Romancing the Alpha

by Alicia Montgomery

  Stefan let out a cruel laugh. “Not at all.”

  “I don’t understand, Master.”

  “Master!” Victoria screeched. “He let Grant Anderson escape when he could have killed him!” She looked at Daric. “Why did you kidnap him and let him escape. You should have put a knife to his heart the moment you got your hands on him!”

  “The Master instructed us to bring him back here,” Daric said.

  Victoria, wild-eyed and confused, looked at Stefan. “Master?”

  Stefan gave them a cruel smile. “Do you think I would just let the Alpha escape with a quick and painless death? No. This was part of the plan.”

  The redheaded witch’s face twisted into a vicious mask. “Plan? What plan? Why can’t we just kill the Alpha?”

  “My dear,” Stefan said haughtily. “Killing the Alpha now will only make the Lycans bloodthirsty for revenge. When that happens, the Beta will take over, and with a strong mate, one that’s connected with the witches and a True Mate offspring, it will only make them stronger and more determined to destroy us.”

  “So, what’s the real plan?” Victoria asked in an irritated voice.

  “I have set plans in motion with our new allies,” Stefan relayed. “We will use them to hook in the Alpha, pledge his loyalty to them, and then once they have secured his legacy, then we can kill him.”

  “Is that wise?” Daric asked. “How can we trust these new allies of yours?”

  “We don’t,” Stefan declared. “We will keep them close, and once we have what we want, we will kill them too. I have no use for creatures who would betray their own kind and for what? A patch of territory? No. We will get rid of these ‘allies’ and take over.”

  Chapter Six

  “Now that is some story, Grant,” Cady remarked. She was sitting on the couch in the Alpha’s office at the Fenrir Corp headquarters in Midtown Manhattan. Her husband sat next to her as they listened to Grant relay the events from two nights ago. “And the New Jersey Alpha! I updated our database just before Alynna’s ball, and she definitely got an invite. I didn’t get an RSVP though, otherwise, she would have been introduced to you and Alynna directly.”

  “Well, apparently, she decide to go last minute,” Grant said. “She just showed up and met Alynna in the bathroom.”

  Nick Vrost frowned. “We need to tighten up security, especially if anyone can just slip into our events.” As head of security and Grant’s Beta, he was in charge of making sure everyone at Fenrir and the clan was safe.

  “Well, she wasn’t just anyone,” Cady put a hand on her husband’s arm reassuringly. “She is a Lycan, and an Alpha. Your guys probably just assumed she’d already been inside the ballroom.”

  “Sorry we’re late,” Alex said as he entered Grant’s office, Alynna just behind him. “Primul, Al Doilea,” he greeted Grant and Nick by their honorific titles. Even though he was married to Grant’s sister (and now, soon-to-be father to Grant’s heir presumptive), he still showed respect to the two men, especially at the office or around other Lycans. “Cady,” he greeted the other woman. Alex was a transferee Lycan, originally from Chicago but asked to move to New York to be part of Grant’s security team. Human Liaison Cady Vrost (née Gray, before she married Nick) was his first friend when he arrived in the city.

  “Alynna, you should have stayed home,” Grant frowned as he watched his very pregnant sister struggle to sit down. “You could have called in.”

  “Uh, please, I’m fine, just didn’t get enough sleep,” she eased down on the plush seat, her hand on her belly. “Alex, we should definitely sign him up for football lessons. We’re gonna have a kicker on our hands.”

  Alex sat next to her, placing an arm around her. “And if it’s a girl?”

  “Girls can play football too, you know,” she sighed. “I wish True Mate babies weren’t sonogram-proof, then we would know.”

  At the beginning of Alynna’s pregnancy, Dr. Faulkner had discovered that the sonogram simply wouldn’t work on her baby. One of the signs of having a True Mate child (aside from instant conception, barring any physical contraception) was that both the child and the mother were virtually indestructible. Alynna herself had survived a poisoning and Cady recovered from what would have been a fatal stab wound. Unfortunately, True Mate fetuses probably had some type of protective shield, which also kept out sonogram waves. Alex and Alynna were a little worried, but they had to trust that their baby was healthy, though a little disappointed that they would have to wait until after the birth to find out if it was a boy or girl.

  “Anyway, now that we’re all here,” Cady began. “What do we do? It’s obvious that the mages were behind your kidnapping, Grant. What did they want and how did they get to you?”

  “Well, there was a woman…” he began.

  Alynna grinned. “Oh, there’s always a woman, I suppose.”

  “Contrary to popular belief, I’m not a monk,” Grant said dryly. “The short version is, I was at Luxe and when I went out to get some fresh air, this woman I met followed me and hit me with some kind of potion. I can’t be sure of what she looks like, since she could have been using a glamour spell. Anyway, I blacked out. I remember shifting into wolf form and escaping from the back of a van, but the potion must have muddled my memories because the next thing I knew, a car hit me and I was lying on the ground.”

  “Did you have blood on you?” Nick asked.

  He shook his head. “No, and I didn’t smell any traces of it either.”

  “You must have scared the shit out of the mages when you transformed in the back of the van,” Alynna guessed. “And you were probably within the Jersey territory, since you couldn’t have gone too far if you were still drugged.”

  “We should check for speed cameras, and maybe reports of crashes between New York and the Alpha’s house, in case they lost control of the vehicle.” Alex suggested. “Then we need to report back to the High Council and the Witch Assembly.”

  “How are talks going with the Assembly, by the way?” Alynna asked.

  Grant sighed and shook his head. “Not good, I’m afraid. The witches and Lycans are still wary each of each other, even after all these months of talks. And the mages have laid low, so neither side thinks there’s anything to worry about.”

  “I’ll talk to Vivianne,” Cady said, referring to her aunt, who was also the head of her own coven, based in New York. “We need to get some progress on these talks. Hopefully the kidnapping of an Alpha should be good enough reason to start moving on getting a real alliance sorted.”

  “Right,” Grant said. “Now, let’s move on to other business,” he turned to Nick. “Nick, you said you were working on a plan to increase our security forces?”

  “Yes, I wanted to start doing more recruitment drives. I know there are many Lycans in other clans that might be willing to transfer…”

  They all listened to Nick’s ideas, threw in some of their own and decided to continue the discussion further another time.

  “Can we get lunch, please?” Alynna begged.

  Alex kissed her on the forehead. “Of course. Cady, Nick, Grant, come and join us? I asked Jared to have some Chinese food delivered to our office. There’s enough for everyone, including two pregnant Lycans.”

  “Sounds great,” Cady said, easing up slowly up from the couch. Her own baby bump was showing and she started wearing more maternity clothes. Nick helped her up, placing his hand on her back. “Then you need to go home, Alynna.”

  “I’m not due for another two weeks,” the younger woman pouted.

  “Still, remember what Dr. Faulkner said, you need to be near The Enclave Medical wing this close to your due date,” Grant reminded her. “And knowing the mages are getting bolder, I’m not taking any chances.”

  “Neither am I,” Alex said seriously. “I’ll take her straight home after lunch,” he nodded to Grant.

  “Good, now,” Grant moved to his desk. “I’ll join you in a bit, I just need to send off one more email.” He s
at down, as the others left his office, turning to his computer screen.

  “Grant,” Nick had remained where he stood after he urged his wife to go ahead without him.

  “What is it?” Grant asked. “Something you need to discuss with me in private?”

  “I’m just…concerned about you, not just as your Beta, but also as your friend,” Nick began. He walked over to his desk and sat down on one of the chairs.

  Grant leaned back in his chair. “Alright, what is it?”

  “Well, I don’t meddle in your personal affairs, and I always let you come to me when you need advice,” Nick hesitated. “But, these past months have been difficult for all of us. For you most of all. You’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders, being our leader.”

  The Alpha crossed his arms. “What are you saying, Nick?”

  “Well, you’ve been distracted and stretched thin. Sometimes, I see you just staring into space, thinking about god knows what. And then taking chances like going to Luxe and hooking up with random women…”

  “I don’t know what you expect of me, Nick. You know how it has to be for me, I don’t have time for relationships,” Grant explained. “Especially not now. Sometimes I need female company, a distraction, you understand. You weren’t celibate, even during all that time you weren’t with Cady.”

  “Yes, well, that’s different. But you need to do something about it then and let me help.”

  “So, are you offering to find women for me?” Grant said in a light tone. “I think that’s going a little bit above and beyond, even for a Beta.”

  Nick chuckled. “No, no, I’m just saying, if there’s something I can do to help you…get whatever it is out of your system, let me know, ok? I’ll be your wingman, just like old times. At least if I’m there, I can protect you.”

  “Will do, but don’t worry, I won’t be making any trips to Luxe anytime soon. By the way, how are renovations going?” Grant asked, quickly changing the subject. Nick and Cady were having his entire penthouse re-done, just for the baby (and possible future additions) and so they moved into her place a few floors below.

  “Good, good, we’re still on schedule to move in two months,” Nick said.

  “And everything else good?”

  “All is well and good, the baby, from what we can tell, is healthy and strong. He or she kicked for the first time last night.” Nick smiled, a rarity in all the time Grant had known him, but happened more frequently in the last months. It was obvious that his friend was happy, content and completely in love with his wife. Grant felt a stab of envy, but he was glad Nick and Cady finally decided to be together after ten years. It was the one good thing that came out of all this mage business.

  “Excellent news,” Grant stood up. “Well, let’s go and join everyone before Alynna and your wife finish off all the egg rolls.”

  ***

  At the end of the workday, Grant left his office, bid his admin Jared good night, and headed down to Fenrir Corp’s private garage. Heath Pearson, his driver and bodyguard for the day, was already waiting for him.

  “Good evening, Primul,” he greeted as he opened the door.

  “Thank you, Pearson,” he nodded and slipped into the back seat of the town car. The driver closed the door and went to the front seat.

  “Just back to The Enclave, Primul?”

  “Yes,” he replied. Pearson started the engine and the car drove out of the garage.

  Grant stared outside as they drove uptown. The day was pretty busy and he was able to get a lot of work done, but now that his mind was winding down, he couldn’t help but think of his conversation with Nick. His thoughts were also filled with a certain luscious Alpha who seemed to have gotten under his skin. Frankie was on his mind a lot the past two days. The memories of her scent and her lush body lingered in the corners of his mind, overtaking his thoughts when he had a free moment. He couldn’t forget the way her sweet lips tasted and how they molded perfectly against his. Of course, he also imagined much more than just the taste he had. He wondered how her naked breasts would feel against his chest, what she would taste like when he licked her until she screamed his name and how her beautiful face would look when she fell apart in his arms.

  “Pearson,” he called the driver’s attention.

  “What is it Primul?”

  “Do you have your GPS on? Can you do a quick search for me, please? I think I’d like to go to dinner first.”

  “Of course, Primul,” Pearson slowed the car down and pulled to the side. “Where would you like to go?”

  “Search for Italian restaurants. In New Jersey. Actually, just one restaurant, something with Muccino’s in the name.”

  The other Lycan said nothing and followed his Alpha’s instructions. He entered the name into the GPS unit and waited a few seconds. “Ok, Primul. Muccino’s Italian Restaurant in Barnsville, New Jersey. We can be there in an hour-and-a-half. Traffic is a bitch, uh, I mean, it’s heavy going into Jersey this time of day, is that ok, sir?”

  “No worries. Go ahead.”

  “Yes, Primul.” Pearson put the car into gear and began driving towards their destination. There was heavy traffic in the Lincoln Tunnel, but after they exited and got past the traffic, the scenery turned from the industrial area of Jersey to more pleasant scenery of rolling hills and rich greenery.

  Finally, they pulled into Barnsville, New Jersey and into a small parking lot on Main Street. The restaurant itself was housed in a low, brick building with red awnings over the windows. The lighted sign in front read “Muccino’s Italian Restaurant.” He exited the car and walked right up into the front door.

  The dining room was decorated in the typical casual Italian restaurant style, done in warm tones, with dark wood moldings and matching furniture, and all the tables covered in red and white checkered tablecloths. Everything looked neat and in order, if a little old-fashioned. As he approached the host’s station, he was greeted by a familiar face.

  “Hey, Matteo,” he said to the younger man. “How are you? Sorry, I didn’t bring the sweatpants back, I can have someone send it back tomorrow.”

  The other man smiled brightly at him. “Sorry, sir, I’m not Matteo, I’m his twin, Enzo. Enzo Morretti.” he held his out his hand. “He doesn’t work here weekdays, but I can give him a call if you need to get in touch.”

  “Oh, sorry about that,” Grant shook his hand, giving it a firm shake. “I’m Grant. Grant Anderson.” He looked the other man and upon closer inspection, he realized that despite their identical features, this was definitely a different man. He had a more modern, hip hairstyle and was dressed in a tight-fitting gray shirt, skinny red tie, slim black pants and wingtips.

  “Oh,” Enzo said, then lowered his voice. “You’re that Grant Anderson. The Alpha, right?”

  He nodded. “Yes, that’s me.”

  “The one Frankie ran over?”

  Grant smiled. “The same one.”

  “Well, I’m glad you’re alive, I had my doubts, especially with the way she drives,” he chuckled. “Was there anything you needed, Alpha?”

  “Yes. A table, please,” Grant said.

  “A table?” The young man seemed confused, then shrugged his shoulders. “Ok, well, as you can see, we’re not very busy tonight,” he motioned to the almost-empty dining room. Only two other tables were filled.

  “Anywhere’s fine,” Grant said.

  “Right, follow me,” Enzo led Grant to one of the tables in the middle of the room. “So, aren’t you like, supposed to get permission to come here or something?”

  “Your sister invited us to come anytime. Also, I was hungry and in the mood for Italian.”

  “Of course,” Enzo stopped as they reached the table. “Your server will be with you in a moment,” he handed Grant the menus as he sat down. “Have a good dinner.”

  Chapter Seven

  Frankie tapped furiously on the keyboard. “C’mon, you piece of shit!” she growled at the computer. It froze for the nth time
, and if it didn’t save her progress, she would have to start all over again.

  A whole hour’s worth of work gone. She looked at all the bills piled up on her table. Ugh.

  “Frankie!” Enzo popped his head through the doorway.

  “What is it?” she asked impatiently.

  “You need to come out into the dining room,” Enzo said.

  “Arggh…is Mrs. Clementi complaining about her gazpacho being too cold again? Just heat it up on the stove, I doubt she can tell the difference,” Frankie turned back to the computer and let out a string of curses in Italian that would have made a sailor blush. She got on her hands and knees and then crawled under her desk to unplug her computer.

  “Frankie, no, really. There’s a Lycan out there. The Alpha you ran over.”

  A loud thud followed by another string of curses came from underneath the table. “What?” Frankie asked as she crept out from the desk, rubbing her head. “Who?”

  “Whatsisname…Grant Anderson.”

  “He’s here?”

  “That’s what I said the first time, didn’t I?” her brother asked in an exasperated voice.

  “What does he want?”

  “A table. Said he was hungry.”

  “And he came all the way here to eat at the restaurant?”

  “Jeez, Frankie, I don’t got time to play 20 questions, ok?” Enzo grumbled. “Come out or not, I don’t care, I just thought you’d want to know.” With that, Enzo left.

  What the heck was Grant Anderson doing in New Jersey? Frankie stood up and dusted off her jeans and blouse.

  Tuesday was usually their slowest day, which meant she dressed more casually than normal. Looking at the mirror mounted behind the door, she frowned. Her hair was piled haphazardly on top of her head with pins, and though her blouse was clean, there was definitely a small hole at the bottom. She didn’t keep a spare outfit in her office, not even a blazer. Not that she had any reason too. At least she had thought to put on some makeup before she left the house.