Alecia opened her eyes, they felt very heavy. A yellow light blasted into them, blocking her vision. She blinked a couple times. It was a car light. What was going on? A black wool coat covered her. Alecia rubbed the smooth fabric with her fingers. It must be made out of some kind of rich material. The strands were so delicate, like rose petals newly fallen to the ground. “Do you believe me now?” She tensed, turning to see Ryder typing on a laptop. What was she doing with the Alpha in a car? His gray eyes held a glare in them as he focused on the screen of a laptop. Gabriel had drugged her. She placed a hand on her head, pressing hard as it all came back to her. The cup flying through the air. Brown liquid dropping everywhere as two large hands grasped her, yanking her to him. She closed her eyes and took several small breaths, but her nerves wouldn’t settle. Why had Gabriel drugged her? He was going to rape her. She had been a fool. “How long have I been asleep?” She pushed out as her fingers shook against her face. “About an hour.” He closed the black laptop and set it in the backseat. “Thank you,” she mumbled. “You’re welcome.” She pulled the coat off and handed it to Ryder right before she turned to open the door. “Hold on.” Ryder placed a hand on her shoulder. “You’re probably still dizzy.” She leaned back against the seat as he got out and walked over to the passenger side. The door opened and Ryder reached for her hand. She placed her hand in his, letting the large strong fingers enclose around hers. This hand had struck out for her - keeping her safe. She looked up at his mesmerizing blue eyes, full of a lightness as he helped her to her feet. His feelings for her must be strong to make him so protective. Ryder placed an arm firmly around her waist. She took two steps, but the building in front of her swirled. She fell back against his chest, her hands gripping his shoulder. “Just rest a moment.” His warm breath brushed against her forehead. She nodded, and closed her eyes, leaning her head against his shoulder. It felt like a rock. A rock for her. Where would she be now if he hadn’t taken such an interest in her? A shudder rolled over her. She would not think about that. But why would a guy who used women not have finished what Gabriel had started? His actions didn’t mesh with what her friend had said and her friend had said Gabriel was the one to trust. What was going on? Why was the Alpha helping her, keeping her safe . . . even though she had told him she would never sign his protection She took a few more steps, leaning against his shoulder as they made their way into the building and to her room. They stopped in front of the door. Maybe if she spent some time with him, she could judge his character better for herself instead of relying on someone else’s word even if it was her friend’s. “Would you like to come in?” she asked. “Sure.” She unlocked the door. Once inside, Ryder closed the door behind them. Alecia turned to look at him, focusing on his gray eyes that had a soft touch to them. Maybe he wasn’t what Helen said he was. He couldn’t be. If he was, he would have taken advantage of her. A smile crossed her face as she took a few steps towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck. A warmness filled her as he circled his arms around her, pulling her close against his broad chest. She stood on her tiptoes and rested her chin on his shoulder. “Thank you for taking care of a girl who wouldn’t give you the time of day.” Ryder’s hands immersed in her hair, sending strange sensations through her body. “Can I take you to dinner now?” “Sure.” She smiled. Ryder pulled her from him and kissed her head, making her close her eyes as a sigh escaped her. She looked up at him, and tried to find something to say, but all she could think of was her sister. “Would you like to see some pictures of my family?” “Yeah,” he said, his seductive smile spread across his face, transforming him from dangerously handsome to dark and sexy. Alecia took his hand and turned to sit on the bed, but his phone interrupted her. He slid it awake and looked at the number. “Hey,” he said and walked out the door, closing it behind him. What was going on? Alecia stared at the door for a couple seconds before her curiosity got the best of her. She went to the door and pressed her ear against it. “Just make sure your contribution gets to my godfather, and I won’t say a thing.” His godfather? He must be talking about earlier, but what did he mean by contribution? It sounded like someone was buying his silence. It was quiet for a second. “If she asks, I’ll tell her that. Bye.” She took two quick steps from the door and sat on the bed before Ryder opened the door. He smiled, but a steel look filled his eyes. “That was Gabriel’s father. He wanted me to tell you he’s sorry for his son’s actions, and that he won’t be bothering you anymore.” Alecia knit her brows. “We should call the cops. Don’t you think?” She asked, but she knew it was no use. No one would believe the words of a human girl over a werewolf. Ryder clasped his hands together nodding and looking down as if lost in thought. “I don’t know if you can prove what happened. The drug is out of your system by now, but we could....” “No.” Alecia looked down at her fumbling hands. No, she wouldn’t be able to. It would be their word against his since Ryder had stopped Gabriel. Rape was too hard to prove. So many news stories detailed rapists getting away with their crimes. So how hard would it be to prove attempted rape? Impossible. “Do you want me to?” Ryder held up the phone. Alecia slowly shook her head. Again he was protecting her from what would be a painful experience. She suddenly wished she could just sing the documents and hand herself over to him. He seemed to know how to take care of her very well. Ryder lowered the phone - the softness returning to his eyes. “Let’s get your mind off of him and look at some pictures.” She nodded and reached under her bed for her picture album. Ryder sat next to her, slipping an arm around her waist. Did he realize how hot her skin burned? She imagined her face must be bright pink by this point. She opened the photo album. There was no way she would be able to concentrate with him so close. • * * * The next morning Alecia awoke with a smile on her face. She looked at the ceiling. That simple kiss on the cheek had been so sweet. How many more would he give her? She could quickly fall for this guy. His eyes were bewitching and his smile dangerously beautiful. She giggled and stretched her arms towards the ceiling as a yawn pushed from her. She had studied the gracefulness of his lips all night, feeling mesmerized. Her phone rang, making her flinch. She reached to the floor and picked up her phone. “Hello.” “I heard what happened. Are you okay?” Helen asked. “Yeah, thanks to Ryder.” “What?” Alecia sat up and pressed a hand to her head over the slight throb in her temple. “Look, what do you know?” “Ryder got jealous and punched Gabriel.” Alecia closed her eyes as the memories from last night flooded her mind. She shook her head. She wouldn’t focus on those right now. “Gabriel drugged me, Helen, and Ryder kept him from taking advantage of me. I know this because I tried to get away from Ryder, but I passed out.” Alecia paused. Helen’s light breathing filled her ears. “Helen, Gabriel is a rapist.” “I don’t understand.” “Maybe the Alpha isn’t such a bad guy.’’ “Maybe.” Helen’s voice dropped in tone. Alecia crossed her legs gypsy style, running a finger over a crease in her sheets. “He’s taking me out to dinner tonight. Where do you think he’ll take me?” “I don’t know. He never takes girls out, but I bet it will be somewhere nice. But listen, I would still be careful of the Alpha if I were you. He has hurt a lot of girls.” Alecia shook her head. The guy her friend talked about didn’t seem like the Ryder she’d seen last night. He had spent the whole night comforting her, never asking for more than sitting next to her. Alecia bent her head to the side. “Did he take advantage of a lot of your friends or something?” “Whatever, Alecia, you can believe me or not. But maybe you should ask around.” Alecia took a deep breath as she clenched the phone. Helen was her friend, her only friend here and she wasn’t sure about Ryder yet. He might not be worth risking her friendship over, but what if.... She tapped her fingers on the quilt. “Helen, I’m just going to go out with him once to say thank you.” “Okay. Have fun.” After she said goodbye to Helen, she called Ryder. “Hey, pretty thing,” he said when he answered. The sound of his deep voice dazed Alecia for a second. A smile seeped across her face as an energy filled her. She swallowed, pushing a giggle back down. “Already put me in your phone” “Your number has been there since I got it from Helen.” “What? Helen gave you my number?” Alecia clenched the comforter in her hand. Why would her friend do that? It didn’t make sense. She lay back down on the bed, letting the lavender comforter rise around her, but she found no comfort from it. Could Helen be lying? Was she playing games because she was jealous of the Alpha’s attention towards her? She could have told Alecia a million lies about Ryder’s character while leading her to someone who would rape her. “Yeah, right after we first met. Does that bother you?” “No,” she lied. The little world she had built for herself seemed to be deconstructing as her friends and enemies switched places. She focused as Ryder began telling her about the restaurant he planned to take her to. The place sounded expensive. If Helen had lied about her phone number maybe the Alpha had never gotten her sorority sisters drunk. He could be a perfect gentleman. “So, I’ll pick you up at six.” He broke into her thoughts. “Yeah, that sounds nice.” “Then I’ll see you then.” Alecia said goodbye and hung up the phone. Tonight would give her some insight on his character. Alecia clenched the sides of her peach colored dress as she walked down the steps of her dorm. When she reached the bottom, she spotted Ryder through the window — his back faced her, but she could tell he looked good in the black jacket and pants he wore. A smile, just a little one, crossed her face. She tried to dismiss it, but it stayed as she opened the door and walked outside. Ryder turned and his gray eyes scanned her appearance, leaving nothing out. A smile curved his full lower lip. “Wow, you really are the prettiest girl.” Alecia could no longer keep her smile small; it widened as Ryder took her hands and kissed her cheek. “Thank you,” she said. “No, thank you for finally letting me treat you nice.” Ryder led her to his silver Bugatti and opened the door. She slipped in and looked out the window as the car pulled away. Princesses rode in such cars. When they walked into the restaurant Alecia gasped. Her gaze scanned the lace tablecloths and oak red tables. Candles accented fine silverware that surrounded china plates with red flowers painted on them. Two musicians played violins in a corner, creating a calm and romantic atmosphere. She took a deep breath and slowly let it out. Never in her life had she been to such a place. The host dressed in a black suit approached them and offered to show them to a table. She wrapped her arms around her waist. She had under-dressed compared to the women in their silk dresses and diamonds glittering on their necks. Ryder placed a hand on the small of her back and gave her a small nudge. She looked up at him and smiled. The host had left them behind. She let Ryder guide her to the table and sat down after he pulled out a chair for her. Folding her fingers together, she squeezed - feeling the sweat on her palms. He ordered a bottle of wine. “Are you nervous?” He asked, reaching for her hand and caressing the top two fingers. Was it that obvious? She gave him a shy smile and then picked up the menu. Her eyes widened. Her father could never afford such a restaurant. What was she doing here? She tapped the bottom of the menu on the table. The waiter returned and Ryder ordered sea food. “Alecia,” he said. She looked up. He was holding up his wine glass, a small smile on his face as his eyes focused on her. She picked hers up, hoping he didn’t notice how the glass shook. He touched her glass with his. “To beginnings.” He took a sip of wine, but she just held hers, almost in a trance. She should just set the glass aside - maybe he wouldn’t notice. “Are you not going to take a sip?” He asked. “I....” She looked around the room, trying to avoid his piercing eyes that contained a lightness. Everyone drank from crystal wine glasses. “I don’t believe in drinking alcohol.” “Why?” He knitted his brows, leaning forward. “Because….” Her mother and father said that drinking could lead to loss of judgment and well it was generally wrong. She could tell him that but he would probably think such reasoning was silly. Of course, she wasn’t 21 but he must know that. She’d just take a drink - one little sip couldn’t hurt. Alecia took a sip of the bitter liquid, squinting at the taste. Well that was a good reason not to like alcohol. Ryder chuckled and picked up the menu. “I hear the lamb is really good.” She looked at the menu. It was the second-most expensive dish on the menu, next to the calamari. The chicken and french fries. was the cheapest thing on the menu. “I think I’ll have the chicken and french fries Ryder lowered the menu. “Have you had it before?” She shook her head. “Neither have I, but my sister said it’s not good.” “You have a sister?” She bounced in her seat. What a nice turn of events. Her sister was her best friend, next to Kylie. “Yeah, she comes down a lot because she’s engaged to My friend Lucas. You’ll meet her” “Well, I guess we have something in common.” “Yeah,” he said as a smile crossed his face. Something tingling broke through her nerves, making her feel light. That smile. It had such a disarming effect. When the waiter returned, she ordered the lamb while he got the Calamari. • * * * Alecia nibbled on the popcorn and focused on the dark screen as it turned green. The warm salty butter melted over her tongue. She smiled as the image of a couple kissing appeared. What would it be like to be kissed? Ryder slipped his arm around her shoulders. She closed her eyes and exhaled slowly, but her nerves wouldn’t calm as Ryder twirled a curl around his finger and snuggled her closer. His arms made her feel so warm and cherished. She could stay in them forever. Her parUld never approve of a werewolf. This relationship could go no further even if he made her feel so special. Something churned in her. But she wanted it to. She laid her head on his shoulder and concentrated on the fresh scent of his sandalwood-scented cologne, barely catching any of the movie she had wanted to see. As the credits drew to a close, Ryder bent to her ear. “Want to get some coffee at my place?” Alecia tensed. That was a major ‘no’ in her book. She turned to him - his breath warm on her face. “I’m tired.” He tilted his head to the side, his smile slipping across his face. “Maybe another night?” Alecia walked to her dorm building, with Ryder at her heels. How was she going to say goodbye to him? She reached for her keys, feeling a hand on her arm, turning her around. The Alpha placed two hands on her hips, and bent to her face. Her hands flew to her mouth. She had never been kissed, and she had vowed to make sure her first came from someone special. He was special but was he special enough? Ryder smiled and pressed his warm lips to her hands, sending a tingling sensation throughout her. Maybe he was. If she had let him kiss her, she would have never been able to walk away. She stared into his gray eyes, as he leaned his forehead against hers. “Can I see you tomorrow?” he asked. She looked at the concrete sidewalk to avoid his eyes that made her melt. Those eyes were breaking through her defenses. “I don’t know,” she said even though every inch of her screamed yes. “Why not?” He caressed her cheek His touch was too inviting. Alecia bit on her bottom lip. She couldn’t tell him the real reason, that her parents asked her to stay away from werewolves. He would think she was silly. Best to tell him one that was realistic. “Because I have heard too many stories about you.” “Oh.” He took a step back. The lightness to his face had disappeared. He pushed his lips into a thin line, highlighting the deep darkness in his eyes. “Who has told you stories?” “Helen.” “Helen, who told you Gabriel was a great guy?” He asked, and Alecia nodded. The air fled from her as he took a step towards her and peered down into her eyes. Something about the his unreadable gray eyes caught and held her still. “And Gabriel would have raped you, if I hadn’t stepped in?” “But why would Helen lie to me?” “I don’t know. How well do you know her?” “Ryder, it’s….” He pulled her into a firm embrace, making her feel small and weak. “I think you’re confused on who to trust. I had you passed out in my car. I could have done anything I wanted to you at that moment, but I didn’t. Did I?” “No.” She lowered her gaze. She would have to find a better reason to deter him. Ryder touched her chin, lifting her eyes to his. “I like you.” And every part of her liked him too - responded to his smallest touch. “Want to study together?” He smiled. “Sure.” “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She turned for the door. “Sweet dreams.” She heard as she ducked behind the door. Of course they would be. They would be full of him. Alecia ran to her room. Her heart raced in her chest as she stepped behind her door, leaning against it. What was she going to do? She closed her eyes. Why did he have to be so charming? And cute? A giggle escaped her lips. She walked to her desk and sat down, noticing that her phone display screen said she had three missed calls. She checked them. They were all from Helen wondering why she was out all night; and one reminded her to be careful of Ryder. She didn’t want to talk to Helen. Maybe tomorrow. Alecia lay in her bed, stretching her feet out. Ryder was amazing – someone who little girls dreamed of. But what was she going to do? Something had to be done. She couldn’t keep seeing him. Her roommate walked in, with a new guy behind her. The sound of her roommate’s MP3 player filled the room, the loud drums and bass pouring from her speakers made objects vibrate. Alecia bit down on her bottom lip, trying to hold in the scream. She shook her head and grabbed a pair of pajamas, heading to the bathroom. How could someone be so rude? She put on the pajamas and then headed to the dorm den to watch some TV. A commercial for a seminary school flowed across the screen. What was Kylie doing at university of Georgia? Alecia sat up from where she curled under a quilt on the couch. Kylie had the perfect solution. It was he who had asked her to sign the Purity Pledge during a youth group meeting. According to the pledge, she was not supposed to have sex with anyone, human or werewolf alike, until she was married. She should tell Ryder her decision in order to see what he would say. A guy like him wouldn’t wait around for a girl like her. That would chase him away. She suddenly found out that she didn’t want to chase him away. Ryder Hendrix, Alpha of the Carli tribe sat on the floor in the living room of his apartment with his head lowered over a small glass plate covered with cocaine. He brought the straw to his nose, took a quick sniff and then lowered his head back against the couch. His black pants and socks blurred a little as the door opened and Lucas strolled in with a girl under each arm. “Hey,” Lucas said. Ryder nodded. “Thought we’d have a party.” Lucas kissed the blonde and headed to his bedroom with her. The girl with shoulder-length brown hair and wearing a tight black dress walked over to Ryder. She sat down, took the straw and began to snort. Ryder’s gaze lowered to her chest, and he looked as far down her dress as he could. Not one bit of her enticed him. The tan flesh contrasted with the dress, looking tacky. But she had a nice form. Not as nice as Alecia’s . Alecia. He wanted her here with him tonight. That girl would not come to his bed easily. This one would. “What’s your name?” he asked. “You can call me Barbie .” “Barbie? Is that not your real name” “Why should I tell you?” she said, her lips, curving into what was supposed to be a playful pout. This girl was too experienced for that look to be effective. He really didn’t care what her real name was. This was a girl he would forget the next day. But not Alecia. She was calming, sweet. In some ways, she reminded him of his mother. He grimaced and refocused on the girl who wanted to be in his arms. “Because….” He touched the edge of the fabric that rested against her chest. She leaned forward, making his finger push into her skin. “Did I say you could touch me?” “You’re snorting my coke.” He tugged at the neckline but stopped when he felt his nose began to run. Perfect. The blood wouldn’t hold off. He stood, tipping his face towards the ceiling. “What are you doing?” she asked. “Just a bloody nose. I can’t snort coke without getting one of these. It’ll be gone in a second.” “Wow so the mighty Alpha, son of Barrister Hendrix has a weakness.” He laughed and walked to the bathroom. So everyone knew of his father. The man’s reputation reached far. Alecia probably hadn’t heard of him. Did she even know of anything outside of her studies? Ryder lowered his face over the sink, letting red blotches drip onto the porcelain. Barbie had nice legs, but they looked leathery. Alecia looked prettier in that floral cotton dress, that couldn’t hide her curvy hips. He needed to stop thinking of her. But it would be useless. When he closed his eyes, he would see her smile. When he sat down he felt her absence next to him. The girl left an unshakable impression. His nose cleared and he headed back to the girl. She sat on the couch, leaning back, her legs slightly opened. His lips curled in disgust. What a contrast. He shook his head and went to her.