Page 1 of Alpha Chained

Chapter 1

Raura

I lead Franklin Parker down the main street of our little town, carefully choosing which areas to show him. This isn’t the first time I’ve given a human a tour, but it’s been a while. I have to be cautious about what I reveal.

“This is our artists’ quarter,” I explain, gesturing toward the quaint storefronts lining the road. “We have galleries, studios, that sort of thing. A lot of our residents work out of their homes, too.”

Parker nods, surveying the area with polite interest. He’s exactly what I expected – well-groomed and professional in his tailored suit, every hair in place. His eyes are keen but not prying as he takes it all in.

“Fascinating. And the community supports itself through the sale of artwork and crafts?” he asks.

I smile warmly. “Among other things. We’re quite self-sufficient here.”

The half-truth rolls easily off my tongue. Parker seems satisfied with my vague response, making a note on the tablet he carries. So far, so good. I’ve been careful to only show him the areas that reinforce our cover story as an artist commune.

As we continue strolling down the street, I point out a cluster of buildings up ahead. “That’s our community center and exhibition space. We host shows and events there regularly.”

Parker raises an eyebrow with interest. “Perhaps I could take a look inside?”

I shake my head apologetically. “I’m afraid we’re between exhibitions at the moment. But I can certainly give you a tour of the facilities next time you visit.”

He accepts this with a gracious smile and another note on his tablet. My heart rate picks up slightly – I can’t let him poke around too much. But Parker doesn’t seem suspicious, just courteously inquisitive as I continue describing the different arts and crafts our “residents” practice.

So far, I’ve kept him away from the areas where the pack actually lives. As long as I can steer him clear of anything that might raise red flags, we should be fine. Parker may be human, but he’s no fool. I’ll have to stay on my toes.

I nod in understanding as Franklin comments on the visible security presence around town. “Ah yes, we’ve had to take some extra precautions over the years.”

His brow furrows slightly. “For an artists’ commune, it does seem rather…heavily guarded.”

I offer him a rueful smile. “Unfortunately, we’ve had our fair share of incidents. Crackpots who think it’s amusing to vandalize the place, intimidate the artists. Some people don’t quite understand the creative process, I suppose.”

Franklin makes a disapproving sound. “How dreadful. I can’t fathom that mentality.”

“Exactly,” I agree. “And with some of our residents working with valuable materials – jewelers and the like – we have to take precautions against theft as well.”

He inclines his head, seeming to accept my explanation. Good, I’ve managed to provide a plausible reason without revealing too much.

As we approach Jagger’s office building, I note that he’s been smart enough to keep the majority of our security team out of sight. Just a few of the less obviously lupine-looking members are patrolling the area. I offer Franklin a polite smile.

“Jagger should be able to answer any other questions you might have. If you’ll follow me?”

I gesture in the direction of the office area, keeping my tone pleasant and unruffled as we head to meet with our pack Alpha. So far, I’ve been able to steer this human official away from anything that could expose our true nature. Hopefully, Jagger can maintain the facade as convincingly.

But something’s going on.

Before we reach the entrance, I notice a group of towering males exiting the building. Barrett and Edirn are at the front, with Callum and Tarkin behind them. There seems to be some sort of heated conversation happening.

Dammit! They’re not supposed to be out here.

Suddenly, Edirn breaks away from the group and charges right toward us! I freeze, unable to comprehend what’s happening. Everything is moving so fast.

What the freaking hell??

Before I can react, Franklin’s arm wraps around me, pulling me against him.

“What—?” I blurt.

“Quiet!” he snaps, his breath so close to my ear it flutters my hair. I’m pressed against his chest. He’s using me as a shield! The realization sucks the wind from my lungs.