Alpha's Revenge (Shifter Ops 3)

It’s important that packs eat together regularly. Pack is family, and my fellow wolves are closer than brothers. It’s only the three of us here today, but three shifters can eat enough to feed a platoon. If Adele doesn’t understand that now, she will by the end of the meal.

Adele’s in the kitchen, wearing an apron over her fancy clothes. She’s got high heels and a polka dot dress on, and damn if she doesn’t look like some sexy 50s housewife.

“Just give me a minute,” she calls from her place at the stove. She’s got a ladle and is stirring the contents of the biggest stew pot I’ve ever seen.

“Take all the time you need,” Channing says. “Can’t rush perfection.”

Suck up.

Channing catches my glower and drops his eyes to his plate. Across from him, Deke is carefully silent, staring at his own empty plate. I feel like the stern patriarch of the most fucked up nuclear family ever.

Adele doesn’t notice the sudden silence. “I told you, you didn’t have to set a place for me.” As she leans over the stove, a dark brown curl falls in her face, and she tucks it behind her ear. She tastes a little out of the ladle and licks her plush lips.

And now I’m hard as a board. I shift my weight in my chair, but nothing makes me more comfortable. “You need to eat.” My voice comes out harsh. I need to get control of myself. Adele will think I’m an asshole.

Of course, she probably already does.

Adele acts like I didn’t even speak. “I meant to ask, where did you find that beautiful art sculpture?” She points to the coffee table where Channing must have set the crumpled trash can down. “It kinda looks like artsy metal work.”

“Rafe made it.” Channing smiles, so his dimple flashes.

“Really?” Adele turns to me with an exaggerated look of surprise. She flutters her long lashes and widens her eyes. “I wouldn't have guessed you had such artistic talent.”

“Only when he's real mad,” Channing says.

“Channing,” Deke warns.

“It's all right,” I grunt. “Not many people know.” Not many people know I have shifter strength that can crumple a metal trash can like it’s a paper bag.

“So fascinating,” Adele gushes with fake enthusiasm. Maybe she did pick up on the awkward silence, and now she’s trying to fill it. It is her first day on the job. “I’ve never seen a metal sculpture quite like that. Very interesting technique. I’d love to see your workshop.”

“We’ll show you anything you like.” Channing bobs his head and grins, kicking his legs under the table like he’s five.

“Thank you, Channing.” Adele shoots him a quick smile.

“Sarge,” Deke mutters, and I realize I’ve been gripping my fork so hard, I’ve bent it. I quickly straighten it before Adele comes to the table.

“Here we go.” She sets down a platter of rice and another of homemade cornbread. “Fill your plates with this, and I’ll dish out the red beans.” She hurries back to the kitchen to a huge stew pot.

“I’ve never seen a pot so big.” Channing leaps up. “Let me help you.” As big as the pot is, it only takes a fraction of shifter strength to move it, but Adele acts like he’s cured cancer.

“Thank you so much,” she cries.

Channing sits back down with a big grin on his ugly mug. I want to punch his stupid cleft chin. Why do females find him so attractive? Fuck if I know.

“Dig in,” I order. Maybe if Channing starts shoveling the food in his mouth, he'll stop talking.

I grab a piece of cornbread and serve myself, but no one else makes a move. I glance up. Both of my pack members are waiting politely, looking at Adele as if she's the Alpha in charge.

“Oh, please.” She waves a hand. “Don't stand on ceremony for me. Not all of us can mind our manners when we’re hungry.” She gives me the sweetest smile. I loosen my grip on my fork before I bend it again.

Adele hustles around the table, ladling spicy-smelling red beans over our rice. I lean back in my chair and avert my face, so I don’t get a wave of her scent when she serves me. My wolf wants to grab her and lay her out on the table. I could feast for hours…

Before I lose it and grab her, Adele slips away.

Cranky, cock throbbing, I frown at my full plate. “What is this?”

“Red beans.” Adele calls over her shoulder.

I fork some into my mouth. Delicious. The scent of the spices will linger here for days and drive me crazy, reminding me of her.

“I thought I told you to make us meat,” I say because I’m an asshole.

“There's meat in there,” Adele says. “Plenty of sausage.”

“Yum,” Channing says, like he’s five.

Adele glows as if he’s given her a compliment. “I know you said you guys like meat, but I figured I'd give you a taste of something else. Stretch your palettes a little bit.” Her smile turns mischievous. “I have several vegan entrees to try if you’re willing—”