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

Hanovers had carved out an empire here. It made perfect sense

had dug up for me, at least half of the

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

an heir of the Hanovers at the helm, the business

wariness in Preston's eyes. I read his

I don't want your brand," I said with a touch of

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

his eyes

staff? There's nothing special about

so and quit while you're ahead."

VE TIC

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

case, maybe I will take the whole brand too!" I said boldly, raising my

that. He froze, caught

about to throw died on his lips and came out instead as an empty threat.

he stormed off with his men, his pride

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

I said easily with a

of rock betting

along, thanks to a

uninvited. "If Ms. Carson would humble herself to

you don't want to end up a waste without a