SHADOW

　　　“No!” I woke up, jolting with my body soaked with sweat, my chest heaving as I caught my breath. I never had a dream in a long time, and I didn’t wish to be that taunting and vicious as I watched everyone die, get murdered, and pile like dead animals ready to be burned.

　　　I was wrong when I thought I would get a good sleep. With my impending challenge approaching, I needed a clear head, or I would lose control and hurt my opponent. I couldn’t and wouldn’t be that person anymore.

　　　With everyone having eyes on me with my every move, I had to prove to them that I was not that kind of rogue in their heads, but I had a feeling that this wouldn’t be easy for me.

　　　It was still three in the morning. Everyone was probably still in bed. I checked the door before I slept last night, and it wasn’t locked like I initially thought. I changed into a hoodie and sweatpants before I headed down. It had been almost a week, and I hadn’t run. The night I wanted to go out, it didn’t go well.

　　　I walked north. My nose in human form wasn’t like in my wolf form. I couldn’t smell threats, but I always trusted my instinct. As I reached through the tall trees, I stripped off my clothes.

　　　I remembered my first turn. It was brutally and excruciatingly painful. I had no one to guide me but Kent, but he was there for me, patiently waiting for my complete transformation. It was worth the pain, and my wolf came to life.

　　　I shifted to my four-legged white wolf and stomped her paws in glee. I felt freer in a wolf form. I jumped over the log, and the sound of my paws patting against the earth gave me the freedom to do a good run. The familiar whistling of the wind rushed through my fur.

　　　For the first time, I was out of Kent’s property,and  I didn’t have to worry about being caught by my kind. As I ran deep into the woods, I found a cliff. My paws dragged against the rocky end.

　　　That was close.

　　　I smelled different werewolf scents, but those were Night Stalker pack members and one distinct, familiar scent. I sat on four, watching the silver glow of the moon washing against the river that separated from the tall trees.

　　　I stayed there for a couple more minutes, thanking the moon goddess before I ran back.

　　　I caught a scent behind the big tree where I hid my clothes. I quickly shifted back and put my clothes on.

　　　“You can’t run alone like that. You’re not yet properly introduced to the pack. They could have ripped you off and thought you were an intruder.”

　　　“Let them try.” I gulped when my skin tingled as his scent became more prominent, and I heard his footsteps getting closer.

　　　“That’s an order, Shadow.”

　　　“How did you find me?” Quickly, I shut my mouth to question the Alpha.

　　　Not liking my answer, a growl rumbled from his chest.

　　　“Sorry.”

　　　“Let’s head back.”

　　　Taking a step forward, I finally showed my face. He was still wearing a deep scowl on his face.

　　　It was a good run, though, worth a try without getting back on that hellhole. Califf was only wearing sweatpants and a shirt, but it had my wolf going crazy inside.

　　　“I was about to go back, anyway.” I slipped and formed my hands into fists in the hoodie’s pockets. His presence and our proximity had my body going bold, losing control of my wolf’s desire. I had to draw a deep breath before I could jump on him.

　　　“Why are you up so early?”

　　　“I could ask the same thing.” I quickly shut my mouth.

　　　Another groan came out from him, but without a word.

　　　“Look, Alpha. I’m still adjusting to the whole thing. I’m used to being alone, but I’ll try to be a good rogue around here. I don’t want trouble.”

　　　“You’re still talking and not answering my question.”

　　　I released a tired sigh. “I had a bad dream and haven’t had it in a long time.”

　　　“What was it all about?” For real? He wanted to know my dream. What if it was wild and something naughty?

　　　“I can’t tell you.” I pressed my lips into a thin line.

　　　“Was that something naughty?” I could feel a smirk in his voice.

　　　“I wish it were, but no. In fact, it was bloody and terrifying. I can still feel the dread crawling in my skin.”

　　　“It was just a bad dream. Maybe you overthink before you sleep last night.”

　　　We reached the compound gate. The pack house was like a fortress in the middle of the forest. The entire place was still silent, just our footsteps echoing at the entrance.

　　　I followed where he went and remembered it led to the vast kitchen.

　　　“Cook something.” He sat on the chair in front of the kitchen island.

　　　“Um. What do you like?”

　　　“Just breakfast, and I want coffee.”

　　　Well, this would be the first payment on my debt. I drew a deep breath before scanning the cupboards, drawers, and fridge to familiarize myself with what was in them.

　　　I started by scooping the ground coffee and filling the coffee maker. I poured water and turned it on. Then I went to the fridge and grabbed a few eggs, butter, fresh fruits, and milk. Then, I grabbed a bag of flour for the pancake.

　　　“Any allergies that I should know about?” I took out a bulb of scallions.

　　　“I’m sure you won’t find any in the kitchen.”

　　　“I was not trying to poison you.”

　　　“I know,” he said with disinterest. And he looked like he wanted to be elsewhere than here, yet he was still sitting.

　　　“Tell me about the challenge. I want to prepare myself. How difficult is it?” I began by making my batter in a large mixing bowl. I knew the werewolf’s appetite, and we were also lucky to have a fast metabolism that wouldn’t make us the size of an elephant.

　　　“You will have a combat fight with the chosen member. Preferably the opposite sex.”

　　　I stared at him in disbelief. “What? That’s unfair. I don’t have the training your men have. And they are stronger than me because I am a rogue, obviously.” While waiting for the pancake maker to heat, I cracked some eggs into the bowl.

　　　“You want to prove you have a place in my pack? Then fight for that place. Prove it to me and them that you deserve to be here, rogue.”

　　　He didn’t have any idea what damage I could do to my opponent if I lost control, and that was what I was afraid of.

　　　I poured a batter into the pancake maker, ignoring the apprehension in my head. I grabbed a pack of bacon from the fridge and placed it in a separate pan.

　　　“Looks like Kent didn’t spoil you at all.” So he’d been watching me scramble in his impressive kitchen, but he never offered to help. What was I expecting? He was the Alpha, and I was a rogue, ending up his omega if I failed the challenge.

　　　“No. He didn’t. After his divorce, he wanted me back in his home. So I cooked breakfast and dinner for us.” I whisked the egg and sprinkled some salt and pepper. I poured a little amount of milk into it. “Did you know about Kent harboring a rogue before we met?”

　　　“Yeah. That was the meeting all about,” he answered without hesitation.

　　　“Did he know?” I looked at him.

　　　“Not until I asked.”

　　　“So that meeting was a setup?”

　　　“I don’t know who you were. I just saw your picture sent to me.”

　　　“What were you gonna do if we met that day?”

　　　“The same thing I did.” His direct answer made my nose flare, and he saw that.

　　　I had eaten half of the pancake. I stacked it on the plate before I made a mean omelet. I chopped some scallions for the garnishing because I had to impress my Alpha that I was not a burden rogue, but I could be of some help in his pack.

　　　Once, I plated the Alpha’s breakfast and poured him a coffee in a big mug. I grabbed a cutlery and set the table before placing breakfast before him.

　　　I prepared for myself since I was also starving after the run. Once I cleaned up my mess, I began digging into my breakfast. I was halfway to my meal, but I hadn’t heard any comments about my inexpert cooking experience. But he was eating silently, and he hadn’t collapsed from his seat if I happened to poison the Alpha.

　　　Once he was done, he stood up, and I watched him leave without a word, but his plate was empty. After I cleaned up the kitchen spotless, I went to my room and took a shower. I missed my old clothes, though. There weren’t many choices to pick from. At the same time, I was glad he didn’t leave me naked or put me in a cage somewhere in his territory to be mauled by his enemy.

　　　I looked outside through the window and found teens and pups probably going to school. I went downstairs and found a few pairs of eyes pinned on me. I didn’t know what to do or say, so I chose to ignore their scrutinizing eyes.

　　　“Hey, rogue. Learn to show some respect to the ranking members if you wanna stay,” said the blond guy around my age.

　　　“Too bad. You just said I’m a rogue, and I don’t know any of you except for Alpha Califf and Beta Duke.”

　　　Before I could turn my back, I was already pressed against the wall, knocking out the air in my lungs, and almost choking my windpipe. I didn’t flinch. Instead, I met his blazing dark eyes. He was an enforcer, and I could smell his rage seeping through him.

　　　Growling, I snarled, “Is this supposed to impress me, scare the shit out of me because you are fast?” He was already distracted. I did a headbutt that caught him off guard. It wasn’t even strong. His head snapped back, giving me a chance to knee him in the forbidden area.

　　　I left, heading to the Alpha’s office, and didn’t look back.

　　　Before I could take another step, I froze in my place as I met the angrier Alpha, glaring his frosty gray eyes at me. If an icy stare could kill, I was dead cold.

CALIFF

　　　I heard and saw everything. I was supposed to be impressed that she could take care of herself, but she was showing off to my people, which was not a good impression on her part. And Shadow wasn’t a member yet, but she was already showing the dark side in her.

　　　“In my office. Now!”

　　　She dropped her gaze. Without a word, she walked past me to my office.

　　　“Zack, you too.” I gestured with my finger.

　　　“But, Alpha. I was merely reminding her of her place.”

　　　“That is not your job and decision, and cornering a woman in front of everyone isn’t right. Get the fuck in my office.” I was mad at what he did. Something snapped deep inside me, wanting to crash his skull, and I showed everyone what I would do if someone touched Shadow again.

　　　When Zack went to my office, I looked at everyone who didn’t meet my gaze anymore.

　　　“She’s a rogue, and I get it. This is not her territory, but she will take a challenge, like everyone wishes to join our pack, to prove she has a place here. Give her a chance, but what she did was wrong, and she will get her punishment from me. Do you understand?” I left when they agreed.

　　　My possessiveness almost ruined my reputation as a fair Alpha to my pack. I almost lost control watching her press against the wall with Zack’s arm against her throat. Thankfully, she took care of it effortlessly.

　　　I admitted she played dirty, but that served Zack right. I joined Shadow and Zack in my office. They were standing on the opposite side of the room.

　　　“That was irresponsible,” I said firmly at Shadow, whose gaze was on the floor. “And you, Zack. Since when did you mind a woman in this pack?”

　　　“She’s not one of us, Alpha,” he said factly.

　　　“She will be if she has proven her value and loyalty through a challenge. If she’s not, I will be the first to kick her out or shoot her with a silver bullet through her thick skull.” I ignored the blazing glare from her shooting at me.

　　　“I’m sorry, Alpha.”

　　　“Me too. I was just defending myself.”

　　　“You defended yourself too much.” I shifted my gaze to Shadow. “And I don’t tolerate such disrespect to my enforcers. This is your last and final warning. Don’t make me regret my decision to set you free from that cage. One more wrong move I hear or see, I won’t hesitate to throw you back down there. Do you understand?”

　　　“Yes.” She gulped. “Alpha.”

　　　I hated doing this, but I couldn’t be lenient when there were witnesses. “Zack, you will be on 12-hour duty for three days. Lyon will report to me if you did your job or escaped.”

　　　“Yes, Alpha.”

　　　“And you. You will clean the kitchen spotless after breakfast, lunch, and dinner for three days. You will not use the dishwashers.” I watched her body stiffen, her eyes narrowed, but I wouldn’t give her a chance to defy me again. “Or you can choose between another three days in confinement.”

　　　“I’ll clean the kitchen.” She cleared her throat. “Will I also be working with you?”

　　　I met her blazing eyes, and it was like seeing right through her soul. “Yes.”

　　　She nodded subtly but did not say a word anymore.

　　　“You’re dismissed, Zack.”

　　　“Thank you, Alpha.”

　　　Once Zack left the office, Shadow sighed and relaxed a bit. “What should I do here?”

　　　“Arranged some files in the drawers. I want it in Alphabetical order. Start with A from the top drawer. You answer some calls and arrange meetings. I’ll give you access to the computer, but you won’t reply or send emails to anyone without my permission.”

　　　“I can do that.” She quickly went to the drawer in the corner and started lining files on the floor.

　　　I watched her work for a while. There was something about her, something off, that everything I threw at her, she could do with flying colors. At the same time, I had every instinct in my body warning me to proceed with caution.

　　　I was already awake early in the morning to hear her scream. I knew she had a bad dream, but I chose not to approach her in her room. She could be naked for hell, I knew. Once she left for a run, I waited until she came back. Her scent drew much attention to my wolf.

　　　Her wolf, though, was an impressively big white wolf that glowed in the moonlight. The black spot on her forehead and the purple eyes made my suspicions clearer and clearer.

　　　My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. I inwardly groaned to see the caller ID. “Shadow, can I have a room alone?” I couldn’t let her hear the phone conversation. She could easily block it off, but I’d rather not take any chances.

　　　“Yes, Alpha.” She left her work and walked outside.

　　　I answered the call. I hadn’t said a word. She already used her sexy voice on me in the middle of the day. “Hey, Alpha.”

　　　“Everlee, what can I help you with?” Everlee was from Midnight Storm Pack, one of my allies. She hadn’t found her mate yet, or what she believed was that we had a connection beyond sex, which I doubted since she became my beck and call. And lately, it had just proven me right.

　　　“I missed you.” She purred. ”When am I going to see you again?”

　　　I sighed.

　　　“That doesn’t sound good.”

　　　“I’m swamped with work. I’m working on an important task, so we speak.” More like, I wanted you to leave me alone.

　　　I could see her pursing her lips in dismay as she looked at her newly painted fingernails. “I can come to your place for a night. I promise you won’t forget it for the rest of your life. I wanna show you how good I can make you feel, Alpha.”

　　　I shut my eyes close. Sometimes, she could be so dumb and clingy. I already banned her from my pack if she wasn’t a good lay, and her father wasn’t my ally. “I can’t. I will call you if I’m available.”

　　　“You know, you can’t make me wait, Cal.”

　　　“Then don’t. Find someone who deserves you. I’m not that person, Everlee.”

　　　“But I love you.” I cursed inwardly. For the love of ever-loving Mother Earth.

　　　“That’s not a real feeling. What we had was just sex. You know that. One day, you will meet your mate and feel real love.” I let go of a heavy breath. “Look, I have to go.”

　　　“But I want you, Cal.”

　　　“Listen to me, Everlee.” I used my alpha voice for her to understand that we had to end now. “Don’t call me again. I want you to forget about me and what happened between us.”

　　　“Cal.” She was dramatic and emotional. Now, she began to cry.

　　　“It’s Alpha Cal to you. Have a good day.” I hung up the call. If there was one thing I regretted doing, it was sleeping with her, but I had a rule that I would never break. I would not sleep with a woman in my pack unless she was my mate.

　　　I let go of a breath as I got up from the chair. Before I could walk towards the door, I heard a knock, which definitely didn’t come from Shadow.

　　　I sat back in my chair. “Come in.”

　　　“Good morning, Alpha.” It was Kindra, smiling.

　　　“Morning. What can I do for you?” I noticed Shadow come in and go to her files.

　　　“I have the medical report.” She offered the file to me.

　　　“Thank you. How’s your patient?” I stole a glance at Shadow, but she seemed not to be listening to my conversation with Kindra.

　　　“He’s recovering. The antibiotics work on his wound. He can go home in two days.”

　　　“That’s good news.”

　　　She tipped her head in Shadow’s direction.

　　　“She’s temporarily working with me in the office.”

　　　“I see.” She smiled. There was a meaning hidden in it. She turned to Shadow. “I introduced myself to her outside the office.”

　　　I nodded.

　　　“I should go. Do you need anything else?”

　　　“That’s all. Thank you.”

　　　”You’re welcome, Alpha.” She went to Shadow, filing the files separately. “Hey. Join me over lunch. I’m sure you have a break, right?”

　　　“I’m sorry, I can’t.” She bit her bottom lip.

　　　“Why?”

　　　“I have to clean the kitchen for three days.”

　　　“But you’re already working here.”

　　　“That’s her punishment,” I interrupted Kindra.

　　　“Oh.” Kindra turned to me with a curious look.

　　　“I was a naughty dog.” There was a hint of sarcasm in her tone, and I knew it was intended for me.

　　　“She had a headbutt with Zack and kneed him in the groin.”

　　　“I was just—” She stopped abruptly and muttered an apology as soon as I raised a finger.

　　　“Zack will do a border patrol for twelve hours in three days.”

　　　“Wow. Well, I’d like to take you on a coffee date once you have paid off your punishment. My treat.”

　　　Shadow smiled. “If I pass the challenge, my treat. That, if the Alpha will allow me to go outside the compound.” I bet she intentionally let me hear the last part.

　　　“Oh, you will. And I bet my twenty with Duke.”

　　　“I wish I shared your confidence, and I don’t wanna lose your twenty bucks.” She chuckled.

　　　“See you later, Shadow.”

　　　“See you later.” She went back to the file aligned on the floor.

　　　I wanted to ask her where she learned self-defense because I was confident she could win the challenge.

　　　“Do you want me to bring you your lunch, Alpha?”

　　　“No. I’m going out, but you will stay. Finish your task here and in the kitchen.”

　　　“Can I see Kent before he leaves for California?”

　　　“You just misbehaved. You lost that chance.” I instantly saw the pain in her eyes.

　　　Shit.

　　　Ignoring the knot in my stomach, I rose to my feet and took my jacket from the rack. “You will behave while I’m out. You will answer calls and take note of everything you receive from the other line.”

　　　“Got it. I was an intern at Cornelius Marks & Co. Finance.”

　　　“Good.” That made sense. I walked to the door, but I had to stop to look at her one more time before I headed out. I bit my lip to fight back the smile.

　　　Fuck.