by Ella Goode
Alpha’s Castle
Ella Goode
Contents
Summary
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Epilogue
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Khloe Martins whole life is rocked when she finds out her fiancé is cheating on her. Luckily, a surprise inheritance from her aunt Mae sends her to Smithsville. In this small town, Khloe believes she can begin to heal. Recovery doesn’t include falling for the local Chief of Police, no matter how gorgeous the arrogant, infuriating, presumptuous man is. She is not letting him into her bed and definitely not her heart. But Khloe isn’t prepared for the dedicated pursuit of Dane. Can this police officer unlock her love?
1
Dane
I punch the last period and hit enter. A second later, the printer behind me starts chugging. I spin around in my chair to watch the paper feed out and drop into the tray. It’s the day of digital tech and emails and scans, but I’ve always preferred paper. I read paper books, get my fingers dirty every morning with the daily newspaper, and keep printed reports. My brain just works better that way. I swipe up the report, scan it and then tuck it into the manila folder for Bev to file away later.
A peak outside my office window reveals that the sun’s almost down. It’s time to get out of here and get some food.
“Bev, you wrapping it up?” I call to my dispatcher slash secretary as I unclip the badge from the front of my shirt.
“Yeah, but you aren’t.” She appears in my doorway with a paper in her hand making we wonder if something is going on out at King’s place. I don’t feel like making a drive out there tonight. Things have been quiet out there. It’s how he and I both like it. “Better stick the badge back on. Connie over at the Pie Tin says there’s an intruder at Aunt Mae’s place and wants you to come over and check it out.” Well, shit. I’d rather go out to King’s than deal with this.
“Connie says that every three days, and there isn’t anything there but a few rats feasting on a crow’s carcass,” says the night deputy, Ren Haskins.
“The noise has been going on for at least twenty minutes and it’s not a rat even if Ren says so. Remind him I wiped his bare bottom and that he better honor his elders.”
My deputy’s cheeks turn red. Flustered, he adjusts his hat. “She’s a whole five years older than me. Honor his elders, my ass.”
“I’ll go check it out,” I say. If we send Ren over, he’ll end up in an argument with Connie and we’re barely living down the last tiff the two had. We’re still finding traces of flour in between files and under mats from when Connie stormed in and threw a whole bag of flour at Ren’s head after he accused her of being a hypochondriac. She is one, but we’re all supposed to pretend she isn’t. How Ren has made it to the big age of twenty-four and not been killed by his sister is a mystery to all of us.
“You better zip up tight,” Ren advises. “She and Mason broke up two nights ago and she’s looking for someone to make him jealous.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Connie’s been hitting on me for years. I think it’s almost a reflex at this point.
“If you would get married, you wouldn’t have these problems,” Bev declares. “I have a friend who—“
“That’s all right, Bev.” I cut her off before she can start on how her first cousin once removed knows a woman whose aunt knows a girl who is sisters with someone who is just right for me. I shrug into my jacket and check my weapon. There’s probably nothing going on in Mae’s empty lot. Our little town of ten thousand doesn’t get much action, which is just how I like it. I spent four years in a crime-riddled city, breaking up fights, tracking down murderers, arresting drug dealers. The rate of burnout in the force is high because of all the shit we have to deal with—both inside the station and out. When I got the opportunity to come home and be chief of my own squad, I couldn’t pack fast enough. It’s a quiet town with nice people. Some folks need the bright lights and the constant flow of traffic. I’m good with a book, a fire and Misty on my lap. Things are uncomplicated that way.
“Tell my sister to run me some dinner,” Ren tells me as I’m about to leave.
“I’d rather keep my balls attached to my body,” I answer.
“Pussy!” he yells.
“That’s about right.” I let the door fall shut behind me. A passing truck honks its horn and Andy Patterson leans half his body out to hail me. “Nice night out, ain’t it, Chief!”
I doff my cap. “Eyes on the road, Andy.”
“Yessir!” I receive a salute before the old farmer speeds off.
Connie’s place is just off of Main Street. The outside lights are dimmed because Connie closes at five sharp, but the lights are on upstairs. She’s probably getting Ren’s dinner ready. The woman’s been taking care of her little brother since they were kids and it’s not changing now.
There aren’t any lights on at Mae’s place, which makes sense since the electricity got shut off last month. Kathy at the utility plant called me and said it should be done for safety reasons and I agreed. If Mae’s heir doesn’t show up to claim this place, we’ll probably have to sell it at auction. It’s not good to have an abandoned lot in the middle of town.
I climb the four steps and check the door. When it opens, I unsnap the strap across my gun. The door should be locked. Ren’s going to feel bad when he hears that Connie wasn’t crying wolf. Since the electricity is off, the first floor is dark. At first, I don’t hear any sounds, but then there’s a light scuffling overhead. There’s only a small space between Connie’s fire escape in the back and Mae’s. I shoot off a text to Bev.
May be an intruder here. Text Connie and let her know. Tell Ren but let him know I’m here and have it under control.
I tuck my phone away. I’ll need to apprehend the intruder before Ren gets here and blows the guy’s head off. Noiselessly, I make my way across the main floor, avoiding the clothing racks and displays, until I reach the back room. There’s another scuffling sound. At the top of the stairs a figure appears. I pull out my gun. “Police. Hands up.”
2
Khloe
My heart lodges in my throat when a deep male voice booms through the dim house. The outside light had quickly faded. I must have gotten sidetracked going through Aunt Mae’s things. I drop the box that’s in my hand, cringing when it hits the floor with a loud thud before rolling down the stairs.
The lights flicker on, lighting up the entire house. Even though it temporarily blinds me, I’m still thankful to Kathy. She told me she’d get them on as soon as she could, and she didn’t disappoint. I’ll have to remember to send her a little something.
“What the hell are you doing here in the dark?” My eyes finally adjust to seeing a handsome cop at the bottom of my stairs. I watch as he lowers his gun quickly. He says something else under his breath I can’t hear.
I drop my hands, clearly not a threat to anyone. His deep voice matches every thick inch of him. I lick my lips, pulling my eyes away from the giant man at the bottom of my stairs to the box now at his feet. I should probably be scared, but for some reason the only thing I feel is annoyed.
“Why don’t you tell me why you're standing in my house?”
What does one do when a cop breaks into their house? You can’t call the cops. Because obviously he is the cops. At least the badge and uniform imply as much. “You made me drop my stuff. If it’s broken you’re replacing it.” I head down the stairs as my cell starts to ring. There are hundreds of dollars of equipment in the box.
I pull my phone out of my back pocket.
“I asked you a question,” his deep voice rumbles, sounding even more mad. Well, that makes two of us. This guy has a lot of nerve. He may be easy on the eyes, but that doesn’t mean he has the right to barge into my house. I bet he’s used to everyone doing exactly what he says when he says it. Not because of the badge either. He doesn’t need it to exude authority.
“I asked you one too.” I grab my box off the floor, taking it over to the dusty coffee table. “Hello.” I answer my call, not waiting for him to respond, giving him my back.
“Are they on?” Kathy asks. “I wanted to make sure they were before I headed out for the day.” I smile. Kathy has been a sweetheart. From the moment I’d called about needing power, she got right on it to make it happen.
She went out of her way to get it on within hours. I thought I might have to find a hotel tonight. No way could I stay in a house without power. Especially one I’ve never been in before. It might be my house now, but it isn’t home. Not yet, at least. It has been abandoned for a while now. But with a little love, I know it will come alive.
“They are. That was so sweet of you to get them on for me so quickly.”
“Of course. We’re not going to let some young lady stay overnight in a home without power.” I glance back at the cop, who is staring at me. Okay, not staring. He’s glaring. “I’m going to alert some people you’re in town or Connie next door will be calling the cops on you.” Kathy laughs.
“Too late.” I open my box and see that my microphone is busted. I groan. At least I don’t have any pressing deadlines at the moment. I can order another one. I can’t wait to tell the big lug standing in front of me that he’s paying for it.
“Too late?” Kathy asks. Before I can answer her, the phone is plucked out of my hand. He ends the call. My mouth pops open in shock.
I’m usually a go with the flow type of girl. I don’t get in anyone's way. I consider myself a considerate and kind person. But there is something about this man that ruffles my feathers. Maybe it’s the smug look on his face or his lack of respect for my personal space. I’m not putting up with anyone pushing me around anymore. New life, new me.
“Hey!” I try to snatch my phone back. “Don’t you have to have a warrant or something?” My attempts to get the phone back are pointless. The man is more than a foot taller than me. If he weren’t wearing a police uniform I might be scared. He towers over me. It’s not only his height. He’s big all over. What do they eat around here? Not that I am a tiny thing myself, except my height. But where I’m soft he’s solid.
“No” is all he says before he starts fiddling with my phone.
“What are you doing?” I hold my hand out in a silent demand for him to give it back. He continues doing whatever it is that he’s doing before he finally hands it back to me.
“Name.”
“I’m going to have to ask you to leave. Plea—“ I cut myself off. “I mean leave now. No please. You don’t get one.” His lips twitch before he actually turns to leave. I’m shocked. I might be weirdly disappointed too, but I ignore that. He stops at the front door, bending down to pick up my purse. He reaches inside, pulling my wallet out and flipping it over. “Hey.” I run over to snatch it from his hand. He lets me.
“Khloe Martins.” He emphasizes my last name. “Funeral was three months ago.”
I fight back the wave of sadness I feel for a great aunt I never knew. She is a key into a family I wish I knew more about.
I never knew my father. He died when I was still too young to even have any memory of him. I’m not sure if that’s for the better or not. It was only my mom and me after that. I didn’t get anything from her as far as information. She never talked kindly about any of Dad’s family. Not that she talks very kindly about anyone.
“Now that you know I belong”—I walk over toward the front door, opening it—“I’d like you to leave.” I don’t have to explain to him why I hadn’t been at the funeral. Nor did I need him trying to throw it in my face. I had no clue that I even had a great aunt until a few days ago. I should probably try to be nicer to him since I’m new in town. He is a cop here in the small town that I am looking to make my home. One that looks like everyone knows everyone.
“Where is your car?”
“In the garage where people put their cars believe it or not.” I guess I am going with the not being nicer route.
“Do you have more stuff to bring in?”
“I can handle it.” He nods before stepping outside where I see a black SUV with lights on the top parked out on the street. He doesn't head toward his car. He walks down the sidewalk, distracting me momentarily as I watch his every move. Until I notice him turning toward the garage.
“Hey!” I chase after him. He opens the box on the side, entering in the code, and the garage opens. He obviously knew my aunt a whole lot more than me. “I already brought everything in.” I finally give because he doesn’t look as though he’s going to let this go.
“See?” He turns around to look at me. “Was that so hard?”
“Not as hard as your head,” I mumble under my breath. Or the rest of him for that matter.
“Dane, is that you?” I turn to see a tall blond woman coming our way with a smile on her face. “Someone bought Mae’s place? I didn't know it was on the market yet.” She flips her gaze towards me. “Anyway, who is this?”
“I’m Khloe.” I give a small wave, wanting to make a good impression on my neighbor.
“Connie. I own the bakery.” She points toward it. I’d eyed it when I rolled into town. The most wonderful smells have been coming from it all day.
“It’s nice to meet you.” She looks back to Dane. “Told you I seen something.” She winks at him. “Come over for some pie.” She walks over to him, wrapping her hand around his forearm. I fight the weird feeling in my stomach because this is my chance to escape and I should be taking advantage of it.
“Since you know how to open it, I’m guessing you know how to close it.” I take a step back. “Nice to meet you, Connie.” I give her a smile before darting back toward my front door. I hear Dane shout my name, but I keep on moving until I’m inside. This time I remember to lock the door.
Not that I think it matters much with someone like Dane. He clearly does whatever he wants.
3
Dane
“Why didn’t you tell me Mae had a niece?” Connie asks.
“I didn’t know.” I unpeel her fingers from my arm so I can answer my phone.
“Kathy from the power company called to let you know that the intruder at Mae’s place is actually Mae’s great niece who inherited the property so please don’t shoot our new citizen.”
“You know me, Bev, finger’s always on the trigger.”
“It’s a good thing that Ren is on the way for cleanup then,” she says cheerfully before hanging up.
“Ren’s on the way?” Connie strains her head, looking around to see if she can spot her little brother.
“Yeah. He was worried.” Upstairs, the lights are blazing. There isn’t any danger, but I don’t feel like leaving.
“You should come in. I have fresh strawberry pie cooling on my counter.”
“Haven’t had dinner yet. Best keep that for Ren.” I should really check up on the newcomer. Don’t want to come off inhospitable and all that. I take a step toward the door but Connie’s fingers dig into my arm once again.
“Where you going?” Her voice is a tad shrill.
Gently, but with intent, I lift her hand away. “It’s none of your business, Connie. Go inside and wait for your brother.”
The woman flushes and walks inside
without another word. When the door closes, I walk up the stoop and give Khloe’s door a knock. She doesn’t answer at first so I knock again, only this time louder and with a mite more force.
Her feet clip down the stairs and the door flies open. She wears a scowl on her face. “What now?”
“Thought I’d make sure your place is clear before I left,” I say as I muscle my way inside.
“What are you doing? You can’t just come in here.”
I ignore her. Since the electricity is on, I flip on the store switches. Her purse is still lying by the front door.
“See. It’s empty.” She throws out an arm.
“You shouldn’t leave valuables in front of a window or a door.” I go over and pick it up. The place smells musty from being closed up for such a long time. I should’ve had Ren or the day deputy, Marty, come over and air it out. “I’ll send someone over tomorrow to help you clean up here. You gonna run this as a clothing shop?”
“What’s it to you?”
“Just curious.” There’s no one here but a few dust mites. I turn off the lights and nod toward the stairs. “I’ll take a look upstairs for you.”
“No. No you won’t.” She pushes at my chest, but since I’ve got about a hundred pounds on her, I don’t budge. It takes a couple tries before the realization sets in that she’s not going to win this round. With a sigh, she steps back. “Fine, but you aren’t going to find anything.”
“No harm in checking.” Before I can climb the back stairs, there’s a knock on the door.