Bound By The Biker's Pack Outlaw Alpha

The heavy oak doors groaned open. It wasn't Killian.

Beta Vance stepped out onto the stone porch dry pristine and sneering. He didn't even bother walking down the stairs into the downpour.

You're wasting your breath standing out here Valerie Vance called out over the thunder. Hand them over.

Valerie blinked the rainwater from her eyelashes her voice raw. Hand what over? Where is Killian? He told me we were meeting at eight. It's our anniversary Vance.

Vance let out a sharp mocking laugh that was entirely devoid of warmth. An anniversary? Look inside Valerie. Do you see anyone celebrating you? Killian is busy. Now give me the keys to your private medical sanctuary. Right now.

Valerie gripped the platter harder the heat of the foil wrapped food the only thing keeping her hands from locking up. The keys? Why would Killian ask for the keys to my clinic? That's my space. I have patients records in there. I have specialized remedies.

Not anymore Vance said stepping down just one token step his eyes flashing with alpha enforced authority. Cynthia just ordered three custom trunks of designer winter coats from the city. The packhouse closets are full. She needs the medical sanctuary space as a luxury wardrobe extension. Killian authorized it. Hand them over.

A wardrobe extension? Valerie's voice cracked a mixture of disbelief and sudden searing agony tightening in her chest. People rely on that clinic! I use those rooms to treat the wounded after border patrols! Cynthia wants to put coats in there?

Did I stutter? Vance barked extending an open palm. Killian's orders. Don't make me take them from you.

No Valerie said her jaw tightening as she pushed past him her boots splashing through the puddles. I'm going to hear him say it himself.

Valerie don't be a fool! Vance yelled after her but she was already throwing her weight against the massive brass handled doors of the grand hall.

The warmth of the indoor heating hit her like a physical blow carrying the heavy scents of expensive wine roasted meats and the suffocating perfume of fifty senior pack members. The moment the heavy doors banged shut behind her the laughter and chatter in the room died down to a sharp mocking murmur.

Valerie stood in the entryway a drowned rat in a room full of silk and tailored suits. Rainwater pooled rapidly around her boots staining the pristine white marble floor.

At the center of the room standing beneath the crystal chandelier was Alpha Killian. His arm was wrapped firmly around Cynthia's waist. Cynthia radiated elegance in a silk gown that cost more than Valerie's entire annual medical budget her laughter ringing out like silver bells until she spotted Valerie.

Killian's gaze turned freezing cold the moment his eyes landed on the wet platter in Valerie's hands.

What is the meaning of this Valerie? Killian's voice boomed across the hall dripping with irritation. Look at the mess you're making on the marble. Why are you dressed like a vagrant?

Valerie walked straight down the center aisle ignoring the snickers and pointed whispers from the elders flanking the long tables. She stopped five feet from him.

You promised Valerie said her voice shaking but clear. You said tonight was for us. It's our anniversary Killian. I made the dinner you asked for.

Cynthia hid a smirk behind her manicured hand leaning closer into Killian's chest. Oh Killian darling did you forget to tell her? We're celebrating the expansion of the northern territory tonight. The whole senior council is here.

Killian didn't look at the food. His eyes remained fixed on Valerie's pale wet face. An anniversary is meaningless compared to the comfort of this pack Valerie. And it's completely meaningless compared to Cynthia's comfort. You are throwing a tantrum over a date on a calendar.

A tantrum? Valerie felt the sting of tears but forced them back staring directly into the eyes of the man she had sacrificed everything for. Your Beta just demanded the keys to my medical sanctuary. He said you gave him permission to clear out my lifes work so Cynthia can store her luxury clothes.

I did Killian said flatly without a hint of hesitation or remorse. The packhouse is crowded. Cynthia needs the space. Your little hobby clinic is a secondary concern. You will give Vance the keys tonight.

A hobby clinic? Valerie's voice rose the emotional intensity tearing through her. I saved your wolves in that room! I spent three days straight stitched up and bleeding while saving your Deltas life last month! How can you call it a hobby?

The senior elders at the tables began to chuckle openly.

Listen to her complain one of the older she wolves whispered loudly. Always trying to act like she's indispensable.

Killian's expression hardened into complete disgust. Silence Valerie. I will not have you disrespecting Cynthia or throwing a scene in front of my guests. An anniversary dinner? Look at you. You look pathetic. If you want to make yourself useful tonight since you're already here take that food to the kitchen and start serving the guests. They've been waiting on additional platters.

Valerie froze. You want me to serve them?

Did he not speak clearly? Cynthia chimed in stepping forward with a sweet venomous smile. Here let me take that heavy tray from you Valerie. You look absolutely exhausted from all that crying.

Cynthia reached out her fingers catching the edge of the ceramic platter. Valerie didn't let go immediately staring at the snake in front of her.

Let go Valerie Cynthia whispered just low enough for only Valerie to hear.

Suddenly Cynthia caught her heel against the edge of the velvet rug. With a dramatic gasp Cynthia accidentally lunged forward her foot kicking hard against Valerie's shin.

The heavy ceramic platter flipped.

The scalding hot gravy the roasted lamb and the boiling juices crashed directly down over Valerie's chest arms and thighs. The ceramic shattered into dozens of sharp pieces against the stone floor slicing into Valeries exposed ankles.

Valerie gasped from the sharp burning agony of the hot food searing through her wet clothes stumbling backward into the shards.

Cynthia landed gracefully on her hands and knees immediately letting out a soft theatrical sob. Oh my god! Killian! My ankle! She pushed the tray into me! She did it on purpose!

Killian was by Cynthias side in a fraction of a second lifting her into his arms with fierce protectiveness. He glared down at Valerie with a rage that shook the very foundations of the room.

Dammit Valerie! Killian roared his Alpha aura crushing down on her forcing her to her knees right into the broken ceramic and spilled food. Look at this mess! Look what you did to her! You are completely clumsy pathetic and a total embarrassment to this entire pack! Can you do a single thing right without causing a scene out of pure jealousy?

Valerie looked down at her ruined clothes the hot grease burning her skin the laughter of fifty senior pack members echoing off the high ceilings like a chorus of demons. Not one person moved to help her. Not one person looked at her with an ounce of pity.

I didn't push her Valerie said her voice dropping to a harsh cold whisper as she forced herself to stand up through the pain. She tripped me. You know she did.

Shut your mouth! Killian snapped cradling Cynthia closer. I saw what you did. Your jealousy has twisted you into something disgusting.

Valerie wiped a streak of hot grease from her arm her eyes locking onto Killians with a sudden dead coldness. I am done. I am done with all of you.

She turned to walk toward the exit her boots crunching loudly on the shattered ceramic pieces.

Before she could take three steps the massive oak doors of the grand hall slammed shut again. Five heavily armed pack guards stepped out from the shadows drawing their silver tipped batons. They formed a tight impenetrable semi circle around her blocking her path entirely.

Valerie stopped her breath catching in her throat. She turned back to look at Killian.

Killian didn't look away. His face was a mask of cold triumph.

You aren't going anywhere Valerie the lead guard announced his voice booming through the sudden suffocating silence of the hall. By explicit order of Alpha Killian you are officially detained. We are executing an immediate formal audit of your medical quarters for the theft of high grade pack medicine.