Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Alice

“Another,” I yelled at the bar attendant, who quickly came and poured me another glass of whiskey, but it wasn't working fast enough.

This was my fourth glass, I think. I wasn't really sure anymore but yet the pain in my chest ached even more.

I downed another glass, the tears behind my eyes strong, but I held it back. I wasn't going to cry again, not after crying so hard in the Uber the driver refused me paying.

I thought today was going to be different. I should have fucking known, but I was so stupid. I chose to have faith.

My eyes scanned the bar. Everyone was drinking, chit-chatting, when I blinked and a tear escaped my eyes. I quickly cleaned it up.

I didn't even need to ask. The bar attendant just started filling up my cup when I was almost done with my drink.

I gestured for the bar attendant and she came quickly. “You are really pretty. Has anyone told you that tonight?”

She smiled politely. “Thank you. No one has said that to me tonight.” Then she leaned in a bit. “I think you are drunk.”

“Nonsense, I'm not. I need more alcohol.” I couldn't believe I was trying to be nice and she accused me of being drunk.

I pushed the uncomfortable heels I had on off my feet. It was bad enough that I had to wear this tight dress that was slowly suffocating me. I dragged it down because of how super short it was.

I never should have listened to Layla. She was the one who convinced me to go on those stupid dating apps again. For the past week, I've had five dates. It starts perfect as usual, then they ask, “How's your wolf like?”

I was never one to lie, so I told them the truth. I didn't have a wolf. They'd give me this pity smile, but they wouldn't leave immediately. We'd keep talking, but I knew they were already out of the conversation and just after the appetizers, before the main meal, they would come up with some stupid excuses and leave quietly before I could ask anymore questions, leaving me sitting there all alone.

I didn't know why I thought tonight was going to be different. Immediately I got home, I was going to burn this dress.

I looked at the time on my phone. It was 11:43 p.m. Thank the Goddess tomorrow was Saturday. I would sleep all day and maybe transition into Glory from there, who knows.

I just wished one of those men could be like Dean. He had such a beautiful smile and his lips. Goddess, his lips. I couldn't get the image out of my head. They looked so soft. I wondered how it would feel if I just pressed mine on them.

Dean was gentle and so soft-spoken and kind. All I wanted was for him to look at me not as his employee but as. something more.

I ran a hand through my hair. Who was I kidding? Dean was an alpha and a very powerful one at that. I was stupid for thinking he would see me as anything more than a worker of his.

He was going to end up with an alpha's daughter and I would still be on stupid dating apps hoping and praying that I find someone who wouldn't run when I tell them I don't have a wolf.

“Hello, beautiful....”

I snapped my head so fast I was glad I didn't fall off my neck. I was so lost in thought I didn't know when two drunk men sat in my booth.

The one who sat close to me reeked of alcohol. “You are so pretty,” he said as he began touching my hair.

I moved away from him, but it was just a little because the chair wasn't that long. “Thank you for the compliment,” I said, but making sure I was polite because these men looked really dangerous.

“You don't have to be afraid,” the one opposite me said. “We just want to get to know you, that's all.”

Well, this was my sign to ditch this place. I forced a smile. “I'm not interested,” I said, standing up slowly. I excused myself and walked to the counter. I paid and got out of there. My heart was racing so fast. All I wanted was just to get in a taxi and go home. I looked like a complete mess and I was even barefooted, my shoes in my hand.

I wouldn't be surprised if no taxi stopped because I looked like someone who just escaped a mental facility.

“You have some nerve, don't you?”

I didn't move. My heart began racing fast, my knees weak. It was those men from earlier in the bar.

“Please I just want to go home. I don't want any trouble.”

They both stayed quiet for a couple of seconds before they busted out laughing. The one on my right that had a complete sleeve of tattoos yanked on my hair from behind. I screamed. My skull felt like it was on fire.

“You are coming with us,” he whispered into my ears.

But before they could force me to follow them, the sound of a speeding car parking in front of us distracted them.

“Get your disgusting hands off her now!”

I would know that voice anywhere it was....Dean.

They let go of me quickly and ran off. My eyes found his before my legs gave out, and they were glowing red, but before I could hit the ground he caught me and took me to the car.

I took in his scent and he smelled amazing. He placed me in the passenger seat and fastened the seatbelt around me.

Within seconds, he was on the driver's seat and we were on the road.

The drive was silent for a moment, then I asked,

“How did you find me?”

“You missed a meeting. I've been calling, it keeps going to voicemail. I need my personal assistant, Alice. All the documents are with you.”

Shit. I had forgotten we were having an important meeting today when I left work early.

“I am so sorry.”

“Save the apology for Monday. Right now, I need to get you home and you need to get in the shower, get something in your system, and sleep off the alcohol. You are wasted.”

“I'm not that drunk.”

“Sure, Alice, keep telling yourself that. Why were you even at a bar? You don't look like someone who gets drunk. You are too responsible for that and you shouldn't be wearing...that and drinking. It's not safe, you know that.”

“I know..... but I thought this was what would get the men to stay. Maybe dressing sexy and all.” Immediately those words left my mouth I regretted it.

“Wait you are single?”

“Unfortunately.”

“I thought someone as beautiful as you would have a boyfriend and a whole lot of guys lined up for you.”

I laughed because that was actually funny, but he wasn't laughing.

When we got to my place I tried taking off my seatbelt, but it felt stuck.

“Let me,” Dean said as he leaned in to remove it. His warm breath mixed with mine and I'd never wanted anything as much as I wanted Dean right now.

“All done,”

he said in a low voice but didn't pull away.

“Fuck it.”

I leaned forward, capturing his lips in a kiss.