by Toni Goode
"You should listen to your boy. Maybe he isn’t as stupid as he looks." Anthony cocked his head to the side.
"Just let us leave. We won’t come back." Nicholas said quickly as Anthony looked at him.
"Now we’re onto something." Anthony walked over to him.
"I can’t do that Nicholas." Joseph said as Anthony stopped walking and inhaled deep. "I’m sorry Nicholas I just can’t." He said softly.
"I’m done playing games. He has made his choice." Anthony said as he stared at Nicholas.
"We'll leave, we will." Nicholas said again as fear raced through him, but he could tell by the look on his father’s face that he wasn’t willing to do the same. "Dad, please think of me, mom and Sal". Nicholas pleaded with him.
"I am son, I am." Joseph said low. "One day you will see that."
"Dad they will kill you!" Nicholas yelled out.
"I love you son." Joseph said quietly.
"Finish him!" Anthony yelled as Nicholas’ eyes got wide and his scream echoed through the walls as he took one final look at his father before they literally tore him to pieces before his very own eyes.
Emma ran until she saw lights up ahead. It was another town and she skidded to a halt as she sat back on her hind legs. Within seconds she was tackled to the ground by a large black wolf. It literally knocked the wind out of her as she gasped for air. The large black wolf hovered over her as her heart raced but then she saw his blue eyes looking back at her seconds before she passed out. It was the Alpha again. It was Nicholas.
Nicholas paced his living room as his brother Sal looked at him. “Why did you bring her here? You shouldn’t have brought her here.” Sal said anxiously as he too paced back and forth.
“What the hell else was I supposed to do, huh?” Nicholas said with a shake of his head as he ran his hand through his hair.
“You don’t even know who this rogue chick is. She could be some spy from another pack!” Sal yelled angrily.
“Yeah well if that is the case then I will take care of it, but she passed out. I couldn’t just leave her there on the ground.” Nicholas said as he stormed past his brother.
Emma woke up to her head pounding. Her eyes fluttered open as she stared at a white ceiling. She quickly sat up as she looked around. She was in a bedroom but not one she recognized. She remembered the wolf. The blue eyed one who was hovering over her. She looked down at her body and saw she was dressed in a t-shirt and sweat pants. Who had dressed her? Her heart began to race as she looked to the window. She ran to it and looked out. She was in someone’s house and she was on the second floor. She heard voices coming closer and she opened the window fast. She knew she could make the jump.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” She heard a familiar male voice as she turned and saw the long-haired man staring at her. She looked back out the window. “If I wanted to kill you, I would have when you passed out.” He added as she looked at him again.
“Where am I?” She said as she continued to look at him as she held onto the window frame.
Nicholas stepped into the room more as she stiffened some. “I’m not going to hurt you, ok.” He said once more. “You are in my house. Why don’t you sit down so we can talk?” He added.
“I just want to go.” She said as she stared at him.
“I understand but I need you to understand that I can’t just let you go until we talk.” He said seriously.
“I told you everything already.” She said quickly.
“Ok but I still have questions. So why don’t you get away from the window and we talk?” He said as he walked over to a rocking chair across the room and he sat on it as he watched her.
“And then you will let me go?” She asked nervously as he nodded his head yes. Emma walked slowly away from the window as she kept her eyes on him. She went to the edge of the bed and she sat down.
“See? Isn’t this better?” He said as he crossed his hands on his lap.
“I don’t have much to tell you. I’m a rogue, ok? I’m going to New York.” She said as she looked at him.
“I know you keep saying that, but something is off.” He said with a raised eyebrow as she swallowed hard.
“I don’t understand what you are saying. I’m a rogue.” She said quickly.
“And see that is where I am having the problem.” He stood up now. Emma looked at the window again and then at him as he ran his hand through his hair. “See I know a lot of rogues and I have yet to run into one that looks as good as you.” He said as she swallowed hard. “Your hair looks professionally styled.” He added.
“Just because I am a rogue doesn’t mean I can’t keep up with appearances.” She said nervously.
“Hmmm, is that what this is?” He looked at her suspiciously as she swallowed hard.
“Why would I pretend to be a rogue? That’s the silliest thing I have ever heard of.” She said quickly.
“Right? That’s what I thought. I mean why would someone do that? It would make no sense.” He said with a shake of his head as he looked at her.
“See? I mean why would I lie about that.” She said nervously.
“Ok listen. This is what I am going to do. We’re going to start over.” He smiled at her. “My name is Nicholas and you are?” He walked over to her and put his hand out.
“I already told you. My name is Red.” She huffed and then she decided to take the opportunity that presented itself as he stood on front of her. Instead of shaking his hand she made a fist and she punched him directly in his groin as he fell backwards in pain. She ran to the window and got one leg out but before she could jump, he grabbed her.
Within seconds he had her on the floor face down as he held her there and groaned. “So, I see that we will do this the hard way.” He said as he held her down.
Emma gasped as she laid on the floor. “Get off of me!” She yelled as she tried her damnedest to fight him off, but it was nearly impossible with her being face down.
“If I let go of you then you need to stay calm otherwise, I will restrain you and you will have no choice.” He said sternly. “Now will you stop fighting me?” He asked.
“Yes, ok. I will stop.” She finally admitted defeat.
Chapter Five
A knock on the door made them both look as Nicholas’ brother stepped in the room. Emma realized right away that both men looked similar. Could they be related?
“Um I can’t stay here any longer or else Beth is going to throw me out of the house.” Sal said as he looked at his brother and then at the girl. “Good luck with her.” Sal said as he quickly left the room, but Nicholas chased after him.
“What am I supposed to do with her?” Nicholas said as Sal stopped in the hallway.
“I don’t know man. It was your idea to bring her back here. Figure it out.” Sal said as he began to walk once more. “Oh, and one more thing, you should probably go after her since she has jumped out of the window already.” Sal said sarcastically as Nicholas ran back to the room and she was indeed gone.
“Son of a bitch!” He yelled as he ran to the window and saw her running across the yard in fast sprints. Nicholas quickly jumped out the window and took off after her.
Emma ran as fast as her legs would take her and when she saw the woods up ahead, she ran even faster. All she needed was to get away from this man and into another town. She had no time to shift because she was sure that he was after her by now. Emma looked back as she ran, and a loud gasp left her mouth as she saw the huge black wolf gaining on her. Within seconds she was tackled to the ground as she let out a scream. Fang and fur flying as she looked up at the enormous jaws that were inches from her face.
“Ok. Ok. I give up. I give up!” She yelled out as she looked at the massive wolf.
Emma followed the large black wolf back to his property. The sun was already beginning to rise and she once more contemplated running from him, but she knew that her chances of getting away would be slim to none.
Once they were back at his hous
e, they made their way inside. He shifted back into his human form quickly as they got into the living room. For a moment her eyes ran over his naked form. He was beautiful. All muscle and toned not to mention tattoos covered his body.
“Sit and don’t move!” He snapped at her as she swallowed hard and sat on the couch quickly. He left the room and she looked around at her surroundings. It was a large living room with a black leather sectional and a very large flat screen tv that was situated on the wall. There were also pictures on the fire place mantel and she walked over to them as she picked up the picture frame. One picture was a family portrait with two boys and two parents.
The next picture was of a beautiful brown-haired woman. She swallowed hard as she held the picture.
“Put that down.” He snapped at her as she spun around quickly. She placed the picture back on the mantel as he stormed over to her. He was now dressed in blue jeans and a tank top. Emma quickly backed up as he walked over towards her. “I am going to ask you one more time, who are you?” He said through gritted teeth.
Emma felt her heart race as she looked at him. “I told you already.” She began as he got right in her face.
“Stop lying to me! Who the hell are you and where the hell did you come from!” He snapped at her.
“I ran away ok!” She finally blurted out as he looked at her a bit confused. “I just left, and I can’t go back. I just can’t.” She said honestly.
“You left your pack?” He said with shock. He was expecting a completely different story. What could have made her up and leave? He could never leave his pack. It baffled him that she had left. “Why?” He asked.
Emma didn’t want to tell him too much. She chose her words wisely as she spoke. “I did not agree with the way things were done over there.”
“What pack?” He couldn’t help but ask.
“Please don’t make me tell you ok. I just want to go.” She said seriously as she looked at him.
“Will your pack come looking for you?” He asked and she swallowed hard. He saw the look on her face and he actually felt somewhat bad. She really didn’t want to go back to her pack and that was somewhat unheard of. Most rogues had been kicked out of the pack, but she said she left. It was odd.
“You won’t have to worry about my pack if you just let me go.” She said honestly.
“Well it would be a lot easier for me to let you go if I knew why you ran in the first place?” He said seriously.
“I will keep on running every chance I get.” She said honestly as she looked at him.
“Not if I tie you to the bed.” He warned her.
“You wouldn’t dare.” She gasped.
“Try me.” He said as he stared her down. “But right now, I need a drink.” He turned to leave the living room. “I promise that if you run, I will lock you up.” He said seriously and then he left the room and entered the kitchen as she stood there.
Emma stood in the living room and sighed heavily as she stood there. “Do you want a drink?” He called out and she sighed once more before walking into the kitchen. “Oh wow, you didn’t take off?” He cocked his head at her.
“I still could.” She said seriously as he turned from her and grabbed a beer from the fridge. He held one out to her and she reluctantly took it.
“Listen it’s been a long twenty-four hours.” He said as he sipped his beer.
Emma took a long sip of her beer as she looked around the kitchen. “You’re the Alpha here, aren’t you?” She asked even though she knew the answer.
“What gave it away? My budding personality?” He said dryly as she rolled her eyes. “You do know the rules about leaving your pack?” He asked as he looked at her. She didn’t respond. “You won’t be able to go back without repercussions.” He said seriously.
“I told you I don’t want to go back, ok.” She said quickly.
“You know I could speak to your Alpha if you want?” He began as her eyes got wide.
“No. No.” She said nervously as she looked at him. “Actually, I’m going to go. Thanks for the beer.” She said as she turned from him, but the doorbell rang, and she gasped. The door bell rang again as she looked at him. Her heart racing. What if Lawrence was there? She couldn’t go back with him. Nicholas could see the look of fear in her eyes. It confused him. What exactly was she running from?
“I’m going to get that.” He said as he walked out of the kitchen and into the living room. The ringing continued as he got to the door. “Alright, alright. I’m coming!” He yelled as he swung the door open and he blinked a bit in shock. Veronica was there and she pushed her way inside.
“You know I have been calling and texting you for hours. Are you ignoring me?” She said with annoyance as she walked across his living room.
“No. I just haven’t checked my phone.” He began as she looked in the kitchen and then quickly walked in there.
“Are you here with someone?” She said as she picked up a beer can from the table and looked at him.
“Well I am drinking? What’s going on Vee? Why are you being insecure?” He asked as he looked back in the kitchen. Red was gone. He was going to have to run after her once more.
Veronica laughed a bit as she looked at him. “Sorry it’s just you left so quickly last night and then I kept calling.” She shook her head as she walked over to him and touched his arm.
“Vee I have a busy life you know that.” He took her hand into his. “And actually, right now I need to take care of some business.” He led her to the door.
“Am I going to see you tonight?” She asked with wide eyes.
“Sure, but right now I have to take care of business.” He said as he opened the door.
“Ok. I will look forward to tonight.” She smiled as she leaned up and kissed his lips softly.
Nicholas watch as Veronica left and then he quickly ran through the house and out the back door. He huffed loudly. He was going to have to hunt her down again.
“I didn’t run off even though I thought about it.” Emma said as he spun and saw her leaning against the house.
“Wow so you actually stayed?” He said in shock as he ran a hand through his hair.
“Who was that at the door?” She couldn’t help but ask.
“No one looking for you.” He said quickly.
“You haven’t told anyone that I am here?” She asked with surprise.
“Not yet. I like to have all my information first, Red.” He smiled as he walked back in the house and she sighed as she followed him. “So now that we have an understanding, perhaps you can tell me a little about yourself.” Emma just looked at him. “Ok let’s start off small. How old are you, Red?”
“Twenty-one.” She said and he looked surprised.
“And you have been without a mate?” He said with surprise. Surely someone as beautiful as her would have been mated years ago.
“Why is everyone so concerned with being mated. I mean my god. Is it illegal to be single?” She said with annoyance.
“Well you do know that is the way of our world, Red. There are rules.” He began but she cut him off.
“Ok fine. What about you? You have this big house and I haven’t seen any mate for you. God it’s so double standard!” She laughed a bit sarcastically as she looked at him and then he was in front of her.
“Don’t ever speak about that to me again. You have no right to say anything! This is not a joke!” He yelled at her as she stepped back from him.
“Well then why tell me why it’s ok for you to be single but I’m supposed to be mated!” She snapped at him.
“What makes you think that I haven’t been mated, huh?! You know nothing about me. Nothing at all.” He snapped at her.
He was like a totally different person now. He was angry but there was also sadness. So much sadness. Suddenly she felt horrible as she stood there but she was also curious. She hadn’t seen a wife around and his place looked like a bachelor pad. Not to mention there was a woman earlier, but he definitely didn�
�t care for her much. Wolves mated for life unless. Her mind began to twist. Unless one died. He was still so young to be a widow. She knew nothing of his pack and nothing of him.
“I got to take a shower and get ready for the day.” He said as he walked towards the stairs and she stood there as she swallowed hard.
Emma stood there awkwardly. She honestly didn’t know what to say. She stood in the kitchen for a few more moments and then she went up the stairs to find the room she had been in. She could hear the shower going on and she stopped and looked at his closed door. She wanted to apologize to him, but she couldn’t do it. She turned and went to the room across the hall, but it was locked. She looked at it and then turned down the hall some more. She found another door and she stepped inside. It was the bedroom that she had woken up in. It had a full-size bed and a few dressers. There was a bathroom in the room, and she walked over to it.
Tears began to go down her face as she looked at herself in the mirror. She had no idea how she was going to get herself out of this. He couldn’t find out who she was. If he knew then he would send her back. That much she did know. She took a shower and let the water cleanse her body.
By the time she got out she looked through the closet and the dressers. She was surprised to find women’s clothes there. She put on a pair of jeans and an old concert
t-shirt from a rock band, The Foo Fighter’s to be exact. She was surprised that everything fit. She wondered who clothes these were? Maybe the woman who had come to the door earlier? The smell of food filled her nose as she stood in the bedroom and put her hair in a pony tail. She made her way downstairs and she could smell eggs and pancakes. Was he cooking? She got to the doorway of the kitchen as he stood over the sink. She could smell fresh coffee brewing. He looked domesticated and it made her want to know more about him.
He didn’t turn and look at her as he spoke. “I hope you like pancakes and eggs?” He said without looking as he continued to cook. “The coffee is almost done. You can grab a cup if you want.” He said as she stepped into the kitchen. He finally glanced at her for a moment as she walked past him, and he saw the shirt she was wearing. It momentarily brought him back to a different time.