Claimed by the Alpha

Chapter 3

We sat side by side near the shallow waters of the lake. I slipped off my sandals and rolled up the bottom of my jeans, dipping my feet into the cool, clear water.

"You know, you’re a very beautiful girl," Jace said, his hand softly brushing my cheek as he tucked a few stray strands of hair behind my ear.

"Thank you," I replied, feeling a blush spread across my cheeks.

"I hardly ever see female rogues, especially ones traveling alone."

I kept my gaze fixed on the lake, wary of his intentions. So far, he hadn’t tried anything, but if he did, my only hope was to run. Coming here alone with him had been a mistake.

"Yeah?" I said noncommittally.

"Dylan, our Alpha, isn’t exactly forgiving or generous," Jace continued, his tone serious. "But he’s my best friend. With my influence, I could probably convince him to let you join the pack permanently if you wanted."

I turned to look at him, surprised by the offer. He seemed genuine, but I had to tread carefully. "What would that cost me?" I asked, though I already knew I wouldn’t like the answer.

Jace shrugged. "I really like you. We could see where things go between us."

I forced a smile, trying to sound polite. "Thank you, but I'm not interested."

His expression didn’t change. "Maybe you’ll change your mind. How about you stay a few more days and give the town a chance?"

He was being gracious, and for now, he wasn’t pushing. I searched his face, trying to decide if he was trustworthy.

"I'm not looking for a relationship," I replied, keeping my tone light. "Besides, you said your Alpha would have to approve, right?"

"All we have to do is ask," he reassured me. "Dylan will say yes for sure."

I leaned back, planting my hands in the grass behind me, feeling the sun warm my skin. "I don’t want to meet your Alpha," I said firmly.

Jace studied me for a moment. "We can wait until you’re ready. Just stay out of the forest and away from the pack. It’ll be fine."

I considered it. I was three states away from home, but the fear of being hunted down never left me. If my old pack wanted me dead for running away, they could still find me.

"I'll stay for now," I said, and Jace grinned, satisfied.

He left briefly to grab us some food, returning about thirty minutes later with a brown bag and a couple of drinks. The sun was high, and I considered going for a swim, but I didn’t have anything to wear.

After a lot of coaxing, I gave in. I slipped into the water wearing my bra and panties, with Jace’s oversized shirt thrown over them. He didn’t seem to mind splashing around in his boxers.

I’d been cautious around Jace, but his charm was undeniable. By the end of the day, I was laughing and talking more freely. He told me about his life as Beta of the Midnight Moon Pack, how he’d been in that role for four years, and his close friendship with the Alpha. He loved pack life but enjoyed living on his own, embracing his bachelor lifestyle.

Whenever he tried to ask about me, I skillfully redirected the conversation. Either he was being polite or my distractions worked well enough to dissuade him.

We stayed by the lake until late afternoon, the sun dipping below the horizon and a cool breeze picking up. My hair was still damp, and I shivered.

"We should head back," Jace said, noticing the goosebumps on my arms.

I nodded and ducked behind a tree to change into dry clothes. Soon, we were back at the car, and Jace drove me to my hotel, where he greeted Marie, the front desk lady, like an old friend.

"Long time no see, Marie!" Jace called out cheerfully.

Marie’s face lit up. "Jace! You need to stop by more often," she said, stepping out from behind the counter to give him a warm hug.

"I will, I promise. Take good care of my friend here," Jace said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "She’s new in town and might be sticking around for a while."

Marie glanced at me in surprise but quickly smiled. "Welcome, Leila," she said brightly.

I gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you for everything, Marie," I said, waving as I headed to my room. Jace followed, his protective presence lingering.

"Will you be okay on your own?" he asked when we reached my door.

I hesitated, not wanting to give him the wrong idea. "I was fine last night. I’ll manage."

"Do you have a pen?" he asked. I went inside to fetch one, and he wrote his number on the notepad beside the bed. When he asked for mine, I explained that I didn’t have a phone, only a book of emergency contacts.

"I’ll come by tomorrow," he said, his voice low. His hand caressed my cheek, trailing down my neck. He had to lean down, being nearly a foot taller than me. For a moment, I thought he would kiss me.

His lips brushed mine, soft and lingering, and my heart raced. "Goodnight," he said, finally stepping back.

I closed the door behind him and leaned against it, exhaling a shaky breath. Being part of a pack sounded safer, and Jace was charming and strong. But if he ever found his mate, he would leave me. I couldn’t put myself in a vulnerable position like that.

That night, I lay in bed, restless, my mind swirling with possibilities and dangers that the coming days might bring.