Captured

{11} The Date

Zach's POV:

I was on edge after the Farmer's Market. Hunter wanted to rip Adam to shreds, but we both know we have to be patient and diplomatic with the situation, as two Alphas raging war for clout would not sit well with the council. For me, it is less about power and more about protecting my pack from carelessness. And Adam is as careless as they come. His greed and pride will be his downfall.

I have been working side by side with Trevor all week trying to get the system fully operational. We are so close and I truly feel I can finally trust him. He has proven his loyalty and dedication to this pack as well as my family. Uncle Daniel spoke so highly of him before he even arrived in our territory, but with my history and feelings towards outsiders, I doubted Trevor would win me over. I was wrong. He has done everything to help this pack and is honest about any problems or pitfalls that could occur in the future. I respect his work ethic and ability.

I want to talk to him about his daughter, but I don't want to come across as nosy or stalkerish. I am fishing for information about how she feels towards Adam...and me. As my birthday draws closer, I have a stronger pull towards her. I know the Moon Goddess is trying to prepare me, especially knowing my history and feelings toward humans. Could I learn to love her if she does turn out to be my mate? Can I accept her? Can she accept me? I feel like a broken record.

"That's it! It's ready!" Trevor exclaims with such enthusiasm it breaks me from my thoughts. I walk over to the wall of monitors to see the once black screens come to life with images from around the territory. He starts toggling between screens to highlight various areas. He comes to one monitor highlighting Main Street, specifically Miller's hardware store. I hear him take a deep breath.

"What's wrong Trevor?" I hope he will talk about her.

"It's my daughter. She's been asked out by Alpha Walker of River Ridge. No disrespect, Zach, but the guy screams disaster. Sara Beth is no fool, trust me, but she allows people to get close in order to understand their true intentions. I hate it. I wish she would protect herself before they get close. I don't trust him, but I can't say that to her. I don't want her to feel as though I don't trust her judgement or instincts." he sighs again. "She's my little girl. I want to know if the person she's going to be with will protect her. Someone like you, not that creep Adam. He's bad news." I am shocked at his affirmation of me being a better choice than Adam. He only knows me from working together, but I guess it was enough to prove my worth.

"I've known him since we were in high school. He and I have been in competition with one another for as long as I can remember. He's a cocky, arrogant son of a b***h who would stop at nothing to take me down." I glare at the hardware store entrance. "I will do all I can to stop him from hurting her, but I don't know if she will ever forever me for how I treated her. I was a total d**k. Hell, I still have my moments." I lower my head in shame because my reasons were sound, but my execution was s**t.

"Look, I've been around werewolves since I was a boy and I know how all of this works. I know your beginning was a little rocky." I stare at him. How does he know all of this? "She and I have had several talks about the rude asshole named Zach. No disrespect, Alpha, just quoting my daughter." I nod because he hasn't said anything that isn't true. "I'll leave you with this. My daughter isn't a fool and her gut instincts are on point. She's stronger than she looks and would be a great mate. She doesn't appreciate people who make decisions for her or people who make assumptions, which is probably the only reason she accepted the date invitation. She will allow him to show her his true colors. Then, she will decide," he explains. "There is a lot she doesn't know especially about this world." I pick up his deeper meaning, but I like the idea that she would stand firm in her decisions and won't let others deter her. I swell with pride at the thought she has her own thoughts and mindset. I would never want her to be a parrot. Simply spouting out what I want to hear. I just need to be patient and win her trust.

As the week draws to a close, Leah informs me about a girls' night she is hosting. She tells me Sara Beth will be in attendance. I stay away...sort of. I watch from a distance until I am caught by Scott and Christian. My Gamma, Christian, has grown more and more aware of my interest in her, which only heightens his need to protect her. As Gamma, one of his main responsibilities to the pack is to protect and guard the Luna. If she is in fact my mate, he would be charged with ensuring her safety. Scott held true to his word and didn't reveal anything to Christian, but his brilliant mind put the pieces together.

"Out for a stroll in the moonlight, Alpha," Christian taunts. I turn to see Scott and Christian both pulling on shorts. I nod as I continue to watch the girls have a wonderful "guy free" night.

"Nah, just taking in the sights," I say calmly. However, my curiosity peaks when I see Leah walk to the back deck alone. Scott can sense my emotions as he, too, is worried about his mate. I then see her from the back door, looking for Leah. She walks over and places her back against the rail while Leah faces the forest. They are discussing something and Scott can feel Leah's concern, worry, fear through their mate bond. We watch as she wraps her arms around Leah and Leah reciprocates the embrace. I know Leah is growing very close to her as they spend more and more time together. She doesn't like Adam any more than Scott or I do. And, with her father feeling the same way, I have no doubt she will see him for the dirtbag he truly is. I take a deep breath and look at Scott.

"She's going through with the date, but Leah says she herself has doubts about his real intentions." I nod. That's my girl. I pause. Is she my girl? No. Do I want her to be? I don't know. I'm still coming to terms with this situation, but I want her to know I know about the date.

The next day, I decide to make an appearance at Miller's. I know he is picking her up after work even though it is uncustomary to cross pack lines without permission. This community, along with the other three packs, have allowed crossovers for years with the understanding of following pack rules and regulations. So far, it has worked in our favor, strengthening our alliance and protecting us from outsiders. However, Adam is using it for his own personal gain. Richard has already informed me of his ordering supplies through his store simply to gain access to her. He is doing it as a dig towards me.

I enter the store and find Richard at the counter. Without too much movement, I spot her stocking the display shelf. I walk toward Richard and begin asking him about Adam. We keep our conversation barely above a whisper. Only a werewolf would be able to hear us. I can see her glance in our direction, curious about our conversation. Richard fills me in on what Adam did to secure his date with her. It only sparks fuel to the fire. I'm pissed he manipulated her into going in the first place. I can't stand him and wish he would go jump off a cliff. I decide Richard and I need to speak more privately. We head toward the store room. I can sense her eyes on us as we walk passed. I don't look at her.

After our brief conversation, I make my way toward the aisle she is currently stocking. She has her back to me and I silently approach her. I feel her body tense and her heartbeat speed up. She slowly turns to face me.

"Uh--hel--lo Mr. Turner, can I help you?" she manages to stammer out. I continue to stare at her. I'm trying to control my emotions, but deep down, I'm scared for her. Adam isn't stupid and will stop at nothing to use her to get to me. I can't let that happen. She starts to lower her head, but I slide my fingers underneath her chin, forcing her to look at me with those beautiful hazel eyes. She remains silent.

"Do I make you nervous?" I finally say.

"Sometimes." she says, barely above a whisper.

"Sometimes?" her honesty slightly amuses me, but I also like this power I have over her. The enjoyment quickly vanishes as she is going on a date with my enemy. Hunter wants nothing more than to rip his head off, but I know I must let her decide. I have to let her go. It angers me.

"Be careful tonight." I grit out before leaving the store without another word. I have to get out of there before I do something foolish. As soon as I reach the treeline, I shift into my wolf. He needs a release and I wasn't about to argue with an angry wolf. When he reaches one of our favorite clearings, he sits on his hind legs and raises his snout to the sky to howl. It is a pain-stricken, angry howl of despair. He is ready to find out if she is indeed his mate. He hates Adam, and he wants to protect his pack from the likes of him.

After shifting back and throwing on some clothes, I know he will be picking her up soon. I know I will follow, hidden amongst the trees and shadows of the night. What I don't know is that I will have company. Scott and Christian find me in my hiding spot across the street from Miller's when Adam's black corvette pulls up to the store front. He acts like a gentleman by opening her door, but I know it is all for show.

"What's the game plan, boss?" Scott asks.

"Nothing. We wait, we watch, we do not intervene unless absolutely necessary." I explain. Christian and Scott both nod in understanding. We all three shift into our wolves in order to follow his car undetected until they make their way to a well-known restaurant located on neutral ground called The Mountain Bistro. It's actually a very nice place for a date, but I can tell she feels uncomfortable in what she's wearing. Leah had asked where they were going, but she didn't know any details. Leah tried to help her dress for a multitude of possibilities. She looks beautiful regardless, but underdressed for this place. Wait, did I just say she was beautiful? What is happening to me?

"How do you flirt with the hostess when you're on a date with someone?" Christian asks. I see what he is referring to. I also notice her reaction. She saw the whole exchange, but says nothing. He holds her hand even though she's trying to release his grasp. What a f*****g douche? I see the hostess lead them to the front window. I chuckle, gaining the attention of Scott and Christian.

"What is it?" Christian asks.

"Yeah, what's so funny?" Scott adds.

"He got a table right in front of the window. He knows we are watching so he plans to put on a show. So predictable." I state. I settle into a tree to continue watching the exchange. He orders expensive wine, but she drinks water. I smile knowing he is trying to win her over with money, but she's not that type of girl. Her father explained it to me in detail. I can almost see a hint of annoyance on her face as he even flirts with the server while she stares at him. He also seems annoyed with her choice of water over wine. After the drinks arrive, he then proceeds to order for both of them. I can tell she is angered by this, but she keeps it to herself.

After the meal arrives, there's a shift in their demeanor. She leans forward with an air of dominance and confidence. Whatever she asked sends him reeling for an answer. He tries to smooth talk his way out of the situation, but she isn't buying it. However, I watch as he moves from the chair across the table to the one next to her. He stalks her like prey, sitting so close to her. I want to rush into the restaurant and pull him away. Then, he kisses her. I growl lowly and feel Scott and Christian grab ahold of my arms.

"I need to leave before I do something stupid. Please keep tabs on them and let me know what happens." Without another look, I rush toward the woods and shift. Hunter is deeply hurt and angry. What do I do if Adam wins her heart?