Alpha's Moon (Shifter Ops 1)

When my phone buzzes with a text, I snatch it up. The twisted sick anticipation of finding another text from Scott is gone, replaced by anger.

This guy needs to leave me alone.

Sure enough, it’s from Scott. Sadie, I’m really worried about you. That guy you were with tonight is trouble.

Instead of ignoring the text like I usually do, this time I answer. Stop texting me. I don’t ever want to hear from you again. It’s over.

There. I feel like I said that before, but I was being Sweet Sadie then. Now, I don’t think I could be more clear.

Turns out standing up for myself feels good.

I roll onto my side, my thoughts slipping back to Deke. Of course, I wouldn’t really date a guy like him. He wouldn’t be interested in someone like me, for one thing.

And I doubt we have anything at all in common.

Still, the memory of his huge hand cupping my nape or the way he caged me in against the building in the alleyway—not like he was trapping me. More like he was shielding me—flit through my mind producing those butterflies in my belly.

What would it be like to run my hands over that chiseled body? To feel the power of his massive body over mine? Or under mine?

I slip my fingers between my legs and moan softly when they make contact. I pretend my fingers are Deke’s giant ones. How would he touch me? Would he be rough? Or gentle?

Somehow I’m sure he’d be gentle. A big guy like him would’ve learned restraint with a woman. I bet he’d know exactly how to touch me. I’ll bet he wouldn’t critique my performance the way Scott used to.

Ugh. I don’t want to think of Scott ever again.

Maybe he’s what I need to move on. I’m sure he’s not looking for a girlfriend. Especially not with someone like me. And we wouldn’t work anyway—I mean, my dad would never accept a guy like him for me.

But maybe we could hook up. A wild fling to help me get back into the dating scene.

I roll over to my belly, my fingers still working between my legs. The idea has me all hot and bothered. I bite my pillow and wriggle my hips over my hand.

I’m not even embarrassed when I croak, “Deke!” into the bedcovers when I come.

Chapter 3

Sadie

I go to the plaza early the next evening, before the music has even started. I stake out one of the tables and set down the plastic-covered platter of motorcycle-shaped sugar cookies I baked for Deke as a thank you. But I’m too nervous to sit. I stand behind the chair, shifting from foot to foot with my filmy skirt swirling around my legs. I’m all dressed up today in a yellow cotton sundress and stylish suede booties. As always, I brought my white cardigan in case it gets cold, but with the dress’ deep v-neck and flirty hem, my outfit is on the risque side of “kindergarten teacher chic.” Especially because I’m wearing the large hoop earrings Tabitha gave me. “Sexy and I know it” earrings, she calls them.

The band sets up, plugging things in and testing amps. One of the guitarists strums his electric bass, and the amp barks then squeals. A few rowdy tourists on the restaurant’s patio holler back, but the crowd around the small stage and on the lawn starts to grow. People spread blankets out and open containers of food.

Deke isn’t here yet, but I didn’t think he’d get here early. I honestly don't know if he’ll show up at all. Surely he has more important things to do than hang out in the plaza with me. I looked up Black Wolf Security online, but there’s almost nothing about it. Their website is a black page with their wolf logo and nothing else. I bet Deke made it. It is so him.

The business license is registered to a PO Box in Taos. I’m tempted to ask Charlie to look into it, but then she’ll know, and for now, I want to keep Deke my dirty little secret. Not that we’ve done anything dirty.

Unfortunately.

Yet.

When the music finally starts, I take a seat and check my phone. Scott did text me today but only twice. Are you seriously seeing that guy? he asked around midday. I waited until my bathroom break to text back my one word reply. “Yes.” Technically, I am seeing Deke. Hopefully, he’ll show up for the band like he said.

Scott’s reply made my stomach clench. What would your father say? He always knew how to stick the knife in.

I tuck my phone away. Screw him. Screw them both. I don’t want to think about what my father would say. Dad approved of Scott, no question. Whenever we went out to dinner together, always at the nicest restaurants in Taos, the two of them hogged the conversation, talking over me. I always suspected Scott dated me because my father’s on the town council and well-connected. I didn’t think it was the main reason, but looking back, I’m not so sure. Scott never seemed satisfied dating me. His cheating on me drove that home.