Chapter 5 

I couldn’t sleep. Sitting in my hotel room, which Alpha William booked for the meeting, the thought of Lillian being hurt came to the forefront of my mind. I wanted to track down and slaughter every last one of those men in the alleyway. Walking out of the room, I crossed the bright, lit hallway to Beta Shawn’s. Not waiting for an answer, I walked in, noticing the door was ajar. “I’m so sorry, Alpha. I should have stuck by her side. I knew you were on your way back, and I just never thought that she would be attacked in her own hometown,” he pleaded, looking just as bit tired as I felt. I wanted to let him know that she was safe, but the thought of what could have happened made me angry. Letting out a snarl, I stalked towards him. Grabbing a hold of his shirt collar, I tossed him across the room into the wall. Beta Shawn raised his hands in surrender, as if he knew it didn’t matter what he thought; he disobeyed an order.

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Lowering his head in submission, I stopped. What was I doing? Beta Shawn has been by my side since we were kids. He was my most trusted warrior, and I was about to kill him for allowing her to get hurt. Sitting down on the bed, placing my head in my hands, I had to get a hold of myself. Lillian was okay; she is safe. Beta Shawn stood up and walked towards the closet, and changed his shirt. As he pulled his shirt over his head, he swore to never leave her side again till I had a chance to bring their Luna home. Heading back to my room, I hopped in the shower, trying to keep my mind off of what could have happened. When I got done, I put on a black T-shirt and a pair of jeans. Brushing my hair out to where I didn’t look like I just went on a killing spree, I lay down in bed hoping to get a few hours of sleep. The longer I lay there, the more I wanted to be with my Lillian.

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A knock on the door made me get out of my head for a few, knowing it had to be Beta Shawn. “Come in.” As he walked into the room, he looked at me, puzzled. “You need to get ready to leave Alpha. It is almost time,” he advised me. Looking up at the time, I climbed out of bed. Grabbing my wallet and phone off the nightstand, I followed my Beta out the front doors. “Are you sure you don’t want me to follow?” he asked, concerned. I shook my head, knowing that she would be safer with me. Not letting him know that I was still pissed at him for yesterday. Hopping in the SUV, I headed towards the house.

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Arriving at Lillian’s parents’ home, I walked up the 3 steps to their front porch. Ringing the doorbell, I waited as the door opened. Lillian’s mother opened the door,r fully gesturing for me to come in. Smiling and nodding in appreciation, I took a few steps toward the open living room when my eyes found her instantly. There she was sitting on the sofa, wearing a beautifully snug black dress. Running my hand through my hair, trying to keep my composure with what she was wearing, I held out my hand and purred softly. “Are you ready to go, my beautiful?” Wrapping my arm around her waist, I guided her out the door,r pulling her closer with every step. Opening the door to help her in the seat, I held onto her arm as I buckled the seat belt. Closing the door, I walked around to the driver’s seat and got in.

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I made reservations last night at the Lafayette, which was the most elite restaurant in town. Driving there didn’t take very long, but my hand just kept working its way over to hers. Wanting to feel her soft skin and the sparks that she caused. I pulled up to the valet, ready to hop out when I saw the man start to walk over to her door. A furious growl left my mouth, and I jumped out of the vehicle so fast and over to her door as she turned to look where I once sat. I opened the door as the valet backed up slowly with his head down in submission. I don’t know what came over me, but the thought that another man was that close to her had my heartbeat thumping like a drum. I knew it was his job, but after what happened last night, I couldn’t take the risk.

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She swung her legs over to step down when my eyes noticed her dress rising her thighs even higher. My wolf was already getting overwhelmed, and it took a minute for me to regain control. She must have noticed, for she pulled her dress down quickly. Wrapping my arm around her waist, I walked into the restaurant. One of the greeters came up to me quickly, “Alpha Devin, so happy to see you. Right this way. We made sure to keep your usual table open.” I gave a small nod as acknowledgment and kept hold of my dear Lillian as I guided her to the table. Pulling out the chair, I let her sit down before scooting it forward slightly. Walking around the table, I sat down across from her. I saw the waiter coming out way, and before she stopped, I proceeded to tell her to give us a minute, keeping my gaze on Lillian. I could see the look written all over her face that she was worried about the people staring in her direction. She wasn’t used to the attention. “Don’t worry about them; they wouldn’t dare say anything to you.” I tried to reassure her that she is safe with me.

 

Reaching across the table to stop her from picking at her nails, I grazed the top of her hand. “Order anything you like.”

She must not have noticed the waiter or even me giving my order, for when the waiter asked what she would like, she didn’t answer. I squeezed her hand slightly, which must have brought her out of the daze, “Uh.. what?” she mumbled as she stared blankly at the waiter. The waiter asked her again what she would like to order, and she finally replied with a chicken chef salad. I grinned slightly at her nervousness as she began picking at her nails again. I asked the waiter to bring out their best white wine, but she didn’t respond to what she would like to drink. The waiter grinned at me softly, like he thought it was so cute how she was in her own little world.

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I couldn’t stop looking at her as we waited for our order. She looked up at me with those big brown eyes, and she must have been thinking about something, for she started biting her bottom lip. A long black curl was dangling in her face. I wanted a better view, so I slowly tucked the curl behind her ear, rubbing my thumb down her cheek as I placed my hands upon hers. “You are so beautiful,” I stated as I cupped her soft red cheeks. If only she knew how much I wanted to lean over the table to kiss those soft, full lips. To feel her smooth skin under my touch. I wanted her to feel safe with me. Much to my surprise, she leaned into my touch. Well, that’s a start, I thought to myself.

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The food came quickly as it always did. I grabbed the wine to open and pour some into our glasses. I started cutting into my steak and only took a few bites when I noticed she was just moving her salad around. ‘Maybe she feels uncomfortable here,’ my wolf stated. I leaned across the table, held her hand, and asked if she was even hungry. I knew she was, but I was trying whatever I could to hear her voice. She was so shy that she couldn’t even form an answer. Thinking about what my wolf said, “Do you want to get out of here? We can go to the park and talk if you like?” I didn’t even wait for a reply. I motioned for the waiter to have her food placed in a to-go box, and proceeded to get up out of my seat. Walking over to her, I pulled out her chair slightly, helping her to her feet. I wrapped my arm around her waist as we walked up to the register to pay the bill. The waiter came running with the bag I asked him to pack up, grabbed it, and, paying, I guided her out to the vehicle. The valet brought the SUV around quickly as I opened the passenger door for Lillian to get in. I buckled her seat belt and hopped in the driver’s seat.

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She was so quiet that the silence was deafening. I drove to the park, where I knew there was a great spot at the pond that she would feel more relaxed. She gave me a small nod, and I opened the car door for her to get out. As I reached the back seat, I grabbed the black blanket and Lillian’s dinner and started walking through the park to the pond. We followed the gravel path that ran alongside the full trees, with the many signs to guide us to the great views the park had to offer. Slightly wrapping my arms around her waist to guide her over to the pond, she leaned into my touch.

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I laid the blanket on the ground and set the bag down on the edge of the blanket. Lillian was taken in by the geese swimming in the sparkling pond. Wanting to feel her close, I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close, making her land in my lap as we sat on the blanket. I must have scared her a bit, for she tried to scoot off my lap very quickly. I didn’t want her to go, so I kept a tight grip on her, but not enough to hurt her. My wolf loved the feel of her on top of our lap, but I knew I had to rein him in or I would lose her forever. She looked at me with such worry, I loosened my grip and let her slide off my lap to sit next to me on the blanket. “There is no need to be afraid of me, Lillian. I will never hurt you.” I expressed with sheer love and devotion. I could never hurt her.

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I was desperate to get her to relax a bit around me, so I just started asking questions that typical people would ask. We talked about our favorite foods, movies, and songs. I asked her what she liked to do in her free time, as I answered her questions about the things that I liked to do. I took in every answer and every sentence she spoke, learning all I could about my beauty. I told her about my love for books, which she seemed a little shocked about. It seemed like hours we just sat and talked. I grabbed the brown bag and pulled out the Styrofoam box that held her salad. “Eat. I know you’re hungry,” as I handed it to her. She was eating slowly, but hey, at least she was eating. All of a sudden, I saw something fly into the pond. Looking at it, I noticed she tossed a crouton at the geese. She smiled as the baby gobbed it up. I just sat there with a smile on my face, knowing I finally got her to relax a bit. “What? Do I have something on my face?” she asked questionably as she started wiping her lips with the back of her hand. I grabbed her hand before she could continue and raised it to have her touch my face. “Not at all, my dear Lillian. You are just so beautiful. I can’t help but look.” That same stubborn curl came back down in her face as I brushed it behind her ear again.

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We got up from the blanket after she finished her meal, walking back to the SUV when a cool gust of wind came sweeping by. I took off my jacket to wrap around her when I glanced at her and saw her nipples pressing through the fabric of that short black dress. I pulled her in close, trying to warm her up when her hands ran up along my chest. Looking down at her, I grinned as I buried my face in her neck, inhaling her intoxicating scent. The feel and smell of her made me let out a small purr; she must have heard it, for her knees buckled. If I weren’t holding her, she would have fallen. I knew if my calling did that to her, I knew it would be too tempting to use it to sedate her. “I’d better get you home. You’re just too tempting right now.” Opening the door to let her get in the vehicle.

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Driving back to her home, I couldn’t move. My hand gripped the steering wheel tight, as she sat there leaning into my touch on her hand. I just couldn’t picture how bad she would affect me. Pulling up into the driveway of her parents’, I opened up the door, carrying her sleepy form into the home and up to her room. Her parents didn’t even bother following me this time. I pulled down her blankets as I gently placed her in the bed. Trying my damnedest to keep my composure, I took a step back, shaking my head and hands to regain control. Looking at her lying there so beautifully, it was so tempting to strip those restricting clothes off her tanned skin. Holding my breathe I walked up and pulled the covers over her sleeping form, kissing her forehead as I tucked the blankets around her.

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Chapter 6

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Lillian’s P.O.V.

The sun was beating through the red curtains that hung closed on the window. Feeling like a cocoon, I unwrapped the blankets from my body. Not knowing how I got home, I realized that I must have come to bed myself, for I still had my dress on. Stripping the tight fabric away from my body, I stepped into the shower, desperately wanting to wake up. After washing my hair and scrubbing my body, I wrapped the towel around me and brushed my teeth. Going back to my bedroom, I rummaged through my closet to find something to wear. Grabbing a red spaghetti-string half top and a pair of low-cut shorts, I hurried to put them on and rushed down the stairs. Mom was standing in the kitchen preparing breakfast as she looked over to see if I wanted anything. “Honey, can you grab some eggs when you get off work?” she asked. “Sure, Mom,” I replied, rushing to get to the diner to talk with Anna.

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The walk to work was strange. I felt like somebody was watching me. I picked up my pace and darted through the diner doors in a bit of a rush. Exhaling the breath that I never knew I had, Anna came skipping over to embrace me in her arms. “So, how did it go?” she asked, sounding too cheerful for this damn early in the morning. “Fine, I guess.” I huffed. I didn’t want to tell her that I might be liking Alpha Devin’s company. The diner was empty. Looking around, there was not one single person. “Slow morning?” I stated. “You know how it is, we don’t get much business till lunch hour.” Anna retorted with a grin.

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The day was totally slow, and even the lunch hour was remarkably slow. After my shift, I left the diner, walking up the street to Gracy’s Super Mart. I couldn’t forget to get eggs for mom, or she would throw a fit. Walking there, I still couldn’t shake the feeling like I was being watched. What the hell is going on with me? I shoved it to the side, thinking that it was just the memory of what happened 2 nights ago. Walking in the Supermarket I was greeted by a friendly face. My good friend Brandon worked there as a cashier. He was one of those cocky men who thought all women should be swarming for his attention. Growing up alongside him, he has even tried hitting on me a few times, but I never in a million years thought of him like that. He was more along the lines of an annoying big brother; well, he might as well have been, for he was my brother Paul’s best friend. “What are you doing in here, girl?” Brandon questioned with his eyebrow raised. “Mom needed some eggs,” I replied, waving him off like the annoying man he was.

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Walking to the dairy department, grabbing the 4 dozen eggs, and going to the checkout, I stopped to grab an Iced coffee too. Placing the groceries on the counter, Brandon bagged them up without even swiping a single item on the register. “You work too hard. I’ll let Paul know he can pay for this bill.” Brandon smiled as he handed me the bag. “Tell your mom I said hi, will ya?” The minute I stepped through those doors, that strange feeling came over me again. Not wanting to take the chance, even though I knew it was just my nerves, I walked back into the store. “Whatcha forget?” Brandon laughed. “Nothing. Hey, what time do you get off work?” I asked, thinking it would be safer to walk home with him than by myself. “I’m just about finished; I’ve got about 10 minutes left. Why?” he questioned, sounding a bit concerned. I didn’t want to tell him everything, but just brought up the strange feeling that I was having. “Sure, Hun, give me a few, and I will drive you home.”

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After Brandon’s shift, he clocked out and grabbed my groceries as he walked me to his pickup truck. Throwing the bag in the back, he got in the driver’s seat, waiting for me to buckle up. Pulling into the driveway, Mom came out a little surprised to see me with Brandon and not Paul. “Oh, well, sorry, I thought your brother was finally coming over to visit,” she retorted. Handing her the grocery bag, she asked why I was even with Brandon to begin with. I just shrugged off her comment and headed straight for my room. I didn’t want to worry her about that uncontrollable feeling I was having, but I just couldn’t shake it. ‘Let’s see how tomorrow is. If we get that feeling again, you need to speak up.’ Lola advised me. All I wanted to do was sleep. It felt like I just never got enough lately. Not even changing clothes, I fell on the bed face-first into my pillow.

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Chapter 7

All night I tossed and turned, trying to shake that eerie feeling. The only thing I didn’t understand was that Lola didn’t sense danger. It just felt like eyes were watching my every move. Lying on my side and staring into the bathroom, I contemplated the idea of taking a nice hot bath to relieve the stress that I was under. It was my first day off work in a month; I wanted to take this time just to relax.

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Walking towards the tub, I sat on the edge and turned on the spigots. Checking the heat with my wrist, I undressed and sank into the hot, relaxing water. Time must have escaped me as I lay there, daydreaming. The water had become cool, so I hopped out and wrapped my towel around my body. Walking back to my room, I noticed a vase with all different types of flowers in it. Looking around, I saw a small card tucked inside the banquet. I lifted it to turn it around to see who they were from. I know a smile formed on my face when I read the following:

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Beautiful flowers for the most beautiful girl,

Love, Alpha Devin

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I tucked the card back in the flowers and headed to my closet. Grabbing a blue t-shirt and a pair of jeans, I sat on the bed getting dressed. The thought of Alpha Devin came to the forefront of my mind, pushing all the worries and stress aside. ‘You know you could always go see him.’ Lola stated. She was always trying to get me not to be so bashful and shy around people. ‘What? No, I couldn’t possibly. He is an Alpha Lola! Are you insane!’ I screamed at her, knowing full well it would do no good. Grabbing my flats, I slip them on and walk down the stairs to the kitchen.

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“Were those flowers from Alpha Devin?” My mother looked over her shoulder at me as she smiled. I knew that she had already peeked at the card, but what could I do? She was always nosy in my personal life. I nodded as I reached for the orange juice in the refrigerator and poured myself a glass. Sitting down at the barstool, I watched her make breakfast.

“So, what are you going to do today?” Mom asked.”Why don’t you go see Alpha Devin? He is over at the hotel.” Of course, she knew where he was staying. She always thought that one day an Alpha would notice me. Growing up, she has always said that due to my hard work and ambition, I would make a great Luna. I never took her seriously. “Mom, you and Lola need to get off my case about Alpha Devin. I have 10 days left before I will know who my mate is. So please back off.” I retorted. I always hated raising my voice to her, but the persistence that she had in trying to push me towards him was unbelievable.

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I was happy with my life; I didn’t need a mate. I worked hard, helped my family, and took care of myself pretty damn well. I was dreading the day I turned 18, not knowing if I was to be paired with somebody who just didn’t understand me. I was independent. I worked hard for everything I had. I didn’t want to be someone’s housemaid. I enjoyed the freedom and the accomplishments that I worked so hard to achieve. I didn’t need a mate to take care of me, and I hated that I had no choice in the matter. I did have a choice, but refusing your true mate was like taking a piece of your soul and torturing it forever. I couldn’t deal with that.

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I needed to get away, to take time for myself and clear my head. I took a walk to my favorite spot in the park. I sat on the swing overlooking the path to the pond. I always came here when I needed time away from myself. It was a place I could just sit back and relax. To step out of my hectic life, at least for a while. Taking in all the beauty that brought peace to the place, I couldn’t stop the memory of the night I spent at the pond floating through my mind. Trying to shake the memory away, my attention was clear. Coming from the tree line, I heard the rustling of leaves. Lola’s voice came forward, warning me that somebody was nearby. Staring off into the tree line, I looked aimlessly around for who it was. ‘What was that, Lola?’ I asked, for I still could not spot where the noise had come from.

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I stood up, looking around in every direction, but still nothing. I felt uneasy, so I began walking out of the park when suddenly, I was knocked down. I gasped as the air was knocked out of my lungs. Trying to push myself back up, I couldn’t, for I felt this weight on top of me. I struggled to lift whatever was on me, but it was too heavy. Taking a breath of fresh air, that is when I smelled it. That same scent from the other night. The smell of stale beer lingered in the air when I knew what was going to happen.

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His hands started trailing up my waist to grab a hold of my breasts, as he took his knee to spread my legs a little farther apart. I thrashed and screamed as he continued pawing at my clothes. The next thing I knew, the weight of his body was ripped off me. Hearing snarls and growls, I crawled to the tree stump to get to my feet. The smell of blood lingered in the air as I rose to my feet. Turning around to look, all I saw was one of the men from the alleyway sprawled across the grass. There were body parts everywhere; if it wasn’t for his head being fully intact, I would never have been able to recognize him at all. Looking around to see who had saved me from his grasp, there was nobody to be found. Whoever it was just vanished. I picked up a small scent of cedar wood, but it was masked by the putrid smell of blood, so I couldn’t track it or even tell which way he had gone.

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I ran out of the park as fast as my legs would take me, arriving at the hotel where Alpha Devin was staying. ‘Why did you take me here, Lola?” I questioned, as I didn’t want to deal with him right now. ‘I knew we would be safe with him,” she replied. Sometimes I truly hated my wolf, for she was constantly right, no matter if I disagreed or not.

Standing outside the hotel, glancing at the door, I debated whether I should walk in or not. How much I hated to admit it, but Lola was right. I did feel safe with him. Sitting on the bench outside the front doors, I was fighting with myself. Why does this keep happening to me? I have always found myself in trouble even when I wasn’t looking for it. I just wanted to be left alone, but now more than ever, I wish I had time for training like all the other she-wolves.

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I must have sat there longer than I thought, for I jumped when a hand fell upon my shoulder. Looking across my shoulder, I stared right into the eyes of the one person I have been trying to avoid. “Hello, Beautiful. " Alpha Devin stated with a grin as he peered down at me. “Looking for me?” I wasn’t looking for him at all; it was my righteous wolf that brought me there. I hung my head low, for all I wanted to do was run away. “No, I wasn’t looking for you,” I muttered. “I was out walking and took a break here on this bench.” I scampered. Not wanting to let on what my wolf actually did, or how being near him kept me safe and calm.

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Getting up off the bench to walk anywhere, but here, I turned to walk down the street when a sudden pull on my hand made me smack right into his chest. “And just where do you think you are going, my lovely?” Alpha Devin whispered as he peered into my eyes. His frame towered over me with ease, as I looked up into his eyes. His scent was overpowering my senses, drowning me in a cloudy daze of lust. I had to get out of here. Pushing off his hard, chiseled chest, I turned to walk away when he pulled me closer again. He leaned down, placing his head in the crook of my neck, when a sudden snarl rumbled from his chest. “Why is there a man’s scent on you?” I knew what he was referring to, but why did it concern him?

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Bowing my head, I shook, trembling in fear. I didn’t know what was going on through his head, but I didn’t want to remember what happened a few moments ago. “Lillian,” he raised my chin to look at him, “Why do I smell another man’s scent all over you?” Jerking away from his grasp, I continued shaking. Sitting back down on the bench I just got up from, I began telling him what happened in the park. “Show me!” He exclaimed.

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The drive from the hotel was short, walking down the path to the swing, not wanting to go any further, I pointed. “Right over there,” I said softly. Alpha Devin walked over to the swing when his eyes glanced back at me. I knew what he had seen, but I just wanted to leave this place. He walked over to the body, kneeling, examining the corpse that was once my attacker. He must have sensed something, for he walked toward the tree line and then came back. “Let me take you home.” He sighed as he gently held my waist as he walked me back to the SUV.

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Walking in the house, I knew my parents would notice something was wrong if Alpha Devin came with me. Thankfully, he stayed in the SUV waiting till I walked through the doors. Peering out the window, he was on the phone as he sat there in the driveway. Reverting my attention, I walked up to my bedroom and fell on my bed. That makes two attacks in one week. What the hell was wrong with me? Why do I always seem to find the crazy ones? I pondered this question to myself. Sooner or later, I am going to have to give up working so much so I can start training. For this, just can’t keep happening to me.

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Hopping in the shower, the water beating down on my stressed muscles, I gasped at the searing pain that burned on my leg. Looking down, there was a gaping wound that was already starting to heal. Washing the dirt away from it, I sighed. After washing my hair and body, I jumped out of the shower and brushed my teeth. Throwing my dirty clothes in the hamper, I left for the closet to find something more comfortable. Throwing on a baggy shirt and leggings, I sat on the end of my bed with my head in my hands, just thinking, why me? I couldn’t take it anymore, so I called my brother Paul. Paul was Alpha William’s Beta, one of the best warriors in the pack. I knew if I wanted to be able to defend myself, I had to see if he would start training me.

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“Hey sis, what’s up?” I heard Paul say the minute he answered. Even though he was my brother, I still felt the sudden urge not ask for his help, but I swallowed my pride and told him everything that had been happening. “Well, you do know that if you want to start training, it is a commitment. I just don’t think that you need to worry about it so much. You will be 18 soon. That is what your mate is for,” he replied. I knew he would push for me not to start training, for he had seen so much death that he didn’t want me to experience it and live with the horrors of taking a life.

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Hanging up the phone, I sighed as I fell backwards on the bed. I must have dozed off for a few minutes; I looked up as my dad came into my room. “Sweety, are you alright?” He asked as he walked over to the foot of the bed and sat down next to me. “I saw Alpha Devin outside, and he told me what happened.” Sitting up, I huffed, “Of course he did.” Dad patted my leg as he stood up; looking down at me, he shook his head. “You know, dear, Alpha Devin thought it would be a good idea if you stayed at the hotel with him.” He sighed, “Now I know what you’re thinking, but he said that you can have your own room, but he felt that it would be safer if you didn’t go anywhere without him.” The look on his face sent fury down my spine. I know he thought it would be a great idea, but I didn’t want any part of it. I never needed a man yet, and I wasn’t about to give in now. “No, thank you!” I yelled.

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Storming out the door and down the stairs, I jerked open the front door and slammed it shut behind me. Even though it was my day off, I headed to the diner. Walking in, I noticed Alpha Devin sitting there at the same booth where I first saw him. “What are you doing here?” I stomped my way over to him. I was so annoyed by how everyone kept pushing me towards him, and I couldn’t escape his presence. “I knew that this was where you would go once you left your parents. I’m just worried about you. You have been attacked twice already,” he said softly as he smiled at me, trying to grab a hold of my hand.

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I didn’t care about my surroundings; I had to let him know that I was so furious that people would not leave me be. “I know what you told my father, and the answer is no! I will not be held prisoner and hide away due to some assholes who think they can ruin people’s lives. I have never needed anybody before, and I do not need you now!” I stated bluntly as I turned to walk out the door away from him.

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Leaving the diner, I didn’t know where to go. I just started walking anywhere but here. Before I had a chance to take 3 steps, I was jerked to the side of the diner. Alpha Devin was furious; he dragged me over to the side of the diner and stared at me silently. After a few minutes, he started speaking. “Look. I have noticed a few things about you in the small amount of time I have been here. I know that you are a very independent girl, and that you have always taken care of yourself and your family. This time it is different. You don’t have to do it alone anymore. I can help. Let me help you.” He stated bluntly as his eyes flickered from their bright blue to brown. “I don’t need you to defend me. I can survive on my own.” I yelled back, trying to escape his grasp. His grip loosened as his hands rubbed up and down my arms. His anger faded from his face, and a look of worry and pride replaced it. “I know you can, but to survive, you need to be able to defend yourself. I can help you. Please, my love, let me help you,” he pleaded as he gently embraced me.

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He held me close as his scent calmed me. It melted away all my anger and frustration. Looking up at him, I searched his eyes, looking to see if he really meant what he said about helping, not just protecting me. “I want to train, but nobody will let me.” I huffed out of frustration. “I will, my love. I will train you if that is what you wish.” Looking a little shocked, I pushed away from his chest to stare at him. “You would train me?” I blurted out as a tear rolled down my cheek. He brushed the tear away as he held me close. His face buried in the crook of my neck, “Yes. In my pack, all people, no matter who they are, can train. Everyone needs to learn to protect themselves. I will help you, my beautiful.”

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Chapter 8

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Today was the day I began training. I was excited to learn but petrified, for I heard the stories about how brutal Alpha Devin was. Even though I felt safe around him, I knew that all bets were off if I wanted to train. Putting on a pair of black leggings and a sports bra, I ran down the stairs. I didn’t want to be late for my first day of training. Alpha Devin told me to meet him at the pond in the park. Even though I didn’t want to ever go back to that place, I had to have faith that he knew what he was doing.

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I ran out the door towards the park and arrived there just in time. I looked around, thinking that I might be a little early, for I didn’t see him anywhere around. The only thing I saw was the family of geese swimming in the little pond. Out of nowhere, a force pushed me to the ground in such a flash that I didn’t have time to even blink. Flipping over quickly, I looked up and there, standing over me was Alpha Devin. He stood tall, with one foot on both sides of my waist. My eyes roamed his muscular body, his snake tattoo visibly clear, running down his neck onto his bare chest and wrapping around his shoulder and down to his biceps. “First lesson, be prepared for anything.” He said as he leaned down, holding his hand out to pull me to my feet. “To do this, you need to pay attention to your surroundings. Always be on guard.” He smiled softly. “Let us work on that today, shall we?” grinning like I was his prey.

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Alpha Devin kept leaving my side and pouncing on me every chance he got, till I started noticing the faint sounds,s and Lola’s alertness finally gave me an advantage over him. I finally noticed him before he snuck up to me again, and as I turned, I pushed him in the chest. “You did great, gorgeous. Now we just got to work on strength, for it felt like a fly pushing me away.” He said as he started laughing.

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We sat on the ground for a few minutes, as I listened to him tell me all about how his pack was trained. I sure hoped that I didn’t have to go through that when he grinned at me. “Don’t worry, you will never have to go through that. Our people train from the time their wolves appear. I’ll just help you with the basics.” Alpha Devin stood up, grabbing my waist and lifting me to my feet. “Let’s go eat for now, and we will continue training tomorrow.” He grinned down at me as we walked over to his SUV. “I’ll have to go home and change first.” I pointed out, but his smirk made me think that he had some other plans in mind.

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Pulling up to the hotel, I looked at him as if he were nuts. I was not about to go in there looking like this. This is where he was staying, not me - “Alpha De…” his finger stopped me dead in my tracks, hushing me not to worry about it. “Come in here with me, let me get changed, and I will drive you home if that is what you want after I give you your gift.” He interrupted. Before he had a chance to open the door, I stepped out, waiting for him to walk into the hotel. Keeping my head low so people wouldn’t notice me, I followed him down the hall to Room 19. He opened up the door, and the smell overwhelmed my senses. All I could smell was his mouthwatering scent, but there was a hint of cedar wood. “That smell.” I looked around the room, trying to see any hint that somebody else was here. I must have said it out loud, for Alpha Devin looked at me with curious eyes. “What smell?” He questioned. “Who else comes in this room?” I glance over at him. He starts walking over to me as I stumble back, running into the chair, remembering when I caught that scent.

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Running his hand through his hair, he sighed. Alpha Devin sat at the end of the bed, looking at me with a look of pure guilt. “There is nothing to worry about, my love. It is just my Beta,” he replied, as he continued running his hand through his hair. “I know - It’s okay. He didn’t want to frighten you,” he sighed as he tried to walk closer to me again. “How? Why?” is all I could muster up, trying to figure out what the hell his Beta was doing in the park. “After the first attack, when I found you, I was worried. I wanted to make sure you were safe, so I had my Beta follow you, but keeping his distance.” I stood there, shocked to know that those eerie feelings that I had been getting were due to him.

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Alpha Devin embraced me, holding me against his bare chest. Even with his sweat beading upon his skin, his scent was irresistible. After a short while, calming myself down, I sat in the chair that I ran into. Alpha Devin turned around to grab a box that was sitting on the desk. Handing it to me, he smiled as he waited for me to open it. Lifting the lid, I glanced at the beautiful dress that lay in the box. Grabbing it by the top, I lifted it out to get a better look. It was beautiful, it featured a halterneck, slim black fabric flowing freely. There was this beautiful flower embroidered near the bust that caught my eye. I glanced up at him with my eyebrow raised, wondering what it was for. “You can wear that to dinner if you like,” speaking softly with a slight smirk. He hands me another box, and as I open it, there sits this pair of beautiful black heels. The shoes were gorgeous with the low-inch heel and open toe with a single strap design. The lace-up closure around the ankle brought that sexy look to any dress it went with.

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“Let me go hop in the shower really quick, then you can shower and get ready.” Alpha Devin said as he left for his huge bathroom. He shut the bathroom door, but it didn’t latch behind him, as I heard the water turn on. The steam from the room filtered through the air, making my mouth water. Before I knew it, I stepped closer to the bathroom door, pushing it open, almost drooling at the mouth. Leaning against the doorway, I peered inside. The room was filled with steam, but my eyes locked instantly on the figure through the stained-glass shower door. My senses were on overdrive; I wanted nothing more than to surround myself in that intoxicating scent. Dazed, I just stood there. I was so far gone in my own thoughts that I didn’t even hear the water shut off. “Ahem,” I flinched, startled at the sight of Alpha Devin’s muscular, wet body stepping out of the shower stall. Wrapping a towel around his waist with his eyebrow raised, the smirk he gave me made my knees buckle. “You know if you wanted to join me, all you had to do was ask,” giving me a smirk that sent chills down my spine. I reverted my gaze to the floor, my face heated as he walked slowly over to me. He just couldn’t stop that smug look as he gently and ever so slowly walked past me into the bedroom. His arm brushes against my body, which was frozen in place. God, such torture.

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Stepping into the bathroom, I quickly shut the door. Frozen in place, leaning against the door, I gasped for some fresh air. What the hell was happening to me? What would possess me to walk into this bathroom with him in here showering? I couldn’t take it. The more I was in his presence, the more I couldn’t resist the intoxicating scent he put off. Snap out of it! He is a damn Alpha! I kept screaming to myself, hoping to knock some sense into my damn head. Turning on the shower, I stripped my clothes off and stepped in. This entire bathroom smelled of him, and I had to hurry and get out of here before losing my composure. Washing my hair and body, I quickly stepped out, drying off. I glanced up at the door to notice my dress was hanging on the hook. Alpha Devin must have placed it there while I was showering. Slipping it on, I wiped the mirror with the towel to see my reflection. Looking around the bathroom for a brush, I grabbed the only one that I could find. Brushing my hair out and putting it up in a messy bun, I reigned in my composure.

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Stepping out into the bedroom, my eyes sought out Alpha Devin instantly. His muscular build and bronze skin highlighted the white dress shirt he wore with his thick, black hair that was feathered neatly, which only enhanced his facial features perfectly. My eyes took in every sight of him, looking him up and down. The snake tattoo peering out of the short sleeve only brought out his large biceps. I slowly made my way over to the chair where my heels sat. Grabbing them, as I sank into the chair, trying not to let my dress ride up my legs any further, I slipped them on. Wrapping the laces around my ankle and up my calf muscle, I tied them securely. Peering up, I saw Alpha Devin holding his hand out to me, to help me to my feet, with a grin that made me melt against his hard, chiseled chest. He grabbed his wallet, phone, and keys off the stand as he snaked his arm around my waist. Opening the door to leave, he guided me towards the hotel’s eatery.

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The place was spacious, with its open floor plan. Looking around, there was nobody here, just us, as Alpha Devin guided me towards the table. It looked as if it came out of a fairy tale. The white lace tablecloth draped freely down to the floor. Wine glasses sat at both ends of the table, with a basket of breadsticks arranged neatly in the middle. The silverware was laid out perfectly, displaying each silvery piece, as a bright red napkin that was folded as a rose sat in the glasses above them.

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“I took the liberty of booking the whole place. I know how you feel about people looking at you.” Alpha Devin said as he pulled out my chair for me. Walking around to sit down by himself, I just felt so much at ease as I watched him briefly. We sat there, staring into each other’s eyes, when the server came up to the table. “Are you ready to order, Alpha?” The thin, brown-haired woman asked as she raised her pen and notepad in hand. Alpha Devin looked over at me as he smiled and waited for me to give my order first. “I’ll take the classic chef salad with a side of ranch dressing.” I looked at her with a smile. “And for you, Alpha?” The older woman asked as she glanced over at him briefly. “Let me just have my usual.” He declared, as his eyes looked up to her swiftly, then fell back upon me. “Very well, your order will be out in a moment.”

I sat there feeling self-conscious as he stared at me with those soft blue eyes. “Are you excited about your birthday?” He asked, trying to strike up a conversation as we waited for our meal. “Well, Kinda, but not really,” I answered honestly. I really wasn’t looking forward to it, for I knew it meant finding my mate, and that just terrified me. I wasn’t one for becoming a housewife; I enjoyed working, making myself useful for the community. A few moments later, the server came out with the food and placed it gently on the table. Smiling as she poured some champagne into our glasses, she set the bottle in the bucket of ice and walked away.

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Alpha Devin and I sat there quietly eating our meal; his eyes kept glancing over to me. Getting a little agitated, I looked up and saw a huge grin on his face. “What?!” I huffed. “Nothing, I finally got you to sit down and eat with me.” Alpha Devin divulged as he laughed casually. I exhaled deeply with annoyance at his comment as I continued eating my meal. When we finished, he gestured for the check and pulled out his wallet. He threw the money down on the table with the bill and advanced toward my seat. Pulling the chair out, he grabs my hand, raising me to my feet, and grabs a hold of my waist. Pulling me in closer, he leans down to whisper in my ear. “Where would you like to go?”

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I wasn’t one for socialization, but I began to wonder if there was something Alpha Devin knew that I didn’t. I couldn’t think clearly with him so close, all I knew was I wasn’t ready to go home yet. Placing my hands on his chest, I peered up at him, blushing from the tempting grin on his face. I wanted to see how soft his lips would be under my touch, tempting me with each gaze and touch. “I…. I….” The words escaped me. “We can take a walk in the park, or go to a movie, or even head back up to the room.” He conveyed, emphasizing the words back up to the room.

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Being alone with him in his room was the last thing that I needed right now. I am not oblivious to the sex scene, but I was raised to save myself for your true mate. I knew if I followed him back to his room, and if he advanced, I must just throw my belief system out the window. I really don’t think I could say no to him. Realizing I still never gave him an answer, I pushed off his chest and looked into those blue eyes. “A movie would be nice,” I muttered incoherently as I tried to clear my head from the images of us in his room together.

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Walking out of the hotel, I began to head for the SUV when he snaked his arm around my waist and guided me away. “I thought maybe we could walk there.” Alpha Devin stated as he turned me towards the direction of the movie theater. The theater was only 3 blocks up the road from the hotel, so walking there was nothing. As he held my hand walking down the street, I noticed a lot of people stopping to stare. We came to a small flower stand that was set up on the corner, and he stopped to take a look. Plucking a small daisy from the display, he placed it in my hair, above my ear. “There.” He grinned as he threw down some money for the flower he stole. “A beautiful flower for a beautiful girl.” Proceeding to head to the movies, I heard faint voices from the people on the streets. I could hear them talking about me and why a person like me was in the presence of an Alpha. I paid no attention to their comments, for I thought the same thing.

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Arriving at the movie theater, standing at the billboards, we looked to see what was playing. There really wasn’t anything playing that seemed interesting, so instead we left to walk to the park. We began our journey to the park when he stopped to pick up a very small loaf of bread. The walk there only took 20 minutes, but by the time we got to the pond, it seemed like forever. There was this boulder that sat along the edge of the pond; I walked over to it and sat down. Slipping off my heels, I placed my feet on the water’s edge. Alpha Devin stepped towards me, handing me the open bag of bread he had bought. He grabs a piece as he tears a small sliver from the slice of bread. Throwing it in the pond, for the geese to munch on. “I saw how you enjoyed feeding the geese your dinner, so now you can feed them theirs.” He grinned as he sat beside me on the boulder.

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Sitting there by the pond, feeding the geese was so relaxing. It seemed like hours, just sitting there. The sky began to darken as the crisp, cool wind blew through the trees surrounding us. Alpha Devin pulled me closer, as I used his body for warmth. My heart started pounding faster as his scent wafted to my nose. Glancing up as he leaned over, snuggling me close to keep me warm, I couldn’t stop as he leaned down, his lips landing upon mine. Backing away slightly, he glanced at me, a small grin upon his face as he raised his hand to my neck, kissing me again. Turning around slightly, I gave in to his touch, deepening the soft touch of his lips. A small groan left his lips as he parted my lips with his tongue, his fingers tangling in my hair.

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Pulling away quickly, “I should take you home, it’s getting late.” He stated as he turned his head, looking elsewhere. “You’re just too tempting right now, and I need you to be sure.” He stood up, raising me to my feet as he tried to rein in his composure. I followed as he headed back towards the park entrance.

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