The Pack: Rule Number 1 - No Mates

Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

” DRAVEN

What I love most about the little shop I’m in, is the prices are all pretty decent. The one that Domonic dropped me in front of was awesome too, but way too expensive. Once I got a look at their prices, I left. Luckily, there were four other boutiques on the same portion of the block, and I would still be able to see Domonic when he returned for me.

The shops weren’t too busy, a few people straggling about, but not many. After I purchasing a few essentials, one of them being a turtleneck, I saunter outside to await Domonic’s return. When I see the curb is still empty I begin to wish I bought a watch.

Spying a little cafe across the street, I shrug and walk over, intent on waiting at one of the little tables outside.

With coffee in hand, I take a seat at one of the five stone tables and sipped my mocha greedily. A large shadow passes over me and I look up startled to see one of the guys from the bar standing over me and blocking the sun.

“You didn’t leave,” he says.

It is the blond guy. The one that was seated in the bar with Domonic yesterday when I first arrived.

“I didn’t,” I grin, crossing my legs toward him as my eyes scan the street. Where is Domonic?

He laughs, sticking his hand out for me to shake. “Paul,” he introduces himself, lifting my hand up to kiss the back of it. “May I?”

I nod, kicking one of the chairs out in front of him so that he might sit down. “Draven.”

He smiles flashing a barrel of white teeth. “I know. And might I just say, I’m glad you’re still here. We get fresh faces in this place all the time, but none of them ever stay. And yours is not only fresh, but it’s terribly beautiful.”

I have to laugh at that. So they can be charming when they want to be. I wonder what changed this one’s mind. I’d hate to think Bart and Domonic have told the entire town about what I hide behind my clothes.

“Might I ask who you’re waiting for?” Paul queries.

My eyes narrow, and my gaze travels over him with mild interest. He’s trimmer than Domonic. Not as heavily muscled. “You might ask, but I might not say.”

He chuckles, the laugh lighting up his entire face and crinkling his eyes. He’s actually pretty damn cute.

Blue eyes twinkle as he studies me, taking in my hooded sweater and then locking in on my neck. Smile faltering, he swears, “Jesus Christ.”

I put up a finger, “Don’t!”

He noticed the bruises, even with my hoodie completely

go. The angry tap of his foot is shakes the table until I

“So,

my neck for a long moment. “Understood.” With a sigh, he looks around us as if watching for someone. “So, listen, if you still need work, I own the Red Wolf Cafe and if you want

holding up my coffee.

“It does.”

offer, but Bart hired

go wide with shock.

he did. And for that I will forever be grateful. Because

his face in his hands. “I’m sorry. If it had been up to me yesterday, I would have welcomed you with open arms and an offer to take you out to dinner. But Domonic – he’s

what does that mean – do you all own the bar,

it,

the only one with even an ounce of raw chivalry.” No wonder they acted that way

“What? No way!” Again, he studies me. “I’m sorry if it felt that why.” Leaning forward, he dips his head in

“No. I was but apparently it needs to be renovated, so Domonic has graciously put me up in the condo behind his

His eyes narrow. “Really?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s weird,” he quips.

my turn to be shocked. “Why is that

shrugs. “Because Domonic ordered the rest of us not to help you. In fact, he was very clear about wanting

“Is… that…right…”

DOMONIC

mother then became a stripper to support her little girl. After a few years doing that, she married, but never changed her name. And for some reason it’s taking a while to retrieve a copy of the marriage certificate, but I should have it by tomorrow afternoon. Her mother died two years ago. The cause of death ‘undetermined’. Last known address for Draven puts her close to the beach in Miami, in a house owned by one Marvin Ryder. At first, I thought this Marvin might be her stepdaddy, but turns out he’s too young. Marvin was the owner of the Beach Club Bar she was working

“So, she’s Italian.”

“Yes, looks like it.”

real father might still

into him

she has

Rainier laughs, “What?”

mean – I still don’t want her here, but

want her here – who the fuck are you kidding.

seat in front of me, placing his big Sherrif boots on my desk. “Okay, so what? A lot of girls have beautiful skin, Domonic. Yesterday you said you wanted her

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