The Alpha's Pursuit

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

The loud buzzer shattered my dreams, pulling me from the haze of sleep. The increasingly loud smartphone on the nightstand pried my eyelids open. Vibrating across the wooden surface, the device moved in a teasing dance to the rhythm of the alarm.

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 began to scream at me, its voice muffled by the soft gray carpet.

Much like today, on almost every other day, my lazy attempt to reach for the loud object was too lethargic. The phone slipped from my grasp and fell to the ground before I could touch the screen.

The gadget landed on the padded flooring with a soft thud. I silently prayed it had avoided a cracked screen once more. A frustrated groan escaped me, and I raised an eyebrow. Did I have time to hit the snooze button one more time?

Sighing in defeat as a revelation struck me, I struggled to reach the phone, which was slowly edging its way under my bed. Quelling its cry of 'wakey-wakey' would ensure my sleepiness wore off as I silenced the beast.

My company was expecting an important client early today, and my obligation drove me to prepare at the office earlier than usual. Oversleeping could cost me more than just a lecture. I have been employed here for roughly six months.

Grateful for my job and the ability to pay my bills, I threw off the covers. I huffed to show that although I was going in, I wasn’t happy about it.

The biting cold air awakened my senses, and goosebumps erupted across my skin where my cotton pajamas left me exposed.

Facing a brand-new work week, I kneaded my face, wishing for a three-day weekend. Like most people, I hate Mondays.

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 just stay there a little longer, pouting at the thought of getting up.

Sitting up, I looked like a Disney princess—specifically, Anna from Frozen. I resembled the scene where she wakes up with drool streaking across her cheek. Her long red hair was sticking to her face, kinked in every direction on her head. To be honest, this is where my resemblance to the feisty cartoon character ends, aside from the fact that my hair is dark brown, not red.

Reflecting on my life over the past few years, pride filled me from within. Although there were dull moments, my life was free of turbulence or drama.

It did before I met and fell 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 began to drift from my immediate surroundings. The scent of cinnamon rolls and leather filled the air as I wandered down the expansive corridor. The overlapping chatter of shoppers and the squeaking of tennis shoes on the linoleum overwhelmed my senses.

The further I roamed, the more tightly I clutched my purse to my body, which grew tense. High school graduation occurred about two weeks ago. As I searched for a new job closer to college, I reluctantly walked between stores. Many kiosks selling earrings, hats, massage chairs, scarves, and more lined the center of the hall.

Admiring a purple beaded silk scarf, I sighed as I released it. My budget allowed for one outfit, with no accessories. Traveling to the plaza on my quest for interview clothes, I cringed. My five-year streak of avoiding malls came to an end. I scanned to the left first, investigating the variety of shops.

As I shuffled ahead, I spotted a potential winner to my right, showcasing a perfect suit on a mannequin. I quickened my pace to a speed walk, neglecting to avoid an obstacle.

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

Nose planting into an immovable barrier, I felt myself fall back and braced for the impact on my rear. After squeezing my eyes shut for a few seconds, I opened one eye and peered out.

A cloud of confusion cleared, and I stared at the fingers that wrapped around my elbows, holding me upright. A gasp escaped my lips when recognition hit me. The wall was an unyielding, fit, broad-chested, and gorgeous man.

Gazing through my dark eyelashes, I absorbed his alluring features. Dirty blonde, 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 took in his full lips, tan skin, and the firm muscles straining against his form-fitting 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 to walk away." I wasn’t looking where I was going.” I’m looking now, and wow!

A smirk spread across 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.

Fighting against the urge to lean further in to soak in his fragrance, I bit my lip. The flavor of pennies collided with my tastebuds as I drew blood. What is wrong with me?

“No problem at all, beautiful. It’s my lucky day to run into you,” he drawled. What the heck?

My heart skipped a beat, and my stomach fluttered when his deep, smooth voice brushed against my ears. Goosebumps rose 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 made me 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 one slowly. I wanted to ensure that his eyes sparkled blue and weren't close to black. I breathed a sigh of relief. Phew, there’s nothing to worry about—except for the thought of whether he sensed my reaction to him. More crazy thoughts, Parker; I need to cut it out.

“Well, I should go. I still have some shopping to do,” I squeaked in embarrassment, my head 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 held on tight. I swallowed hard, feeling my throat bob as I fought to keep steady.

“Hmmm.” He lifted one hand to tap a finger to his chin in thought, a smug smile curling over his lips. The long fingers of the 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.

Any redness that had already faded from my cheeks suddenly returned, spreading to my neck. Confused by my adolescent reactions, I furrowed my brow. An Adonis I had 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.

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. What is wrong with me?

"How silly of me. What is your name?”

“Parker.”

“Parker. Such a stunning name,” he whispered softly. A wave of goosebumps 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. Once free from his grip, he rubbed my arms lightly, then winked and strolled 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.

Confused by my momentary lapse of reason, I drifted from shop to shop, captivated by an overwhelming sense of detachment.

***

Nick rang my bell at 7 p.m. precisely. My nerves were frayed at the edges. A part of me wanted to kiss him and jumped at the sound with glee.

A more significant part of me felt a warning. There was a knock on the door, followed by another before I opened it. The internal battle slowed my approach.

Glancing up at his face, I noticed anger flash in his eyes. Ignoring my inner voice, I forced a smile.

“You are right on time. Where are we going?”

"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.

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.

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. Thank you, Nick!”

Grasping my hands, he rubbed gentle circles over their back with his thumbs. Warmth pooled between my thighs as his lust-filled gaze penetrated me. The man had a game, yet he remained a perfect gentleman but brought forth hidden dirty thoughts, and I squirmed in my seat.

“They don’t compare to you, Parker. 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.

I would be lying if I said I hadn’t been thinking of kissing you the moment you bounced off my body,” he grinned. Under his heated scrutiny, a sinful burn touched my lips. 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. My inhibitions melted away as his soft lips brushed against mine.

The sweet caress spiraled into an unbridled heat as we clung to each other in front of my door. Our torsos pressed tight together, and tongues tangling for dominance, he left me dizzy and breathless when we separated.

The memories of a few stolen kisses in high school faded away, his mouth coaxing moans from me.

“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.

“I’ll call you tomorrow, Parker,” he said, resting his forehead against mine.