Un.Requited (Claimed Series) by Reese Morgan Page B

cooking in the oven.” Addie’s voice was earnest and the corners of her eyes crinkled. “I’m sure you three are ravished.” In her eyes, there was deep wisdom, something only years of experience could achieve.
    Although she looked no older than her mid-twenties, Hayden could tell she was older from both her voice and her astuteness. Briefly, she wondered why Addie wasn’t the female Alpha. However, the more Hayden studied her, the more she could see how gentle Addie’s nature was. There was no hardness and aggression in her like there was in her grandson. Although, when one got past Cole’s callousness toward strangers, he did possess a sliver of gentleness.
    Cole turned suddenly, just seconds before a twig snapped cleanly behind them. Hayden whirled around, surprised to see two men seemingly appearing out of nowhere. They stood utterly motionless, their strength of their eyes the only evidence that they were living creatures. Both men seemed to respect Cole’s territory and stood a good distance away from the yard.
    Cole’s persona morphed into the cold man Hayden remembered back in New York.
    “What is it?” he growled.
    Blake inched closer to Hayden, a solid bookend to her unprotected side. “Those are two of the four Alphas who live in town,” the beta whispered into her ear. His amber gaze watched the two men cautiously. “Most of the Alphas want to appear superior to Cole because of their age differences. Cole is just twenty-five, a mere pup in the eyes of the Alphas. They don’t think someone as young as Cole can lead efficiently. They’re constantly breathing down his neck, offering helpful advice.” 
    Thankful for Blake’s explanation, Hayden could now understand their unfriendly, assessing eyes as they looked at Cole. Apparently, Hayden wasn’t the only one who experienced discrimination. For all his superiority, even Cole had to carry the burden of constant judgment.
    “But…” Blake began casually as his voice raised a few octaves. “They are more than aware of the fact that Cole could beat the shit out of them if he wanted.” The beta chuckled lowly, truly tickled at the thought.
    Smiling, Hayden wondered who the Alpha was before Cole took the position, and how long ago his predecessor stepped down. According to Addie, Hayden was the first werewolf Cole took in, and Blake just mentioned that Cole was only twenty-five.
    “We request an audience with you and your new pup.” A handsome black man with blue eyes was the first to speak up. Like Cole, he was able to command proper attention when speaking.
    “All in due time, Falco,” Cole replied, brushing him off nonchalantly. “We need to settle down before we attend pack matters.” He nudged Hayden behind him, closer to Devan .
    At the other woman’s close proximity, Hayden flinched. Clearly, Devan shared the same opinion as Hayden did, for she hissed threateningly at her. The well-known rage Hayden felt around humans curled sadistically in her chest in response to Devan’s warning. She had the uncontrollable urge to attack Devan as she had attacked the redheaded rogue back in New York. 
    Easily sensing the impending attack, Cole reached behind him and hooked his fingers in the back of Hayden’s shirt. Keeping his eyes trained on the two werewolves near his territory line, Cole cleanly tugged Hayden away from Devan.
    “I’m afraid waiting is not an option,” the silver-haired Alpha warned. He gave Hayden a pointed look over Cole’s shoulder, his grey eyes contemptuous at her attempted lunge. “We will allow you an hour until we meet at The Lounge .” With one last condescending glare, he turned his heel and left. 
    Hayden watched the two men retreat, feeling as if she had ruined her chances at impressing the other Alphas. With a sardonic sniff, Hayden blinked guiltily up at Cole. The Alpha peered down at her, looking anything but impressed.
    “Are you satisfied, Devan? I thought you had better control than that.” Cole