Alpha Mine

By Aline Hunter

A hunger like no other...

Trey almost turned his back on his pack to claim Sadie—the stunning vampire who made him whole and crept into his soul. Finally, things have settled. But as an alpha, Trey’s always busy. Thankfully he has a woman who’s more than happy to ease his frustrations, see to his every desire and give him as much of her as he can take. He can’t wait to greet each day with his mate by his side.

Then Shepherds return to New York and start killing off shifters.

Sadie’s powerful enough to protect their people but Trey is determined to keep her safe. Until other dangers arise—ones that could harm humans and immortals alike—and he has to allow her to assist him when things take a turn for the worst. To destroy their enemies, they’ll have to stand together. Even if it means risking everything, including each other.

Book Four in the Alpha and Omega series. This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aline Hunter
• Release date: Mar 9, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005681210

Aline Hunter

Aline Hunter is a multi-published author who has written stories featured in horror magazines, zombie romance anthologies, and flash fiction contests. Her work has a dark undertone, which she credits to her love of old eighties horror films, tastes in music, and choices in reading, and have been described as “full of sensual promise,” “gritty and sexy” and “a breath of fresh air.”Currently she is penning projects within the urban fantasy, erotic and contemporary, and paranormal romance genres.

Book preview

Chapter One

Take one step in front of me, and I’ll bust your ass.

Promises, promises, Sadie Dumus murmured, grinning at her lover. Resting her hands on his powerful shoulders, she placed her head against his nape, wriggling when she felt a flutter in her belly.

Trey Veznor was everything she wanted in a male and more—sexy, powerful, authoritative. They’d had their issues but worked through them. When it came to her, he refused to bargain or negotiate. She was the most important thing in his world. He made sure everyone knew it, including the members of his pack who had accepted her but had concerns about her vampire nature. Although they’d only just been recognized as a mated pair—the official Alpha and Lupa of Trey’s pack—things seemed to be taking a positive turn.

I mean it. Tilting his head, he met her gaze. His brown eyes flashed amber. Stay behind me.

I’m not going anywhere, she whispered and inched closer. Her heart pounded, his nearness keeping her centered. You’re the boss.

He snorted softly and faced forward. Don’t you forget it.

Not likely.

Trey widened his stance and folded his arms over his chest. The leather coat he wore stretched over his bulging muscles. Sadie shifted her feet and gazed past his broad body, sighing when his hair caressed her cheek. He smelled as good as he always did, the heady woodsy scent calming her nerves.

A group of women approached the shop they’d staked out for the last thirty minutes. Her heart slammed in her chest, her breath catching. That’s them.

The members of the coven only ventured out when they needed to collect supplies. She knew their routine—having been a member of their enclave once upon a time—so she’d planned the evening carefully. She and Trey had remained out of sight, standing in an alley across the way. It wasn’t hard to stalk the coven. The magic shop had an enormous glass window that allowed anyone to see into the place. She didn’t regret leaving them for Trey but she did want to know what the leader of the enclave had been up to.

One of the vampires flipped back the hood of her coat. There’s she is, she rasped into Trey’s ear, recognizing the person she’d come to see. That’s Geneva.

You sure?

Positive.

Trey pulled out his cell, created a text message, and sent it. Returning the device to his pocket, he said, Everything’s set. You ready?

As I’ll ever be.

Finally, she’d get answers. It was time.

Geneva.

The head of the coven was up to something.

The pack had given her their trust, and she didn’t want to betray it. With the danger of Aldon Frost, a black mage vampire who’d attacked the pack, and the worry of Shepherds, religious zealots who believed shifters were demons, she didn’t want to leave any stone unturned.

Sadie had to know what Geneva was planning.

Which one is she? Trey asked.

The brunette in front. As always, Geneva had pulled her hair into a tight French twist with a cascade of curls on the top. It made her look like a aging, cranky schoolteacher. The tall one.

She doesn’t look like much, Trey said disdainfully. One hit would put her on her ass.

Her physicality isn’t what makes her strong. She exhaled softly, letting her senses take over. She studied each member of the group, paying attention to their interactions with their leader. Everyone seemed relaxed inside the magic shop, choosing things they needed. You’ve seen what our magic can do.

Thanks for the reminder. Trey stilled, standing taller. Our backup is here.

Sadie ripped her attention from the women and gazed at the black Lincoln Navigator parked beside the store. After she’d told Trey about Geneva, he’d insisted she talk to Ava Brisbane-Black about the situation. As a powerful telepath, Ava could easily slip into Geneva’s head and get much-needed information.

The downside was Ava was pregnant and her mate—the Omega of New York and one of the most powerful shifters in the world, Diskant Black—was protective of his female and child. Despite events that had come between Ava and Sadie, the women had struck a truce. Diskant hadn’t liked it but he had agreed to let Ava monitor the coven for a few minutes while safely tucked away—by his side—in a vehicle outside the magic shop.

Keeping calm, Sadie instructed, Let’s go.

Keep that sexy ass behind me, Trey growled and started forward.

They crossed the street, pausing only to let a car drive past. The people marching down the sidewalk didn’t notice them, carrying on with life as usual. The coven liked to fly under the radar. They only visited the shop during the week, after the sun had set and mortals were likely home with their families. When they made it to the door, Trey pulled it open and stepped inside. Sadie followed, staying close. The clerk didn’t address them, continuing his conversation with Geneva.

They need to see me, she told Trey telepathically. Likely Geneva’s thoughts were focused on purchasing items, not on the things Sadie wanted her to think about. We have to take them off guard.

Stay put. Trey stopped beside a table with numerous delicate vials. With a well-aimed tilt of his hip, he bumped the edge. A few of the glass containers toppled over. Everyone’s attention riveted to them. Several members of the coven froze, their mouths dropping open. There you go, mate.

That was Trey. Ever confident and in your face.

I stand corrected. She peered around the room, making sure she made eye contact with the vampires she’d once considered family. Then her gaze rested on Geneva. The female’s expression changed from confused to furious. Grasping Trey’s arm, Sadie turned to leave. Ava can get what we need now. No need to stick around.

You, Geneva said, glaring at Sadie and slamming a jar on the counter.

Shit.

Sadie hadn’t thought Geneva would bring attention to herself. The shopkeeper wouldn’t know what was going on, and in general, it was a rule of the coven to keep personal matters private. Sadie’s plan had been simple.

Let Geneva see her.

Get Geneva’s thoughts flowing.

Let Ava do the rest.

So much for that.

None other, Trey drawled before Sadie could respond.

I don’t want trouble in here. The shopkeeper stepped around the counter. Mr. Limerick, old and venomous as a rattlesnake. As someone who dabbled in magic, the mortal knew about supernatural things. He could also smell trouble from a mile away.

We’re leaving. Sadie tightened her grip on Trey’s arm, taking a step back.

Oh no, you don’t. Geneva was seething, her lips drawn thin. You have some explaining to do.

Sadie felt Geneva attempt to slide into her head. For the last week, Sadie had worked with Ava to build up a mental wall, keeping everyone out. It wasn’t easy. She had to focus, to train her mind to see nothing but a blank slate. In doing so, she kept important things in the back of her mind where no one could get to them.

Not here, Mr. Limerick snapped, thrusting an accusing finger at Geneva. Take that shit out of my shop.

Get out. Ava’s order filtered through Sadie’s head. She’s already given me what you want to know. She’s too focused on you to block her thoughts. The doors are unlocked. Come to the car.

We’re leaving, Sadie informed Trey mentally and gave his arm a firm tug. Ava and Diskant are waiting. She’s gotten what we came for.

Whatever you say. Trey walked backward, facing the enemy, his body tense as though braced for attack. Sadie opened the door and guided him, taking slow steps. She homed in on the scents around her, listening in the event anyone waited at their backs.

Go, Trey commanded the instant they were outside.

Sadie didn’t argue, striding for the Lincoln. She climbed into the back and looked past Trey—who was right on her ass—to the shop. Geneva had followed, a sinister gleam in her eyes. Tearing her gaze from Geneva’s, Sadie studied Ava. Trey climbed in beside her and shut the door. The Omega’s mate was frowning, definitely deep in thought. After a moment, she snapped out of it and nodded at Diskant.

Get us out of here, Diskant instructed Zach, the pack Beta.

The car took off, and Sadie leaned forward, eager for information. What did you get?

She wants to know where Leigh is. She thinks you have her. She also thinks you’ve ruined her plans. It pissed her off when she couldn’t read your mind. She knows she needs another protector soon since you’ve stuck around. She’s aware she’s vulnerable.

Leigh.

Thankfully the young vampire was long away from New York. It hadn’t been easy to let her friend leave, but Sadie had known it was for the best. The enclave Diskant had sent her to would ensure that no one would be able to locate Leigh—even using magic. A good thing since Leigh was wanted by not only the coven but by Aldon, a black mage vampire who wanted to use Leigh’s power for his own gain. There were other issues as well, namely Leigh’s mating to Nathan. The former Beta of the pack had gone with her, determined to win her over.

It wasn’t going to be easy.

Leigh’d had a hard life. Given time, Sadie hoped, Leigh would come around.

You said she has plans. What are they? Sadie asked, focusing on the matter at hand. Did you get anything solid?

It’s something to do with control of the city. Some kind of magic and power she wants. Honestly, it didn’t make a lot of sense to me. I’m not sure how things work with your people. Are the covens at war? Is there something she needs that you know about? Is it possible for her to gain more power?

Not that I know of. Sadie’s job had meant protecting the coven. Frequently she’d overlooked other affairs. They’d viewed her as a weapon, not someone who used her magic to benefit their cause. Geneva kept a lot of secrets. She gave orders, and I carried them out. I was never sent to address a white mage vampire or enclave. To my knowledge, the relationships between all the covens are fine.

She’s afraid, Ava said, resting back, a hand on her pregnant belly. Seeing you spooked her. She’d hoped you’d left New York. She didn’t expect to run into you. She also didn’t expect you to openly embrace your relationship with Trey. That really caught her by surprise. She wonders if you joined the pack and if they have accepted you. She’s afraid of what it means for her if they have. She knows with werewolves at your back, she’s dealing with more than she can handle.

It’s none of her fucking business. Diskant growled, resting a large hand over Ava’s. Is the bitch a threat? Or is it safe to focus on other matters?

We can focus on other matters, but we need to be cautious, Ava replied, love apparent in her voice. If she’s afraid of Sadie, there has to be a reason. It’s strange since Sadie is no longer in the coven. There’s no reason to fear her, but Geneva does. Sadie’s not a part of their lives anymore, which makes me wonder why she’s so nervous. After a pause, she added, She does want to control the city. I heard a sliver of it in her thoughts. But I also felt it was a hope and not something that was certain. She’s like a kid who wants a dog for Christmas but isn’t sure Santa will deliver. Ava sighed, sinking back in her seat. I’d say the coven needs to be monitored. You never know for sure. I don’t think we have to worry about Geneva sneaking around our circles. Werewolves scare her. She was terrified of Trey. But I got a feeling she was as pissed-off too. It felt like she resented Sadie for shattering her dreams.

Shattering her dreams? Sadie hated being in the dark. Even more, she hated knowing she’d been blind about Geneva for so long. Is the situation important? Is she an immediate threat, or do you think it can keep?

I think we have time, Ava answered, nodding. Nothing in her memories felt solid. It was more like dreams of grandeur. She’s imagining a fairytale.

Good. We have more important shit to worry about. Diskant gave Trey a sideways glance. Especially with Aldon on the loose.

Aldon knows Leigh is gone, Sadie said, sadness tinting the words. He’d have been back if he thought we had her. He’s powerful, but he’s not stupid. He wants her. Not me.

Aldon had already attacked Diskant’s compound once. Despite reinforcing security in preparation for a repeat offense, the vampire hadn’t reappeared. Everyone hoped he’d moved on, finding other things to do with his time. Trey had installed Aldon’s home security systems, so he’d visited each property after Aldon’s disappearance.

Each one was the same.

No furniture. No adornments. Each domicile completely vacant.

Aldon—for whatever reason—seemed to have abandoned New York.

Diskant peered to the front of the car at Zach. Any word on the attack in the Boroughs?

Only what I’ve told you. A few dead shifters, all tortured before they were killed. It’s clear who’s responsible. They wanted us to find the bodies.

A cold chill shot down Sadie’s spine. Shepherds.

Trey leaned closer, his mouth breezing over Sadie’s ear. Easy, darlin’.

His effort to calm her had a different effect—it warmed her insides and made her pussy clench. She didn’t want to be calm, she wanted to ride him like a pony. Which he wouldn’t mind, she thought. Once they made it home, he’d likely take her to their bedroom to prove she was safe. Sometimes she thought he enjoyed reminding her of his willingness to protect her. He’d already asked her to show him precious vampire secrets, wanting to stay one step ahead of the enemy. At first, she’d been hesitant—vampires were easier to kill than werewolves knew—but since her loyalty was to the pack, she’d agreed.

That’s exactly what I’ll do. I’ll watch you work me hard. I’ll watch you slide up and down my cock. His voice whispered in her head. By now, he found it easy to read her thoughts. Each time she took his blood, it deepened their connection. I never want you to be afraid. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.

You’re going to tie me up again, aren’t you? The thought sent a wave of heat rushing through her. You like it when I can’t fight back.

No… He put his hand on her thigh and gave it a squeeze. I like giving you all the pleasure you can stand. I want you to think about me. He paused and cut her a look, reminding her how possessive he was. Only me.

That wasn’t hard to accomplish. Whenever he was around, she found it difficult to think about anyone else. She settled in her seat, leaning into his side. Her life had changed in so many ways.

Yet she’d never been more content.

---

Trey lifted his hand from the softness of Sadie’s thigh and slid his arm around her shoulder. She constantly amazed him—day after day. When it was time to face the pack, she’d done so with dignity and wit. The children adored her, the women had started welcoming her, and things had calmed down at Diskant’s home.

He frowned when he thought about Mary.

His brother’s mate had been wary of Sadie, if not unwelcoming. It wasn’t her fault entirely. Mary came from Shepherds—those who hunted down and killed shifters—and she was terrified of the future. Not only due to her nature but because she experienced a constant fear of losing what she’d never really had—a family and place to call her own.

In the beginning, Mary had been hostile. She hadn’t wanted anything ruining her happy home. At one point, he’d wanted to go off on the female. Sadie had soothed and reassured him, explaining why Mary remained so distant and curt. The girl was young and newly mated. Since her partner was a shifter—Trey’s brother, Emory—her emotions were chaotic most of the time. Mary wanted to protect the only people who’d treated her like family—Emory, Diskant, and Ava.

Maybe we should cancel the gathering, Ava mused, looking at Diskant. It’s probably not the best time.

The pack needs to feel united, Pinkie. Diskant smiled at his mate, his eyes turning green. While he had been born a werewolf, the Omega could shift into any form. Amber meant wolf; emerald meant panther. The two often fought for supremacy in the male, meaning Diskant’s eyes constantly changed color. We’ve got everything in place. No one can get in without us knowing about it. We’re not calling it off.

Trey held back a groan. Despite the chilly weather, the pack had agreed to gather at Diskant’s house for a party—somewhat like a baby shower—to congratulate Ava and Diskant on their pregnancy. True, it would be fun. When the pack got together and relaxed, everyone had a great time. Yet things weren’t perfect, not by a long shot. Shepherds had started leaving their mark. They had decided it was time to return and kick things up a notch.

Ava and I will be on alert, Sadie reminded him calmly, using their mental connection to communicate. We’ll know if anyone is close. If we can find out where Thomas is, no one will be able to touch us.

That’ll be nice, he conceded. We’ll find the little fucker.

It turned out their enemies had a mutual target in common—Ava’s brother, Thomas. The idiot human had an amulet that had the power to multiply magic and abilities by unimaginable proportions. So far, they’d been unsuccessful in locating the human. It seemed Thomas had fled the States, hiding out in another country.

We’ve only been looking for a few days. Be patient.

You know I’m not known for my patience.

She sighed and nestled her head in the crook of his neck. He breathed her in, loving how soft her long blonde hair felt against his chin. This was what he wanted for them—safety, a place to belong, security to live their lives in peace. Perhaps that would happen. He certainly wanted it to. But there were so many variables to consider.

Have you heard from Kinsley? Trey asked Diskant, staring at the Omega. Did he get your message?

He got it, Diskant grumbled. He said he’d do what he could to help, but he also reminded me he’s dealing with personal shit. He gave me his word he’d reach out to his informants and share what he knows when he gets word.

Kinsley McGregor, the ultimate panther shifter and a male who had the respect of all cat shifters. The man always had connections the packs could use. It blew balls that he had left when the pack needed him most. Trey hoped the male sorted out his issues soon and got his ass back to the city.

One step at a time. Ava inserted herself into the conversation. Now that we know Geneva isn’t an immediate threat, we can focus on Aldon and Shepherd business. This is good news.

Good news, perhaps. But still shitty.

We’ll have to start getting things ready for the party. Ava addressed Sadie. The food will arrive tomorrow. I ordered the tables and chairs. I figure it’s best to do things outside. The house is big, but with the children, it’ll be crowded. We can set up areas near the pool and let everyone wander around. If they need to take a break, they can rest in the entertainment room.

Sounds good, Sadie replied.

Ava smiled and rubbed her belly. Diskant touched Ava’s stomach, and a broad grin encompassed his face. She’s kicking again, Ava said. I think she likes the idea. I think we’re going to have a party girl on our hands.

Hell no, Diskant growled. She’s under lock and key. Permanently.

As the couple exchanged playful banter, Trey turned his attention to his mate. He wanted the same thing with Sadie—to have a child together. It was too soon to explore the idea. Research would need to be involved. Werewolves could scent when a female could conceive, but Sadie wasn’t a werewolf, and she wasn’t human.

Pushing the thought aside, he basked in the closeness of his female.

Sadie Dumus.

The only person who made everything right in his world.

Even when things seemed to be going to hell.

Chapter Two

Dinner’s ready, Mary informed everyone as they walked into Diskant’s large kitchen, following the delicious aroma of freshly cooked food. Emory was finishing off the table, putting glasses in their proper place. Take a seat.

I’m going to check in with the guards, Zach said, excusing himself. If you need me, you know where I’ll be.

Everyone watched the male go, and quiet filled the room. As much as they tried to bring him into the house and make him a part of things, the heartbroken man preferred to spend most of his time alone.

Zach had lost his mate. He mourned her absence.

Nothing would change that.

Before Sadie could dwell on Zach’s pain, Mary’s puppy, Rocky, rushed to her. He’d grown by leaps and bounds, but he still had an adorable, wrinkled face. She nearly waved him off, not wanting to make Mary jealous. Their relationship was bumpy. The first few meetings she’d had with the woman had been less than promising. However—day by day—Mary had mellowed out. She didn’t love the idea of a vampire living under her roof, but she didn’t hate it either.

Hello, cutie pie, Sadie said instead, bending down to rub Rocky behind the ears. What a sweet thing you are.

Sweet my ass, Mary grumbled. He decided to chew off the corner of one of the cabinets. We’re going to have to replace it.

It’s just a cabinet. Ava shrugged it off. Don’t worry about it.

I’ll get the wine, Emory said, turning his back to them.

Emory was as cautious as his mate but had also found a way to settle down. It was wrong, but Sadie had listened to his thoughts. Despite his misgivings, he was happy to see Trey content. True, he didn’t trust her—not entirely—but he was attempting to try. She appreciated that.

How’d it go? Mary asked.

Ava started answering Mary’s questions, but Sadie had a hard time paying attention. Trey—as usual—had started his seduction the minute they walked into the home. He touched the indention of her spine, tracked the delicate bone structure to her ass. Once there, he cupped a rounded globe, palming the mound.

Damn him.

She’d been so primed on the way home it wasn’t hard to get her giddy now.

And he knew it.

Be good, she reprimanded him, her laughter evident in the thought. They cooked a big meal. It’d be rude if we skipped dinner and went straight to the bedroom.

Who cares if we’re rude? he thought back. "They’d do the same thing. I don’t want to wait. You’ve been talking to Ava all day. I want me time."

Before he could keep going, she stopped paying attention to Rocky and hurried to the table. She took her normal seat and waited for Trey to do the same. Each person followed suit and served themselves. Mary had made steaks, potatoes, and a multitude of vegetables for Ava. Sadie had always enjoyed food but had never realized how good it could taste. The coven generally ate bland things or sweets. Ava and Mary had introduced her to the beauty of mixing things up.

The things I’m going to do to you. Trey didn’t touch his food. He rubbed a hand up and down Sadie’s thigh. Once I get you to the bedroom, I’m going to lick every single inch of that sexy body of yours. You’ll have to beg me to give you what you need.

The mark he’d given her, the scarred imprint of his bite, tingled on her shoulder. Her nipples puckered, her breasts suddenly heavy. She felt a gush of arousal drip from her pussy, making her panties wet. He’d do exactly as he promised. They’d taken things to the next level, exploring all sorts of devious things with each other.

Maybe I’ll do all sorts of things to you, she countered, trying not to squirm when Ava glanced their way. Normally Ava didn’t listen to Sadie’s thoughts—not anymore—but she probably had a good idea of what Trey was up to. Sadie tried to pull back, aware of herself and of her behavior. Behave. We have an audience. As much as I love giving you what you want, I’m not an exhibitionist.

Shifters didn’t give a shit about public displays of affection. They fucked when they felt like it, even if others were around. While it was a turn-on to see a couple in a lusty embrace, she liked keeping her sexual adventures hidden behind closed doors.

That’s a shame, he replied, his voice husky in her head.

Do you think we need to worry? It took Sadie a second to realize Mary was talking to her and not Ava. Usually, the woman kept a safe distance. You know the coven better than we do. Should we be concerned?

If Ava got the right information, I’d say we’re fine, Sadie replied. Geneva is strong magically, but she’s not built for physical defense. She won’t do anything without backup. I’m sure she is scouting for a new member to take my position, but until she has a new protector, she’ll be cautious. I’m not sure what she’s up to with the coven. By most standards, our enclave was weak. They could perform powerful spells, but it left them drained for days. It took a while for them to recover. That’s why they wanted me around.

You’re sure your magic will keep us protected? Mary didn’t sound convinced, but she wasn’t being a bitch. A very good thing. How do you know someone like Aldon won’t breach the defenses you have in place? He’s already done it once.