The Alpha And The Rental Luna

[Apple]

This is my third bonus shift this week at the Trail’s End Diner. I’ve been taking on all the extra work I can to free myself of this hell hole and I’m almost there. Just one more day of work and I’ll have enough to drive away and leave this place forever.

“Order up!” I grab the food from underneath the light and weave my way around customers to set a too-greasy hamburger and fries in front of an older gentleman with a wandering hand. I’ve been avoiding my stepfather’s touches since my breasts first budded, so I have learned how to avoid such advances.

If I were bolder, I might scream when his hand finds my hip instead of my ass or thigh. But I don’t want trouble. I just want to finish my shift and go home.

“Hey Apple,” Tony from the post office walks in with a big smile on his face, “I saw this and thought you might want it before you went home.” He pulls a large envelope with the words “Crescent City University” written in bold black font. “You know what they say about big envelopes,” he winks and walks away. “Congratulations Apple!”

Waving my thanks back to him I ignore the grumbling of my boss as I declare I’m taking my break and go outside to open my letter.

“The Admissions Office of Crescent City University would like to extend our invitation to Apple Blossom LeRoux to join our Fall cohort. The first day of school is August 19th. Tuition is due by August 20th…”

That’s only 6 days from now. A spot must have opened up at the last minute. My grades weren’t as strong as they could have been, so I knew there was a chance I wouldn’t get in. Seeing that I made it, I don’t care what I’ll need to do, I’m going! This is my ticket out of here!

Some people love the small-town life, but for me, this place is just a reminder of pain and heartbreak. Now that my mother is gone, dead for almost a year, there is nothing left to keep me.

Except for Zion. It’ll be hard to keep our relationship going once I move to the city, but I’m sure we can make it work. We’ve been dating since I turned 18, four years ago. He’s two years older, so he wanted to make sure I was an “adult” before he touched me.

But there is one step we haven’t taken. The biggest step. Tonight, I will finally give him my virginity. I’ve been too shy or too scared before, but now I know I’m ready. I want to have that connection with him before I leave. I want him to have something to remember me by.

Walking into the diner I tell my boss that tonight is my last night. Angry, he tells me he’ll mail my last check and sends me out the door. 6 years of loyal work suddenly meant nothing as soon as I told him I wanted to move on with my life.

Taking his rejection in stride, I jump in my car and head over to Zion’s house.

Zion is the mayor’s son and lives at the top of Hillcrest Drive, with all the other affluent families. As my mother’s old car sputters up the hill for what will probably be the last time in a long time, I am glad that I am moving to a completely flat city.

Zion doesn’t like his parents knowing I visit him at night, so I go around back to enter our “secret” way. He gave me a key to the garage so I could enter through the laundry room and sneak around the maid's quarters.

As soon as I turn the key and enter his home, I run to his room, knowing that he is likely there studying for his Chemistry exam. “Zion! Guess what I….”

“Ah, harder!” A high-pitched voice moans followed by the wet slapping sound of flesh on flesh.

Is he watching porn again? The last time I disturbed him in one of these “private moments” he got so mad at me for coming to his house early he didn’t speak to me for a week. I was so excited about school that I forgot his rule. Not wanting to embarrass him, I step away. Maybe I should have called first.

“Deeper, Zion, harder, ah!!” The voice calls out louder this time and I know it isn’t the TV. The TV wouldn’t be calling out his name.

Pushing open the door, I see my boyfriend, his pants down around his ankles, his ass pumping back and forth as he pushes himself into the wide, open legs of a beautiful blonde girl, her pretty pink toenails on her dainty feet matching her perfectly manicured fingernails that she uses to claw down his back.

I don’t know what to do. I feel like I should walk away, but I can’t stop watching. I can’t bear to walk out the door.

“You're so tight,” he groans as he continues oblivious to the fact that I am standing behind him. “Oh, I love how tight your pussy is.” He leans over and greedily suckles her breasts, so much fuller than my own and she moans in ecstasy.

“Zion, oh yes baby,” she pounds her hips into him with greater force. Another piece of my heart shattering with each enthusiastic thrust.

Their thrusting grows more feral and frantic. She screams, cutting his back with her nails as she climaxes, and with a final grunt, like a satisfied pig, Zion releases as well.

As they separate, the girl looks up at me with a large, satisfied smile on her face. Stunned, I take a staggering step back.

She knew I was there the whole time.

“Did you find the show educational, little sister?” Unable to believe my eyes, I see my stepsister throw on my boyfriend’s shirt to cover her nakedness as Zion blanches, his hands reaching to cover his now deflating manhood.

Screwing around behind my back was bad enough, but of all the people in this tiny town, he had to mess around with, he chose the one person who would hurt me the most.

My step-sister.

“Tansy,” I gasp, choking. “Why?”

“Why not,” she snorts. “Did you think a grown man like Zion was going to keep waiting for you? Someone needed to give him the attention he deserves.”

“Stop, Tansy,” he hisses, placing a hand on her shoulder.

She ignores him. “The way I see it, you stole him from me.” She looks down at her fingernails, smirking. “Who do you think he was fucking while he waited for you to come of age? When you still wouldn’t give it up we started back up right where we left off.”

Looking over at Zion, my eyes blurry with tears, I ask. “Zion, is this true?”

Avoiding my gaze he won’t turn to face me.

“You know what, Apple, maybe you should run home like a good little girl and tell your Mommy all about…oops,” she places a hand over her mouth. “That’s right, your mommy is dead.”

Clenching my fists, I crumple my acceptance letter that only a moment ago I was so proud to show off to Zion. As I turn to leave I announce my good news. “You two are free to do whatever you want now. I’m leaving for Crescent City tomorrow.”

“Good luck with that!” Tansy laughs. “It’ll be hard to sign up for classes without money.”

She doesn’t know about my hidden savings account. I kept it to myself. So I march out of that room confident that she is just blowing hot air and trying to get me riled up.

“Just watch, Apple, you’re going to come crawling back here soon enough, but guess what, there won’t be anywhere for you to go! You are so pathetic!”

Her laughter follows me as I run back to my car. There is no reason for me to stay here and endure this torture.

When I get home, I find all of the lights are on.

Leaving my letter in my car, I cautiously enter the house. Since my mom died a year ago, my stepfather has been less and less predictable. Sometimes he’s drunk. Other times he’s high. Often he’s looking for cash or his next fix. It’s grown bad enough that I no longer store anything valuable in the house.

Which is why he is now searching through the closets for the last of my mother’s things. He mooched off of her while she was alive, letting her pay all the bills while he lazed about, and now that she has died from stress and overwork, he is taking what is left of her.

My vision blurs with anger as I find enough courage to say. “Doc, what are you doing? Those things belong to my mother!”

He turns around slowly. Tonight it appears he is both drunk and high. Great. “Your mother is dead you little bitch,” he belches as he places a hand down his pants to scratch his balls. As his eyes rove my body, I see his manhood twitch and my stomach rolls with disgust.

“You know what, I don’t care what you do,” I grumble as I pick the last of my mother’s keepsakes up off the ground and shove them into the tipped-over shoebox that had once contained them. “You already sold everything she had, but why don’t you keep looking,” I suggest sarcastically. “Maybe you’ll find something new.”

He raises his hand to slap me, but I move at the last minute and he falls on his face, knocking himself out. Using this as an opportunity, I collect my few remaining things, shove them in a backpack along with my mother’s shoebox, and head out the door.

I don’t need this misery. I’m done. Without my mother, this place is no longer home. It hasn’t been for a long time.

“Sorry Mom, I tried,” I sighed. “I tried to love them like you asked me to.”

Starting my car, I look over my shoulder one last time before focusing on the road ahead.

Goodbye forever, Pleasant Valley.

Crescent City here I come.

[Apple]

Crescent City is the nearest metropolis to Pleasant Valley and home to the largest population of supernaturals on the West Coast. Mostly werewolves, and maybe a few witches, they stick to their own kind for the most part, although they go to school and work side by side with humans.

Growing up in Pleasant Valley, an all-human community, I didn't encounter many supernaturals.

Which is why it was so startling to find myself in the middle of a city full of them.

At first, I look around in awe, mesmerized by the bright lights and vivid sounds, but then as I drive around downtown I realize two very important things:

Number 1--I don’t know where I’m going.

Number 2--After three hours of driving to get here, I’m starving.

My idiot ex-boss didn’t even let me gather my tips before I left, and my wallet was empty. I can’t touch the money in my savings account--that’s for school.

So I’m stuck to my secret car stash of cash that I keep underneath the passenger’s seat. Reaching down, my fingers find the stack of bills.

It is small. Smaller than it should be.

Where there had been a tight roll of $20 bills, about $400 to get me started, there are only three wrinkled ones.

“I guess Doc found this stash too,” I groan as I step out of my car and button my coat against the chill night air. “Maybe there will be SOMETHING here I can buy for $3,” I hope as I enter the first cafe I see, a small shop on the bottom floor of a tall building covered with large tropical plants that seem to be growing out of thin air.

My mom would have loved this place. I wonder if she ever ate here while she was a student.

My mother got her degree ages ago in botany. I hope to do the same, following in her footsteps. She taught me how to nurture things that grow, and ever since I was a child I had a natural knack for it.

Only I won’t make the same mistake that she did. I won’t bury myself in a small town with a terrible husband. I’ll wait until I find someone who loves me.

It’s true love or nothing. My mom made the mistake of getting pregnant and needing a man to take care of her. I won’t make the same mistake.

They say werewolves have something called a “mating bond” and witches have something similar called their “zing.” I wish humans were the same. I wish I could know I’ve found my soulmate just by the way it feels when he touches me.

A beautiful girl with long auburn curls and a wide-toothed grin that seems to stretch from ear to ear welcomes me to the “Last Wish Coffee Shop and Bookstore.” The name on her tag reads “Hazel.” and I find an immediate kinship, as two people who were given nature names.

Why do parents do that to kids? Hazel is a tree. Apple is also a tree but also a fruit. With the middle name of Blossom, I was constantly teased.

“Hey, are you new to town?” Hazel asks from behind the counter. “I just never seen anyone quite like you around here before, and I think I would have remembered if I had.”

Pointing up at my hair, which is more cherry than ginger, I laugh. “It's natural, I promise. I don't know where the color came from, my mom was a blonde. The name is Apple,” I laugh, holding out my hand. “I'm starting at the University next week.”

“Oh really!” her eyes light up with genuine interest. She tells me all about the degree in chemistry she is completing and how we’ll be classmates. As we talk, she pours me a cup of coffee and hands me a muffin “on the house” when she sees I only have 3 dollars.

“Hey, do you have any family here, anywhere to stay?”

“No,” I shake my head. I tell her about my mom and my terrible stepfamily.

Hazel’s face becomes more and more resolute the longer I speak. “You can live with me,” she declares. “One of my roommates just moved out, so I have some extra space. It’s a bit of a dump but it is a roof over your head and you can eat any of the leftovers.”

“That’s super generous,” my cheeks grow warm with embarrassment. “But you can see I don’t have any way to pay back rent and…”

“Hogwash,” she dismisses my reasoning. “I know you’ll make it up to me when you can. Besides, where were you planning to sleep, your car? Not in this neighborhood, friend, unless you want to get eaten by rogues.”

I blanch. “Rogues eat people!”

She laughs at my naivety but doesn’t answer my question as she closes down the register and takes me home with her.

“You know what, Apple.” She smiles. “I think we’re going to be good friends. I can feel it.”

The next morning I woke up bright and early to go to the university, pay my bill, and sign up for classes. The sunlight feels calming on my face after a poor night of sleep on a lumpy, but safe, couch. For the first time in months, I didn’t need to worry if the money in my pocket would disappear while I closed my eyes. Now, as I pass through campus seeing all the other students walking by, I know I’ve made the right decision.

This is where I belong. This is where I should have been instead of scraping plates in some stupid diner.

The light for the registrar's office was thankfully short and I made my way to the front desk quickly and with ease.

The problem was when they used my savings account card to pay for my classes.

“We’re sorry, Miss, but your card was declined.”

“That can't be possible,” I feel the panic rising. “There should be over $5,000 in that account. Can you try again?”

The young man gives me a sympathetic smile. He tries two more times but the result is the same: declined.

“I suggest you call your bank. Maybe your account is frozen because of the amount.” He suggests as if this is a normal thing that happens all the time.

Stepping out of line, I head outside to call my bank. After waiting on hold for an hour, I finally got through to a teller who informed me that my account had been completely cleaned out in full using the ATM in Pleasant Valley about 24 hours ago.

Thinking back at my stepsister’s comments, reality hits me like a hard brick. My stepsister and stepfather cleaned out my account yesterday while I was working.

“Son of a bitch!” I scream, stomping. “Ahhhhhh!”

After a few more primal screams, I dust myself off, follow the signs, and head towards the school library. If I need to find a job, they will have the best idea of where I should be looking.

The librarian directs me to a computer in the corner that is already cued up with job search sites. Grateful, I thank her and begin searching.

I guess I should have told her I am a human because this computer only has SuperNet--a supernatural-specific internet provider. I never realized how different the supernatural internet was from the human one. Even the pop-up ads are out of this world. “Think your neighbor is a secret witch? Spray her with this and the truth will be revealed.”

I guess even in a big city like this one, the bigotry against witches is still very pervasive. I expected it from a small town like Pleasant Valley, but here, I thought people were more understanding. Not all witches are evil.

Another ad pops up as I flip to the next website on the pre-printed job search list.

“Why have one when you can have 2?” The image of a grinning young executive with a white, toothy grin is standing still as first a blonde appears on his right, and a tan brunette on his left.

Out of curiosity, I click his face and it takes me to the Rental Luna Corporation--” a service where alpha males can rent Luna-level companionship on a daily or hourly basis,” I read, grimacing. On the very top of the page is the tagline, “Rental Luna--like a real Luna, only cheaper!”

It seems that even male wolves can be pigs. “That’s sick,” I murmur under my breath. “Women aren’t disposable. I can’t believe this is real.”

The handsome executive is smiling at me from the bottom of the page advertising their latest deal. “Want a redhead on Saturday, and a blonde on Monday? 2 for 1 special this weekend only!”

“This service is A-OK! I get all my Lunas from Rental Luna,” his endorsement reads below.

“Yuck, how beastly,” I gag as I shut down the computer, unable to stomach it anymore. It seems that Alphas are more dog than wolf.

Taking a deep breath, I turn around and see a board against the opposite wall with the word “JOBS” in big, gold letters.

Awesome. This will save me from the SuperNet.

As I walk over to the job board, I pray that a solution to my problems will be here in plain sight. Scanning the wall, I see that most of the positions are low-paying wastes of time. I’ll never make enough to pay tuition or rent part-time at minimum wage.

But then I see it, on the highest right corner of the pegboard.

Sterling Incorporated has an entry-level position, no experience necessary, the only requirement is that you are a …”

The rest of the advertisement has been torn away with one of the dangling phone number tags. It doesn’t matter. The important part is that they are offering 3 times the pay of any other job on the board.

Taking a photo of the ad, I head toward my car. It’s time I got a new job.

Running out of the library, I feel like I’m flying.

But I can’t actually fly, which is how I fall into the arms of a broody young man with bright hazel eyes and a strong grip.

[Apple]

Raising a single eyebrow, a young man with dazzling golden hazel eyes helps me regain my footing. My breath catches, as his warm hands send tingles along my arms.

“It's dangerous out here, Miss,” he warns, as he hands me my bag, his face blank and uninterested.“You should watch your step.”

“Thank you,” I reply nervously as I lean over to gather my remaining items off the ground.

“My name’s Apple,” I start to say as I look up again only to discover that he has vanished, almost as if he was never there.

“So much for people being friendlier here,” I grumble as I dust myself off. I guess cute doesn’t mean kind.

Shaking my encounter with the mysterious hazel-eyed boy, I rush to my car and begin the drive to the other side of town. Turning on my radio, I discover that all of my stations have changed with the new location, and it takes a moment to find one playing something I can sing along with.

When an ad for Rental Luna plays, I turn it off. Disgusted.

I couldn’t imagine a job more pathetic or degrading than being a Rental Luna. I’d rather scrape gum off the bottoms of tables than sell myself off by the hour.

Hopefully, if all goes well here, I won’t have to worry about that potential future.

I get a few strange looks, and a few awkward sniffs in my direction as I push my way in through the revolving door. I wonder if my body odor is especially bad. I tend to sweat when I’m nervous. Discreetly, I take a brief sniff.

I smell okay to me. Maybe they have a few werewolves working here.

As I approach the main reception desk, I hold out the ad and announce that I’d like to apply for their entry-level position. She doesn’t even look at me, she just hands me a clipboard and points to the elevator.

“You’ll want to hurry and catch that next elevator.” She urges. “Or you’ll have to wait for the next batch. The Beta is interviewing candidates right now on the 14th floor.”

“Beta?” I say in question.

“Yes, Beta Forrester,” she confirms. “14th floor. Turn right, now hurry! You’re late..”

Confused, I find my way to the elevator just as it opens.

I have to stand back immediately as a tall brunette wearing stilettos marches out, tears ruining her otherwise perfect makeup. Her designer suit hugs her curves perfectly, tailor-made to fit.

“Luna Cindy, are you okay,” the receptionist stands, “what’s wrong? Can I help you with…”

“You can help by telling your Alpha that he is a BEAST!” she screams at the receptionist who bends under the force of the woman’s scream.

She isn’t just a woman, she’s a wolf. An Alpha-level Luna.

“Luna, I…”

“I’m not your Luna anymore. I quit!” I watch her throw the badge down on the desk as the elevator doors close in front of me.

I’m not sure what button I press as I try to make sense of what I just witnessed.

I’m off to see the beta about a job.

An angry Luna just marched out the front door.

Everyone keeps sniffing me…

“Shoot!” I curse. “Goddess damn it! This isn’t a company, it’s a werewolf pack!”

The door opens. Do I go in?

Wolves are dangerous, passionate, violent creatures. I’m little more than prey to them.

The receptionist at the desk in front of me smiles, “Oh you got here quick! Are you here for the interview?”

“Yes,” I find myself saying as I step forward. I need a job. If they are willing to hire me, I’m willing to try. Three times the minimum wage is too good a deal for me to pass up.

“Usually the agency takes longer to screen our hopefuls,” she smiles warmly as she leads me past a bunch of desks to a big door at the end of a long aisle. “I’m so glad you were available. We need you!”

She pauses in front of the big door. “Here you are, he’s waiting.”

“Sylvester Sterling. Alpha. CEO.”

My blood chills.

And I’m just a human. A weak, defenseless, human surrounded by supernaturals.

I need to get out of here before I do something that turns me into prey.

I turn my body, intending to go back the way I came when a deep voice seizes my attention.

“Enter,” it is more of a command than a request and I find myself shivering as I turn and move towards it, drawn by its primal energy.

I push open the heavy wood door and seated with his back to me is an elegantly dressed man gazing out his large windows at the city beneath his feet. I cannot see his face, but his body gives off an energy, an aura of command that demands obedience.

“Sit,” he orders me like a common dog as soon as I cross the threshold. I open my mouth to say something and as my breath catches, he perks up the smallest amount in his chair.

If he can hear the sound of my breath, he can probably hear the sound of my heart and who knows what else. Closing my mouth, I do as I’m told.

Once I’m settled, he rotates his chair to face me.

I can’t help but gasp.

Seated before me is easily the most attractive creature I have ever seen. He almost glows with barely contained power. Well built, thick black hair that ends with gentle waves, and the clearest blue eyes, like pools of water.

There is something about him that seems familiar, but I just can’t put my finger on it.

And then he starts to speak. His voice is deep and rich, rolling off his tongue like melted chocolate, delicious, dark, and sweet.”

"I'm assuming you're here for the open position?”

I nod nervously.

“Have you looked over the contract?" He pours me a glass of water and sets it on the edge of the desk before pouring some into his own glass.

I shake my head.

“I see,” he pauses and the air seems heavy with the silence. “It doesn't matter, it is a pretty standard contract. I'm sure you've signed dozens like them before."

I try to say something, to let him know I have no idea what he is talking about, but he doesn't give me a chance.

"Since you don't have a contract in front of you, I'll go over the basics. Under this contract, you are expected to appear in attire, hair, and nails that meet the level and standard of your rank as my companion.”

“Companion?” I ask. He doesn’t respond as he continues to explain the parameters of the job. The more he speaks, the less this sounds like an internship.

“You will be ready and available for all official events involving the pack. It doesn't matter what time of day or what day of the week. You will make yourself ready and present yourself as expected based on what is laid out in this contract."

"But I'm a student," I finally get a word in edgewise. "How can I..."

"What are your rates for sex?" He doesn't even blink as he says this as if asking what I charge for my body is just something you do in an office.

I cough. “Sex? Do you usually have sex with your employees?”

He takes a step closer.

"If you're my Luna, it is expected that occasionally we will come together physically. Most she-wolves are excited about the idea, actually," he raises his eyebrow as he adds, "Some have even offered to pay me for the service."

“Luna?” I take a step back, not sure of what he means.

“What is your name,” he finally asks.

"Apple," I am barely able to breathe under the weight of his influence. "Apple LeRoux"

"Like the snack?" he laughs leaning in closer, "Did your parents really name you that? Or did the rental company give you that name?"

"I'm not from the rental company!" I insist, but he ignores me as his teeth graze the place where my neck and shoulder meet.

"What kind of wolf are you?" His eyes dilate, becoming less and less human. "You aren't from the Rental Luna, are you?"

"No," I choak. "I'm human.”

“Human?” He takes a step back, wiping his nose to clear the smell. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” my body is shaking. I’ve never been in the presence of a real werewolf before. And he isn’t just any werewolf, he’s the most dangerous sort--an Alpha. “My town is a human-only community.”

“Human-only,” he curls his lip. “How quaint.” A curious expression crosses his face.“If you are a human raised in an all-human community, why did you come looking for a job here? This is a werewolf pack. How did you, a human, end up here as my Rental Luna?”

“I’m not your Rental Luna,” I repeat carefully. “There’s been a mistake. This is the wrong job.”

“Obviously,” he laughs. “Only a fool would send a human to do a wolf’s job.”

His laughter stings. I already feel stupid, and having him laugh at my mistake is embarrassing.

“I was supposed to meet with the Beta to interview for the internship, but I got off on the wrong floor,” I look down, unable to meet his intense gaze. “I didn’t realize my mistake until your assistant brought me to you.”

A tear rolls down my cheek, followed by another. “I didn’t know it was a werewolf pack. All I knew was that this job offers 3 times what everyone else is paying.”

“I see,” he says slowly, taking in my words.

Bowing to hide my tears I mumble, “I am sorry I wasted your time.”

As I turn away, I hear an almost imperceivable, “Wait.”

That simple, small word, touches something deep within and I feel a spark of something warm and bright.

“I have an offer for you,” he encourages me to retake my seat. “One that will be mutually beneficial.”

Chapter 004

[Apple]

As I take the offered seat he relaxes and much of the pulsing, tense energy in the room starts to dissipate as he moves into a more professional, less predatory, position behind his desk.

“A luna is not just a companion, she is the Alpha’s help mate, taking a share of the pack responsibilities so that everything runs smoothly.” He explains. “Luna is the public face of the pack. She speaks for them and represents their strength.”

“So like a customer service position?” I squeak nervously, trying to make sense of everything.

“No.” His eyes glow, offended by the comparison. “An Luna serves her pack, but she is not a servant,” his lip curls, upset at my cultural misunderstanding. “She does the work of being approachable and available to our people so that I can do the work of managing the more aggressive elements of pack leadership. She guides our pack with a firm but gentle hand, almost like a pack mother.”

“Why are you telling me this?” I tap my fingertips on the knee of my jeans. “I don’t see how I can help you. I’m not a luna. I’m not even a wolf.”

“I know,” he smiles like the predator that he is. “And that is what makes you so perfect. My position requires that I have a luna. Either through marriage or contract. I don’t want a luna,” he confesses. “Lunas want you to love them and love is just another way to control a person, and I refuse to be under anyone’s control.”

“I’ve been using the Rental Luna escort service for 6 years now, and while it works for the most part, it isn’t a good long-term solution. There are too many misunderstandings about what my expectations are, specifically that I have no interest in taking any of them as my mate.”

“Oh,” I mumble, not really understanding at all. Does he really want to live a life without love?

“Which is why you’d be perfect. You are human, so you can never be my mate,” he nods enthusiastically at his own good idea. “We’d be in a contract-only relationship. I don’t need to worry about you falling in love with me or expecting things you can’t have.”

He looks intimidating and powerful standing there with the sunlight glowing behind him. This is a man who is used to getting everything and everyone he wants.

Someone not used to hearing no.

“You get all the money you need to do whatever you want, and I get a beautiful spokesperson with no strings attached,” rubbing his hands together he adds. “This really is a perfect solution.”

“Except that I’m not a wolf,” I point out. “Also, I have no experience as a luna. I don’t know how to help run a pack or be a spokesperson or any of it. I’m just a simple HUMAN girl from Pleasant Valley looking for a way to pay my rent and go to school.”

“We can hide your scent,” he counters, still negotiating even though I keep saying no. “We an even teach you how to walk and act like a wolf. It wouldn’t be that hard. Put you in the right dress and heels and you have more than enough charisma.”

I feel the heat rising to my cheeks. First, he said I am beautiful, and now he is saying I’m charismatic enough to fake being a luna. Does he mean to flirt?

“And I can have my beta train you in everything you lack as far as your duties,” he assures me. “You get your money, and I get to keep my pack without the board of directors insisting I get remarried. If they think I’m serious enough about you to keep you around for more than a month, while I work on a new peace alliance at the Alpha Convention this winter, they’ll leave me alone, hopefully for good.”

He makes it all sound so reasonable.

But it’s far more than I can handle.

“Could I have the entry-level position instead?” I counter. I just need a job, not a ticket into political intrigue. It sounds like this pack leading business is a mess, and I don’t want any part of it.

“It’s the Luna position or nothing, I’m afraid.” He reaches into his desk and pulls out a contract, “We don’t hire humans for entry-level positions. Too dangerous. They tend to get hurt. But if you sign this Luna Contract, you will have all the protection of the pack, and of me, as your Alpha. You will help me in a tricky time, and in turn, I can help you during yours. “

His eyes are glowing, his wolf making an appearance.

“Do we have an agreement?” they both ask, his voice deeper than it was a moment ago.

Standing slowly, I step back towards the door, hoping the wolf in the room lets me leave. “I’m sorry,” I apologize as my hand touches the knob. “But I can’t.”

He growls behind me as slam the door and run down the hall. A few minutes later I hear him coming after me. Thankfully I hit the button to close the elevator door before he makes it around the corner.

Good, I might just get out of this alive.

As soon as I make it past the reception desk, I move as swiftly as I can to the main lobby door. I know that if I run, I’ll draw attention, and then I’ll have more than one angry wolf to worry about.

I feel a touch of relief as my sneakers hit the pavement but it isn’t until I reach my car that I finally release the breath I’ve been holding.

Leaning against my car, I take long, deep, grateful breaths as I fumble to find my key.

“Hey there, beautiful,” a voice snarls behind me. “Need help?”

Turning, I freeze a tall young man in a suit swaggers towards me. “I’m sorry, do I know you?”

“Not yet,” his eyes flash revealing his true, wolfish nature. He must have followed me from Sterling Incorporated. But why? What reason would he have?

“You smell amazing,” he closes the space between us trapping me against my car. I reach back to grab the handle, but he slaps my hand, laughing when I rub my bruised wrist, his wolf strength damaging my delicate skin.

“Leave me alone,” I beg. “I’m not here for any trouble.”

“Oh, neither am I,” His eyes glow as he traps my arms above my head. “I just want to make friends,” his teeth graze my neck as his free hand finds the edge of my shirt and pulls it out of my jeans. “Don’t you want to be my friend?”

“No,” I cry, shaking my head. “No, please stop.”

“Oh don’t be like that,” his hand squeezes my breast, his sharp claw-like nails piercing my flesh.

I cry out in pain, but this excites him more. His face begins to elongate into a muzzle as he slowly transforms into more of a wolfman.

I have never been this close to a wolf in my life. I’ve been raised my whole life to fear them. I know I should fight, but I know if I make one wrong move my delicate throat will be in his teeth and I will be gasping my last breath.

“I bet you like it rough,” he laughs as his hand reaches down and tears the front of my jeans open.

Screaming, I struggle, but it’s no use, he’s so much stronger. There is nothing I can do against a wolf.

“There now,” his hand reaches into my pants. “That’s right, just…

“GET YOUR GODDESS DAMNED HANDS OFF MY LUNA!”

[Apple]

My attacker releases me, dropping to the floor, showing his neck in supplication to the man growling behind him.

Alpha Sylvester Sterling.

“For the crime of touching my luna, you are hereby dismissed from your position,” he snaps his teeth, now slightly pointed.

“Yes, Alpha,” the wolfman grovels.

Sylvester reaches down and with a single claw, scrapes a large, long “R” across his back as the man screams.

“You are packless now, rogue,” the Alpha spits in rage. “Any wolf low enough to attack a defenseless woman is not honorable enough for the Silver Crescent pack or any other pack within our organization.”

“Please Alpha, mercy,” he begs pathetically, dropping his chest to the pavement. “I couldn’t help myself. I didn’t know she was yours.”

“I am not your Alpha anymore,” Sylvester’s eyes are glowing like blue fire. “Now get out of here before I change my mind about skinning you and leaving your hide on the side of the building as a warning to others.”

Becoming a rogue slowly drives pack wolves insane. It’s a fate worse than death.

A fate he just condemned that wolf for touching me.

“You’re safe now,” he takes off his jacket and wraps it around me like a blanket as he scoops me into his arms and walks me into the parking garage. Carefully he opens the door to an expensive black sports car and settles me into the passenger’s seat.

“I’ll take you home,” his voice is soft and gentle as if I am so fragile that words could break me. “I’ll have someone bring you your car later.”

Still in shock, I am unable to make my mouth form the words “thank you,” so I nod and hope that he can feel the gratitude in my gaze.

I tell him my address and he types it into his GPS. The ride is silent as I stare out the window, not sure of what I should do next.

I have no food or money, and one of my only articles of clothing has just been destroyed by a wolf who tried to rape me.

And the person who saves me is the last wolf I wanted to see--the one who chased me out of the building because he wants me to be his fake rental girlfriend.

“Why did you do it,” I ask as I stare at the people on the street as the car rushes past. “Why did you interfere? I’m just a human. I’m worthless to wolves like you.”

The car is silent and I think he isn’t going to answer when he finally says. “You aren’t worthless. No person is, whether they are a wolf, witch, or human. Besides,” his voice grows deeper and I can sense his wolf coming to the surface by the intensity of his tone. “Nobody touches what is mine.”

“I’m not yours,” I argue, my body tingling at the word “mine.”

“You are MY luna,” he counters. “Or you will be, as soon as you sign the contract.”

“And if I don’t…”

“You will.”

Neither one of us asked any questions for the rest of the ride. I lean my head back and I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I know we are parked outside of the apartment I share with Hazel.

“This isn’t a good neighborhood,” he observes. “Are you sure this is where you want to stay?”

“I don’t have anywhere else,” my voice is small. “This is all I have.”

Taking off his jacket, I place it on the chair as I open the door. “Thank you for the ride I…”

“Put the jacket back on,” he almost shouts and then softens it with a quiet, “Please. For me. I can’t bear the thought of you walking into your home looking so vulnerable,” he explains.

It must be a wolf thing. Shrugging, I pull the jacket around me, closing it, and crossing my arms in front of me.

Satisfied with my appearance, he leans back, the tension from the moment before completely gone. “Please, reconsider my offer to be Luna,” he requests. “The position comes with lodging, food, a sizable salary,” he sighs, looking me over as he adds, “Since you aren’t a wolf, we can add a few more protections as well.”

“I don’t think it is a good idea,” I don’t want to be rude, but I don’t want to be easy prey either. What if he hadn’t arrived in time? What if someone found out what I am and they decided to eat me instead?

“The car will be here at 6 am sharp,” Alpha Sylvester interrupts, ignoring my words and excuses. “Unless you call to arrange a different time when you accept the position.”

“I still need time to think,” I protest.

“Take your time,” he smirks, “And if you have not made up your mind by 6 am, you can ask my beta for an extension.”

I open my mouth to protest, but the flash of bright blue in his eyes makes me reconsider. It looks like he isn’t going to let me get away that easily. He pulls a card from inside his pocket.

“Call this number if you have any questions,” The alpha places his business card firmly in my hand, not giving me any chance to argue.

I mean, how do you say no to the Big Bad Alpha?

Standing next to his car, Alpha Sylvester watches me enter the building. When I get to my apartment and look down from the living room window, he is still standing there, watching the door as if he plans to stand guard until he knows the threat is gone.

Feeling my eyes on him, Sylvester looks up.

I wave.

He smiles, nods his head, and gets back into his car.

“Was that billionaire tycoon Sly Sterling, CEO of Sterling Inc and Alpha of the Silver Crescent pack?” her eyes widen. “The most eligible bachelor in Crescent City?”

“Yes,” I groan. “He wants me to be his Rental Luna.”

Hazel looks like she might faint from excitement. “And…”

“I said no,” I look at my feet. “Or at least I tried to.”

“No,” she grips the back of a chair. “You told the most powerful Alpha on the West Coast no?” Her face blanches. “And he let you leave?”

I describe my day so far and watch as her expression grows more and more shocked by my story.

“You better take his offer,” she suggests. “I don’t see that you have any other options.” She places a hand on my shoulder. “Enough money to pay your debt and the protection of a powerful Alpha. You won’t get a better deal. Having a protector in a city like this can make all the difference. This isn’t the country, Apple. Girls like us get gobbled up.”

I spend the rest of the afternoon into the evening thinking of her words. If I can’t make it here, my only option is to go back home to Pleasant Valley, where I will die like my mother, overworked and underappreciated.

That’s not the future I want for myself.

Picking up my phone, I dial the number on the back of his card.