Alpha Wolf_A Paranormal Shifter Romance Read online

  “I didn’t give you my number on purpose,” she told him, heading straight for the romance section. Maybe that would make him uncomfortable and he’d go away.

  “Why not?” Kai pressed. “I know it’s not because you aren’t attracted to me.”

  Amelia snorted. Know-it-all prick. “What makes you think that?”

  Kai didn’t touch her, but he got in her space. Amelia backed away, stumbling into a bookshelf until she had nowhere to go. He was massive. She’d forgotten and the last time she’d been so close, it had been dark with only the moonlight to see him by. Those burly arms trapped her on either side and he leaned forward until his lips were a hair’s breadth away from hers.

  Instantly her breathing hitched. The smell of him was like snow and pine and fire. The thought of kissing him, of taking him back to her loft made her wet and ready faster than she would have thought possible. No, Amelia never took the same guy home twice. It was one of her rules and it was there for a good reason.

  “Are you saying you’re not attracted to me?” Kai asked. His voice was suddenly deep and husky, nearly a rumbling whisper. So different from the playful tone he’d had earlier. Kai was dead serious now.

  Amelia cleared her throat. “I’m not,” she lied through her teeth. Just to try and prove it she ducked under his arms and kept her head high as she strode to the romance section. Kai didn’t need to know how weak her knees were at the moment or how close she was to asking him to get takeout with her in the loft.

  She picked up a book without seeing the cover or the title. Flipping it over she pretended to read the description, but one hundred percent of her attention was on the man behind her.

  Kai chuckled when he saw the book in her hand. “Scottish highlander romance?” he asked. “I thought Outlander was decent but haven’t read anything else.”

  Her jaw dropped and she stared at him. “Excuse me?”

  Kai frowned. “You know, Outlander? The one they made into a television show?”

  “I know what it is,” she said slowly. “But I’m shocked you do.”

  He shrugged and picked another book off the shelf. “Guys read romance too.”

  Per the statistics on her desk they did, but it was a ridiculously low number. “So why are you stalking me?” she repeated, trying to get back to some kind of safe ground.

  Kai put the book back and grabbed another one, reading the description on the back. “I wanted to ask you out on a date, but I didn’t have your number. So I just hung out in your general area for a while until I saw you again.”

  Amelia’s eyes popped open and she straight up stared at him. “You…tracked me down? I thought you said you found me on social media.”

  He grinned and pulled out another book, making a pile. “I did once I figured out where you worked. It was easy to find you after I’d looked through the company’s web site.”

  She put the book in her hand back. This should weird her out, make her uncomfortable, but no man had put in so much effort to see her again. “That’s creepy,” she told him.

  “I was going to ask you at the café, maybe even segue into an impromptu coffee date but you were pissed so I left. I didn’t want to ruin the morning you clearly had planned.” Another book was added to his pile.

  There were three books now and she couldn’t help her curiosity. Amelia looked at the titles and tried not to blush. Two were ones she’d read before, the other was on her to-read list. They were very, very steamy and the thought of Kai reading them…

  “You never answered my question,” he said.

  Amelia tore her eyes from the books and tried to clear her head of any thoughts of Kai reading those books in bed next to her, asking to try out a scene or two. “What?” she asked. Blindly she picked another book from the shelf.

  “Would you like to go out on a date with me?”

  Oh right, that. “No thank you,” she said. This one might be good. Amelia tucked the book under her arm and grabbed another by an author she knew she liked.

  “And why not?” he asked. Kai wasn’t even a little mad at her rejection. He actually sounded like he was trying not to laugh.

  Amelia shot him a glare. “I don’t date, and I don’t appreciate you laughing at me.”

  “I’m not laughing at you,” he said, busting out into laughter.

  She crossed her arms.

  “I swear I’m not, Amelia. I just think it’s great you’re so blunt. Despite the fact we both know you like me.” He pulled the books from her hands and added them to his pile. “Come on, let’s go.”

  She tried to snatch her books back, but he was too fast. “Hey, I’m not going anywhere with you.”

  “Even though you like me?”

  God, this man was annoying. “No you idiot, I don’t like you. I just want you to leave me alone.”

  Kai lifted the books out of reach and he was so stupidly tall Amelia instantly gave up and whirled around. She stalked back to the shelves to grab another copy. He laughed and grabbed her hand before she could get too far. “Okay, okay,” he said. “Why don’t we eat something and you can tell me why you don’t date. Then I’ll never talk to you again or try to see you unless you ask me to.”

  Amelia didn’t know how much more of his teasing she could take. If Kai didn’t stay away she’d end up in the same trap she’d been in the last time. “You promise you’ll leave me alone and never find me again if I have this one meal with you?”

  He tucked his helmet under his arm and placed one hand over his heart. “I promise, on my honor.”

  She eyed him skeptically but nodded. “Fine, let’s go.” Amelia reached for her books but he moved, walking way too fast to the front counter. It was all she could do to keep up with her short legs.

  Kai set the books on the counter and pulled out his wallet.

  “No!” she yelled, reaching for the ones she’d picked out. Kai blocked her with an arm and she felt so dumb trying to get past him. “I can buy my own books dammit.”

  He brushed her off like an annoying fly. “I know you can, but I’d like to do this for you as a thank you for not calling the cops.”

  The clerk smiled as though they were the cutest couple in the whole world. Amelia gritted her teeth but stopped trying to snatch the books back. She crossed her arms and glared at everyone. This was exactly why she didn’t date. She could take care of her damn self and didn’t need any help.

  Relying on people always screwed you over in the long run.

  Kai finished paying and handed her three books instead of the two she’d picked out. “I’m not sure if you would like steampunk romance, but I thought it was a good adventure,” he said, giving her a one-shouldered shrug.

  Did he just blush?

  Amelia took the books slowly, feeling her traitorous heart melt. Dammit, why did he have to be so fucking thoughtful? This dinner was going to be more difficult than she thought it would be. “Thank you, I’ll read that one first.”

  That cocky grin was back. “If you decide you’ll talk to me again after today maybe you could tell me what you thought of it.”

  She rolled her eyes and turned to leave. Why did Kai push her buttons so much?

  “I have a place in mind, but it’s not close. Would you ride with me?” he asked, holding the door open for her.

  Amelia murmured her thanks and then froze when she saw his motorcycle parked on the street. “On that?” she asked, seeing there was indeed an extra helmet. As if he’d known this is exactly what would happen and she’d eventually give in to his request.

  It made her want to say ‘no’ just on principle. Amelia knew she was predictable, but fuck.

  That hand was on her lower back and his touch made her want to lean into him. “I promise I won’t go fast or do anything dangerous,” he said.

  She took a step away to gain some space, putting her scarf and gloves on to hide the distance she’d put between them. “What about my purse?”

  “There are saddlebags.”

  He
was everything she knew she wanted in a man, but after the promise she’d made to herself, Amelia didn’t want to risk giving in, because he was more than just a temptation. Kai could easily turn into her entire life. And she wasn’t ready for that again, if ever. Not how it turned out last time.

  Just one dinner and then she’d never have to see him again. “Fine,” she bit out. “Let’s get this over with.”

  Kai chuckled and tucked her things away with their books. He grabbed the extra helmet and then helped her get it on. Great, it would totally ruin her hair and she’d look stupid wherever they were eating. Not that she cared, because it was not a date. She had to keep reminding herself she didn’t like him, even though it was painfully obvious it was lie.

  Kai smiled that heart-stopping smile at her as he tightened the strap under her chin. “You look adorable,” he said.

  Amelia snorted. This was the dumbest thing she’d ever done. She was breaking about ten of her rules right now and she knew it would only end badly. But still, she took his hand and let him help her onto the back of his Triumph, or so the label on the thing said.

  Kai pulled her arms around him until she was pressed up against his warm back. Oh she was most definitely in trouble. “Hold on tight,” he warned.

  Chapter Four

  Kai

  Kai tried not to groan when Amelia’s arms tightened around him, pushing her breasts into his back, her pussy hot on his ass, and then her fingers brushed against his belt. A low growl escaped him. He shook his head as he signaled to get over. Normally he’d risk it and lane-split to get ahead of traffic, but he’d promised the frail human nothing dangerous.

  Already his instincts had him in a death grip. Kai barely went the speed limit. Her fear was pungent and she clutched him desperately. He wouldn’t dare put her in danger, though Amelia didn’t know that.

  It hadn’t been the plan to track her down and beg her to spend time with him. Kai hadn’t known what would happen the night she took him home from the club. All he’d wanted was a one-night stand with a good fuck. The way Amelia moved when she danced, he’d known she would be a freak in the bedroom.

  Kai was never wrong about that.

  And she’d smelled so fucking good he’d hardly made it to her loft before ripping her clothes off. Amelia had been just as desperate. If he didn’t heal so fast, Kai would still have marks on his back from her nails.

  He slowed when he turned into a parking lot and her knees tightened, pressing hard into his legs as her hands clutched his jacket. Kai smiled, enjoying how close she was for just a little while longer. He didn’t know what he would do if she still didn’t want him after their dinner. The promise was genuine, but there was a very real possibility it could cost his life to keep it.

  The engine cut off and Kai offered Amelia a hand to help her slide off the back of his motorcycle. Her legs were shaky and he ground his teeth together to keep from touching her again. She hadn’t noticed he’d used every excuse in the book to politely put his hands on her. Amelia was smart, she would eventually. Kai had to tread carefully with her or he’d lose everything.

  He swung his leg over and unbuckled his helmet before turning to help her. His fingers brushed her throat lightly and he could practically feel the wolf inside rumble in pleasure at her trust in him. Not that she knew how easy it would be for him to rip out her throat.

  Both helmets were locked to the bike and then Kai fetched her purse from his saddlebag. When he handed her the massive thing he inspected his mate from head to toe. Her hair was a bit mussed, but she looked fine despite the fear he could still smell lingering on the air. His wolf didn’t like that smell at all.

  It had caught him completely by surprise when he’d gotten a whiff of that other scent the night before, the one that shackled his heart to her forever. Kai never would have guessed such a prickly little female was his mate. The Great Wolf surely had a sense of humor. But a human? Kai was the last wolf on the planet right now who should have such a fragile mate.

  Amelia fidgeted when she took her purse and waved her hand for him to lead the way. There was a perpetual grimace on her face and those bright green eyes of hers flicked around the unfamiliar area. It was a lovely restaurant in Portland, but too far for her to walk from the bookstore. Kai had noticed she didn’t have a car and walked everywhere.

  It made her easy to hunt and left her delicious scent everywhere.

  They walked to the restaurant doors in silence. He wracked his brain for something to say, but getting her to open up was harder than he’d thought it would be. Her eyes had been so open and affectionate during sex. The Amelia during the day had shocked him.

  Most females couldn’t get enough of him, but she’d straight up told him to leave, and then practically stormed out of the café. Kai had retreated so he could try and figure out what this woman needed. She was different and difficult, but Kai loved a challenge.

  He opened the door for Amelia and couldn’t help but grin. She was tiny and that red hair glowed like fire even in the dark. Kai glanced up. The moon wasn’t quite full. He still had some time before he had to go back to his pack. It was the Wolf Moon and the celebration was something he couldn’t miss.

  Her scent hit him hard and Kai had to take a moment to calm his wolf. He checked his reflection in the window of the door. Yup, his damn eyes were glowing. Kai closed them for a second and took a deep breath, telling his wolf he’d convince his human mate. It would just take time and he couldn’t fucking do that if his wolf was going to push him too hard and scare her away with glowing eyes.

  When he opened them again the silver glow was gone and they were brown again. Kai walked into the restaurant to see Amelia already talking to the hostess. He ambled up to them, ignoring the way the women ogled him. His eyes stayed on Amelia, tracking her every move. She turned, looking for him, and then jumped when she saw him so close.

  Kai smiled. She was fucking adorable.

  “Planning my life without me?” he asked, cocking his head as he held her gaze.

  There was that scent again, the one that told him how aroused she was. Amelia may not like the idea of a relationship, but she still wanted him. Kai could work with that. His wolf tried to push him again when he smelled her arousal, but he ignored it as he watched her blush.

  “I just wanted to make sure there was a table available,” she snapped, adjusting her scarf in the warm restaurant.

  The hostess smiled at them both, but her eyes lingered on Kai. “This way please.”

  Kai let Amelia take the lead. He tried to convince himself it was so he could keep an eye on her and not so he could watch her ass in those devastatingly tight pants. It was like she dressed to kill him.

  She sat on one side of the booth and Kai moved for the opposite side. He wanted to sit next to her, close enough to feel her warmth and hold her hand, but it was too soon. It would only spook her.

  He slipped off his jacket and set it to the side. Kai would have offered to take Amelia’s, but she was so tense he left it alone. She shied away from him despite her arousal and Kai was having a difficult time figuring out why.

  Hopefully this not-date would give him some insight.

  Kai took the napkin from the table as she inspected the restaurant and set it on his lap, ignoring the way she kept looking at his arms in his short sleeve shirt. He supposed he should have worn something warmer. Humans got cold in January, but it was so warm in buildings with heaters on Kai usually didn’t.

  Internally he sighed. There were so many things humans did differently it was difficult to remember them all sometimes.

  Amelia looked at all the low lighting, the cabin-like atmosphere, and she sniffed delicately. Steak and onions were strong on the air. Pleasant chatter filled the space, but not too loud for Kai’s sensitive ears. Not that Amelia was aware, but the restaurant was actually owned by a shifter.

  “This place is nice,” she grudgingly admitted.

  Kai smiled, but didn’t laugh. He didn’t know why
, but her attitude amused him. She was so defensive though he couldn’t figure out the reason for it. She was gorgeous and had a full life from what he’d seen. Her work, her friend who she liked to go to the gym with, the nights she spent reading…

  Yeah, he had it bad.

  “A friend of mine owns it,” he admitted. “It’s one of my favorite places in the city.”

  “So you don’t live in Portland?” Amelia asked.

  Kai shook his head, wondering if that admission had been a mistake. “I’m here on business,” he said, choosing his words carefully.

  Actually he was here on pack business. There was word of a rogue wolf, wild and savage. Humans thought it was a massive, wild wolf. But Kai knew better. If a human shot the rogue shifter and it died then the body would turn back into a human and their secret would be out to the world.

  They couldn’t afford for that to happen, and as the local Alpha it was on him to deal with. Portland was part of his territory no matter how little time he spent there.

  Amelia studied him thoughtfully. No doubt trying to figure out what his business was. She hid it well, but Kai had sensed her surprise when he told her he owned his own business. He couldn’t blame her. He looked like a scruffy biker dude with no ambition on a good day.

  “How long are you staying?” she pressed.

  “Why, looking to get rid of me?” he teased. Kai still had to figure out how to change that.

  Amelia didn’t say anything. Instead she fixed her napkin on her lap, doing everything but look at his face. It gave him the opportunity to really study her. Her skin was so perfectly white. She didn’t even have freckles let alone scars. Not like he did. Those bright green eyes were framed by long, dark lashes and he knew the red hair was natural. There was no smell of dye or chemicals on her.

  Not even perfume. Kai appreciated that more than he could ever say.

  “It’s an extended business trip,” he told her, giving in to the question. It was hard to deny her anything. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be here, but I have to close this account before I can go back home.” Once he’d ripped the savage wolf’s throat from its body that is. It had to be put down before it killed more people and created a manhunt for wolves.