Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Matter
Note from the Author
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Epilogue
Other Books by Alicia Montgomery
Romancing the Alpha
Book 3 of the True Mates Series
A Billionaire Werewolf Shifter Paranormal Romance
By
Alicia Montgomery
Copyright © 2016 Alicia Montgomery
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission of the Author. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.
This book is a work of fiction. All the names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously and not be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, actual events, locales, or organizations is coincidental.
To D and M, my parents, celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary this year.
They won’t be able to read this because, ewww, gross, but I tell them everyday that I love them and am inspired by their love and dedication to each other.
Romancing the Alpha is Book 3 of the True Mates Series.
Although a standalone romance novel, it may be helpful to read Fated Mates: Book 1 and Blood Moon: Book 2. Both are available on exclusively Amazon and Kindle Unlimited!
Don’t forget to keep reading after the end to find out how to get a FREE bonus chapter for this book, a FREE novel, and a special Holiday announcement!
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Note from the Author
Dear Reader,
Thanks you so much for buying or borrowing this book! Indie authors like me rely on you guys a lot to read our work and spread the word.
If you love the True Mates Series and want indie romance authors like me to keep writing and offering our books on Kindle Unlimited, please do flip the pages all the way to the end so we can get full credit for our books.
Also, if you’re reading in Page Flip mode, please turn it off to ensure we get paid for all the pages in our books. There has been some anecdotal evidence that in this mode, the software is unable to count the pages properly. Once you’re done, feel free to leave a rating or exit the book - don’t flip back to the first page or else we might not get full credit for it .
Thank you and happy reading!
All the best,
Alicia Montgomery
Prologue
The tall man in the dark robes stood silent, looking out of the massive windows that overlooked the mountains. The moon was full, shining light down over the trees and rocks, making them look craggy and intimidating.
“Lord Stefan,” a voice from behind him boomed. “You called for me, Master?”
“Sit, Daric,” he motioned to the large table behind him with his long, claw-like fingers.
The other man, a tall, intimidating figure with long blonde hair nodded and took a seat by the head of the table. Opposite him sat a beautiful redhead dressed in a blood-red coat. She gave him a feral smile.
“Hello Daric,” Victoria Chatraine purred. “How was your trip to New York? We’ve missed you here.”
“Tell me what you have found out,” Lord Stefan turned to them, his voice cold.
After the Lycans had run their forces out of New York, Daric, Victoria, and what was left of their mage contingent retreated to one of their secret hideouts on the East Coast. The raid on their upstate mansion had dealt a devastating blow to their cause, but not all was lost. Stefan had numerous secret hiding places all over the world, most of them protected by magic. After a few months, they were able to regroup and gather their strength.
“The birth of the True Mates’ child is drawing nearer,” Daric said in a flat voice.
“And?” Stefan continued.
“As you feared, a second will soon be brought into the world. Cady and Nick Vrost’s child will also be a True Mate offspring.”
Victoria flinched, remembering her failure at bringing her daughter Cady in before she could start breeding witches. She and Daric were going to be the sires of a new generation of witches, who Stefan would then turn into mages by making them use forbidden blood magic. But Lycans were able to stop them and now Cady pregnant with a Lycan child.
Stefan roared in anger, and with a wave of his hand, several chairs flew against the wall.
“Master,” Victoria soothed. “Once they leave the womb, the True Mate children aren’t immortal or indestructible.”
“But they have already begun the cycle!” Stefan shouted. “Soon, this world will be overrun with those filthy dogs!”
“We must act quickly,” Daric began. “We must recruit more witches and warlocks, bring them to our cause.”
“No, we must stop the Lycans first!” Victoria countered. “Those vile creatures have corrupted and poisoned my daughter, making her carry one of their dirty pups!” Her lips curled into a cruel smile. “Nothing would please me more than to get revenge for you, Master.”
“We will do both those things, and more,” Stefan’s eyes narrowed. “But first, we will hit the New York clan where it will really hurt them. Knock out their base of power and then corrupt them from within.”
“How do we do that, Master?” Victoria asked.
“I’ve already begun forming an alliance with powerful allies and the Lycans will not know what hit them.”
“And knocking out their base of power?” Daric raised a blonde brow.
“Why, my dear protégé, we will kill their Alpha, of course.”
Chapter One
Grant Anderson scanned the room, his deep green eyes keen and sharp. He was like a predator looking for its next meal, but tonight, he was looking for a different type of prey. Cool, modern, and hip, decorated in black and gold, Luxe looked like any typical high-end bar in Manhattan. But, it was unlike other establishment in the city.
It was a members-only bar, but getting in wasn’t as simple as paying a fee and filling up an application form. No, all members were fully vetted with background checks, signed an iron-clad NDA, and of course, had to be of a certain net worth to get in, both for men and women. The membership manager assured him that everyone who walked into Luxe’s doors were di
screet and didn’t go blabbing to the media about what went on inside and who frequented their establishment. He didn’t have to worry about running into women who expected payment for their companionship either. Luxe also didn’t allow actors, athletes, entertainers and other celebrities in their membership list, as these types of people attracted a lot of unwanted attention.
There was a reason Grant preferred to come to this club, and not just for the atmosphere and the beautiful women. He valued his privacy above all, not just because he was rich and powerful, but also because he guarded a more precious secret, one that could change the world. He was Alpha to the New York Lycan clan, a secret community of werewolf shifters. Lycans weren’t just hiding in plain sight in the Big Apple, but they were all over the world. Grant had a lot of responsibilities as leader of one of the biggest and most influential Lycan clans, and keeping his people safe was top priority.
That was why, when he did find himself in need of female company, he kept to exclusive clubs like Luxe. It was one of a handful in the world, though Luxe was the best and most secure one in Manhattan. The women were always sexy and gorgeous, but more important, never asked questions, never wanted more than what he could offer, plus, always knew when it was time to leave.
He used to go to regular bars, found many willing and beautiful companions who provided pleasant company in and out of bed. Most of them were happy to leave once their time together was done. Of course, he had his fair share of gold diggers, as power and money attracted those types in droves. Most were happy enough to be sent on their way with a shopping spree or some trinket, but some were eager to sink their claws into him, thinking they had hit the jackpot. He had learned to spot and avoid those kinds of women, but it was much easier to just go to places like Luxe.
Grant sensed a presence approach him from behind and settle to his right.
“Well, now, I thought I’d never see you again,” a deep baritone voice said.
The voice was familiar, even if he didn’t know the name. He turned to his right and a man stood next him, leaning on the sleek, onyx-colored bar. The other man was tall, probably three or four inches taller than he was, with broad shoulders encased in an expensive navy suit. His dark blonde hair was styled up into a short faux-hawk, and sported neatly trimmed facial hair. He was good-looking, Grant supposed, and from previous meetings with the man, he knew his left forearm was covered in tattoos. Probably former military, based on some of the ink he spied, plus the man was built like a brick wall.
“Yeah, well, been busy,” Grant took a sip of his whiskey. “Crisis at work.”
“Oh, sorry to hear that,” he signaled the bartender, who nodded back and began fixing a drink. “I thought you’d gotten into some trouble or an accident. Or something worse.”
“Worse?” Grant asked. “Like what?”
“You know. Got your head lost over some girl. Or married.” He nodded his thanks as the bartender set a glass with a measure of bourbon in front of him.
Grant laughed. “Right. Well, work’s much too busy for that.”
“Glad you’re back, you’re the only other guy around here who doesn’t act like a jerk,” he raised his glass at Grant, who raised his own in reply.
Grant liked Tattoo Guy (as he’d called him in his mind), chatted with him when they both happened to be there at the same time. But neither of them were inclined to introduce themselves. He did know that a lot of the women were drawn to the mysterious man, perhaps sensing that bad boy vibe he radiated.
“Find something you like yet?” Tattoo Guy asked.
He scoured the room again. All gorgeous, sexy women, of course. One particular woman seemed to stand out, a blonde in a slinky red dress. She took a sip of her white wine, her eyes flickering down from the glass and up to the two men.
“Ah,” the other man saw his gaze. “She’s new. Never seen her before.”
“Did you spot her first?” Grant took another sip from his glass.
“Yes, but, I think she’s definitely got her eye on you,” Tattoo Guy observed.
“You don’t mind?”
“No, please, go right ahead,” he nodded to a gorgeous brunette on the other side of the bar. “That one’s been eye-fucking me since she sat down. Good luck, buddy, not that you need it,” he clapped Grant on the shoulder. “And next time, don’t stay away too long.”
“Thanks. I won’t.” Grant finished his drink and placed his glass on the table. Getting up, he walked over to the blonde.
“Excuse me, Miss,” he said with a practiced smoothness. “Can I get you a refill on that glass?”
She turned towards him, her movement graceful and cat-like. “Of course,” she replied, her red-painted lips curling into a smile.
“Excuse me,” he called one of the bartenders, who hurried over to their side. “One more whiskey, please. Neat. And she’ll have another glass of wine, please.” The bartender nodded and went to get their drinks.
“Now,” he turned to the woman. “Tell me all about you…”
“Andrea,” she supplied, leaning into him.
“Andrea. I’m Grant,” he introduced himself. There was no need to give fake names at Luxe, though he knew most people did. Grant sat down next to her and proceeded to flirt and chat, asking her what she did (lawyer, recently made partner at one of the big firms downtown) and where she was from (California, but moved to New York a few years ago.) Andrea mostly talked about herself, not asking Grant any questions, which he preferred.
After about 20 minutes, Andrea finished the rest of her glass. “So, how about we finish this up…in my room?” She gave him a wicked smile. Luxe also happened to be located in one of the nicer hotels in downtown Manhattan, which made it easy for trysts and one-night stands.
“Lead the way,” Grant put his glass down and signaled the bartender to close his tab.
Andrea took his arm, and pulled him towards the exit. As he walked past Tattoo Guy (who was already getting cozy with the brunette on one of the couches), the other man gave Grant a thumbs up and a wink.
They walked towards the elevators, and as soon as the doors closed, the blonde pushed him against the wall, her breasts pressed up against him, the soft mounds threatening to spill out of her low-cut dress. She trailed kisses up his chest, to his neck and her jawline, but just when she was about to press her lips to his, he put a hand on her shoulders and pushed her away.
“Sorry,” he shook his head and took a deep breath.
The blonde looked confused. “I thought you wanted to come up with me?” she asked with a slight pout.
“Oh, I do, baby,” he grabbed her hips and pulled her to him. “I’m…let’s wait until we get to your room. You never know who’s watching.”
Andrea nodded and as the elevator doors opened to her floor, she led him down the hallway. “It’s just over here, sweetie,” she cooed.
Grant followed the blonde, admiring her assets from behind. Andrea was charming, beautiful, sexy as hell and willing. He bet she was probably a wildcat in bed too. “Wait,” he called as she stopped in front of a door, ready to open it with her keycard.
“Yes?” she looked up and gave him another bright smile. “C’mon, tiger, let’s not waste any time.”
“Uhm, yeah, about that…” he let out a breath. “I’m sorry. Sorry, Andrea, I just…I can’t.”
Her crumpled in disappointment. “What? What do you mean?”
“I just remembered, I have an early meeting tomorrow, sorry.”
“But…I thought you…you were flirting with me and…”
“Look, you’re gorgeous,” he ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m just…I can’t right now, ok?” He kissed her on the cheek. “Maybe I’ll see you around.” He turned to the elevators and left her standing in the hallway.
The elevator was, thankfully, still there and he was able to catch it without having to wait. When the doors closed, he banged his head on the metal door.
He groaned loudly. What the heck is the matter with me?
For the first time in months, he had some spare time, finally free (if for one night) of the responsibilities of being Alpha and the CEO of a major corporation, and yet he couldn’t seal the deal. Grant never struck out, much less backed out when it came to beautiful women. By this time, he should have had Andrea on her back, already moaning and screaming her way to her first orgasm. But somehow, it felt wrong.
He bumped his head on the door again. It had been too long - way too long - since he’d taken a woman to bed. His body practically screamed at him, craving soft curves and sweet feminine scents, but each time he got close, it was like being doused with bucket of cold water. This was his third attempt in the last months, and while he had gotten closer than tonight, it ended the same each time. Something inside him was telling him all those women were wrong. If it weren’t for work or Lycan business to keep him busy, he would have gone insane by now. He drove himself to near exhaustion with work, meetings, exercise, and even sparring and training with his Lycan security team.
Grant considered going back to Andrea, telling her he changed his mind or even finding another companion at Luxe, but as the elevator doors opened to the lobby, he decided against it. Air, he thought, I need some fresh air. Instead of going to the garage where his car and bodyguard were waiting, he walked out the front doors. It was strangely empty outside, but then again the building was tucked away in a side street, which meant less traffic, especially at night. He stood on the sidewalk, staring up, trying to find the stars in the polluted Manhattan skies. It was cold outside, in the early spring weather. Good thing his Lycan physiology made him almost immune to the cold, his body heating up to make sure he didn’t freeze.
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