Free A Mate for the Beta: by E A Price Page A

road, and how some bullies had tried to destroy the stand. Liv got cross and elbowed one of them breaking his nose, and then proceeded to stomp on all their feet and throw lemonade over them.
    Adam chuckled.   He sensed the affection between the two and was relieved that it was friendly and not passionate.
    The door was thrown open and his sister Mac bounded into the bar laughing and joking with two other wolves.  One of which had his hand pressed lightly on her back.  Adam narrowed his eyes and watched the male closely.  He knew his sister was a grown woman but the thought of any man touching her irritated him. 
    The wolf, whose name was Luke, either didn’t notice the look or just didn’t care.  Adam’s wolf growled at the possible challenge to his authority but decided to ignore it for the moment.
    “Have you met Liv?”
    Mac looked at the blonde witch with interest.  “I don’t think so, I’m Mac.  How are you?  Aren’t you the n iece of that harpy Emerald Cole?  No offence.”
    Adam huffed at her.  Liv hesitated slightly.  “Nice to meet you too... and yes I am.”
    Adam interrupted before Mac could put her foot in her mouth again.  Sometimes she was like an untrained pup.   “And this is Ed.”
    The gray wolves looked at him in interest .  With an exaggerated whisper Ed said to Liv, “they’re not going to hunt me for sport are they?”
    Adam slapped him on the back, “nah we only do that on the full moon.  My big mouth sister has already introduced herself, this is Carly and Luke.”  Adam introduced the other two wolves and everyone said hello to one another.
    Carly placed a hand on Liv’s arm and immediately she felt at ease.  “It’s nice to meet you Liv.”  The small wolf oozed calm.  Of course!   Carly was the pack’s Omega, she was connected to all the pack member’s emotions and had a soothing influence on people.  The Omega was a treasured member of the pack.
    Adam hadn’t expected Luke to be there but he knew the younger wolf had liked his sister for years, so doubted it would be a problem with regard to Liv.  With regard to Mac though...
    Andy brought theirs drinks over slamming them down on the bar.
    Mac unconsciously took a step away from Luke.  “Andy, I didn’t think you were working tonight...” 
    “Joe called in sick.  Drink?”  His tone was clipped and the man was tense.  A murderous look was directed at Luke who didn’t seem to either notice or care.
    They ordered and Mac slipped into uncharacteristic silence.  Adam worried about the sudden change in both his sister and Andy.  If something was going on with Andy he would need to have a serious discussion with the bear.  Meaning ‘warn him off’.  Not something he relished .  But he hated the thought of his baby sister getting hurt, and Andy was a married man...
    “ Aww come on Kim, just one drink.”  Liv turned round to see a tall young wolf whining at Kim, he was holding onto Terri’s hand tightly while she tried to hide behind him in embarrassment.  Liv guessed this was Terri’s new boytoy Mal Tanner.   Since having her heart broken by an older lover Terri only dated men younger than her.  Liv had to admit that Mal was exceptionally good looking though, and apparently under 21 .
    Kim rolled her eyes.  “No.  You’re underage, I can’t sell you anything I’ll lose my license.  I only allow you in here because you’re with an adult.”  Kim nodded to Terri who flushed.   Not great to be told you’re your date’s babysitter.
    Mal ’s face flashed with anger, he spoke through gritted teeth.  “I just want to buy my girl a drink.  Not even an alcoholic one!”
    Every other person was watching the exchange with interest.  Terri tugged on Mal’s arm.  “I’ll buy the drinks it doesn’t matter.”
    He looked at her pretty face and instantly he calmed.  “ Baby I should be the one...”
    “Mal!”   Yelled Adam, he’d allowed the young wolf enough free rein and it