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."

disgust, then raised a brow. "Your family's

Hanovers had carved out an empire here. It

to what Thomas had dug up for me, at least half of the jewelry shops run by the pack were under the Hanovers'

gemstone. Quentin, always the showman, backed him financially and helped him

the helm, the

in Preston's eyes. I read

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

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

narrowed his eyes in

There's nothing special about them. What exactly

and quit while you're ahead." I shot him a smug,

VE TIC

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

maybe I will take the whole brand too!" I said boldly, raising my voice so everyone

He froze, caught off guard,

throw died on his lips and came out instead as

his men,

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

said easily with a carefree

My knowledge of

to a few lessons from

would humble herself to ask, I wouldn't mind

a waste without a wolf, I suggest you stay far, far away from