The Alpha's Diversion

The Uneasy Rider

Wind rushing past her, a strong man in her arms, the desire pulsing through her; Cat felt a bit heady by the time they arrived at the Vault. She released Addis a little too casually when she climbed off the bike, smiled at him with too much familiarity when she handed him the helmet.

He understood what she was feeling, but he couldn’t let himself get caught up in it, no matter how beautiful she was as she ran her fingers through her windblown hair to try to smooth it.

“Wanna come in for a drink while we wait for your friend?”

He shook his head, “Nah, thanks for the offer. Jeb won’t be long. I’ll just wait here.”

She shuffled her feet, unsure of whether she should wait with him. Something had shifted during the ride. She wanted to go back to verbally sparring with him, which felt more comfortable, but didn’t know how.

Addis started to take the keys out of the ignition before pausing. “Do you want me to park the bike somewhere else? I should’ve asked before I came to your business. We can take it to your house if you want?”

“No, I live upstairs. This is fine. I can get it around back later.”

The thrill of the ride and the man had begun to wear off and she found herself relieved when she heard the truck pull up.

Addis’ friend joined them, extending his hand as he grinned at her charmingly. “I’m Jeb, by the way. Addis’ smarter, more charming, better-looking friend. We weren’t properly introduced earlier.”

Cat heard Addis grunt as she took Jeb’s hand and laughed. “Does he do that a lot?” she asked, nodding her head towards Addis as she shared a conspiratorial look with Jeb.

“You have no idea,” he whispered as he leaned in flirtatiously. “He’s kind of grumpy. I don’t know if you’ve noticed.”

“I may have.” She could tell that Jeb was one to watch, but she could also sense that he was only turning on the charm with her to annoy Addis. After she’d felt Addis’ reaction to her on the motorcycle, she wondered if Jeb guessed that he was attracted to her. “I don’t think I said it before but thanks…to both of you…for helping me get my bike home. I owe you a drink sometime.”

“I’ll definitely take you up on that,” Jeb laughed. “Flint told me your bar is great and I never turn down a free drink.”

"Great! We’re going to have live music on Friday if you want to come.”

“I’m there!”

Jeb was carrying the conversation with her. She stole a glance at Addis, but his face was back to being expressionless. She studied him without embarrassment this time, until Jeb interrupted her.

“It’s none of my business, Cat, but what will you do about the motorcycle now? I hope you’re not going to let that guy give you any more lessons?”

Cat definitely didn’t have a poker face. Her face immediately reflected her denial. “Absolutely not! I’m not sure what would’ve happened back there but now that I know how Cory feels, I am not putting myself in that situation again!”

“Well, do you know anyone else who could teach you?”

Cat couldn’t help but laugh. Jeb was an obvious troublemaker. The truth was, she didn’t know anyone else. But she wasn’t about to admit that. She’d just have to watch YouTube videos and teach herself. Or maybe Bobby could trailer it for her, and she could take a class in a bigger city.

“Because I happen to know a guy…”

Addis glared at his friend. “Don’t volunteer me.” His look softened slightly as he turned to face her, “I’ve got too much on my plate right now to teach you, Cat. Sorry.”

“It’s okay, Addis, really. I think I’ll be able to figure the rest out on my own. They make tutorials on YouTube. I’ll just go slowly.”

Addis’ face blanched. “That’s a bad idea. You could hurt yourself. Isn’t there anyone else who can teach you?”

She grimaced. Sure, Addis didn’t want her hurt, but his response had shown how much he’d rather anyone but him teach her how to ride. She wasn’t sure why, but it hurt her feelings.

“Dude,” Jeb’s voice was full of disapproval before he turned away from his friend to Cat. “I can probably find someone reliable, Cat. Just give me a few days. Don’t get back on the bike alone. Promise?”

Pulling her hand down from her ear lobe, she tried to hide her disappointment as she grinned at him. “Sure, that’s really nice of you, Jeb. Thanks!”

“No problem! Hey, it was nice to meet you. I’ll see you on Friday for that drink!”

“See you then! Bye Addis!”

Addis nodded at her before heading to the truck with Jeb. His body was rigid, using all of his energy not to shift into his wolf to run away. He needed to process the raging emotions and desires within him. The need to have her close to him was almost equal to his desire to save his pack and that realization scared the hell out of him.

Cat watched him as he got into the truck and left. He was a difficult one to figure out, that was for sure.