Chapter 4

Summer POV

Dad was gone early the next day and the ladies weren’t back from their shift vacation. What did I wear to swear my loyalty to my new demi-god Alpha? Something that covered every inch of my skin so when that dumb mark appeared he wouldn’t see it. Unless it showed up on my forehead. I wouldn’t put it passed the Moon goddess she had a wicked sense of humour.

Since I lost my phone I would have to find a job to replace it. Now that Ezra knew I was here I wouldn’t have to hide. I grabbed a few help-wanted flyers and stuffed them in my bag. The Alpha’s house was a ten-minute walk from home. When I arrived beta wolves marched in and out of the property as young ladies giggled with trays of food mostly meat and fruit walked into the house.

Dad’s truck was parked in the driveway. Of course, he had to be here. I took a deep breath and proceeded.

“Can I help you?” A man stopped me at the door.

I took a step back. My breath caught in my throat and memories spiked my brain.

“I…uh…”

I willed myself to breathe. It wasn’t him. He might be a beta wolf but he had brown eyes. He was lean, not bulky. I shook my head.

“I have a meeting with the Alpha.”

“Wait, I know you.”

Crap. I swallowed. Don’t tell me Alpha Blake printed wanted posters of me. I’d be screwed if he did.

The beta snapped his fingers. “The she-wolf that kicked some rogue ass.”

“Oh… the gas station store.”

He folded his arms over his chest. “Pretty cool. Did the owner run after the two guys got there?”

“No, he wasn’t there. I think they knew him.”

The beta nodded and frowned. “Interesting. Ezra expecting you?”

I nodded.

“Cool. I’m Hunter.”

“Summer.”

Hunter led me through the house with walls made of paintings. Wolf war and vampire-wolf war paintings sparked fear in visitors when they first walked in. I stopped at a set of gorgeous golden staircase leading to the second floor. Blue carpet protected the stairs as it did for most of the house. I felt bad for wearing my sneakers inside.

“This way,” Hunter said, walking down a dark hall.

I swallowed. Where was he taking me? Cussing and bangs came from a shut door. Words do not disturb written on the door warned us off but Hunter yanked the door open and walked in.

“What the fuck?” Ezra barked.

“Brought you something sweet.”

“You have two seconds before I rip your tongue out.”

Hunter laughed. “Why don’t you come in doll face.”

I scowled, “Doll face?”

Hunter barked out a laugh. The rage slipped from Ezra’s face. “You.”

“Isn’t she sweet?” Hunter grinned.

I resisted the urge to shrink but failed to fight the pink shade that spread across my nose and cheeks.

“Get out Hunter. You have work to do.”

Hunter winked at me. “Alright, alright. I know Alphas don’t like to share their food.”

My jaw dropped but Hunter was out before I could speak.

“Did he just call me food?” I gawked.

Ezra marched to the door and locked it. Crap. I scurried to the table far from him.

“Don’t mind Hunter.”

“Why did you do that?”

Ezra shrugged, “I don’t want anyone bothering us. I want to ask you a few questions.”

“What? Don’t you trust my Dad?”

“I trust him with my life. We’re close but you rarely ever came up in conversation, why?”

I rolled my eyes. “So you’re my Dad’s best friend.”

Ezra took a step forward. “You’ve got fire Summer. Is your mother human?”

I sucked in my bottom lip. “Yes.”

“How do you know your wolf isn’t a late bloomer?” He asked.

“Because it never came. Or it’s… dead.”

“It dies so do you. That’s how it works.”

“Then I guess I’m just human.”

He held out his hand. Ezra was a staggering man. He towered over me, making me feel like a mouse. I placed my hand in his. Power passed through us. The power rushed to my head I cradled my forehead. Ezra placed his hand on my back, keeping me up.

I met his eyes for a second. He pressed on my back and I fell on his chest.

“Do you swear your loyalty to me?” He asked gently.

“I do.”

“Do you accept to live as a pack member?”

“Member? You’re not taking me as a rogue?”

He frowned, “Consider it an invite. Do you accept?”

There was no time to consult my Father. In this pack I was safe.

“I accept.”

“Good.”

Ezra’s claws sunk into my palm. My gasp turned into a scream. Fire ran through my palm all the up my arm and went straight to my head. My body went limb.

Ezra wrapped his arms around my body. Warmth emitted from his chest and surrounded me. My breathing slowed. I shut my eyes and melted into Ezra’s chest. I felt wrong. He was my Alpha but his embrace felt secure. I never felt safe around Blake or anyone associated with him.

“Why did you do that?” I asked.

“I had to make sure you were wolf-less.”

“It’s hollow. You should have taken my word for it. You nearly killed me.”

He chuckled. “It wasn’t that bad.”

His hand ran up my back and I realized I was still in his embrace. I shuffled back and straightened my black shirt.

“Can I go now?”

Ezra unlocked the door then moved to his desk and leaned against it. “We’re not done. You might be in danger.”

“What?”

He frowned at my outburst. “You beat up two rogues and by the condition I found you in they might not be too happy about it.”

I touched my belly where I’d been clawed. Ezra’s gaze followed my hand.

“A scratch from a beta can be deadly.”

“I know but it was either fight or be killed. Or worse.”

“You’ll be protected. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Don’t… don’t tell my Dad about the store. Please.”

Ezra folded his arms. I shouldn’t have asked. He was the Alpha and Dad’s best friend. He wouldn’t side with me.

“Okay.”

“Okay? That’s it?”

“What else do you want Summer?”

I blinked. I didn’t expect him to give in so easily. A soft knock came from the door then it rolled in.

“Ezra… you’ve been in here too long.”

I straightened and turned around. Rachel stepped into the room. She paused and took in the scene before running her fingers through her blonde hair.

“Summer… what are you doing here?” Her voice cracked.

I realized the distance between Ezra and me was awfully close.

“Does no one read the signs? I don’t want to be disturbed,” Ezra growled.

I stepped away and Rachel appeared beside him almost like placing a puzzle piece on the part it belonged.

“I thought we’d go out for lunch since you’ve been busy all day,” Rachel said through gritted teeth.

“I’m still busy,” he grumbled.

I felt like the elephant in the room.

“Is there something you need Summer? Or should you be leaving?” Her honey voice was laced with subtle poison.

“Yes, actually. I need a job. If there’s anything—”

“I doubt there would be anything available for a wolf-less in the Alpha’s court, right Ezra?”

Ezra stared at me despite Rachel’s dominant presence by his side.

“Of course not. But I need a waitress at my bar.”

“You can’t—”

“Rachel, you manage the pack house, not my business.” Ezra snapped.

I saw a storm rage behind her eyes. Rachel kept her lips sealed.

“When can you start?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Good, you start tomorrow afternoon.”

“Thank you!”

I felt dismissed. I’d done what I needed to do and walked out. I stopped to breathe outside Ezra’s door. Working with him wouldn’t be so bad. He was an Alpha he was always busy. We wouldn’t run into each other. I told myself.

The door behind me clicked shut. Rachel appeared in front of me.

“Summer,” she smiled, but the malice was there.

“I was just leaving.”

“Of course,” she pushed her hair back. “A little bit of sisterly advice. You might need it. Step on my toes, and I’ll take off your feet.”

“What?” My voice caught in my throat.

“Keep your distance. From me, my business and my Alpha. Got it?”

She didn’t wait for me to respond she marched off instead.