Alpha Zac

Chapter 4

ZAC

The patrol unit had nothing to report, which is a relief as we head into the ceremony tonight. I am on my way back to my room when my wolf pushes forward and stops me on the second floor. My nostrils flair as I breathe in the sweet delicious smell of honey and cinnamon. Mhmmm, someone must have stopped by the bakery after their shift.

After a quick shower, I tug on a pair of dark wash jeans and a nice steely gray button-up shirt. My dad was always one for a suit or slacks, at the least, but that just isn’t my style. I don’t dig the formal look,. I like to look professional but approachable. I decided when I became Alpha to not be one of the stuffy ones, to treat my pack as my father did- like family. No need to instill fear into them. They should respect me because of the way I lead and how I act, not because they are scared I will throw them in the cells and beat them.

I roll up my sleeves and spray a bit of mousse in my palm and waggle my hands through my hair. I glance at my reflection as I rinse off my hands, I’d say I look respectable.

When I walk into the main hall, I see pack members have already started to arrive. I spot Grayson talking to the food servers and head toward him. “How’d things go with the new members?” I ask. He gives me a nod, “Good, real good. Got the three set up with their sponsors, the she-wolf warrior moved in and set to start training in the morning.” “Great! Thanks, Grayson.” I reply.

I stop to chat with various pack members, and everyone seems to be excited about some new faces around here. I feel a sense of relief wash over me, knowing that the night is off to a good start. I’m heading to grab a drink when Fiona steps in front of me. Damn. She is wearing a low-cut pale pink dress that clings to her figure, leaving very little to the imagination.

“Alpha,” She purrs, while she ran a lithe hand up my bicep, “Think you’ll have time afterward to squeeze me in?” I feel the strain of the denim as I start to sport a semi.

I clear my throat, “Uhm, yeah, come by my office afterward.” I make quick work to get to the bar. I need that drink more than ever now.

I am nursing on a whiskey neat when I see some of the sponsors come in and I make it a point to get over to the new members.

A little geeky-looking guy named Steve is here for our security division. He’s spent the last few years mastering hacking, and the way he talks about systems is far over my head. He’s sharp, and having him here will be great for the team. Keeping our tech security division evolving with new blood will help keep us ahead of the curve.

A dark-haired man is walking towards me with an obnoxious swagger. Christ. I hope to hell I don’t walk like that. I see him lick his lips as he looks back towards the bar. I glance over to see what he’s preying on - Fiona. I can’t say I’m shocked. I’m aware my bed isn’t the only one she’s been in. While I know she isn’t mine and it’s just a hookup, I don’t like the way he is eyeing her. Something about him just seems sleazy. He refocuses on me and extends a hand, “Alpha Zac, it’s a pleasure to be here and joining your pack.”

“We are glad you’re here…..” I eye him questioningly.

“Kyle, sir.”

“Ah, yes, the accountant. I hear you are a real master of numbers.”

He grins, “I guess you could say that. I did rank top of my class, not like any of them provided competition .”

Bingo, there is some cocky-ness.

I nod and excuse myself. A sweet looking blonde is chatting up the servers in the back. That must be Suzi, she’s joining the kitchen staff. She is very passionate about baking and took culinary classes while finishing her high school classes to complete them at the same time. Maybe she was the one that had baked goods earlier? I swear I can smell them again. She looks to be so in tune with the others, and I don’t want to interrupt her. I’ll make it a point to get back to her later.

“Hey, Boss,” I hear Grayson call out behind me.

I turn around -Holy f**k. Standing beside Grayson is a petite goddess. Waves of auburn hair cascade around her light creamy skin. Big green eyes pop in contrast to her scattered freckles. I take her all in. Her defined arms and snatched little body are on display in a black shimmery bodycon dress that hits mid-thigh. I see a small scar cutting through her eyebrow, which only intrigues me more. Shifter healing is fast enough that scarring does not occur unless the injury is really bad or prior to getting your wolf.

“This is the new warrior, Isla.”

I take a second to compose myself. I feel my wolf close to the surface, and he seems in just as much awe as I am. Those big green eyes look up at me with a sparkle, and her plump lips part into a breathtaking smile as she extends out a hand. “Alpha Zac, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Pleasure? I’d sure like to show her what real pleasure is…

A calming warmth radiates through me as I take her hand in mine. The whiskey must be kicking in.

“Isla, we’ve heard lots of good things about your skills. I can’t wait to see what you’ve got at training tomorrow.” I say, still mesmerized by those eyes. “Well, hopefully, I won’t disappoint you.” I find it hard to believe she could ever disappoint me.

“It’s five til seven, probably should get ready to get started. Wouldn’t want the wolves to get too ravenous,” Grayson says, breaking the silence.

“Ah yes, let’s get this party started!” I say and head towards the front.