Alphas of Summer: A collection of shifter romances

by Lia Davis

  I understand. At least you realize the truth now. I'll be waiting for when you're ready.

  "Tomorrow we do some target practice, then Phase Two will be over. Phase Three is all about strategy and procedures. And whatever you come up with. I would love an overview of the topics you intend to cover on my desk by tomorrow evening." Janine averted her gaze for fear of losing control again.

  He let go of her, causing her arm to almost ache at the absence of his touch. Janine listened to the sound of him walking away toward the door, yet she did not call him back as much as she wanted to. Their kiss had taken the edge off.

  See you soon, she thought just as the door clicked back into position, with him on the other side.

  She needed to focus now and ensure that the rest of Alpha Squad's training passed without incident. So far, things had looked pretty good for the team. If they continued along this trajectory, nobody, not even the general, could declare the task force a failure.

  Janine plopped down onto her chair and rested her head in her hands.

  This was by far the craziest thing she'd ever done. Kissed a man at work. A recruit, even!

  She should be ashamed of her lack of impulse control. She should…

  But she wasn't. Although she could not let things continue just yet, their kiss had been the most glorious moment of her life so far.

  Everything about it had felt right.

  And for once, ever since coming to this base and starting this assignment, Janine did not feel alone anymore. They might not have discussed their relationship properly yet, but she knew it in her heart. He would be there for her, no matter what.

  Funny, how after years of keeping a wall around her heart, it had taken a man from a whole other species to break through her defenses and show her hope. This assignment had been a struggle on so many levels; she had been asked to choose between the military and her conscience, her professional ethics and love. Finally, she could see that it was all completely worth it.

  Chapter 12

  Eric was still reeling with the after effects of his encounter with Janine when he walked out of her office and through the hallway. Although his inner bear had tried its best to break free and take over, he was thrilled with how things had gone. Sure, she had cut their kiss short. Sure, he would have loved to see where things could have gone if she hadn't, but this was an epic breakthrough nonetheless.

  She acknowledged their bond.

  She felt as strongly connected to him as he felt to her.

  There was a spring in his step as he headed back to the dorm, so much so that he caught himself and tried to tone it down as he entered. The last thing either of them needed was to draw attention to their budding relationship.

  This was not the right time, he agreed with her on that. And if Alpha Squad was to fail anyway, they would find themselves in a much more favorable position soon enough. There was no need for her to get embroiled in a sex scandal with a recruit on top of everything else.

  Possibly that was the reason she asked him to devise a training plan to educate the humans about shifter behavior as well. She was doing everything in her power to give the team the most comprehensive training possible so that she could not be personally blamed for its failure.

  Of course, he would do his part, there was no question about that. It was not her fault that those higher up opposed the idea of Alpha Squad. Though he did feel bad looking at Adam and Blackwood, who were still going through their respective parachute jumps blow by blow, just like they had done when Eric had been called away. Those two would take Alpha Squad's failure the hardest. They were the only ones here who’d actually volunteered. Bentley probably had his Special Forces career to go back to. And perhaps whatever Cooper did to earn him a transfer into this mess could get resolved if Alpha Squad was disbanded.

  Of course, Eric had a future with Janine as his mate to look forward to. That was how shifter couples worked. Once you felt the true bond, there was no going back from it. And since Janine felt it as strongly as he did…

  "Hey, bro. Everything all right?" Adam said.

  Eric nodded. "Yeah, fine. The major wants me to prepare some additional training."

  As soon as he mentioned the major, Bentley's head jerked up in his direction.

  "Shifter related topics," Eric clarified and watched as Bentley looked away again. He must have been jealous that Janine had not involved him.

  "Like what?" Blackwood asked.

  "Basically she wants to know everything there is to know about shifters. Differences in behavior, etc."

  "That makes sense," Cooper remarked from the other end of the dorm. "I don't know nothin' about shifters, except what I've seen from you lads."

  Eric nodded as well. "Well, exactly. So we're going to rectify that."

  Bentley let out a grunt and lay back on his bed with his arms behind his head. "Don't they have books about stuff like that?"

  Eric decided to ignore him, but Blackwood eagerly stepped in to answer. "We've only just come out, as it were. Do you think we would have let people write books about us while we were doing everything possible to keep our existence secret?"

  Bentley shrugged. "It's been a few months."

  Adam straightened himself and joined in the argument. "Well, by all means, you head to the nearest library tomorrow and ask to see their shifter section. Let us know what you find."

  Eric raised his hand. "Enough! Jan-the major asked for me to prepare a curriculum, so that's what I'm going to do. Only following orders."

  Bentley did not respond, but his expression was dark as ever. After weeks of being Janine's second in command in certain exercises, clearly he was now jealous of Eric's assignment. Who cares? In a couple of weeks, none of this rivalry would matter anymore.

  Eric sat down on his bed and grabbed a notepad and pen. If he wanted to have anything remotely close to a training plan by the following evening, he'd better get started.

  The following day's training had again seen the entire team perform well. The shifters were the weaker shooters, but they weren’t bad at it. With enough practice, they would be able to catch up with Cooper and perhaps even Bentley.

  It was strange to think that in another few weeks this was all meant to be over.

  If the whole team continued to do as well as they had done today, how would they justify shutting it down? It was a mystery to Eric.

  Despite these and other, much more intimate thoughts clouding his mind, he had still managed to complete his own assignment. He had penned an overview of training topics regarding shifter behavior for the humans, and even added any questions the shifters still had about human behavior. Even though Eric and his brother had lived in close proximity to humans all their lives, there were certain things that still confused them. These knowledge gaps were even wider in the case of Blackwood; wolves were notoriously clannish. He had grown up in a commune up in Scotland where no human had set foot in years and only headed out into the 'real world' a couple of years back.

  So as soon as the target practice training had finished for the day, Eric headed to Janine's office armed with his notes and a pen, ready to report on his efforts so far. He instinctively slowed when he heard Janine's voice. This was becoming a habit: lurking around her office, trying to listen in on conversations. And a completely unnecessary one at that, now that she had come around to their relationship.

  Eric knocked on the door to her office. I'm here, he thought.

  Come in, she responded.

  There. Much easier. She would have sensed him loitering out in the hall anyway.

  Janine was still listening to someone on the other end of the line as she gestured at him to take a seat.

  "I understand, Mr. Secretary. That will be very helpful," she said.

  Teese? Eric guessed.

  She nodded.

  "Yes, we can begin next week. All right. Thank you so much, Sir. I'll keep you updated." Janine placed the phone back in the receiver and shot Eric a quick smile.

&nb
sp; What a difference a few days had made. Eric was still getting used to this new and improved Janine; she was like an entirely different person.

  What? Her voice infiltrated his mind again.

  Nothing.

  You're smiling.

  Eric shook his head. She was right, of course, but it wasn't for any particular reason other than just being alone with her again.

  "We'll be getting some police training next week," Janine said. "That's what Secretary Teese called me about. The Ministry has arranged for a qualified trainer to teach everyone about police procedures and relevant laws and regulations."

  "I'm sure that will be helpful." Even if the team is doomed anyway.

  Janine frowned. What do you mean the team is doomed?

  Eric leaned forward and scrutinized her face. She looked concerned and he could sense a surge of anxiety originating from her.

  Your orders. The general.

  Then, she visibly relaxed a bit. Oh, that. I'm still getting used to you poking around in my head like this.

  Vice versa, he responded. So what's the story?

  Janine sat back and stared straight into his eyes. General Stone, along with probably most high ranking officials from other agencies, have been unhappy about Alpha Squad's proposed role. They feel that the initiative should have never been approved.

  Eric nodded. That was understandable. They did not like another player coming in and stepping on their toes.

  But we're not part of the military. Nor any other domestic force. We fall under the Ministry of Shifter Affairs and only Parliament can shut us back down.

  A subtle smile broke through Janine's formerly stony expression. As long as the team does well enough to satisfy Parliament and the Ministry, there is really nothing anyone can do. Of course, I was meant to stand by and watch as everyone failed the training, but they, I mean you, haven't failed.

  What a relief. Eric had been dreading the thought of seeing his brother disappointed. This was the first time he had actually put his mind to something and followed through. Of course, it remained to be seen whether Adam would last once training was over, but just sticking it out here with all the challenges they had faced was a big deal.

  The general must be pretty unhappy about that, Eric thought.

  Janine's face and body language grew determined. I imagine he will be furious, once he finds out. I haven't actually told him yet. I've been planning to wait until it will be too late for him to sabotage us.

  Eric nodded. I'm with you, no matter what.

  Janine smiled again. I don't know how, but I know.

  Eric leaned across her desk and took Janine's hand. She closed her eyes and sighed.

  Ever since their first kiss, Eric had marveled at how different she was.

  How tiny her hand felt in his. Her body seemed to be so much more fragile than the women of his species, but at the same time, she had a mental strength that continued to surprise him. She was willing to sacrifice her military career for this unit, even though she had been even less keen than him at the start of this assignment.

  You believe we can do great things here, right? she asked, caressing the top of his hand with her finger.

  Eric took a moment to think it through. He hadn't, at first. But as time had passed, he’d seen more and more potential and growth in the other team members. If he was in charge instead of Janine, he probably would end up doing the same thing.

  There's a lot of potential here. I didn't think so at first, but now I've seen what we can do.

  Janine smiled. I'm glad we agree.

  "You have prepared a list of topics for Shifter Awareness Training?" Janine asked aloud.

  Eric let go of her hand, unfolded the sheet of paper he had brought with him, and placed it on the table in front of her. She started to read, nodding and making little noises in agreement to various points he'd noted. It was the cutest thing to behold.

  "That looks good. I'm looking forward to it," she said, looking up into his eyes again.

  How he wanted to hold her again, kiss her again. He had always considered himself to be reasonably patient, but this was different. Now, he had all these urges and desires clawing at him that could not wait to break through his otherwise calm and composed exterior.

  Especially since he knew she felt them too.

  "I'd best be off then. Prepare more detailed materials," he forced himself to say.

  Her eyes lingered on his lips for a moment.

  I want to kiss you again.

  Eric could not be sure if that was his thought or hers.

  As difficult as it was, he shook it off. She had asked for time, to wait until their training was complete, and he would respect that. So he got up and started to walk away, even though his inner bear was roaring in anger.

  Wait, Janine stopped him.

  Eric turned to look at her. Her face was conflicted, as she got up from behind her desk with her hand resting on the surface. Don't leave yet.

  It wouldn't take much. Just two, three steps to get to her position, gather her up in his arms, and satisfy all his deepest, most intimate desires.

  I can't take it anymore. Is there somewhere private we can go?

  Eric took a moment to clear his head, and then he had it. The perfect spot.

  Chapter 13

  Janine did not know what had come over her when she asked to go somewhere private with Eric. It was so unlike her to change her mind once she’d made a decision. Then again, this entire situation with him was completely unlike anything she’d ever experienced before. She had hoped that their first kiss would reduce the tension, but it had just made her crave him more.

  Janine watched as Eric stood at the doorway of her office and listened out for any sounds that suggested they might get caught. He gestured at her to join him. All clear. Nobody's around.

  She just about remembered to grab her coat on the way out. Once outside the barracks, Janine felt Eric's eyes on her. I could do it on foot, but a car would be better.

  She searched through the pockets of her coat, and luckily, there they were: the keys to the Land Rover. Janine tossed the bunch at him and approached the passenger side door.

  It was already getting dark, making it hard for Janine to see their surroundings. Eric did not seem to have much trouble, so he scanned the area for onlookers one last time and then they were off.

  At least now that they had taken the official base vehicle, Janine could explain their trip away as Alpha Squad business. Something to do with the training Eric was developing for the team. Yes, that would be a decent excuse.

  They did not speak as Eric drove along the bumpy tracks inside the base. Instead of turning toward the main gates, he switched off his headlights and took a left into some woods that were used for cross country runs.

  Up ahead, up that little path, there's a log hut, Eric explained.

  Janine squinted but could hardly make out what he was talking about. She could not see the track, never mind a cabin at the end of it. How do you know?

  Adam, Blackwood, and I have had plenty of opportunity to explore this place. Where do you think we kept getting fresh meat and fish from?

  Janine frowned. The rations provided by the base had mostly consisted of pantry staples along with a weekly delivery of fresh produce from the local village. You guys have been hunting in these woods?

  Eric grinned at her. Another thing I'll cover in Shifter Awareness Training. You humans would be surprised at how much food the average shifter goes through in a day. If we had not started supplementing our rations, we might have been tempted to eat the human recruits. Just kidding.

  "You should have said something," Janine protested. It was obvious she still had so much to learn. Good thing she had Eric as her ally now.

  Eric chuckled. "It's been good fun, getting back to nature like this after a lifetime in the city."

  If after the rigorous training she had set up for them, the three shifters still had enough energy to go out and forage, perhaps she h
ad been going too easy on them. Janine smiled to herself as she turned the door handle and stepped out. Now that the sun was down, there was a biting chill in the air that did its best to pass through her coat.

  Eric joined her on her side and offered her an arm. "Straight ahead. We're not far off."

  She took a deep breath, enjoying the prickle of the cold air against the inside of her nostrils. This place had its own beauty, even in the dark. The air smelled fresh, a bit damp, and laden with the heavy scent of pine sap from the surrounding trees.

  She had not had much time to explore the base herself, which she now regretted. It was nice to get out of the cramped quarters inside the barracks.

  Eric continued to guide her up a narrow track through the trees. Her footsteps seemed painfully loud against the near silent backdrop of the woods, while he was surprisingly light on his feet.

  Eric was proven right, though. It took them hardly five minutes to reach a small clearing with a basic wooden structure in its center: the cabin he had been talking about.

  Janine waited and watched as Eric opened the front door. It wasn't luxurious, but it could not have been more private.

  He grabbed a candle and blew the dust off it before lighting it with a lighter he retrieved from his pocket. That gave Janine just enough light to be able to see the interior of the log hut better.

  There was a fireplace, which Eric got to work on immediately, along with a cot in the corner that was covered with a formerly white sheet. Except for a couple of shelves, that was all the furniture there was. There weren't even any chairs.

  While he managed to get a fire going, she uncovered the bed, dusting it off a bit. For a forgotten hut in the woods, it was not too bad. She had been made to stay in worse accommodations during previous deployments in her military career.

  The previously lifeless pile of dry sticks in the fireplace started to crackle and pop as it caught fire, and Eric turned to face her.