Page 4 of The Alpha's Protective Mate

He’s funny.

Oh, God, he’s funny, too.

I lower my head, wishing I had never asked.

“I—Of course.” I feel so flustered that I nearly drop one of the bags I’m folding over.

Most of the men I’ve dated have been human. Vampires don’t want me, so human men have been my only option. I’ve never even looked at a wolf shifter with any sort of intention aside from keeping a ten-foot distance between us. This is the first time I’ve ever properly interacted with one.

And the moment I do, I end up thinking he’s appealing.

Another reason why I should avoid this guy.

“Here you go.” I hand him the three paper bags and his coffee. “That will be thirty-five dollars.”

He hands me his card, and I glance at his name.

Robert Montgomery.

Why is that name so familiar? I’ve definitely heard it before somewhere.

I swipe his card, and he leaves. But as he walks out the door, I see him look over his shoulder at me.

I avert my gaze quickly.

Even if he’s charming and funny, he’s an Alpha. I need to steer clear of that man.

******

When I was thrown out of my home at the age of fourteen, the rejection from my clan and family had been devastating. And yet, there was relief. No more bullying. No more torturous nights where I would have to sleep with one eye open, trying to anticipate my younger sister, Arabella, and her friends breaking into my room and doing something to me.

I had to live in a women’s shelter for a few months till I found a job as a waitress by lying about my age. I got myself enrolled in a local high school and finished my basic education. I managed to move into an apartment that was owned by an old man who just wanted company and was willing to let me stay there. When he passed away a couple of years ago, he willed his apartment to me. It’s where I live now.

And these days, I support myself with a job that pays well and this volunteer position that pays me with free food for my one-eyed tabby at home.

I dim the lights of the front office of the animal shelter, knowing that at this late hour, nobody will be coming in. I start bottle-feeding one of the rescued kittens someone brought in. They need to be fed every three hours, and after feeding these babies, I’m going to head out. The rest of the animals have been fed, the cats have had their litter changed, and the dogs have been petted and cuddled and are now sleeping peacefully.

Animals have always liked me. And I’ve always been drawn to them.

They don’t hurt me, and I find solace in their companionship.

I glance at the wall clock as I burp the little kitten. It’s nearing midnight. I have to get home.

Ricky, the vet who stays overnight here, is supposed to take over after me, but he still hasn’t arrived.

I put the kittens in their small enclosure in the back before returning to the front office. Yawning, I look at the dark street outside.

This past week has been a strange one.

After my interaction with the wolf shifter, I made sure to let someone else deal with him each time he came into the cafe. I’ve caught him watching me a couple of times, but he doesn’t say anything. He’s very polite, and the rest of the staff, including Jazz, likes him. He leaves a tip every time, and he buys us out of our baked items almost every morning.

His eyes, though… I can’t stop thinking about them. They’re the prettiest blue I’ve ever seen. And the way his cheeks creased, merriment dancing in his gaze… Each time I recall it, my heart beats in an unsteady rhythm. The stupidity of my reaction isn’t lost on me. He’s an Alpha, and I’m a vampire. Not only that, I’m much weaker than an ordinary vampire. Weakness is always eliminated. I don’t know about wolves, but with vampires, a clan is only as strong as its weakest link. Which is why I was surprised my father let me stick around for as long as he did.

An Alpha like Robert Montgomery, with his playful smile and mesmerizing eyes, would look at me with nothing but disdain if he realized that I found myself inconveniently attracted to him. He might even consider it an insult.

It’s not like I plan on saying anything, but a crush is a crush, and being aware of how I can’t even compare to him is just another blow in a series of them.

Sighing, I get to my feet.

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