Chapter 13

Oliver’s POV

“Alpha looks like the police are doing something to the girl's store.” Ryan linked me.

“What?” I snapped.

I knew I needed to get to the coffee shop and see what he was talking about. I didn’t like how Marks was messing with her, and why he would mess with her business. I could see if she was some kind of mafia girl, but she was too innocent for that.

“I’ll be there in ten minutes.” I linked. “Make sure they don’t take her away and if they do make sure you follow them. I don’t trust the detective.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

Grabbing my keys, I didn’t need much else, Micah was supposed to be leaving this afternoon for the summit, but I asked him to wait until I found out what was happening to Soma’s store, he understands and didn’t question. I knew I should go to the summit too but there was just too much going on now that Marks wanted to involve Soma.

Getting to the coffee shop, there were six or so cars across the street, I could see Marks talking to Soma, she didn’t look too happy. I wanted to go over there and tell him to buzz off but I knew that would only cause a scene and me getting arrested again wasn't a good thing. I was already in enough trouble, and I knew Marks would make some kind of charge stick and it would put my pack in his hands.

It seemed like hours went by, Marks and his crew came out of her store. He looked like he did what he wanted to do, he stayed out there talking to two of his men, he glanced over at me for a few minutes.

Yes Marks I’m watching you, I will wait for you to make a mistake, and then it will be over for you. After he left I wanted to go over there, but something pulled me away from there. Something I knew I didn’t want to see. I knew whatever happened over there would set off Drew, so I stayed away.

“Ryan.” I mind linked.

“Yes Alpha?”

“I need you to become friends with Soma, I need to know what happened today.”

“Yes Alpha I will do my best, but I am not sure she will be willing. The looks of things, she is crying.”

“Cry?” my jaw clenched. I wanted to run over there and wipe away her tears, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. “Make sure Marks doesn’t come near her again if you have to put yourself in his way.”

“Alpha?” Ryan whispered. “I thought you didn’t want us getting involved.”

“I changed my mind, we need to keep her safe,” I said watching her clean up whatever she had to. She looked like she was crying, it broke my heart. Drew was already trying to claw his way to the surface but I was a little stronger today.

“Don't worry Drew we’re going to make sure she doesn’t get hurt.” I reasoned with him, and he backed off.

I knew he didn’t trust me, but that didn’t matter. He had to understand we don’t even know what she is, and I don’t want to provoke an attack on her even though Marks seems to think she is hiding something from him. Maybe I should just go and talk to her, maybe that will set things down.

Pacing around the coffee shop, I wanted to know what was going on. We were busy so it was helping keep me at bay. Ryan was keeping an eye on her, he would follow her around to ensure she doesn’t get hurt again. I hope she doesn’t do something stupid like drinking the wine again and walking around at night.

The hours seemed to pass, Micah and I closed up the coffee shop. Looking across the street I noticed Soma’s store was still open, or at least the lights were on. I could tell she was cleaning something up and had tears still in her eyes. My heartaches for her.

“Why don’t you go over there and ask her to dinner, it might help the both of you,” Micah said coming to the window. “I’m tired of seeing you like this. I don’t want you getting the pack on edge because you cannot bring yourself to go over there and talk to her.”

“I wouldn't know what to say,” I admitted.

“Why don’t you say hello first, and see what comes next?” Micah laughed. “Talking to women isn't hard, you just have to be strong and straightforward. Maybe you need some practice, I could get some of the pack members to help you.”

“No, then they will know I am weak,” I said rubbing the back of my neck. “I want to talk to her, but I don’t know if she is going to be put off because we’re in two different worlds.”

“Well you could always find out where she is from, and maybe get an idea about her,” Micah suggested. “You don’t have to have sex with the girl. Start slow, pretend like we’re in school again and you have a crush and you finally ask her out.”

“I’ve been there,” I growled. “I don’t want to do that again, it didn’t go well for me in school and it sure isn't going to work now.”

“Yeah but how do you know, have you ever tried to talk to her? No,” he said before I could. “Come on Oliver this isn't a game of cat and mouse. Go over there and ask her out, take her to dinner. It will get her mind off of what is going on, and you can get the answers we need.”

“I’m not going to ask her out just to get information on her.” I snapped. “What if Drew is right and she is my mate, he isn't going to allow her to be separated from us, and I don’t want her to get scared because I’m a wolf.”

“Well, you aren't going to know unless you go over there and ask her out. So go over there and ask her out, I am shutting the lights off and heading back to the packhouse,” he said leaving me standing at the window.

I felt like a little kid looking in and knowing there was someone I wanted but I wasn't sure I could get her to trust me. Maybe Micah is right, I should just go over there and talk to her and see what happened and see if she wanted to go to dinner with me. If she said no then I know she doesn’t feel the same way. It will break us, but at least I know where I would stand with her.

Grabbing my keys and jacket, I went out the back door, I chickened out on asking her. She was leaving as I pulled out onto the street. I felt a pull to her again, I decided to follow her to make sure she got home. I felt stupid, but I needed her comfort. She went to the wine store, and then home.

“Alpha?” Ryan's mind linked me.

“Yeah?”

“Why are you following her?” he mused.

“I wanted to ensure she got home, and I felt like following her.”

“She is going to be safe, I will ensure this,” he said sounding annoyed. “But if you want to join me, why don’t you pull over so I don’t have to be in wolf form.”

“Fine,” I said rolling my eyes, I pulled over and Ryan appeared and jumped in the vehicle. “Don't think you are getting out of anything,” I said pulling the car away from the sidewalk.

“I wasn't going to say anything, I noticed you were following her and decided to say something.” he mused.

“Do you know anything about what happened at her store?” I said glancing in his direction.

“The cops trashed the place, she cried in the back alley for a couple of hours. I wanted to jump down and comfort her, I feel like she is our Luna,” he said without looking at me. “I hope she is, her energy is strong.”

“But we don’t even know what she is if she is dangerous.” I exhaled.

“I don’t think she is dangerous, at least not to us,” he said glancing at me. “I know you and she has some kind of connection, there is just something about the two of you. I think you should talk to her and get to know her. At least let her know she doesn’t have to be afraid of the vampire. Tell her that you are protecting her.”

“Yeah, that will get me somewhere.” I said rolling my eyes.

“Oh here Romeo, I got this,” he said pulling out a rose. “I was going to leave your name on it and give her something to look forward to, but since you’re here you should give it to her.”

“Yeah not happening,” I said glancing at the rose.

I decided to put it on her car, she needed to know someone was out there that loved her. I just wasn't ready to reveal myself to her, not yet at least. After placing the rose, I left Ryan to watch over her, I needed to let Drew out for a run, he was starting to pull on my ability to control him. Once he was out, he relaxed and ran through the forest at least until dawn.