In the Alpha’s Arms

Offense Taken

“Jesus, Erica,” Alex grumbled his disapproval, “That’s how you talk to a total stranger? You just learned her name and you’re already judging her?” His eyebrows shot up as he pursed his lips.

That was the second time today that Alex had stood up for het. Lita was two seconds away from asking which clone this was because he hadn’t even called her psycho bunny or sticks yet today,

“I’m not judging her, Beta.” Erica snapped. Lita had never heard the title atsed with disdain before. Maybe Erica’s attitude wasn’t specifically directed to Lita. Maybe she thought everyone who wasn’t an Alpha was beneath her.

“It’s just a question, Alex, who pissed in your drink?” The two bickered at the end of the table, with Cole looking annoyed and uncomfortable between

them

“Erica.” Cole said softly, “I told you about being disrespectful with titles. You need to work on that.”

Lita almost laughed at the sudden rush of anger. He handled Erica with such care, treating her as if she were delicate. Was this the same Cole that basically told Lita she was a worthless piece of crap for being human? And that it was ridiculous to think he’d accept their bond? He’d been completely heartless about it.

Erica assured the table that it was only a question, and yet it felt like an insult. The same way what Cole had said felt like an insult. The symmetry stabbed Lita’s chest with precision.

No, Lita thought to herself, she wasn’t fucking any of the men, but she was Cole’s mate. For a moment, she thought about being petty. About burting that fact across the table and starting a problem. But that wasn’t a stranger’s business, was it? And what if he had already told Erica? Then it would only embarrass Liti

“I didn’t think it was a shameful activity,” Erica said, still arguing with Alex. How was I supposed to know it wasn’t common conversation? You know those two talk about it like they’re going out for dinner. Erica tossed her hand in Stage and Jaz’s direction. “And I was trying not to ask why she looks like she was dragged under a moving car, Alex. I was trying to pick a happier topic.”

Lita stiffened, remembering how bad she truly looked. The way the bank manager stared at her and asked if she needed help. The way pedestrians had avoided her and cut her strange looks. Lita’s hands shook. Brian had done the shameful thing, and yet she was walking around with the proof. Lita was walking around like a pariah. How was that fair?

Andres leaned over, “Don’t take it personally, she rubbed us all the wrong way at one point or another. She’s kind of… difficult to read at first.”

“She’s kind of a bitch…” Lita said truthfully, rolling her fork through the sauce until it mixed with the salad.

He laughed lightly, “That too. But she must have something good that Alpha gees in her. He’s a good judge of character.”

Lita doubted that very much. She couldn’t stand people that looked down on others, probably because she was always the one being looked down on Lita certainly knew enough about those types growing up. How many times had she been picked on for dressing out of season or not putting enough effort into her appearance? Even when she’d started dating Brian, they all said he was slumming it with her, which only sent Lita further into his

It wasn’t like they hadn’t known she was rich, they had. They knew her parents were important and ran the elite circles. Hell, their parents often spent time in the same circles. But it hadn’t mattered. There was something about Lita they didn’t like, something that made her an other. That was a hard insecurity to break and here she was, in some basic clothes, covered in bruises and a fragile emotional state. Lita really couldn’t have felt more Inadequate if she tried.

complex or something. She thinks they might tempt Alpha, you know? And if she knew you were his mate… she’d probably be trying to murder you in your sleep. You should take it as a compliment.”

you

seen

of course,” His dice got darker when he said that, like he was replaying all her

1/3

Offense Taken

feeling as if she was being seen for who she was for once. Not be or what she

she was supposed

I’ll give you that,” he laughed so genuinely it made Dia join him, “But

didn’t know better, I’d say you were calling me pretty…” Lita smired,

the table.

she answers, moon above! Why don’t you go run a chcult, if you know what I mean, grumpy,” Erica scolded, “Maybe faz will

Jaz. Lita looked over at them. Jaz rolled her eyes and drank from a

a friend as if it weren’t possible for humans to integrate with wolves. At least, that’s what it felt she implied. It rubbed Lita the wrong way and reminded her of Cole wanting to reject her solely because she was human. It

control over

was their deal? Was Erica imagining herself better than humans because she was stronger? Prettier?

it was par for the course with her, and he accepted it. Lita found it odd that he would want to be with someone like that, but she shrugged it

fine, but the tone was fucking spiteful, a little too sharp, a little too high–pitched. Lita Inhaled a fiery breath, the

smugly, popping a bite of food into her mouth. Her muscles felt tight, imitating her bruised rib. She wasn’t sure it was jealousy, but it was definitely something. She didn’t like Erica at all, “No offense taken, I can tell just from looking at you you’re just

at the table would understand, except Erica, that what she said

a flawless ponytail, baby pink tennis dress when no one was playing tennis, flawless smile, sparkling blue eyes. Again, she felt insecure. Brody had just called her pretty and yet, one look at Erica’s perfection made her feel unwanted all over again. Though as Lita compared

“See? It’s fi

Lita cut her off, nodding as if coming to some

said, he choked and laughed out loud, coughing over a bite of spaghetti “Oh, shit. That was

Brody

“Lita, what the fuck? I thought

it,” Lita whispered back. “And who told you I was nonconfrontational?

over another Laugh, reaching for