Alpha Hayley's Destined Mate by Andrea Townsend

Chapter 762 The Wager

Hayley's POV:

"Relax," I said with a reassuring smile, giving Melody a calm, steady look before turning to Preston. "Are you gutsy enough to bet against me?"

"Why not?" Preston, clearly intrigued, rubbed his hands together and licked his lips with excitement as he spoke.

"But a real contest needs a little wager to make it interesting." His eyes roamed over me in a way that made my skin crawl.

"What kind of wager are you talking about?" I asked, keeping my tone cool and composed.

Preston grinned, the sleaze practically dripping from him. "Simple. If you lose, you spend a week in my bed. Deal?" He grinned lecherously.

Truman, who had stayed quiet until now, suddenly stiffened. His expression darkened, and a vein pulsed on his forehead. He looked ready to explode.

The sheer rage on his face caught me off guard-and, strangely, it reminded me of Benjamin.

If Benjamin were here, I could only imagine how he'd deal with a sleazeball like Preston.

As my destined mate, Truman's wolf clearly had the same possessive instincts as Hera.

I paused a beat, then calmly replied, "Sure. But what if I win?"

"Then I'm all yours," Preston said smugly. "Do with me as you please."

look of disgust, then raised a brow. "Your family's jewelry brand has been doing pretty

deep roots in the gemstone industry, and the Hanovers had carved out an

to what Thomas had dug up for me, at least half of the jewelry shops run by the

Preston stumbled upon a premium gemstone. Quentin, always the showman, backed him financially and helped him launch

the helm, the

could see the wariness in Preston's eyes. I read his

I said

want your staff. Just the people. I get to choose whoever I want from your store.

narrowed his eyes

There's nothing special about them.

you're scared, just say so and quit while you're ahead." I shot him a smug,

VE TIC

hit a nerve. "Scared? Please. I'm no coward. Heck, if you win, take the whole brand

brand too!"

expected that. He froze, caught off guard, not knowing how

lips and

with his men, his

out of carshot, Melody stepped closer, curiosity written all over her face. "Ms. Carson, don't tell me

clue," I said easily with a carefree smile, shaking

knowledge of rock betting was surface-level at

follow along, thanks to a few lessons from

Carson would humble herself to

to end up a waste without a wolf,