Alpha Awakening - Adam (La Patron's Den Book 2) Read online

  “I think my mate’s here,” Tomas said watching Jarcee.

  Jarcee nodded slowly. “If that’s the case, congratulations.”

  Adam slapped Tomas on his shoulder. “Let’s get this over with. There are other things I want to do and soon.”

  “I hear you.” Tomas stepped to the side as Jarcee opened the door for them.

  “Glad you boys could make it.” Alpha Klink greeted them in the foyer wearing the team’s colors of royal blue and white in a loose-fitting jogging suit which showed off his trim frame. He looked up at Jarcee and smiled. “Come in! Everyone else is inside. Lots of food and drink.” He slapped Adam’s shoulder and smiled at Tomas before taking a drink from his glass. “Proud of what you boys pulled off. Won a ton of money too.”

  Adam smiled and inhaled. All his team-mates were there and a few other scents he didn’t recognize. He glanced at Tomas. Was one of the strange scents Tomas’ mate? His friend didn’t seem spooked or anything. Instead he strode through the crowd, picked up a can of local brew, opened it and chugged it down.

  “You okay?” Adam asked as he grabbed a can.

  “Yeah. Just nervous. You know?”

  Adam didn’t, but he empathized with his boy. “Is he here?” Adam looked around as he took a sip of the cold brew.

  “No. I don’t smell him.” Tomas exhaled, grabbed a plate and filled it with meat and olives.

  “Hello Adam.”

  Adam looked at the sexy redhead he’d spent a weekend with earlier that month and smiled. Things were looking up. He searched his memory for her name. “Hello sexy Sasha. How you doing?”

  “Better if I was doing you tonight,” she whispered near his ear. Her invitation went straight to his cock.

  Pulling her close against him, he inhaled and placed a kiss on the top of her head. He needed release in the worse way and if memory served him right, she was damn creative in bed. “We’ll see if we can make that happen.”

  “Sasha,” Frankie called as he walked toward them frowning. “Diego’s looking for you.”

  Adam’s gaze went from Frankie to Sasha. When she didn’t move or say anything, Adam removed his arm. He didn't fight over women, there were too many to choose from. Besides, he was a guest in Diego’s home; it was bad form to pull the man’s bitch like this, no matter how tempting.

  She stepped away from Adam and looked over her shoulder. “I meant what I said. It’s your call.”

  Adam held up his can as a farewell gesture totally at odds with his hard cock.

  Her lips tightened as she walked behind Frankie to another part of the house.

  Watching the sway of her high, rounded hips and recalling her talented mouth strained his nerves. “Call Bettina and her crew and have them meet us at the house.” Adam tossed the can in the trash and headed for the door. “I’m out.”

  “Before they announce the MVP for the game?” Tomas asked, holding his plate and heading toward the door where Jarcee waited.

  “I don’t give a fuck who won. I need to get laid.” Adam met Jarcee’s amused gaze.

  “Leaving already?” Jarcee teased.

  “Yeah, I paid my respects. This isn’t for me.” Adam looked over his shoulder at the crowd drinking and dancing.

  Jarcee nodded and walked in front of them.

  “Wait!” Alpha Klink said moving quickly through the crowd to reach them in the foyer. “You’re not leaving already are you?” he asked sounding confused.

  “Yes,” Adam said decisively. “I’ve guests arriving at home and need to be there. Sorry, but we learned of your party an hour or so ago in the locker room and pushed back our plans as far as we could. Now we need to leave.” As excuses went, Adam was proud of that one. No need for the Alpha to know he couldn’t stand his asshole of a son and wanted to be anywhere but here.

  Alpha Klink waved for the three of them to follow him. They stopped in a hall away from the noise and looked at him.

  “I’ve received complaints from the Trigs regarding the prank played on three of their players before the game last month.” He paused. “Do you know anything about it?”

  “I heard they were short players, but didn’t know why,” Adam said. Curious, he wondered what happened.

  “They were ambushed and didn’t wake in time for the game. They believe that was the reason they lost the match. Unfortunately, there was nothing to link anyone to the deed. They suspect the prank came from a competitor.” Alpha Klink looked at Adam and then Tomas.

  Offended, Adam straightened.

  Alpha Klink lifted his hand to stop further comment. “I’ve asked everyone so don’t take it personally. I just hadn’t gotten around to you since you live separately from the group.”

  “I don’t know anything about it,” Tomas said.

  “Neither do I.” Adam said, more than ready to leave.

  “I didn’t think you would but I promised I’d investigate.” Alpha Klink glanced at his watch and then at them. “It would be nice if you stayed a little longer. The MVP announcement will be any minute now. After that, the celebration will be in full swing.”

  Adam would rather have his teeth pulled without anesthesia than watch Diego prance about the room like a fucking king. “Thank you, Sir. Just relay our congratulations to Diego. We’ll see him next week at the team meeting.”

  Alpha Klink frowned. “Congratulate Diego for what?”

  Frowning, Adam looked at the Alpha, Tomas and then Jarcee who shrugged. “MVP.”

  The Alpha’s face cleared and he stared at Adam a few moments longer. “Come. Stay just a little longer. You can congratulate the winner yourself. It’s a part of the celebration.”

  Adam couldn’t think of another way to say no without sounding childish. “Yes, Sir.” The three of them returned to the food table in the front area and watched the party.

  “Wanna dance?” A tall redhead asked Tomas.

  “Naw. Dancing is the last thing on my mind,” Tomas said in a low voice.

  She laughed and asked Adam if he wanted to dance.

  “No dancing for me either,” Adam said watching a large screen lower from the ceiling in the other room. The music stopped and everyone turned to face the monitor.

  “Ooh, they’re getting ready to announce the MVP,” the redhead said walking away fast to the other room.

  Adam glanced at Tomas who smiled. “Time to get laid.”

  “Indeed.” Adam crossed his arms and glanced at Jarcee who moved to stand near the door. From that position, he had an excellent view of the room.

  A man wearing a jacket with the Lykos League emblem was talking about the game and all the teams who had participated. He went on and on. Adam wanted to yell at the man to get to the fucking point so they could leave.

  “This year’s MVP is Tomas Bennett.”

  Tomas spit his drink out of his mouth, splashing those in front of him. Heads turned and stared at the hapless young man who looked like a deer caught in headlights.

  Initially stunned but as the announcement slammed home, Adam turned, picked up his friend and whirled him around while howling his pleasure.

  CHAPTER TWO

  “But…but how?” Tomas stuttered when Adam put him down. “You made the winning goal and were on fire today. We wouldn’t have won without you.” He blinked several times while staring at Adam.

  “No. MVP isn’t just for the championship game; it’s for the whole season. You’ve been steady every game, racking up points, assists, offense, defense; you’ve got serious game, man. You deserve this. I’m happy for you.” Adam clapped his hand on Tomas shoulder. “Seriously, you earned this. You got your kicks under control before I did and more of them counted. This is all you.”

  “Me? MVP?” Tomas took a deep breath while staring into Adam’s eyes. “I won MVP for the Lykos League? Me?”

  Smiling, Adam nodded. “Fuck yes, you did! Go Wolf Nation, Alpha Silas- dark as the motherfucking- Knight.” The two embraced again laughing. Adam’s gaze landed on Jarcee who watched with
a smile while some female stood in front of him talking.

  Belatedly, Adam realized how quiet the room had become and stepped back to stand next to Tomas. One person started clapping. Then another. And another. Until the room filled with thunderous applause.

  Alpha Klink strode toward them with a wide smile, clapping. His older son, mate and Beta followed. “Congratulations!” He lifted Tomas in a bear hug and slapped his back. Adam sensed no deceit and relaxed a fraction as Tomas was returned to his place. The Alpha’s mate, son and Beta each offered congratulations to Tomas and stepped back while everyone looked on.

  Alpha Klink placed his hands on Adam and Tomas’ shoulders. “I knew it was one of you but wasn’t sure which. Both of you played with exemplary skill and dedication. I’m sure the Committee had a difficult time choosing. I don’t envy them.”

  “Thank you, Sir,” Tomas said.

  “Thank you.” Adam noticed Diego’s absence with relief. Now that Tomas won the award he wondered if they’d be leaving or hanging around. When the Alpha and his small entourage left, Adam stepped aside so others could congratulate his friend and caught Jarcee’s gaze.

  “Did you know about this?” Adam asked.

  “No,” Jarcee said. “Based on the Alpha’s request that you stay I suspected it would be one of you. Both of you worked hard to win this championship. Either way I’m proud as is our Alpha and his mate. You’ll need to contact them after this is over. I promised them I’d remind you. Also, Alpha Barticus is on his way to see both of you and should arrive tomorrow.”

  The news sent a spark of excitement through Adam. “Is Sarita coming with him?”

  Sarita had lived in the Compound with Adam growing up. Her parents, Asia and Hawke, were high ranking members of La Patron’s inner circle. He thought of Sarita as a sister, his litter-mate David had been in love with Sarita for years. When they finished high school, Sarita spent the summer with her grandparents, Alpha Barticus and Amynta who had two younger sons. When she returned home, she announced she’d been accepted into a university in Morocco and would be moving in the fall. His brother had been upset they were attending universities on different continents, but since they maintained contact and saw each other on breaks, David dealt with it. After graduation, Sarita continued and recently received her Ph. D. Her research kept her from coming home and David had become withdrawn the last time they talked. Adam would love to see her and get an idea where her head was at.

  “He didn’t mention her. She hasn’t returned your calls?” Jarcee’s gaze flitted around the room, yet returned to Tomas and the thinning crowd around him.

  “No. Well, once to say she’d try to make a game and she couldn’t wait to see me. Other than that no.” Which wasn’t like her. He prayed she was okay. Then again, her grandfather, Alpha Barticus, ruled most of the European Alphas and would destroy anyone who messed with his granddaughter.

  “You’ve some offers I need to share with you,” Jarcee said gaining Adam’s attention again.

  “Offers?”

  Jarcee nodded. “Seems that dimpled smile of yours is in demand, young one.”

  Adam snorted at the name Jarcee had been calling him since he was in diapers. “What kind of offers?” He grabbed a can of beer and headed toward his security guard who was more like a godfather.

  “No. Stay near Tomas. I still don’t trust this crowd.”

  Adam backed up, inhaled and looked at Tomas. His friend seemed to still be in a daze as he accepted congratulations from their team-mates.

  “Congrats on the win, mate. Thought the other yank had won for sure, especially after he pulled our asses out the fire today,” a tall, slender male bumped Tomas’ fist. Adam watched the exchange from across the room.

  “Me too,” Tomas said. The sparkle dimming in his eyes. “Adam played a phenomenal game today.”

  “Yeah, he’s awesome.” The guy looked at Adam and winked.

  “Stop that bullshit!” Adam snapped at Tomas through their link. “How many points did you score today?”

  “What?”

  “You heard me,” Adam said. “You scored 16 points, had several assists, and played an awesome defense. Don’t let these assholes tear down your game. You played a phenomenal game today. Stand up to these bastards.”

  “We both had a great game today. What they’re saying is true,” Tomas said glancing at him.

  “Yes, it was great, we had fun, we won. But you’re the MVP and you deserve it.” They stared at each other for a few moments until Tomas smiled and straightened his posture.

  Adam nodded and moved closer.

  “You’re right. I won. Not sure about the deserve part. I’d been hoping you won. But you’re right, they’re still doing this backward shit, trying to make light of our game and we took their asses to the Cup.” He extended his fist to Adam who bumped it.

  “I know right. They were ass out losing until we stepped on the field. Now they can step correct or we ditch their asses, feel me? No more of this BS about Americans, we won the motherfucking day.”

  “You right, man. You right.” Eyes locked on Adam, Tomas stepped away from the few people surrounding him and stood in front of Adam. “We won the fucking cup!” he said out loud.

  Grinning, Adam nodded. “Yeah, came across the fucking water, and won the fucking cup.” They embraced again. This time Tomas picked up Adam, who threw his head back and released a howl. Tomas and Jarcee joined him. Soon the room shook from the sounds of howls from all over the compound. They slapped each other on their backs and laughed like goons.

  Tomas draped his arm around Adam’s shoulder and walked toward Jarcee. “Let’s jet. I need to let off some steam with some mindless fucking. I’ll have the ladies meet us at the place.”

  “Good plan. I’m still jacked from the game and need to release a bucket full.” Adam cupped his balls and released them. They nodded at Jarcee who walked in front of them, opened the door and stepped outside.

  “Bettina is on the way, she’s bringing each of us an extra surprise.” Tomas winked at Adam.

  “Aw shit. I’m so ready to sink into a couple surprises.” Ready to start de-stressing, Adam glanced around the driveway and saw their car moving from its parked space. “So, you didn’t sense anything? You know?” Adam glanced at Tomas.

  Tomas released a long sigh. “Nope. Not this time. Gotta tell you I’m fucking glad. I’m not ready to settle down, not with someone new anyway.” He met Adam’s gaze.

  “Yeah, I hear you.” They both knew Tomas would’ve settled down with Renee in a heartbeat if they’d been mates.

  “Incoming,” Jarcee said as he reached the car, turned and looked toward the corner of the house.

  Diego walked at a fast pace toward them while pulling up his zipper and then pulling his shirt over his head. Behind him Sasha pulled on her dress and patted her hair before following Diego. Her gaze lit on Adam and then Tomas, before returning to Adam with a sultry leer.

  “You.” Diego pointed at Adam. “What the fuck was that inside, that coming across the water to win the cup bullshit?”

  “Do not interfere. I need this,” Adam warned Tomas and Jarcee. Still hyped from the game, Adam had two choices to let off steam, fuck or fight. Today he planned to do both.

  Tomas stepped back. “Make it quick. We’ve got some fine ass sexy bitches on the way.”

  Jarcee leaned against the vehicle. “Fuck him up.”

  Diego continued forward until his finger touched Adam’s chest and that’s all he needed to justify kicking the punk’s ass.

  Instead of responding, Adam grabbed Diego’s hand, twisted hard enough to bring a surprised grimace to Diego’s face. Adam punched Diego in the stomach causing the air to leave in a whoosh. Releasing Diego’s arm, Adam punched him beneath the chin, sending him flying backward to crash into Sasha. She screamed and pushed Diego off of her.

  The front door flew open.

  People spilled out onto the yard surrounding them as Diego struggled to stand. Rising s
lowly, he glared at Adam who hadn’t broken a sweat and appeared to be indulgently waiting.

  Diego charged.

  Adam leapt and kicked Diego’s back sending him forward. When Diego stopped, he looked over his shoulder and shifted into his wolf.

  That changed the game from friendly to deadly.

  Adam shifted and was much larger than Diego’s brown wolf. When Diego charged Adam leapt forward and overpowered him. Diego tried to grab Adam’s neck, but was kept on the defense trying to protect his legs and flank from Adam’s larger canines. As it was, Adam had already drawn blood.

  Diego charged again.

  Adam met him head on, grabbed his neck and held fast. He shook Diego, dropped him to the ground and stood over him growling, demanding he either yield or die.

  Belly heaving, eyes wild, Diego showed his throat.

  Adam backed away and shifted. Standing above Diego, he waited for him to shift. When Diego shifted, Adam extended his hand. After a few moments of hesitation, Diego accepted and stood. He and Adam stared at each other for a few seconds before Diego turned and walked toward the house.

  Alpha Klink, his mate and older son Dek looked at Adam for a few seconds. He wasn’t sure if they were angry he fought on their grounds or that he won the fight. They turned and walked away.

  Frankie walked toward him. “You’re a black wolf.”

  Adam just stared down at him.

  “Nobody mentioned you were from the Black Wolf clan. You are from them, right?” Frankie asked.

  Adam continued staring at him.

  “I mean we knew your dad is a big time in the states, the main Alpha… but your wolf. Never seen anything like it.” He rubbed his neck. “Heard about them, who hasn’t? But he’s black like your hair; your eyes turn green when you shift. Never seen anything like it.”

  Adam turned and headed toward the car.

  “Adam?”

  He looked over his shoulder at Sasha.

  “Can I get a ride home?”

  Adam heard the real question in her voice. “Sorry. Car’s full.”

  “Maybe next time,” she said her voice full of hope.

  “No. I don’t think so.” Adam slid onto the seat behind Tomas and Jarcee and closed the door. He didn’t do drama or take seconds. Sasha was firmly in his “no” column now.