Page 62 of Alpha Brock
“Hey,” I say, stepping back and setting a hand on her shoulder. “You’re doing great. None of us really know what we’re doing with this stuff, the important thing is just being there for your pack.”
A faint blush forms on Fallon’s cheeks. “Am I that obvious?”
I shake my head, chuckling. “Not at all. I’ve got an advantage when it comes to reading people, remember?” I wink, giving Fallon’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
Gray steps over to Brock, greeting him with a bro-hug. “How’s it going, man? You here for moral support or what?”
Brock shoots me a sideways glance. “Something like that.”
A smile creeps across my face as we make our way further inside the packhouse. I’m introduced to Gray’s beta, Deke, and offered a cup of coffee, which I graciously accept. Ten minutes later, the first members of Gray’s pack start to arrive. After another twenty, I hear the vans from Denver pulling up outside.
I get really excited every time members of my pack arrive here in the six-pack, and today is no exception. I make my way to the front door, stepping outside and waving from the front stoop as the vans start unloading. I don’t even notice that another vehicle arrived with them until the passengers of the black Jeep at the curb climb out and one of the two men whistles at me.
I’d recognize that megawatt smile and those golden curls anywhere. I do a double-take when I see him, my eyes flying wide and my mouth hanging open.
“Sam?! What are you doing here?” I blink, my heart racing as he and Chris make their way across the lawn toward me.
Chris is one of my brothers’ advisors that lives at the packhouse. He’s a couple years older than I am, with dark hair and a stocky build. He’s also got a mate with a pup on the way- she arrived a few days ago along with her sister and her pups and they were all placed together with a family in Riverton.
“Figured I’d come see how things were going here,” Sam laughs, closing the distance between us. He opens his arms to invite me in and I hop off of the stoop and into them for a hug. He lifts me off my feet like he always does, tipping back and squeezing tight. “How are you, lovely?” Sam murmurs into my hair, pressing a kiss to my head. “I’ve missed you.”
I giggle, kicking out my feet and wriggling in his grasp until he sets me down again. “I’m great! And I’ve missed you too… I can’t believe you’re here!”
I suddenly become hyper-aware of Brock’s presence as he comes up behind me, sensing the irritation rolling off of him as he does. My ex-lover and my current one are coming face to face…what could possibly go wrong?
“Well now that everyone’s here I thought you might need a ride back,” Sam suggests, winking.
Shit. Brock and I just talked about this the other night- and we agreed that I’d ride back to Denver with him when he went. I sink my teeth into my bottom lip, giving Sam a little shake of my head. “I thought I told you I didn’t need one?”
“You don’t,” Brock snaps, his voice low.
I’m getting hit with vibes of irritation from both boys now- though Sam keeps his expression steady as his eyes go to Brock over my shoulder.
“Oh! Uh, Brock…” I stutter, glancing back at him. “This is Sam, my pack’s Beta.”
Brock steps closer and slides an arm around my waist, and I watch as Sam’s eyes follow the movement. He bristles as he gives Brock a once-over, though I’m probably the only one who would notice- he keeps a charming smile plastered across his face, appearing completely unruffled.
“Nice to meet you,” Sam greets smoothly, sticking out a hand for Brock to shake.
He doesn’t right away- he stares Sam down for what feels like an eternity before I elbow him in the ribs and he returns the handshake.
“Brock’s the alpha of the pack in Riverton,” I supply, shifting my gaze from him to Sam uncomfortably. The tension between the two of them is so thick that I feel like I could reach out and grab it. Men and their damn egos.
“The same pack that Heidi’s staying with,” I add, looking to Chris.We need a buffer in here, stat!
He takes the bait, stepping forward. “Oh yeah? She said the family she’s been staying with is wonderful, they’ve been taking good care of her.”
I crane my neck to look back at Brock as he tucks in closer. “Who is Heidi staying with, again? I’m terrible with names but I know you were working on that list for a while…”
My deflection seems to work, because I feel Brock relax ever so slightly. “If I remember correctly, she’s staying with the Fields’,” he supplies. “They’re good people, she’s in good hands.”
I nod, looking past Chris and Sam to the group gathering on the lawn with their bags. “Is this everybody? We should probably get started.”
“Sure,” Sam smiles, stepping closer. He reaches out to brush the backs of his fingers against my cheek affectionately. “And after that, how about you give me the grand tour and we can catch up?”
“Yeah, sure,” I nod, sucking in a breath as I feel Brock’s fingertips dig into my hip. Looks like the tug of war has started between these two, and I’m already feeling the strain of being stretched thin.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN