Want Me, Alpha

“Pack everything, Lila.”

Mom’s voice carried that familiar bossy edge as she stood in the middle of my dorm room. Her hands were on her hips, surveying my half open drawers like a general inspecting troops.

I sighed and rolled my eyes so hard I felt it in my temples. “Mom, why do I have to pack everything for a two-day trip?”

I was twenty, had tasted actual freedom for two whole years in this dorm, and now, on the very first day of summer break- she and my stepdad had shown up unannounced to drag me on some “family bonding” getaway. 

I’d had plans. A beach house with my girls, bikinis, late night bonfires, zero parental supervision. Instead, I was being kidnapped for quality time.

Mom ignored my protest and kept folding a sundress I hadn’t even picked out. I glanced toward the couch where Alex, my stepdaddy sat. His one ankle crossed over his knee, arms stretched along the backrest like he owned the place. Which, technically, he kind of did. He paid for half this dorm anyway.

Our eyes locked.

My stomach did that stupid twist it always did when he looked at me too long. Alex Reed was forty-seven, but you’d never guess it. Tall, broad, built like he spent his mornings lifting more than just coffee cups. 

Dark hair, just enough silver at the temples to make him look dangerous instead of old. And the way he was rubbing his thumb along that light stubble… God.

I swallowed and quickly looked away.

“Lila, come on. We’re getting late,” Mom snapped.

“I’m going as fast as I can,” I muttered, shoving tank tops into my suitcase with zero care.

Mom threw her hands up. “I’m waiting downstairs in the car. Get your lazy ass down there quickly. Please, Alex, help her.”

She marched out, door banging behind her. The sudden silence felt heavy.

I grabbed a handful of shorts and threw them in, not paying attention to what was already scattered on the floor. Then I felt him, close, too close. 

Warmth at my back, the faint scent of his cologne wrapping around me like smoke.

I gasped and spun around. Alex was bent down, picking something up. When he straightened, my black lace thong dangled from his fingers like a trophy.

“You wear things like this, doll?” His voice was low, rough, amused.

Heat exploded across my face. My brain just short circuited. My eyes enlarged and something sparked inside of me, the way the corner of his lips tugged upward. I lunged forward and snatched it from him, fingers brushing his in the process. Electricity shot straight between my legs.

He chuckled. A deep, dark, knowing chuckle and I just wanted the floor to swallow me whole. Avoiding his gaze, I zipped the suitcase with shaking hands, heart hammering so loud I was sure he could hear it.

“Let’s go, doll,” he said, grabbing both my bags like they weighed nothing. He tilted his head toward the door.

I locked up, took a steadying breath, and followed him down to the parking lot.

The SUV was already stuffed to the roof. Mom had apparently packed for a month-long cruise instead of two days. 

I stared at the mountain of bags in horror.

“Mom, we’re going on a freaking two day trip-”

She shot me a death glare. “I know, but I want these two days to be perfect. And who knows, we might stay longer.”

Alex tried jamming my suitcase into the back. No luck. He sighed. “Too much stuff, babe. Not even fitting in the middle row.” An idea sparked and I smiled. “Why don’t I just stay here? You two can go, have your romantic trip. I’ll hang with my friends-”

“Keep quiet,” Mom snapped. She dove in herself, rearranging bags like a Tetris champion. Still no space. I mentally clapped, hoping she'd finally let me stay back and I could save myself from this boring trip. 

“Well,” she said, straightening up, “there’s only room for one person in the back. Front passenger seat’s taken by cooler bags too.” Alex chuckled, low and warm.

I frowned. What was so funny?

I opened my mouth again. “Why don’t you just—”

His eyes cut to me, dark and sharp. That single look hit me like a command, and every bratty word died in my throat. All of a sudden, I felt small, flushed. Suddenly very aware of how easily he could put me in my place.

“Watch your mouth, Lila,” he said quietly. “Your mom’s told you twice. There won’t be a third.”

I pressed my lips together and nodded. My head hung down like an obedient child and bit my lower lip.  Mom clapped her hands. “Decision made. I’m driving. I already called it. Lila, you’ll have to manage on Alex’s lap.”

My eyes went wide.

On his lap. After the panty thing. After feeling that stare burn through me upstairs.

I glanced at him. He was watching me, expression unreadable, but something dark and hungry flickered behind his eyes.

Mom was already sliding into the driver’s seat, sunglasses on, practically vibrating with excitement. I stood frozen by the open passenger door.

Alex stepped close. Too close, towering over me, all heat and muscle and that damn cologne.

He leaned down just enough that his breath brushed my ear.

“Well, doll,” he murmured, voice gravel and sin, “ready to get on Daddy’s lap?”