Page 1 of The Alpha in Alcatraz

1

SEDONA

“You’ve got nice legs,” the man opposite me says. His rich amber eyes are locked on mine, unblinking. “I’m sure they’d look even better wrapped around my shoulders.”

His words send my heart into a giddy flutter. Under different circumstances, I may have entertained him. But this isn’t some sleazy bar, and we’re not in San Francisco. We’re on the repurposed Alcatraz Island, in a mental asylum, and Victor Cullen is a dangerous man.

“Victor…” As difficult as it’s proving to be, I ignore his advances. Thick slabs of hard muscle pull his clothes around his body so intensely, veins bulge visibly through the cotton. One glance from his fiery eyes is enough to melt my soul. “Can I call you that? Or would you prefer Mr. Cullen?”

“You can call me Cunt if it would make this easier on you, Doc.” His tongue matches his razor-sharp jawline. So few people who sit opposite me have the strength to speak openly and honestly, but Victor Cullen does without fear of consequence.

It’s a breath of fresh air. But I have to stay in control of myself and the situation. He’s a ruthless killer, and I don’t want to be next on his chopping block.

“You can call me Sedona.” I’m the sixth attempt at finding a psychiatrist who might break through to Victor. Four of them share war stories about their time with him, as though he’s some fabled legend. The fifth quit after a three-hour session in the chair.

“Sedona? What a beautiful name,” he says nonchalantly. “Named after the desert?”

“Yes. I was named after the place I was conceived,” I answer. It’s a lie. I doubt my parents had any reason beyond liking the name, but being personable often has a good effect on the patients. Being open invites them to open up in turn. “Will you tell me about your parents?” A subtle yet elegant segue back to the matters at hand.

“No.” His response makes my jaw go slack.

“No?”

“Yes.”

“You have to give me more than?—”

“You’re not going to find hidden trauma behind the cliches of a hard upbringing or brutal home environment. My childhood was great. My parents worked hard and gave me an excellent life.” His voice is the most animated part of him. His body is unmoving. His lips barely crack as he speaks. “You’re knocking on the wrong door, Doc.”

And his eyes remain unblinking. Only rarely do they ever snap shut for the briefest moment. If I didn’t know any better, I’d assume it was because he genuinely couldn’t look away from me.

“Not to take away from your legs,” Victor adds before I have a chance to respond, “but your tits in that shirt. They’re about to bust the top button. Fucking exquisite.”

Heat rushes to my cheeks, and as if I were flirting with someone normal, I feel my teeth instinctively sink into my lower lip.

Get a grip on yourself, Sedona.

“It isn’t customary to bring it up so soon, but I need to see what makes you tick, Mr. Cullen,” I say, but Victor interrupts me before I can go further.

“Dropping Victor so soon? What a shame. The way my name rolls off your tongue sends shivers down my cock.”

I clear my throat and turn my eyes to my notepad. I scribble words down as if I’m taking notes, but I just need a moment to breathe. He has me in a fuss, and he isn’t even trying.

“Why do you think you’re here?” I blurt out the question.

“Because I kill people,” he says bluntly. “But you know that. Why bother asking it?”

“People in your position don’t usually cope well with the reality of their circumstances. You don’t seem to care about your victims. In fact, I heard a note of pride in your statement. Why do you think that is?” For the first time since we’ve sat together, I write an actual note on my pad.

“Because I am proud of it.” Another bold statement that comes out as if it should be obvious.

“Why do?—”

“Will you look at me, Doc?” Victor cuts me off again. “I’d find this a lot easier if I can get lost in those big blue oceans. And that smile. It’s enough to make any man spill their soul … and their seed.”

I can’t help myself. The smile he asked for stretches across my face, and I tilt my head up.

“Much better.” A smile cracks the corners of his mouth, but it disappears as fast as it comes. “A man who can smile while he kills is a dangerous man. Is that what they taught you?”

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