LUKE
It's been days. I've been racking my brain. Trying to remember the details of my encounter with the fiery red head. The only way I'm going to find her is if I find that thing, I ripped off her neck.
So that's why I'm in the alley. Grimacing at my humiliation. Looking down at the image of myself bleeding on the pavement. She beat me then. She won't get a second chance.
I search the alley up and down. It has to be here. Then I see it. The sparkle tucked under the lip of a dumpster. I grab it and pick it up.
A long chain. Not silver, but looks like it. On the end is a pendent. I hold it in my hand and run my thumb over it. A Dragon. Twisting in a circle. Breathing fire. I flip it over and there's a single letter 'A' inscribed on the back. I trace the letter with my finger then flip the pendent again.
"Dragon." I mutter to myself. Is it possible? Could the girl I've been dreaming about for over a week be a Dragon? I needed answers.
As my thoughts drifted to her full, pink lips and smooth, high cheekbones, I'm interrupted by a tug on my arm.
"Spare change, brother?" I look to a disheveled man with his hand out. I quickly shove the pendent in my pocket and pull out a few coins.
"Uh...sure..." I place the coins in his hand and walk off.
"Thanks!" He calls back to me.
I needed answers and I knew where to get them. I hop on my bike and head for the downtown security building. A private extension of packhouse security. It was our attempt to recover what we lost when the Unit took back their Border units. It did help for a while, but they ended up losing due to the sheer number of criminals that came here.
I pull into the parking lot and park. I walk into the lobby of the building. I flash a charming smile at the receptionist, Cheryl.
"Hey, cutie. How's it going?" I lean on the counter.
She arches a brow. "When did you get back?" She typed on her keyboard.
I scratched my temple. "Six months ago."
"Hmph...." She didn't even look at me. "No phone call. No text."
"I've been, you know, busy." I shrug.
She turned her chair to me. "You mean you've been stinking drunk." She went back to typing.
"Come on, you can't still be mad." I smile
She twisted her chair to me again. "You take me to a hotel. Order five hundred dollars' worth of food and alcohol and leave. Never to be heard from again. Sticking me with the bill! Yes, I'm still mad!"
I cross my arms on the counter, resting my chin on them and smiling my cutest smile. "I'm sorry. Let me make it up you with dinner at my place." She stands and my eyes follow her as she files some papers. My eyes go directly to her ass. I forgot how tight it was.
She turns with a hand on her hip. "What do you want, Luke?" She takes her seat again.
I stand up. "Is Terry in?" I stuff my hand in my pocket with the pendent.
"Yeah, I'll buzz you in. He's the third office on the left." She buzzes the door and I open it.
I turn back to her. "Is that a yes for dinner?" I smile
She folds her arms. "Not a chance in hell."
I tick my head quick. "Ok then." I walk into the office building, strutting up the walkway.
I get to the office with the name plate "Terry Flash" on the door. I peer into the window. Terry is my dad's Delta. He helps here when he doesn't have pack business to do. He used to work as the Border unit liaison so now he's liaison here. I watch him pour over papers, running his fingers through his golden blonde hair. I give a quick knuckle rap on the glass. He looks up and waves me in.
I open the door and he smiles. "Hey, Luke. What brings you by. I thought you'd be gone already. Sorry I missed your send off."
I wave him down sinking into a chair. "I'm not going. You didn't miss much. Got blind drunk, struck out then got mugged."
"Sounds fun." He arched his brow. "What can I do you for?"
I reach into my pocket and pull out the pendent. "I, uh, pulled this from the neck of the guy that busted me. I was wondering if you could find out anything about it."
Terry took it and twirled it in his hand. "Well, it's certainly unique. Dragon?"
I shrug. "I don't know. But if it was, I wonder why he didn't just kill me."
He throws it down on his desk. "Well, leave it with me and I'll see what I can find. Should be about a week."
"Thanks, man." I stand and shake his hand. "Hey, um, don't.... tell anyone ok. I want to keep this hush until I know what I'm dealing with."
"Ok. If that's what you want." He says.
I open the door to his office. "Thanks. Um, give me a call. Will catch up over beer."
He chuckles. "Yeah, sure."
I leave the secured part of the building and avoid Cheryl at all cost. I walk out to the parking lot. If I'm ever going to find this girl, I'm going to have to go where she lives. The filth that is Red Rock. It's obvious she's no socialite. I need to get down with her. Maybe I can pull her out.
****
I walk up the packhouse steps. I took a picture of the pedant. I can't stop looking at it. I can't stop thinking what it could possibly mean. I just wish I could see her again.
I close my phone and head in.
"Oh good, you're here." Bobby greeted me at the door.
I hang my jacket. "What's up?"
"You know how we've been looking for your attacker, right?"
"Yeah." I breath.
He smiles. "We found something." He waves me to his office.
I follow him and shut the door. I hope whatever he found doesn't reveal who she is because I want to find her first.
He turned his laptop. "This is from a bar two doors down across the street. It's not very good. But it's interesting."
He hits play and there it is. My humiliation on full display.
Me stumbling down the street to the alley. Me getting hit and planted on my back.
Shit. Me pulling her hood off. Her wild curls unfurling around my head.
I suck on my top lip as I watch. This is when I black out. I lean in to see her, but her hairs in the way.
As she stands over my body, she squats down. She touches me. Did she flinch?
I run my fingers down my cheek on instinct.
Then she stands, flips her hood up and disappears.
Why didn't she kill me?
He hits pause. "So, it looks like your guy is a girl, bud."
I scowl. "Yeah. So." My voice goes deep. "I was drunk."
He chuckles. "I'm not questioning your manhood, Luke. Relax. She's a good fighter. Well trained. Almost too good for the town she's in. Now that we have a better description, we can get the word out."
I look at him. "Just...hold off on that."
He looks at me curiously.
"I just don't want to tip her off. We don't want her running if she catches wind." I say closing the laptop.
He narrows his eyes like he’s trying to see something. "You sure."
I rub my nape nervously. "Uh. Yeah. We want to catch her right. She looks professional. We need to outsmart her. Blasting out an APB is the last thing we should do." I turned to get out of there before Bobby could ask more questions. I turn at the last minute. "Hey, do me a favor. Send that video to my phone. I, uh, want to watch it again to.... see if I remember anything else."
He opens the laptop and pushes some buttons. "Ok sent. You alright? You're acting weird."
"Yeah. Just disturbed a girl busted my balls, that's all." I chuckle.
He grinned. "Don't worry, your secrets safe with me. For now."
"Thanks." I close the door and blow out a breath in the hallway.
I pull out my phone and open the link to the video. I zoom in on her crouched over me. I pause at her hand touching me.
"Who are you?" I say to myself as I touch her image.
"What are you doing right now?" I look up and Lucy is coming at me.
I quickly close my phone and put it in my pocket. "Uh...nothing. Why?"
"You were supposed to be in training an hour ago." I look at her and she's dressed in leggings and a sport bra.
I put my hand to my head. "Shit. Right. I forgot. K give my fifteen minutes."
I walk to my room and shuck my t-shirt and exchange it for a cut off tank and I shed my jeans for sweats. I hop down the steps. Lucy was waiting. "Let's go." I say to her.
We walk to the back of the house. Off to the left we have a private training room with a full weight room attached to it and outside we have an outdoor sparring area,
Tyrone and Richie are big on combat training. They love to challenge me. I haven't trained with them in years though, so I have get used to their fighting style.
They also go for the throat. Sink or swim type training. When we walk in, Tyrone greets us with crossed arms. "Glad you could grace us with your presence." He said sarcastically.
"Whatever, Tyrone. Can we get this over with?" I stand with attitude.
"Sure." He whistles and six guys saunter over with weapons. "It's over when these guys, don't get up."
"Wait, Tyrone...." I look between all the guys who are giving me the eyes. You know, the 'I'm going to rip off your balls off' kind of eyes.
Tyrone nods and the guys move forward on me. I back up around the room. "Uh...we should start a little light don't you think?"
Tyrone laughs. "You wanna fight, so fight."
The first guy comes at me with a bat, he swings and I duck under him, delivering an upper cut to his jaw.
Another guy jumps on my back, I elbow him in the ribs then spin around and jam my knee into his diaphragm.
The third guy swings and I exchange blows. Spinning around and I deliver a high kick to his head. The fourth, lands a left then a right. I stumble back. Shake my head and run at him throwing punches to his face. I punch him in the gut and he falls to his knees. The fifth comes at me with a bo. I jump as he slams it down where I was, I grab it and jump. Kicking him the head and stealing it. I shove it between his legs and break it over his junk. The sixth guy has a sword.
"Fucking really?" I look at Tyrone who shrugs.
I block his sword swings with my stick. He's fast and just pounding on me. He's cornering me on the wall so I slide under his legs and wrap my stick around his neck. He's struggling to breathe as I hold him tight. He passes out. I let him go and he falls to the floor.
I throw my stick to the floor. I'm covered in sweat and blood. I'm breathing heavy. Six guys are groaning in various positions on the floor. I walk up to Tyrone. "I guess training is over. Might want to get more then the packhouse pussys next time." I back hand his chest and walk out.
ALEXI I knock on the door of the little out of the way house. Nash. One of my father's First Commanders. He's not his Beta, but close. Also, he's my ex-lover. I thought he was dead until I ran into him eight months ago in Red Rock. His slim, strong body and rugged rough exterior is what I loved most about him. But what really attracted me to him, was his spirituality. He has this magic almost. If you need to forget or just release, he has a way to do it. He opens the door. His stark white hair is pulled back into a man bun. His brown eyes almost smile when they see me. He's wearing an open white shirt and thin white cotton pants. It's almost funny how he's making himself out to be all Shaman like. "I wasn't expecting you so soon." He let me in. "When you called, I started to prepare, but I'm not ready yet." I look around the very minimalistic state of his house. It almost doesn't look lived in. "That's fine. I'll have a tea and wait." He smiles. "I know the perfect one." A few m
LUKEI jolt up in bed. Breathing rapidly. A thin sheen of sweat covers my body.I had a dream Torrent was alive. I fought him desperately, but I was outnumbered by Lycans. Torrent grabbed me by the head. I see the girl. Her fiery curls framing her face. Her face is filled with anger. Her green eyes glow at me. The full moon behind her head."Help me!" I scream at her.She just smiles and turns as Torrent snaps my neck.I grasp at my neck in bed. Looking around in a panic. I'm in my room. I draw my knees up putting my head in my hands. Whining out breaths. I look at my nightstand and grab my phone. Its 3am. I need a drink.I head downstairs. The packhouse is dark. I head to the bar and grab a bottle of whiskey. Still slightly shaking from my dream, I unscrew the cap and swig it back."Rough night?" I look up and Terry's walking in. He flicks the lights of the common room.I lean on the bar with the bottle in one hand. "You could say that." I take another swig.He stands on the other si
ALEXI"Where is it?" I ask again as my silver knuckles connect with his jaw. I feel a slight twinge of something in my gut, I think it's because of my revelations. I dismiss them as I interrogate further.He's bleeding. Burned flesh fills the barn."I don't know." He insists. No, longer yelling his protest. He seems to be tiring as we have been at this for over an hour.I grab my coat and wipe the blood from my knuckles. "Mmmm......" I press my lips together as I walk circles around the men, my hands clicking my knuckles together behind my back. "Since you do not have the answers I need, maybe one of these gentlemen will give them to me."He lifts his head, his wounds already healing. My knuckles are enough to deliver a more painful punch, but they don't sit long enough to scar on the skin. Already, his prefect features are coming back. "Tell me who you are?" He watches me walk around."Why?" I whip my head to him.He thumps his head back on the pole. He's weak and seems desperate. "I
LUKEAfter thinking about it for days, I figured, the only way for me to catch her, is for her to catch me. She's a hunter and I'm the Alpha for her wall. I'll need to leave myself open for her to do that though.So, I walk the streets. Aimlessly. Carefully looking down alleys and dark sidewalks.Like a worm on a hook, I dangle myself in front of her. As well as every other dirtbag in this town, but that's beside the point.I hope to catch her soon. I'm kind of running out of ways to not look suspicious here. There's only so much window shopping and menu reading a guy can do before people realize he's full of shit.I decide, maybe I should just hang out. I stop at an alley that's next to a taxi stand. This way it looks like I'm waiting for a cab. I pull out my wireless headphones and open my Spotify app. I hit play on a song I've been playing a lot this last six months. 'Jekyll and Hyde' by Five Finger Death Punch. I put my foot on the wall as I lean on it. I stuff my hands in my jack
ALEXI"We hit the packhouse! It's the only way to take over this town." Ian yells."Bro, you're insane! It's suicide! We wouldn't get past the fucking security. We hit the town. Take the pack then the house. He'll have to give it up if he has nothing left." A large guy named Falcon, slammed his fist on the table. He stands and rubs his shaved head. "You know I'm right." Falcon is Ian's second in command. He was the second in command to the former Lycan leader, but when Ian killed him, he followed right along."Luke Jackson is our main threat. We show him who's the true Alpha. Bring the fight to him. If we don't show our power now, we will not be taken seriously when we take the pack. When the pack sees their Alpha Aire on his knees, they'll beg for their lives. Beg to me." Ian thumped his finger onto his chest.Falcon shook his head. "This isn't the time for personal vendettas, Ian. You're getting sloppy."Ian jumped the table and grabbed Falcon by the throat. "I'll show you sloppy!!"
LUKE I scrub my hands over my face. I'm leaning on my desk with all my evidence spread out. The photo of the pendent, the video, the articles. All of it. Laid out like a code I have to break. I know who she is, but I want to know why I fucking like her so much. I should want to slit her throat. Her family has killed so many people and here I am wanting to slam her down on my bed and have my way with her. I look at everything. Trying to figure out why I'm so attracted to her, when a knock came on my door. "Just a minute." I quickly gather everything and throw it in a drawer. I clear my throat and sit at my desk normally. "Come." I bark. My father pokes his head in. "Settled in?" He walks in with his hands in his pockets. I look around. "I guess so. I'm not really the office type." "Listen, son. I know things have not been the greatest here. With this town and with me. And I know you believe that I don't care...." He looks at the floor. I sit back. "No....dad...that's not it, ok.
LUKE Dust clouds rise from the dumpster as I dump a box of wood, drywall and trash into it. My shirtless chest is dripping with sweat. My jeans covering in dirt and dust. I stop and grab a bottle of water. I take a drink. It's hot today, but my body isn't hot from the sun. Rage fills me. The thought that Ian almost killed everyone I've ever known, has me salivating for blood. I will get that blood, but I need to take care of my people first. For my own mental stability, I will rebuild my own house. Show Ian that I'm not going anywhere. It's been a few days since the attack. I spent the early morning checking in with everyone to see how they’re holding up. Joshua has been having nightmares every night. I don't blame him because so have I. I settled my mother and called the Falcon Ridge hospital. Lucy is almost healed. Bobbys spine is healing slower than expected, but he's gained a tiny bit of feeling. I look at the plastic draping the gaping hole of the house I grew up in, blowing
ALEXII've been watching the Alpha all day. The destruction of his home was not what I had expected. He's on my list of targets, but seeing him in such pain has my heart mourning for him.I watched him as he struggled with his leadership. Doubting himself. Telling his friend how weak he feels. It hurt me to hear such talk because I know how much of a leader he could be.I feel a twinge of guilt. When I agreed to Ian's attack on the packhouse, I wasn't aware this is what they meant to do.Destroying a man's home, with little ones inside, is beyond deplorable. I feel like I should let the Alpha know I see no honor in this.I didn't move all day. I sat and watched over him. Somewhere inside, I felt I needed to be present in case the Lycans attacked him again.In the dark of night, I may have moved a little too close as he sensed my presence."Come out." He barked.I cautiously approach. Showing him, I mean no harm. I remove my hood and step into light.He never looks at me. "What do you
LUKE"Hey, kids!......Josh, let's go!" I wave the boys all in from running around the open field of the park."Awe, come on, Uncle Luke." Josh stomps his feet as he and the other kids join the rest of us guys at the ceremony.I look down at him when he gets close placing my hand on his shoulder. "Cool the attitude, dude. This is Aunt Alexi's special day and you won't be ruining it for her."He looks down. "Okay." He mumbles."Good man." I clap his shoulder. I look to the other boys. "Now, you kids go find your moms. Don't need you guys getting all messed up before the ceremony." I arch a brow."Okay." Josh says. "Come on, guys." He waves at the kids and they run off between the white chairs set up in the park.I walk up the aisle with my hands in the pockets of my tux. Bobby, Jayson, Terry, River, Kale, Cass and Dea were all standing around at the altar."There he is." Bobby grins. "How ya doing, Alpha?""I thought I was gonna puke before the ball. This has got nothing on that. I'm go
ALEXI"Babe. Just pick a damn date." Luke's frustration is showing.They've all been harassing me for a date for the Luna ceremony and I just can't decide.I turn to him. "Don't get cross with me, Alpha. I just can't pick a date out of thin air."He throws his hands up. "Why not?""Because. I want it to be special. It has to mean something." I really want this to be perfect.He steps closer. "Isn't the ceremony special enough?"I cross my arms. "No. It's my only ceremony and I want it to be perfect. You should understand that.""Do you guys seriously have to do this right now?" Lucy says as she fights off a Lycan who has her in a headlock. She breaks apart from him and kicks him in the head. Sending him to the floor.Luke turns and delivers a left hook to a Lycan who falls into three other guys behind him. "Yes. We have to do this now. Moms on my case." He's jumped and taken down. After wrestling, he gets the upper hand and shoots the guy.I draw my weapon and fire at a Lycan who was
LUKEAs much as I'd love to bathe in Alexis sweet love forever, I have work I need to do as Alpha.This includes my first council meeting as the Alpha of Red Rock.I skipped my actual first meeting because I was really not prepared for it at all. Plus, Alexi and I had training at our new Enforcer Station to complete.So. Five months later, I walk in with Alexi to the upcoming council meeting.As we walk, I side eye her. She's dressed in a nice knee high, deep green dress. Her hair is pinned up and she's easily the sexiest Luna here.I kept my promise of no suit. A button-down shirt and jeans is the closest they'll get.I walk into the Council Building in Falcon Ridge with Alexi on my arm. We walk to the oversized double doors. They're open.There's a big plaque stating Council of Alphas now in session hanging on the wall.I look at Alexi. "Ready, Luna?" I give her a quick kiss."Ready, Alpha." She smilesI place a hand on her back and allow her to enter first."Alexi!' Anna waves from
LUKE"Alexi!"I chased after her to the tree line, but when I saw her dress explode into shreds of fabric, I knew it.It was over. That's it.I picked up some silk off the ground and stood there under the moon as it gracefully approached its peak. It's blue light casting down on me.I felt it too. Everything I felt for Alexi was amplified. The electricity and air around us increased. I felt the pull. This was it. I knew it.When I saw her face, though, everything changed.She looked scared, upset. She looked like she was rejecting me. She didn't want it. She didn't want me.My heart breaks as I look out to the trees where she ran away.Everything I thought, gone with one shift.Jayson and River walked up behind me. "Where'd she go?" Jayson asks.I threw the fabric on the ground. "Anywhere, but here." I turn around and walk to the limo."Take me home." I say to the driver as I get in and shut the door.Driving down the highway, I rest my mouth on my hand as I watch the scenery pass by.
LUKEMy heart is beating out my chest. You'd think it was a Luna ceremony or something.For the last 2 weeks, I've been carefully planning everything.The limo, the flowers, dinner all of it. This ball is going to be the best thing to happen to both of us.I stare in the mirror trying to tie my tie. I'm getting frustrated. I don't wear these things.I yank it off with a growl and hang my head trying to control my frustration.Lucy comes to check in. "Hey, big bro." She looks at me as I roll my head to her.She chuckles. "Can't do it, huh?""No. I don't get why we have to wear these stupid things." I whip it out at my side.She turns me around and takes the tie from me. "It just takes practice. You better get used it Mister council member."She flips my collar up. "I'm not wearing a suit to the council meetings. No way."She carefully knots the tie. "You should. It shows responsibility. Dad always wore a suit.""Yeah, well. This is one Alpha that doesn't need a stupid suit to prove he'
LUKE"Thanks!" Kale says from the wall as I hand him a beer. He's grinning that goofy smile of his."You're welcome. I haven't seen you much, man. Where ya been?" I lean on the wall beside him.He rubs the back of his head. "Oh, you know. I've been kind of preoccupied." He gives me a look.I know that look. "Dude, it's been almost a year, you guys can't still be locked in the bedroom." I chuckle.Jayson looks up from the pool table, stopping himself from taking his aim. "Do you even realize who you're talking to?" He shakes his head and aims for his pool ball. He shoots and misses the shot."Hey, I can't help it if my girl can't get enough." Kale smiles and puffs out his chest.River looks at Kale. "Don't drink it all in one shot, man. Trust me." He aims and sinks his ball.Michael's sitting at the bar. "Don't listen to him. He's just bitter that his not getting any." Kale and Jayson chuckle.River points his pool stick at him. "Watch it." He smirks.Michael makes an ooo I'm scared lo
ALEXISince Luke has pretty much decided I'm to be his Luna, I felt I should make my presence known among the other Lunas and Luke's friends. I have a lot to make up for and if we are to be a trusted member of the alliance, I need to offer an olive branch to the people I hurt.After much pestering, Luke finally agreed to let me have a luncheon with his friends and family."Can you move that table a little to left please." I direct the staff helping me set up the tables out in the garden where all the ladies will be.A staff girl presents the menu to me and I look it over. "It's lovely. Thank you." I send her on her way as Luke comes through the French doors."Wow. It's looking pretty fancy out here." He teases, giving me a kiss on my cheek.I breathe nervously. "Yes, well, I want everything to be perfect. This luncheon will be my chance to show your friends that I'm not the horrible monster they think I am.""You're not a monster, Alexi." Lucy comes out to the garden carrying a vase o
LUKEWith the moon just a few weeks out, I'm starting to get nervous.Since the rescue of Alexi, we've gotten really close.She no longer has her own room. Today she's moving in to my room."You sure we should do this?" She asks. She's sitting on my bed as I clear space in my closet for her clothes.I flop my hands at my side. "A thousand time, yes. Alexi, its fine. You're my fated and there's no question about it.""Luke, I just don't want you to get too excited...." I cut her off by gliding across the room to her and grabbing her head.I kiss her quick. "No arguments." I warn and head back to the closet."Luke...." She sighs just as there is a knock at the door."It's open!" I yell.The door opens to a mound of dresses. "A little help...."Alexi runs over and scoops up some dresses. "What's all this?" She asks as she drops the dresses on the bed and Lucy drops her half of the mound.Lucy smiles. "Ball gowns." She turns to me. "You....out!" Pointing to the door."This is my room." I
ALEXIMy recovery was slow. I still had numbness in my spine, but each passing day I was feeling more normal.Luke filled in the details of the rescue. It sounded heroic and very dangerous. I slightly scolded him for such a bold effort."One of these days, Alpha, you're going to be too careless." I wag my finger at him.We're sitting in the common room. Luke has been doting on me since I woke up. He hands me a tea and wraps a blanket around my legs."I knew what I was doing. These dogs have more muscle than brains. It was easy." He smirks."Right. It sounded like a war." I laugh."It was a war. I'd fight a thousand guys to get you back." He sat back on the couch. "I almost killed everyone here because I had to wait for their slow asses....""Whatever...." Bobby came in from the dining hall. "If we let you go you would've gotten yourself killed." He sank into the couch across from us.Gavin walked in from his office. "Bastian's on the phone." He handed Luke his cellphone.Luke shakes h