind more than ever before. Quickly, I place three fingers over his mouth, halting his alluring lips.

“I want to stay in control, and I currently have what you want,” I explain, already inwardly cursing for putting myself in this situation. I have no self-control when it comes to Eric; maybe this could be a good way to gain some. “So, Caroline has already—”

“Payment first,” he interrupts.

“Fine.”

Eric places his lips gently on my cheek then I meet his eyes. He briefly, and softly presses his lips to my own next, making ripples of satisfaction glide through me. “Your lips are like candy,” he mumbles against me, and my toes curl.

“Okay,” I move him back. “Caroline has put so much effort into the party; she has been working nonstop. Also, I think your father would enjoy the celebration. Sure, he doesn’t know about it, but it’s a surprise. Plus, it will be a great way to meet members from other packs, possibly make a few friendships, which could be useful in the future. And,” I hesitate, “there is a chance that Olivia’s mate could come.”

Eric’s eyes gaze strictly into mine. “And why are you worrying about Olivia finding her mate? I thought you two were going to help her.”

“This will help her, help her get over you,” I say with a smile, using it to my advantage. “She needs a distraction, and once she finds her mate, Olivia will completely forget about you, and her hate for me will be no more.”

Eric sighs and I take the miniature break to yawn. “I don’t know, Isabella. I do not trust having other Alphas on my land; there could be ulterior motives.”

“Caroline and I went through the guest list, and she made sure there is no one on it who you have had a complicated past with.” By the expression on his face, I assume that I have defeated that worry. “I promise everything will go smoothly.”

He takes another moment before his eyes roll back over to me. “If I say okay, will you give me a real kiss?”

“Is all that you want kisses Eric?” I ask, not seriously.

“No, all I want is you.” He grabs my hand, making my heart sink to the point of no return. “But you keep acting like you don’t want to kiss me,” he humorously mutters.

Rolling my eyes, I lightly shove him back, though he does not move much. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Let me kiss you.”

I tease him. “No, you rather kiss me than listen.”

He shrugs. “That sounds about right.”

“Fine, only because you’re letting us have the party,” I tell him while holding back a smile.

Once he has approval, Eric’s hand reaches under my hair below my ear, his thumb caressing my cheek. Surprised, my eyes watch him as he leans in and once again presses his lips to mine, this time with more pressure. He sends my mind into a sensual state of intoxication. Electric tingles come back to play as our lips move in perfect synchronization as if we know what the other person is going to do next. The feeling of his lips are like nothing I have ever felt before, and Eric knows that, he likes it.

I stop myself from whimpering when I feel him back away, but I am mistaken. He begins to leave a trail of delicate kisses down my jaw and onto my neck, making my resistance crumble. A hand slides down my waist and pulls me closer to his bare chest.

My mind runs wild; my head spins as he continues his hot assault on my neck. “Eric,” I mumble, trying to yank myself back into reality. “You said a k-kiss.”

Footsteps prod at the back of my head, but Eric’s roaming hand distracts me.

His kisses leave a blazing trail of pleasure as they sink to my shoulders and collarbone. I bite my lip, holding back any cries or moans that might fuel him even more.

When I hear the door swing open, my heart stops abruptly, and Eric swiftly pulls away, leaving me cold.

My eyes bulge out at the sight of Caroline standing in the doorway. “My phone, it wasn’t working,” she mumbles. “I’ll wait out here.” With that, she closes the door behind her, and my face turns a shade of red that I have not experienced yet.

Embarrassed beyond a point of return, I tug the covers over my head and wish to be eaten up by the mattress.

“Isabella,” Eric calls to me from outside my cocoon. “It’s not that big of a deal.”

“Not that big of a deal? Caroline just saw that!” I cry and make no move to come out.

“I’ll go talk to her.”

When I hear the door open and close, a sign that Eric has left the room, I peek out for a breath of fresh air. I cannot believe that just happened. I knew I shouldn’t have let Eric kiss me how he wanted to!

Sitting up, I uncover my head and fall back against the headboard. “Damn it,” I whisper.

The door cracks open, and Carolines pops her head through. “Hey Isabella, that was awkward,” she mutters and wanders in.

“Where’s Eric?”

She takes a seat on the edge of the bed. “He said he was going downstairs, but I really didn’t mean to barge in like that. I couldn’t find my phone and Olivia woke up. I was going to call and ask you to come over because she told me some very interesting things I thought you would want to know.”

I run my hand through my hair. “Well, what did she say?”

Caroline grabs my hand, making me nervous. “She told me that she is pregnant.”

I laugh. “What?”

“Olivia told me that she’s pregnant with Eric’s child,” Caroline says slower.