SHADOW
What if this is a test from the Alpha?
I wished I could read minds. I wanted to know what Zack was after.
“I think you just want to live a normal life in the human world without thinking of threats from another pack. And I know why you’re here. I heard about your father-”
“Adopted father,” I corrected him.
“Yeah. Kent Marks. Because he could be a target of those assholes again, you want Alpha Cal’s protection, which is a smart decision, by the way. And honestly, you still have to join a pack one way or another. You can’t be out there for the rest of your life. That’s our nature. That’s who we are. We’re stronger together.”
“I thought for a moment, you’re advertising a roof sealant.”
He laughed. And I laughed for the first time since I stayed here a week ago. My voice was even foreign to me.
“It sells, right?”
“Yeah. Best-seller roof sealant in the country.”
After an hour, we were done moping the floor.
“See?” He gestured his hands, showing me the clean and shiny kitchen. “If I didn’t help you, you’re still scrubbing the pots.”
“True. Thanks. Appreciate your help.”
“Come on. Let’s get out of here.” He tipped his head. “I treat you to a beer.”
I sighed. “Can’t remember the last time I drank a beer?”
“You don’t drink? Or you’re a wine type of gal?”
“I drink since I turned twenty-one two months ago, but since I came here involuntarily, I haven’t tested any kind of alcohol.”
He inserted some bill into the bending machine and punched on. Two beer cans fell, and he picked them up. “I have a spot. It’s nice there.”
I followed him. Honestly, I could use some company. I missed Kent and hadn’t talked to him since I violated the Alpha’s rule. And right now, I had a feeling I couldn’t borrow someone’s phone to call him either. I bet he warned everyone and was clear about no sending emails without his permission the last time he warned me. I already had enough trouble to make a new one. I didn’t want another punishment.
Goddess. I also lost my phone during that attack.
There was a bench under the giant sequoia tree. It was pretty nice there. The wind breeze was fresh green, unlike the stench in the city.
I opened my beer can, sipped it, and felt it down my throat. “Wow. It’s really nice.”
“Yeah. Don’t worry. Once you get your membership card, you will be included in the payroll.”
“Wait. I will get a salary?”
“Allowance to those who don’t have work outside the compound.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah. We’re not savages, Shadow. We also pay taxes just like humans. You’re working in the Alpha’s office, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Then you will get a paycheck.”
“I’m curious what the Alpha’s business is. He seemed to have a lot of money.”
“He invests in a lot of things. Also, his family, for generations, is a long line of Alphas and has a lot of connections. He came from old money, too.”
“That one, I get it. The first time I saw Alpha, he wore a thousand-dollar Italian suit.”
“He hasn’t found his mate.”
Zack turned to me and smiled.
“What?” My brows squished together.
“No. I think Alpha Califf has no plans on finding his mate.” I gulped the beer to his reply, ignoring the bitter taste of it. “His main focus is keeping everyone safe in the pack. Getting laid is apparently not a problem for an Alpha, a powerful alpha like him.” I got that, too.
I couldn’t help but overhear his phone call. Being a Lycan and a half-witch had its perks, and that was eavesdropping.
“What is he like?”
“Uptight, tough, feared, protective, but he is also supportive and sent a lot of students to college for free. He values education, you know. He has a master’s in business management. He’s brilliant.”
“So, you’re helping me train tomorrow?”
“Five o’clock in the gym. Don’t be late.”
***
At precisely five in the morning, I was already in the gym waiting for Zack. Night Stalker pack had cool amenities from a well-equipped gym, pool, entertainment center, gaming room, a football field, and playground for the pups, but I hadn’t been to the cafe because I didn’t have money.
“Are you ready?” Zack marched in my direction, already wearing a gym outfit.
“Ready that I will ever be.” I was grateful to the Alpha that he provided a workout outfit with training shoes that I was using right now.
“Go ahead. Do a warm-up on the treadmill?”
I did as he said for fifteen minutes, and it was a cakewalk.
“You can throw punches, right?”
I nodded. “Kind of.”
We went to the training room with rubber flooring and a punching bag.
“We don’t need gloves. We can take punches because we heal quickly. Do your stance and start punching a bag.”
I formed my hands into fists but didn’t want to show off. So, I began with girly punches that made him laugh.
“Don’t be scared. Just give your big shot, Shadow.”
“Okay.” I threw punches but not as strong as I could. It really felt good to be back in the gym and blow steams. I felt my muscles begin working. My heart started pumping fast. I felt the adrenaline kicking in.
“Okay, stop. We do it together but take it slow. This is just training, okay? I know you hate my guts, but let’s not make it real.”
I chuckled as I positioned myself, aiming for a jab that the power came from my hips and shoulder. “Don’t make it personal, too, okay?”
He threw the first punch, rotating his hips. “Come on, Shadow. Show me what you got.”
I gave him what he wanted. Seconds later, we were in actual training, striking each other, punching, and kicking.
I lost track of time, but it felt good to burn some calories. We were both catching our breaths as we landed on the floor, tackling each other until I tapped my hand.
“That’s enough for today.” He let me go and rose to his feet, offering his hand.
“That was great,” I said, catching his hand.
“Where did you learn how to fight like that?”
“Kent. He hired someone to train me, just basics.”
“I’ll give you the list of your possible opponents. You’re dismissed, rogue.”
I left the gym, still wearing smiling as I ran back to the house. I could use a good shower. I took two steps at a time to reach my room because I could smell my own sweat, only to be halted when I sniffed another unfamiliar female scent in the air coming from the next door.
My wolf became edgy. Before I could unlock my room, the door next to mine cracked open, and I froze like I just turned to stone. The female scent became strong, and that was when the long-legged woman with a nice figure came out of Alpha Calliff’s room, confidently walking to the hallway.
I wanted to disappear but remained unmoving, glued my feet on the floor. I adverted my gaze to the doorknob in my grip until I heard a growl that froze me even more.
My chest heaved. I felt like someone had just caught my hand in the cookie jar. I felt guilty for something I didn’t do wrong.
“Why the fuck do I smell the stench of another man on you?”