by Emma Knox
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Epilogue
Watching The Alpha’s Omega
The Alpha Omega Lodge - Book 3
Emma Knox
Edited by
Elizabeth A Lance
Illustrated by
Cosmic Letterz
Copyright © 2018 by Emma Knox
All rights reserved.
Edited by Elizabeth A. Lance
Cover design by Cosmic Letterz
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locations is purely coincidental. The characters are all productions of the authors’ imagination.
Please note that this work is intended only for adults over the age of 18 and all characters represented as 18 or over.
Contents
Mailing List
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Epilogue
Thank You
Also by Emma Knox
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Chapter 1
Arden
I wondered what the future would bring? Guided by the moonlight and blinded by the urge behind my light orange eyes to see what laid ahead. I walked with precision as the crumbling of leaves underneath my feet crushed: bare footed as I connected with the soil and my toes sunk into the earth like porridge.
My ears were alert. “Followed. Am I being followed?” Each time I came to a halt, I heard a whisper of footsteps. I must check-in and the hours were growing late. But again; footsteps, and the faint sound of crunnnch…crunnnch…crunnnch that was trying to be as quiet as possible, but failed with so many autumn leaves upon the ground.
If I was being trailed, they were no good at it. I wanted to shapeshift. Prepare myself for the inevitable. But ahead: twenty-five yards exactly, is where I would meet Ethan. And I ran for it…pacing as I stroked the scars on my back — as often a tinge and prickle of pain would surge and send me into a shudder-spasm.
I’m close. As I ignored the stalker that seemed to crunch-crunch-crunch louder. But I’m there, relaxed, catching my breath as I busted through and then slightly skidded to a halt on the floorboards with a smooth finish as the saloon doors smacked each other like those of the Wild West.
“You’re here. Late though. I expected you sooner.” Ethan, as always, was bound to let an individual know the truth without sugar-coating. No mention that I came through like I was chased by a pack of hungry wolves.
“Sorry.” I walked to the check-in desk. “Delayed. How are the babies?”
“No excuse.” A smirk formed. “They are doing well! So, you want to confirm the single room—”
“Make that two.”
“What!” I shouted.
“Two it is then.”
“No!”
I turned to see my little sister — to my dismay. I hold it in…even if she was there in a happy state. My veins did not lie as I ground my teeth and bat my eyes to hold back the urge to string-alive my little sister. Fiona stood behind me with a big smirk upon her face.
“Fiona, what are you—” My phone rang. “No need to guess who this is? It was you who sneaked behind me, huh?”
Fiona shrugged. And that only made me madder. I squeezed the phone and she still smiled mockingly; as if being thirteen-years-old meant anything you did would be forgiven.
“You shouldn’t be here!” I vented through clenched teeth and then answered the phone. “Hello?” I settled myself.
“Arden, son, you’ll never guess what?”
I sighed. “What, Father?”
“I’ve only gone and lost your little sister. I turned my back for a minute and the little miss disappeared into thin air. She was quietly playing and then—”
“And then somehow ended up on my trail as if she herself was sneaking for a mate?”
“Ah. So, that’s where she has found herself!” He didn’t sound happy. “Why can’t she be a normal thirteen-year-old and obey her father!”
I looked to Fiona. He asked for too much if he wanted her to be obedient.
“I’ll keep her safe.”
“That’s only part of my concern. My worry is this free nature she adapts. Arden, you tell her, from me, that she will be grounded for a month! And no leniency will be granted. Understood?”
“Yes, Father. I was going to suggest that we ground her.” He hung up. “You never learn.”
“Oh well. It’s an important night for you and you could do with the help.”
Ethan interrupted me from saying anything further. Good job he did. “You’re both checked in. I hope you have a good night. It should be.”
“I hope so.” I shook my head despondently at Fiona who had the body shape of a little twig whose body was still not developed. There was no way she’d understand how dangerous it was to be out so late. Stubborn as a persistent dung beetle.
“And here he is.”
I knew that voice as it came out from the dimly lit foyer and open-planned doorway. He held out his arms for me with a crinkly smile and serpentine eyes that shut — just as quickly as an adder when he’s delighted with his guest. “Beautiful Arden.” I embraced him as a true friend would. “My friend.” He peered over my shoulder to see my sister. “And… Fiona.” He said this as if she shouldn’t have been there.
“Yeah. Fiona,” I agreed with his dismissive tone of her name. We separated from the embrace.
His jaw dropped like Jaws and then he became serious again. Steven’s sense of humour was why I liked him. “So, tonight you will find a mate. That’s the verdict we want, right?”
My irises showed that I doubt that was the verdict I was seeking. “Well, a mate isn’t… I guess I just want to have a baby. You know, just get that part over and done with.” I found my confidence was lacking and unable to explain to Steven further.
“Yeah, but Arden…”
“You need both!” And little Fiona found her way into the big people’s conversation once more: strolled up to the side of me and placed her arm so that it hung down upon my shoulder as she gripped my wrist. “You can’t have one without the other.”
I avoided rolling my eyes, and Steven held back from that to. We just gave each other that inner sigh with our bare chiselled chests that puffed and then relaxed back down. I addressed this at Steven. “I just want a baby,” I said it low-tone and he noticed that I wasn’t too eager.
“For now.” He cheekily smiled.
“Hmm.” I gave him no smile in return. I peered down at Fiona. “I’m going to take this one to her room. I’ll be back soon.”
“No problem.” He gently squeezed my shoulder and I took Fiona to her room.
Fiona pounced upon the mattress: bounced up and down playfully. The bed was simply made: basic and custom for a quick night and get up early. Not the kind you o
verstay on.
“Not bad. I prefer my own bed.”
“Which you should be in.”
“Arden.” She calmed down and slid herself to the edge. “I have something for you.”
I checked the scars on my back in the mirror. “And what’s that, Fiona.”
I then saw her small frame creeping up beside me with a black skin suit held in her palms. I took it from her as politely as I could. But I was not impressed, and her reaction of stepping back confirmed that.
“I thought it would bring you luck. You sure are going to need it to attract a mate.”
“You’re not deaf. You heard what I said.” I walked to the window irritated at my sister. I unbuckled the latch. “I’m not looking for a mate.” And I chucked the black skin suit out the window before abruptly shutting it. “No more, from you.”
Chapter 2
Samson
Whenever I swam in this pool it would be because I needed to escape from something or somebody. I never wanted to be pressured into anything, unless I decided that it would be that way. As an Alpha, that would be easier done than said. I never liked to compromise, just because ass-kissing was very much part of the currency.
I heard word of a party. I knew what would be going down. Business and noses buried into a potential mate. Sex flew by very often. Desire and poke-fire-red stiffies underneath plenty of Alphas’ undergarments. They’d try to prod their rods into the hottest thing that walked and showed some skin.
Skin-tight did it for them. A nice face and chiselled features would be another bonus. I couldn’t lie, I had eyes for hotness, but at the time, it made sense to just concentrate on me and my swimming technique.
I liked water. It soothed me. Gave me time to harness on my front and back stroke. In my human form I was a killer competitor. As my alter-transformation, I’d be a little apprehensive if I stepped in.
Trevor showed up — just as I placed my hands on the cantilevered deck of the pool. I ran my hands through my wet hair and stroked it all the way back. I caught my breath and felt my feet hover at the bottom of the water. That swim was good. But I had the feeling that now it would be coming to an end.
“Good swim?” Trevor kowtowed down until his knees started to point.
“It could do with some improvement.” I wiped my face of the water.
“You act as if you have a sports career.”
“I could’ve once. Times changed, I suppose.”
“Yeah.” He bounced on his hind legs. “You heard about the party, right?” He brushed his white and black hair from his eyes. It was irritating him.
I could’ve lied. But what good would that do when Trevor pretty much knew everything that went down. “The fifth one, I heard?”
“That’s right. And I’m going to need you to attend tonight. It’s a coming together. And mingling is what I need to be done.”
I sigh, but Trevor missed the sound of that. “The reason for mingling?”
“A little bunny needs its carrot. And that translates to goat meat being shipped in, Samson. It has to be done.”
“Yes, ok. And an Omega?”
“I haven’t said anything about any Omega. But if you happen to find a tasty scent, why not pursue?”
“I’d rather not. Not everyone can be happily mated like you and Ethan.”
“Sure they can.” He got back up onto his legs. “Have some fun. You could use it.” A friendly wink then he left me to get out of the pool. I was dripping naked. I didn’t need a towel.
Trevor caught me before I left. I had gotten ready. I opted for the casual suit that made me look a little like a valet with a touch of formality. I gelled back my hair, swept it back as it stayed still, added some hair-spray, and found that the cologne I used didn’t hamper my natural odour.
“Very flash-flash bang. You really can turn it up when you need to.”
“This is me barely trying.” I placed my hand in one of my pockets. “I thought black would suit my mood.” I stared down at myself.
“Try to have some fun, Samson. It won’t kill you.” He thumped my shoulder playfully and I did the same back to him. “Keep a lookout for any sign of a tasty Omega?”
“You know… I don’t need an Omega to be great! I already feel the part on my own.”
“That will change when you find that mouth-watering scent that gives your jimmy a flick-up. You’re just a tiger going through motions.”
“I could do with some time…”
“I’m glad you’re going to this party. Makes me proud.”
“Trevor, I can’t make any promises here. In that department, I mean.” My other hand was placed in my pocket as I lifted both my shoulders. “I just have more important things going on right now.”
“Sure.” Trevor never believed me. He reckoned I’m as sex starved as the next Siberian tiger. And he probably had a point.
I made my way to Wrendall at the Alpha lodge. I took my time getting there. I wanted to savour my solidity as the breeze purred as pesky cats do. I enjoyed listening to the breeze that was no match for the hair spray that I used. It came in bouts that nearly caused me to growl in my tiger-form tone, my eyes also flashed with how strong the wind blew.
It tried to slow my progress as I walked along the path with nothing but the greenery of hills and far off bushels. I liked Wrendall for all its fresh air. I thought that my appearance might come as a surprise to some. I had made no declaration of attending on this night.
I had kept quiet for a reason. Not wanting to drum-up any dependency on my being there. I was in two minds: not bothered, and let’s see what the hell might happen? It pays to have an open mind. And that was what I brought as I neared the lodge and heard the commotion and rampaging soundwaves of electric modifications to music that shared a seat with what I usually never listened to.
Not my tunes. But I was there, and those western-styled doors flapped open for me and a few faces turned to me with surprise as I brought both my feet in and made it a confirmation that I was now one with the coming together. None was more shocked than Tom, who could smell my mood from a mile off.
“Well, this has come as a surprise.” His eyebrows were raised significantly higher than my own.
“Sure is. I didn’t think I’d end up at any party.”
“Quite the recluse?”
“Spending time alone has done me wonders.” I sniff abruptly and catch Tom off guard. An odour came to my nose and it sent an electric-shock through my body. I looked around as my eyes scanned bodies to see if they were the reason for the pulsation. None of them matched what was making my mouth drool. I held back the saliva.
“Well…well.” Tom checked me in and marked my name down onto the book. “I think you’ve caught a whiff of a pleasant evening.”
A crafty way to put it. I regained my composure and adjusted my shirt which included tightening my tie.
My animalistic tendencies were coming out into play when I slowly swirled around and examined that room. My grey eyes were marbles that played a sideways ping-pong from the left to right. They kept enlarging as I brushed my fingers against my ear lobes like a puppy getting rid of flees.
I twitched and itched. Started to bend my back and stalk. A few others in the room began mimicking as it can often be a contagious dance between Alphas to challenge for a mate. They too must’ve smelt it. And figured that I would be the rival to contend with as its effect on me was unbalanced and unsteady.
I danced with them some more. But the smell disappeared and we each retreated. I made my way to participate with this party tonight. And left them to decode what had actually happened.
Like a drug, the whole night continued with me trying to forget the fix of what I smelt. A familiar smell that I couldn’t put a name to. I would’ve placed it close to the scent of sugar-cookies: a brand called snickerdoodles. I always had a sweet tooth; and that was giving my stomach so many cramps.
I was anti-social. I gave a few hellos and avoided a few eyes who wanted to get better
acquainted. I decided that to pass the time quicker, I should get something to eat: a plate of food to satisfy my need for a distraction. My mouth chewing would help with the going-ons of this party and drown out the music.
Lots of beauty, shallow, and obviously in love with themselves. No harm in vanity, I thought, but what ever happened to good old fashion conversation? I was primed and proper, ready to find that scent, but that was it. My plate was stuffed with meats of all kinds: transported from the pleasant butchers of Wrendall.
Charcoaled, burnt, steaming, red, bloody, my plate was a mash-hold of blood and I devoured my food with my sharp incisors that tore through the raw pieces with more enthusiasm. I was uncaring to how messy it might have seemed. I wiped my mouth, but that was about it.
I got stuck with a few faces trying to start talk on what meat tasted juicer, by the table. And at the same time watching me to get me to speak. I ignored them, but stopped with my mouth full — and cheeks as stuffed as a plucked chicken — to find my eyes going back into the sideways ping-pong match again. The cookie-crumble wanted me to play.
But that cookie wasn’t alone. No. He was occupied by others who wanted a sugary treat. The rival dance was necessary, and now the gathering that surround the face that I hadn’t seen yet was hustling and bustling as if on a busy market and giving the highest bid.
These Alphas held wine glasses in their hands. Many of them had two, one for them, and another to offer to him. Some were giving the lad a cigarette. Another pulled out a lighter. As I came over to see if the poor individual was being suffocated, I settled my plate of meat onto the table by the bloody orange punch. I felt this overwhelming need to tell them all, “Give the guy some space!” And it was a howling command. My voice deep. One that caused the Alphas to take attention. But they continued. So, I gave it some more leg, “If you don’t move!”
