Logan wore the veil of responsibility as if he’d led the pack his entire life. He’d fought over a dozen wolves to earn the title, and it had been respectfully earned. A double-edged sword, loving or lethal, depending on the situation, there was no doubt about the male who held her in his arms. Capable of ameliorating pain or inciting it, he’d provide guidance and discipline to the wolves. As if she’d woken from a long sleep, Katrina looked into Logan’s deep blue eyes, shivering with the realization that he’d changed. Altogether deliberate and dominant, a new wolf had been born. He was Alpha.
Chapter Two
Logan sat on the cracked leather barstool watching his wolves celebrate. As he drank his beer, he smiled to himself, amused at the curveball life had thrown him. He felt exhilarated to be back in the French Quarter. After Marcel had died, he’d sold the Alpha’s Garden District pack house, per Tristan’s request. He was thrilled to be rid of the monstrosity, considering the death he’d caused and witnessed that disastrous night. There was no way he’d step one foot back into that house, let alone hold any pack activities there.
In contrast, his new home soothed his soul, reminding him of his Creole roots. Newly reconditioned, it mirrored his life. Long before Marcel’s demise, he’d started restoring the early nineteenth century three-story corner mansion. But his newfound position had accelerated the renovations, so he’d be able to live in the city. As much as he loved running wolf, the urbane food and culture were every bit a part of who he was. He’d made sure that his wolves were close by in adjoining townhouses on his street.
The only wolf he allowed to live with him was Dimitri. The quaint guest cottage on the property gave them both the closeness and privacy they needed. While he’d grown up with Dimitri, the connection between him and his beta had grown stronger over the past month. Their relationship had deepened in both respect and trust. And while Logan had initially felt awkward about his need for a beta, he soon embraced the bond. They’d shared more than a house. Pack challenges. Business. Women. Their intimacy had grown exponentially each day, but Logan no longer questioned why. Instinctively, he knew it was as natural as the sun rising.
After returning to the city and pulling into the carport, Logan insisted that he and Dimitri go to Courettes for drinks and celebration. He felt the wave of contentment that had washed through the pack. They had needed a leader, one determined to withstand multiple challenges, and he’d shown he was worthy. And in return, he needed to be with them and around them.
Courettes was an open-air, casual French Quarter establishment. What made the bar unique was that, thanks to a witch’s spell, only paranormals could see into the bar or enter. To humans, it simply looked like a quiet home with closed wooden shutters. Because tonight was an Acadian wolf celebration, few vampires and witches attended. As the zydeco band played, wolves danced sensually to the indigenous beats.
Sitting at the bar, Dimitri shot Logan a questioning look, realizing his mind was far from the party that was going on around him.
“Alpha, what’s up?”
“Nothin’. Just feels good to be back home in the city. Life is good,” Logan responded, gazing intently at the many she-wolves who’d begun to peel off some of their clothing as the atmosphere became more heated.
“You were amazing tonight.” Dimitri clapped his hand on Logan’s shoulder. “The pack, they’re calm. It’s finally over.”
“Yeah. And I meant it too. I’m done. Next challenge ends in death,” he stated coldly. Logan was so finished with this shit. Acadian Wolves were his and the next wolf who started a fight was as good as dead.
“Oh, I know. You made that perfectly clear. It was awesome, though, bro,” Dimitri laughed. “When’s Kat leaving?”
“Tomorrow.” Logan pinched the bridge of his nose and plowed his hand through his hair. “She’s still broken up about Marcel. Then again, it’s not every day you lose your brother. Tristan is the only one who can really help her heal. It’s not easy letting her go, but it’s time for us all to move on. And today, my friend, is that day.” He took a swig of his beer.
“Speaking of moving on…” Dimitri nodded nonchalantly over to a gorgeous redhead whose eyes flirtatiously flashed over to his and then back to the band. Her fiery curly hair fell to the middle of her back, accentuating her slim waist and full hips.
“Ah, yes, Fiona. She’s been after me for the past two months,” Logan confessed.
“No surprise there, I guess.” The women had been circling around his new Alpha ever since the first challenge. But after tonight’s edict, Dimitri expected them to become more aggressive, actively vying for Logan’s attention. “Honestly, between Luci and Kat, you’ve had your hands full. I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am that we moved back here and out of that mansion.”
“Yeah well, soon that mansion is going to be a clubhouse. It’s Marcel’s, not mine. And since he’s not here, it belongs to the pack. Thank Goddess we’re back in the city, though, ’cause I need my space. No offense, man.” Logan laughed.
“None taken,” Dimitri concurred and held up his glass. “I’ll be good to go in the cottage house. Close enough but not on top of you.”
Logan turned to him, smiling and nodding. They clinked glasses in cheers and drank.
“Alpha.” Logan turned his attention toward the submissive voice that sang his name.
“Fiona, how are you? You look beautiful tonight.” Logan acknowledged as he and Dimitri stood to greet the alluring wolf.
“Thank you, sir. Hello, Dimitri.” She smiled and nodded at him.
“I must agree with our Alpha, cher. You look lovely.”
She blushed in response, but didn’t move away. “It’s because of the challenge. Everyone can feel it. It’s been so long since we’ve felt any peace…with Marcel gone and all.”
“How about a dance to celebrate?” Dimitri suggested, glancing over to Logan.
“With you both?” She questioned seductively, batting her eyelashes.
Logan smiled in response, quickly weighing his answer. He supposed one dance with the attractive little she-wolf couldn’t hurt. Gently taking her hand in his, he led her out to the dance floor, Dimitri following.
Fiona laughed quietly as Logan swept her into his arms. The music slowed, and Dimitri came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. The threesome began to move as one on the dance floor and a palpable sexual energy snapped in the air. Sandwiched between the tall, sexy men, Fiona rejoiced at her successful seduction. She had wanted these men for such a long time, yet it had been the first time she’d touched them intimately. She immediately bared her throat, offering both the Alpha and his beta everything she was.
Logan, surprised by Fiona’s gesture, tried to ignore her invitation. But as she rubbed her pelvis against his, it became difficult not to respond. He wasn’t interested in bringing her home with him, but neither did he want to insult her. His beta, on the other hand, clearly felt differently. Logan watched as Dimitri bent his knees, brushing his hard arousal against her bottom.
“Hmm,” she cooed, simply swaying back and forth, letting the men dictate the pace and direction of their hot encounter.
“Fi, look what you are doing to my beta,” Logan whispered in her ear.
“Alpha,” she moaned, digging her nails into his shoulders.
“I do think she’s enjoying our dance,” Dimitri commented, sliding his hands up her waist, his fingertips nearly touching the swell of her breasts. “Perhaps we could take this somewhere more private?”