Charming The Alpha

by Liliana Rhodes

  "Thank you, Hannah," he said. "Thank you for opening your heart to one of my kind. And please thank him for me too. Because of you, I'm able to spend eternity with the woman I've always loved. Never take a moment with each other for granted."

  He leaned towards Rebekah and kissed her forehead. Rebekah blew a kiss at Hannah, then waved before she and Luke turned and walked away, slowly disappearing into the moonlight. Hannah smiled, waving at them, happy everything worked out.

  In the distance she heard Caleb's motorcycle approaching. She left the graveyard and walked through the cottage to look out the oval window facing the street. Caleb had just pulled up and as she watched him, she wondered how she could've gotten so lucky to stumble upon such a hot wolf that night in the woods. Catching her at the window, he waved and she came out to greet him.

  "I heard Knox is moving in," he said before pulling her close against him and kissing her lips. "What are you going to do? I know you, you'll think you're intruding on them."

  From the moment Hannah felt the first rush of his touch, she worried about losing that feeling. She didn't have to. The thrill of him, and her desire for him grew stronger daily. That was the real reason she was moving out. If her mother felt half as strongly about Knox as she did about Caleb, then she didn't want to disturb that.

  "I haven't decided yet. Maybe I'll get an apartment closer to town."

  "I want to show you something. Come with me," he said.

  He undressed then shifted into wolf form. She climbed onto his back, holding onto his jeans and t-shirt for after he changed back. Wrapping her fingers into the coarse fur around his thick neck, she held on as he bolted into the forest.

  Following the path, Hannah knew they were heading towards the clearing. Sighing, she got annoyed but knew she never told Caleb how she was still feeling about what Pea did to her and her mother.

  Caleb slowed down before reaching the clearing and shifted back into his human form. Curious about what he was up to, but not wanting to spoil whatever surprise he had planned, Hannah handed him his clothes.

  Dressing quickly, they entered the clearing and Celeb flicked the switch on a generator, turning on small, white lights he hung in the trees surrounding the area. The clearing looked magical, like something out of a fairy tale. It took Hannah's breath away.

  "What's going on?" Hannah asked.

  He slipped his hand to the back of her neck, and pulled her closer then kissed her forehead, then her lips. Taking her hand, he kissed her fingers then smiled.

  "I know you haven't been here in a while because you're upset with Pea, but you've always loved this place so I couldn't think of a better place," he said as he looked into her eyes. "I also know how you find some traditions silly, like getting down on one knee."

  "What are you talking about?"

  He pulled something out of his pocket and held it between them. It was a beautiful antique diamond ring with a glittering diamond surrounded by smaller ones bead-set along the intricate hand-crafted band.

  "Since the moment I met you, I knew you were the woman for me. It wasn't just that you were my fated mate, but you're strong, sweet, and not afraid to talk back to me," he said laughing. "I love you, Hannah Crane. I love everything about you and I can't imagine another moment without being able to tell the world that not only are you my mate, but my wife as well. Move in with me. Spend the rest of your life with me. Marry me."

  Hannah's heart thumped in her chest and she couldn't wipe the smile off her face. Of course she'd marry him, but she couldn't help but notice he didn't ask. She wanted to remind the Alpha who was the boss.

  "Is that a question?" Hannah asked giggling.

  "And you said you weren't a wolf charmer," he said laughing, then kissed her. "Miss Hannah Crane, will you do me the honor of being my bride?"

  "Well since you asked...yes!"

  Caleb hugged her tight and Hannah held him wondering how every time she thought she was the happiest she had ever been, she got happier. She wasn't in a rush to get married, she was just starting to figure out her life, but she knew Caleb was who she wanted to be with for the rest of her life and if she was lucky like Rebekah, for an eternity after that.

  The End

  Continue reading for the opening chapters of His Every Whim

  His Every Whim

  by Liliana Rhodes

  Part One ~ July

  Chapter One

  Ashley

  "Ashley, wait! You forgot your tie!"

  I turned around when I heard Jackie call me. I took the black clip-on tie that was part of our uniform from her then clipped it in place and looked at the other girls in their pressed white shirts, black slacks, ties and vests. Had anyone told me I'd graduate from college and become a waitress, I would've told them they were full of shit. But there I was, dressed and ready to serve cocktails at the famed Boone Art Gallery.

  "Do I look alright? I can't believe you have to wear this outfit whenever you work."

  "It pays the bills while I'm in school. Besides Ash, you look great. It really shows off your curves."

  I rolled my eyes. She was just trying to make me feel better. I looked like a penguin and I knew everyone thought the same. I glanced over at Jackie with her dark brown hair up in a pony tail just like mine. That's where the similarities ended. Dressed alike, we looked like the before and after of a diet ad.

  "Thanks for getting me this job Jackie. I don’t know what I’d do without you."

  "No sweat. I know you'd do the same for me. Plus when I heard this party was at the Boone, I knew I had to get you in. Maybe you can see if they’re hiring."

  I nodded and hoped she'd drop the subject. I needed to put my best foot forward and get through the night. I didn't need to be reminded of my inability to get a job because I "only" had an Art History degree and no "real" work experience.

  In a matter of days my world came crashing down around me. When my graduate school loans got denied at the last minute, I had to scramble to find a job to keep my apartment. Now, two months later, not only was I still unemployed, but I was sleeping on Jackie's pull-out couch. I really didn’t want to think about it.

  As if she read my mind, Jackie put her arm around me and gave me a quick hug. We each grabbed a small tray of champagne filled glasses and headed out of the break room and into the crowded exhibit area.

  The Boone Art Gallery buzzed with excitement. The event was invitation only for the grand opening of the Pedro Escamino exhibit–the hottest young sculptor in years. Everywhere I looked, beautiful people posed in their expensive clothes. Men strutted by in perfectly tailored suits and women glowed in couture gowns. It reminded me that being a waitress was the closest I'd ever get to being at this kind of event.

  The gallery's large, open, modern space was white and simple in order to allow the art work to pop and be the focus. Partial walls throughout the room governed the flow of traffic, and gave the viewers either the surprise of the next piece or showcased another. Throughout the gallery cozy alcoves with sleek, low European-style couches and cocktail tables invited the guests to relax.

  As I walked around the room with my tray, offering the passing guests a glass of chilled champagne, Jackie rushed over to me, her voice filled with alarm as she whispered even though she had a fake smile in place.

  "See that guy over there? In the alcove to the right. Sitting by himself. Don't be obvious about it."

  I casually glanced towards the alcove she mentioned and saw a man sitting by himself. His legs were stretched out in front of him as he leaned back into the couch. While he dressed like the other men, in a perfectly tailored suit, he definitely wore it much better. I never realized before how sexy a man could look in a suit.

  He looked to be in his forties since his light brown hair had some grey in it, especially at his temples. He wore his hair a little on the longer side, almost shaggy but not unkempt, and he had a closely trimmed beard which made it hard to see his face well. Regardless, it was obvious he was a very hands
ome man.

  Complementing his charcoal grey suit, he wore an ice-blue tie. I couldn't help but wonder what color his eyes were or how rough the hair of his beard would feel against my cheek. With one glance it was obvious to whoever looked that he refused to enjoy himself, but for some reason I felt myself drawn to him.

  "You mean the grump?" I asked.

  "Shh! Yes!" She hissed. "He's always at these things. I've never seen him mingle or talk to any guests. He just sits there." She paused for a moment as she snuck a quick peek at him. "Stay away from him. He always yells at the wait staff whenever we offer him anything. I think he likes to make people cry."

  "Who is he?"

  "Damned if I know. Just some asshole I guess but I wanted to warn you."

  Jackie disappeared into the crowd while I stood near an appetizer display taking it all in. I couldn't help it, what she said intrigued me. I regularly darted my eyes over to the man in the alcove. Later, even after I made my way through the crowd again, I still checked to see if anyone spoke to him. He remained completely alone and never once left his seat.

  As the evening went on, I started to convince myself that he couldn't be all that bad. I told myself that maybe he was an asshole because no one ever offered him a drink or was nice to him. All Jackie said was that he made everyone cry. If that was the worse he could do, then why not go over?

  I hemmed and hawed over it, making sure to walk past his alcove every so often to see if anyone spoke to him. I wasn't the kind of girl to be outgoing, normally I kept to myself and was shy and quiet, but eventually I couldn't help myself. I shoved away the old Ashley and like a moth to a flame, I went over to offer him a glass of champagne.

  Chapter Two

  Xander

  Yet another event at the Boone Art Gallery. I only attended these functions out of some bizarre sense of obligation, so there I sat again by myself in my favorite alcove. At least it gave me the chance to people watch and if I hadn't been doing just that, then I wouldn't have seen her.

  She stood out from the crowd with her black, almond shaped eyes, bee stung lips, and dark brown hair. I imagined she would be even more beautiful with her hair down around her shoulders. Even in that ridiculous catering uniform she was gorgeous. If all women had curves like that I'd be a happy man.

  It was one of the things with society I didn't understand. We pushed health and eating properly yet the image of beauty that was shoved down our throats was a thin, twig of a woman. I preferred women to look healthy, have some meat on their bones, not be a bag of bones.

  So for once I was glad to be at the Boone and alone. It gave me the opportunity to keep admiring her as she walked around offering champagne. I hadn't been this attracted to anyone in a long time. It was a shame I couldn't do anything about it. If this was any other place and if I hadn't hired the caterer, things could be different.

  But those were excuses. I chose to not look, to not get attached to anyone. Life was too complicated to bother.

  Chapter Three

  Ashley

  I loaded my tray with freshly poured champagne and made my way towards his alcove. As I approached, I took a deep breath and reminded myself the worse he could do was make me cry. I was a big girl, I could handle a few tears if that was what happened. I needed to get closer to him. I entered his alcove and smiled.

  "Champagne sir?"

  He grunted and looked up at me. He didn't say a word, just stared. I wondered if I should leave. The old Ashley would've left, but the old Ashley wouldn't have been in his alcove to begin with. I figured I had nothing to lose and set a glass of champagne down on the small table in front of him.

  "Did I say I wanted champagne?"

  His voice growled and I immediately regretted being there but I was too stubborn to run away. I summoned up all my courage, stood up straight and challenged his gaze.

  "No, but you didn't say you didn't want it either."

  The brief silence lasted forever but then he cracked a smile and picked up the glass I set down. For a moment I was even more frightened of him, thinking he was a wild card and absolutely crazy, until I noticed his eyes. They were ice-blue, like his tie, and cold but I saw a flash of warmth behind them. I never saw such amazing blue eyes before. I wanted to lose myself in them.

  While I braced myself for the worse, he leaned back into his seat and crossed his legs with his ankle resting on his knee. When he took a sip of champagne, I breathed a sigh of relief and turned to head back into the crowd.

  "I'm not done with you."

  I stopped dead in my tracks. His voice was menacing and sent chills up my spine. Oddly though I still found myself drawn to him, I couldn't help it. I turned back around to face him and saw the slightest smile playing on his lips.

  "Is there anything else I can get for you sir?"

  "Sit."

  At first I moved towards the couch, I wanted to do whatever he said, but then I remembered I was working.

  "I'm sorry sir, but I need to continue making the rounds."

  "Sit. No one is going to say anything to you about it. Join me."

  "But–"

  "No buts. Sit. You're a waitress right? I need you to wait on me."

  I looked out at the crowded room. I wanted to get back to work and earn some money. I needed to earn money. Again, the old me would've done the responsible thing and return to work, but I still wasn't ready to do things the old Ashley way. Old Ashley got me no where, it was time to change that. I set my tray of champagne down on the alcove's cocktail table and sat on the couch with him.

  "Is there anything I can get you Sir?"

  "Don't call me sir, call me Xander. And you are?"

  "Ashley."

  "Pleasure to meet you Ashley." He extended his hand to me and I shook it, letting my hand be engulfed by his and overwhelmed when the warmth of his hand penetrated deep into my core. "Didn't they warn you about me?"

  I couldn't help it, I giggled and nodded as my cheeks turned hot. It never occurred to me that he might know of his own reputation. I wondered how much he did to maintain it.

  "They did. I guess I don't listen very well."

  "We'll have to change that," he said.

  His voice returned to its menacing tone again and I began to worry. Was he going to turn into the jerk Jackie warned me about? Maybe he planned to report me to the catering manager, Mr. Smithfield.

  I was working with Jackie for just the one night but hoped to do it regularly. Being the only recent prospect I had to earn money, I didn't want to mess it up. I kept an eye out for Mr. Smithfield, who Jackie earlier convinced to give me a chance.

  "Have you been waitressing for long? I don't think I've seen you here before."

  "No sir, tonight is my first night."

  "Sir? What did i say?"

  "Sorry...Xander."

  "And on your first night you decide to bother the one person they warned you about? Interesting." He was quiet for a moment. "What did you do before this?"

  I didn't answer him right away. I didn't know why he asked so many questions. His face was stoic. I couldn't tell if he was trying to be friendly or simply interrogating me. I didn't think I had a choice, I had to answer him.

  "I just graduated college."

  "Ahh so you just graduated college and you're waitressing? What did you major in? A waste like Art History?"

  He laughed at his own joke but I didn't find it funny. I folded my arms in front of my chest. Great, this is how he's going to make me cry.

  "It's none of your business but yes."

  He laughed even harder, the sound boomed out of him and I knew everyone heard it but no one reacted. He took a glass of champagne from my tray and handed it to me.

  "I think you need this."

  "No, I'm working, I can't."

  "Don't make me tell your boss that you refused a simple customer request."

  He had a stern look and I couldn't tell if he was joking or not but based on what Jackie said about him before, I wasn't going to take
any chances. I picked up the glass but as I took a small sip, I saw Mr. Smithfield enter the room.

  There I sat, the girl Jackie begged him to let waitress, resting and drinking champagne with a guest. I couldn't risk him seeing me and both of us losing our jobs.

  "I'm sorry, I have to go."

  Read the rest of His Every Whim, part 1 of the 4 part series for FREE!

  Author's Note

  Hi! Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this book, it would mean a lot to me if you helped others find it too. Please consider writing a review on the site you purchased it from or recommend this book to friends or family.

  Reviews and word of mouth recommendations are the best way you can help an author. It helps other readers discover new books too!

  I love hearing from readers! If you have any comments or questions please feel free to email me at liliana@lilianarhodes.com and I'll reply as soon as possible.

  xoxo,

  Liliana

  Liliana at the AllRomance eBooks

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  Copyright

  Charming The Alpha

  Copyright © 2013 by Jaded Speck Publishing

  Cover by Jaded Speck Publishing/Michelle Kleinhans

  Photography: ©BigStockPhotos / Photosani, Olly