The Shadow Alpha

Chapter 2: Are You Kidding Me?

Chapter 2: Are You Kidding Me?

River

After receiving Drake and Tyler's mind-link telling me of a trespasser who brought attackers with them, I bolt from my home and to the trail that leads back to the main square.

I take to it at a run, knowing that these werewolves that have the nerve to cross my lines need to realize who they're dealing with.

I'm not about to let anyone wreck or tarnish the unstoppable reputation both my father and I have spent years building.

I break through the trees to the heart of the village, only to find that practically everyone in the square is at a stand-still, gazes fixed on a girl who has come to a full stop in the middle of the area.

At first I'm wondering who she is, and why the hell she's here if she doesn't have our pack's markings...

I take a few more cautious steps forward, gauging the situation. But by my next breath, I'm caught off guard by her intoxicating scent that floats toward me. It's fruity but also fresh, like the smell of the blackberries. The ones that grow along our coastal shores in the summer.

The aroma infiltrates my senses, so overwhelming that I have to close my eyes and suppress a groan from escaping my throat.

She's spinning around, looking confused and completely frantic. There's blood running down over her shoulder and onto her chest and collarbone.

            Then, without warning, she lunges forward. To go where, I don't know, so I step forward to prepare myself.

She makes it only a few steps before her body slams against mine, and I immediately reach out to grasp her small shoulders to steady her.

Upon my flesh meeting hers, I feel something like an electric charge surge through my skin, sending vibrations throughout my body. It's tingly and warm and asks me to get closer.

Her scent is now swarming around me with her this close, and as she begins to faint, I look down into her beautifully wild cerulean eyes.

She then collapses into my arms, her entire bodyweight falling onto me. But I bear her weight easily as I gather her into my arms, moving carefully as to not worsen her injuries.

As I do, I feel my inner wolf awaken with a frenzy inside me—he's all but dying to get out and track down the bastards that did this to her. She's so fragile and soft in my hold. It feels like I could break her with the smallest of movements.

I may not know this girl's name or where she's from, or why she's even here, but it doesn't matter. I know without any doubt the true significance she holds. My wolf knows it too, feeling for the first time like he is now whole; complete.

She's my mate...The one I've been waiting my whole life to finally lay my eyes upon. The one who is going to understand me like no other. The one who will stand beside me through every storm and battle. The one I'm going to end up loving more than life itself.

Processing this tidal wave of reality in just a few seconds, I turn to my pack that is still watching on with interest and curiosity.

This is beyond uncharacteristic of me to be doing; they have yet to see their Alpha show even an inkling of interest in a woman before. Let alone a complete outsider.

"I need the nearest fighters at the creek! There are trespassers there, and both Drake and Tyler need your help!" I command, my voice echoing over the still silent area.