Novel Alpha 1 Ed 2014 1496052005 pdf

  

ALPHA

Demon Chaser

(Book 2)

  

By

Charlene Hartnady

Table of Contents

  

  

Copyright and Disclaimer

  

Copyright ©February 2014, Charlene Hartnady

Cover Art by Melody Simmons

Copy Edited by Kimberly Reichmann

Produced in South Africa

  

Published by Charlene Hartnady

PO BOX 456, Melrose Arch,

Johannesburg, South Africa, 2176

charlene.hartnady@gmail.com

  ALPHA is a work of fiction and characters, events and dialogue found within are of the

author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or

persons, either living or deceased, is purely coincidental.

  With the exception of quotes used in reviews no part of this book may be reproduced or

shared in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including but not limited to digital

copying, file sharing, audio recording, email and printing without prior consent in writing from

the author

Description

  Demon Chasers… Protectors of humanity. Sworn to uphold the peace. Oath bound to keep the existence of demons a secret.

  Gray, a newly appointed Alpha and half blood demon wolf, can only turn during a full moon. With only three days before the next cycle, time is running out to convince the highest ranking female wolf to become his mate. Success will see him become a full blood. Failure will spell his death. It is only a matter of time before the challenges start coming in.

  Ashlyn, a hard ass Demon Chaser just happens to be human and the pack’s newest resident. She is there on Demon Control Agency business. Her attraction for the new Alpha can’t be allowed to stand in her way, after all, Gray is already taken. More importantly, she has a serial killer to catch, and then she needs to get the heck out of wolfville.

  For both their sakes…

  

Dedication

My hero in this story is a warrior and a gentleman. A brave fighter to the very end and for

that reason, I dedicate this book in the loving memory of my Uncle Tony.

Chapter 1

  Gray looked into eyes made from pure liquid poison. “Let’s get two things straight”−the female demon wolf paused−“I hate you and I don’t want this union. Step down now before you get hurt.” It was either the words themselves, or the calm way in which they were delivered that got to him. He grit his teeth, his natural instincts pushed at him to force her to submit while his rational side pushed back in an effort to be more understanding of how she was feeling. In the end, there was sweet little he could do about the situation.

  Somehow he managed to grind out, “Our feelings have nothing to do with this. It’s not about what we want. The pack is at stake.” Alisha made a sound that told him he was full of it. “It’s your needs and wants that you are concerned with, this has nothing to do with the pack.” “You will have to trust me on this one.” She shook her head, a look of utter disbelief clouded her perfect features.

  Gray’s instincts bristled; his demon clawed at him, it continued to demand her submission. He ran a hand over the light stubble on his head and squeezed his eyes shut, fighting for control. “This has to happen, there is no other way.”

  “I don’t care. Find a way that doesn’t involve me.” With challengers closing in, his options were limited. It was either take Alisha as his mate or he would most likely die. Where would the pack be then? The clock was ticking, he needed to be strong.

  Needed to believe that he could get through this. full moon hits, we will mate. If you give me a chance I will prove to you that I can be a faithful and strong provider. I will do my best to make you happy. We can make this work.”

  “There is no way in hades I’ll let a bastard mongrel like you touch me.” Her voice remained even, but her eyes narrowed as she spoke.

  Once upon a time, he’d actually found this female attractive. More than just attractive, hounds, as a young wolf he’d have given his left canine for one night with her. Right now…he’d give anything just to get out of it. All he knew was that he couldn’t blame her for hating him since she believed he’d killed her future mate, his half brother Bain. That didn’t change the predicament they were all in at the moment though.

  “Sorry to interrupt,” the petite Demon Chaser rounded the corner and entered his suite without permission.

  Bain would never have stood for such a breach of protocol. Especially from a human. The muscles in his shoulders cramped as he remembered why she was here. Taking a calming breath, he turned and faced her wondering how much of the exchange she had heard. He found himself hoping that she hadn’t been standing there long.

  Ashlyn stepped further into the room, her head held high. She maintained eye contact, her gaze moving between himself and the female demon wolf. Alisha growled. The Chaser didn’t flinch, in fact, her chin cocked to the side in an arrogant lilt.

  Impressive.

  “We need to talk,” she paused, her eyes brushing over the female demon wolf. “That is, when you get a chance. I’ll be in my room.” “We’re done. You may stay,” Alisha said, as if she were granting the Chaser permission to be there. bitch...or maybe just bitch?” Alisha growled, low and deep. She flashed a set of healthy canines. The Chaser widened her stance. The pressure in Gray’s head increased. Was he going to have to break up a cat fight today as well? Could things get any worse?

  “I don’t have time for this.” He breathed a sigh of relief as he watched Alisha turn and stalk out with all the menace and cunning of a wolf and all the sleek grace of a cat. The woman was a beauty, highly intelligent and strong. Yet the thought of tying himself to her for the rest of his very long life just wasn’t appealing. He shook his head as he added the undesirable fact that she was his brother’s leftovers.

  Like it or not, he knew beyond a doubt that he would do what he had to do to secure his position as Alpha and to ensure the survival of this pack. He just wouldn’t do it at the cost of his own conscience or sense of who he was by forcing her. She didn’t know that though, and she and the rest of the pack would just have to assume at this moment that he would take her like it or not. So, he had to win her over. For both their sakes.

  Gray turned and looked out the window. The thought of his other options were more stressful to think about than his first one. He could take one of the lesser females, but that would lower his chances of success. He could take the third option which, for him, was just plain ridiculous. Why

  would they even add an option that was based more on personal desire than the survival of the

pack? The elders must have enjoyed themselves while creating that one, because the final Lore was

  never going to happen. No use wasting precious time even thinking about it.

  No, he needed to focus his thoughts on the option with the highest chance of success. The Lores were clear enough about that, and he knew that the chances of a half blood wolf like him changing successfully into a full blood demon increased when his chosen mate was a high ranking female – the higher the better – and the bond had to be completed under the light of a full moon. He was tough, but with challengers circling him he knew he wouldn’t survive another moon cycle without the change. He knew it as sure as he stood there. Alisha was his best option, and the next full moon was in three days. His decisions right now could not be based on anything but the simple fact of the highest chance of success. The future of his pack depended on it.

  The sound of someone clearing their throat caught his attention and he turned to see Ash watching him cautiously. Christ. He was so preoccupied that he had forgotten she was standing there. He closed down his emotions and asked, “Any developments?”

  “Some DNA evidence from a brown hair found on the second victim has finally come back. It confirms our suspicions.” Two women had been killed and a third left for dead. All the evidence pointed to someone from his pack. When he stayed silent, she continued. “A Chaser at the CSI lab confirmed wolf DNA and it’s definitely female. We’re looking for a brunette female demon wolf.”

  “Damn,” he’d hoped that Bain had been responsible. “Most wolves have dark hair so it doesn’t narrow it down much. How’s the girl doing?” She shrugged out of her trench coat and the light weight garment clunked as it hit the table. She didn’t wear it to guard against bad weather, the coat was a clever conceal for an array of weapons.

  Her hand went up, briefly touching the holstered gun at her chest. “Still in a coma. The doctors say it’s a miracle, but she’ll live. Her throat’s a mess. I’m sorry Gray, but she’s going to need reconstructive surgery on those scars.”

  “Keep forwarding the accounts to me,” he couldn’t help but feel somewhat responsible. He’d been so hell bent on proving Bain the killer that he hadn’t investigated the deaths properly. “Please tell me the girl’s protected.”

  Ash flicked a wayward strand from her face. Hair the color of a snow storm. A white blizzard against skin so pale. Even her eyelashes were like threads of silk. He’d heard humans refer to each other’s complexions as peaches and cream and never understood the term. Until now. Hell, she even

  “Two Chasers three shifts a day. She’s safe.” “Good,” he could breathe again. “I’m going to assist you on this myself, but if I can’t be at your side then one of the other wolves must accompany you.” He may not be in favor right now, but he still had a select few who were loyal to him. “Let’s just say that things are a little…unstable at the moment so I don’t want you out of your room alone.”

  “I can take care of myself.” That same feisty defiance that had kept her from reacting to Alisha. It appealed to him in ways it shouldn’t.

  “I don’t doubt your abilities, but I still don’t want to take a chance on anything going wrong while you’re in my care.” An eyebrow arched and she crossed her arms. A move that drew his eye to the swell of her breasts. She might be a petite little thing, but she was definitely all woman. He looked back into eyes that had gone from soft glacier to stormy blue.

  “Let’s get something straight. I’m a Demon Chaser. Firstly, I hunt and very often kill demons. Demons that make you doggies look tame, and secondly I am not in your care. I’m here on official Agency business. The Demon Control Agency sent me to do a job, one which I damn well intend doing. I do not need babysitting.”

  His mouth twitched, but he forced back the smile knowing it would make things worse. Even though he was an Omega, a mongrel outcast, he’d never had a problem with women. Not with female demon wolves and never with humans. Yet, today, he’d managed to piss off both without even trying.

  “You have quite the reputation as a kick-ass slayer and I’m sure you eat demons for breakfast, but please humor me. Your brother would have my tail if anything happened to you.” she was more nervous than what she was letting on. Why the agency sent a human to investigate the murders was beyond him. Someone in his pack was a killer. Murdering beautiful, young human woman much like Ash and he would make damned sure not a single sun bleached strand on her head was touched, and he’d do it himself if he could help it.

  “Fine, but if you or any of your puppies gets in my way it’s over. Do you understand?” This time he did allow himself to smile. “I do, just remember we’re on the same side. Now let me go fetch my lead and I’ll let you walk me to your room. I’ll try not to lift my leg along the way.” She giggled for a few seconds before catching herself. Finally something that matched her sweet looks because man oh man she might look like peaches and cream, but she was all firecracker underneath.

  “I want to go check out the spot where Brice was found.” Left for dead in a side alley like trash. When he found the wolf responsible he would make sure that she was brought to justice.

  “That was days ago,” she rolled her eyes. “Oh yeah, you doggies and your heightened sense of smell. I thought you Omegas had to wait until a full moon before all your wolf…stuff happened.” “I can’t fully erupt for most of the month, but there is nothing wrong with my wolf senses thank- you.”

• There was nothing wrong with the man. Period. From his close cropped hair all the way down the six foot three of him. Solid, muscled, so powerful she had to stop herself from touching because he was seriously off limits.

  Agency business took first priority and right now everyone was a suspect including Gray. Ashlyn realised that he most likely had nothing to do with this since up until a week or two ago Gray had been an outcast, but you could never be too careful. More importantly, he was scheduled to marry, beauty, Ash would be feeling sorry for the poor guy. Which was strange because surely she should be empathizing with a woman being forced to marry against her will rather than the man that was doing the forcing, but there was something off about Alisha. Probably just the bitchy attitude. And maybe a touch of jealousy since Alisha was everything she was not, all that olive skin, raven black hair and bountiful cleavage. Not that she’d ever had hang-ups or anything, but she couldn’t suddenly help but wish she could be a little curvier or a little taller. At the very least, it would be fantastic if she could sun bathe once in a while. But no, any time in the sun would just result in bountiful freckles which was not the bountiful she had in mind.

  “What time were you planning on leaving?” she asked. “As soon as you’re ready.” She’d never met a man with such a deep voice. Timber baritones she wouldn’t mind listening to all day. “Let’s save the walkies for another time then and hit the road.” “Fine, we’ll take my bike…faster that way,” he half smiled. “No, no, no…thank-you doggykins. I appreciate the offer, but we’ll take my corvette. It’s just as fast and much safer.” Gray hitched his eyebrows. “What? It can’t be. Is the big, bad Demon Chaser afraid? ” Oh, so this was how it was going to be. Interesting. There was only one thing she liked more than looking at a sexy man and that was a little friendly flirtation with said sexy man. Normally she would hope for a little hand to hand combat as well. Not this time though.

  “Not big, but definitely bad. Trust me when I tell you that you might be more than just a little afraid with me behind the wheel.” “Really?” He crossed his arms. It was obscene how amazing his biceps were and Lordie that perfectly chiseled chest. His build made it hard for her to concentrate on what he was saying.

  “So you have control issues then?” he continued. “I do not.” What a load of bull. “Well if you’re not afraid and you don’t mind taking a back seat, then what is it?” He uncrossed his arms, and took a step towards her.

  She had to stop herself from stepping back but only because it scared her how much closer she wanted to get. Human men were not this…

  Alpha.

  So irresistibly male, it made her mouth water. “It’s just that…well…I like to drive.” “Control issues. Let me guess you’re not good at delegating, are terrible at taking instructions and have to always be on top.” The end of his sentence came out sounding so deep, his words rolling over her like warm, melted chocolate.

  “Baby if you’re asking if I’d bend over and just take it from behind, then the answer is no.” Instead of a smart ass reply like she expected, his nostrils flared and his jaw tensed up. Maybe she’d gone too far.

  “I’m not asking you to bend over. I’m asking you to let me drive.” “No!” She ground out the word before another could take its place. One like pity. Truth was, she’d never allowed a sexual attraction to interfere with a case before, had never moved in on someone else’s territory, and had never allowed a man to fully dominate her in the bedroom. Potential danger could be anywhere or with anyone. Best you have your back to the wall and your eyes wide

  open. Her brother Cole had learned that the hard way by falling for a demon hellion disguised as a human and he had almost died learning it.

  If staying alive meant that she was a control freak, then so be it.

  Why in hounds had he brought up sex? Her cheeks had flushed during their battering, reminding him once again of peaches and cream.

  Gray wondered if she’d taste as sweet. He almost groaned, would she be this feisty in bed? Most female wolves tended to be timid and submissive. There was the odd exception. Alisha. His soon to be mate was on the opposite end of that spectrum. So far right he cringed at the thought of trying to win her. Did he even want to?

  Did he have a choice?

  The pack needed him even if they didn’t know it. Fact was that they were in serious financial trouble. If Bain wasn’t already dead, he would have killed him all over again. The drugs, the women, and the gambling had all but crippled the pack’s resources. They could lose Wilderness. Which was more than just a large tract of land for them to live on. It was their heritage and the reserve had belonged to them for as long as the oldest wolf could remember. Wilderness was their home, their future, their territory. There would be no pack without it.

  It all hung in the balance. What he needed was to buy himself some time so that he could turn things around and convince the pack he was the right wolf for the Alpha position. Which meant taking Alisha as his mate.

  Tick tock.

  “We’ll take the corvette, but I’m driving,” he ground out. “Nobody drives my car but me.” She took to pouting and he decided he liked the look on her. Adorable came to mind. “You choose. The bike or the corvette, but I’m driving.” boss of me.” “I have no problem with you being the boss at least where this investigation is concerned, as long as I can drive.” “Deal,” she said with a slight smile and a glint in her eye. She put out her hand and when he shook it, he couldn’t help but feel like he’d made a pact with the devil herself.

Chapter 2

  Red splatters still marked the ground where Brice had been left to die. Bite marks and scratches had marred her body and her neck had been a bleeding torn up mess. Gray allowed his senses free rein. Peaches, soap…damn he needed to focus.

  “I did mention that the police have no leads except for the hair, that is, so let’s hope your wolfie talents can lend us a hand.” At least he’d moved up in her books, he’d gone from doggie to wolfie – happy freakin’ days. Gray closed his eyes. He found, by closing off other senses he could hone in more effectively using others.

  The crime scene investigators together with the cops would have done a good job of combing the place for evidence, so he felt that his best bet would probably be his nose. But that damned scent of peaches lingered everywhere. It didn’t help that the little Chaser was pacing up and down the alleyway, trench coat flapping, blond hair flying.

  “Ash, do me a favor and go and stand at the end of the alley please.” “Why?” “You’re distracting me.” “Distracting you how?” She moved to stand in front of him, opening her trench coat and hooking her thumbs into her front jean’s pockets.

  Gray was reminded of a badass gun slinger ready for battle. Except this gun slinger was as sexy as she was dangerous. Hades help him, but the combination had his cock twitching. The timing was so off and his reaction so inappropriate that he said the first thing that came to mind.

  “The only scent I can pick up is of you. Peaches…” The word came out like a strangled groan and he paused when her mouth hitched into a self-satisfied smile. Great, now she knew he was attracted to and stand over there.” The last came out gruffer than what he’d intended.

  Her eyes narrowed as she tilted her head. “Don’t tell me what to do.” This woman was infuriating. “I’m only going to ask you one more time, if you don’t move I’ll be forced to physically remove you from this alley.” “Sounds kinky.” But she moved back throwing him a naughty grin before turning “You’re lucky my first priority is to find this killer or I might’ve taken you up on your offer.” He shook his head turning towards the bottle neck end of the alley trying to hide a smile. Possible death he could handle; the pack’s crippling financial issues, difficult but not impossible; the little

  Chaser was a different story all together, she frightened him more than Alisha ever could and that was saying something.

• Ashlyn ground her boot into the rough asphalt trying not to watch Gray as he moved around in the alley. The Alpha kept stopping, putting his face up with his eyes closed. Her adopted brother was an Omega so she’d seen this type of behavior before. Gray was trying to pick up on a scent. Paint a picture using his nose was the way Cole would describe it. She still didn’t fully understand wolf senses, particularly where Omegas or half breeds were concerned, since Cole had always worn a silver ring which kept his inner demon caged.

  With Gray preoccupied, it gave her a chance to assess things. What was possessing her to act this way? Maybe she had control issues. So what if she didn’t like people telling her what to do? But this went beyond that. Flirting, especially on the job, was not something she did. Yet, she couldn’t seem to help herself when it came to Gray. Ash could sense in the Alpha, for the first time in all her twenty nine years, a potential equal and couldn’t help but to test her theory. Too bad that in just three days he’d belong to someone else. shampoo or lotion products smelled remotely of fruit. Had it just been her imagination or did he actually seem to like the way she smelled? Probably just really dumb wishful thinking.

  Gray went down on his haunches onto thighs that were made for straddling. Standing back up in one effortless motion, he waved her over. Every part of her tensed wanting to do the exact opposite just to see what his reaction would be, but instead she moved forward.

  “A female wolf didn’t leave Brice’s body. Whatever did is not a human. Although I do pick up human elements. The only unmistakable scent I get coming through is of Vibes.” “Vibes as in...?” “It’s a club here in town. I hope you packed your dancing shoes because we’ll go and investigate tonight when it opens. Whoever did the dumping was at the club. Maybe someone will remember something.” Ashlyn could see that his mood had lifted. “I know what you’re thinking and you’re wrong.

  Something else may have left her here, but a wolf did the deed. We have the marks on her body – bite marks confirmed to be made by a large wolf, we have the hair, and don’t forget what Brice said when she briefly gained consciousness. Two words Gray…”

  “I don’t need reminding”−he raked a hand over his scalp, his shoulders slumping forward−“she said wolf and woman. AKA female wolf.” God she wished she could change the facts. Make the whole wolf link disappear. He clearly had enough on his plate at the moment. The only thing she could do to help him was to find the killer and to stop giving him so much shit while she was doing it. What a pity, she hadn’t had this much fun in a long time.

Chapter 3

  Dinner was served in a big outdoor restaurant area complete with salad buffet and lamb spit. Two large bon fires crackled and fairy lights twinkled in the surrounding trees.

  Civilized, yet unmistakably wild. Her escort, Phoenix, was everything a woman could hope for in a man. He was tall, dark, and fell somewhere far beyond attractive and into the realm of Godly. He was also Gray’s best friend.

  Besides his amazing good looks, the man was a lawyer. Brains and brawn, her favorite combination, yet it was all she could do to keep her eyes from straying to the path that led to Gray’s place.

  Where was he?

  Alisha wasn’t here either. Maybe she had decided that he was the wolf for her after all, and the two of them were making up somewhere. The thought made her food stick in her throat and she reached for her glass of water.

  They ate in silence until Phoenix’s plate was clean. Ash pushed hers aside mostly untouched. “Have you always lived at Wilderness?” she asked.

  “Yeah. We all have our own homes. The kids go to school just like regular children. Many of us, me included, work in the city. It is very rare for a wolf born on the reserve to move away, but it does happen. We also have outsiders that join the pack. Again, it’s a rare occurrence.”

  “Have any strangers joined the pack in recent months?” “Only happens if a wolf mates with another pack member. No humans in a long time and aside from the medical team, you’re probably one of very few humans ever permitted to enter.” “Wow.” voluntary basis and so far just over half of all the female wolves had come forward. Despite Gray’s urging it didn’t look like they would get many more volunteers. At least it did narrow the suspect list. Still a lot of maybes and they couldn’t rule out the possibility, although remote, that the wolf doing this was from another pack killing in Wilderness territory.

  “It’s a sign of the changing times.” He smiled the kind of smile that would have had most women clutching at their panties.

  The lawyer was seriously good looking but in a tailored kind of a way. She could picture him looking dazzling in a suit and tie, but she couldn’t help think that he lacked that Alpha element. That aura of power and presence that Gray carried so well. Although the Alpha was not as good looking at least not in the classic sense, she found Gray infinitely more attractive. But damn it, he was taken and so she worked harder to concentrate on what Phoenix was saying, tried harder to stop herself from looking around the clearing.

  “How has the pack taken the change? I mean, they must be happy that a wolf like Gray has taken over from Bain.” She said the previous Alpha’s name with disgust. Kidnapping, rape, Bain had been bad news indeed.

  It shocked her when Phoenix barked out a laugh. “Hounds no, he’s an Omega. Even worse, he was exiled by Bain a year ago when their Mother died, so he’s not really seen as part of the pack anymore.

  I’m surprised no one has tried to challenge him yet. Probably because of the investigation but someone will soon.” “Challenge him…as in fight with him?” A feeling of apprehension rose up at the thought of Gray in a confrontation with another wolf.

  Ash had been with the Demon Control Agency her whole life, her family were all Chasers, so she knew quite a bit about the different demon species and their cultures. Some of them were deadly, it was up to the Demon Control Agents known as Chasers to keep the peace and to protect the existence

  The wolves had long ago proved that they could self-govern themselves, so the agency had created an agreement with them, which they sometimes did with amicable species, to save time and resources. The Alphas were in charge and generally ran the packs with iron fists. Although wolves were extremely strong and could be quite aggressive, they usually kept to themselves, indiscretions or rogues were dealt with quickly and discretely. As a result, she found herself knowing very little about wolf cultures and Lores. Her brother was a half wolf but he had been raised by her family from a tiny baby.

  “Yeah as in fight with him.” Phoenix’s words snapped her out of her thoughts. He continued, “I’m afraid that some of our Lores are a bit vulgar but we are wolves after all. No weapons allowed, just good old fashioned canines and claws. The survivor either remains or becomes the Alpha.” He was so irritatingly casual as he dealt out Gray’s potential fate.

  “Survivor as in fight to the death?” Her words came out sounding panicked and she fought to control the fear that suddenly crept up out of nowhere.

  “Yeah. It’s not easy being top dog I’m afraid. There were those…” But Gray was an Omega. Only half demon. Which meant… “Please tell me these little testosterone battles take place during a full moon only.” She may not know much about demon wolves but she did know that Omegas, unlike full demon wolves, couldn’t just change whenever they felt like it.

  “Any time. Anywhere. No weapons. No assistance. Winner takes all.” No. No. No.

  “…but Gray can only change during a full moon. He’s a sitting duck between cycles.” She must have looked a complete mess because Phoenix reached over and touched her hand.

  “No one has tried yet because of this whole investigation, maybe he’ll get lucky. Out of all the Omegas out there I’d put money on Gray having the most chance at survival. I think that the right term is street smart which Gray has in droves.”

  “Still,” she looked away, her mind in turmoil. Gray was a sitting duck. No wonder he’d asked Phoenix to take care of her no matter what. She’d wrongly thought he was referring to her attitude meanwhile…

  The moment Gray walked in a hush fell over the crowd. It was soon followed by an elevated noise as the pack whispered behind their hands. Ash noticed a large rugged looking man step forward, another wolf put out a hand to stop him. The two exchanged words, the big wolf finally nodded, relaxing back against the wall, his face still stern. A possible challenger? Again, the crowd fell silent as Alisha swept in. She might be a wolf but her oval green eyes were all cat. As beautiful as what they were cold. A shiver crawled up Ash’s spine.

  The female wolf was wearing an elegant wrap around dress. The fiery red garment worked well with her olive skin and the neckline dipped low barely containing lush breasts. Every male eye in the room followed her as she walked.

  “I don’t know what it is they all see,” Phoenix chuckled, “besides the obvious of course and if you ask me big boobs are overrated.” She could have kissed him right there and then, but he continued. “I feel sorry for Gray. He should be more afraid of her than of any challenge that comes his way. I swear she’ll kill him in his sleep.” “Do you think it might be her responsible for these murders?” A lady could hope. “What and break a claw?” Phoenix laughed. Although she found him funny, she could barely muster a smile, which very nearly turned into a sob when she saw Gray walking over to Alisha’s table. Lordie, he’d dished a plate of food for the about the gesture she found touching more so than flowers or chocolates. This was him publically… Alisha knocked the food from his hand. With lightning quick reflexes, Cole caught the plate before it could crash to the ground but the damage was already done.

  Alisha stood, eyes blazing. “If you knew anything about me, you’d know I don’t eat carbs and I don’t care for mongrels. Even if they do imagine themselves to be the Alpha,” she spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. There were a few snickers but mostly just silence.

  Gray pulled back his broad shoulders, narrowed his eyes and took in a deep breath. “Alisha, I’m warning you. We can do this the easy way or the hard way.” “You’re warning me?” She poked him in the chest with one of her talons. Gray looked down at her finger and growled. Shivers rushed up Ash’s spine at the menacing sound.

  Alisha took a small step back. “Why is no one doing anything about this?” Was it Ash’s imagination or had the female wolf glanced over at the big man that had attempted to walk towards Gray minutes earlier? “This”− she snorted−“joke of a wolf doesn’t deserve to be Alpha.” “Three days Alisha it’s happening so deal with it,” Gray retorted on a snarl.

  “I would expect no less from a mangy dog.” She turned and walked away, hips swaying, all her composure had returned. It wasn’t Ash’s imagination when the big man followed her seconds later.

  It took guts for Gray to square his big shoulders and walk back and dish a plate of his own. The Alpha’s eyes darted around the clearing, lingering on many of the males in their prime. He was standing his ground, almost welcoming a challenge he could sorely afford. Awesome, now she could name calling his whole life. For no other reason than his father was a human. She’d been calling him names like doggie and puppy all day. From now on she’d be nothing but nice and agreeable. Gray deserved no less.

Chapter 4

  Deep down, he couldn’t blame Alisha even though she’d humiliated him in front of half the pack. He wasn’t overjoyed about pairing with someone he didn’t like much less love, but an Alpha whether male or female had to do what was best for the pack. There was a reason she could have almost any wolf she wanted and a reason why everyone had listened to what she had to say today. Alisha was an Alpha. Regardless of what he had said, he would never take her against her will. Right now she didn’t need to know that though. He’d still try and win, gain her submission.

  Fat chance.

  The Chaser being there to see what happened had made it worse. Why exactly, he couldn’t say, except that maybe he didn’t want outsiders privy to pack business which didn’t seem right because Ash didn’t feel like an outsider.

  Phoenix had warned him that his second in command, Rage, might be planning a challenge. All he’d said was that it was a gut feeling. When Phoenix had a feeling about something it was best you listened to it. That was the whole reason his friend had gone into criminal law in the first place. His gut was never wrong. So, chances were that Rage would challenge him soon. Hounds, he was having putrid luck at the moment. Rage was the strongest wolf in the pack. There were some wolves he could take and some, he’d have a hard time bringing down. And, he liked the guy, didn’t want to fight him.

  The sound of heels alerted him to someone’s approach. Very high heels. If it weren’t for the heavy scent of peaches he’d never have believed it was Ash even though he had sent her a message to meet him. He had to press his lips together to stop himself from gaping.

  Hounds teeth…

  The tiny dress she wore was not just pink, it was smoking hot pink with two thin strips of fabric straps. He had an unreasonable urge to tell her to go and change. Or at least to go and put a bra on, because how the hell was he supposed to look at anything else but her perfect breasts. Even they looked distinctly like small ripe, pearl tipped peaches. Juicy, soft, perfectly edible. He was trying to catch a killer for hound’s sake.

  “I thought you only owned jeans and t-shirts,” he couldn’t seem to unclench his teeth. “We’re going to a club. Look at you, collared shirt, designer jeans.” If he didn’t know better, he’d think she was actually checking him out. He responded with a sound that came out sounding more like a low growl. Damned if his cock wasn’t responding. Her voice, her smell, her body. Her. How was it that this little human, so un-wolf-like, had him so wound up? Why didn’t he feel this for Alisha? Every other hot blooded wolf on Wilderness lusted after her. Yet here he was feeling things he really shouldn’t for a pint sized woman. A human.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?” “Like what?” Again it sounded too much like a growl which kind of happened when wolves were this turned on.

  “Like I’m…um…food and why are your eyes glowing?” Damn, he needed to get some control back and right now. “I’m angry and I’m not sure you should be dressed quite so…like that”−Sexy−“we’re supposed to blend in not attract attention.” That same self-satisfied smile was back. He cringed inwardly waiting for her smart ass reply.

  “Look, I borrowed this dress to blend in and sure, one or two morons might look but I’m not going to attract any real attention.” “Why not?” “Dog…Gray, human men, like wolf men and probably all species of male, like curves and I guess they like their women compliant, soft, I don’t know giggly. Oh did I mention the curves. I’m…not…

  Anger flashed through him. Were human men so stupid they didn’t recognize a beautiful, intelligent woman when she was standing right in front of them? “You’re curvy. Plenty curvy.” His eyes, hades help him, couldn’t help but to slide down each and every one of her blood heating curves, stopping at the tiny mound at the juncture of her thighs. He licked his lips, thinking where he’d like his tongue to be.

  “Since when were Omegas so blind? Just wait for the next full moon and your pup…um…thanks Gray.”

  Why was she being so nice to him? Twice she’d stopped herself from teasing him and just when he’d seriously started to look forward to their sparing. The one thing he loved about being around her was that she treated him like a regular guy. He didn’t feel like an Alpha or a mongrel, he just felt like…himself. “Say it.”

  “No. It was rude of me unkind…” “Since when do you care about my feelings?” Then it dawned on him. So that was why he hadn’t wanted her to see what had transpired at dinner, he’d been right to feel worried because she did think less of him. Even worse, she felt sorry for him and was trying to be nice.

  “I do care and I would rather not−” “I insist,” he growled.

  Ash stood her ground outwardly showing that innate defiance, but he couldn’t help but sense an aura of vulnerability. It was unexpected.

  “Fine. I was going to tell you to open your puppy dog eyes doggie boy because this”−Ash glanced down at herself before running her hands down the length of her body in a rush. She met his eyes before looking away while she continued to speak−“is not a body that was built for standing out in a club. In a fight maybe, but definitely not in a club. Can we go please?”

  He walked to the corvette and opened the passenger door for her without looking her way. His teeth clenched to the point where he worried they might crack, but he couldn’t seem to let up. Part of him wondered if she was serious and the rest wanted to demand if she was just fishing for compliments. Doesn’t stand out? Christ, he was in the most stressful and demanding time of his life, and all he could think about was tasting her delectable body every time she got near. A body made for

  fighting. Not hardly. Petite, athletic with just enough curves to keep a man up nights. The muscles in his neck bunched as he clenched his teeth tighter still.

  After Ash got in, he slammed the door closed behind her. She looked hurt for just a moment before she closed her expression down. He shook his head as if that would clear it. He had to take Alisha as his mate soon due to obligations. He couldn’t leave Ash thinking that about herself though, simply because it wasn’t true.

  Gray opened the passenger door back up and leaned in. He slid his hand under her chin and forced her to look at him as he said, “For some reason, I don’t think you are actually fishing for compliments”—he closed his eyes for a brief moment before he opened them again and continued —“you actually don’t realize your own worth, and evidently the males of the human race don’t either.

  Think on that next time you look in the mirror.” With that, he straightened out of the car and slammed the door in her astonished face. He walked around to the driver’s side and got in while thinking about the undeniable truth that if it weren’t for his pack, his responsibilities, Alisha, he’d prove to her exactly how much she stood out in his mind.

  

Hounds, he’d show her with his hands, his tongue, every part of him on every part of her. Deep inside

her. He’d make her come more times and in more ways than she could ever think possible.

Chapter 5

  They drove for a while in awkward silence. Ash was finally the one to break the tension. “What’s the story with you and Alisha?” her glacial eyes widened and she slapped a hand over her mouth for a quick second. “Sorry that was rude.” “I said to stop with the being nice.” He was glad she had asked although why, he could not say.

  “Alisha was always Bain’s girl. I don’t think she knows that he had decided to take another mate right before he died.” Gray thought back on the Omega Katy and how his half-brother had marked and chased her, planning on taking her as his life mate. This was the reason Cole had fought with Bain. Except Gray had been the one to deliver the death blow sparing Cole from having to take the Alpha responsibility. “She thinks I killed Bain to take the Alpha position and that I just expect her to fall in line and become my mate. I can’t blame her for hating me. I killed the man she loved. After our talk and the whole dinner debacle she thinks I plan on forcing myself on her.”

  “But you won’t.” “I’ve never had to force myself on a woman before, so why would I start now?” Ash started to say something, but she clamped her mouth shut instead.

  “Ask me,” he took his eyes from the road for a second and caught her playing with her belt buckle. “It’s rude.” He growled.

  “Ooh, I kinda like it when you do that, maybe I’ll be even more polite from now on.” It made him want to growl some more, but he didn’t.

  “Um…you don’t seem to be in love with Alisha and she…hates you so why do you want her to

  “I have to mate with the highest ranking Alpha female during a full moon in order to turn into a full demon wolf. It can only happen if the male wolf has won the right to be Alpha, and by killing Bain I have done that. Alisha is the most eligible demon wolf. The Lores are strict, I need to turn before I am challenged and there will be challenges. All I need is a bit of luck and a way to get Alisha on my side. There is one other Lore, but it’ll never happen so it’s Alisha or…”

  “Okay, so that explains the whole three days or else thing.” He cringed and she continued. “How do you feel about her?” His mind couldn’t help but to wander as he listened to her voice. There was definitely something there between him and the little Chaser. Sparks that could very easily ignite into something more.

  His destiny was set. It would also be wrong on all levels to admit that he didn’t love Alisha and that he never would love her. On the outside chance that she agreed and ended up becoming his mate, possible future mother of his pups, he could not disrespect her in such a way. It would be unacceptable. Yet, at the same time, the last thing he felt like doing was proclaiming feelings for someone else most especially to Ash which was really stupid since he could never have her.

  “I wanted Alisha as a young wolf. Had the biggest, baddest crush on her. There are many differences and misunderstandings to iron out but I’m sure we’ll get there in the end.” He glanced at Ash in time to see her face cloud. For just a second she seemed hurt and then she smiled.