Read Online Awakening the Alpha by Harmony Raines - Free Book Online Page B

join Riley.
    “Hi there,” he said, taking her hand.
    “Hello there, you.” Natalie turned to wave at Trudy, who was obviously imagining what it would be like to have a man like Riley. Natalie simply shook her head, but grinned all the same and then waved. “My boss is drooling. She wants to know if I can rustle up another man just like you for her. If only she knew how hard a good man is to find.”
    “I haven’t always been a good man,” Riley said honestly, taking her by surprise.
    Natalie fell silent. “I think today might be the day we tell each other all of our secrets. Do you?”
    “I think that might be a good idea. Although first ... and I hope you don’t mind. But my brother and Kira are coming over, with Sol. They want to meet you, and I would like to show you off.”
    “I’d like that.” She wanted the opportunity to speak to Kira, to tell her how sorry she was she hadn’t been there for her when her father died. “Although I am nervous.”
    “I’ll be there for you. Every step. Always.” He pulled her into his strong arms and held her close; she tipped her head back and their lips met. Damn, he made her want him. Every part of her was screaming to go back to her place and make love, instead of going to his house and having to spend time with anyone other than him. His lips were soft, then more insistent, his hand going to the small of her back, and inching lower. Then he remembered where they were and pulled back, sighing. “I guess we should leave before I ravage you here right on this street.”
    “I think you might be right.” She allowed him to help her into his truck, snatching one last brief kiss before he shut the door and ran around to the other side. Buckling her seatbelt, she tried to make her heart rate slow down and her breathing return to normal. Not easy when he got in next to her. Having him in such close proximity was almost too much.
    “Ready?” he asked, switching on the engine.
    “As I’ll ever be. It’s going to be weird mixing with people who can go wolf too. I have spent so many years hiding it from everyone.”
    “That must have been hard.”
    “It was. At first, at least. But then I came here to hide from who I was, so it became easier, second nature.” She looked out the window, ignoring his questioning stare; she didn’t want to go into it any deeper than that, not yet.
    “After you meet my family, will you tell me why you ran away? I think it is more than about how Wolf Valley changed.”
    “It’s all wrapped up in the same parcel.” Turning to him, she smiled softly. “Later. Now, tell me about your family.”
    “Not much to tell. My sister married Hugo—he kind of caught her, long story.” He laughed. “She sure is happy. I couldn’t see exactly why before, but now I can. Having your mate in your life is the best feeling in the world.”
    “I think I agree with you there.” Surprised at how natural it was being around him, she just hoped when they knew everything about each other they would feel the same way.
    They drove through the foothills, heading towards the south side of the mountain. She watched all the houses pass by, surprised, since she hadn’t been out this way for years, that she still recognised old landmarks and could name the people who lived in the houses. Or at least those who used to live in them. Many of them were falling down, the people moved on.
    “Here we go,” he said, turning off the road and heading up an overgrown track.
    “Wait. Did you say this was where your parents lived?”
    “Yes. My mom and dad lived here. We all did when I was very young. But then the alpha of Wolf Valley exiled my dad and we left town.”
    Her heart raced and her face drained of blood as she went into shock. “You are Lionel Merric’s child?”
    He turned to look at her, his face growing concerned at her accusation. “Yes. You knew him?”
    “My dad did. I grew up hearing his name.”
    “Because of what happened. I know. I can’t