Resisting the Moon (Royal Shifters #2)(7)

He glanced out at the mountains in the distance and shrugged. “It’s different. Don’t get me wrong, I love being with my family, but having so many unmated alphas in one pack is an absolute nightmare.”

I snorted. “You’re telling me.”

Smirking, he leaned back on his elbows, stretching out his body. I had to admit, he had a nice one. “So, how come a beautiful woman like you hasn’t found a mate yet?”

“I don’t know,” I laughed. “Why haven’t you?”

“Looking in all the wrong places, I guess. That’ll change soon.”

I didn’t want to comment, so I just sat there, smiling uncomfortably. Why had I asked him out? My wolf stirred impatiently inside. She didn’t want to be with Colin. Her tastes preferred a different royal.

“I heard you work on a ranch, training horses and such. Do you like it?”

Breathing a sigh of relief, I smiled. Now that was a subject I was comfortable with. “Love it. I can’t imagine doing anything else. My goal in life was to be a veterinarian, but my family didn’t have the money to send me to college. I could probably go now, but I’m more than happy where I’m at.”

Colin nodded in understanding. “I didn’t go to college either, but Zayne taught me how to design and build houses. We made pretty decent money up in Canada. I’m hoping to start expanding our business down into the states soon.”

Zayne was one of Sebastian’s brothers, but I’d only met him for a brief moment when he’d arrived in town with Colin and others from what used to be the Royal pack. Zayne was identical to Sebastian and Micah, but he didn’t talk nearly as much. I think I’d only heard him say two things since he’d been in the pack.

“Builders are always needed around here,” I mentioned.

His lips pulled back into a grin. “I know. I’ve been hired to work at Three Bar Ranch for maintenance repairs.”

Eyes wide, I gaped at him. Surely, he had the name of the ranch wrong. “You know that’s where I work, right?”

“Yep. I wasn’t going to tell you, but I thought better of it and decided to mention it before I showed up over there tomorrow.”

“Thanks for the heads up.”

“No problem. Want to go for a swim before we head back?” he asked, smirking mischievously.

Instead of replying, I jumped off the ground and raced toward the water. “First one there wins.”

His power flared behind me as he drew near, chuckling the entire time. I was almost to the water’s edge when his arms snaked around my waist and pulled me back as we both dove in. His hold loosened and I swam away.

The moment I surfaced, I broke out in laughter. “I won!”

Colin wiped the water out of his eyes. “Don’t think so, sweetheart. My arm hit before any other part of your body.”

“You’re really going to use that bullshit excuse? I can’t wait to tell everyone what a sore loser you are.”

His eyes flashed and he chuckled. “We’ll see about that.” He stalked toward me, kicking water in the air as he approached. Squealing, I took off further into the lake, treading as fast as I could. His hand brushed my foot, before he grabbed my ankle, pulling me back toward him. “Who’s the faster one now?” he teased, wrapping his arms around my waist.

He was so close, I felt his breath on my face. Even if he kissed me, I knew it wouldn’t feel anything like Sebastian’s kiss from earlier. “Colin,” I whispered regretfully.

“You don’t have to say it, Tyla. I know I’m not the one you want. Although, I have to say, it kills me not to kiss you right now.”

Sighing, I hung my head. “I didn’t want to lead you on, but I was hoping my feelings would change. They haven’t, and I’m sorry. The last thing you need is to get on Sebastian’s bad side.”

He chuckled. “I think I already am. I’m not worried about it.”

He should be though.





Sebastian

Who the f*ck does he think he is? I didn’t want Tyla to know I was watching, but dammit to hell, it was getting hard to control myself. I wanted to rip Colin’s throat out every time he touched her. Now they were in the lake and way too f*cking close. That’s it. I started toward them, my resolve on the edge of breaking.

“Don’t even think about it, Sebastian.”

I stopped and turned around to find Bailey glaring at me, her heart racing from the run. It was easier to control our emotions in human form; hence, the reason I refrained from shifting. “What the hell are you doing here?” She’d shielded herself so I wouldn’t hear or feel her approach.

Arms crossed, she stood there, pursing her lips. “Micah sent me to get you. He thought you’d rip his head off if he came, and we both know you won’t hurt me. Judging by what’s going on, you better not hurt Colin either.”

My eyes flashed. “She doesn’t belong to him. He needs to stop touching her.”

Sighing, she approached cautiously. “He knows that. Colin isn’t going to make a move on Tyla, I promise.”

“Have you seen them out there?” I growled, thrusting my finger in their direction.

“You have nothing to worry about. My plan worked. However, I’m starting to think it was a mistake.”