Page 3 of Curvy Alpha Bride (Wolfshade Brides-for-Hire #4)

Staring bored at the stick-on stars scattered across my ceiling, I grab another handful of potato chips and crunch them down, letting the salty snack soothe me.

I should eat some real food sometimes, but I can’t deal with the whole “dinner” thing. Not just cooking, but sitting down and committing to a meal. I’d rather just snack. It’s probably fewer calories, anyway.

The music pouring out of my phone takes a sharp turn, a heavy, melancholy beat replacing a fast dance track. I try to listen to it for a few seconds, but quickly switch it off after the first verse.

I don’t need any sad songs. I’m good enough at making myself depressed.

My phone buzzes in my hand, and Cass’s name blinks at the top.

Babe, you coming out with us? she asks.

No, I type back quickly. I’m busy.

Sitting in bed, eating chips?

Fuck you.

Cass sends a stream of laughing emojis, making me sigh and drop my phone over the edge of the bed. I know what’s coming next, and there’s no way to fight it.

Seconds later, a sharp rap on my front door is followed by the squeak of a key in the lock.

“I told you that key was for emergencies!” I yell.

“This is an emergency,” Cass says, appearing in the doorway with Lexa on her heels. “The West End pub is doing buffalo wings and bourbon shots for happy hour. Let’s go!”

“I just don’t feel like being in a crowd of people, okay?” I mutter, scooting back against the pillows. “I’m tired. Maybe even coming down with something.”

“Really?” Lexa asks, sitting down on the bed with a bounce. “Maybe we should stay and take care of you. Movies and chocolate cake?”

“Oh, I love that idea!” Cass says, hurling herself down beside me. “What are we in the mood for? There’s this new action film—”

“No,” I cut her off, my voice trembling with desperation. “I just need to rest. Thanks, you guys, really, but please. I’m going to curl up and have a nap soon.”

“You just haven’t been right since the party,” Cass says accusingly, giving me a stern look.

I glare back at her.

“Did everything… go okay?” Lexa asks, and I turn my glare on her.

“I told both of you, there’s nothing to tell,” I say. “Nothing happened. I’m fine.”

Cass narrows her eyes at me, then shares a shifty look with Lexa. I feel so trapped, I’m on the verge of crawling out of my own window.

“Just go, have fun,” I mutter, pulling the comforter around me. “I’m not in a party mood, okay?”

“I don’t like leaving you like this,” Lexa says, rubbing my shoulder.

“There’s no point,” Cass replies, getting up. “I’ve known this girl since preschool, and if she says she’s not going, nothing will move her. We'd better get going if we want to catch happy hour.”

Lexa leans over and looks into my eyes. “Are you really? Okay?”

“Yes!” I snap. “I’m totally fine.”

I’m not fine. I’m not fucking fine!

“Okay, then,” Lexa sighs, standing up. “We’ll text you later.”

“Sure,” I reply, waving. “Have a good time.”

I wait to hear their footsteps disappear down the hall and the front door slam behind them before I roll over and scream into the pillow. Tears threaten the edges of my eyes, but they don’t streak down my cheeks.

I did so much crying that first week, I’m amazed I have any tears left.

I know I should have told my friends what happened between me and Xavier, but after they encouraged me to go for it, I just couldn’t. Neither of them meant for this to happen, but part of my heart feels betrayed.

I was so afraid to put myself out there, but I opened up to him… and he didn’t just blow me off, he fucking left town!

I heard about Xavier becoming alpha of Valentine Creek, of course. The news was all over the Range. Peace between the packs, and changes are being made.

All for the good, right?

But a hot tear does slide down my cheek. Xavier being made alpha in a different pack is no excuse for what he did to me. Even if he had to leave town, he could have explained himself, or promised to keep in touch and follow up later… or even taken me with him.

And when I found him, he was packing his car and getting ready to leave. If I hadn’t shown up, would he have even told me he was going? Was he just going to fucking ghost me and wait for me to find out at the next council meeting?

The idea sends chills through my guts, so painful that I actually feel sick. Putting myself out there for Xavier was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and when he rejected me, it was literally my worst fear come true.

I wrap my arms around myself and close my eyes, trying to settle the twist in my guts and the fluttery feeling in my chest. I feel like I can’t breathe, like I’m in a prison cell that gets smaller by the day, almost ready to crush me.

I can’t ever do it again. I can’t trust anyone.

I’ve had these thoughts so many times, and they always run back-to-back with my fierce, encompassing loneliness.

Every night alone adds another stone of dread to the scale—the scale that constantly swings between the risk of meeting someone to cure the loneliness, and the terror of being rejected again if I do.

Down on the floor, my phone buzzes softly.

Probably just Cass.

I think about crispy, juicy buffalo wings washed down with sweet, rich bourbon, and for a moment, I’m tempted. Getting a bit wasted and filled up on junk food suddenly appeals to me, but when I think about the act of getting ready to go out, the idea suddenly loses its luster.

And being in a big crowd? No way. What if I get weepy again? I easily could if I were up to my forehead in rotgut. Safer to stay home.

Now I’m firmly and completely between a rock and a hard place. I don’t want to stay home—but I can’t go out, either.

My phone buzzes again, and I sigh, rolling over to look for it. I know it’s probably just Cass being annoying, but I should check just in case it’s important.

You never know. Maybe there’s been some kind of emergency that will distract me from all of this.

When I finally bring my phone up to my face, I see a couple of messages from Cass. One picture shows her with a giant buffalo wing in her mouth while Lexa guzzles a massive shot next to her.

Even though the crowd looks terrifying, those wings do look good.

I flick open the browser, wondering if I can get a delivery. I’ve barely flicked into the first site when a pink banner blinks at the top of the page.

Porter’s brides for hire! Need a new direction? Opportunities are available!

A groan actually rumbles through my chest as I roll my eyes.

I can’t believe anyone actually falls for this crap.

Still, I’m mesmerized by the blinking banner. My finger hovers over the screen. Even though I’m a full skeptic, I’m also curious.

How does she get people to agree to this? It’s completely nuts.

With a sigh, I tap the banner, and the page opens. I scroll down a bit and see the benefits package is substantial. Also, there are opt-out clauses, but only after a certain length of time, depending on the client’s needs.

Along with the impressive list of benefits are testimonials from women who worked with Iris. All of them have left glowing, appreciative comments, and several male clients also left their compliments for the service.

Well, what did I expect? She’s not likely to post shit reviews.

Suddenly, the chatbox opens, and three dots start blinking at me. I almost jump out of bed, I’m so shocked.

Mabel! So nice to see you on our site. Do you need help filling out your application?

I stare at the screen, feeling a bit defensive.

It’s just an AI bot that recognizes your number, I tell myself. Chill out.

No, I’m fine, I type back. Just browsing.

Anything specific you’d like to know?

Not really.

There is a way to break the conundrum, Mabel.

I stare at the screen, my hand frozen above it.

What? I finally type back.

You’re here on my site for a reason. Everyone who finds me has one, and I know that the last few months have been hard for you. Let me help you.

What exactly are you going to do for me? I type back, a bit aggressively.

You need a change of scenery. A new place where you can forget your troubles and please yourself without worrying about the old responsibilities. A place where you won’t have to worry about hiding your secret.

My secret? What?

It’s okay, Mabel. I won’t tell anyone.

It starts to dawn on me that I can’t be talking to a bot. I must have the great lady herself on the line.

Iris, you’re freaking me out.

I apologize, dear, but a situation has just arisen. And like I said, you aren’t here by accident. I have a placing that’s perfect for you.

I don’t know, Iris. This is weird.

Take a look, she says, sending through a few pics. They show a stunning lake and a cozy little cabin huddled under a gorgeous mountain. Other pictures show a quaint town with smiling residents selling homemade wares.

Where is this?

On the Range. It’s not that far away, but far enough to make a nice getaway for you.

I do need to get away, I type, my mind starting to race.

You’ve checked the benefits package?

Yeah, I did.

It’s considerable, don’t you think?

I feel like Iris is baiting me. It’s an extraordinary amount of money, and she must know that.

I’m more interested in the opt-out.

Of course! There will be a binding contract for the initial weeks so our bachelor can have a partner for desired events, but after that, the contract can be resolved with no penalty.

I stare at the screen, chewing on my lip a little. I’m still on the fence.

I promise you, Mabel, this will be the perfect getaway. A nice, quiet town, a little cabin to rest up in, and a handsome man to attend to your every need.

Really? I reply, leaving a laughing emoji.

Really! Our bachelors are known for their charm. He’ll treat you with respect at all times, and spoil you with gifts and lots of attention.

An image rises in my mind of being curled up in front of a roaring fire, snuggled up against a good-looking guy, while the winter wind screams outside the window.

It would be so good to have some company, I think. And I know this guy couldn’t reject me, or be mean to me—I’m protected by the contract.

I’m still wavering, but definitely leaning towards doing it.

I take another scroll back, checking out the rewards involved with being a bride-for-hire.

Even if I cancel at the end of the first term, I’ll get paid, and receive continued access to the other features—free clothes, makeup, and shoes for a start!

Are you still there, Mabel?

Yes, I’m here.

Have you thought things through? I don’t want to push, but this particular appointment is quite urgent. I need a bride for this position immediately.

I take a deep breath, trying to settle my stomach. My heart flutters in my chest, and I know I don’t want to do this.

I want to stay safe! I think.

But the moment that thought flashes through my mind, my bedroom begins to feel like a prison. The walls are closing in, suffocating me, forcing me to be alone with my misery. Not just for the rest of my life—but beyond that, into forever.

Mabel, do you have an answer for me?

I look back at the screen, almost trembling with emotions I can’t even name.

My answer is yes, Iris. I’ll do it!