“Please, go right ahead, plenty where that came from,” Frankie laughed.
“I’m a bottomless pit, thanks to this one,” she pointed at her belly, then took another bite. “What’s in this?”
Dante shook his head and wagged his finger. “Uh-uh, family secret,” he winked at the pregnant Lycan. “You’ll have to come eat at the restaurant to get more.”
“Is that your game?” Alynna teased. “Tempt them with the free stuff and then have them coming back for more? If so, sign me up!”
Frankie laughed. “We’ll give you a jar before you leave. And you are most definitely welcome to come to New Jersey to eat at Muccino’s.”
“Thank god, because I might ask to be transferred to your clan if you didn’t,” Alynna joked. “And then-” She stopped short.
“A-Alynna?”
Three pairs of eyes swung towards the kitchen door. Grant Anderson stood in doorway, dressed in a grey sweats, his eyes slowly focusing. “Where are we?”
Chapter Four
Grant swam in and out of consciousness, his thoughts and his vision cloudy. Where am I? His hands gripped cool, soft sheets, the scent of almond cookies, just like the ones he loved as a child, lingered on the pillows. He remembered full curves pressed against him, soft lips, and that heady scent. Placing his fingers against his nose, the sweet womanly scent teased him, his cock springing to attention. His eyes flew open and slowly, they adjusted to the low light. He spied a lamp next to the bed and flipped it on. Blinded temporarily by the light, he closed his eyes and collapsed back on the bed.
There was a weakness in his body, something he’d never felt before. It was like recovering from an illness, and he could already feel his enhanced Lycan immune system fighting whatever it was affecting his body. Searching his memories, he tried to remember what happened. Luxe. The blonde. She threw something in his face, a potion that knocked him out. But after that, the next thing he could remember was the soft body against his, inhaling that amazing scent, and wanting to bury himself deep inside her. No, not the blonde. But who? The scent, it was definitely familiar, not just because it reminded him of his childhood. But he had definitely smelled it before, but when? He would have remembered meeting a female Lycan with such an irresistible scent.
He opened his eyes, took a deep breath and slowly got to his feet. There was a pair of well-worn gray sweatpants hanging by the foot of the bed, which he assumed was for him since he was stark naked. Did I shift? That added to his confusion. Putting them on, he cautiously padded out of the room, into the main hallway. His vision was still blurry around the edges, but he heard voices from one of the inner rooms. Focusing on the voices, he followed the sound, which led him to a room at the end of the hallway, the only one in the dark house that was lit up.
“…tempt them with the free stuff and then have them coming back for more? If so, sign me up!”
Grant perked up when he heard the familiar voice. What was Alynna doing here? He walked towards the room, and gripped the doorframe to steady himself. His mind and vision were now clear, though he still felt a little weak. “A-Alynna?” he rasped, his voice sounding rough and grating. “Where are we?”
Alynna shot to her feet. “Grant!”
Grant felt a spasm and clutched his side. He braced himself against the frame and another man quickly ran to his side, helping him up. “Alpha, are you ok?” the young Lycan asked. He smelled like vanilla and something else familiar.
“Yes, sorry, I’m just-” He stopped short when he turned to the third occupant in the room, and once he set his eyes on her, his mouth went dry and he couldn’t turn away. Sitting next to his sister was another woman, who was staring up at him, a look of surprise on her gorgeous face. Her pouty lips were parted, her dusky olive skin smooth, cheekbones high, and eyebrows thick, dark and delicately arched. Sweeping long dark lashes framed gorgeous mismatched blue and green eyes, and they seemed to glow even in the harsh light of the kitchen. He could smell the subtle almond scent coming from her, or maybe because it was all over the house.
Probably her house, he guessed. Something inside him lurched, a low guttural sound rumbled softly in his chest. What the heck was that?
“Hello?” Alynna waved her hand in front of Grant’s face. “Are you feeling ok?”
Grant blinked twice, not realizing his sister had gotten up and walked over to his side.
“Why don’t I bring the Alpha back to the guest room?” the younger man offered.
“No, I’m fine…” he looked down at the Lycan, “Thank you, uh…”
“I’m Dante, Alpha,” he introduced himself. Grant realized the younger man also had the same features and eyes as the mysterious woman, so were probably related. “And this is my-“
The doorbell interrupted him.
“That’s probably Alex and Dr. Faulkner,” Alynna guessed.
The other woman quickly got up from her seat. “I’ll get the door then,” she swept past him, careful to avoid any contact with him. His gaze followed her as she left.
“Grant, if you’re feeling weak, go back to the guest room,” Alynna crossed her arms. He opened his mouth to protest, but she put her hand up. “Uh-uh. You mother hen me all the time and now you’re gonna listen to me, ok?”
“I’m fine,” he grumbled and straightened up. “I don’t need any help.” He turned around and walked back out into the hallway, Dante and Alynna right behind him. When they neared the front part of the house, and he saw Alex and Dr. Faulkner entering as the mystery woman held the door open.
“Grant!” Tom Faulkner called when he saw the Grant. “Thank goodness you’re alright!”
“Well, that’s one way of putting it,” he replied, rubbing his temples.
“We have some clothes for you, Primul,” Alex handed him a sweatshirt. “Glad to see you’re ok,” he clapped him on the shoulder. Grant took the sweatshirt and nodded at him gratefully before putting it on.
As she stood next to Alex and Dr. Faulkner, Grant realized how petite the mystery woman was, probably two or three inches shorter than her sister. He also couldn’t help but notice how her jeans and t-shirt molded to her curvy body. It was all coming back to him slowly. He remembered the soft hand on his cheek, pulling her to bed, how her lips tasted and her body felt underneath him. Again, that feeling came back, a strange sensation vibrating throughout his body.
“Grant, are you alright?” the older Lycan asked. “Your pupils are still dilated.”
“I’m…uh, still recovering, I think,” he coughed.
Dr. Faulkner shook his head and turned to the woman. “Lupa, thank you for your help. Would it be an imposition if we stayed just a bit longer, just so I can examine him?”
Grant’s head snapped up in surprised. Lupa, he thought silently. Oh, fuck me. He felt like a sex-starved idiot, lusting and practically assaulting another man’s wife. Another Alpha’s Lupa, he added. Of course, he remembered her responding to his kiss and his touch, even unbuttoning her jeans when his hands wouldn’t cooperate. Not that it mattered now. He did not sleep with married women, especially not mates of other Alphas.
“Of course,” she nodded. “Please, take your time and don’t worry, it’s not an imposition. I’m just glad…your Alpha isn’t hurt too badly. Let’s go into the living room.”
“Thank you, Lupa.” Dr. Faulkner then turned to Grant. “Let’s have a look at you.”
They all filed into the living room and Grant sat on the plush, comfy couch. Dr. Faulkner kneeled down in front of him and opened his medical bag, taking out his flashlight and stethoscope. He gave Grant a quick examination and also took a vial of blood from his arm. “Well, whatever you were drugged with, looks like your system is fighting it off. How are you feeling?”
“Still a little weak, but much better,” he replied. “Like I’m recovering from an illness.”
“Good,” Dr. Faulkner put away the small vial. “I’m hoping we can get some traces of whatever was in your system. I’ll send these over to Dr. Cro
ss in the morning.”
“Good,” Grant stood up and turned to Dante and the woman. “Uhm, thank you, by the way. To both of you and your clan. Where is your Alpha, by the way? I’d like to thank him personally, if he’s around.”
Dante looked at the woman and let out a laugh. The woman, on the other hand, crossed her arms and gave him an annoyed look. “The Alpha is right here,” she seethed.
Grant looked around, a baffled look on his face.
“Hey, blockhead, maybe those drugs are still in your system,” Alynna said in an admonishing voice. “She is the Alpha. We’re in New Jersey.”
Grant’s face went from confused to surprise. The woman’s face turned sour, her eyes narrowing. “My apologies then, Alpha,” he corrected himself. “I’m…I just assumed…”
“That I’m some Alpha’s wife? Because of my title? Like I would just let a stranger—” she stopped short and her face flushed.
Despite her obvious anger, Grant couldn’t help but notice how even more beautiful she was, especially with her blue-green eyes flashing. “Blame it on my drug-addled state. I meant no insult, Alpha. Not when I’m in your territory. I’m Grant. Grant Anderson. Alpha to the New York Clan,” he held out his hand.
She raised a brow and looked at his hand, unsure what to do. “I…” she hesitated and took his hand. Her grip was strong, her skin soft, but slightly callused. The touch sent tingles up his arm, and desire bubbled deep inside him. “Francesca Muccino, Alpha to New Jersey clan,” she replied.
“Nice to meet you, Alpha,” Grant put on his most charming smile, not letting go of her hand. “Thank you for your rescue and your generosity.”
“It was nothing,” she said dismissively, pulling her hand away from him.
“Hey, what’s going on?” Another man entered the living room, dressed in a T-shirt and sweats. His hair stuck up in places as if he’d just gotten out of bed, his chocolate brown eyes sleepy. He was definitely a human, and all the other Lycans in the room, save for Frankie and Dante, tensed.
“Matty,” Frankie greeted, her voice turning tender. “Sorry, did we wake you?”
“It’s alright, Frankie,” he yawned. “Oh hey everyone, I’m Matteo.” He smiled at everyone, then turned to Grant. “Hey, man, are you ok? Glad you’re up and about! Looks like Dante’s sweats fit you ok. I wasn’t sure, but I was hoping they would when I got them.”
“Thank you, Matteo,” Grant nodded. “And for your help. All of your help, I mean.”
“Cool, well…” he looked around. “Looks like you guys are discussing important Lycan stuff,” he yawned again. “I’ll leave you to it. Goodnight, I’ll see you in the morning, Frankie, Dante. I gotta go home and shower before I head to work.” He turned and left.
“Who was that?” Alynna asked. “He’s human, right?”
“Sorry,” Frankie gave everyone a reassuring smile. “That’s my brother, Matt. Half-brother, I mean.”
“Brother?” Dr. Faulkner’s brows knitted. He turned to Dante. “And you’re her brother too, right?”
He nodded.
“You have two brothers, Lupa?” Alex asked in a curious voice.
“No,” Frankie shook her head. “I have four brothers. Dante, Matteo, his twin Enzo and our youngest, Rafe. Except for me and Dante, they’re all human, since their dad was human.”
“Four…five of you?” Dr. Faulkner sounded incredulous. “That’s…fascinating!”
“Why?” Dante asked.
“Well, you must know…most Lycans don’t have more than one child, if at all, even those mated to humans. Yet, your mother had five.” Dr. Faulkner explained.
Frankie shrugged. “That’s the way it’s always been with us. Ma had five, and her mother had four, though our mother was her only Lycan offspring. Grandfather died shortly after they moved here from Italy.”
“Must be our Italian genes!” Dante joked.
“Still…” Dr. Faulkner paused. “Sorry to pry, Lupa. Of course as a man of medicine and science, I do understand that there are always outliers in such matters, an exception rather than the rule. I just wonder why we never hear about you or why the Lycan High Council didn’t think such an occurrence, in at least three generations, was significant.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Frankie shrugged. “Our clan isn’t very big, certainly not as big as New York. It’s mostly composed of my relatives and two or three families who have transferred over from other states, usually to get into better school districts for their children. We do what’s necessary to keep the Lycan High Council up-to-date with our numbers and any problems, but that’s about it.”
“How did you know to call Alynna though?” Alex asked.
“Oh! I can answer that!” Alynna’s eyes lit up. “Frankie threatened to tear another girl’s throat out when she insulted my mother in the bathroom at my welcoming ball,” she said proudly.
Frankie laughed. “Those bitches deserved it.”
“You’ve met before?” Grant asked, his eyes darting to his sister.
“Yes. At the ball,” Alynna explained. “I was hiding in the stall. You saw her there, right, Grant? She’s the woman in green!”
“I didn’t see your face,” Grant confessed to Frankie. “And I’m afraid my Liaison takes care of invites and such.”
“I wasn’t going to go, but Dante said I had to,” the Lupa explained. “To make nice with the neighbors.”
“Well, I’m glad you went!” Alynna declared. “And that Grant found his way to you. Who knows what would have happened if he had shifted and went to your neighbor’s house or something?”
Frankie’s brows knitted. “What happened, by the way? Did you get kidnapped or something?”
He shook his head. “I’m not sure…but it may be an internal matter.”
“We will inform the High Council when we know more, Lupa,” Dr. Faulkner assured her.
“Of course,” she said nonchalantly.
“We should get going,” Alynna yawned and stood up. The rest of the New York Lycans agreed with her, citing the late hour.
“Hey Frankie, I got your number, don’t be a stranger, ok?” Alynna said as they filed out into the front porch.
Frankie smiled. “Of course. And you need to come to the restaurant. Maybe when you have your little one, you look like you’re ready to pop!”
“Oh, I hope so!” Alynna joked, rubbing her belly. “I’m ready send this one an eviction notice! I just feel so fat and awkward…”
“You look beautiful, baby doll,” Alex put an arm around his wife and a hand on her stomach.
“Well, I wish you a safe delivery and look forward to welcoming a new life into your clan,” Frankie said.
“Thank you, Lupa,” Alex bowed reverently. “We accept your blessing and wish your clan happiness and health.”
***
Grant watched as his sister and Frankie joked and chatted, so much at ease with each other. He was relieved that Frankie wasn’t married or mated to another Alpha, though he was surprised that she was head of her clan. Not that he didn’t believe women couldn’t be Alphas. He was also surprised to learn that he had been so close to her those many months ago at the ball, though circumstances had prevented them from meeting.
“Grant?” Dr. Faulkner called his attention again. “We should head back. It’s almost two a.m.”
“Right,” he turned to Dante and Frankie. “Alpha, Dante, thank you for your generosity. Our clan owes you, so don’t hesitate to ask if you are in need.”
Frankie nodded. “You’re most welcome, Alpha,” she said formally, avoiding his eyes.
“We’re glad to help and that you’re safe,” Dante added.
Frankie gave Alynna a hug. “I’ll talk to you soon. Come to the restaurant anytime.”
“For sure! I can’t wait to try out all your food!”
They said their goodbyes and the New York Lycans headed back to their cars. Alex drove Dr. Faulkner back in his car, while Grant joined Alynna in the town car. The driver op
ened the door and Grant helped his sister ease herself in the back seat, and then sat beside her. When the car door closed, Alynna crawled next to him.
“I was so worried about you,” she said quietly, squeezing herself against his side.
“I’m sorry,” he put an arm around her. “I was careless and I can’t afford to be these days.”
“Was it the mages?” she asked.
He nodded. “Yes, but let’s talk about it another time.” His gaze drifted to the house, where Frankie and Dante remained standing on the porch, waiting for their guests to leave. His eyes remained fixed on the Alpha. Desire shot deep through him, something he hadn’t felt in months towards any woman, but somehow it felt much more than sexual attraction. Francesca Muccino was beautiful, and any man would be blind not to see that. He normally went for tall, willowy model types, but something about those lush curves and pouty mouth made him want to toss her over his shoulder and take her to his bed. He wondered what would have happened if her brother hadn’t interrupted them.
“Uh-oh,” Alynna said, interrupting his thoughts. She looked up at him meaningfully, her green eyes so similar to his own sparkled with mischief.
“Uh-oh?” Grant looked down at his sister. “What do you mean uh-oh?”
Alynna gave him a smug smile. “Oh nothing.” She turned to the driver. “Let’s head home.”
Chapter Five
“You bumbling fool! You idiot!” Victoria railed at Daric. They stood in front of Stefan, who stood motionless and stoic as ever. “You had him! The Alpha of the most powerful clan in the world and he got away!”
“I’m sorry, Master,” Daric got on one knee and bowed his head. “Our mage team let the Alpha get away. He was able to shift and overpower our people. I take full responsibility.” He closed his eyes shut, as if waiting for punishment to rain down on him like hellfire.
“Get up, Daric,” Stefan’s claw-like fingers dug into his shoulders. “No need to apologize.”
“But Master, I failed you.” Daric looked genuinely confused.
Romancing the Alpha Page 4
