Derrick
Red dust rises as the motorcycle crosses the ranch's threshold. I wonder if Major called for Carver again without telling us, but as the bike stops short, I know it’s not him. This fella’s bike is flashy, and the rider is not a bulky man like Carver. I cross my arms in front of my chest, watching carefully before I start kicking the intruder’s ass.
He hops off the bike and removes his helmet, and I know this fucker is an Alpha. There’s no mistaking the scent, and fuck if that doesn’t ruffle my feathers.
“You'd better put that helmet right back on,” I drawl, calling his attention to me. “And get right back on that bike. You’re not welcome.”
His face breaks into a smile, and he carefully brushes his jet-black hair back into place. It’s a slick style, like a goddamn 40s movie star, and I don’t like it.
“I’m looking for Major Wilde.”
My teeth grind. Of course, my foolish brother would call an Alpha into our home without telling any of us. This is how it always goes:Major shoulders every responsibility and leaves us in the dark. For a long time, I thought it was because I’m just his brother, not his packmate, but now I see he doesn’t share anything with Jesse either. It was annoying before, but it’s dangerous now. We need to think about Veda first.
“Turn around and leave.” My voice goes hard. “I’ll pass on your message.”
His obsidian eyes lift to the house behind me, and I see the flicker of doubt crossing his face. There shouldn't be any doubt. He has to leave, and I’ll have a conversation with my brother later.
The front door opens, and I don’t look behind me to check, but I know it’s Major. The newcomer's eyes go to the figure behind me, eyes assessing, and I realize he doesn’t know Major, either. So truly a stranger.
He shields his eyes from the sun. “I’m looking for Major Wilde.”
“And who is looking for me?” I'm relieved to hear the same unfriendly tone from my brother.
“Dominic Savage,” the stranger replies.
Major curses. “I didn’t think you were really coming.”
Dominic rolls his shoulder, all at ease, and I don’t like it one bit. My eyes are still on him as he takes a messenger bag from the attachment on his bike and comes to my porch. Major shakes his hand. I’m so disappointed that I growl under my breath.
“I’ll explain inside,” Major says.
“Will you?” I stare at my brother before shaking my head and going in.
When I step into the house, I hear Veda’s giggling coming from the living room. Jesse is trying to teach her some chords on the guitar, and while this woman can do so much, I have to say she’s not very musical. I left them to it, preferring the quiet of the porch.
“Call Jesse and Veda,” Major says as he makes his way after me.
I don’t spare him a glance, but throw my head over the living room and ask the musicians to meet us in the kitchen. I cross my arms in front of my chest. My eyes never leave Dominic, who sits at the table as if he’s a prized guest. Major stays by the counter, his back leaning and his eyes focused. At least he’s not relaxed. He knows this is wrong.
“What’s going on?” Jesse is on guard the moment he steps in the kitchen, shoving Veda at his back.
“Hey!” she whines.
Dominic stands at his full height, all smiley again. The only smiley fella I tolerate is Jesse. Everyone else should be careful showing their teeth. I might knock them out of their mouths.
“I’m Dominic Savage, Miss Darling. I’m the US representative for the Alpha-Omega Alliance.”
The Alliance? He doesn’t look like a government employee, I’ll give Dominic that, but that just means I’m more than right to be suspicious.
“The fucking government, Major?” I ask with pure rage.
“I had to report the possible Omega trafficking situation. I reached out to the International Alliance, and Dominic got in contact with me.”
He doesn’t seem happy that Dominic is handling the case, yet the fucker is barely paying attention to what we are saying, his eyes shining as he looks at Veda over Jesse’s shoulder.
“Stop with this,” she slaps Jesse when he doesn’t move away. “Reporting to authorities was a great idea. Thank you, Major.”
She turns pretty pink when she calls my brother, and the fucker squares his shoulder as if he were awarded the biggest prize.
