Imprinted By The Alpha (BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance) (The Marked One - Book 1)

by Jocelyn Thomas

  The man stumbled back, temporarily put off. But he recovered and disregarded Ava’s disgust. Ava knew men like him; they wouldn’t take no for an answer, believing that their target just needed a little more persuasion. “Come on, baby, don’t be like that,” he slurred, reaching in to grab her again.

  Ava backed away, stepping out of his reach.

  “She said fuck off,” Kelly echoed beside her, hostile and threatening.

  The man’s countenance changed, full of rage. “It’s a free country, bitch.”

  Ava wasn’t intimidated, and she knew for a fact Kelly wasn’t either. They’d had each other’s backs for years when a prick got too frisky.

  “Is there a problem here?” Ava turned to see Jared walking up, Jen in tow and four other guys behind him.

  “This fucker won’t leave Ava alone,” Kelly called to him. Ava didn’t take her eyes off the creep.

  Jared stepped up, glaring at him. “I think it’s time for you to leave.” Only then did Ava notice a second man, standing just behind him and looking just as angry.

  The creep turned to his friend, took a quick look at Jared and his crew, and Ava had the impression he was contemplating his odds. He had a fighting stance, but as his eyes seemed to calculate, he apparently didn’t like the situation at all. Finally, he turned to Ava and sneered. “You and me,” he leveled in a low tone, pointing at her and back at himself. “We’ll meet again, pretty lady.” With a wink and a salacious grin, he turned, slapping his friend on the back, and they stalked slowly away, the entire group watching them fade into the darkness of the woods.

  Kelly let out a long breath beside Ava. “Fuck me! Are you alright?”

  Ava nodded, aggravated. “I’m fine. Except for the buzz kill.” She turned to Jared, who still stood a few feet away, staring at the spot where the two guys had disappeared. “Thanks, Jared.”

  He snapped, and two of his friends started off in the same direction. “Not a problem. We’re going to follow them and make sure they actually leave.” He kissed Jen and started after his friends. “Stay here,” he called, “I’ll be right back.” He trotted off.

  Ava was glad for both Kelly’s and Jared’s intervention; she felt stronger with her best friend by her side, and yet, from the size of the two men, she knew they’d needed the backing of the boys. She and Kelly couldn’t have fought the two creeps off alone, though she would have fought like a hellcat.

  “Are we out of beer?” she asked Kelly, trying to shake off the incident.

  Kelly nodded toward the parking lot. “There’s more in the car.”

  Decisively, Ava told her friend, “I’m grabbing one. You want one?”

  Kelly gave her a stunned look. “Are you kidding me? What about those assholes?”

  Ava waved it off. “They went the other direction, and Jared will make sure the coast is clear. I’m sure they’re gone already. I’ll be fine.” Of course, her words were more confident than her heart, but that was the whole purpose of getting the beer in the first place. She started up the trail, calling back, “I’ll be back in five minutes.”

  She wouldn’t let a couple of jerks ruin her night or frighten her, she decided as she navigated the path alone. She was on full alert, her senses heightened, but she wouldn’t be afraid. She listened to the music echo through the woods and as she reached the car, she turned to see the moonlight still glinting off the lake. She popped the trunk and grabbed the last six pack, deciding to bring the whole thing. After all, she was stone-cold sober now, and she wanted to change that.

  Confidently, she headed back down the path, but an image of her encounter replayed unbidden in her head, and she shivered. Why was it that all the losers found her attractive? As she followed the flickering amber flames back to the bonfire, she shook her head, thinking that there was always some deadbeat trying to lure her in. She’d had some epic failures in attempting relationships, and she rolled her eyes, thinking there had to be better options out there.

  The hair on the back of Ava’s neck stood up, and she stopped dead in her tracks. It felt like someone was watching her, maybe following her in the shadows, and she whipped around, scanning the darkness for anything out of place. “Hello?” she called quietly. There was no response, and Ava felt foolish. There she was, letting the night’s turn of events rule her.

  Her heart pounded in her chest a little harder, and she felt anxious. Chiding herself, she turned around and took a step in the direction of the party. It was time to pound a beer or two and get back to that place where she felt free and loose.

  She collided with something rock hard and bounced back, nearly knocked to the ground as she stumbled backward to try and catch her balance. Her gaze fell on the most incredible bright green eyes she’d ever seen, and suddenly, a pair of arms slid behind her back, catching her just before she hit the ground, and as she found herself held tight against the rock-hard chest that had caused her fall, his eyes locked on hers.

  Chapter 6

  Heat flooded every part of Caleb’s body in a way that heightened his senses and raised red flags in his mind. The universe stopped moving for a moment as he held the girl tight against him and everything he’d loved ceased to exist in that moment as her sky blue eyes bored into his. His sense of loyalty to his pack, his obedience of his father, his connection to his family and home, his hatred for his enemies – all gone, in that instant.

  Gravity pulled him toward the girl, and he couldn’t get close enough to her as the purpose of his being was forever altered, now revolving around the woman he held with long chestnut hair and eyes like the brightest summer’s day.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there,” Ava stuttered, pushing at him and trying to tear her eyes away from his. He could feel her heart beating furiously against his own chest, and she sounded as though she couldn’t catch her breath. Caleb reluctantly let go, but she wobbled as if lightheaded, and he clasped his arms around her again, more gently this time, and waited until she seemed recovered to let her steady herself.

  She stared at him, and he didn’t move, transfixed as she looked him over. Her face flushed as she took in his towering height, his wide chest, and then the shadows of his tattoos, which were all that could be seen in the dark. When her eyes landed on his face again, Caleb found her so stunning he couldn’t find the words to describe it. She moved her mouth as if to say something, but nothing came out, and she finally sighed.

  Caleb felt savage with desire, and his eyes furtively traveled over Ava’s body as it shifted in the moonlight. She carried a scent more enticing than the sweetest blossoms.

  He leaned down and grabbed the six pack she’d dropped, finding it covered in dirt and grime from the ground. Anxious to remain near her, he said, “Let me help you.” She hesitated, and he chided himself for not being more respectful. He extended his hand to her. “I’m Caleb.”

  ******

  Holy shit. Caleb. Kelly definitely had not been exaggerating, she decided. She definitely agreed with the assessment of very fuckable. Ava’s stomach fluttered as she stared at the man who now was standing only inches away.

  Stuttering for a moment, she took his hand and said, “I’m Ava.”

  His touch burned her skin, and Ava had to bite her bottom lip to keep from making inappropriate sounds. Caleb wreaked havoc on her senses, and she quickly released his hand to avoid an awkwardly sensual display. After all, she’d already had one encounter tonight that hadn’t gone so well, and despite her raw attraction to Caleb, she was still feeling a little leery of strangers.

  “Were you following me?” she asked, raising her eyebrows suspiciously as she remembered the tingling sensation that had her turning around in the first place.

  His brows knit, but his smile was devastating. “No, I just got here.”

  Puzzled, she looked around. “Where did you come from?”

  He shrugged and toed the ground as if embarrassed. “I was headed down through the woods. I didn’t realize there was a trail until I noticed you wa
lking it.”

  Ava thought he seemed genuine enough in his explanation, and she let him walk her back toward the bonfire. But the silence between them was deafening, and Ava wished she knew what to say to him. She was completely out of touch with reality right now, lost in her first impression of him while also considering the danger he could pose. Werewolf. The word rang through her head, and she didn’t like it. She didn’t know why she felt so drawn to him and so terrified of what he could be, all at the same time. She held her tongue, afraid to say the wrong thing, and let him lead the way.

  Ava couldn’t believe the grace with which Caleb moved as they traveled down the path, and she continued to cast furtive glances at him along the way, drinking him in like a cold glass of water. Her breath came in measured spurts, and her steps seemed slow and deliberate compared to her usual gait, so she was glad Caleb let her set the pace.

  She had a feeling he could sense her fascination, and she could see his muscles tense as her eyes moved over them. His voice came at her in deep, vibrating tones. “Are you new to Willow Falls?” She assumed he was trying to ease the anxiousness and wondered if maybe he just wanted to hear her voice.

  She stopped and looked up at him with a short laugh. “No, I’m definitely not new here. I was born and raised just up the road.” She tucked some fallen strands of hair behind her ear, a nervous gesture born from the way his eyes trailed over her fingertips. When Caleb’s eyes met hers, she added, “I just got back from Baton Rouge. College.”

  To her irritation, they reached the end of the trail moments later, and they were exposed to the view of the clearing where the party was held. It hadn’t been enough time alone, and Ava fought the urge to yank Caleb back into the quiet haven of solitude, away from the crowd that seemed to intrude on their privacy.

  And to make matters worse, the first pair of eyes Ava saw land on them were Kelly’s. Her friend waved and smiled meaningfully. “Well, well, look who Ava found.” She rushed toward them, taking the six pack from Caleb’s hands, and Ava watched with interest as he gave a short, almost curt nod.

  He bent to hug Kelly as she reached for him, and Ava eyed the exchange curiously, thinking that Caleb seemed to be fighting to relax. His shoulders and arms were flexed with tension. She couldn’t quite understand; he had no reason to be nervous, as far as she knew. But it seemed like he was being protective of his property as he very obviously forced a smile. “Hey, Kelly, sorry I was late. I got a little sidetracked with something.” He turned his gaze to Ava, hesitating, his eyes piercing her with their intensity. Ava wanted him to stay, but she knew Kelly, and she could already feel her friend’s inquisitive nature breaching the surface, unchecked due to her alcohol consumption. His words were clipped as he told Ava, “I’ll be back. I have a few friends to say hi to.”

  Ava watched him walk away, trying to breathe normally. With that perfectly chiseled face highlighted by the flames and the moonlight, as well as the tattoos that sleeved his arm and curled up the side of his neck, she could only imagine the artwork on the rest of his body. He was stunning from head to toe, and she didn’t mean to stare, but she couldn’t seem to unglue her eyes from the man who could easily be a god.

  “Hey!” Kelly snapped her fingers in front of Ava’s face, and she jerked her gaze back to Kelly and the beer she held out.

  “Thanks,” she muttered, snatching it from her hand, popping the top, and guzzling.

  Kelly seemed to be watching Caleb’s back to assure he was a safe distance away before saying anything else. Then she turned to Ava, her mouth hanging open. “Oh. My. Fucking. God.”

  Ava slapped her hard on the arm, giving her an angry glare. “Why didn’t you tell me how insanely gorgeous he was?”

  “Ouch!” Kelly rubbed at the spot as if it stung. “If I remember correctly, I did! I believe my words were totally fuckable, remember?”

  Ava scowled at her. “I don’t think you were clear enough about it.” She’d assumed her friend was talking from her loins and not her eyes at the time.

  With a triumphant smile, Kelly took a bow. “I was so right, and the two of you look like you hit it off, just like I knew you would.”

  Ava wasn’t sure about that. She didn’t know exactly what to make of the strange encounter. Caleb certainly took her breath away, and it was no lie that his glowing green eyes and charming dimpled smile made her want to tear off her clothes and let him ravage her. But there was something else about him that bugged her, and she couldn’t put her finger on it.

  “Girl, don’t look now, but Caleb is seriously undressing you with his eyes,” Kelly whispered. Of course, it was the wrong thing to say, and Ava’s head whipped around. She gasped as she locked eyes across the fire with Caleb, his expression intense as they held each other’s gaze, the flames dancing in light and shadows over his perfect face.

  ******

  Ava laughed at something Kelly said as Caleb drank in her silky hair and the hills and valleys of her tantalizing frame across the way. He feigned interest in his friends’ conversation, but in that moment, Ava was the most beautiful and intoxicating creature he’d ever laid eyes on.

  Her olive toned skin was smooth and clear, and he loved the way she absentmindedly toyed with her hair as she spoke. Her smile was infectious, and Caleb felt the upturn of the corner of his lips in response. Even the most benign movement of her graceful and limber body called to him, and he swallowed a growl of arousal.

  Ava’s head whipped around, and he caught her eyes, his smile fading as he smelled her arousal, even from this distance with dozens of people and a bonfire in between. It was just the same as he’d scented on the trail as they’d walked together, and he wanted to bury his face in it. He swallowed hard and shifted, trying to avoid the heaviness between his legs becoming any more strained.

  It was Jared who noticed his lack of attention as they spoke and followed his gaze. “Hey, man, I don’t know her really. I just met her tonight, but she’s quite a hellion, I think. You meet her yet?”

  Caleb nodded slowly as Ava suddenly turned away, and he finally gazed at his friend. “She says she’s lived here all her life.”

  Jared shrugged. “I’m not from here. But she’s friends with my girlfriend, if you want me to ask about her, see if she’s single and interested.”

  Considering it for a moment, Caleb told him, “No, don’t ask around. I’ll find out for myself.”

  “Hey, have it your way.” Jared shrugged it off, and Caleb pretended it didn’t matter, either. But he found himself watching her every move, waiting for the opportunity to get her alone again.

  ******

  When Caleb swallowed, Ava watched his Adam’s apple bob, and it intensified the heat between her legs once again as her heart skipped a beat. The man was seriously dangerous for her libido.

  “I would kill to be those blue jeans right now,” Kelly sighed beside her.

  Ava wrenched her gaze to her friend with a gasp, noticing Kelly checking Caleb out from the waist down. “My god, Kelly,” she chuckled. Her best friend had a way with words, and she tended to be blunt. But this time, Ava couldn’t help being in agreement. She wanted to feel how hard his body was beneath the denim, see if his tight muscles felt the way she imagined they would beneath her nails. She couldn’t stop the image that formed in her mind as she envisioned his nude body, laid out in front of her for the taking.

  Her palms sweated and itched, needing to touch him, and the beer in her hand wasn’t enough to cool her down. She had to douse the inferno Caleb had burning within her, and she knew she needed him to soothe the burn. Still, every glance at him simply fueled the flames higher.

  His pull on her only grew through the night, and Ava wondered if everyone else felt it, too. The men who had spoken to her and flirted with her through the night seemed to keep a wide berth around her now, and while women continued to attempt to interest Caleb, they seemed put off by his inattention after only moments. Something inside made Ava wonder if he was just as drawn to her as
she was to him, and the way he gazed at her, she couldn’t dismiss the idea.

  Though he never came back to speak to her, Ava knew this wasn’t the end of whatever had started between them as she left for the evening. Caleb was stronger than any aphrodisiac she’d known in the past, and just his name sent desperate signals through her body. Whatever hold Caleb Minor had on her, Ava was going to explore it further, and she sensed that she wouldn’t have to make the first move as she felt his gaze follow her all the way up the trail to the car.

  Chapter 7

  Despite being shaken from the night before, Ava woke up to the reality of small town life, facing slow days with little to do except work and talk to her mother and friends. Willow Falls was beautiful, with tons of trees, the lake, and an old feel that you got as you meandered along the dirt paths that bled onto the main road, which wasn’t much better, shifting back and forth between dirt, gravel, and blacktop pavement. Even the center of town was fairly quiet, with a few small businesses, a grocery store, the lone restaurant, and the Coyote Bar & Grill.

  As she strode toward the bar, headed to work, heads turned, and she pressed her lips together, disturbed. She’d always garnered more male attention than she wanted. In Baton Rouge, with the sheer number of people and the hustle of life, she blended in. But in a place like this, time didn’t matter, and people moved at their own pace. The small population also meant that anything out of the ordinary was easily notable, and today, as Ava walked between the buildings that had mostly been passed down through generations and hardly changed in the last hundred years, she felt the brunt of that weight.

  Still, she’d grown up here, and it was home. She couldn’t imagine having a childhood anywhere else, now that she could look back with some appreciation. If only she still felt the same now.

  She headed through the gravel driveway to the weathered brown building that housed the bar, feeling sad for the Jessup family. Mark had been old but dedicated to this lone thriving business, and his passing had left behind only an elderly wife with no children. Esther wasn’t capable of running the place and had been forced to sell it. While she felt for the old woman, Ava also knew that selling this place had made it possible for the Minors to come into town, and a shiver ran down her spine as the image of Caleb’s intense emerald stare popped into her head unbidden.