Cravings: Alpha City 2 (8 page)

Zoey thought her eyes were going to bug out of her head when the doors opened. “Just like you said, Andrew.”  Shaking her head in disbelief, Zoey walked further into the room. One side of the room was covered in glass allowing them to see the sparkling lights of Vegas. “Beautiful doesn’t seem a good enough word to express this view.” It was beautiful, and she couldn’t stop herself from walking to the glass wall and looking out.

“It’s magnificent,” Zoey whispered. Johnny walked up beside her and stared out into the sky.

“Zoey, who is Claudia?” Johnny asked softly.

Zoey looked over at Johnny then bowed her head. The man had been nothing but kind to her, and she almost got him killed. She walked back over to the couch and sat down.

“I never meant for this to happen. It’s because of me that Andrew and you almost got killed. I’m so sorry,” she answered, truly meaning it.

“Zoey, it’s not your fault,” Kayden replied. He sat down beside her and grabbed her hand. She was shaking. She couldn’t stop thinking about what could have happened to Johnny and Andrew.

Kayden wrapped his arm around her sharing his body heat with her. She couldn’t stop snuggling up to him as Kayden started explaining.

“Claudia Blackwood is the witch’s name. Do you know of her?” Kayden asked Johnny.

“No, I don’t,” Johnny responded.

“Claudia Blackwood is pure evil. She sent her daughter, Metilda Blackwood, to Alpha City. Her intentions were to try and take it over one Alpha at a time. First, they were going to kill Ryder so her mate Jim Sanders of the Sanders Pack could take over in his place.”

“I thought that only you and your pack could be in charge of Alpha City.” Johnny interrupted Kayden.

“Yes that’s correct, but Claudia didn’t care. She wanted to take over one pack and one pride at a time. Then she would be in complete control of the city. What I’m about to tell you can never be repeated to anyone. Our city and way of life depends on it. Ryder trusts you, but I…” Kayden and Zoey both looked up at Johnny. “Can you give me your word that you will keep our secret, Johnny?”

Andrew pulled up a chair and sat beside his Alpha. Andrew made eye contact with Johnny, and both nodded to each other.

“Yes, you can be assured that we will never tell what you speak of,” Johnny answered.

****

Kayden didn’t know if he could trust Johnny Ringo, but he had to take a chance. They may need his help and contacts, especially now that they found Zoey in Vegas. How did they know she was in Vegas?

“Apparently, we have a spy in our city. Nobody knew where Zoey was, or me for that matter, except a few.” Kayden sighed, then held Zoey tighter. Her body was shaking uncontrollably now, and he knew she was scared. “Claudia sent her daughter to try and get control of the wolves, and it didn’t work. Ryder’s mate is a witch, a very powerful witch. She controls the Tree of Life.” Johnny’s eyes widened as he listened to the story. Apparently, he knew about the gem.

“Metilda tried to kill London and take the gem from her, and to do this, she kidnapped Zoey.” Kayden could see that Johnny cared for Zoey. He could see it in his eyes when he looked at her.

“What Metilda didn’t know was that the Tree of Life isn’t just a gemstone you can steal. And the person the Tree of Life has chosen can’t give it away. It’s been in London’s family forever and passed down from generation to generation. Before London got to where they were holding Zoey, she spoke to the Tree of Life and asked for whoever took it that their powers would be taken away. And that’s what happened. Metilda tried to control the gem, and in return her powers were taken away. Ryder contacted the sentinels, and they took Metilda to prison, and Claudia wants to seek her revenge on all of us.”

“That’s not the only reason she wants to control the city, is it?” Johnny asked.

“Smart man.” Kayden smiled. “No, that isn’t the only reason. Before the Alpha Council was formed in Alpha City, an elf by the name of Ramone Finn sold each Alpha a parcel of land. What each of the Alphas didn’t know was that he sold them all the same land and put all of their names on the deed. So Zoey’s great grandfather got together with the other Alphas and formed a council to rule over Alpha City. Ramone cast a spell bringing each of the Alphas to the city. He handpicked each Alpha because he felt they could protect the portal.”

“A portal, for what?” Johnny asked.

“The portal is the entrance to Valceria,” Kayden answered. He could see the look of shock on Johnny’s and Andrew’s faces. Every shifter knew about the elves and that they lived in a magical city called Valceria.

“I take it you have heard of Valceria?” Kayden asked.

“Yes, yes, but I always thought it was just a myth. I’ve never seen an elf before or met anyone who said they have. Have you?” Johnny asked curiously, as he leaned forward in his chair.

“Yes,” Kayden answered softly. Zoey looked over at Kayden, shock on her face. “Every Alpha is introduced to an elf called Bast. He is the king over the elves. Each Alpha is greeted by him. I was introduced to Bast the first day I became Alpha. Bast moved the portal to Alpha City a long time ago. Once the population started to grow, he knew it was only a matter of time before witches like the Blackwood Coven found them. If the area fell into the wrong hands, they would have tremendous power like no other. Can you imagine the power Claudia Blackwood would have if she found that portal?”

“I can’t believe it. Well, I do, but I’ve always wondered why so many different types of shifters were in Alpha City, and why it worked so well. So you think that man who tried to kill us is part of the Blackwood Coven?” Johnny asked.

“Yes, I do,” Kayden answered. He could see the concern in Johnny’s face.

“If they found it, what do you think they would do?” Andrew asked Kayden with concern.

“I think we would become slaves to the Coven. I think they would make us do their bidding, and with that kind of power, we couldn’t stop them,” Kayden replied. Zoey shivered as he explained.

“Dear God. What can we do to help?” Johnny asked, as he stood up. He walked over to the bar and made himself a stiff drink then offered one to the others.

Kayden got up, went to the bar, and poured two glasses of whiskey. He knew what Zoey’s favorite drink was. He walked back and handed it to her. After she took a sip of her drink, she looked up at Kayden with surprise.

Kayden sat back down beside her and wrapped his arm around her again. He loved this woman, and he would protect her with his life.

“I know everything about you, Zoey Malone,” Kayden whispered in her ear. The look she gave him was hope.

Johnny cleared his throat. “What time do we leave in the morning? I will get the doctor to give the witch a drug to keep him knocked out until we get him to Alpha City. I would think you would want to interrogate him with your coven?” Johnny asked with some apprehension. Kayden could see that Johnny wanted to help. In reality, if what he said came true, it would affect all the shifters.

“Yes, that would be helpful. We don’t need him on the plane awake. God knows what damage he could do,” Kayden responded. He needed to make some calls and put the Council on alert.

“Can I use your phone? I need to call Ryder and let him know what’s going on. He needs to be prepared for trouble,” Kayden asked as he reluctantly got up from the warmth of Zoey.

“Yes, you can use my office phone. Andrew, please show the Alpha to my office,” Johnny responded.

“Yes, Alpha.” Andrew got up and took Kayden to Johnny’s private office.

Zoey watched as Johnny got up and filled his glass with more liquor. “Zoey, do you want another one?” Johnny asked.

“Yes, whiskey please,” Zoey responded. Johnny nodded and proceeded to fill her glass with another whiskey. He walked over and handed it to her. Her hands were still shaking when she reached for it.

“Are you cold? Here, let me get you a blanket.” Johnny walked over to a wood chest and pulled out a blanket. He secured it around her then sat back down.

“Kayden knew you liked whiskey?” Johnny said with a sigh of frustration. Zoey could hear it in his voice. She couldn’t lead him on anymore. She needed to tell Johnny how she felt about Kayden.

“Johnny, I love him. I always have. I don’t know why this has happened now. I’m sorry if I lead you on. It wasn’t something I planned. He…”

“I know, Zoey. I can see it in both of you, and both of you are putting out so many sexual pheromones that it is hard to be in the same room with you two, but I understand. I know you didn’t do anything on purpose. I had hoped that we…but it was never meant to be,” Johnny smiled as he finished.

“One day, somebody is going to love you, Johnny Ringo, and she will be a special lady. One who is worthy of your love.” Zoey leaned over and placed her hand on Johnny’s cheek. Unfortunately, Kayden and Andrew walked into the room and saw Zoey’s hand on Johnny’s face. She could see the rage in Kayden’s face. Not knowing what would happen, Zoey jumped up and got in front of Kayden.

“It’s not what you think,” Zoey blurted out.

“No, I think it is. I’ll see you tomorrow on the plane.” Kayden went over to the elevator and got in. Zoey watched as Kayden left her. He glared at her like she disgusted him. And to make matters worse, he didn’t give her a chance to explain that she chose him, and that angered her more than anything.

“Zoey, let me go talk to him,” Johnny insisted.

“No, Johnny, let him go. If he can’t give me a chance to explain, then it will never work between us. I can’t have him jumping to conclusions every time I meet a client or hug someone. Thanks though. I’m tired and would like to go back to my room now. I will see you in the morning. What time would you like to leave?”

“Early. I want to get to the bottom of this. How about seven in the morning?” Johnny suggested.

“Sure. I’ll meet you downstairs at that time. Good night.” Zoey walked over to the elevator and left to go to her room. She felt emotionally drained from the whiplash she just received from Kayden. Now this with Claudia Blackwood just made matters worse. She was back to kill them all. She was ready to go home to be around her pack.

****

Kayden felt like such a fool. He should have listened to his dad. He was right. Zoey needed to be with another wolf. He would always love, her but now he had doubt he could trust her. How did he read this wrong? He was sure that she loved him. That was what he was feeling from her as she snuggled up next to him. But that wasn’t what he just witnessed. No, Johnny Ringo won the girl. His girl.

Tomorrow he would sit behind them in the back. He didn’t want it shoved down his throat as they gazed at each other.
Damn, you fool, why did you let your heart get in the way?
Kayden jerked his door open to his room and went in. He needed a shower then bed. He had enough of Las Vegas. This was a city he wanted to forget.

He needed to give Rose a chance when he got back to Alpha City. Like his father said, love could come later. He had a duty to his pride, and that was all that mattered.

Kayden’s head was thumping as he rode up front in the limo. When Zoey came down earlier, he inhaled her scent and just about dropped to his knees begging her to choose him. Nope, he needed to stay strong. So, he sat up front with the limo driver. She was out of his sight and that was exactly what he thought he needed.

Walking up the stairs, he couldn’t help but watch Zoey’s butt. The woman had a figure to die for. All he wanted to do was lick every part of her starting with-
Shut the fuck up, man. Have some pride.
Kayden fought with himself as he entered the plane. He should have brought his own plane, but now, he was trapped for two damn hours with the loving couple. What he didn’t expect was Andrew taking the seat beside Zoey. He would have thought that Johnny wanted to be beside her.

Watching them the whole flight was out of the question. As soon as the seatbelt light went off, Kayden was going to lean back in his chair and sleep the entire flight. “Now you are thinking,” Kayden whispered to himself.

“Kayden, you really thought I wanted you. You can’t compete with Johnny. He is my kind. Like your father said, we don’t mix. You’re a panther, and I’m a wolf. Watch how good we are together.” Kayden couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Zoey and Johnny having sex in his bed. What the fuck is going on? He couldn’t believe this. Kayden jerked awake as the pilot came over the intercom. “Please fasten your seat belts. We are going to have a bumpy ride with this storm,” the pilot explained. Kayden glanced over, and Zoey was still sitting beside Andrew, but she wasn’t smiling as the plane bumped up and down as they came in for a landing. He wanted to go to her as he watched her grip the side of her chair. Her face was tight with alarm. But still, Johnny never tried to put his hands on her. He continued to talk to her but never once did he touch her. At least they weren’t rubbing it into his face. His stomach dropped as the plane banged hard on the ground. He shivered when he thought he might never see her again. He had to get that out of his head because she was only a friend and nothing else. When they mated, she would be going to live in Las Vegas with him and his pack. Could he live with her so far away? Did he really have a choice? Zoey had already made hers. She wanted Johnny, and he wasn’t going to allow himself to go through this ever again. He couldn’t think or eat for thinking about his love for her. He vowed to never love anyone ever again. His heart would be shielded from now on. Nobody, not even the woman he mated with, would get to him. The only reason he would mate was to produce an heir. For no other reason than that.

Kayden grabbed his bag and got off the plane before the rest even got up. He could tell Zoey and Johnny were watching him as he waited for the door to open. Nobody said anything to him, and he never even looked at them when the door finally opened up.

The rain was pounding on his body as he rushed down the stairs. His second, Thorn Russell, was waiting for him with an umbrella. He nodded to his second and got into the back of the SUV. Jamie smiled at him as he passed, but he didn’t want to chat with him or anyone. Jamie was Ryder’s second and was waiting for Zoey and Johnny. He didn’t wait around for any introductions. She could introduce her future mate.

Kayden couldn’t bear the thought of Zoey and Johnny anymore.

“Take me home,” Kayden demanded. He knew Thorn was wondering what was going on.

“You don’t want to wait for the others?” Thorn looked confused. He thought that Kayden wanted to be with Zoey. He could see the look on his second’s face as he wiped the rain from his face.

“No. They have their own car. Just go. Now!” Kayden ordered which left no doubt what he wanted. Thorn instructed the driver to head home.

****

Zoey wanted to cry, but she wouldn’t allow him to do this to her. She didn’t do anything wrong, and if he would have stuck around long enough, she could have explained that what he saw wasn’t romantic.

Johnny pulled out the umbrella and put it over her head as they walked down the stairs.

Jamie walked up to Zoey and hugged her then nuzzled her face before he stuck his hand out to Johnny Ringo. “Jamie, this is Alpha Ringo from the Las Vegas pack.” Jamie bowed his head to the Alpha.

“Nice to meet you, Jamie,” Johnny responded, but all eyes turned as Kayden’s car pulled away.

“What’s wrong with Kayden?” Jamie bent down and asked Zoey. Johnny shook his head, but Zoey wanted to cry.

“It’s a long story, but it doesn’t matter. He will believe what he wants,” Zoey declared. Jamie nodded, but she could tell he had no clue what was going on. She would explain to him when they were alone. Right now she didn’t want to say anything in front of Johnny in case she broke down crying. That was the last thing she wanted to do to Johnny. She could tell he felt bad enough and had apologized several times.

“Ryder wants you to stay at his house, Johnny. They have plenty of room for you and Andrew,” Jamie insisted.

“That would be great. His mate doesn’t mind, does she?” Johnny asked.

“London? No, of course not. She wouldn’t have it any other way,” Jamie answered then instructed the guard to get their luggage and the drugged witch. The witch would be taken to Ryder’s coven so Me-Len and Meryl could get the information they needed from him.

“Jamie, if you would drop me off at my cabin first, I would appreciate it. Will you tell London I will see her tomorrow at work? I’m tired and want to lie down.” Zoey caught the look Jamie threw out to Johnny and Andrew. Now Jamie would demand to know what was going on. He was just like Ryder, demanding and nosey. She didn’t care as long as she was in her cabin, then she could tell Jamie. Right now everything seemed so raw, and she needed to be alone for a while before she broke down and made a fool of herself.

“If that’s what you want, Zoey,” Jamie said, sounding unsure.

“Thank you,” Zoey responded with a choked up voice. She closed her eyes trying to block out everything.

The ride to her cabin was without any more questions being asked. Jamie made small talk about the area with Johnny and Andrew until they arrived at Zoey’s cabin.

“Thank you. Johnny, Andrew, I will see you tomorrow,” Zoey muttered. She couldn’t hold it in any longer. She jumped out of the car before anyone could get out and ran up the steps to her cabin. She was crying when she closed the door behind her. Dropping to the floor, she leaned against the door, letting it all out.

Zoey was suddenly so exhausted she couldn’t even make it to the bed. She didn’t sleep last night, and with Kayden leaving her like he did, her body needed to rest. She crawled toward the couch and pulled a blanket down on top of her then cried until she passed out cold on the floor.