Alpha's Moon (Shifter Ops 1)

“You doing okay?” Tabitha trails me, and we both settle on the couch.

“Of course,” I answer noncommittally although my voice is noticeably subdued. I haven’t even asked why they all dropped everything to come over. I think I already know.

Charlie drops into her usual seat—a bean bag chair I keep next to the fireplace. Both she and Tabitha look at me expectantly. I knew they’d figure out something was up with me and Deke; it was only a matter of time. It’s a small town, and word travels at lightning speed. If anyone saw us in the alley tonight, the news would get back to my friends immediately.

Instead of asking who saw what, I turn to Tabitha. “What’s the female equivalent of cockblocking?”

“Clam-jam,” Tabitha replies immediately. I knew she’d know.

“I prefer Pussy Putt,” Charlie says.

“That doesn’t make any sense,” Tabitha retorts.

“Twat Blocker,” Charlie offers, and she and Tabitha start arguing about sports metaphors involving vaginas.

“Okay, that’s enough,” Adele strides into the living room. She doesn’t sit but stands with her back to the kiva fireplace holding her wine, looking down imperiously at all of us before her focus sharpens on me. “Sadie, do you have something to share with the class?”

I sigh. “Who spotted me?”

“I did,” Tabitha raises her hand sheepishly. “And I was worried, so I told everyone.”

“What exactly did you see?”

“You with the big bad biker at the plaza tonight,” Tabitha says. “I was going to come over, but after I was done texting everyone, I looked up and you’d disappeared.”

Adele searches my face, looking concerned, “You know we were joking about you hooking up with a biker, right?”

I shrug. “I don’t know, I kind of thought the idea had its merits.”

All three of my friends stare at me in shock.

“He’s actually quite sweet.”

“Sweet?” Charlie repeats dubiously.

I hasten to explain. “Last night, Scott tried to ambush me, so I asked Deke to help me out and pretend to be my date. And he did. He’s really nice.”

“Hold on. Back up,” Adele says. “Scott tried to ambush you?”

“Yeah. I guess he installed a tracking app on my phone, so he knew I was in the plaza. And then he knew I’d get a rideshare home because it was Whine Wednesday, so he parked himself at the rideshare stop, so we could talk.”

“My goodness. He’s gone from delusional to full blown stalker,” Adele says.

“I’ll kill him,” Tabitha mutters.

“I’ll help,” Charlie says.

“But it’s all good. Deke helped me, and Scott backed off.”

“How did Deke help? Did he threaten Scott?”

“Not really.” I think back on those beautiful moments when I had the big biker beside me, silent and strong. The best kind of backup. “He had my back while I made myself clear to Scott. Then he reaffirmed what I said, invited me on his bike, and we rode off together.” I can’t stop the stupid grin from stretching across my face. It’s the only crazy thing I’ve ever done in my life, and I’m quite proud of it.

“You did what?!” My friends explode as one.

“I can’t believe you rode off with him,” Tabitha gasps.

“Did you let anyone know where you were?” Adele asks. “Take a photo of his license plate? Anything?”

“You got on his bike? So cool!” Charlie says.

“No, not cool,” Tabitha frowns at Charlie. “She got on a strange man’s bike. He could’ve motored to the middle of nowhere, and we’d never hear from Sadie again!”

“Yeah, but she’d get to ride that awesome motorcycle first,” Charlie points out with her tongue firmly in cheek and then ducks when Tabitha mimes throwing a pillow at her head.

“Calm down. Nothing bad happened,” Adele raises her hands in an effort to keep the peace. “Right, Sadie?”

“I was fine. He was a perfect gentleman.” I blush, remembering that ride. My body pressed against Deke’s giant body, the bike rumbling between my legs. “I know it’s not something I’d normally do, but I felt totally safe with him,” I add softly.

My friends are quiet, processing this.

“So what happened tonight?” Tabitha asks.

I shrug. “I invited him to meet me. I made him cookies as a thank you. And...”

“And?” Adele and the other two lean in closer.

“And...he took me to the alleyway and kissed me.”

Another explosion.

“I knew it.” Tabitha punches the pillow she’s holding.

“Nice.” Charlie sags back into her bean bag chair. “Was it good?”

“Look at her blush. Of course, it was good,” Tabitha says.

Adele grabs her wine glass and takes a long swallow, watching me over the rim.

“Did you use protection?” Tabitha jokes, wagging a finger at me.

My cheeks are an inferno. “It didn’t get that far.”

“But it would have?” Charlie’s eyes grow wide.

“It was a really, really good kiss.” I fold my hands in my lap, doing my best prim teacher impression. “That’s all I’m going to say.”

“You okay?” Adele asks. Her green eyes probe me.