Alpha A Paranormal Encounter by Sophia Severn Page B

Vincent, the alpha male.
     

 
    Two
    I stood staring at the lemon yellow bathroom tiles as streams of water trickled down my back. I ran my fingers through my tangled, red hair pulling out a leaf from an oak tree. The house was empty, which was a relief. Pop was still at the store, most likely staying late to catch up on bookkeeping. I had some time to think.
    I let droplets of water run down my abdomen as my thoughts wandered to the man in the forest. His face was fixed in my memory - dirty blond hair, scraggly chin, and a mountainous amount of muscle that could challenge the pack in its entirety. The thought of his coarse hands on my soft fur made my thighs burn. When a shifter chooses their mate, the energy between them becomes increasingly intoxicating. I was drawn to him . A human. A complete human.
    "I'm coming in, Red!" A sudden bang on the bathroom door interrupted my thoughts. Vincent's angry voice made my blood pump.
    "I'm in the shower," I shouted back. "I'll be out in a minute." The door swung open anyway, revealing Vincent's scarlet cheeks. I grabbed the shower curtain and covered myself. Vincent was wearing a snug pair of jeans and tight blue t-shirt. His strong cologne filled my nostrils, making me gag. He always wore way too much. He balled his fists, clenching his jaw as he glared in my direction. "Vince!"
    "What's the matter with you?" Steam was rising from Vincent's face as he eyed my bare shoulders.
    "What's the matter with me ? I thought I made this clear. I don't hunt humans."
    "I wasn't asking you to kill him!" he yelled banging his fist against the wall. The noise made me jump, but I held my composure.
    "And what would have come from killing him, huh? A treat for afternoon tea? You know humans taste vile. You were harassing him on purpose!"
    "And you were protecting him on purpose," he added, lowering his voice. "Why?" His chest rose rapidly but he closed his eyes, trying to still his breathing - something he did when he was overly anxious. The last time I'd seen that face was when he took me to the pub for drinks last week. Vincent had made me an offer, spilling out his desire to be my life mate. But I didn't feel the same way. I hadn't since high school.
    "I was simply making a point," I casually replied, suppressing the images in my head.
    "You sure about that?" He took a step closer, slightly blushing as he glanced down. Delicate imprints of my nipples were visible through the shower curtain. I covered myself again, hoping I hadn't stirred his animal instincts too vigorously. Once aroused, he couldn't be tamed.
    "Positive." I took a step back. "Now get the hell out before Pop gets home." Vincent nodded but I could still see a wild fire burning in his eyes. He touched a strand of my wet hair, and I gulped.
    "You do know what would happen if you mated with a full human, right?"
    "How is Robby?" I muttered, changing the subject.
    "Not good." His disapproving glare made me feel a bit guilty, but I wasn't a gypsy fortune teller. How was I supposed to know that Robby would be the one to get hurt?
    "I'm sorry. I never meant for anyone to get hurt."
    "Don't betray me," Vincent warned. I sighed, thinking back to our time in high school. Vincent was more reasonable back then. His wolf half brought out the worst in him - the reckless piece of his soul that only cared about one thing . . . himself. "Three days left, love. Get used to me barging in while you're in the shower." He raised his eyebrows, sneaking one last look before leaving. Total wanker.
     

 
    Three
    I could smell the scent of spicy sweat and timber as I walked towards Nikki's Pub. I'd caught the smell through an open window while scrubbing dishes. He was okay, and he was nearby. My heart fluttered at the thought of seeing his face again, this time as a woman. I smoothed my red curls and adjusted my halter top - a rose red that matched the color of my hair. My long lashes were perfectly curled and my favorite pair of jeans made the lines of