TORN BETWEEN A WEREWOLF AND A DRAGON

CHAPTER 3: ONE BOTTLE OF JACK DANIELS

KILLIAN'S POV

They say I was dangerous, and that I was the most feared Alpha on the planet. They nicknamed me the Dark Alpha for reasons unknown to me. Maybe it was because they believed I brought death and destruction everywhere I went. A man who was so wicked and vile that I ate babies and ground their bones to make my bread.

I cackled to myself. What a load of dog poo.

I am just a wolf who lost all hope in life when my mate died, so I had been spending my days travelling the world and the seven seas, fighting wars, and conquering cities.

After hearing about dark witches infiltrating the werewolves in this region, my warriors and I decided to help. So we fought and killed the perpetrators, but our work wasn't free though. We requested the packs pay us a small fee for our services, which is fair since we were putting our lives on the line. For those who couldn't pay, we would take some of their lands as payment.

I now owned land in every werewolf community in the world.

This was supposed to be our last oorah. But after adding our previous victory under our belt, we got word that my worst enemy was lurking somewhere in Shuddersfield, the only town near Danville, Miami. But upon arriving, I realized it was a town of shifters belonging to a pack called Blue Oceans pack. A pack that my father and Alpha before me thought was extinct.

I couldn't believe how a pack could go on all these years and not make it on my radar. I knew about every Alpha and their packs. I knew their strengths and weaknesses, so not knowing a thing about this pack didn't sit well with me.

A few hours in and I found out that the Alpha of the Blue Ocean's Pack was an intense gambler and an old drunk. Information I got from an omega I met called Christopher Charles. He told me that his Alpha was held up in the only gambling house in town.

My Gamma and I visited the Alpha, while we left our warriors resting in our camp nearby.

The old man was fooled by our wealthy attire that he thought I didn't know my way around a poker table. The i***t wasted no time as he challenged me to a game. And being who I am, I just couldn't turn down the challenge.

I almost choked on my spit when he told me what he was gambling away and even though the other wolves were drowning in my dominance, Alpha Steve was too drunk to sense that I was of great power.

I almost lost the game because the old drunk couldn't stop talking about his brave daughter and all the wild tales that followed her, and I didn't know why, but something seemed to have hooked my attention.

Maybe this daughter of his was why I didn't know about this pack. Maybe she was the brains behind the pack's mystery. I was determined to learn more about this Apple Pie of his.

I regained my focus in the last couple of minutes, and Steve lost the game and his pack lands as payment.

I wasn't as heartless as people believed me to be, so I made a counter deal and I promised to return everything to him, even throwing in a couple of millions to sweeten the deal, but only if Steve agreed to let his daughter come with me to my pack as my potential Luna. And I also requested that my warriors were given the same opportunity of choosing maidens from his pack for mates as well.

Backed into a corner, Alpha Steve agreed to my terms. I informed him that I would come for my prize as soon as I sorted the business I came to do in this town.

And my business was now paused, I didn't find what I came for.

My eyes counted the trees as they passed in a blur as my Gamma and best friend sped along the sloped road.

“I can't believe I couldn't find his scent," Rudolph complained. “It's like he was never here. If he was, my wolf would have found something."

“I thought Judas said the Demon would be here?” I snorted. I shuffled in my seat and moved my gaze to the road ahead. We'd been scouting the coasts for days now, trying to find the Demon Ramus that raped and killed most of the she-wolves in my pack.

A plague that the Moon Goddess rained down on us because of what I did. All because I killed my mate, Xena. I didn't mean to. It was an accident. But the Moon Goddess didn't see it that way. She had been punishing me and my pack ever since.

“Judas is your Beta. it is unclear to me why you trust him so much,” Rudolph cursed under his breath. “And don't tell me it's because he's your cousin. That bag of fleas doesn't deserve to share the same blood with you." Rudolph growled. I knew he was upset when I selected Judas to be my Beta instead of him, but I needed Rudolph with me on the roads and I couldn't have both Alpha and Beta away from my pack at the same time, so I made Rudolph my Gamma.

“I wasn't going to say it," I laughed. “You think it was a good idea to make that deal with Alpha, Steve? I mean, I feel terrible knowing we might snatch away someone's mate."

“I already spoke to the others. None of them will take any of the she-wolves unless they are their mates. What about you? Will you take the Alpha's daughter?"

“I don't know. It's just that I'm 30 and I–" I trailed off, knowing that I was not fit to be someone's mate. I was cursed and I refused to take down an innocent she-wolf with me.

“It's OK. We'll get Ramus for what he did. I promise you, Alpha," Rudolph gripped the steering wheel so tight his knuckles got white. We pulled up to a bar at the end of the road. “How about we grab a drink before we head back to camp?” Rudolph inquired while he jumped from the truck and slammed the door shut. “Tonight is the night we claim our prizes," he sighed.

We noticed some drunken college guys running from the inside. My wolf and I wondered what that was about. They seemed frightened.

“Sure, just give me a couple of minutes, I'm right behind you," I told him. “And be on the lookout. Those frat boys seemed a little spooked."

Rudolph nodded his head as he jogged towards the entrance. I just needed some time to talk to the Moon Goddess. Lately, I had been feeling lonely.

************

APPLE'S POV

The night had been slower than I expected. Four fellows grabbed my ass and just one groped my breast. So, I only broke three noses tonight. It was a good thing I used to f**k the other two, or else they'd be sporting bloodied faces, too.

“Apple, in my office, now!” Rupert, the owner of this prestigious shithole and the world's most annoying boss, yelled.

I poured someone some tequila before heading to Rupert's office. I shoved the door open, knowing he hated it when I didn't knock and announce myself before I entered.

“You summoned me, Your Majesty?” I curtsied, mocking the sexy silver fox. He rubbed his palm over his face and his wrinkles did little to hide his attractiveness. I loved his brown hair that had streaks of grey at the sides, hence my nickname for him, Sexy Silver Fox.

“Apple, just sit your ass down," he pleaded. “What is this I hear about you breaking three guys' noses? I just got a call from the Sheriff's office. I can't keep paying off these people for you," he shouted, slamming his palms hard on his desk. His eyes flashed from blue to black. His wolf was definitely pissed at me. Every so often I forget that some of these customers are human and can't heal like us supernaturals.

He inhaled deeply, trying to calm his wolf.

“Rupert, I'm sorry," I apologized, and I truly meant it.

“I'm gonna need you to lock up tonight. I have to go down to the sheriff's station to sort out this mess of yours," he spoke while he stood up. His tall, muscular frame was so intimidating, I had a hard time believing that he was an omega. He kissed my forehead, and I flinched. He knew I hated being babied. “It's a good thing you are my god-daughter or else I would have fired you that day you got caught in the bathroom having s*x with my sister-in-law's husband.”

“Again, I'm sorry about that," I blushed. “I did some stupid s**t when I was young.”

Rupert gave me a stern look.

“Apple, that was just last week," my wolf reminded me.

“Yeah, and so? That's like 10 years in werewolf years."

“No, it's not–it's –"

“Trixie, just please let it go.”

I didn't need my wolf reminding me of how bad I was at maths.

“OK, Apple. I'm trusting you and Trixie. Don't let me down," he warned as he handed me the keys to the bar.

“Don't worry Rupert. I'm only gonna throw a party, maul some humans, and then have some hot guys run a train on me in your office on your desk after we do lines of cocaine."

“OK then. I'm outta here," he announced as he walked through the door.

Rupert was like a second dad to me. It had nothing to do with the fact that he used to bump uglies in the woods with my mother when they were teens. Rupert is from the Blood Moon Pack, and my mother was the Alpha's daughter. Rupert was one of their kitchen staff, and he fell for my mother. They were dating back when she stumbled upon my father in the woods, hiding from rogues.

My mother saved my dad and then realized he was her mate. She moved to the Blue Oceans Pack a week later, leaving Rupert heartbroken. He never found his fated mate, but he fell in love with a human woman and they got married. They had like a hundred half-breed pups.

Many of our werewolf friends wondered why Rupert never turned her or let alone tell her his secret.

I never got the chance to ask him, plus tonight I needed to close this place early. I had to hurry home and be there when the Dark Alpha arrives.

You guys thought I broke those assholes' noses for nothing?

I knew Rupert would go clean up my mess, leaving me behind to close the bar. This place was understaffed and I was overworked.

I scurried back outside, serving as many tables as I could in human speed and pouring liquor to assholes who didn't need more encouragement to be assholes.

I was just happy Tulip, my best friend who was also the pack's genius, was here to help me. If only she'd close that damn book.

Who enjoys reading so much? I found it to be a boring hobby.

“Tulip, put that damn book down and go clear that table," I ordered. She used a finger to push her glasses up on her face. She sighed, placing a bookmark between the pages of her book and closing it with a snap.

“If I am correct, I am not getting paid, so this is a form of forced labour. And it is illegal." she rolled her eyes. She grabbed the disinfectant spray and wiped down the counters and chairs.

It was only a quarter to 9. I planned on closing the kitchen at 9 and the bar at 10. Rupert would go ballistic if he knew I was locking up two hours earlier than normal.

The last table still had like three frat guys stuffing their faces with fries and burgers. Quaffing down beers, burping and crushing beer cans on their foreheads.

I needed them to leave already.

“Do you gentlemen need anything else?” I asked as politely as I could.

Please say no.

“Oh yes, sweets. Can we get another round of tequila shots?” The one whose breath smelt like a dragon's ass asked.

I smiled. “Coming right up.” I turned on my heel and headed to the bar.

“...And a nacho and cheese basket.”

I looked up at the clock. “I'm sorry gentlemen, the kitchen isn't taking any more orders," I called from over my shoulder.

My ears picked up drunken footsteps dragging across the floor towards me. Before I could turn around, I felt my ass globes jiggling and the sting that you feel after someone smacks your butt.

He smacked my ass again and the wolf inside me wanted to be set free. My eyes got so dark and Trixie began to howl in my head.

Tulip hurried over to me and grabbed my hand before I could claw his head off.

The acne-faced douchebag backed away when he saw my eyes and elongated teeth.

“What are you?" he asked, trembling like a leaf on a tree.

“Definitely not a foul breath imbecile like you."

“OK Fellows, the party's over. Let's move it along now." Tulip told them. “The bar is closed."

They grabbed their things and hurried out the door. Looking over their shoulders to see if the girl with the black eyes was chasing them.

I checked the table. “Cheapskates," I cursed as I noticed the one-dollar tip rolled up on the table.

Tulip and I continued cleaning up. She was too quiet and I knew something was bothering her.

“What is on your mind?" I broke the tension.

“Apple, is there something I should know?”

I froze, I wanted to protect her, but I wouldn't get another opportunity to tell her what was going on. “It's a long story."

“Ok, let me go tinkle first, but when I'm back, you need to tell me everything, Apple."

“Ok, ok." I surrendered.

I was stooped under the bar counter, locking the cabinet with the rifle, when I heard the bell over the door ping.

Shit! Tulip forgot to lock the damn door. I looked up and saw a guy in a leather jacket waltzing in. He was super sexy and had the whole bad boy with a good heart vibe.

I inhaled and my wolf went on the defense. He was a werewolf, maybe from one of the neighboring packs. They'd pass through here now and again.

“Good evening miss," he greeted, looking around. Probably thinking we didn't get many customers. He was sniffing the air. Not so subtle with it either.

I knew he must have picked up I was a werewolf too.

“Sorry, but we are closed.” I busied myself wiping the already clean counter.

Trixie forcing me to look at him.

His emerald eyes shot towards me, and the force of his gaze almost caused me to drool. I held my composure though.

“But–"

“I said WE ARE CLOSED.” I cut him off, getting a bit more possessive with my authority.

He had a nice voice though. I could tell he was a well-trained dog – I mean wolf.

“OK. How about selling me a bottle of Jack Daniels to go?"

So polite.

Unlike me...

I rested my hands on my hips.

“Look buddy. Read my damn lips. WE. ARE. CLOSED. And even if I wanted to, I have already closed the cash register."

He ran a thumb over his lip, studying me. He grinned.

“Well, I thank you, nonetheless," he smirked. “But for someone who works for tips," he looked down at my white tank top and my red booty shorts. “Your attitude is not that likeable," he grimaced as he turned to leave.

“Did you just insult me asshole?" I snapped at him. I felt my eyes getting lost in a sea of dark myst, and my canines bored their way out from my gum.

I jumped on the counter, crouching, stalking him with my eyes.

“You are a werewolf!” He stated, surprised. “But how did you—I couldn't smell you," he declared. Watching my predatorial movements.

I did not know what he was talking about. I jumped down from the counter. “Just leave. Now."

“Tulip, danger! Just stay in the bathroom," I mind-linked my friend.

“Not until you tell me how you did that," he grabbed my arm.

“Let me go," I struggled to flash him off, but he was stronger than any wolf I'd ever encountered.

“Your scent. I can smell it now. You're a," he paused. “You're an Alpha female."

I howled, shoving him hard now. His claws pierced my arm, and I got angrier now. “You clawed me.”

“I didn't mean to, ma'am," he stood to his feet. “You need to collect yourself. You are behaving very unladylike."

I grabbed the bottle of Jack Daniels. “One bottle of Jack Daniels coming right up!”

WHACK!

POW!

I smacked him over the head. The bottle broke into thick pieces. The brown liquid wetted his head, causing his dark brown hair to fall over his forehead. He blinked rapidly.

That blow was supposed to knock his lights out, not only make him dizzy. I used some of my werewolf strength for f**k's sake.

The bathroom doors flew open. I turned around to see Tulip running towards me with a puzzled look in her eyes.

“Oh, my dear Moon Goddess, are you OK?" she asked, with tears streaking her face and arms wide open.

“You're such a drama queen. Of course, I'm alright." I opened my arms to accept her hug. But little Miss chemistry lab ran past me. I could hear her bones snapping in the air as she transformed into her wolf. She ran towards the biggest wolf I'd ever seen.

Distracted by Tulip's entrance, I didn't realize when the man turned into his wolf. I didn't even hear his bones snapping or anything.

The big wolf howled, shaking the building with force.

The front door started to open.

Of course, the wolf was with friends. I ran up to the door, trying to push it shut, but a big black boot was barring the door.

I peeked through the crack while I struggled to keep the door closed from the intruder and my eyes came into contact with a brilliant electric blue.

... Then my entire world stopped on its axis.