In the Alpha’s Arms

Memories

“It’s not that simple, James, I really wish it was,” Lita said with a frustrated hit. She was trying to think of any way she could get this series of events to end, “He’s not all bad. I he says he loves me. That didn’t sound convincing, even to herself. She tried again, raking her hands through her hair,

“I love him! He’s a work in progress but we’re getting better. Mom helped me understand that I just need to work harder,” she insisted, clutching her jacket tighter to her.

That at least sounded believable but it wasn’t true either. Whatever it was she really felt about him, it wasnt love. Fear? Need? But she would tell James whatever he needed to hear to get him to turn the goddammed car around. She didn’t waist anybody to get hurt. As much as she always loved that her overprotective brother came swooping in to save her, thus was one Lite Lita wished James would let it drop.

And you believe that? Bullshit, you do! Mom’s helped you with fuckall. Don t lie to me lita. Lie to everyone else, not me, he glared from the steering wheel, raising his evebrows to let her know he was serious, “Hoe did this even fucking happen? I swear to god I never understood an older guy wanting a girl in high school. That shit is twisted, especially not a wnevennini.”

“A what, James? A wife? You think he’s married?” Lita began to panic, I mean, mom would’ve said something right? Or dad? They wouldn’t be pushing

for this if he was…”

“No, just forget it, Lita, it’s not a fucking wife. Not that I would put it past him. And what the hell do you mean pushing for this? Are they forring

“It’s not forcing James, it’s just. I don’t know, they really want our families to merge. You’re so strong so it’s hard for you to understand but I cant say no. Every time I try, I just cant. Maybe if I was stronger like you…”

He shot her another look, this one was probing, trying to see how much of the hullshit she actually believed, “Lita…” He paused again. Searching for the right words, maybe wondering if it was the right time.

“Lita there’s a lot you don’t know okay? It’s not your fault. You’re not weak. They are. They always have been and Brian is not any better. For starters hes abusive which makes him a pussy. He’s three times he snuck another look at her, “no four times your size. You’re not weak for being in that position. You’re a kid, Lita a goddamned kid and our parents are supposed to protect you! Hell, I’M SUPPOSED TO PROTECT YOU?”

His eyes snapped closed and when they opened they flashed bright blue before going back to brown, And I’ve never liked that family. I mean I know dad does business with them but they re social climbers from a smaller pack. I could always tell they were looking for a foot in with the upper echelon. I didn’t like the way he looked at you when you two were younger, even back then it wasn’t a good vibe. Fucking Brian, if I knew it would’ve turned into this…I’d have fucking killed him simply for staring. Which leads me to my next question, Lita, how the hell did it start? We’ve known their family for years, why now?”

James reached into the center consule, dragging out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. He looked at her hard, still expecting an answer. Clearly worked up and on edge, he was hoping to use the nicotine to calm down. He held one between his lips and lit it as he inhaled.

“It’s a long story, James, Lita leaned into the window, letting her head fall against the cool glass. For a second she imagined herself back on that deck, looking out at the dark water just before her world tilted off balance.

I want to know what happened to

sister when

it from her lips. He gave her a disapproving look but

mom and dad made us go to every year?” her hands were shaking and she

partially opened lips as he gripped the steering

I was alone, staring out at the crowd of people wondering why nothing felt right anymore. You know, I’d never been popular but at

flicked his ash out the windows, refusing to make eye contact again and Lita assumed

fault. He deserved to live his life as he saw fit. He was grown. He was attractive. He was a

1/3

Memories

wasn’t what he needed and Lita never resented him for it. She just missed him, desperately wanting to close that crater

was pretty much on my own there and he ju sort of popped up. Rode the rides with me. Played the stupid fair games. Ate fudge until we both got sick. It was really simple and I appreciated it. We exchanged numbers.

I was low and helped me back up. Somehow he just never left, James. It was great, I mean so Incredibly amazing I almost couldn’t believe someone so smart and

she suddenly felt

just something assholes like that say to make you feel special. The venom in his voice was potent and sent shivers up Litas spine. She’d seen her brother mad. She’d even seen her brother fight. She knew he had a temper. But she’d never seen that kind of raging disgust or his

going. Lita, ignore me. Ignore him. How? How was she supposed to ignore his raging disposition? Shakily,

eat until it wasn’t.

“Anyway it was great

a few months after I

for me to leave. They both were. Fuck Lita if I knew, I would ve- I

“Both?”

When it comes to the family. And it’s no way she would’ve been fine for a twnety something year old talking advantage of a

could mom and dad have to gain from me being

to explain, James looked uncomfortable again, tossing his dead butt out the window