Page 3 of The Alpha's Ordeal

“His name is Troy Florin, and he is from the Denver Coven.” Eamon stared at the Sheriff for several seconds as the name sank in.

“Florin.” He repeated the name, and the Sheriff nodded.

“Yes, sir.”

“How badly is he injured?”

"Bates roughed him up pretty good it will take him a while to recover, but he's strong, and he's pissed."

“Understandable.”

"I sent Bates and Mason, the other deputy involved, home for the evening after making the gravity of the situation clear to them." Sheriff Wellstone was rightfully concerned.

“They didn’t recognize the name?” Eamon was confused by their behavior.

"They claim that they did not. I believe Mason, but Bates was born and raised here, so it's unlikely that he didn't know him."

"I need to speak to your prisoner, Sheriff." Eamon turned and headed for the door. This could go so fucking bad, or perhaps it could be smoothed over with an apology. He wasn't looking forward to apologizing to a vampire, especially not a member of the Denver Coven.

That Coven proved to be a pain in his ass, just as it was for his predecessor. They were forever pressing on Pack borders and pushing for more freedom of access to amenities within Pack territory. The wolves preferred to keep the vampires at arm's length since their reputation for violence was well known, andthat was how they came to be the ruling Coven in Denver. Their Master was ruthless and powerful, but it was his second, a man named Castille Florin, that people really feared.

"His name is Troy Florin," Eamon spoke to Sean.

"Any relation to Castille?" Sean asked, his words as tense as Eamon was feeling.

"His younger brother and only living relative." Eamon pointed out. "He was breaking the law by trespassing, but the beat down by Bates was grossly out of line and not how such affronts are handled." Eamon turned to regard Sean with a tired expression. "Yeah, Castille is going to want payback, which is not what I wanted to be dealing with right now. This could blow up into a very lengthy and tiresome conflict."

"Perhaps Troy can be reasoned with, and we could have him happy and on his way before Castille Florin is aware there is a problem," Sean suggested.

"It's worth a shot." Eamon agreed, and they headed for the cell in the back of the large room. The officers around them stood back while Sheriff Wellstone followed them to the cell. Eamon was irritated at the stupidity of the act and planned to bust both Bates and Mason down to street cleaners. He didn't need imbeciles like them on the front lines.

The closer he got to the large cell the more he noticed his heart rate increasing and his breath becoming rapid pants. It was as if he were anticipating something important or concerning and not just the implications of Castille Florin. He was a hard pill for certain, but not something Eamon could not handle. This was something else, it felt like excitement.

It struck him as urgent, and he needed to get to the cell and not waste time. Sean side-eyed him at least once, obviously picking up on the urgency he was feeling. The moment the cellcame into view, and the slender young man with angry eyes and gorgeous dark blond hair looked at him, Eamon knew his future was fucked, but in the best way possible.

Recognition rocketed through him and the young man jumped to his feet and took several steps toward the bars but held himself back. His eyes burned into Eamons as he approached. Eamon took in every inch of the man and every nuance of emotion and reaction reading him from top to toe and loving every bit of him. This young man, this drop dead gorgeous vampire was his mate.

It was when he noticed the cuts and bruises and the tears to his clothing that Eamon felt his attitude turn darker and an anger started growing deep in his core. How dare anyone lay their hands upon this man. Eamon stood in front of the cell door and reached his hand through the bars.

"I am Eamon Coles, Alpha of the Salida Wolf Pack." He introduced himself. The vampire remained still and cautious for a few seconds but then stepped forward and took his hand, holding it firmly in his.

“Troy Florin from the Denver Coven and I answer to Master Eric Delarosa.” Eamon noticed the vampire showing itself slightly in Troy’s expression but was suppressed quickly. Eamon was well aware that his own wolf was also pushing to the surface to get a look at their mate.

"Are you okay? Do you need to see a doctor?" Eamon continued to hold Troy's hand, not ready to release it just yet, and Troy didn't seem to mind.

“Yeah, I’m alright.” He said and gripped Eamon’s hand tighter while staring at him hard. Eamon turned to the Sheriff.

“Open this door.” He demanded and one of the deputies rushed up and unlocked the door and Eamon wasted no timeswinging it open. They had to release their grip temporarily but as soon as the door was open Eamon stepped in and put his arm around Troy’s shoulders drawing him closer in an embrace that was both possessive and protective. His reaction seemed to surprise those in the room with him.

Everyone except Sean looked at him speculatively wondering as to his plan. Sean smiled at him clearly picking up on the connection between them. “I’m taking Troy with me.” He announced and then checked with Troy. “You have any problem coming with me. We’ll clear this up and then get on with more important matters.” His meaning was clear and he followed the statement with a smile. It was the smile that cracked the stiff reserve that Troy had been holding onto.

"More important matters." He cocked an eyebrow suspiciously, but there was a soft smile on his lips. "Sounds intriguing."

“I’m taking Mr. Florin to the Pack House.” He told them as he held onto Troy and directed him to the side door.

"I'll stay and take care of the paperwork and any angry brothers that may show up," Sean told him with that same knowing smile.

“You know that you’re safe with me.” Eamon wanted to make sure that Troy understood that he meant him no harm he only wanted to get him away from the people who had mistreated him. He and his wolf wanted Troy with him where he could be adequately protected.

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