Chapter 4

• Dad was gone early the next day and the ladies weren’t back from their shift vacation. What did I wear to swear my loyalty to my new demi-god Alpha? Something that covered every inch of my skin so when that dumb mark appeared he wouldn’t see it. Unless it showed up on my forehead. I wouldn’t put it passed the Moon goddess she had a wicked sense of humour.
• Since I lost my phone I would have to find a job to replace it. Now that Ezra knew I was here I wouldn’t have to hide. I grabbed a few help-wanted flyers and stuffed them in my bag. The Alpha’s house was a ten-minute walk from home. When I arrived beta wolves marched in and out of the property as young ladies giggled with trays of food mostly meat and fruit walked into the house.
• Dad’s truck was parked in the driveway. Of course, he had to be here. I took a deep breath and proceeded.
• “Can I help you?” A man stopped me at the door.
• I took a step back. My breath caught in my throat and memories spiked my brain.
• “I…uh…”
• I willed myself to breathe. It wasn’t him. He might be a beta wolf but he had brown eyes. He was lean, not bulky. I shook my head.
• “I have a meeting with the Alpha.”
• “Wait, I know you.”
• Crap. I swallowed. Don’t tell me Alpha Blake printed wanted posters of me. I’d be screwed if he did.
• The beta snapped his fingers. “The she-wolf that kicked some rogue ass.”
• “Oh… the gas station store.”
• He folded his arms over his chest. “Pretty cool. Did the owner run after the two guys got there?”
• “No, he wasn’t there. I think they knew him.”
• The beta nodded and frowned. “Interesting. Ezra expecting you?”
• I nodded.
• “Cool. I’m Hunter.”
• “Summer.”
• Hunter led me through the house with walls made of paintings. Wolf war and vampire-wolf war paintings sparked fear in visitors when they first walked in. I stopped at a set of gorgeous golden staircase leading to the second floor. Blue carpet protected the stairs as it did for most of the house. I felt bad for wearing my sneakers inside.
• “This way,” Hunter said, walking down a dark hall.
• I swallowed. Where was he taking me? Cussing and bangs came from a shut door. Words do not disturb written on the door warned us off but Hunter yanked the door open and walked in.
• “What the fuck?” Ezra barked.
• “Brought you something sweet.”
• “You have two seconds before I rip your tongue out.”
• Hunter laughed. “Why don’t you come in doll face.”
• I scowled, “Doll face?”
• Hunter barked out a laugh. The rage slipped from Ezra’s face. “You.”
• “Isn’t she sweet?” Hunter grinned.
• I resisted the urge to shrink but failed to fight the pink shade that spread across my nose and cheeks.
• “Get out Hunter. You have work to do.”
• Hunter winked at me. “Alright, alright. I know Alphas don’t like to share their food.”
• My jaw dropped but Hunter was out before I could speak.
• “Did he just call me food?” I gawked.
• Ezra marched to the door and locked it. Crap. I scurried to the table far from him.
• “Don’t mind Hunter.”
• “Why did you do that?”
• Ezra shrugged, “I don’t want anyone bothering us. I want to ask you a few questions.”
• “What? Don’t you trust my Dad?”
• “I trust him with my life. We’re close but you rarely ever came up in conversation, why?”
• I rolled my eyes. “So you’re my Dad’s best friend.”
• Ezra took a step forward. “You’ve got fire Summer. Is your mother human?”
• I sucked in my bottom lip. “Yes.”
• “How do you know your wolf isn’t a late bloomer?” He asked.
• “Because it never came. Or it’s… dead.”
• “It dies so do you. That’s how it works.”
• “Then I guess I’m just human.”
• He held out his hand. Ezra was a staggering man. He towered over me, making me feel like a mouse. I placed my hand in his. Power passed through us. The power rushed to my head I cradled my forehead. Ezra placed his hand on my back, keeping me up.
• I met his eyes for a second. He pressed on my back and I fell on his chest.
• “Do you swear your loyalty to me?” He asked gently.
• “I do.”
• “Do you accept to live as a pack member?”
• “Member? You’re not taking me as a rogue?”
• He frowned, “Consider it an invite. Do you accept?”
• There was no time to consult my Father. In this pack I was safe.
• “I accept.”
• “Good.”
• Ezra’s claws sunk into my palm. My gasp turned into a scream. Fire ran through my palm all the up my arm and went straight to my head. My body went limb.
• Ezra wrapped his arms around my body. Warmth emitted from his chest and surrounded me. My breathing slowed. I shut my eyes and melted into Ezra’s chest. I felt wrong. He was my Alpha but his embrace felt secure. I never felt safe around Blake or anyone associated with him.
• “Why did you do that?” I asked.
• “I had to make sure you were wolf-less.”
• “It’s hollow. You should have taken my word for it. You nearly killed me.”
• He chuckled. “It wasn’t that bad.”
• His hand ran up my back and I realized I was still in his embrace. I shuffled back and straightened my black shirt.
• “Can I go now?”
• Ezra unlocked the door then moved to his desk and leaned against it. “We’re not done. You might be in danger.”
• “What?”
• He frowned at my outburst. “You beat up two rogues and by the condition I found you in they might not be too happy about it.”
• I touched my belly where I’d been clawed. Ezra’s gaze followed my hand.
• “A scratch from a beta can be deadly.”
• “I know but it was either fight or be killed. Or worse.”
• “You’ll be protected. I’ll make sure of it.”
• “Don’t… don’t tell my Dad about the store. Please.”
• Ezra folded his arms. I shouldn’t have asked. He was the Alpha and Dad’s best friend. He wouldn’t side with me.
• “Okay.”
• “Okay? That’s it?”
• “What else do you want Summer?”
• I blinked. I didn’t expect him to give in so easily. A soft knock came from the door then it rolled in.
• “Ezra… you’ve been in here too long.”
• I straightened and turned around. Rachel stepped into the room. She paused and took in the scene before running her fingers through her blonde hair.
• “Summer… what are you doing here?” Her voice cracked.
• I realized the distance between Ezra and me was awfully close.
• “Does no one read the signs? I don’t want to be disturbed,” Ezra growled.
• I stepped away and Rachel appeared beside him almost like placing a puzzle piece on the part it belonged.
• “I thought we’d go out for lunch since you’ve been busy all day,” Rachel said through gritted teeth.
• “I’m still busy,” he grumbled.
• I felt like the elephant in the room.
• “Is there something you need Summer? Or should you be leaving?” Her honey voice was laced with subtle poison.
• “Yes, actually. I need a job. If there’s anything—”
• “I doubt there would be anything available for a wolf-less in the Alpha’s court, right Ezra?”
• Ezra stared at me despite Rachel’s dominant presence by his side.
• “Of course not. But I need a waitress at my bar.”
• “You can’t—”
• “Rachel, you manage the pack house, not my business.” Ezra snapped.
• I saw a storm rage behind her eyes. Rachel kept her lips sealed.
• “When can you start?”
• “Tomorrow.”
• “Good, you start tomorrow afternoon.”
• “Thank you!”
• I felt dismissed. I’d done what I needed to do and walked out. I stopped to breathe outside Ezra’s door. Working with him wouldn’t be so bad. He was an Alpha he was always busy. We wouldn’t run into each other. I told myself.
• The door behind me clicked shut. Rachel appeared in front of me.
• “Summer,” she smiled, but the malice was there.
• “I was just leaving.”
• “Of course,” she pushed her hair back. “A little bit of sisterly advice. You might need it. Step on my toes, and I’ll take off your feet.”
• “What?” My voice caught in my throat.
• “Keep your distance. From me, my business and my Alpha. Got it?”
• She didn’t wait for me to respond she marched off instead.