Reading Lara (#3)

Chapter 2

Lara Henderson-

As I walk home, I try to take my mind off the pain in my neck and focus on the long walk ahead of me. I really wish I had a car right now.

I was forced to sell my old one after catching my boyfriend at the time, Marcus, letting some girl we knew in high school ride him like a stallion in the backseat. Safe to say, I wasn't too excited to drive anymore. He and I were not yet intimate, but that didn't mean I wasn't bitter over the situation.

Marcus and I have yet to speak to one another. Though he has attempted to contact me, I don't have the time or patience to deal with him at the moment. Not only have I started work at the pack house, but I am also still unpacking from the move out of Marcus' in-town apartment. I wanted to get as much distance away from him and his redhead as possible, but I know he will continue to pester me and try to reconcile.

I let out a relieved breath when I finally arrive at my front steps. There isn't a sign of Alpha Maddox or Beta Lennon anywhere.

Thank the Moon Goddess.

I dig out my house keys from the back pocket on my one shoulder hobo bag then proceed to head inside. Once there, I escape to my bedroom to change my muddy clothes after placing my bag and keys on the kitchen island. I strip from my jeans and t-shirt into a pair of pink nighttime shorts and a black thermal. I'm walking past my living room entryway when something catches my eye. I look towards my french windows to see a figure standing there, looking outside at my view of the Rocky Mountains.

I'm momentarily stunned before I walk quietly to pick up the lamp from the table beside my couch. I make sure to have a firm grip on it before finally speaking.

"What are you doing in my home?" I question the intruder. Whoever it turns around to face me. I can't see the person's face, but their voice sends chills down my spine.

"You think I wouldn't find you? You're my mate, I know your scent better than anyone. As soon as you were a foot from the pack house, I had my men on you."

"Why?" Is the only response that I can make out. It feels like there's something caught in my throat, choking me. In the blink of an eye, Alpha Maddox is standing in front of me, his hot breath coming in short bursts, his lips a mere inch from mine.

"You want to know why? Because I want you. I crave you. You're the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and you are my mate."

Holy cow.

I think my ovaries just quivered with want for this man.

No, this isn't supposed to happen.

Not yet.

I start to back away from him only for him to come closer.

"What do you want from me?" I whisper so quietly it's a wonder werewolf hearing would even pick it up.

"I want you to be the first and last woman I will make love to, who I have pups with, and who I will marry someday. I want you to spend your life with me. I want you to give me a chance," he growls, his voice growing husky and deep with lust.

I shake my head vigorously, fearful of his want for me. "No. No, I can't. I don't even know you."

His face softens considerably. "I want you, Lara. And I intend to have you. No matter what the cost of that is."

Okay, then.

Time to change the subject and get away from that strong, intimidating stare of his.

"I don't know where my manners have gone. Would you like something to drink? Anything? Coffee?" I suggest. The smile he rewards is breathtaking. I find myself smiling along with him, showing my dimples, which he notices. He touches his hand to my cheek and skates his thumb across one of them. I blush scarlet and tuck my hair behind my ear.

"These are very cute," he says, still smiling. Both hands are on my face now.

"Thank you," I reply, looking in front of me at his chest. Before I realize what I'm up to, I run my hand along his jaw, feeling the stubble prickle against my palm. I try to remove my hand away when I come to my senses, but he grabs my fingers before I can. I look up at him instantly and he leans in to kiss me. The tip of his tongue and his lips mold to mine. It's a sweet, gentle kiss, but a kiss nonetheless.

He pulls away all too soon and I find myself wanting to pull him back to me and continue that kiss. I sigh loudly and run my fingers through my hair. I look up at him and ask again, "Coffee? Tea?"

"Tea would be nice, and I don't want you getting sick."

"I'll be just fine," I assure him before walking to the kitchen. I dig out two packages of green tea and fill the teapot with water, setting it on the eye of the stove.

As I reach up in the cabinet to grab two cups, I feel hands on my hips. I turn around quickly, my forehead and chest colliding with Alpha Maddox's.

I rub my forehead as pain laces through my temples. "Geez, you have a hard head," I exclaim.

"I'm sorry. I was just coming to check on the tea," he apologizes.

"Uhm...yeah, tea. Why don't you take a seat?" I suggest. He sits down at the kitchen table with his head resting on his clasped hands. His gaze is on me. I turn back around to the cabinet and resume what I was doing, feeling his eyes on me the entire time.

"So, how long have you lived in Colorado?" He asks suddenly.

"All my life, sir," I respond politely.

"Maddox," he says.

"What?" I question, confused.

"Call me Maddox. 'Sir' makes me feel old. Only my family call me by my first name. Besides, we're mates and you should get used to calling me that," he explains.

I nod. "I'm sorry. I just don't really know how to act right now," I tell him.

He chuckles. "What? Around a man?"

I shake my head. "No, an alpha."

His face turns hard. "How many men have you been close with?" He growls.

Oh, boy.

"Uhm...just my father and my ex, Marcus," I whisper.

"You're not a virgin," he states, his voice sinister.

"I am. Marcus cheated on me before anything happened between us," I respond, reminiscing that day. Instead of feeling pain, all I feel is anger towards Marcus now. When my words sink in, Alpha Maddox's face gentles.

I can't do this.

"Lara-" he tries.

"I'll be right back. I left something in my bedroom," I cut him off before exiting the kitchen.

Feeling a migraine forming, I head to the bathroom. As I look for an aspirin in my medicine cabinet, my phone chimes repeatedly. I race to catch it. I place my thumb on the green button and slide it across the screen.

"Hello?"

"What's up, Lara Sahara?" My sister, Zara, greets through the phone.

"Not a whole lot. How are my nieces and nephews?" I ask. Zara lives in Montana with her mate. She moved there for college and ended up staying when she met Leo. They have five children together.

"Driving me up the wall. How's Colorado?"

I'm silent for a second. "Lara?" She says, bringing me back.

"Sorry, I'm here. It's pretty good. I finally got all my stuff out of Marcus' place."

I hear deep growling from the doorway. I look up to see Alpha Maddox standing there, his expression angry and his stance tense.

"Zara, I gotta go," I conclude, ending the call.

I stand up from the bed shakily, watching as his eyes follow my every move. Maddox is now shaking uncontrollably, meaning his wolf is surfacing rapidly. I can't remember ever feeling this afraid. I don't know what to do to help him. I've never seen a wolf shift out of anger.

In a flash, Alpha Maddox has shifted and his huge, black wolf stands in front of me, growling ferociously and baring its teeth.

I back away from Alpha Maddox slowly until my back hits the wall by my bathroom. Tears are now coursing down my face, causing his eyes to soften and release a whimper. He slowly struts toward me and I stiffen.

Then, Maddox is in front of me again. His face saddens when I shudder away from him as he reaches for me. I rush into the bathroom, locking the door.

"Lara, honey, open the door," he says, knocking. I ignore him. I turn the knob on the faucet before splashing cold water on my face. I take an aspirin and wipe my face off, feeling calm.

"Lara, please. Open the door," he begs. I whip the door open just as he is about to knock again.