Page 10 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

The very idea is dangerous, not just to me but to my entire pack.

Lila marches in, chin raised, eyes flashing with determination. Her auburn hair is pulled back in a messy bun, a few strands escaping to frame her face. I force myself not to notice how it softens her features, how it makes her look younger, more vulnerable.

"Mr. Anderson," she says curtly, "I'm here to show you the changes I've made. I want this inspection over with."

Her tone grates on my nerves, the demanding note in her voice setting my teeth on edge. Who does she think she is, barging in here like this?

"Ms. Taylor," I reply, matching her coldness. "This is highly irregular. I decide when re-inspections happen. You can't just show up and demand my time."

"With all due respect," she counters, her eyes narrowing, "my business is suffering. I've addressed every issue you raised. I need this resolved. Now."

I stand, using my height to loom over her. It's a cheap intimidation tactic, I know, but I need to maintain control of this situation. Of my reactions to her. "Fine. Show me. But this better not be a waste of my time."

The walk to her truck is tense, silent. I can feel her irritation radiating off her in waves, matching my own frustration. Thiswoman is nothing but trouble. A complication I don't need. A distraction I can't afford.

At the truck, Lila launches into a rapid-fire explanation of her changes. "I've labeled everything," she says, pointing to neat, handwritten labels on every container. "I've upgraded the refrigeration system," she continues, opening a gleaming new fridge. "I've even reorganized the storage to maximize efficiency and food safety. It's all up to code now."

I inspect each change meticulously, looking for any flaw, any reason to delay approval. But damn it, she's done a thorough job. Every issue I raised has been addressed, often going above and beyond what was strictly necessary.

"I've also implemented a new cleaning schedule," she adds, showing me a detailed chart. "And I've retrained my staff on proper food handling procedures."

Her dedication is impressive, I have to admit. But I can't let her see that. Can't let her know how much her determination affects me.

"Satisfied?" she asks, her tone challenging. There's a flash of something in her eyes - pride, maybe, or defiance. It makes my wolf stir restlessly.

I'm about to respond when a scream pierces the air. Lila jumps, her eyes widening. The scent of her fear spikes, setting my protective instincts on edge. "What was that?"

Shit. Not now. Not here. The timing couldn't be worse.

"Stay in the truck," I order, my voice leaving no room for argument. My wolf is already clawing to get out, sensing the danger nearby. "Lock the door. Don't come out until I return."

"But—" Lila starts, her stubbornness showing even in the face of potential danger.

"That's an order, Ms. Taylor," I snap, already moving towards the sound.

"Who do you think you are giving me orders?" she shouts.

"For once in your life, do as you're told," I shout back at her.

I don't wait for a response, trusting that Lila will heed my warning. My long strides eat up the ground as I rush towards the source of the scream. The wolf within me growls, eager to face the threat head-on.

Another scream. Closer this time.

My heart pounds in my chest, adrenaline coursing through my veins. I round the corner of a building, my senses on high alert. The metallic scent of blood hits my nostrils, making my stomach churn.

Please, let me be in time,I pray silently, pushing myself to run faster.Don't let me be too late.

I race towards the treeline, my senses on high alert. The foul stench of rogue hits me before I even reach the trees. Damn it. Another one, so close to town? What the hell is going on?

As I burst through the foliage, I see her—a young woman cornered against a tree, terror etched on her face. The rogue circles her, its mangy form a twisted mockery of a wolf. Its red eyes glow with malice as it toys with its prey.

I don't hesitate. I let my wolf take over, bones cracking as I shift. In seconds, I'm charging towards the rogue on four legs, teeth bared. The rush of the change, the surge of power, is intoxicating. This is what I was born for. This is who I really am.

But the rogue is fast. Too fast. It dodges my initial attack with unnatural speed, and we dance a deadly waltz of teeth and claws. I manage to wound it, my teeth sinking into its flank, but it gives as good as it gets. Pain flares across my side as its claws find purchase, tearing through flesh.

Just as I think I have the upper hand, pinning it beneath me, it bucks with unnatural strength. I'm thrown off, slamming into a nearby tree. Before I can recover, it's gone, disappearing into the forest.

Fury and frustration surge through me as I give chase, the taste of its blood still on my tongue. But it's no use. The rogue's trail goes cold, leaving me panting and enraged in the middle of the forest.

---