Chosen

by Melanie Purser

  Darien

  I had to get out of the bedroom. Her sweet scent and the memory of her touch on my skin is driving me mad. I thought the shower would help, but so far has been a failure as I can’t stop thinking about her just outside the door, and how badly I wanted her in here with me.

  I hadn’t meant to fall asleep in the bed with her, nor did I plan to practically smother her to death, but I can’t say I didn’t get a great night’s sleep.

  We were actually supposed to meet up with my friend Gray last night with his helicopter, but Ari was mentally and physically exhausted. The helicopter would have woken her up, or maybe not. I’ve never known a wolf who slept so hard.

  To be safe, we decided to stay the night here in Seattle. We could have stayed with a pack member, but I didn’t want to freak Ari out by making her stay in a new place with more foreign wolf smells. Foreign to her anyways.

  Of course, there were only two single bedrooms left. I was going to sleep on the floor, but now I just look like an asshole. Although it was nice waking up to her touching places that I never thought were sensitive. I almost lost it the moment I scented her arousal.

  How have I gone from not wanting a mate in my life to completely needing this woman? I didn’t want to force her to stay if it isn’t what she wants, though why anyone would want to run from a life of luxury and safety is beyond me. Maybe I just hoped the girl I imagined wouldn’t want to stay. Now that I have caught a glimpse of the real woman, I’m not sure that I could let her go now, even if she wanted to leave.

  I walk back out into the room after drying off and changing into a fresh pair of clothes. Her scent, her arousal hits me full force and I can’t help but smile. It’s good to know that I am not the only one struggling with the heat between us.

  My wolf and I want to just take her now, and claim our mate, though another part of me wants to run before I scare her off. This isn’t the place I want it to happen. I need to wait until she is comfortable, and based on her fear I that sensed earlier; I know she isn’t ready yet. Hopefully she will be soon because I don’t know how much longer I can wait for her. Ari’s wolf, her strong blood, calls to us.

  She walks on shaky legs passed me to the bathroom and I fight the urge to grab her and kiss her until I can’t feel my lips anymore.

  I need to taste her, but I know that once I start, I won’t be able to stop.

  That helicopter better be here soon before I lose my mind to my wolf.

  If I sit here and wait, thinking about her naked body in the shower, and then have her come out with sexy wet hair I really am going to snap. I decide to leave her a note telling her to meet me at room 141 when she is done.

  Grabbing my bag, I quietly slip out the door. At least around my other wolves I should be able to clear my head a little better. Or so I thought.

  Thirty minutes later I am seated at the hotel room’s desk talking to the guys about plans for when we arrive back home, when Ari walks in. She awkwardly pushes her way through the door handling her bag and two suitcases. Shit. I am such an asshole. Apparently, I have a talent for mucking this up. Goes to show how much experience I’ve had with women in my past. Pretty much, zero.

  “Nice job boss, making the poor girl carry all of this by herself,” Asher laughs before groaning from a quick strike to the gut.

  We all stare at Ari in attack position, prepared for a counter-attack from Asher. Silly girl. No one would dare mess with the Alpha’s mate. Not without a death wish.

  “I’m not a poor girl,” she growls, “I can take care of myself.”

  Asher looks at me with amusement in his eyes, and I see red as he steps towards her.

  The bastard reaches a hand out to grab her. He’s my best friend, but can’t they see that I’m prepared to kill for this woman?

  After what happened to her last night, no one is laying a hand on her if I have anything to say about it.

  I move to intercept him, but before I can get there, she grabs his outstretched hand, pulls him towards her, and uses his momentum to flip him on his back.

  “Clearly,” he laughs appreciatively from the floor. “Lucky bastard,” he mutters after glancing at me standing above him. He is lucky she got to him before I could.

  Turning my attention to her, and stepping back to calm my nerves, I shift my attention to her. Not like I had a choice. The woman is testing my control with her sexy wet hair pulled up into a messy bun. Her white blouse flows over tight, blue, jean shorts, and she traded out her boots for white flats.

  I can’t decide which outfit I prefer more. She looks absolutely breathtaking right now, but the combat boots were pretty hot, and a pleasant surprise for a royal to be wearing. I’m curious as to what she will surprise me with next.

  Glancing around the now quiet room, I notice Ari tensely standing in the middle, with Trace and Asher both staring openly at her. They both look dazed, and seem to be struggling with their control.

  And then I remember that they are both unmated, dominant males. Dammit, why am I so stupid lately?

  “Ari, would you like to come get some breakfast with me?” I practically yell the question at her in my panic.

  “Yes!” she snaps a little too quickly. She knew just how dire the situation was about to get. I grab her hand, and we practically run out the door before Trace or Asher can even react.

  Ari

  Darien and I run down the hotel’s hallway. He looks back to make sure that his men didn’t follow us. Last thing we need is a brawl between a bunch of dominant werewolves in a hotel full of people. We can’t ever let the humans know we exist. They are better off being blissfully unaware of the creatures that lurk in the night.

  As we sprint away, I’m definitely regretting wearing these stupid flats. I can run just fine in them, but they are not meant for their durability. I only put them on because I stupidly thought that I could get Darien’s attention. I don’t want his attention. I shouldn’t want his attention, but a subconscious part of me apparently does.

  My wolf and I need to have a talk. She may want the powerful, sexy Alpha, but this girl knows that this man is dangerous.

  Not only do I have to deal with him, but now I have two dominants and the Alpha lusting over the untouched, unmated female. Can you say déjà vu?

  “Sorry. I didn’t think about Trace and Asher being unmated,” Darien apologizes awkwardly.

  Because Darien and I are technically not mated yet, I am still considered fair game.

  Back at home I stayed away from everyone so I had forgotten what it was like for a single male. Well, so much for dragging out the mating process as long as possible. If we don’t mate, or if I don’t leave soon, Darien will be at risk for a challenge from his men.

  While a part of me thinks that wouldn’t be so bad since that would mean I wouldn’t have to mate to a monster, another part of me knows his men may not be any better. In fact, whoever bests him could be a monster far worse than Darien himself. Not to mention the fact that someone innocent could get killed, and it would be my fault. Hell, he had murder in his eyes with his own men just moments ago. If I hadn’t put a stop to it myself, who knows what would have happened?

  Maybe a fight between him and his wolves would be a good distraction for me to get away though. Either that or I would have every single male in the pack on my tail, and I’d never get a moment of peace to escape.

  I can say that I am honestly surprised that Asher is even interested in me, especially after I flipped him on his ass. Apart from my uncles, most men have either tried to fight back dirty, or their pride would be too hurt to feel any attraction afterwards.

  “It’s strange. I have never seen them so interested in a mate that they almost lost control,” he says suspiciously, “maybe it has something to do with your bloodline.”

  “Couldn’t tell ya. I didn’t spend much time around the males in my pack. Or the females for that matter.”

  “Really?” he asks in disbelief, and I don’t answer. I don’t have to prov
e anything to him. “Why not?”

  “I just didn’t,” I reply sharply so he will let it drop, and I keep on walking.

  As we make it to the lobby, all of the breakfast setup is being put away. I know Darien was just trying to save me from all of the building testosterone, but I am actually starving. I haven’t eaten since yesterday morning.

  To prove it, my stomach growls, and I blush.

  Darien grabs my hand and leads me outside. I resist the urge to rip my hand out of his. It’s not hard, because I actually like the feel of my hand in his.

  Am I a monster for being attracted to one? How could this happen to me; the girl who doesn’t give anyone the time of day unless it’s for a sparring match? The girl who doesn’t bow to anyone, not even my own Alpha. I wonder if I could break Darien’s control. Now that would be a sight to see.

  “Come on. Let’s get you some food. Although I am afraid of what you can do to my two best men on a full stomach.”

  “It’s not my fault! He was asking for it,” I feel like a child defending myself to my dad, like so many times before.

  “Hey,” he cups my chin, effectively stunning me. My eyes are lost in his as they hold me captive. “I’m not mad,” he soothes.

  He isn’t mad? I mean, he shouldn’t be, but Alphas aren’t usually too pleased when their men get beat up by a single woman. I always thought it would be better to put that anger towards the one who lost. That just makes too much sense though.

  My heart rate picks up when his hand doesn’t leave my jawline, and his deep sea-green eyes still hold mine. Those intense eyes shift to my lips, and right before I think he is going to kiss me, he pulls away.

  “Hell, I’m thrilled. I’d make you my second if that were allowed, and if it wouldn’t terrify me to put you in harm’s way.”

  “I’m not afraid to fight,” I stand straighter. My tone brings his eyes back to mine.

  “I didn’t figure you were. I would never forgive myself if something happened to you, though.”

  His words throw me off and he tugs me along before I can respond. It doesn’t matter right now anyways. I most likely won’t be sticking around to be a fighter for him anyways.

  I try to focus on my surroundings to try and calm my racing heart.

  Large buildings and shops surround us, along with thousands of cars and people just on this one stretch of road. I feel like I am in what I picture New York to be like. The sky is overcast and the saltiness from the ocean gives the air is muggy and stinky scent. The ocean smells a lot cleaner and fresher back home.

  I’m glad Darien’s base isn’t in Seattle. This small-town girl wouldn’t survive here.

  Darien brings us to a halt in front of a small bakery, and holds the door open for me. The smell of warm dough and sugar makes me smile. I must admit that it is convenient having everything you need right at your fingertips. We have to travel to Kotzebue or Anchorage for most of our things such as clothes and more variety of foods to stock up on. You can forget finding anything as fancy as a bakery in Noatak.

  I check out the bakery’s display of goodies and order two bacon, egg, and cheese croissants with a hot chocolate.

  “Make that two,” Darien adds in before handing the cashier his card. Shoot.

  I forgot all about having to pay. I’ve never worried about money before. Of course, I never really asked for anything growing up. I just wanted to be in my wolf form away from everyone, but every now and then mom would bring me clothes and other things she thought would make me happy. I never really thought about it much, but now it suddenly bothers me that I don’t have any money of my own.

  “Are you okay with hanging out here for a few minutes?” Darien asks me as the lady starts putting our food in paper sleeves. I nod my head.

  The cashier hands us our croissants while another lady retrieves our drinks.

  Darien takes the hot drinks and kicks out a chair for me at a quiet table in the corner. I take the seat he offers and he takes the one opposite of me before setting my hot cocoa down in front of me.

  I agreed to stay here so that I could ask him something, but I’m regretting that now. Even with all the people around, it feels way too intimate sitting across from each other in this dimly lit area, with all the sweet smells surrounding us. Is this what a date feels like? Pull yourself together, it’s just breakfast, I scold myself.

  I’m not even sure why I am entertaining the idea of staying, but I guess I’m curious about his answers to my question all the same. The question will also keep him from suspecting my contemplation for leaving. At least that’s what I tell myself.

  I take a sip out of my steaming cup and my empty stomach swoons with delight. I grab my sandwich next and nibble on it a bit as I try to gather up the nerve for what I am about to say.

  “So, Alpha Shield—

  “Darien is fine,” he cuts me off, and I take a deep breath to calm myself before I blush bright red. It shouldn’t be that big of a deal. I mean we are supposed to become mates. That is, if I decide to stick around.

  Hopefully no one is holding their breath on that, but if I do, there are some things I want to discuss.

  “Right. Darien. I have a question,” I begin awkwardly. What is it about him that continues to set me on the edge? I’m never this jumpy. Maybe it’s just because I’m not used to being around others or because I’m afraid of the person he is hiding under this cool, friendly mask that he is wearing for me. Or maybe it’s his insanely good looks.

  “Shoot,” he says before bringing his cup of hot cocoa to his lips.

  “I was wondering, for when we get back, if there is a job that I could do to earn some money,” he spits his drink straight back into his cup, causing some of it to splash onto the table, “Oh my goodness, are you okay? Is it too hot or something?”

  I grab some napkins and hand them to him. He quickly starts cleaning it up instead of answering me, looking too bewildered to reply. Did it taste bad? Mine had tasted fine and the temperature was perfect.

  “You want a job?” he asks in disbelief after settling himself.

  “Well yeah, I feel like I should earn my share. I want to earn my share,” he narrows his eyes at me, but is that relief I see in them too? No, that wouldn’t make sense. Plus, if I had my own money and ever needed to run, I would have the means to do so.

  He doesn’t say anything for a while, and I wait for him to refuse and tell me that my job is to be home taking care of things there and having children, and pampering myself so that I keep up my youthful features. I almost want him to say exactly that because it would easily make my decision for me.

  “Sure. When we get home, if you still want a job, we can figure something out,” he replies hesitantly. Well that wasn’t so hard, but I don’t know what is up with the strange way he is reacting. Is he really going to be okay with this or is he just saying it to appease me?

  If he is serious though, what does that mean for me? Will I stay? I guess it’s a reason to try and make it work if he isn’t lying to me.

  “What are you so happy about?” he asks making me realize that I am smiling. I quickly smother it and look away as I finish my food. Darien pulls his flashing phone out of his pocket and checks the screen. “Our ride is here. Are you ready to go?

  Chapter 8

  Darien

  SHE WANTS A JOB? Since when does an Alpha’s mate, a royal, want a job? She must be pulling my leg. There must be some ulterior motive, but I can’t think of what that could possibly be. This woman is a puzzle and I don’t know if I will ever be able to solve it.

  First, she can fight just as well, if not better than probably most of my men, and then there was her comment about never hanging out with anyone in her pack. Most royal females take advantage of their strong blood to show off in front of their pack. Royal females are hard to come by, so they know they are guaranteed a life of high status.

  As a male, we work hard and fight to become the strongest in order to become Alpha one day, but the females d
on’t have to worry about such things.

  This girl is already an enigma, but now she tells me she wants to work. Not to mention the fact that she seems to be nothing like her mother, which I am very okay with that aspect.

  If it weren’t for how easily her blood is threatening to rip apart my control, I’d almost think she wasn’t the Alpha’s real daughter.

  Is this some trick to infiltrate my pack? You’d think she would want to at least try to hide her abilities if she was undercover.

  Until my wolves mentioned it, I had almost forgotten he had a daughter because he kept it on a low profile. There were a few Alphas that had asked for her hand in the past, but they were all turned down. Could this be why? Everyone thought it was because of all the rumors about how stubborn and crazy she is.

  Meeting and observing her now, I can see where the rumors came from, but I can tell that they were exaggerated and that they left out all of the good qualities she has that I’ve witnessed thus far.

  Can I really be lucky enough to get a mate like her? If I had known there were women like Ari out there, I would have searched for a mate a long time ago. It’s as if I have been waiting for her this whole time. I don’t think anyone else could hold this power over me. She is it for me.

  Now I just need to figure out why she is keeping her distance from me. I’ve somehow won a couple smiles, and I can tell that she is attracted to me, but she is definitely holding herself back.

  Almost four hours later, we are landing in Priest River, Idaho. Trace and Asher both took sleeping pills for the ride so that they would be unconscious while in a secluded area with Ari and I. Our metabolism is faster than normal human’s though, so the pills would burn off just in time for landing. I only wish that I had taken one too.

  Ari and I spoke for a few minutes in the beginning of the trip, but for two hours, I watched as multiple emotions played across her face while she stared out the window, thinking, or daydreaming about who knows what. I wanted to know each thought she was having, but couldn’t find the nerve to ask her. Just thinking about the possibilities of what could be going through her mind was driving me crazy.