Designated Alpha

by Crissy Smith

  “You’re not going alone,” Piper demanded.

  “Piper has a point. They’d never believe that you’d be out there by yourself,” Mitch agreed.

  “And they aren’t getting that close to Bobby,” Piper declared.

  Jace could see Piper’s protective instinct flaring. Their connection allowed him to feel how upset she was. “What if Bobby and Piper went out back and saw if they could lure the two guys here.”

  “We can wait in here and see what happens. They could always shift to get away,” Brian suggested.

  Jace glanced from Bobby to Piper to see them both nodding.

  “Sounds like a plan,” Cody agreed.

  “Might as well do this,” Bobby stated, as he pushed himself up from his stool.

  Jace walked around the island to wrap his arm around Piper’s waist. “We’ll be right inside. Maybe you can act like you’re showing Bobby the additions of plants and just keep an ear out.”

  She rose onto her toes to gently kiss him. “I will.”

  Jace deepened the kiss, not caring that they weren’t alone. If Piper was going to put herself in harm’s way, he was going to get a decent lip lock.

  She felt good in his arms and even better gripping the muscles of his arms. Their tongues twined and slid against one another until someone cleared their throat.

  “Be careful.”

  “I promise.”

  Watching Piper and Bobby walk out through the sliding glass door was harder than Jace would have imagined. He knew that they were only outside—steps away from where he waited—but he couldn’t help the feeling of nausea that made his gut clench.

  Brian walked to the long blinds, closing them.

  “What are you doing?” he snapped at his friend.

  “I figured if they peeked over at Piper and Bobby and saw us in the kitchen, they might not make their move.”

  “We can’t see them either, though,” Cody complained.

  Glad he wasn’t alone in his worry, he appreciated Cody being there with him.

  “It might help if we opened the window above the sink,” Katy suggested. “We could at least hear if something happens.”

  Jace sprinted over and yanked the panel up.

  Piper had her arm through Bobby’s as they walked from one tree to the next under the guise of checking out the plants.

  “Anything?” Bobby whispered.

  “No, try to relax. We have five people inside who are going to make sure we’re not hurt. Plus, you are quick as lightening if you have to transform, so that will help.”

  “I just wish this was over with. Maybe I should have let them go after the guys?”

  She turned him so he had to face her. “You did the right thing. There is no telling what would have happened if we attacked their van. We don’t know what kind of weapons they have and someone could have gotten hurt.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Plus with the privacy back here, there is less of a chance of the neighbors seeing what is going on,” she added.

  “I know I should want them dead, but I want them to pay. Death seems too easy for them.”

  “That’s my guy.” Piper hugged him. “Brian is prepared to take them back to the base and make them answer for what they did. He already spoke with his captain and they even have a cell for them. We can’t call the regular police, so this is the best option.”

  “Okay.” Bobby squeezed her again before he released her. “It really is gorgeous back here. Cody is talented.”

  “I love it. And Jace is having so much fun with him.”

  “I can’t believe how much they did in such a short amount of time,” Bobby told her.

  Shrugging, Piper drew Bobby to the chairs they’d set under one of the oak trees. “Once they started, I couldn’t get them to stop. The more they talk about their plans, the better picture I get on what they’re trying to accomplish.”

  Piper sat where she had a good look at the gate entrance. Bobby took the seat beside her and she could see how much he wanted to look around them.

  “It’s okay.”

  “Why haven’t they come out here?” he enquired.

  “They’re probably watching, making sure no one is coming to join us. Why don’t you tell me more about your trip? I wouldn’t mind hearing more about the zoo in Arizona.”

  As Bobby started to tell her how the other animals had reacted to him and Mitch, the air around them began to cool. Piper wished she’d grabbed a light jacket before coming out.

  Just as Bobby was seemingly starting to forget why they were out there and was really going into his story, Piper heard a crunch from the gate area.

  Bobby hadn’t seemed to notice so she didn’t alert him. Instead she glanced back at the house quickly.

  They had closed the blinds but she noticed the kitchen window had been opened. That was smart thinking.

  Peering back at Bobby, she tried to pay attention to his visit to the Grand Canyon. He was so excited that she almost lost herself in the story.

  “Well, well, well what have we here?”

  Piper startled for show. “Who are you? What are you doing back here?” she questioned the man who had swung the gate open.

  “Piper!” Bobby called her name as he grabbed her arm.

  “Ah look, Craig. Our little friend remembers us.”

  Craig grinned. “I bet he does, Nicky. Hey, buddy, did you miss us?”

  Fury rolled over Piper and it took everything in her not to jump at them. How dare they come into her property and taunt Bobby.

  “Listen here. I don’t know who you are, but you’d better leave,” she said between clenched teeth.”

  “Feisty,” Craig said laughing. “I like that.”

  Well, Piper had warned them.

  The two strangers had been steadily advancing.

  “Come here, boy,” Nicky demanded, leering at Bobby.

  “No,” Bobby stated firmly. “And you’re trespassing. If you don’t leave now, I’m calling the cops.”

  Pride swamped Piper as Bobby stood up to them.

  “Lookie who grew some balls,” Craig goaded.

  Movement behind the men drew Piper’s attention as Mitch and Brian came in the yard from the front. She grinned at the strangers. “We did warn you.”

  Before they could figure out what she meant, the patio door opened and Jace raced out with Katy on his heels. Katy had shifted into her wolf form and was growling furiously.

  Craig and Nicky stepped back and right into the path of Brian and Mitch.

  It didn’t take long for Craig and Nicky to be on the ground secured with handcuffs that Brian had brought with him. There was a lot of cursing and fists flying, but they were no match for highly trained soldiers.

  “Anything you want to say to them?” Piper asked Bobby.

  He nodded while slowly striding forward. He crouched down so they had to look at him. “You’re going to pay—for what you did to my parents and for what you did to me. And I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  The large black wolf darted in front of Piper and she had just enough time to change direction to avoid a collision. Mitch was getting more comfortable around the others as they continued to have weekly runs at the base.

  Piper growled in warning at him but could tell that Mitch didn’t even realize where he’d been heading. He remained chasing Katy across the expansive field.

  Shaking her head, she loped back around to find her mate.

  “That was a close one,” Jace said, burying his hand in the thick fur of her neck.

  She panted in agreement.

  Jace started to rub her down, and she didn’t really care what the rest of the Pack was doing. She just wanted Jace’s hands on her. The night had darkened the area and only the addition of light they’d have installed around the shifting area aided Jace in being able to see them at all.

  “One of the wolves took out a couple of the new shrubs we planted,” Cody observed from his spot
next to Jace.

  Since she was pretty sure Bobby was involved in the tussle, she knew Cody wouldn’t be too upset. It had been Bobby’s idea to fix up their running area and he’d helped Cody and Jace plant and set trees, bushes and even flowers.

  Their little piece of the base had really started to grow and blossom.

  “I think we’ll need to set up rules for the Pack so we don’t have to keep replacing stuff,” Jace said.

  Piper licked his hand in apology.

  “It’s fine, babe. As long as you’re enjoying herself.”

  She loved coming out here. Sure this was only the fifth time but as the weeks passed, she felt more and more comfortable. Becoming the Alpha of the small group gave her a purpose in life.

  Mitch’s transfer into Brian’s unit had helped keep him around more, although he was finally seriously thinking about retiring and buying into Anderson’s Loft. Mitch and Marcus wanted to expand from the bar and make it a restaurant that would also be open during lunch.

  Bobby would be starting school soon and while he remained living with her and Jace, Piper would bet that before the semester started, he’d be moved in with Cody. She’d miss seeing him every day but with the military members of the Pack spending more time at the house, Piper didn’t think she’d have time to be too depressed about it.

  Ready to call it a night, she gave Jace’s hand a nudge then rolled back onto her paws. She took a few short steps and lifted her muzzle, letting out a long howl.

  The answering call came quickly.

  She stood guard, still in animal form as the others shifted. It wasn’t until the last member of her Pack was human again that she began her own transformation.

  Jace strolled over handing her a pair of lounge pants and a T-shirt so she dressed quickly.

  “Thank you, everyone, for coming out. We’ll see you for breakfast in the morning,” she announced.

  Spinning to Jace, she grabbed a hold of his hand to pull him toward the barracks. As they’d done after the first run with the Pack, all of them would stay the night. They’d have a quick breakfast with the Pack as well as the human members of Brian’s team before they returned home. The humans weren’t considered Pack but they had become friends.

  “Did you have fun?” Jace asked, as she led him away from the yard.

  “Yes, each time I shift, it has gotten easier.”

  Nodding, he released her hand to throw his arm around her neck. “You’re faster also.”

  “I know.” She couldn’t keep the excitement hidden. And why should she? It had been a long time coming, but she was finally at ease being able to turn into a wolf.

  They reached the entrance of the building, close to their room, so Piper dropped her hand down to Jace’s waist.

  He skimmed his lips across her ear, causing her to shiver.

  She peeked behind her and saw the others were still in the field. Taking a chance to be a little naughty, she slipped her hand into the back waistband of Jace’s pants.

  “Feeling adventurous?” Jace teased.

  “Get me to the room and I’ll show you how much,” she replied.

  Also available from Totally Bound Publishing:

  What’s her Secret?: Life of Privilege

  Amanda Bretz

  Excerpt

  Chapter One

  “Daddy?”

  Katherine Dawson’s voice echoed off the stone walls of St. Patrick’s cathedral. As one of New York City’s oldest churches, the structure had enough prestige and beauty to hold Sunday service, memorials, and it provided the perfect setting for storybook weddings.

  When her father didn’t answer right away, Katherine gathered the heavy material of her wedding gown in her hand and walked the few steps to reach her dad. She looked down at the enormous bouquet of flowers in her hand and almost lost her nerve. Yet the longer she stared at the arrangement of white roses, calla lilies and orchids, the more it reinforced her gut reaction to this day. Like the stunning flowers arranged so perfectly in the bundle, she was also trussed up and made to look pristine. She too was arranged at her peak, the moment in her life when she was likely most attractive. She knew if she went through with this decision that just like the flowers, soon she would wither and lose her beautiful essence. Through the heavy wooden doors, she heard the faint strains coming from the fifteen-piece orchestra. They were preparing to play the wedding march. It was now or never. If she had any chance at escaping the glamorous affair, it was in this moment.

  “Daddy.” She stood in front of her father and knew she must look as panicked and frightened as a wounded animal. “I have to get out of here. I can’t go through with this.”

  Tears welled in her eyes, but she blinked fast to push them away. Once the waterworks started, she didn’t know when they might stop. She dropped her hold on the dress and reached for her father’s hand.

  “I’m leaving. If you want to stay and deal with mother’s temper tantrums when she finds out I left Nathan at the altar, so be it. Daddy, I just can’t do this. Well, won’t you say something?”

  Her father cleared his throat and it was then she noticed the tears that had formed in his eyes. She hated that she’d let him down, but she couldn’t go through life with such a momentous lie hanging over her head. She stood on tiptoe, wrapping her arms around him for a quick hug. “I’m sorry I’ve hurt you. I don’t want to be a disappointment to you, but I have to stay true to myself. You won’t see me for a while. I’m going away, but I don’t know where yet. I’ve got to go find out who I really am without all the pressures of being Katherine Dawson hanging over my head.”

  “Kitty Kat,” he whispered, using her childhood nickname, “I could never be disappointed in you. I’m crying because you’ve made me happy. Go find yourself. Follow your dreams. That’s what I’ve always wanted for you. I love you.”

  “Daddy, I love you, too.”

  She turned her head toward the heavy wooden doors again. The wedding march was playing. She had to go now. Preparing for the sprint she knew she’d have to do to make it to the limousine that waited outside, she kicked off her silver-sequined Louboutin heels. Dropping her bouquet on the ground and gathering her skirt in her hands, she hurried out of the front door and down the church steps.

  In her haste to escape the wedding, she’d forgotten about the crowd of reporters and spectators gathered along the sidewalk and in the street. At least fifty black cameras took aim at her and several eager members of the paparazzi stood right in her path, their camera flashes going off. She refused to look into their lenses, even as they called out to her by name. Her gaze was locked in on the back door of the limousine. Once she got there, she’d be home free.

  “Katherine! Katherine! Why are you running?”

  “Have cold feet, Katherine?”

  “Where’s the groom?”

  Ignoring the inane questions from the media, she opened the door to the back seat of the car. Franklin, her family’s driver, jumped from the front seat, prepared to help her into the vehicle. Katherine met his gaze and she shook her head. He took her unspoken command and hopped back behind the wheel. She could handle the paparazzi. After all, she’d been dodging the vultures since she’d been a teen. Pulling the door closed behind her provided a moment of peace. However, her relief was cut short as half of the camera-wielding men formed a semi-circle around the limousine while the rest scattered to nearby cabs. The car had to move before they got trapped—or worse—were followed by the bloodthirsty press.

  “Where to?”

  Her mind raced while she tried to think of someplace safe the driver could take her.

  “Take me to my penthouse. No, wait!” She knew that would be the next place the paparazzi looked for her. It wouldn’t do if the press followed them to her apartment. Arriving in the sleek, black town car was a dead giveaway. She wished for the anonymity of a taxi.

  “Take me up a few blocks, then I can hop out, hail a cab and have the driver drop me off around back.”

  She
glanced down at the ivory wedding dress. She needed to get out of the itchy, Godforsaken gown. It was starting to feel like a vise, squeezing the life from her body, not to mention she was barefoot. If she stepped out onto the street corner in her current state of dress the media would descend upon her within seconds. Damn, so much for arriving in an anonymous yellow cab. She gave him the go-ahead to go to her house anyway, and to her relief, Franklin floored the vehicle, giving no consideration to the assholes with cameras standing around in the street.

  While they peeled out from in front of the church, Franklin assured her that he would drop her off at the private back entrance of her building. Provided they could lose the press between here and the short drive to her place, the car could pull into the restricted garage where she could slip into the private elevator to her house. Being carted around Manhattan in a town car was more her mother’s style. Katherine couldn’t remember the last time she’d had Franklin pick her up or drop her off at her penthouse. Under normal circumstances she preferred to walk or drive herself. As the limo weaved in and out of the mid-town traffic, she felt a surge of relief. She’d pulled off something that had previously seemed impossible and had saved herself from a huge mistake.

  Now, what to do next?

  Looking around the interior of the limousine, she noticed the chilled bottles of Dom Pérignon and twin champagne flutes. A drink sounded heavenly. God knew she needed something to soothe her nerves. Even though she’d gotten away from the church, the stickiest parts were yet to come. After popping the cork on the bubbly, she put the bottle to her mouth and took a long pull. Letting the exquisite liquid dance upon her tongue, she thought about the coming aftershocks of leaving Nathan at the altar.

  Her wedding had been touted as one of the biggest social events of the year. Hell, there had been more media parked out front of the church than there had been the last time the president had been in town. She took another swig of Dom and scratched at the bobby pins nestled in her mane. Pulling the veil from her head, she tugged hard enough to rip a few strands of hair out. Her elaborate updo was wrecked, but she didn’t give a damn. No one was going to see her.