The Merciless Alpha(erotica)

I could see them thinking that way, but the Naval Criminal Investigative Service was never going to learn about werewolves. “Have you seen James tonight?”

“I can’t get in, but Hammer did as he is retired military. His girlfriend took off, his body is busted up, he can’t work, and his motorcycle is totaled. It’s like a country song.”

I sent James some messages, but either the Navy hospital didn’t allow him his phone, or it broke in the crash because he never responded. I started checking my other messages Makani and Noelani wanted to help, but Alpha Stephen was making them finish their training.

Mercedes was freaking out and wanted to know if I was all right. I assured her I was fine, with just a few bruises, and the custom motorcycle gear she sent had saved me. “I’m still good for our scheduled appearances. I can use new riding gear; the leather is too beat up to reflect the Bodyglove brand now,” I sent her.

“I’ll do what I can, but you need to consider NOT GETTING ON MOTORCYCLES ANYMORE. You are lucky your career didn’t end yesterday.”

“I’ll be ready for San Francisco on Saturday,” I sent back.

The maid returned, bringing two plates of Shrimp Creole with white rice and a bottle of wine. We ate silently, going over our plans for how we would broach the issues with the Supreme Vampire when we finally got an audience. I spent some time after dinner updating my social media, which had gone wild with the reports of the accident. There was even video someone had shot at the crash site. I left a long post letting everyone know I wasn’t hurt, and how my safety gear saved me from serious injury.

It was nearly midnight when Cornelia appeared at our door. “The Supreme Vampire will see you now,” she said. We followed her out of the room and down the hallway to an ornate double-door. She knocked before opening the door and waving us in.

No photos existed of Supreme Vampire Cyprian Pontalba, and Adrienne’s description did not do him justice. He was a large black man with a bald head and broad shoulders. Dressed impeccably in a white linen suit, he rose from behind the ornately carved rosewood desk that dominated his office. I could see why Alexander wanted Mantled Alpha blood before challenging him.

“Luna Volkov,” Cyprian said in a deep baritone voice. “Your Council Chairman was shocked to hear that you were in my home requesting an audience. He did not send you, and you do not convey his authority. You are not even on the council anymore,” he said as he greeted her by lifting her hand to his nose.

Raising back up, he moved to me. “And Alpha Heir Vivian Lawrence,” he said as he lifted my outstretched hand. “It is a pleasure to meet one as young and accomplished as yourself.” He froze when he got a good sniff of me. “Who bit you?”

“That is why we are here, Master Pontalba,” I said.

“Please, call me Cyprian. Sit, and we will discuss this.” Adrienne and I sat in the antique red-upholstered chairs in front of his desk. “You were bitten voluntarily?”

“Yes, but there is more to the story,” I said.

“Perhaps you should start from the beginning,” he said as he sat back. Adrienne started to talk, but he held up his hand. “Vicki is the one who let one of my kind feed from her, and I want to hear her story,” he said. “Leave us.”

“She is my responsibility,” Adrienne objected.

“She is of age, is she not? Did she offer her neck, or did you offer it for her?” Her face answered for her. “Wait outside, Luna. Your niece is in no danger from me.”

“Of course.” She got up and walked out. I’d seen Luna Adrienne deal with obstinate Alphas, disputes, and feuds in the thirteen years I had known her. I never saw her back down before another the way she did at this moment. “Leave the link open for me,” she said.

“I will.”Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Cyprian reached into a refrigerator behind his desk and took out a bottle of water for me. “The beginning is a good place to start,” he said.

“For that, we need to go back to my coming of age,” I said. “It was in Florida at the annual Alpha Summit that I found my mate balls-deep in another. From there, it went downhill.”

“Take your time,” he said as he leaned back. “I have all night.”