The Alpha's Pursuit

Chapter 1 - Parker's P.O.V.

A loud buzz shattered my dreams, pulling me from the haze of sleep. The smartphone’s shrill music increased in volume steadily on the nightstand, forcing me to pry my eyelids open. Vibrating across the wooden surface, the device moved in a teasing dance to the rhythm.

Half asleep, I tried to silence the nuisance with a heavy, sluggish arm, but I ended up knocking it to the floor instead. Ugh!

The cursed object screamed at me, only muffled by the soft, gray carpet.

Much like today, almost every other day, my lazy attempt to reach for the loud object was too lethargic. The phone would slip from my grasp or plummet from the small wooden stand, bouncing on the floor before I could reach the blinking screen.

A frustrated groan escaped me, and I raised an eyebrow. Did I have time to hit the snooze button?

Sighing in defeat, a revelation struck me as I struggled to reach the phone. The object that shuffled with each buzzing sensation and edged its way to hide beneath my bed was forcing me to retrieve the squawking beast, and ensuring I’d be too awake to bother with five more minutes of “sleep”. Besides, an important client booked an appointment today, and I ought to be at the top of my game.

The company I worked for relied on my preparedness, which today required my arrival earlier than usual. Oversleeping could cost me more than just a lecture from my boss; it could cost us a lucrative construction bid.

I have been employed there for roughly the last six months as their accountant—a fantastic opportunity for a recent college graduate.

Grateful for my job and the ability to pay my bills, I threw off the covers. However, I huffed to no one to show my displeasure at leaving the comfort of my thick blankets.

The biting cold air almost jolted me awake more so than caffeine would. Goosebumps erupted across my skin in the places my cotton pajamas didn’t cover.

Facing a brand-new work week, I kneaded my face, wishing for a three-day weekend. Like most people, I hated Mondays. God, I’m a cliche and not even an interesting one.

I stretched my arms above my head and let out a deep, satisfying yawn that sent a pleasant tremor through my body. Each morning, I awoke in my queen-sized bed, surrounded by soft blankets and fluffy pillows. It felt like heaven! I wished I could stay there a little longer, pouting at the thought of parting with my little haven.

Sitting up in a daze, I envisioned my appearance likened to that of a Disney princess—specifically, Anna from Frozen. If I glanced into a mirror, I imagined I would display an image resembling the scene where Anna jerks awake with drool dribbling from her mouth and across her cheek. Her long, red hair stuck to her face and kinked in every direction on top of her head, lending an added charm to the young woman’s admirable character.

This was where my resemblance to the feisty cartoon character ended, and not just the fact that my hair was dark brown, not red.

Reflecting on my life over the past few years, pride swelled within me. Although there were dull moments, my life had reverted to a lack of drama and emotional turbulence.

The time of fear and distress had passed; it was the time when I had met and fallen in love with Nicholas Phillips, whom I called Nick. A dreamy god delivered from Heaven; correction, a cruel demon sent from Hell.

FLASHBACK

As I strolled through the local mall, my mind drifted from my immediate surroundings. The scent of cinnamon rolls and leather saturated the air as I wandered down the expansive corridor. The overlapping chatter of shoppers and the squeaking of tennis shoes on the linoleum echoed in the building.

The further I roamed, the more tightly I clutched my purse to my body. Tension radiated into my back and neck. I avoided busy shops and throngs of people if possible. I wasn’t a hermit; I just preferred quiet and small crowds. Today’s trip to the mall, however, was inevitable, so with sagging shoulders, I trudged on.

High school graduation occurred about two weeks ago, and I needed to land a new job closer to college. Head down, I reluctantly walked past store after store, including many kiosks selling earrings, hats, massage chairs, scarves, and more that lined the center of the walkway.

Admiring a purple beaded silk scarf at one of those kiosks, I pictured the perfect outfit to go with it as I fingered the silky material. Turning over the simple white tag on it to reveal the price, I sighed and released it.

My budget allowed for one outfit, with no accessories, and this particular accessory surpassed that entire budget. I should have gone to the thrift store.

My parents and brother offered to help, but I was officially an adult and insisted on learning to take care of myself.

A few times, other shoppers came close to barreling into me as they did their shopping, laughing and oblivious to my quiet presence.

I frowned and continued past the scarves, avoiding another near collision as I scanned to the left, investigating the variety of shops. Nothing caught my eye yet.

As I shuffled ahead, I spotted a potential winner to my right, showcasing a perfect suit on a mannequin. And to my delight, the store boasted low cost. I quickened my pace to a speed walk, and in my excitement, I failed to avoid an obstacle this time.

“Oomph.” The breath exploded out of me as I stumbled backward. What a mortifying moment! What did I collide with?

Nose planting into an immovable barrier, I fell backward and braced for the impact on my rear. After squeezing my eyes shut for a few seconds, I opened one eye and peered out, still standing on my feet. Huh?

The cloud of confusion cleared as I stared at long, masculine fingers wrapped around my elbows, holding me upright. I gasped when recognition hit me as I raised my head. The first thing I noticed was his height. My head craned back as the wall became an unyielding, fit, broad-chested, gorgeous man.

Gazing through my dark eyelashes, I absorbed his alluring features. Dirty blond, shoulder-length hair cascaded in waves, framing his perfect face. Stormy blue eyes drew me into the depths of an ocean, captivating me into speechlessness.

The man's 6'4" frame towered over me. As he stared down at me, his grip remained strong, leaving me mesmerized by his appearance. I admired his full lips, tan skin, and bulging muscles that strained his form-fitting black t-shirt. I shook my head, telling myself to stop ogling him.

“I-I’m s-so sorry,” I stammered. Regaining control of my tongue, I found more words, not wanting him to walk away.

"I wasn’t looking where I was going,” I added. But I’m looking now, and wow!

A smirk spread on his pillowy lips as his warm, gentle hands held fast to me. My face flushed crimson, my heart raced, and the intoxicating scent of lavender and sandalwood filled my nose. God, is that his cologne? It’s amazing.

Fighting against the urge to lean further in to soak in his fragrance, I bit my lip. What is wrong with me?

“No problem at all, beautiful. It’s my lucky day to have you run into me,” he drawled. Is he for real?

My heart skipped a beat, and my stomach fluttered when his deep, smooth voice tickled my ears. Gooseflesh prickled along my neck and into my hairline. A shiver ran up my back, and my lips parted, heat enveloping my core in a delicious swirl.

A pinch on both my elbows caused me to hiss, surprising but not painful. Squeezing tighter, he raised his head and sniffed the air, and his eyes darkened. That’s not right; it must be my imagination.

I shut my eyes for a moment and then reopened them slowly. His eyes sparkled blue and weren't close to black like I swore I noted seconds ago. I breathed a sigh of relief. Phew, there’s nothing to worry about—unless he sensed my reaction to him, my arousal? More crazy thoughts, Parker; you need to cut it out.

“Well, I should go. I still have some shopping to do,” I squeaked in embarrassment, my eyes lowering to where our bodies connected.

Hoping he would pick up on the hint to let me go, I tugged lightly again, but the steel trap of his fingers continued to hold me as he stared. I swallowed hard, feeling my throat bob as I fought to keep steady.

“Hmmm.” He finally lifted one hand to tap a finger to his chin in thought, a smug smile curling over his lips. His other hand persisted, unwilling to grant me freedom.

“I understand, but for the price of the collision, perhaps some compensation? A fair price is a date with me. Tonight. To make it up to me.” The lopsided grin melted me.

“Tell me you accept my terms.” His dazzling smile blinded me. Tilting his head, he studied me like a hawk, awaiting my response. Not an answer, as it wasn’t a question, but almost an order. A strange itch in the back of my mind pulsed in a warning, but it was faint. I brushed it off as a result of my inexperience and nervousness.

Boys in high school had asked me out before, but that was the point. They were boys. This specimen was a man–a rugged, beautiful man–-interested in me.

Any redness that had already faded from my cheeks suddenly returned, spreading to my neck. Confused by my adolescent reactions, I furrowed my brow and cleared my throat. An Adonis I crashed into was asking me out. Me!? Unable to accept the sincerity of the moment, I opened my mouth to decline.

My free hand flew to my chest over the erratic beating. A slightly uncomfortable twinge throbbed beneath my palm, and I answered with a yes as if compelled. What the hell?

My mouth gaped in shock as the foreign words betrayed me. Perhaps deep down, I wanted to go with him, and my inner desire responded on behalf of my common sense.

“I figured you might see it my way,” he chortled. "I'll pick you up. Tell me where you live,” he commanded in a hushed tone.

Alarm bells went off in my head. How foolish would I be to give a stranger my address? The words "I don't think so" echoed in my mind, yet somehow, what came out was my address. Once more, the desire to say no to the demand caused a slight pain. As soon as the address flowed out, the twinge faded away as if it was never there. What is wrong with me?

"How silly of me. What is your name?”

“Parker.”

“Parker,” he whispered with reverence. A wave of delight coursed through my body, capturing the moment’s magic.

“Well, Parker, I’m Nicholas, but you can call me Nick. I’ll be at your place at 7:00 sharp.”

He planted a kiss on my forehead, his chest rumbling against me. I didn’t hate it, but wasn’t this weird? A stranger touching me as if I were his. Once free from his grip, he rubbed my arms lightly, then winked confidently before strolling away.

This is unbelievable. Why did I let him do any of this? Why did I agree to it? My parents raised me better than that. I am being reckless and foolish.

Confused by my momentary lapse of logic, I drifted from shop to shop, lost in a stupor as I replayed the bizarre but exciting interaction.

***

Nick rang my bell at 7:00 p.m. My nerves frayed at the edges, and my hands shook. A part of me wanted to kiss him, and I jumped at the sound with glee.

Yet a more significant part of me felt that warning scratching beneath the surface.

There was a knock on the door, followed by another before I opened it. Impatient much? The internal battle slowed my approach.

I gripped the handle and opened the door. Glancing up at his face, I noticed anger flash in his eyes, but, like the strange blackness of his eyes earlier, it vanished quickly. Ignoring my inner voice, I forced a smile.

“You are right on time,” I said. I attempted to sound bold, but my voice trembled. “Where are we going?” This time, more confidence radiated in my voice.

"You are beautiful," he said, stripping me naked with his eyes before lifting my hand to his lips and kissing it gently. My hand remained in his as he tugged me outside the door. I couldn't help but giggle.

“We're going to one of my favorite restaurants,” he said, his face glowing with nostalgia and excitement.

“I can’t wait for it.” I chastised myself, feeling my cheeks flush once more under his intense gaze. I locked my apartment door and let him lead me toward the elevator.

The cozy, dimly lit steakhouse welcomed me and eased my tension. The soft table lights provided a romantic warmth to the circular booth we shared. He slid in closer, his thigh firmly planted against mine.

For the first time in a long time, I wore a dress, and now I regretted it. Too much contact with his powerful, muscular thigh made my palms sweat. I swallowed hard when his strong hand landed on my knee and squeezed gently.

“Don't be nervous, Park. I won’t bite. I promise,” he grinned and removed his hand for the rest of the dinner.

My anxiety faded away layer by layer as the conversation flowed. Six years older than me, he explained how he would become the CEO of his family company when his father passed it on to him at retirement.

The evening proceeded, and he surprised me further. During dessert, a stunning bouquet of lilies arrived at the table. The fragrance brought a smile to my lips.

“They are lovely. How did you know these are my favorite? Thank you, Nick!”

Grasping my hands, he rubbed gentle circles over the backs of them with his thumbs. He released one hand to stroke my cheek with his knuckles, then trailed down my jaw. His eyes flickered to my mouth, and then he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my lips with his own. It was brief but made a lasting impression.

Warmth pooled between my thighs as his lust-filled gaze penetrated me. The man had game, capable of making any woman a puddle, yet he remained a perfect gentleman. Somehow, he brought forth hidden dirty thoughts with just a look, and I squirmed in my seat.

“The flowers don’t compare to you, Park. I don’t want to be too forward, but I feel a little consumed by you. I hope that we get to see each other again,” he replied, his voice low and husky. I noted that he didn’t respond to my question about picking the right flower, but maybe it was a coincidence.

“I would be lying if I said I hadn’t been thinking of kissing you the moment you crashed into me,” he said with a rasp. Under his heated scrutiny, my lips tingled. There goes the blushing again.

The first date came to an end. He embraced me sweetly as we stood before my apartment door. My nervousness returned, and my throat felt dry. He set a large hand on my hip and dragged me toward him so my body melded to his. My inhibitions melted away as his soft lips brushed against mine again.

The sweet caress spiraled into an unbridled heat as we clung to each other in front of my door. I gripped his shoulders as his other hand wrapped into my hair. Our torsos pressed tight together, his tongue stroked my own with fervor, and then I felt something hard at my hip. Oh boy. He left me dizzy and breathless when we separated.

“Before we do something foolish, and as much as it pains me, I’m going to say goodnight,” he said. He nipped at my lips playfully and finally stepped away from me.

“I’ll call you tomorrow, Park,” he said.