Rone

Chapter Two

I was sitting in a lawn chair in the middle of an old, dusty Victorian house that was rotting from the inside out. I had my longs legs kicked out in front of me as I set the chair into a gentle recline and propped a beer on my knee.

I kept my shades low over my eyes as I relaxed, nursing my beer as I listened to the four men around me shoot the shit. They had nothing interesting to say, just run of the mill guy stuff I had grown accustomed to.

The man beside me, Garrett, clinked my beer can with his. We were buddies now despite the fact that I seduced, embarrassed, threatened and assaulted him. You'd be amazed by what cracking a few beers and a self deprecating sense of humor could fix.

"What do you think, Red?"

I grinned. "I think I made your Alpha speechless."

"Hard to do," another guy, Burt, chirped. "He's always talking."

Garrett nodded, mouth tightening in distaste as he chugged. "Yeah," he said with a burp as he crushed his empty can. "The guy has a lot of opinions."

"Especially for a newbie," Burt added with a shake of his head.

I rolled my eyes. "Typical Alphas."

They all laughed. Garrett picked up a fresh beer and inspected the label. I'm not sure why he did this, I was pretty sure plutonium could be listed and he'd still shotgun it. "I miss old Alpha Murphy. What a guy."

I said nothing as I eyed the room we were currently squatting in. Alpha Murphy must've been quite the guy if he let his pack day drink every day of the week and allowed his pack house to become such a shithole.

I raised my beer can. "To Alpha Morley."

"Murphy," Burt corrected.

I shrugged. "To whoever the fuck you want."

They all cheered and slammed their cans to mine, beer sloshing onto the floor. We all leaned back and took a deep swig. They lapsed back into their meaningless conversations as I started to wonder why the Alpha of their pack was out running border patrol while his pack crushed a six-pack in his living room. Even more, what kind of Alpha lurked at the back of a group without announcing himself?

"How long has Rone been in charge?" I asked, toying with my hair.

Garrett shrugged. "Few months."

I nodded. Very new. "And was he a part of this pack before?"

Burt snorted. "Barely."

I didn't push for more information. The boys wanted to get a buzz on, they didn't want to subject themselves to interrogation from a strange woman—no matter how attractive. I rested my beer on my stomach, reflecting on how well it was treating my hangover—better than the cold shower and the coffee combined.

After a few minutes my chin dropped to my chest and my eyes fell closed. The constant chatter from the men was lulling me into sleep. If you let your focus slip, deep voices had the tendency to blend together.

Someone cleared their throat and I jumped up, spilling my beer down the front of my shirt. A chorus of laughter ensued, followed by some ribbing and name calling. I sent Garrett and company a scathing look.

"I'm here to escort you home, miss." It was Daniel—the handsome one.

I pushed my sunglasses to the top of my head and stood, plucking the front of my shirt with two fingers and holding it away from my chest. "What?" I said, sure I had misheard.

Daniel looked to Garrett and his friends with clear dislike. "Alpha Rone has sent me to take you home. Please gather your things and meet me outside." He turned and walked away.

"Ouuu," Burt chirped, "you're being sent home early."

I sent him and his friends another dry look. "What are you in? Middle school?" They found this hilarious.

I struggled to stand up as I kept my soaked shirt off of my chest and balanced my beer in my other hand. The boys teased me as I collected myself, spilling more of my beer on the floor as I did.

I hurried after Daniel, leaving the other men in stitches as I rushed down the dark hallways. I found him in the front yard and rushed through the front door only for my foot to plunge through a rotted board on the porch. Laughter howled from the living room. Damn supernatural hearing.

"Is this a joke?" I asked Daniel as I tried to wrestle my foot free. He was frowning at me as he watched, offering no assistance. I glared as he crossed his arms across his chest, remaining silent. "Help would be appreciated," I snapped.

Daniel sighed and strode forward, his eyes lifted to the sky. I looked down and realized why. I had dropped my shirt when my foot went through the porch and the soaked material was clinging to my breasts. Great.

Daniel crouched and grabbed onto my boot before giving it a swift tug and popping my foot free. I stumbled and caught myself before righting my bag on my shoulder and adjusting my shirt quickly.

What had happened to my composure? I was a seasoned seductress not a fumbling fool.

"You guys should fix this porch," I said with a flip of my hair, sniffing down at the broken board.

"Let's go," Daniel insisted.

I crossed my arms over my chest and then straightened when his eyes went skyward again. "Why the hell am I leaving? Your Alpha and I are mates—this wasn't exactly the treatment I had expected from him."

His eyes fell to the beer can still clutched in my hand. "This wasn't the sort of behaviour he expected from his mate." He was quickly becoming less handsome.

I tossed the can on the front lawn. The long, untrimmed grass swallowed it whole. I might have felt bad for littering if the entire lawn hadn't been a mess of weeds and rusted scrap metal.

"Take me to him," I demanded.

"No."

I weighed my options. My instinct was to swing my hips, bat my eyelashes, pucker my mouth a little—these things along with a little sweet chatter usually got me my way. Daniel, however, seemed loyal to Rone and seeing as I had already announced being mates with his friend... seduction wasn't likely to work.

I looked around and then spotted a chair on the front porch. It, like everything else, was old and looked ready to fall apart but I chanced splinters and took a seat. "I'm not leaving," I stated, "your Alpha will have to escort me home himself."

Daniel's face tensed slightly, his dark eyes dropping an inch before he dipped his head and took off into the woods. I reclined on the chair as I tried my best not to let this obstacle throw my game off. Mate or not, I still had one goal in mind—I needed this pack. I frowned to myself. Mating with the Alpha should make my goal easier to obtain, so why did I feel like it was a burden?

"You need to leave."

I jumped up, hiking my bag high on my shoulder as I stomped down the porch steps—careful to skip the rotted board. "We need to talk."

"Absolutely not," Rone answered immediately. "You're leaving."

I titled my chin up. "I'm your mate."

"An unfortunate fact," Rone mumbled.

I felt my mouth twist into a scowl. "Definitely unfortunate," I agreed, turning to look at the decrepit pack house. Rone's eyes dropped a fraction and I felt ashamed for exploiting this particular weakness. He had been Alpha for a month—the condition of this house couldn't have been his fault.

"It doesn't change anything," Rone added, recollecting himself. "I know who you are and I'm not interested in pursuing a further relationship with you."

Shock, anger, hurt all passing underneath a mask of indifference.

"Who I am?" I repeated.

Rone nodded curtly, those indigo eyes tightening at the corners. "Vivian McAllister—rogue turned Queen of the Bounty Hunters. I know about your involvement with Cerberus, I know what you did while you were with him, I know what you're fleeing. I won't let my pack be dragged into your drama."

I was completely numb.

"You're certainly well informed," I said tightly.

Rone's expression gave away nothing. "I am not a stupid man, Miss McAllister. Nor am I a man who is easily charmed by a pretty smile and teasing words. I am well informed because I am responsible for an entire pack, because I have to know about potential threats."

"Potential threats?"

Behind Rone, Daniel flinched. "You are a threat, Miss McAllister. Besides assaulting and threatening a pack member, you knowingly trespassed on my territory. Knowing of your particular...talents...I can only assume that you came with the intention of seducing me."

I recoiled sharply. He was right but it fucking hurt to hear it laid out like that.

"You're right, I did come with the intention of seducing you. But then I saw your Beta and reconsidered." I dropped a wink to Daniel who grimaced. "Even better was when I saw you—if the scar wasn't enough than your personality made it impossible for me to consider using my talents on you."

Rone's mouth twisted and I knew I got him. Strangely, I didn't feel empowered by it. "If you're tempted by my Beta than by all means, go ahead. I'm sure Daniel wouldn't mind a night of your attention. As for myself, I could not imagine sharing a life with a woman so disgraceful."

I didn't know which was more jarring; his willingness to share his mate or his declaration of disinterest. There was only one thing I could fall back on now. "You know? I think you were right when you said I should leave. I think it would be best if I left this disgraceful pack to its day drinking. I don't think I could share a life with an Alpha who let's their pack members live in such a shithole. Good luck with your group of mutts, Rone."

I strode forward, resisting the urge to bash my shoulder against his. He stepped out of my way anyway, nudging his head towards Daniel in my general direction. I spun with a glare, "forget it—I don't need your Beta to babysit. I know where I'm going."

Daniel opened his mouth to object but I turned and left, walking as fast as I could without appearing as though I were in a retreat. I walked with my arms wrapped around myself and my chin tucked into my chest.

I hadn't cried since I left my home when I was sixteen. I wouldn't cry now.

Sure, my plan to secure a home had backfired. I had royally screwed up my chance to ditch my rogue status and rejoin my kind. I didn't know if I felt worse knowing that I had screwed up this opportunity years ago by garnering a reputation that was less than favourable.

The moss underfoot absorbed the sound of my footsteps, making the trek back to Britton feel even more lonesome. I battled with both my shoes and thoughts as I walked, trying to make sense of the turn in events.

I had found my mate—which I hadn't been hoping for nor dreading prior to today. My mate was the Alpha to a mess of a pack. That same Alpha also wanted nothing to do with me. The reason he wanted nothing to do with me is because I had been a stupid fucking teenager and gotten myself tangled up in an ugly web that was now spun around my entire life.

When I got back to town I stopped in at the same café, hoping the same barista would be in so I could try my luck at scoring dinner. He wasn't. An old woman had taken his place and charged me the entire eight ninety for my sandwich despite my flirting.

I stayed in the café until it was dark and I couldn't stand the glares from the staff members anymore. It was raining as I walked through the streets, ignoring cat-calls from partygoers and the lingering gazes of the still sober.

I passed by the same club from the night before and stopped across the street. Tattoos was working again but my bouncer wasn't there. I felt a sharp prick of disappointment then a sense that it was for the best.

The cleaner I could leave this town the better. I had already made too many connections here, had already trailed my scent through too many of the streets, had already made myself vulnerable to Rone and his pack of losers. If Dane were to come through here he'd find me in a heartbeat.

My own heart stopped beating behind my ribs at the thought.

Dane—my ex-boyfriend who I had fallen in love with at seventeen. My ex who I had adored, who I had loved and trusted and fawned over. My ex who had taken my loyalty and warped me with it. My ex who I left screaming behind me, my ex who had vowed to get me back, my ex who had threatened my life when I chose to live mine without him.

I fought the urge to look over my shoulder and pressed on, hunching my shoulders against the cold and the rain. The feeling of being followed only increased as I made my way across town towards my motel room. I struggled to ignore it, instinct was a tough thing to overlook.

I hurried into my room when I reached it, all but scurrying and tucking tail as I bolted the door behind me and threw my back against it. I peeled off a few wet layers and pressed my damp hair into a towel before I flicked on the ancient television and managed to find a news channel without too much static.

I sat on the edge of the bed as I towel dried my hair and tried for a moment to listen to the man on the television screen. He had cool grey eyes and a face that was anything but friendly. He wore a weathered business suit—the only one he owned if I were to guess.

"—we have to face the facts, Wendy," he said to the journalist, "we are not the superior race anymore. There are other species out there that have advanced past the human race and we need to be worried."

The camera shifted to the young journalist who was trying her best to supress a fit of laughter. "I'm sorry, Mr. Freemen—what are you insinuating?"

The man—Mr. Freemen—looked agitated. "There are people—beings—out there that have evolved. I have seen it. I am trying to warn—"

Wendy laughed. "Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Freemen. For those tuning in late, that was Stan Freemen, spokesperson for the Sun Warriors—a company that specializes in genetics. Next in the hour—"

I clicked the television off and threw the towel into the bathtub before grabbing the duffel bag I had shoved under the bed and shoving what little I travelled with into it. I swore after trying to close the zipper for the fifth time and with a quick, angry movement I dumped everything back out onto the bed. I guess I had to fold my clothes—cramming wasn't going to work.

A knock at the door stilled my hands.

I looked around wildly, holding my breath as I waited for whoever it was to give up and leave. They knocked again, this time harder and louder. "Fuck," I cursed lowly, my hands grabbing the phone from the nightstand. I yanked on it, pulling the cable clean from the jack as I held the weapon to my chest and slunk towards the door.

If it was Dane than any fight would be futile.

If it was anyone else than the phone paired with my determination and grit might be enough.

I pressed my eye to the peephole and inspected the man standing before my door. He raised his fist and knocked again, his face downcast as he waited for my reply. I saw him shake his head and heard him swear before he titled his face up and his eyes flashed to mine.

I backed away instantly, spooked despite knowing rationally that the hole wasn't a two-way window. Though spooked, I was no longer scared. It wasn't Dane. It wasn't even a stranger. In front of my door stood the Beta to Rone's measly pack—the hot one.

"What do you want?" I barked, knowing he would be able to hear.

He was silent for a long moment. "I'd like to talk."

I rolled my eyes. I must've misread his character. Maybe he wasn't as loyal to Rone as I had thought given that he must've rethought my offer to entertain him tonight. I pressed my eye back to the peephole to see him standing there expectantly, ear tipped to the door.

"I'm not in the mood tonight, stud," I nearly growled. "Despite what your Alpha might think, I'm not open for business twenty-four-seven."

Daniel protested immediately. "No, I'm not here for...for that...I..." he denied, backpedaling quickly. "I—can you just let me in?"

I watched him through the peephole, watching him scratch the back of his neck, look over his shoulder, stretch his jaw. A blush was raging across his cheeks and down his neck. He was embarrassed by the thought of being intimate with me—so he was telling the truth, he wasn't here for entertainment.

With a heavy sigh I unlocked the dead bolt and held the door open for him. He cleared his throat when he saw me, dipping his head in an awkward greeting before taking a step into the room. He looked around, eyes scanning every inch until he saw my things splayed on the bed. A black lace thong was on full display alongside my bras and an array of feminine hygiene products. His eyes shot to my face as his blush deepened.

"Nice place," he said.

I puckered my lips. "You think? I wasn't sure about the décor."

He closed his eyes, embarrassed by his fumble. "Right—motel room."

I winked. "You're quick for a Beta," I shot back.

I took a deep breath and held it high in his chest before he released it slowly, trying to gather some composure. I wasn't sure how a guy as good looking as him missed out on the cocky confidence. This kid was a mess.

"Right—okay," he mumbled, "I wanted to talk."

"As you mentioned by the door," I remarked.

He nodded. "Yes—I wanted to ask you to stay."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm flattered that you find me as attractive as I do you but—"

"No," he blurted, "not like that—not for me. I want you to stay for Spencer." I blinked, genuinely surprised. He was here on behalf of Rone?

I forced out a laugh. "Not sure if I'm flattered now or confused."

Daniel moved towards the bed to sit, saw the thong, and quickly reconsidered. "I don't know you—I don't know anything about you at all, certainly not as much as Spencer thinks he does. But I know that he needs help with this pack, he needs a mate, he needs someone who can befriend an enemy with a flip of her hair. He's not a popular guy but I think you could help that."

Now I really was confused.

"You were trying to get rid of me earlier," I reminded him.

Daniel shrugged. "Under order."

"Did Rone send you here?" I asked, knowing that the answer was probably no but needing to ask it regardless.

Daniel shook his head. "Goddess, no. If he knew I was here he'd flip."

"Does he have a bad temper?" I asked, surprising myself by asking the question. It was almost liked a compulsion. I had to ask about him. I had to know him better.

"Spencer? No. When I say flip I mean he'd talk my ear off with a big long lecture and then slowly fade off into a rant loud enough for only him to hear." Daniel refocused the conversation. "I think he made a mistake in sending you away. He certainly doesn't think so—so it's going to be a challenge to convince him otherwise."

This time I actually did laugh. "Sorry—but do you really think I'm going to go with you? The guy insulted and rejected me. I'm not going back so I can help him fix a shitty pack." I tipped my nose in the air. "I wouldn't go back even if he was here grovelling at my feet."

Daniel narrowed his dark eyes. "You need us," he stated, "Spencer hit it on the head earlier—you came to join our pack, mating with him was just an unexpected bonus. I don't know what you're after—protection, community, land—but I know you need something from our pack."

I brushed off his analysis. "I thought I needed something until I saw the shape you guys are in. No way I want to be apart of that." It wasn't a complete lie. When I had selected this pack, I had done so in the hopes that they'd at least be functioning. But Daniel was right, I did need something and at the moment, the easiest way to get it was through Rone and his pack of losers.

"The pack is somewhat better than Garrett and his friends—not by much—but better," Daniel said, "we've had a rough few years and an old Alpha who didn't care much for order or for his pack. Spencer can change that—he just needs help."

I rolled my eyes. "He's the Alpha. Why would he need help? He can just order anybody to do anything."

Daniel shook his head. "That's exactly what he did the first few weeks he was there. Sure, people followed orders but they were bitter and hostile. Pulling rank is only a short-term solution. A pack can't function like that. Now they hate him."

"Great," I remarked, "you want me to be Luna to a pack who hates the Alpha?"

Daniel grinned. "The power will be yours."

That interested me.

"What do you get from this, stud?" I questioned. "Don't tell me that you're doing this for the good of your pack or I might vomit."

Daniel shrugged and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Grab a bucket then. This pack—as rough as it is—is my family. I grew up here, I've known the members my entire life. I'm the Beta and I want to see Spencer succeed—that's it."

I sat on the bed and looked to my duffel, my clothes in disarray, the state the motel room was in. This couldn't be my life—I couldn't continue living out of motel rooms and cramming the same shit into a shitty bag. I had to find more than this.

I eyed up the Beta, picking up a long strand of hair and twirling it around my finger. "Do you really think you can get Rone to take me in?"

Daniel grimaced. "I can try."

I scooped up the black lace thong and grinned. Since when did I need a man to negotiate for me? "I'm sure I can get him to agree," I said coyly, just to watch him blush. And he did.

Daniel's eyes were wide as if he were distress. "I don't think...that won't work on Rone."

I rolled my eyes and chucked the thong into my bag. "And why not?"

"He's never had..." Daniel shrugged. From his reluctance to use the language, I was sure he hadn't either.

I sighed. "Virginity is an obstacle, Daniel, not a deal breaker."

His ears and neck flooded with color. "I didn't mean—I didn't say that Spencer is a... I'm sure he's not but—"

I held up a hand, the teasing becoming painful. "Forget it, I will handle Rone."

Daniel perked up. "So you're coming back?"

I grinned. "Say hello to your new Luna."