Alpha A Paranormal Encounter by Sophia Severn Page A

I displayed my teeth and quickly turned my body, making my unkempt tail visible. I prayed my gesture of displeasure would catch their attention. The purpose of our hunt was so I could pick the fittest of them all - the one I fancied. I made it clear I wasn't impressed.
    Danny backed away, nudging TJ to follow. The two of them sniffed the bark of a nearby oak and took off. Mostly likely catching the scent of a deer. I felt the man behind me lower his knife as Vincent and the others slowly backed away. There was a permanent scowl on Vincent's face. I was sure to get an earful in the morning. I let out a snort, relieved that the man was still in one piece. One perfect piece.
    My heart pounded again against my will as I thought of the man staring at my shiny fur. I didn't want to leave, but leaving was the only way to ensure Vincent wouldn't back track. I stepped forward and looked into Vincent's black eyes. He closed his mouth and stepped aside to let me by.
    The man let out another thunderous yell as Vincent leaped towards his chest. Arse! The trees seemed to shake as fowls flew from the branches above me. I could hear whimpering and ripping flesh. My canine eyes went wide as I witnessed the man thrusting his knife at whatever came near. He yelled as he grabbed balls of Vincent's fur, kicking him into a pile of pine needles. The man's coat was stained with crimson as he swiftly dug his knife into Robby, Vincent's backup.
    Robby howled as the man made a giant slit in his side, using impressive strength. Robby limped backward and joined his brother Gabe. Sensing Robby's need, Vincent growled one last time as he escorted Robby and Gabe back towards the river. My first instinct was to follow Vincent back to town where Robby would surely need medical attention. But the determination and power of the man before me was too entrancing to ignore.
    I stared at the man's heaving chest as he hung his head, wincing while he touched his wounds. My heart pounded. This man had proved himself stronger than the rest, and his tousled hair and sharp features had me fantasizing about my future - a cozy country home outside the village with a giant hearth made of brick. My chest thudded uncontrollably as I imagined myself lying in a mess of warm blankets with this man's massive torso beside me. I took a step closer. The man was hesitant, raising his blood-stained hunting knife again.
    The forest was even darker, and soon the only source of light would be gone. The smell of his sweat made me forget all obligations. I wanted to help this man, assist him, and please him. As I inched closer, the man moaned. His hand was covered in red liquid. He flinched as I rubbed my cold nose against his forearm.
    "Mange takk," the man gritted through his teeth. The deep sound of his voice made me desperate to shift to my human form. I could tend to his wounds. I could lead him home. I knew this forest better than anyone, even Pop. But my oath to the pack forbade it. I would have to make due with helping this man to safety. I nudged his arm again - my canine hormones going wild every time my fur touched his skin.
    The man groaned again as he tossed his head up towards the tree tops. He struggled to stand, but his powerful quads pulled him up. I let out a soft bark, running through the trees and stopping every few minutes to make sure the man was still behind me. I could smell his trail as blood dripped from his wound along the forest floor. I prayed Vincent wasn't nearby to catch the scent. My wild pheromones mixed with the smell of this man's potent sweat was a deadly combo.
    "How much longer, ulv?" The man leaned against a tree. I barked, hyperactively wagging my tail. We were close. I could see the glare from the stoplights in town through the dense brush. The man grinned, placing his bulky hand on my auburn fur. With one gentle stroke, my entire body was filled with an urgent longing - the need to be praised. The same feelings I was supposed to have towards