Chapter 30 Epilogue

Charlotte Sanguinite

"Angie, this is not the time or place!" I scold my daughter as she uses my lipstick to draw what I can only call clown makeup on my beaming three-year-old son. "Your father already has us running late. I've never heard of a best man being late to his brother's wedding."

"I'm not late!" I hear the front door slam shut. "Where's my princess?!"

"Daddy!" Angie abandons her brother and flies past me, down the stairs.

"Come on, Brandon." I pick up my son. "Let's go wash your face. And how many times have I told you not to let your sister bully you?"

"Angie was making me pretty, like her," Brandon protests as I bring him into the bathroom.

"Baby, you're already very pretty," I assure him.

"Who's pretty?" Robert appears in the doorway, then blinks at our younger child. "Ah, Brandon. That's an interesting look on you, son."

I toss my mate a dirty look. "You're late. Harry's freaking out. Aisha has called at least ten times to remind you not to forget the rings."

I hear a barking sound, and I stop what I'm doing. "Where are Mano and Zeno?"

"With Mrs. Mallory. She's in her sewing room. Should I check on them?"

I shake my head. "Nope. No time. She knows how to handle them. I can't believe at their ages the two of them are still fighting."

"It's not fighting." Robert looks amused. "Ever since the kittens grew up, Mano has adopted Zeno as her own. She likes to randomly discipline him."

I wipe down Brandon's face. "Go. We're leaving in one minute."

He runs off, and I'm about to follow him when my mate blocks my path, a rather lecherous gleam in his eyes. "Oh, I think we're going to be a little late. That's a very pretty dress."

I know exactly what he's up to, but I can't help but laugh. "Don't even think about it. We have to get going."

Robert shuts the bathroom door, trapping us inside. His eyes take in my emerald dress, and he approaches me, whispering, "Just a kiss."

Giggling, I try to avoid his hold. "It's never just a kiss. I'm convinced you enjoy making me late to events. You pulled the same thing last year at Ricky and Jazz's wedding. We nearly missed the ceremony!"

"How do you expect me to keep my hands off you when you look so beautiful?" Robert counters. "It's not fair."

I gape at him. "So this is my fault, then, is it?"

Robert lowers his head till his lips hover over mine, and he says heatedly, "I should think so."

"Just one kiss?" I ask, doubtfully.

"Just one kiss," he lies, smoothly.

His mere touch is enough to set me on fire, and his kiss has me melting. There's nothing chaste about it, a clash of tongues and teeth and lips, as he devours me like a starving man. His hand covers my chest, sliding down my stomach until he reaches the slit in my dress. It doesn't take him long to force my legs apart and glide his fingers in. My pussy is already wet, waiting for him. The squelching sound fills the air as he loosens me up with his fingers, inserting one after another, till he has four thick digits inside me. I toss my head back, panting and moaning.

"We don't have time," I whine, my hips moving in rhythm to his fingers.

"I know," he whispers, his eyes on my face as he draws out an orgasm so skillfully.

"My dress!" I moan, my inside convulsing.

"Don't worry." His laughter makes my nipples harden into painful points. I rub them, only for him to bat away my hands. My dress's straps come down, and he teases me, sucking and nipping, driving me wild. His fingers are no longer toying with my pussy, but I can feel the juices slide down the inside of my leg as my lower muscles clench in need.

I'm leaning back against the sink, my breasts out as Robert plays with them. One of his legs is inserted between mine, and he rubs the coarse material of his pants against my most sensitive area. I finally break.

"Robert. Fuck me, already! Please!"

His sly grin tells me he wanted me to beg all along.

He turns me around, bends me over the sink, and hikes up my dress. I hear the sound of his zipper lowering, and then he murmurs, "You'll have to ask for it. Politely."

"This is no time for games, Robert." I frown, meeting his gaze in the mirror.

He raises his brows. "Fine. No cock for you."

He moves to pull up his zipper, and I quickly say, "Robert!"

"Yes, Charlotte?" The smirk on his face would be annoying if I didn't find it so hot.

"Will you fuck me with your cock?" As an afterthought, I add, "Please."

"Well, since you asked so nicely," he says with a dramatic flourish.

My laugh turns into a groan as he holds my legs apart and slides into me.

"There's something about having you bent over a surface while wearing heels," he whispers. "Makes me want to turn that ass red."

I can't speak. My mouth parts as he screws me with long deep strokes, robbing me of my ability to think. I try to keep my voice down, well aware that we're not alone in the house. Robert helps with that, slapping his hand across my mouth as I'm about to scream out. My back arches as he pushes me over the edge. Not one second later, I feel him release within me.

I meet his eyes in the mirror. "Let me catch my breath. You're so dead."

My husband and mate grins.

******

"What happened to your green dress?" Jazz asks as I sit beside her, the ceremony about to begin.

"Robert happened to it," I mutter.

She snickers. "Planning baby number three already?"

"Why don't you worry about your own baby? When's he due?"

"Three months." Jazz pats her rounded stomach. "Ricky's a mess. He built half the nursery and then abandoned that to baby-proof the house. He and my dad are driving themselves crazy. Dad wants to move in so he can help out more. I said no, but Ricky agreed."

I laugh at the helpless frustration on her face. "I understand. But this is your first pregnancy, and it's nice that your Dad likes Ricky and the feeling is mutual."

"Ever since he retired, he's been spending loads of time with Ricky. My husband has scammed my father into adopting three dogs, six cats, and a peacock."

"At least he's busy," I pat her shoulder. "How are things at the cafe?"

"Fine." Jazz shakes her head. "I've been on bed rest lately, so I hired someone as a manager till the baby comes. How's the clinic going?"

"I love being a vet," I beam. "And the fact that it's right next to the shelter helps a lot. I can go to Ricky for advice whenever I want."

"How's your sister?"

"Arabella?" I muse. "Last I heard, she was somewhere in the south of France. She sent me a postcard, plus some bottles of wine and a wheel of cheese."

"I'm glad things are working out between you two," Jazz says softly.

"Me too," I reply warmly. "She opened a clothing line for kids after Brandon was born. She regularly sends clothes for both him and Angie. I think she likes the idea of being an aunt. I'm anticipating a visit soon."

The music begins, and we stop talking.

Maria, Harry's long-time girlfriend, walks down the aisle with Morris. I see Robert beaming at Harry, and my lips curve into a smile.

The ceremony is short but beautiful and is followed by a reception under the October night sky, a cool wind blowing. I watch Robert dance with Aisha, both of them trying to out-idiot the other. Aisha's mate decides to cut in. Harry is dancing with Brandon and Angie as Maria cheers them on.

According to what we discovered in the journals, Jean and Lucian had several children. They outlived them all, except for their oldest, Lillith. Their children weren't half-breeds by any means. They were born either a vampire or a shifter. The shifters joined their father's pack, while those who were born as vampires joined their mother's clan.

It was a relief to hear that, but it also concerned me during my pregnancies, not wanting such stark differences in my children that might spark resentment between them in the future. Angie ended up being born a vampire, and Brandon is a shifter. We hope to guide them to cherish their sibling bond so that they know they can always lean on each other.

Their births were celebrated by the allied clans in the form of extravagant gifts. It seems that even the vampires got tired of all the fighting. They can now conduct business happily, and the wolves have made an effort to put their grievances aside.

All three packs came together for this wedding.

Cynthia is sitting with her friend, Maya. Maya's husband is dancing with Riya, Cynthia and Adam's older daughter. Their twins are running around with Toby, Aisha's son. Packmates are dancing, drinking, and eating. It's a loud, rowdy affair, and I'm enjoying it.

"Still mad at me?" Robert pops up suddenly with a plate of food. "I brought bribes. Prawns."

"That was my favorite dress, you know." I look at my husband stonily.

He leans down to kiss my cheek. "And I'm your favorite mate."

"You're my only mate," I remind him, amused.

"Exactly. Dresses come and go. Mates are for life."

"You're preposterous!" I burst into incredulous laughter. "Absolutely shameless."

"I know," he grins. "And you still love me."

"I do," I admit. "But I also wanted to wear that dress."

"And you will," Robert declares. "For our anniversary dinner. You'll be the most beautiful woman there. I might just have to marry you all over again."

I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him in for a kiss. "Alright, you're forgiven."

Robert deepens the kiss before pulling away slightly and caressing my cheek with the back of his hand. "Want to go dance?"

Helpless against his charm, I let him guide me to the dance floor. And as I do, I hope he never changes, the love in my heart for this man, a constant thing, growing and expanding. Robert changed my life. He taught me how to love, how to laugh, and how to be happy.

As I slide into his arms, I smile. "I love you. Every day with every breath."

He presses his forehead against mine, smiling. "With every heartbeat."

I close my eyes, feeling content. Let every day be like this, full of joy and laughter and love.

The End

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Rejected By My Alpha Mate

Chapter 1

Seline

"Get off the bar, Ronnie! Nobody wants to see you naked!"

The 68-year-old human gives me a saucy look. "You wouldn't say that if you knew me forty years ago."

I let out a sigh before grabbing the man by the arm and forcing him off the bar as some of the regular patrons hoot and wolf-whistle. "This is the third time this week, Ronnie. I am this close to putting your name on the ‘do not allow' list."

I hand him his shirt and the belt he had tossed onto my shoulder. "Put it on, and Ellie will take you home.""I have a car!" Ronnie immediately protests.

I dangle the keys in front of him. "Not anymore, you don't. Pick them up tomorrow. Ellie!" I nod at the other bartender, who is getting off-duty.

She approaches me, looking amused. "'Sup, Ronnie? Seline giving you a hard time?"

Ronnie immediately turns to her, having found a shoulder to complain on.

I make a face. "Take him home. And you'd better get your keys tomorrow, Ronnie!"

However, Ronnie is already on another drunken rampage. I just shrug.

He's no longer my problem.

It's still a few hours shy of midnight, so the bar is pretty full. But the human clientele is slowly decreasing in number. I see a few new faces, but that isn't surprising considering that Arrow Brooke is a town that attracts Others like curious moths to a flame. It's rare to have so many species of Others coexisting in one place.

I slide behind the bar, smiling at the man in the cowboy gear. "What can I get ya?"

He looks uncomfortable but asks slowly, "I heard this place offers A-negative?"

My lips twitch at the young vampire's shy demeanor. "Would you like it chilled, separate, or half and half with our tap beer?"

He stares at me in stunned silence before stammering, "H-half and half, please."

"Coming right up." I crouch down and grab the key hanging from my neck before opening the fridge door. Carefully selecting the blood pouch, I grab a mug and pour some of it out before closing the fridge and locking it. After nine, there is no worry about some of the human staff coming across the blood in the fridge since they're usually gone by that time. But I still prefer to be careful. Nothing good has ever come of humans discovering the presence of Others. Even in this town, with its small human population, there are only a handful of trusted humans who have lived here for generations and are aware that something darker lurks in this town and the forest that surrounds it.

The door opens, the bell against it ringing obnoxiously. "Seline, my sweet, one of the dinner special for me and my lady!"

I glance at Mr. Hamrington and eye the woman by his side. As always, Ashley looks like she has a stick up her ass. Not surprising, since she's married to the elderly-looking Donald Hamrington. I remember when she married him eight years ago, expecting him to die any moment. But the town mayor is also a vampire, a very old one, and he's not set to die for another couple of centuries. Age has done nothing to make him any less shameless as he keeps marrying young women, stringing them along in the hopes of inheriting his fortune, and then dumping them once they are in their forties or fifties.

Shameless, perverted vamp.

But then, he also gave me the job here, so I shouldn't be judging his lifestyle.

"Be right there!" I nod at him before knocking on the glass window that separates the bar from the kitchen. "Marty! Two orders for the dinner special and one Dancing Wino for the mayor!"

Mr. Hamrington winks at me, and I just roll my eyes.

It's like the town mayor attracts trouble. It's not even a full five minutes before a group of rowdy-looking men walks in.

One of the benefits of having warlock abilities is the ability to sense what type of Other is crossing the threshold of this bar. My skin tingles when an Other approaches, and who they are is like a taste on my tongue.

I wouldn't work at this bar if I weren't comfortable mingling amongst Others, but panther shifters are the bane of my existence. Those sly and arrogant creatures enjoy causing trouble wherever they go. This particular group reeks of trouble.

I heard from some of the regulars about a group of panther rogues moving together, but I hoped they had the good sense not to come here and create a ruckus. Unfortunately, I was proven wrong.

I hate being proven wrong.

"Hey, legs! Over here!"

I can see one of them motioning in my direction like a man possessed, and I hope to everything holy that he's not referring to me. I see the mayor frowning, and I shake my head at him. I don't want him getting involved. Not everyone in this town knows him as anyone other than a bored vampire who indulges in beautiful women and scams them.

Better that it remains that way.

I see one of the waitresses, a fawn shifter, approaching the table, and I tense, ready to intervene if they harass her. But they don't seem interested in Marie. It seems they don't take kindly to being ignored, especially by a female.

I hear a wolf whistle in my direction. "Get your juicy ass here, legs! Don't make me come over there!"

I exchange a look with Mr. Hamrington, who's scowling now. He gives a discreet nod, however, and I set down the cloth I was using to wipe down the bar.

The shy vampire is also beginning to look a little irritated. His voice is low as he whispers, "Do you need any help?"

He's sweet and attractive in a harmless way, and extremely young from the looks of it. The panther shifters will eat him up.

"Thanks, cutie." I smile at him tightly. "But I've got this. You enjoy your drink, and tell me if anything else on the menu catches your eye."

Grabbing my notepad and a pen, I walk over to the table, ignoring the way the shifters begin hooting at me. As soon as I reach them, I slam my notebook down on the table, so hard that a few of the customers around us look over.

"What can I get ya?" I ask, my voice saccharine-sweet.

"Maybe a piece of this ass," one of them sneers disgustingly.

I smile at him and reach out to touch his arm. He lets out an instant howl of pain as he receives the worst electric shock of his life.

I don't even flinch, but I let them hear the crackle of electricity coming from my hand.

Pissing off a warlock is a bad idea.

Even if she is half a warlock.

I see them stiffen as they realize what I am, and the sudden wariness in their eyes is almost gratifying.

When they don't say anything, I smile and say coolly, "Maybe you should leave before I really lose my temper. You won't like me if I lose my temper. My therapist says I have unresolved anger issues. You know how that is. I might just do something insane."

They seem to take me for my word, and I watch them scatter out the door, their tails between their legs.

On the days I don't despise my deadbeat of a father, I'm grateful to him for contributing to my warlock half.

Some of the customers laugh. While I feel amused, I know that panther shifters aren't so easy to shake off. Once they regroup and really feel the insult of what I just did, they'll come sniffing around, more vengeful than ever.

However, the constant foot traffic has me occupied, and soon the panther shifters are the last thing on my mind. I have other problems in life. One of them being my landlord, who thinks I'm his personal slave.

"I'm not at home, Frank!" I hiss into the phone tucked between my ear and shoulder as I struggle with the impossible employee bathroom door. "If I was home, we could talk about this. You know I'm working at this hour."

Frank hurls something abusive my way, which gets lost in translation since he's chewing something on the other end. All I get is some garble that I assume is meant to offend me.

"Look, Frank, I said I'd pay you, and I will. My paycheck doesn't come till the end of the month, like every other normal person. And no, I'm not performing sexual favors for you."

I cut the call, and with an afterthought, put my phone on silent.

Fucking pervert asshole!

If he weren't offering dirt-cheap apartments, I wouldn't even have to look at his ugly mug.

I wash my face in the sink and pat it dry with some paper napkins before running my fingers through my hair and studying my reflection in the mirror. I have bags under my eyes from working eighteen hours a day. My piercing gray eyes, which I got from a father I've never met, look tired. My hands go to my hair, lingering around the roughly chopped edges. Lacy keeps pestering me to clean them up, but it's so much easier to hack at my thick black mane with a pair of kitchen scissors.

I've always hated my long hair. I remember my mother dragging me down the steps by my long hair when I was a child. The first thing I did when I moved away from her was chop it off.

Now no one can grab a fistful of my hair and hurt me.

I let out a sigh and study my reflection in the bathroom mirror.

"I'm not ugly," I tell my doubtful-looking reflection. My ivory skin is flushed from the cold water, my high cheekbones bare of makeup. My mouth is too wide, though, and I'm not a fan of the mole above my upper lip.

But I wouldn't call myself ugly.

"So why can't I find me a man?" I demand of no one in particular. "Twenty-nine years, and no one has ever sexed me up. This is just insulting."

But I doubt my reflection has any answers to offer, so I grab my cigarette box and make my way to the back alley to smoke away my troubles.

But my troubles have a way of finding me.

I've barely let out two puffs when I feel a crawling sensation along my arms.

I'm not alone.

I look sharply toward the alley entrance, seeing a familiar group of males standing there.

"Lost, boys?" I ask loudly, throwing my cigarette down and crushing it with the heel of my shoe.

The panther shifters bare their teeth at me, approaching me.

It's six against one. I smile.

The odds are clearly in my favor.

"You think you scare us, warlock?" one of them spits out. "You're a female. And we know what to do with females."

"Well, that's a relief," I laugh lightly, my fingers flexing as I prepare myself for the upcoming fight. "I was worried, seeing how you're only traveling in an all-male pack."

They seem to catch the hint a little late, but they snarl. "We'll put you in your place."

I shrug. "Many have tried."

I can see them bunching their muscles, preparing to shift and attack, and my smile slips. But before anything can happen, I see something move in my peripheral vision.

So do they, it seems.

I can't see who it is, but a deep voice asks quietly, "Is there a problem here?"

The sound makes my blood hum strangely. I can almost feel the vibration in my body. He comes forward into the dim light from the only working lightbulb in the alley, and I suddenly feel this crawling sensation within my skin, as if something wants to burst out.

Who is this man?

Chapter 2

Seline

He's handsome, in that rugged way some men are. His dark brown hair is rough and uncombed and looks wildly sexy. His amber eyes are pinned on the panther shifter closest to me. Under his plaid flannel shirt and jeans, I can make out a lean and muscular figure. And he's tall.

So tall. I've always had a thing for tall men.

But as he steps closer, I feel my skin prickle in that familiar manner, and I realize he is Other. But I can't seem to tell what he is yet.

"Get lost, man!" One of the panther shifters scowls. "This has got nothing to do with you."

But the man isn't interested in backing off. "Maybe you should leave the lady alone."

"I just said—" the panther shifter begins, but a terrifying growl leaves the man's throat, and I see the panther shifters almost wilt in fear. Even I can feel the waves of power rolling off the man. It makes something inside me recoil. My skin feels uncomfortable and I scratch at it, watching the panther shifters skulk away.

Within moments, it's just me and the stranger in the alley.

"Are you okay?"

I take out my cigarette pack and remove one of them with my teeth. "I had a handle on it. You didn't have to step in like this. Panther shifters are a pain in the ass, you know. They're going to come looking for you once they get their shit together."

A lighter is held out in front of me, and I blink.

When did he get that close to me?

Warily, I let him light the cigarette for me and allow myself to enjoy my first drag.

"That stuff is going to kill you, you know." He sounds a little amused for some reason.

"Yes, well." I let out another puff. "It can get in line."

When he doesn't leave, I study him. "You new in town?"

"Yes.""Figured."

The silence between us is comfortable, and then he asks, "Is it normal for so many Others to gather around here?"

I'm trying to determine what he is, but for some reason, my own body is tingling in a strange way. My skin is itching from underneath, and I can't seem to focus.

"It's always been this way here," I tell him, letting out another puff of smoke and feeling more tense. "We have a settled community of Others here, mostly vampires. Arrow Brooke has a lot of human tourists here, so the fanged ones like it here. They don't have to worry about being careful. We have a lot of vampire-owned businesses here."

"So, mostly just vampires, then?" He frowns.

I shrug. "There are rumors of mermaids living in Lake Asla, but I've never come across one, and I've been living here for more than two decades. We have a few rogues living in the area—rogue shifters. They run small businesses and usually keep to themselves. There are a few fae in the woods, but they frequent the bar…so, yeah."

"What about the humans?"

My lips curve slightly. "Some of them are aware—those who have generational roots in this town. But they pretend not to know, and nobody bothers them. But it's a very small community here."

For some reason, the man seems pleased with this information.

I suddenly notice that he isn't offering any information about himself. "Are you passing through here?"

"No. My pack just moved here."

I raise a brow. "You purchased homes?"

This time, his lips curve. "We don't like living above ground. We bought some land in the forest."

I remember the mayor mentioning something about it, but I wasn't paying much attention. Something in my brain itches when he mentions his pack doesn't live above ground. He's clearly a shifter, but why can't I see through him?

It unnerves me, especially when I can tell he is no ordinary shifter. Raw power runs through his veins.

Alpha.

He's the Alpha of his pack. That's why the panthers freaked out and left.

My cigarette break isn't over yet, but I'm beginning to feel exceedingly uncomfortable. It's not him, but my own reaction to his presence. I put out the cigarette and toss it in the trash before murmuring, "I should go back."

"See you around." He gives me a quiet smile that makes my blood hum.

I walk over to the door, and just when my hand is on the knob, I look over my shoulder, only to see that he's no longer there.

I stare at the spot where he had been standing for a few long seconds before retreating inside.

*** ***

"Are you sure you're okay with it? I just don't want Frank entering my apartment, Lacy," I say into my phone. "The plumber will be there tomorrow to fix the leak."

"I'll bring you some leftovers tonight, then," my friend and neighbor reassures me over the phone as I walk into the bar.

I smile, relieved.

My smile disappears once I close the phone. Sometimes it feels that even living is exhausting. It's like I'm fighting against the world with nothing going in my favor. I shake off the tiredness as I dump my things in the locker and get changed.

"Seline." Ellie, who's taking a break, gives me a concerned look. "There are some men outside waiting for you."

I blink. "For me?"

The corner of her mouth curls downwards. "I didn't like the look of them."

I slam the locker shut and give her a wry smile. "You don't like the look of half this town, Ellie. Your trust issues are showing."

She grins. "Look who's talking."

But just as I'm about to walk out, she says, "Be careful, though. They had a mean look in their eyes."

A minute later, I understand why she was so concerned. My jaw tightens as I see three buff-looking vampires sitting at a corner table, waiting for me. They're all in suits, which gives them a businesslike appearance.

"What are you doing here?" I hiss. "It's not time for the monthly payment."

"The boss wants an advance in your payment," the taller one of them says harshly.

"Well, I can't give you what I don't have," I say tightly. "I've paid sixty percent of the loan already. He should have some faith that I'll pay the rest on time as well!"

One of them sneers and holds out a paper. "Unfortunately, two more loans have been added to your name."

My blood grows cold as I seize the paper from his hand and see the massive amounts taken out, with me as the guarantor.

It'll take me ten years to pay these off!

"I told Jamie not to make me the guarantor for any other loans that woman takes out!" I shove the paper back at him, an acrid taste in my mouth.

The three men exchange a look. "You need to sign a document for that. You can come with us and do so. Then we'll just go straight to the source and take out money from her."

He holds out another piece of paper and offers a pen.

My mouth is dry as I take it, but when it comes to signing the paper, my hand is unable to move. Jamie is being considerate of me because he likes me, but what will he do to my mother when it comes to demanding money? She doesn't even have a job.

I close my eyes in regret and lower the pen, defeated. "Add these to my tally, then. But tell Jamie to turn her away when she comes for more money."

One of the vampires snickers. "Sure."

I know that means it's not going to happen. They know that I will keep paying off my mother's growing debts. And loan sharks love regular customers.

"As for why we're here today," the vampire holds out his hand, "the boss wants you to pay half the money upfront."

"I don't have that kind of money," I retort sharply. "If his intention is just to harass me for no reason, we have a contract in place, so no!"

The vampires exchange grim looks and shrug. "So be it. But just remember that we asked you politely first."

I watch them leave, and as I do, I see someone watching me.

It's the same wolf shifter from that day. It's been a week since I last ran into him, and this time, he is not alone. He's with a group of friends, it seems. His brows furrow as he watches the departing vampires.

All the men around him are bulky-looking shifters, though their Alpha still stands out. They're all mostly good-looking males, but their Alpha is strikingly sexy. I usually don't react like this to a man, but even looking at him makes something in my stomach twist in hunger.

He's gorgeous in that brooding way, his deep-set eyes almost peering into my damaged soul. I have never been one to seek out one-night stands, but I wonder if wanting one with this particular Alpha makes me a tramp.

I must have stared at him for a long time because he straightens up and walks over. I instantly stiffen.

Crap!

However, he casually sticks his hands in his pockets. "Friends of yours?"

Hmm, he's quite nosy.

"Something like that."

Before he can say anything else, I say, "I'll send Marie over to get your table's order."

It seems like he wants to say something more. There is definite curiosity in his eyes, but he just nods and walks away. I didn't even know I was holding my breath until it comes out in a huge whooshing sound.

"Get a grip, Seline," I mutter to myself, irritated. "He's not the first hot man you've laid eyes on."

I hear a chuckle from behind me. I whip my head around, only to see the Alpha looking away, almost deliberately.

Dammit! I forgot about shifter hearing!

I send Marie to receive their orders. When I study the slip she brings me, I raise a brow. They are a bunch of meat eaters. Must be from the carnivore side.

"Marty." I tap the window, sticking the order slip on the slider. "Three rare steaks, six triple meat pounders, rare, and a side of fries." With an afterthought, I add, "Uh, the fries have to be cooked."

Marty grins, his cheeks creasing. If I didn't like the man so much, his one eye would creep me out. Marty swears up and down that he got into a fight with a unicorn when he was just a young man. But then, he also believes that aliens are stalking him, so I take what he says with a grain of salt.

The shifters are engaged in a serious discussion, and by the time the order comes in, Marie is occupied with other customers. She gives me a pleading look, so I slide around the bar, grabbing the food and bringing it over.

"Here you go, boys. Your meat festival has arrived," I say as I start handing out the plates. I still can't get a sense of the Alpha, but as I look at one of his companions, I feel my stomach sink.

I can get a read off him. Wolf shifter.

My sudden fascination with the Alpha plummets as I realize it's a wolf shifter pack that has moved into Arrow Brooke.

I have a sour history with wolf shifter packs.

Chapter 3

Seline

If I can't read the Alpha, that means that's he strong. Stronger than even me.

It's rare for me to come across someone like him. The only other person I've met who I was unable to get a read on was Mayor Hamrington when I first met him. Coincidentally, that was also when he hired me on the spot.

A powerful wolf Alpha in town is troubling.

When there are too many Others in one place, it is a stirring pot about to boil over. But if you throw in extremely powerful individuals into the pot, it's a recipe for disaster.

Until now, Arrow Brooke has managed to maintain its peace, mostly due to the mayor's influence and control. Will the arrival of this new Alpha destroy the order of things?

It's a troubling thought as I return to my place behind the bar.

I keep my eyes on the group of wolf shifters while I serve other customers. They devour their meal with some amount of grace, all the while immersed in what looks like a serious conversation, if the grim expressions on their faces are anything to go by.

I wrap my magic around me more tightly as a precaution. I've managed to hide my wolf side for years now. While Others are accepting of different species, not everyone is as open-minded when it comes to hybrids like myself. One brief love affair between my headstrong, rebellious Lycan mother and my wayward warlock of a father—a father who abandoned both me and my mother from the moment he found out that I had been conceived—has been enough for me to know that if not even my father is willing to accept me, how can others?

Wolf shifters, in particular, are even more hostile towards part-wolf hybrids. The twelve years I spent with my mother in her pack have done a good job of ravaging me inside. Twelve years of taunts—of being harassed while the adults watched or turned the other cheek—was enough to damage a child. And then to be exiled from the pack when it was proven that I could not shift was somehow worse.

Even now, all these year later, that insecure child rears its head.

Which is why I loathe wolf shifters.

And fear them.

However, despite my aversion to them, it seems that the Alpha might not feel the same way. Throughout the evening, I can feel his eyes lingering on me. What's worse is my own reaction to him.

Whenever I accidentally meet that predatory amber gaze, I feel this strange itching under my skin, and my normally sturdy grasp on my magic wavers.

Is it because I'm attracted to him?

I shake off the thought as soon as it flickers through my head because it sounds ridiculous. This man is not the first person I have been attracted to. Normally, my taste in men is shit, so the fact that I am lusting after an Alpha—and a wolf Alpha at that—just goes to show my poor judgment in men.

I keep scratching my skin, however, and when I look down after an hour, my brows furrow at the mess I've made of it.

"Allergy?" Gina, one of the new night hires, asks.

Gina is part elf, with a human mother. But that's elves for you, planting their seeds in every unsuspecting human female they come across. That's one of the reasons I hired her, because of her hybrid status. However, elves have a habit of embracing their kind, hybrid or not, so after a few more years, her father will probably come searching for her and whisk her away to his village.

"Seems like it," I mutter, wishing that my mother could at least have had the good sense to get pregnant by an elf rather than a warlock.

I let out a whimsical sigh, and Gina stares at me. "You drunk?"

I glance at an open bottle of whisky that a customer just abandoned. "No. But I have plans to do so when I get home."

Gina looks over my shoulder before hollering. "Marty, can you move any slower? It's been twenty minutes!"

I hear the cook curse back and Gina grins at me, "Sorry. But the couple at table twelve have asked me twice about their pasta and it's embarrassing at this point. Besides, do you really want to get drunk? Don't you have to waitress at Benny's in the afternoon?"

I groan. "Yeah. I forgot that."

I'm about to say something else when she nudges me. "Table six is trying to get your attention."

I look over at the group of wolf shifters, and when the Alpha meets my gaze, he gives a small smile. There's no mistaking the hunger in his gaze. Only this time, I know he's not hungry for food.

My abdomen tightens and Gina whistles softly. "Somebody's got his eyes on you."

"He's a wolf shifter," I say tightly, and Gina's grin drops.

"Oh."

There's only a handful of people who are aware of my situation, Gina being one of them.

"You want me to go—?"

"No." I shake my head. "I've got this."

I nod at the other bartender, who nods back. Sliding out of the go-between door, I adjust my apron as I walk over. "What can I get for you guys?"

One of the shifters grinned. "We just wanted to introduce ourselves since you'll be seeing a lot of us from now on."

Their Alpha is silent, but it still feels like his eyes are piercing into my soul. Just what is he trying to do? Xray me with his eyes?

"You mean at the bar?"

"And around town," the shifter smiles. "We bought the abandoned building the next street over. Some of us are good with bikes and cars, so thought we might as well put our skills to use."

Super-friendly, this lot.

"So, you're setting up a mechanic shop?" I ask, slowly.

"Yeah. A few of our younger males showed interest in the local college, so they'll be signing up for that."

Hmm, not much about the females.

"I see."

"I heard you've already met Austin, our Alpha. I'm Jason, his second in command. That's Ray and Seth, and this here is Lexion. We call him Lexi for short."

"Fuck off, Jason," the burly shifter growled.

"Language, Lexi," Austin orders sharply, and I blink.

Was that for my benefit?

"Well, it's really nice to meet you all." I smile, not really trusting their friendly nature. I know I'm biased, which is wrong, but I have to protect myself.

"I have to get back to work now, but the next round of drinks is on me." I curve my lips at them. Better to part on nicer terms.

They don't stop me, and I let out a sigh of relief.

Hopefully, they stay away from me.

However,as much as I want to not think about Austin, I can't get him out of my head.

It's the early hours of the morning after I'm done cleaning up. I grab my bag and change into street clothes before picking up the trash bags. I exit through the alley door and lock it before making my way to the large trash bins.

I toss in the trash bags and begin to close the lid of the trash bin.

I hear the sound first before I look up, only to feel something thin pierce my neck. Almost like a small needle.

My hand instantly goes to my neck, and I feel something thin sticking out of my neck.

"Crap…what…"

I yank the thin dart out and instantly feel a wave of nausea.

I grab the edge of the trash bin and look towards the entrance of the alley. I can make out a few figures approaching me. It takes me a moment for my vision to clear, and I recognize the panther shifters from a few days ago.

"Cowards," I spit out. "Can't even take on one woman without trying to drug her."

But it seems that these idiots don't know what I am.

If I was a warlock alone, the drug the dart contained would have left me in a drooling, mindless state. But my wolf side, weak as it is, is struggling to burn through the drug, giving me enough awareness to know that I'm in danger right now.

It's days like these when I find myself grateful for the Lycan blood flowing through my system. I can feel it fighting off the effects of the drug that can be fatal to most warlocks.

But the panther shifters aren't waiting around, and I see deadly intent in their eyes as they approach me. I don't have to speak to summon my powers and I touch the ground, making them all jump in pain at the jolt of electricity striking them.

But it's weaker than normal.

One of them darts over the trash bins, lined against the wall, and runs towards me. I try to avoid him, but his hand has already shifted into those deadly claws and he slashes at me. I hiss in pain as his claws score against my neck and chest, tearing cloth and puncturing my skin.

"Don't kill the bitch yet!" one of them hoots in laughter. "I want to make her crawl!"

Others snicker as I stumble back. I glare at them through the strands of my hair, trying to breathe past the pain.

Crawl? Not fucking likely. I've crawled enough for other people to last me a lifetime!

I plant my hands on the ground, one of my fingers landing on some leaves growing out of the crack of the dirty floor. It's difficult to use my warlock abilities right now because of how the drug is attacking my system. But I refuse to be a victim again. It's a vow I made to myself all those years ago.

I summon all my strength and feel the ground rumble. As do the shifters.

Looks of alarm settle on their faces. "What the hell?"

I smile weakly, not hiding my rage. "Retribution, assholes,"

The ground bursts open and long thin vines race towards the panther shifters. They howl in fear and jump out of the way. I laugh angrily, as the vines change direction, almost as if they have a mind of their own and chase the shifters.

"It's her!" one of them shouts. "She's controlling them!"

"How?!" his companion hisses. "The dealer said—ugh!"

He's thrown against a wall by one of the vines and there's a loud cracking sound as he slumps to the ground, unconscious.

"Knock her out!" One of the panthers screams.

I see three of them rush towards me. While the vines manage to stop two of them, one of them manages to get through. His claws extended, he slashes against my neck, aiming for the most vulnerable part. Even as I try to defend myself, the already seeping blood has weakened me considerably.

I feel his claws slash through neck, and a gurgling sound echoes in my ears as my vision blurs. I see the vines suddenly fall to the ground, and I, too, slump down weakly.

Dammit!

My healing abilities are nowhere close to an actual shifter's, but they're fast. While these wounds are fatal, they might not kill me if I'm given enough time to heal.

They are advancing on me and my fingers twitch as I try to common up some strength. Just a small spell to buy myself some time, but it's hard for me to even think.

Maybe I should consider releasing the magic that is subduing my Lycan side?

The decision has to be made fast. If they find out I'm a hybrid, I'll have to kill them because if I let even one of them escape, it will come back to haunt me.

Just as I'm about to release the magic, I hear one of the panther shifters grunt before he is thrown against the wall by a moving shadow.

"You again?!"

My vision is too blurred to be able to make out anything concrete. All I can see is a large figure snarling and tossing around the panther shifters as if they are nothing more than rag dolls.

I'm struggling to breathe, feeling my skin stitch together at a very slow speed. My head is light from the blood loss.

I don't know at what point I stop hearing the sounds of fighting, but something is nudging me before a hand cups my face and a familiar voice reaches my ears.

"Seline!"

There's panic and worry in the voice, and underlying all that is a confused fear.