Alphas on the Prowl (32 page)

Chapter Two

Marcia inhaled sharply.
No. No. No. This can’t be happening.
After two weeks of peace and quiet, the scent of a wolf infiltrated her nostrils.
It’s the same on from that night in Central Park. What does he want? Is he searching for me?
She peered around the crowded street corner.
Where are you?
The aroma was strong. He was close, and his cologne was delicious. The wolf inside her stirred as a shiver charged up her spine.

Heat flooded her, causing her core to ache. Seriously? Get a grip Marcia. He could be here to abduct you and return you to Killian. Her wolf snarled.
I won’t go back to that hell.

She curled her fingers into her palms, making tight fists. If this wolf thought they’d grab her off the street, they had another thing coming. One of the benefits of a big city was the mass of people. A good scream and a well-aimed punch, and she’d disappear into the chaos. Everything she needed to start a new life was in her purse. She’d slip away and begin again. It wouldn’t be the first time, and unfortunately it probably wouldn’t be the last. First, she wanted a glimpse of her pursuer. The desire to see him was weird, but she couldn’t fight it.
I have to see his face. Maybe he’s not a threat. You can’t take that risk.

The wind blew, and she snapped her head to the left. She narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing each passerby. Where is he? Her breath caught in her throat as she met piercing blue eyes.
Oh my.
The scrumptious man stood at least six feet tall. His muscles rippled beneath his sweater, and scruff adorned his set jaw. His curly blonde hair was mussed perfectly.
I bet he rolls out of bed like that too. Go figure the jackass sent to bring me home is hot.
She would take him out regardless.
Hell will freeze over before I go anywhere with him.

Marcia inhaled a deep breath, stealing herself for the confrontation as she marched toward the wolf. He wouldn’t risk exposure on the crowded street. The man watched her, his eyes staring intently as she came to a halt a few feet away.

“What do you want?” she growled, crossing her arms over her chest.

“I wanted to meet the other wolf in town,” he stated. His eyes briefly left hers as he took in the bustling street corner

“You’re here alone?”

Marcia glared at him. Why did that matter? Is he pack, or on his own? She crinkled her nose, sniffing his scent. Pack. Bitten wolves had a distinct human and wet dog odor whereas pack smelled distinctly animal and had a woodsy scent—at least to her. Pack wolves were worse than bitten ones. Bitten wolves had no allegiance unless they earned it. They could be bought off. Pack wolves would do their alpha’s bidding or die.

“What do you want?’ she hissed. Her fingers crackled, partially shifting. Marcia forced an even breath through her nose, in a vain attempt to calm her frayed nerves.
I can’t shift in front of hundreds of humans.
“I’m not going back. Tell Killian to go to hell.”

The man tilted his head to the side, studying her. “I’m not here to take you back,” he told her quietly. He lifted his hand over his shoulder and flicked his fingers. “I caught your scent the other night. We needed to know if you were friend or foe.”

Marcia stumbled back as two more scents permeated the air.
Crap, he’s not alone. Why didn’t I pay more attention? Too late now.
She planted her feet.  Don’t let them see your weakness and don’t let them catch wind of your fear.

“I’m not here to take you back,” he repeated as he reached out and grasped her elbow. Heat shot up her arm as he gently tugged her closer to him. A chill zipped down her spine and places that should not be tingling began to sizzle with need.

What is wrong with me? I don’t even know what he wants.

“Let go,” she snarled, thrashing in his grip. “You’re making a scene.”

The man released her, and she stumbled back.

“My brother, sister and I are from James Monroe’s pack in Virginia. It seems we both have something in common,” he said placing his hands into the pockets of his sweater.

She’d heard of the pack, but never met the alpha. Why was he telling her this?

“And what do we have in common?” she questioned, her voice faltering a little as she realized one of the approaching wolves was female. There weren’t female enforcers or scouts. I
s the girl really his sister?

“We are on the run too,” he stated simply.

“Hi,” the female wolf greeted as she peered around her brother.

Marcia swallowed meeting the brunette’s blue eyes. Killian wouldn’t send a female to bring her in.

“I’m Rhea,” the woman introduced as she stepped around her brother. The man who’d greeted her tried to grab Rhea, but she shrugged him off. “She’s not going to hurt me. You scared her, you brute,” she chastised him before turning back to Marcia. “These are my brothers, Bray and Declan. They can be a bit over the top at times, but they mean well.”

Declan, she liked the name, the man she wasn’t sure about. He was cute, but could she trust him? There was only one way to find out.

“Marcia.” She held her hand out to Rhea.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Rhea grinned, slipping her petite hand into Marcia’s. “We’ve been on the road for two months. This is the first time we’ve stumbled upon…” she paused, looking around the crowded streets. “…anyone like us,” she whispered.

“Which brings me back to my question,” Declan declared, placing a hand on Rhea’s shoulder. “Are you alone?

Marcia swallowed. They were like her, on the run, fleeing for their lives, but they outnumbered her. There were three of them and only one of her. Did they want to live peacefully or were their plans more sinister?

“No,” she answered.
It’s not a lie. Astrid and Kendrick are a few hours away.
“We are not affiliated with a pack. Stay our of our hair, and we’ll stay our of yours.”

“Good,” Bray said, letting out a heavy sigh.

“I didn’t mean to startle you,” Declan apologized quietly. “Protecting our sister is our number one priority. I had to make sure you weren’t associated with the pack in some way.”

“I understand,” she acknowledged. She truly did understand and was glad they seemed to be taking her word. They trusted more than she was ready to. They haven’t been running that long either. It seemed the more she ran the more paranoid she became. She had good reason to be terrified. If the pack found her, or them, it’d be game over. She and Rhea would be punished then subjected to the breeding process. The two brothers would be tortured and killed.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to get to know you. Are you available for dinner one night?” Declan asked, scratching his head.

Marcia’s heart roared in her ears.
Why does he want to have dinner? Is he asking me out?

“We’ll be sharing a city. We should set boundaries,” Declan continued when she didn’t speak. He shifted nervously on his feet, his eyes not quite rising up to meet hers.

Marcia licked her dry lips. Part of her yearned to go to dinner with him, hell she craved more than dinner. The other part realized it might be a trap. “Like I already said, stay out of our hair and we’ll stay out of yours. We don’t want any trouble as I’m sure you don’t either.” Her heart pinched at her declaration, and her wolf snarled beneath the surface.
Don’t send him away.

“You’re making her uneasy, Declan,” Rhea whisper-yelled at her brother. “I’m sure everything will be fine.”

***

Declan blinked. This was going horribly wrong. He’d never wooed a woman before. He’d never had the opportunity to pursue a female wolf—nor had he ever had the urge to like he did right now. As an enforcer, he wasn’t allowed to interact with the females, except Rhea. He’d had a tryst here or there with a few human women, but Marcia was different.

If you don’t play your cards right, you’ll scare her away.

“I’m sorry if I’m making you uncomfortable,” he said with a smile. Marcia sighed and her shoulders slumped. “I just… we haven’t found anyone else yet. We don’t want to step on any toes.”

Marcia swallowed her eyes flitting from him to his siblings then back to him. “There’s a coffee shop across the street. I’m available now if you are?”

“There is no one else that should join us?” Declan asked curiously. He hoped—prayed she was alone.

“This isn’t the pack,” she quipped. “I can make decisions for my group.”

Declan nodded and motioned for her to lead the way. Marcia narrowed her eyes before making a wide berth around him. She marched toward the coffee shop; her luscious blonde locks bobbing back and forth. Her hips swayed delightfully, giving him a good view of her full rump. He suppressed a groan as another wave of desire coursed over him.
I need her
.

“What are you doing?” Rhea hissed, eyeing him curiously.

“Our brother is trying and failing miserably to ask the pretty lady out,” Bray chuckled.

“Shut up,” Declan ground out.

Rhea reached out and patted his elbow. “Be yourself Dec, she’ll relax. Bray and I will catch up with you later.”

“Find out if she has any hot friends,” Bray called out as Rhea led him away.

Declan shook his head and rushed after Marcia. He jogged ahead of her, twisted the door handle, and held the door open for her.

“Thanks,” she mumbled, leading the way to the counter. She got in line and spun around. Her hazel eyes met his, and she peered around him. “Where are your brother and sister?’

“They had an errand to run,” he answered simply.

“Oh.”

“How do you like your coffee? It’s my treat,” he started.
I have to make this less awkward.

Marcia nibbled on her bottom lip. “Black.”

“So you’re from Oregon?” Declan inquired, trying to start a conversation. He hoped to ease her worries and get to know her.

Marcia stepped away from him, her eyes widening with alarm.

“I only ask because you said Killian,” he rushed, trying to recover.
Great. Now I’ve frightened her again. I need to watch how I word things.
She’s obviously jumpy.

“Why don’t you tell me more about James and Virginia first,” she countered.

***

Marcia took a sip of her scalding coffee, letting the liquid slide down her throat as she watched Declan. What’s his angle?

“You were going to tell me about your pack,” she reminded. Before she told him anything, if she even did divulge personal details, she wanted to get a better understanding of him.

Declan peered around their nook, and Marcia followed his gaze. Customers bustled around the coffee shop, but they’d found a quiet corner to sit in. It would be safe to discuss business here.

“I imagine we have a similar story,” Declan started, taking a long drink of his soda. “Rhea came of age a few months ago,” he paused as a tick formed in his jaw. “We hoped our alpha would show mercy to Rhea due to her condition. We were wrong. Instead of giving her to one man, he planned to allow any man within the pack to try to mate with her.”

Marcia took another swallow of her coffee. Nausea churned in her belly. James sounded worse than her alpha. She shuddered at the thought of Rhea’s fate, but couldn’t help but wonder what condition Declan was talking about? She hadn’t picked up on anything earlier.
Ask later. Get your questions answered now.
“And what was your role in the pack?” she asked quietly. Was he one of the betas who got his fill of women too? He’d be as guilty as the men who wished to rape Rhea.

“Bray and I worked as enforcers,” he answered honestly.

Marcia’s brow quirked up. Enforcers kept the pack safe. They rarely defied their alpha, and they definitely never mated with females.

“I know what you are thinking,” Declan began. He smoothed a hand through his mussed hair and met her gaze. “Enforcers are always trying to prove themselves to their alpha, that we would do anything to prove our worth and become a beta. That’s true for most. Not my family. Bray and Rhea are all I have. Our parents died nearly twenty years ago, growing up; Bray and I relied on each other, and took care of Rhea. We formed a bond and swore to protect each other. When we got word of Rhea’s fate, we packed up and left. We’ve been on the run ever since. My duty is to my family, and no one else.”

Marcia swallowed a gulp of coffee, carefully studying him. His body was lax and eyes glued to hers. He’s either an excellent liar or telling the truth. “How long have you been in New York?” she questioned. They had to be new here. Surely she would’ve picked up on their scent sooner if not.

“A few weeks,” he confirmed her suspicions as he set his cup down.

“And before that?” Marcia pressed.

“A group of enforcers found us. We lost them and then came here,” he explained.

Marcia sat up straighter. She’d had some close calls too, but she was relying on Declan and his siblings to have lost their pursuers. Could she trust them? If the Virginia pack found her, who knew what they’d do with her.

“I’m positive we weren’t followed,” Declan insisted as if sensing her unease.