Blackmailing the Alpha

A Child's Innocence

Logan POV

The moment I stepped into her apartment…

I felt it.

Her scent.

It wrapped around me like an invisible chain, tugging at my wolf until he slammed against the walls of my mind. My chest tightened, breath hitching for just half a second — enough for me to know.

Mate.

My wolf roared in triumph.

Mine.

But she didn’t know. And she was human.

I forced my face into a neutral mask as my eyes automatically scanned the place. Small. Messy. Filled with strange metallic objects, wires, half-open gadgets and tools I had never seen before. This was her world — chaotic, brilliant, completely her.

She was sitting on the couch, irritated, defensive, fire in her eyes.

And damn… she was beautiful.

When Ken explained the situation, she didn’t agree easily. Of course she wouldn’t. She wasn’t the type to be ordered around. I almost smiled at that.

Almost.

Then I turned — and without thinking, my feet carried me toward her bedroom.

The scent was stronger there.

Too strong.

My wolf pushed harder. Go to her.

Before I could stop myself, my hand lifted one of her gadgets. Light. Strange. Ingenious.

Then her voice cut through the air like a blade.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

She snatched it back, fury blazing in her eyes.

“Out.”

The command wasn’t loud — but it was powerful.

For a second, my wolf wanted to growl. To dominate. To remind her who she belonged to. But I didn’t.

I held her gaze.

Those eyes… sharp, intelligent, unafraid.

She didn’t bow. Didn’t flinch.

Good.

I turned and walked out without a word.

Control.

That’s what an Alpha had to master.

But control had never been this hard.

A few minutes later, she came out with her bags. Three of them.

My wolf barked with amusement. Prepared little mate.

I watched as she struggled with the third bag. Before Ken could even react, I stepped in and lifted it easily.

Light work.

She and Ken just stared at me like I had performed some kind of magic trick.

I walked ahead without explaining.

Outside, in the parking area, the night air was thick with tension. Rita and the others were already in the first car. Ken joined them after one last look at Kiya.

She walked toward my car.

My mate.

I opened the passenger door for her.

She looked at it… then at me… then said, “I want to sleep. I’m tired.”

Avoiding me.

Running.

I nodded once and moved to the driver’s seat without arguing.

The moment the engine started, I heard her shift into the back seat. Within seconds, her breathing evened out.

She fell asleep that fast.

I adjusted the mirror slightly.

There she was.

Curled up. Vulnerable. Unaware.

My wolf softened instantly.

Protect her.

I drove in silence through the dark roads, every instinct alert. Rogues were still out there. Derick was still free. And now my mate was finally within my reach…

And completely unguarded.

I would burn the world to keep her safe.

Even if it meant hiding the truth from her a little longer.