Chapter 2 The Devil, an Angel

Ryker's POV

Immediately Lucy stormed out of the room, something shifted in me. I couldn't explain my wolf smell luring me to her, but I tried to compose myself and suppressed the feeling. I hadn't planned on interfering with Vick's business; I was just there to observe because Vick had been bragging about the new girl who danced like sin and burned like fire, and out of sheer boredom, I joined him. But the second I looked at her, I knew she was different from the other strippers.

And t..that spark in her eyes when she picked the bottle and smashed it over Vick's skull... that wasn't fear... that was fury. My wolf sneer and fury? Is my favorite thing to tame.

I left the room before things could escalate. I didn't want to be dragged into Vick's drama, not when I had more significant problems on my plate... like the Council breathing down my neck about the Syndicate's bloodline program. They wanted results; my heirs, of course, my offspring. The whole damn package just to be seen worthy of the fu..king inheritance.

I quickly took the elevator, but even as I left Club Kill and stepped into the rain, I couldn't get her face out of my head. That pain in her eyes... that desperation... she was on the edge of something dangerous or scary. My wolf was restless, trying to take full control, but I continued to suppress it.

I left my luxury car in the pack lodge and took a short corner toward the lonely road where I could peacefully smoke without anyone watching me or taking numerous pictures. Just immediately after I turned toward the alley by the warehouse, I heard it-a scream and a shadow moving fast. I followed the sound-quietly and calculatively. Years of training to fit in with the most powerful and ruthless Alpha had taught me how to kill a man in silence.

But I didn't think I needed to, smelling the presence of a powerless gang. When I reached them, I waited for a second and watched from the shadows, a cigarette burning slowly between my fingers as the two lowlifes surrounded Lucy. My instincts flared when one of them yanked her hoodie down and shoved her against the wall.

I didn't move at first, my wolf furious within. I tried to remain calm, but then I saw the terror in her eyes-real, raw, paralyzing fear-the kind that made your soul scream even if your mouth stayed shut.

"Get off me," she screamed. She kept dragging with the bastards who were already on her and the other one who had his pants halfway down, waiting for his turn.

I tossed the cigarette to the ground and stepped forward. I didn't hesitate anymore.

"Get your filthy hands off her. You bastards"

My voice didn't need to be loud. It cut through the rain like a bullet.

Both men froze, one mid-motion, the other shaking as he released his tight grip on her wrist. They turned their heads slowly toward me, and when they recognized who was speaking, the blood drained from their faces.

"Alpha Ryker-"

"Did I stammered?" I growled.

The taller one tried to back away. "We didn't know-Vick told us-"

I was on them before they could finish. I moved like a shadow, fast and lethal. My claws ripped through the first guy's back, blood spraying like mist. One punch to the jaw cracked bone. The other screamed and turned to run, but I grabbed him by the neck and slammed him against the brick wall.

"You think you can touch any girl you see around?"

He choked for air, his eyes bulging. "We didn't know she was yours-please!" Let us go; we won't dare it again...

I released my grip, and he crumpled to the wet ground, trying to escape.

"Listen...you bastard" any word to Vick that I was here...you're dead...he nodded and disappeared into the dark corner of the warehouse.

She bowed to her knees, holding the remnants of her torn clothes to her chest. Lucy's eyes were glued to mine, widely opened, and she looked afraid. She was shaking frightfully.

Just then, I grabbed my coat and flung it over her, wrapping it closely around her quivering body. "You're safe," I said, trying to steady my voice. "It's all over now."

"Are you hurt?" My voice came out lower now. I was controlling but calm, though every part of me was boiling inside.

She didn't speak. But shook her head, hugging the coat tight around herself frightfully.

I bent to help her up, but she pulled back.

"Don't touch me," she said, her voice trembling and her hands shaking.

"I just saved your damn life." y..you..

"I didn't ask you to!" she snapped, sobbing. She buried her face in her hands. "Why is this happening to me?" Then she looked up at me, eyes wide with disbelief. "Why?" she whispered. "Why would you help me?"

"You may not recognize me," I said, pulling her up gently into my arms. "But I remember you."

Her brows furrowed, confusion flooding her battered expression. She passed out in my arms before she could ask what I meant.

I stared into her pretty, innocent face. Watching her close, bulging eyes was so calm and trusting. But I was surprised she didn't feel my presence that night; that meant she didn't know the truth yet. Since she didn't remember the night I watched her dance barefoot on a rooftop in the rain years ago, humming a lullaby to her little brother, that memory had haunted me longer than I cared to admit.

I never forgot her, nor did I forget her face. Yes, I returned to that rooftop day after day in search of her but couldn't find anyone in the house.

Rumors had it that the house occupant traveled with the entire family. Since I didn't get her name, it was difficult to look for her, not until she stepped into that room. I tried to control my wolf and pretend like I didn't recognize her just not to get into Vick's business. I knew I was going to come back to Club Kill to get details about her, but now... she was in my hands, and I was going to make her mine.