Pursued by a Werewolf (Mystic Isle, Book 4) by Selena Blake

in spandex, you actually have to twist your body into shapes he'd find...unnatural.”
    Hunter howled with laughter and Ceara tried but failed to smother her giggle.
    Maxim ignored them and ordered drinks for himself and his mate.
    Hunter leaned toward her, still chuckling under his breath. “Good one. You want another cocktail?”
    “Yeah.” Avery would be lying if she said she didn’t enjoy their easy going camaraderie…when they had it. And she appreciated the way he was always taking care of her in small but thoughtful ways.
    He straightened and looked up at their server. The woman was curvy beyond belief and as less classy men would say, stacked. Avery saw no point in denying the truth. Hunter placed their order and immediately turned his attention back to their table.
    Maxim and Hunter were discussing food options when Avery felt a stillness take over the room. The din of conversation softened and the movement paused. She glanced up and surveyed the club. It was a typical sports bar style with a space in the middle beneath the heat lamps for dancing. She saw nothing unusual or out of place.
    Charles Latham strode up to their table looking every bit the tall, golden, gorgeous god-in-charge. Ahh, that explained the change in the atmosphere.
    He made pleasantries with Maxim and Hunter before turning his attention to her. She sat up a little straighter. It wasn’t every day you had a conversation with someone who could vaporize you with a single thought.
    “I wanted to thank you again for giving Pearl private lessons. She’s very happy with your teaching.”
    “You’re most welcome. I like her a lot. She’s like a burst of sunshine.”
    “Yes, she is.” He turned his attention to Hunter and Maxim. “I’ll see you two for skeet shooting tomorrow?”
    “We’ll be there,” Hunter answered. Maxim nodded.
    Avery felt Ceara's gaze. “You must be an excellent teacher for the princess to seek Latham out and sing your graces.”
    Ceara was still learning English phrases so Avery gently corrected her. “Praises.”
    “She is,” Hunter inserted smoothly. “A most excellent teacher.”
    She elbowed him gently in the ribs. “I’m too easy on you, wolf. Remind me to remedy that tomorrow.”
    “Promise?” he asked with that smile that sent her heart racing.
    She ignored the clamoring organ and his question. “Pearl probably just had drinks with Latham. I’m sure she casually mentioned it. No biggie.”
    “It is a biggie. You’ll be teaching all the classes around here in no time.”
    “Very funny. I think I might do some traveling this winter. No time for lessons.”
    “Come visit us,” Ceara said.
    “You’re always welcome,” Maxim added.
    Hunter made no such offer, in fact he looked surprised.
    What? She directed the thought at him.
    To Ceara and Maxim, “Thank you.”
    “Where were you planning on going?” Hunter asked.
    “Well, it’s been a long time since I’ve been snow skiing. And I’d love to see Prague. Oh… and New Orleans. I haven’t been there in twenty years.”
    “I have never been to America,” Ceara commented.
    “You should come with me. You know, if you have time.” She glanced at Maxim. “Speaking of schedules, how is it you can both be here this weekend?”
    She cocked her head at Hunter. “You just got back from walkabout. Shouldn’t you be with your pack?”
    “We're not dictators, Avery. The pack can take care of itself,” Hunter said. “Must take care of itself.”
    “They're resilient, as we all must be,” Maxim added.
    “Besides, this gives us an excellent opportunity to test our beta in training.”
    Avery frowned. “I thought you were the beta.”
    Hunter and Maxim shared a look.
    “I can't be the beta forever.” Why did those words strike such sadness inside her? She wasn’t particularly interested in him being the beta of the pack. It wasn’t like they were an item and she wasn’t on a power kick. But he clearly excelled at being Maxim’s right