Chapter 8

• Lance's point of view.
• 'Who was that girl, and why did she have such an impact on me? It was as if she were my mate, but that was impossible. She's a rogue. A rogue is not someone who I can mate with. The moon goddess would never do something so heinous. There must have been some sort of misunderstanding because I was only with her for a short while. I have decided to dismiss her from my mind.
• My inner wolf is growling at me right now. He is normally quiet, in control, and content to remain in the background of my mind, but that is not the case today. Not since we first encountered her.
• Her. I'm not even sure what the shewolf's name is. I try to put her out of my mind as much as possible. I have the Scarlet Moon Pack takeover to worry about, as well as the threat of rogues to deal with. Rogues' attacks have increased, and the Lavage Wolves are circling for any sign of weakness. I can't think about some rogue shewolf when I have these issues to deal with.
• I intend to spend the next few months at the Scarlet Moon Pack-house. I could probably run the pack from Silver Light territory, but it will be easier to integrate the pack if I remain directly involved throughout the process. They must acknowledge me as their alpha and comprehend what I will and will not tolerate.
• It will also allow me to spend more time with David and figure out what is going on here. Is he drinking too much and getting into trouble?
• I adore my younger brother, and I know he has a good heart, but he has changed since our father was killed.
• He's always been laid-back and enjoyed a good time, but this feels different. The drinking appears to have taken over. He appears to be fleeing the situation, and I cannot allow him to do so. He must confront what occurred and accept his responsibilities. I will make certain that he does so while I am present.
• I've made plans to meet him for lunch at a small restaurant near the university campus. He's running late, so I take a seat and order a drink while I wait for him.
• He asks when he finally arrives twenty minutes late. "What ever happened to your shirt?"
• "It was a mistake. "I came across a she-wolf."
• "Really?" he asks, a smile on his face. "Is there anyone I should be aware of?" It's uncharacteristic of you to get so close to a woman that you allow her to rip your clothes off."
• "Don't go overboard. It's just a simple tear. Anyway, it wasn't on purpose; I slammed into her by accident, and she lost her balance."
• His grin widens as he takes pleasure in my obvious discomfort. "Was she attractive? "Who is this she-wolf?"
• I take a breather. All I can think about is how beautiful she was, but it doesn't matter. "She was a misfit. You should know better than to think I'd get involved with a rogue."
• He no longer smiles. "Of course," she says. I'm sure you wouldn't."
• "Good." "Are you ready to order?" I change the subject. I only have 40 minutes until I have to return to the pack."
• "An Alpha's work is never done."
• "It isn't," I explain.
• We strike up a casual conversation, and I forget about my encounter with the seductive she-wolf.
• ______
• Allison's point of view.
• Overall, I had a fantastic day. Even being knocked to the ground by a pack of wolves couldn't dampen my enthusiasm for my first day at university. I had a great time exploring campus and can't wait for classes to start next week.
• When we return home, Jaxon will be waiting for us.
• "It's great to see you again." "Jaxon, we don't see you for weeks and then hear you're back less than 24 hours later," Daniella teases as she looks at me.
• Jaxon is flushed. "I've come to set up Allison's meeting with the alpha." I also agreed to take her to Raffles. They're looking for bartenders."
• "You are, of course. Jaxon, you're a good friend to her."
• "I am a good wolf friend to all of you." "If you recall, I did the same thing when each of you arrived," he says.
• "You did, I was only teasing."
• "When would you like to go?" I try to change the subject by asking Jaxon.
• "It's Sunday evening. On Sundays, he usually takes the time to speak with wolves from outside his pack."
• "That sounds good."
• After dinner, I'll take you to Raffles to apply for that job. Archie, I am confident you will get along well with the owner.
• -----------
• Jaxon drives me to a bar near campus. It is located on a side street off the main drag. There is a small sign outside advertising that food and drink are served here, but it is so unobtrusive that you would miss it if you didn't already know there was a bar here.
• When we walk in, I notice that tables and chairs are strewn about the room in a haphazard manner. The bar runs along the right side of the room, and there is a small stage at the far end.
• "Jaxon, nice to see you," a voice from the bar says.
• "Hello Archie, "How are things going?"
• "Good. "Who are you carrying?" Archie inquires.
• "That friend I mentioned to you. "The new student looking for a part-time job."
• "Another of your wolves?" he asks, his gaze fixed on me.
• "She is."
• I can tell he's a human being. I'm hoping that being a wolf won't be a problem, but I don't think it will. If the owner was prejudiced against werewolves, Jaxon would not have brought me here. I'm surprised he's even aware of our existence.
• "Well, she is a looker," he remarks appreciatively. "The regulars would like her, but does she know her way around a bar?"
• "Yes. During the summer, I worked in a bar for four months. "I can pull pints and make cocktails," I quickly add.
• "You sound absolutely perfect." I'm looking for someone to work Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. From six o'clock at night to two a.m. Will the fact that the pay is minimum wage be a problem?"
• "No, that sounds great."
• "Come here at five o'clock next Thursday, and I'll show you around before we open."
• "Thank you very much," I say gratefully. I'm relieved to have found work so quickly.
• As we leave the bar, I notice Calvin sitting at a table in the far corner. Calvin is with another wolf, but he isn't paying attention to him. Instead, he's staring at me. His electric blue eyes are fixed on me, never leaving my face. My cheeks begin to flush, and I can't take my gaze away from his.
• "Just give me a minute," I say, blushing. "All I want to do is say hello to someone I know."