The Werewolf Motorcycle Club

DIANA

“If you thought it was me,” I scolded, “you should have known better than to sneak up on me like that.” I place my hand on my chest despite most of the panic now being over.

Alaric laughs, a hearty and loud laugh that makes me smile back at him reluctantly. “Oh, baby, nobody would dare hurt you here...you do know where you are, right?”

“Woodview?” I question.

“You’re in my town, baby, and nobody hurts what’s mine in my town.” The words sound arrogant, but he clearly believes what he’s saying.

If he hadn’t just saved my life a few days ago, I’d be rolling my eyes and driving away, especially with him assuming that I’m “his.” Instead, I settle for opening the car door and forcing a smile.

“Thank you for what you did, really, thank you...but I’m not yours, and I’m definitely not your baby,” I correct him gently.

This is a delicate little game I’m playing. This man knows I’ve killed someone, and while my body feels comfortable in his presence, I know he has the power to make my life difficult if that’s what he chooses.

Rather than get offended, he laughs again. “Whatever you say, baby, but I’ve got to ask, how did you find me here?”

I bite my lip as he calls me that name again, and I step into my car before answering so that it’s easier to escape if I need to.

“I didn’t. I’m looking to move away from Engleston, and my aunt liked the look of this place...but clearly there’s no room at the inn,” I joke half-heartedly.

In response, he raises his eyebrows and looks around as if to see who’s made that impression on me.

“You were made to feel unwelcome here? You’re looking for a place to live?” he tries to clarify, and I nod. All he has to do is go and ask around town to confirm this for himself, so there’s no point denying it.

“...And a job,” I add, “but it’s fine. There are plenty of other towns nearby where I can look.” I try to relax him, as he’s clearly annoyed at the news that I couldn’t find what I needed here.

“You want a job? I’ll get you a job. Need a place to stay? I’ll find it for you...like I said, baby, this is my town.” He puts his hand on my car door so I can’t close it behind me.

I hesitate. It would be perfect if he could help me find a place here, but I’m not sure if it would be a good idea in the long run.

I already owe him far too much, and he’s been flirting with me since the moment we met. Or, no, actually he’s been acting like he doesn’t need to flirt, like we’re already in a relationship.

A relationship is the opposite of what I’m looking for right now, between needing to take care of Aunt Peggy and dealing with the whole murder thing. If he keeps calling me “baby,” people are definitely going to get the wrong idea—him included.

“I-I’m good, but thank you. I really appreciate it, Alaric.” I smile at him, because I do appreciate it, I just don’t need the strings that come with it.

“But you just said you wanted to move here?” He furrows his brows in confusion. I notice a slit that goes through his left eyebrow and wonder, where did that come from?

It’s intimidating having such an attractive man standing above me, offering me everything that I need, but I can’t just let myself melt all over him because of his looks.

“I did, and I do,” I confess uneasily. “But I’d rather find a situation for myself on my own.”

He tilts his head to the side, reading my face. I start to flush with nerves. “My help worries you,” he concludes. “Why?”

I open and close my mouth a few times, not sure how to say what I need to say, but I need to set boundaries sooner rather than later, I suppose.

“You’ve already done so much to help me, and I don’t like owing people, especially ones that keep calling me baby…” My voice trails off.

“You don’t want a relationship?” He grasps my meaning pretty quickly.

I shake my head. “No, definitely not after what happened…”

I’ve barely dated since my parents died, and now even the thought of it sets me trembling.

I flash back to the sound of that biker’s zipper, his hands on me, holding me in place. No way I’m letting anyone that close to me again anytime soon.

And while I find Alaric beautiful in his own dark and rough way, I barely know him. He isn’t going to tempt me into anything I’m not ready for.

“I get that.” He nods, though his expression looks as if I’ve punched him in the gut. “But it looks like you could use a friend, so let me be your friend and help get you out of Engleston. You’re right that it’s not safe for you there.”

“Are you sure—” I start.

“I’m a big boy, Diana, I can put my wants aside to help a friend out. And I’ve got just the house in mind.” He seems determined now, and holds out a hand to help me back out of the car.

But would a friend take his hand?

As if reading my mind, he finally smiles again. “You’re wearing heels, baby. I’d offer anyone my hand to help them out onto these cobbles.”

I look down to see that he has a point, and allow myself to accept both his hand and his help.

He lets go respectfully the second that I’m balanced and places his hands comfortably into the pockets of his black jeans.

“Now, as for a job…what is it you do?”