"Cole, you've got your dream she-wolf now. Why the long face and the whiskey?" one of the wolves at the bar teased, grinning. "But seriously, you're about to form a sacred bond with Alexis. How's Lauren taking it? No tantrums?"
The comment sparked a round of jeers. "Gotta hand it to the older she-wolves—they keep it cool," another chimed in. "Still, it's a shame. Without Lauren, we're missing some prime entertainment."
"Real talk, Cole," a third wolf leaned in, smirking. "If you're really done with her, can I take a shot?"
Cole sipped his drink, silent, his jaw tight. One of his packmates jumped in, laughing. "Have some pride, man. You're gonna pick up Cole's leftovers?"
The room erupted in laughter. But the crude jabs at Lauren stirred an unexpected irritation in Cole. He rubbed his t
