The Reluctant Alpha

by A. K. Michaels

  Philippe raised an eyebrow as he motioned with a hand for her to continue.

  “He wants to leave the Pack and take me with him. He’s trying to do some sort of deal with someone but he wouldn’t tell me any details. He said he can’t trust me not to tell you. He said he wants to go somewhere he’ll have a chance of becoming Alpha and he knows that won’t happen here. You’re too strong for him to ever challenge so he’s got his eye on a smaller Pack with an Alpha he can take over from.”

  Chastity sat back up as Philippe cursed, “Fuck! I knew he was a traitor! He’s going to rue the day he ever thought of leaving. I’ll rip his fucking throat out! When is he due back? Tell me, sister, tell me now!”

  Chastity’s heart leaped in her chest as Philippe ranted. “I’m not sure, he said he’s got some business to attend to and he didn’t want you to know ‘bout it. He said he’d kill me if I told you.”

  “I bet he did. Well, you don’t need to worry ‘bout that fucker anymore. I’ll deal with him.” Philippe sneered down at her, “However, you’re staying here until I deal with him. I wouldn’t want you letting the cat out of the bag that I know his devious little plan. Get comfortable, Chastity and thank you, sister, for finally telling me the truth.”

  “I was scared, Philippe. He said he would hurt me or kill me if I told you.” Chastity managed a small smile as her brother’s hand tousled her hair.

  “I won’t let him hurt you. I’ll take care of him but you understand I can’t have you running off and letting him know that I’m onto him. Don’t you?”

  “Yes, of course, but I would never do that.” Chastity tried for sincerity and thought she’d pulled it off as he smiled at her.

  “Just in case, little sister, I’m keeping you guarded under lock and key.”

  With that he turned around and left, her heart rate slowly going back to normal. She could still hear him talking to someone outside in the hall so she guessed he was making sure the guards didn’t let her out.

  “Shit, I’ll need to call Cam in the morning and let him know I can’t get away,” she thought lying down and trying to sleep. Thinking of the black Wolf causing her stomach to flutter as her eyes slid closed.

  *****

  Cam watched his PI work. Jacob hissed, then snarled, then growled, but Cam didn’t comment. He knew that he would talk to him when he wanted and not before, but could only assume he was checking out Quincy. Pascall’s gambling would not elicit that kind of response from his hardened PI. Cam continued with the contract, nodding to himself as he finished. Stracey had done it again. Everything was perfect and legally binding. Well, apart from the forged signature. However, he knew that absolutely nobody could question the perfect copy of the Beta’s own handwriting.

  Jacob was good, very good indeed.

  It was almost half an hour before Jacob spoke again. Slamming a palm down onto the table as his printer started to whir and papers appeared. “Got it. Pascall is easy, he’s already in hock to another moneylender and looks like Philippe has bailed him out before so he’s not gonna do it again. He is up to his neck in gambling debts so...”

  “How much?” Cam butted in.

  “Over a hundred thousand and rising dramatically every day with the kind of interest he’s paying.” Jacob handed Cam the paperwork. “Now, our other Wolf, Quincy, I gotta say, Cam, I want to get my hands on him real bad. He’s online a lot getting kiddie porn pics and through that I managed to hack into his home pc. It’s chock full of disgusting images and the stupid fuck even has pics of him on there with kids. I’m sure we can use them to get him to sign over or we hand him and the pics over to the Council. He’ll know full well what the Council does to kiddie diddlers so he’s gonna want to avoid that at all costs. It’s a pity though ‘cause he needs to be dealt with and the harsher the better.”

  Cam held his hand up, “Wait, shit, I forgot to phone Rebecca. I need to get in touch with her before I can deal with Quincy’s sick proclivities.”

  Jacob started to put the paperwork into two separate files and Cam almost gagged as he caught sight of some of Quincy’s pictures. He turned away so he didn’t have to see them as he found Rebecca’s number and connecting the call. It rang for several seconds before her soft voice answered.

  “Cam, how nice to hear from you.”

  Cam couldn’t help but smile. Rebecca may be small, with strawberry blonde hair and brown eyes and she had the softest voice he’d heard. But, and it was a big but, the Witch was anything but soft. She was one kickass woman who wielded magic like a sword, precise and, at times, deadly.

  “Rebecca, I hope you are well?” Cam opened with the niceties, she didn’t respond well otherwise.

  “I am, thank you for asking. And you?”

  “I’m fine, thanks.”

  “So, what do you need?”

  Typical Rebecca, straight to point after the minutiae was out of the way. “I’m at my uncle’s Pack and we have a problem. Another Pack is using magic to shield them infiltrating and attacking his Wolves. Some have disappeared and never been found, others have had nearly fatal accidents, including my cousin. If I send the jet are you able to come and help out?”

  Rebecca’s voice changed in an instant, “What? That’s outrageous! Of course I’ll come. I’ll be there as soon as I can. I’m visiting another coven so I’m not too far away. I can drive, I don’t need the jet.”

  “Thank you.” Cam knew Rebecca’s deep seated values would have her offended and angered at what was going on. “We need all the help we can get. See you soon, Rebecca.”

  “Okay, Cam, and you take care until I get there. I wouldn’t like to see you getting hurt.”

  He knew that the Witch had a soft spot for him but he thought of her more like a little sister and just didn’t feel that way toward her. He’d let her down gently one time and she’d backed off. Cam was glad because he didn’t want to lose her friendship or her magic. She’d helped him hone his own on more occasions than he could remember.

  “I’ll be careful. Gotta go, we’ve a lot to do here.”

  She said goodbye and he hung up, turning to see Jacob smirking. “Don’t say a word. Not a word.”

  “I didn’t say anything but since we’re alone I think you’re going to want to hear some other information I have.”

  Cam sat back down. “Go,” was all he said as Jacob checked his screen.

  “Okay.” Jacob scrolled down and then looked at Cam. “Philippe’s been buying up land as we already know, but, he’s got bids in on two parcels that could cause this Pack problems. One is to the North West and one is to the South East and Fearghas transports timber right through both of those areas. I can only assume Philippe is going to buy and then stop your uncle from using those roads. There’s no other way available for Fearghas unless he builds another road and that’s going to either be impossible as it would need to cut through property he doesn’t own or pay Philippe to use the roads. Neither is a good option.”

  “When do the bids close?”

  Jacob checked his screen again. “Tomorrow at midday.”

  Cam pulled his phone out, hitting speed dial one. He didn’t even let Stracey say hello, “Jacob is going to send you some details of land that’s up for sale. Bidding ends tomorrow midday and I want them. He’ll let you know what to bid in the mail he sends you. Let me know as soon as it’s done.”

  Stracey only said, “Of course.” And Cam hung up.

  Looking pointedly at his PI he queried, “I assume you can find out Philippe’s bid?” Jacob nodded, “Good, add on another fifty thousand and send that figure to Ms. Hood.”

  Jacob held his hand up, “Wait a minute, Cam. The land is tiny and I’m sure, wait a sec...”

  Jacob’s fingers flew over the keyboard for a couple of minutes before he smiled, “Yeah, I thought so. Philippe’s bid is eight thousand for one and nine for the other and he’s outbid any others by a couple of thousand. You don’t need to pay fifty more.”

  “I do,” Cam’s face was as
hard as his voice, “if I want that land I need to make sure he doesn’t get it. I’m assuming he doesn’t have an extra $100K lying around?” Jacob shook his head. “Good, that means I get the land. Send the email, Jacob.”

  “Fine,” Jacob grumbled, “but if you want to throw money away then throw it my way.”

  Cam sniggered, “You have more than enough money and don’t even try to deny it.”

  “I get by,” Jacob said as Cam laughed out loud.

  “Get by! You get by? So how did you buy that Porsche? Or that Cartier that’s on your wrist?”

  Jacob shrugged, “I saved?”

  Cam laughed again. “Yeah, you saved up for a Porsche.”

  The large Wolf laughed with Cam before giving up. “Yeah, okay, I’ve got a few dollars. Not as much as you, playboy, but enough.”

  “So, we’ve gotten sidetracked. Let’s get back to Pascall and Quincy.”

  Jacob scowled, “Do we have to? I felt as if I needed a long shower after dealing with those two, ‘specially Quincy.”

  “Yes,” Cam said as he picked up one of the piles of paper, “we do. Now, Pascall is going to be easy, get his number and arrange a meet somewhere in town. Offer him enough to pay his debts off and some more and if he doesn’t bite then you can tell him it’s a case of take it or…”

  Jacob’s face deadpan as he answered, “I do like the ‘or’ option but I’ll only go there if need be.”

  “Organize another meet with Quincy. Take this shit here and let him know you’re going to hand him and it over to the Council if he doesn’t sign over his percentage. Offer him ten $10K in cash and that’s all.”

  Jacob’s face turned hard, full of anger as he replied, “We’re not letting him get away are we? I just want him to sign then I’d like to take him somewhere nice ‘n private for a little one on one.”

  Cam stared at Jacob, cocking his head to the side then raising an eyebrow. “How well do you know me? You think I’d let him go? Really?”

  Cam saw Jacob’s eyes widen before his mouth broke into a grin. “Thank fuck for that, ‘cause I’m not sure I’d’ve let him go even if you’d said to. So, what’s your plan for him?”

  “Matthieu,” Cam nodded toward the pile of papers that held the disgusting images of Quincy. “We give him that and the time of the meet and he can pick him up afterward. I have a feeling Quincy will have a rough ride with that particular Wolf. Matthieu doesn’t come across as if he’ll be gentle with a Wolf that’s done what Quincy has.”

  “Good,” Jacob’s voice full of hatred, “makes me feel a bit better but I’d still like my own time alone with the bastard.”

  “Me too, but we have other things to take care of, my friend. We need to keep this Pack safe.”

  ~Chapter 9 ~

  Cam went to the fridge, putting out some fruit to snack on just as Fergie and the boys arrived back, joking and laughing as they entered the kitchen. Fergie looked as if he’d been given a new lease on life, his smile wide and eyes alive with mischief. Just the way he used to be before being attacked and left for dead.

  “Fergie,” Cam caught his cousin’s attention, “I’ve a job for Matthieu and the Council. Can you give him this paperwork and ask him to liaise with Jacob regarding picking this fuck up?”

  Fergie reached for the sheaf of papers and Cam cautioned, “I’d warn against looking at this. It’s not pretty and you’ll only feel disgusted and angry. Just get it to Matthieu please.”

  “Okay, cuz, whatever you say.” Fergie placed the papers on his lap and wheeled away quickly.

  *****

  “Angel, where are you?” Fergie asked as soon as he closed the door of their cabin. His need to hold his mate burning deep inside him.

  “I’m here, ma cherie.” Angel appeared from the kitchen, a pile of laundry in her arms. “I’m just going to put these away. Did you have fun getting the sensors set up and meeting with your cousin?”

  “Put them down and come here.” Fergie’s voice was husky as his arousal grew. A mere glimpse of his mate was all that it took.

  “Oh! I see my Wolf is amorous tonight. Oui?” Angel laughed, placing the laundry on a chair and skipping over to him.

  As soon as he could he grabbed her, his thick strong arms, pulling her to sit on his lap. “I am, my little minx, especially after the crap I’ve just seen. I need you, Angel.”

  “What’s wrong?” Angel’s eyes staring at him, worry on her face.

  “One of the Wild Ranch Pack, he’s a fucking monster. He, he, well, let’s just say he preys on kids.”

  “No! Surely an Alpha wouldn’t allow that? Even one as bad as Dupont?”

  “He does, he apparently doesn’t give a shit one of his inner circle is a pedophile. Fuck!” Fergie ran a hand over his face, “Come to me, baby, I need you to take those fucking images outta my head.”

  She was on his lap, her arms around his neck, in a flash, the feel of her body against him calming his inner beast. Angel pressed her lips to his, his heart beating wildly as her hands caressed his face. “Let’s go to bed, ma cherie.” Her words stroking against his mouth.

  “You know I love you? Don’t you?” Fergie murmured against her luscious lips.

  Angel’s tongue licked his mouth before gently biting his bottom lip. “I do, but not as much as I love you. Now, take me to bed and let that tongue loose on my body!”

  Fergie chuckled as he wheeled them towards their room, Angel’s hands doing sinful things to his body as they went. “Help me forget what I saw, Angel.”

  Her head lowered, nibbling on his neck, “I will, ma cherie, I will,” she whispered as they reached their room.

  “Good,” was all he said as his lips claimed hers in a scorching kiss.

  *****

  “Are guards organized? Shifts set in place?” Jacob asked as he typed furiously on his keyboard.

  “Yes and yes. We’re taking over at dawn but it’s covered ‘til then.” Mac replied as he got a beer from the fridge and sat down.

  Jacob nodded. “Good. All sensors are active and an alarm will go off here if one is triggered. I’ll have this beside my bed, wherever that is, and it’ll wake me. Fuck, the noise will probably wake everyone up so if you hear it then get your asses’ outta bed.”

  “Will do,” Cam muttered as his mind wandered to the white Wolf. He could see her clearly as she ran through the forest and once again his stomach clenched tight.

  *****

  “Cam,” Rory braved Cam being upset at him, taking the bull by its horns and asking what he’d wanted to since they’d walked in. “Is it okay if I go and meet Charlie? I promise I’ll get to bed at a decent time and be up for our shift at dawn.”

  Cam frowned. “Charlie? Who the hell is Charlie?”

  Jinx laughed as Logan smirked, Rory knew he was blushing. “Charlie’s the She-Wolf I met last night. Her name’s Charlotte but she prefers Charlie.”

  Mac smirked as he put his beer down. “She followed us around as we put the sensors out. She’s like a little…”

  “Shut up, Mac!” Rory spat out through clenched teeth. “I told you earlier to pack it in. I won’t say it again.”

  Rory could feel his anger rising as Mac spoke and he fought to control it. He was sure Cam wouldn’t appreciate if he punched Mac square on the nose, like he desperately wanted to. Rory felt his anger recede as his longing to go and meet up with Charlotte rose. He watched as Cam looked between him and Mac.

  “So long as you don’t forget your commitment to us, Rory.” Cam stared hard at him. “We’ll need you alert for your shift, the Pack’s safety is in our hands right now and we can’t jeopardize that for anything or anyone. Okay?”

  Rory’s heart soared. “Yes, I understand. See you at dawn.”

  He was already walking backwards while he spoke and as soon as he finished he turned around and bolted outside. Charlotte was waiting for him, sitting on the bottom step to the house. As she turned to look up at him, her face broke into a wide, beaming smile and his stomach
was suddenly full of butterflies.

  “Hi,” he managed to get out as she stood up, “you’re still here.”

  “What an idiot! Of course she’s still here!” he thought as she held out a hand to him.

  “I told you I’d wait.” She grinned as he took her hand.

  “Where shall we go?” he asked as they walked away from the house. The feel of her hand in his so good he clasped it tighter.

  “Well, my dad is on guard duty and it’s only him and me in our cabin.” Her eyes twinkled as she looked up into his eyes, a rather cheeky look on her face.

  “Really?” Rory grinned like a kid. “Where’s your mum?”

  “Mom, we say mom here and she’s away visiting her sister for a few days. So, my true Highland Wolf, we have the place to ourselves.”

  “I see.” Rory squeezed her hand. “I just gotta check though, is that okay? Your Pack doesn’t have rules ‘bout that? A single female taking a male back to their cabin? I don’t want to upset anyone ‘cause Cam would kick my ass if I did.”

  Charlie shrugged. “Nope, we’re pretty free around here and I’m old enough so there’s no problem.”

  “How old?” Rory asked, wondering for the hundredth time since he’d met her.

  “I’m an adult, Rory, don’t worry.” Charlie pulled him onwards. “How old are you?”

  Rory laughed, “Oh I think you’d be surprised. I’m a lot older than I look.”

  “Same here.” Charlie smirked.

  “Let’s just agree we’re both adults and free to do as we wish. How’s that?” Rory asked as she tugged him up some stairs and into a small cabin.

  “Agreed.” Charlie swept her arm outwards. “Welcome to my home, Highland boy.”

  “I’m no boy, Charlie.” Rory only looked around for a second or two before his eyes landed back on hers.

  “Good,” she said and bit her lower lip, “‘cause I’m not looking for a boy. I want a man and they’re in short supply around here.”