Bloody Alpha

ALARIC

A sense of desperation seizes me as I storm out of the alley. The heavy snowfall has erased all tracks, and the wind has swept away any hint of her scent.

My wolf is as pissed off as I am, and my thoughts are scattered. I'm wandering without purpose, lost in my own confusion.

I'm so damn tired. Tired of everything. Tired of the constant nagging. Tired of feeling empty. Tired of the anger that never seems to fade. Tired of the relentless irritation, like a wound that refuses to heal.

No amount of sleep, alcohol, sex, or destruction can ease the pain. It's a constant presence, growing stronger over the years until it consumes me.

Suddenly, I find myself lying on my back in the snow. The coolness of the snow is a relief against my burning skin.

How the hell did I end up here?

I struggle to my feet, my memory of the night fragmented and unclear.

I continue to wander aimlessly. Eventually, my wolf takes over, releasing a howl filled with all the anger and pain I've been holding inside.

***

I wake up surrounded by softness. I'm sprawled out on my stomach, limbs spread wide. The sheets smell fresh and clean. I force my eyes open.

This isn't my room. I prop myself up on my elbows, taking in the beige and gold decor.

There's a seating area with two small, dusty-blue couches and a large TV mounted on the wall. There's a door nearby that likely leads to a bathroom.

My head is pounding. I close my eyes and press my hands against my temples, trying to alleviate the pain.

I stretch my neck and roll my shoulders, attempting to wake up my stiff muscles and get the blood flowing back to my head.

On the bedside table, there's a glass of water and two painkillers.

Where am I? This hangover might be the death of me.

I sit up slowly, grab the glass of water, and swallow the pills. As I reach up to scratch my head, I feel something in my hair. I pull it out.

Two fluffy feathers are caught between my fingers. I turn to see the sheets are torn and feathers are scattered everywhere. I can't help but laugh in disbelief.

Did I shift in my sleep? Shit!

On the bedside table, there's a keycard for the New Moon Inn. The back of the card reads Gold Room.

How did I end up at an inn?

I get out of bed and open the door leading to the hallway. The hallway is long and narrow, with doors lining both sides.

I step out into the hallway, trying to recall how I got here, but my memory is still hazy.

I decide to take a shower before trying to piece together the events of last night. I return to the room and head to the bathroom.

The bathroom is luxurious, with the same gold theme as the bedroom. I have to admit, it's quite impressive for such a small place.

I take a long shower, letting the water wash away the remnants of last night. But the familiar ache in my chest returns, intensifying my headache.

I grit my teeth and slam my hands against the shower wall, letting the water cascade over my head.

I reach for the shower gel and lather up my chest and shoulders. The water carries the foam down my abs and lower.

Suddenly, my mind is less foggy. I recall the alleyway and the overpowering aroma of apples and sweet citrus. I have to find her. If her scent alone can ease my pain, I can't even begin to imagine what being in her presence could do for me.

The memory of her intoxicating scent causes a stir in my loins. I close my eyes, tilt my head back, and release a deep groan. I grip my arousal with my free hand, giving it a few slow strokes before releasing it and slamming my hand against the tiled wall.

The relentless ache within me is unbearable. I yearn for some form of release, but no amount of self-pleasure or meaningless sex alleviates even a fraction of it. Nothing and no one brings me relief. Nothing, except her scent.

I fill my mouth with water, swishing it around before spitting it out onto the floor. I watch as it spirals down the drain before stepping out and drying off.

My neck tenses as a mind-link is initiated.

Alpha, are you okay? Where are you? My beta, Marcelo, inquires.

Yes. I don’t feel like elaborating.

Just checking in since your room was empty.

I’ll be there soon, I respond, breaking the link. I then begin to dress.

My tendency to get drunk and wander off isn’t a new development—it’s become my new normal. But Marcelo always has my back.

No matter how many times I mess up or storm off in a rage, he’s always there to clean up after me and steer me back on course. He’s constantly checking in on me, wanting to know my whereabouts.

It’s irritating as hell, but I know it’s because he cares.

I open the door and step back into the hallway. Immediately, I’m enveloped by the sweet aroma of apples and citrus—the same scent I’d detected in the alley.

It washes over me like a soothing wave, calming my anger and gently caressing my soul. My pulse quickens and I growl in response. I slam the door shut behind me and whip my head around, trying to pinpoint the source of the scent.

My desperation to find her propels me forward without thought. The scent is everywhere, both up and down the hallway, but I turn right where it seems slightly stronger.

I follow it until I reach the end of the hallway where a large metal door stands, bearing a sign that reads “employees only”. Dead end.

“Shit! Where did she go?”

I turn around and stomp in the opposite direction. The hallway opens up into a large area with what appears to be a reception desk. A middle-aged woman is stationed there.

As I approach, she notices me, rises, and bows her head in respect.

“Good morning, sir. I hope you had a restful sleep.” She raises her head slightly, careful not to meet my gaze.

Her demeanor suggests she knows I hold a high rank, but she clearly doesn’t know who I am.

I’m satisfied with her show of respect and submission and feel no need to correct her. It doesn’t matter. Everyone treats me as an alpha, even though I’m not the alpha yet.

“Good enough.” My voice is unintentionally laced with irritation, but I’m not here for small talk. “There’s a scent in the hallway. Tell me who’s been here,” I demand, my tone stern and authoritative.

“I’m sorry, but you’re our only guest at the moment. Everyone else checked out several hours ago.” She offers me a strained, apologetic smile.

“I need to know who was just here!” I growl, my teeth clenched as I point towards the hallway. There’s no way no one’s been there in hours, the scent is too potent.

“As I mentioned, sir, there are no other guests here.” She looks at me timidly as she takes a step back.

Her face contorts into a frown as she ponders, then she suggests, “We use cleaning products with a strong scent. Could that be what you smelled?”

I clench my teeth, my hands curling into tight fists. “No!” I growl, my voice echoing with frustration as I storm out of the building, the door slamming shut behind me.

I’m determined to find her, even if it means turning this entire damn pack upside down. I don’t give a damn if I have to break down every single door.