Shifted Perceptions (Alpha Division)

by C. E. Black

  Next, I took off my underwear, then reached under a pair of clean panties for the bottle I had hidden. After spraying myself liberally with the scent eraser, I went to the window and opened it, thankful that it opened easily and soundlessly.

  The window was tiny, so I shifted into my fox form before squeezing through, landing on my feet outside. I shook myself and ran, glad that night had fallen. I had to be quick. Paul might believe I’d take a long shower, but not that long.

  I figured the easiest way to find Stone was to start where I first saw him, Melba’s, but I hadn’t made it a block, before I picked up his scent and followed. He hadn’t gone far either. After trotting down one alley, then turning down another deserted road, I found him.

  It was a bar, I could tell that much. The parking lot was full of motorcycles and a few people hung out, smoking cigarettes and laughing. Loud music could be heard thumping from the inside and the smell of beer hung in the air.

  The wooden structure looked old, the wood dark with age, but not rotten. The red awning over the doors looked faded and had the words Last Call written in fancy French script. Was that some kind of joke? A run down bar with a high class font? I shook my head and looked for a way to get closer, without going inside.

  On the dark side of the building, I found a window, but it was too high up for me to see inside. I couldn’t find anything to stand on, but neither did I see any people, so I took a chance and shifted. Once human, I glanced through the dirty panes and immediately saw my target.

  There were people dancing, playing pool, and drinking beer, but I only had eyes for Stone. He leaned against the bar, watching over the place like he owned it. And maybe he did, but there was something else in his stance and I finally decided to pay attention to the rest of the people.

  Though they looked to be having a good time, these men looked rough, raw, and ready to rumble, but they weren’t. They were laughing, teasing the women, but no signs of getting rough were visible. No bar fights, nothing. For a group of guys like this, it seemed too... calm.

  I looked back at Stone. It was as if his gaze kept them in place. Interesting, I thought before something beside him caught my eye. It was the girl. The blonde from the diner lounged beside him, pressing her breasts against his arm, as she leaned in and whispered in his ear. Something inside me tightened at the sight. Were they together? Then I shook myself. Who cared?

  Just then, Stone’s eyes connected with mine. “Shit!” I ducked down and shifted into my fox form just as a commotion started in the parking lot. Hurrying to the corner, I looked around and saw two guys going at it, their fists flying in all directions. Guess Stone’s calming influence didn’t work outside, I mused.

  Then the man himself stepped out the door and I stilled. His presence wasn’t a surprise, but seeing him saunter out in his business attire that stuck out like a sore thumb, threw me off kilter. He looked good. More than good, actually. He reminded me of my favorite dessert, death by chocolate cheesecake. Smooth, Creamy, rich and delicious. And oh so bad for me.

  Before I realized it, the fight was over and I had missed the whole damn thing, because I was mooning over some asshole. I shook my head and cautiously stepped out to get a better look. Big mistake. Because the movement caught Stone’s attention.

  He had broken up the fight and sent the two guys home and was just about to go back inside, not a hair or wrinkle out of place, when he turned suddenly. Our eyes met again and I hesitated. It was only a second, as my mind shut down in surprise, but that second was huge. I blinked, breaking the connection and ran.

  Stupid! What was I thinking, hesitating like that? Did I want him to see me? A part of me said yes. That I wanted him to see me and forget about that blonde bimbo, but that wasn’t right. I needed to get my head on straight. This job was too important to mess it up over an attraction. Yes, I could admit that I was attracted to Stone, but I also knew he was one of the bad guys. He was no good.

  As I made my way back to the hotel, I realized I could use that attraction, though. Just that small glimpse, as his eyes connected with mine, and I could see the answering heat in his gaze. He was attracted to me as well. That could definitely work to my advantage.

  I hadn’t really learned anything tonight, though, and that pissed me off. I found where the group liked to hang out, so I guessed that could be useful. I also confirmed that he was the boss man. He was too commanding not to be, and I could see how everyone looked at him. It was obvious they took orders from him, not the other way around. Maybe I should drop by there sometime and play it off as I was looking for a good time. That sounded like it might work. Or I could wait for him to come to me. That sounded even better, but I’d wait and see. If he didn’t come soon, I was going after him.

  Once I slipped back into the bathroom window, I shifted back into my human form and turned on the hot water to join the cold I had already set, then jumped into the shower. I had to be quick, so I washed my hair as fast as I could and thought about Stone again. It was highly possible he didn’t even recognize me. It was dark and he was human. When I was looking in the window, I was probably mistaken anyway. He may not have been looking at me.

  And then outside, I was a fox. How would he know a fox could be the woman he met at the diner? Hopefully my hesitation didn’t raise any alarms.

  Not wanting to think about it anymore, I sighed and shut off the water, no time for anything else. I’d take another shower in the morning anyway.

  Once dressed in clean underwear, tank, and shorts, I stepped out of the bathroom and into another problem. Paul lay on the bed, his arms crossed behind his head. He wore nothing but a pair of low riding jeans that were unbuttoned, showing off a teasing trail of dark hair. Damn! Did he have to show off like that?

  “What the hell are you doing?” I asked, placing my hands on my hips as I stared him down. And yes, I lingered on his muscular chest. What girl wouldn’t?

  “It’s bedtime,” he replied, raising one dark eyebrow. I hated that damn eyebrow. Always mocking me. I just wanted to rip it off!

  “Oh, no you’re not! Get out of my bed. If you insist on staying in this room, you can sleep on the floor,” I pursed my lips, though, it took all I had not to lick them, as he lifted a hand making his muscles flex.

  He curled his fingers inward in a come here gesture. “Come here, Foxy.” His lips pulled up in a sensual smiled and I almost did it. My skin felt too tight and my breath caught in my throat. Then he said, “You know you want to.”

  Oh, hell no, he didn’t just say that. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath through my nose, before looking at him and smiling my most sultry smile. “Sure,” I whispered as I walked closer.

  His eyes widened slightly in surprise, as I crawled across the bed, swaying my hips provocatively, knowing how they looked in the tiny cotton shorts I wore.

  Keeping eye contact, I licked my lips, watching his part with a gasp, as I leaned over him. His eyelids lowered, as my lips inched toward his. Closer... Closer...

  I smiled, just before shoving him hard, sending him rolling off the bed. My laugh died in my throat, as he just as quickly grabbed my wrist, bringing me with him. We hit the floor with an oomph and began rolling. I wrapped my legs around his waist and flipped him over, but I wasn’t on top long before he twisted, getting the advantage.

  Leaning over me, he smirked, which only set me off more, so I grabbed his arm and twisted as hard as I could. He shouted out in pain and I flipped him. “Ha!” I said triumphantly, only to cry out as he poked me in the ribs, causing me to laugh uncontrollably.

  Next thing I knew, I was flat on my back, my wrists pinned above my head as he grinned down at me. “No fair,” I said with a huff. Paul leaned over, bringing his face so close to mine our noses touched. His grin faded, as his eyes fixed on mine. My heart pounded and the seconds flew by, though he never moved, never closed the distance I was expecting.

  “That wasn’t fair,” I whispered.

  “Neither was sneaking out of the
bathroom window,” he growled and I stiffened, my eyes widening in surprise. “Did you think I wouldn’t know? Do you think I’m that stupid?” he asked, then snorted as he leaned back, giving me the space I needed to breath. “Of course you thought that.”

  He leaned close again and growled, “My job is to watch your back. I can’t do that if you run off without telling me where you’re going. I get you don’t trust me, but if you can’t follow orders and this mission goes to hell, you’ll be the traitor, not me.”

  I knew my face was red and tears stung my eyes. I was so angry at him, but I was more angry at myself. He was right, dammit! And I didn’t want to admit it.

  “Fine,” I clipped, as my jaw tightened. “Get off me.”

  Paul stared at me a moment longer, then nodded, letting go of my wrists. He stood easily and backed up, watching me, as I stood and made my way to the bed.

  “I’m going to bed. You can sleep on the floor or outside.” I grabbed a pillow and threw it at him, along with the comforter. I didn’t care if the maids had washed it or not. He could take it or leave it.

  Leaning down, Paul picked up the pillow off the floor where it had landed at his feet. Ignoring the comforter, he placed the pillow by the door and laid down. I scoffed, but didn’t say a word. Of course he would block the exit, but I could still leave through the bathroom window if I had to.

  Pulling the cool sheet up to my chin, I lay back and stared at the ceiling, not able to sleep. Though I was still angry, my body hummed with arousal. My nipples were hard and begging to be teased, and I had to fight not to rub my thighs together. The smell of Paul’s own arousal filled the air around me, making it harder to turn it off. All I could think about was wrestling with him on the floor again. Only this time, without clothes. Flesh against flesh, as we rolled and twisted, rubbing against each other. I hadn’t wanted to think about it at the time, but the way his hard cock pressed against me as we fought...

  I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, shutting out the images flashing in my head. It was just another case of attraction that could not come to fusion. I would not sleep with a traitor.

  Chapter 6

  Paul was right. God, that felt wrong just thinking it. And I definitely didn’t want to admit it aloud. That would have been a disaster, on top of expanding his ego to massive proportions, though, I wasn’t sure it could get any bigger. However, I did tell him everything that had happened since I arrived in Cedar Hill, leaving out my attraction to Stone, of course. He didn’t need that information. It wasn’t really important and though Paul was fairly new to the Alpha Division, he knew how things worked. Attraction on either side could be used, and often was, to gather information.

  Shifters were more open about our sexuality than humans, so sleeping with the enemy to get what we needed wasn’t a big deal. It just came with the territory. That’s why members of the Alpha Division rarely sought out committed relationships. Cheating didn’t sit right, not with me at least, so I planned to stay single. The Division was my life and I liked it that way.

  I wasn’t sure how I felt about Jordan and Alex’s decision. I heard they informed Teij they were completely committed to Sam. I understood that and admired them for it, but did I agree with their relationship? I was on the fence. I loved Sam. She was sweet as candy. Giving, beautiful, and was beginning to become a good friend. But bringing her into our world was crazy and dangerous. I sure as hell wouldn’t have done it. Though the baby did make a difference, I think they just loved each other too much to stay apart. And that scared me. Love wasn’t for me, unless you counted the job. That was the only relationship I desired.

  “Let me guess,” Paul said, as I finished telling him about the bar I visited last night. “You’re going to wait and see if this Stone guy comes to you first.”

  “Yep.”

  “I’m not sure that’s going to work. You barely spoke with him. Maybe you should go to that bar tonight and make contact again. Talk with some of the others and see if you can get in through them.”

  I had purposefully left out the part where Stone probably recognized me also. Paul would have seen that as a huge problem and maybe it was, but I had a feeling it was going to work to my advantage.

  “It will work, you’ll see,” I said without explanation.

  I could tell Paul was exasperated from his long winded sigh, and the way he shook his head. I watched him walk to the back of the room and stand near the bathroom door before walking towards me again, and I got the feeling he didn’t like being held up in the room. We’d been there all morning. My fault. Not only because I needed to get him caught up, but I also had a feeling patience was going be a virtue in this case.

  Paul stilled just as I turned my head towards the door, listening as footsteps approached. Looked like I was right. As if I wouldn’t be, I thought with a smirk. I noticed Paul glaring at me before he spoke softly, “One human, one wolf shifter. I’ve been wearing the scent eraser, so that shouldn’t be a problem, but I’ll be in the bathroom. Call out if you need me.” I raised an eyebrow, but nodded before he turned and strolled away, shutting the bathroom door silently behind him.

  I sat and waited for the knock, then took my time standing and walking slowly to open the door. Two men stood in front me, their scents familiar. They were the ones following me the day before. One was pretty damn large, topping six feet, five inches, sporting a bald head and a scowl that could only mean he had just sucked on a ripe lemon.

  The other was only a couple inches taller than me and had a softer expression, a smile that said, trust me, I’m not a bad guy. Only it didn’t reach his eyes. Believe it or not, the smiling one was who I was keeping my eye on. Because even though puckered lips had muscles bulging beneath his black tee, almost ripping the fabric, he was only human.

  “Can I help you?” I asked sweetly.

  Puckered lips smiled, or I think he did. It looked more like he was choking on that lemon. Poor guy. “Stone wants to see you.”

  I stared at him. That was it?

  When I didn’t respond, he snarled, “Come with us.”

  “Uh, no. I’m sorry, but I don’t know who you are, or who this Stone guy thinks he is, but I’m not going anywhere,” I said, crossing my arms.

  Smiley’s smile actually got bigger, as he lifted his hand in a placating gesture that did nothing but make me want to roll my eyes. “Miss, you can–”

  “Foxy,” I corrected.

  “Excuse me?” he asked, his smile drooping a little.

  “My name is Foxy, not Miss.”

  His lips pinched in disapproval and I smiled at his obvious irritation. “Well, Foxy, you will come with us whether you like it or not. Make this easy, will you?” His smile returned, but this time something dark lay behind it.

  I leaned my shoulder against the door jam and sighed. “Sorry, but I’ve never been easy.” I could almost hear Paul’s snort from the bathroom. “So, you tell this Stone guy that if he wants to see me, he knows where I am. Unlike the two of you, I’m not his lap dog.”

  I couldn’t tell if puckered lips’ expression changed, but smiley sighed and shook his head, his smile brightening. With a raised eyebrow, I waited for his response. Instead, puckered lips charged.

  Were these guys serious? They didn’t know who they were messing with. Before he could take two steps, I had straightened, kicked out and landed my booted foot solidly in the center of his chest, sending him flying off the metal railing behind him. A surprise shout escaped him, before the loud thud of his landing echoed off the concrete walls. I shrugged and gave smiley a smile of my own. Puckered lips would probably be alright. It was only a two story drop.

  “That was uncalled for,” Smiley said.

  “You think so? Cause I don’t. “ I twisted swiftly, landing an elbow to his nose.

  Groaning in pain, his hands flew up to cover his bleeding nose, as he staggered back. I didn’t give him time to recover. I came at him hard. First with a jab to the stomach and once he bent over, I punc
hed his nose again, loving the sound of breaking bone in the morning.

  “Fuck!” he shouted just before he swept his foot out at lightening speed, taking me down. I landed on my back, half way in my room and half in the outside breezeway, but I wasn’t there long. I rolled backwards and hopped to my feet, spun, and completed a roundhouse kick to his thick, unsmiling head. Comically, he too went backwards, falling from the railing to thud on the pavement below.

  I looked over at the two men trying to get to their feet and shook my head. “You tell Stone, that is not how you treat a lady!” Lifting my chin, I turned on my heels and went back into my room, slamming the door behind me.

  “Are you crazy?” Paul yelled, as he flew out of the bathroom.

  I rolled my eyes and sat down to catch my breath. “Keep your voice down.”

  “They’re long gone,” he growled. “I thought you wanted them to take you into the gang?”

  “Don’t be obtuse, Paul. Do I look like a woman that would do his bidding? And why would he want that type, man or woman, in his organization? He needs tough bitches, and that’s what I’m going to give him.”

  Paul’s jaw tensed, as he ground his teeth together. What the hell was he so pissed about?

  Jabbing his finger at the door, he hovered over me like a damn father scolding his kid. God, he drove me nuts.

  “Now, those guys are going to be gunning for you. It won’t matter if you get in with their group, you’re the girl that dared to kick their asses and they’ll want revenge.”

  “So? You’re right, I was the girl that kicked their asses and I’ll do it again if they come at me,” I shrugged.

  Paul’s arm fell to his side, as he shook his head. “Why do you do that?”

  “Do what?”

  “You’re not listening. Just listen to what I’m telling you. You need to be more careful. These guys will not take what you did out there lightly. I’m just trying to help you.”