Alpha's Baby

Evacuation.

Sawyer felt his whole world falling apart as he read through the government's werewolf eviction memo again. The third time he was doing so. It couldn't be. This had to be a joke.

But it was real. The words on the paper in his hands were real and the stamp at the tail end of the page confirmed that the president was in support. Oh, God. His heart began to race in panic.

The sweet shop. Where would I run to? I'm almost on heat!

Deep breaths, Sawyer. Deep breaths.

At least the reasons for the eviction notice were reasonable. A bit.

In the best interests and safety of all Manhattan citizens, I, President Kickbutt order the immediate evacuation of all werewolf residents in the state. It is with a heavy heart I also announce the death of my colleague and best friend, the Vice President of Manhattan – Sir George Phillips, whose home security system was bypassed and his home broken into by a group of werewolf hooligans. We're so sure that the culprits are werewolves because the marks on his neck confirm it. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family members and we assure everyone to ensure that not one werewolf resident will be allowed to live after Saturday, the 24th of May, 2021.

Signed.

President Max Kickbutt.

Sawyer's head was spinning. There was no way he could get out of Manhattan before Saturday. His heat period stood in the way of that, which would hit him full force like a tsunami by tomorrow. He had no savings, having used it all in setting up a smoothie booth in front of the shop. He was penniless and soon – homeless also.

Oh god.

Manhattan was the only home he'd ever known. He'd left his small communal home in a rural town in Mexico when he was eleven. His parents had been killed in a fierce Pack bloodbath and he'd followed a now distant aunt to Manhattan without her knowledge. The heat in the boot was stifling and it was a miracle that he hadn't passed out due to the three-hour-long journey without air.

He'd stumbled into a small neighborhood and the home of a childless matriarch. Mrs. Angelini felt sorry to hear his heartbreaking story and Sawyer was thankful that the old woman hadn't alerted the police and reported him as a missing person. Mrs. Angelini had been married twice yet she bore no child due to an infertility problem that couldn't be cured. She took Sawyer in as her son and sent him to college and university before she passed out on March 1st one year ago. Sawyer had been broken ever since, but he managed to assume ownership and full responsibility for S-Angelini Candies which Mrs. Angelini previously ran.

Business was good, the customers were starting to like him, and S-Angelini was set to be one of the leading small-scale sole-proprietorships in downtown Manhattan by fall. Only now, Manhattan would be a danger zone by Sunday and he had nowhere to go.

He scrunched up the memo and tossed it aside on the kitchen table. Out front, Maddie Summers, his only human friend was handling sales. They weren't selling a lot, probably because of the memo as the customers knew that he wasn't a human. It was a miracle they weren't flipping out on him as they'd been doing to other werewolves since the week began. The Vice President's death really struck a nerve in them.

Everything sucks.

"What's with the sad face, boy?" Maddie announced her entrance with a loud smack of her gum and the heady scent of her cologne. Sawyer turned around to face her Just as Maddie hopped on the counter, swinging her legs. For someone slim and 5'9, she had pretty long legs.

She pried the paper and straightened it, her black eyes roaming over the neatly-typed words on the page, the skin of her forehead pressed together in concentration. "Oh. My. God. This is bad news."

Sawyer stood up now, his legs feeling like jelly as he began taking the things he'd need to make his signature blueberry hard candy from the top shelf. He'd decided not to think too much on the memo until Friday. He tended to brainstorm effectively while under duress. "I don't want to dwell on it."

Maddie nodded, "I understand. But don't you think...you could stay around and fool the humans for a bit? You're almost like us, except that you shift during nights of the full moon."

"That," Sawyer doused the wood board with baking powder, "would've been a fantastic idea, Maddie. But my heat period hits full force tomorrow and won't be over till Sunday."

"Are you sure you calculated this heat thing right? Don't you have extended relatives or something that'll be willing to help you with a roof while you sort out what you'd like to happen to the sweet shop? It'll be hard getting rid of the building because Mrs. Angelini owns it legally..."

"Maddie, calm down, one question at a time. I'm not getting rid of this shop. There must be a way around this. I just haven't thought of it yet. I wished I could go back to my aunt but it's been more than eight years...nobody knows if I'm still alive or not."

"True. I'm sorry I suggested that you should give up your inheritance."

"It's okay. I'll be fine. This heat thing just makes it a whole lot harder."

"I get it. The uneasiness and constant urge for sex."?"

Sawyer's cheeks flamed up in embarrassment. "Yes. And I don't want to have sex or get pregnant yet. At least not until another year."

Maddie laughed. "You poor virgin. When are you ever not celibate?"

Sawyer rolled his eyes as he sprinkled sugar on the syrup that he'd now poured out into little cusps. If only Maddie knew how hard it was being on heat and still trying to be celibate. He felt drawn to every alpha guy he met on the street, and they often smelt his heat too. It drove them crazy and so far he'd dealt with two heat periods since he turned eighteen and had a few cases of sexual harassment from arsehole alphas during those times. The very reason why he isolated himself indoors during the five days duration. She wasn't ready to bring forth puppies or tie himself down with a man yet.

"Does this memo order apply to those alphas in high offices?"

Sawyer shrugged. "Probably not. They're highly essential to the government. Lucky bastards."

"How about this," Maddie said behind him as they took the trays of candy to the oven. "You could have a very important alpha take care of this heat of yours..."

"Seriously? You're asking me to get pregnant?"

"Umm, not really. He'll use protection."

"You've got to be kidding me, Maddie. This is the worst advice you could give."

"Hey, I'm trying to help out here. See it as an auction. There are plenty of alphas who are willing to mate with no strings attached if I'm correct. All I'm saying is you either find the right guy or any guy who's rich and willing to pay loads for it. At least if we're not lucky in the high-class alpha department, you'll have enough money to travel out until Manhattan becomes safe again. I can help you manage the sweet shop till you return. Think about it."

Sawyer's mouth fell open at how brilliant her plan sounded. Why didn't he think of that before?

"I guess you've done something similar since you seem to be so sure of this."

Maddie tu-ted and flipped her blonde hair. "Well, not really. Pilar, one of my girlfriends needed to get rid of her heat in time for a family vacation. She almost threw a towel in on the offer but I'm glad she told me on time. Together, we hunted down an Alpha who wanted an omega to knot with and worked out a clean deal."

"Damn, that's..." Sawyer trailed off in disbelief. "That's so smart. Even for you."

"And helpful. She had a blast on vacation and never crossed paths with that same alpha again. I'm not sure they even remember doing anything."

"Isn't that related to prostitution? I mean, giving out your body for money or service?"

"If you choose to see it that way, then sure. But it was a last-minute thing and there are no laws against it. Neither are you hurting anyone." She patted his arm and then moved to place the empty tray on the counter. "Think about it and let me know. I can help accompany you to Bad and Boogie. It's a renowned werewolf breeding zone under the guise of a bar. I trust you'll find an important personality there tomorrow. We'll be lucky, I hope."

As Maddie sauntered back out front, Sawyer just stared after her, still unable to process that. He wasn't exactly a fairytale type of guy but, he'd always dreamed of his first time being with his mate. But now, under these circumstances, there was no more room for that reality anymore.

There was no law against it. He was at least sure of being safe from the memo.

He wasn't thinking any shit over. He was doing it.

"What got into me to think that this was a good idea at all?" Sawyer mumbled as they sashayed down the dark, lonely road that led to Bad and Boogie. It was a black, misty night and the werewolf whores were all about, lingering around the entrance and cramped parking lot. Sawyer could spot a handful of alphas around. His heat was slowly becoming unbearable and he couldn't wait to find someone worthy and get the night over with.

"It's going to be fine," Maddie reassured him for the umpteenth time that evening. "You do have a knack of worrying too damn much. Have I ever convinced you to try out something I'm not so sure of? Chill."

She had a point. Sawyer tried to visibly relax as they stopped to tip the hefty bouncer at the entrance. The man was an alpha no doubt, big and intimidating. His eyes darkened with lust as Sawyer hurried after Maddie, his heat smell permeating the small crowded corridor that led to the main bar.

"Do you think he's a good choice?" Sawyer asked, eyes still glued to the bouncer who still hadn't taken his eyes off him. Sure, he looked cute and hot in his black uniform. But the plan was to go for someone with big pockets and a spot on top.

"You're no doubt an eye candy, so they're going to find it hard to look away from you." Maddie navigated their way to a couch, just a few meters away from the sweaty bodies gyrating on the dance floors; omegas' rubbing their bums on alpha crotches as they moved along to a slow sexy beat. "This will give us a good view of what's going around. What would you like to drink?"

Sawyer didn't have time to think it over. "Something strong. I'm so going to need it tonight."

"I'll get you a root beer float. You're not supposed to take alcohol while you're on heat. Be right back," Maddie stood.

Sawyer rolled his eyes with a chuckle. "Look at you, learning quickly."

"While I'm gone, take a field view around and tell me if you like any product," Maddie winked, then turned and walked over to the bar. Sawyer stared after her as she left, an overwhelming feeling of gratitude shining in his eyes.

Even though he'd only known Maddie a year ago, it felt as though the blonde had been with him throughout his entire life. Of course, he had other close friends; Daphne the sweet but sassy lady that ran the laundry service close to his sweet shop. His friendship with Daphne had flamed up from initial disagreements. Daphne was everyone's favorite and go-to person, but Sawyer thought her too superficial than original. They'd remained enemies till one night a raunchy customer cornered the sour-tongued redhead and insisted to have his way despite Daphne's protests. It was closing time and Sawyer happened to be passing by when he heard shouts. He'd arrived just in time before the horrible man could plunge his junk into a wailing Daphne. Sawyer had taken her home and made her tea, reassuring her that it'd be okay. They'd become friends after that cause Daphne couldn't stop being grateful. Their bond was admirable but not like his and Maddie's.

Gina scanned the dancing bodies now. The heady smell of alpha pheromones was strong and acted like heroin in the brains of the grooving omegas. Sawyer felt his virgin hole clench and the trickle of heat running down his back. The atmosphere was becoming too uncomfortable and he was getting a few lingering glances from the men around. It was as though the smell of his heat was a magnet that drew them in. Needing air, he ambled down a narrow corridor illuminated by red lights. The rooms that lined the path were no doubt occupied and he opted for the balcony instead.

Outside, with the cool December breeze blowing through his curls, Sawyer was able to process his thoughts more carefully. He thought through his options once more but still found himself stuck in a tight corner. He needed to do this. Somehow. He had to knot with someone soon, and fast.

A door opened in the corridor behind him and as though he felt eyes on him, he turned quickly. Dark green eyes glazed back at him as his eyes took in the huge man's full appearance. A bulky, haunting frame, an attractive face, and a deep black scar running down his neck. Sawyer wondered how he was able to note down every detail with him in the dim red lights of the partially dark corridor. The man seemed to be stripping him with his eyes as well.

Raymond, his wolf couldn't stop screaming in his head. We found him! We found him!

Mate!

The man's arms were open now as though he was beckoning Sawyer to run into his embrace. And for a moment there he hesitated, unsure. Something just felt...off about it all.

He watched as the man swiveled on his heels and a slender female with blue riotous hair held onto him for dear life. Sawyer blinked, shocked as they both captured each other's lips, the man's eyes never leaving Sawyer's as his hand cupped the back of the girl's thigh. Sawyer swallowed hard, drawing in a deep breath as the man positioned himself between her legs, raising her left leg to hook it halfway around his waist. That moment was endless and tortuous. It was killing him slowly.

The lady was dragging the man with her now. Don't go, Aleera begged. Sawyer was torn – confused and disappointed. Just when he thought she'd finally found the man of his dreams to knot with, he was with someone else. They disappeared into a room, the door banging shut. Loud, as though in spite.

He didn't know how long he stood there, wind roaring in his ears and tousling hair about. He felt an onslaught of emotions; so many things at once - pain, jealousy, disappointment. He could hear the moans coming from that very room, courtesy of the very vocal female participant. Why do I feel like this?

"Sawyer? Oh my goodness, what are you doing here? I've been looking all over for you," Maddie was beside her now, holding out a glass. "Here's your float. How did you get here?"

Sawyer shrugged, raising the glass to his brittle lips. Those green eyes were livid in his memory. Plaguing his mind. "I just wanted to come out here for a while. It's so hot in there."

Maddie smiled knowingly. "Or you decided to come out here and convince yourself once more that this is a bad idea?"

Sawyer raised his head sharply, not appreciating the sentiment. "Don't be ridiculous. While you were away, the men in there were getting creepy and I can't think about anything else than sex."

"Well," Maddie sighed. "I know how that feels. But we won't get lucky if we stay out here much longer. The sluts have gotten almost all the good men in there. We gotta beat it. Come on now, let's get going."

Sawyer nodded, darting a glance at the room where he'd gone in. it was silent now and the bed was no longer quaking. Relief flooded his being. Which was weird.

Maddie tsked her thumb and middle finger in front of his face to get his attention. "Hello, young man. Earth to Sawyer. What are you thinking about?"

"I'm sorry," Sawyer apologized now, shaking his head as he bent to drop his glass on the floor. "You're right. We should go."

Daniel backed the lady who was becoming increasingly aggressive up against the wall, their tongues moving in sync as he ground hard against her mid-section. She moaned, tilting her head back to give his lips access to her long, slender neck, her fingers sifting through his hair. He trailed hot, hard kisses down her neck to her breasts, moving the thin fabric that did little to hide her bulging cleavage to the side, taking a bulbous pink nipple into his mouth.

In truth, he wasn't really enjoying any of it. Victoria had been his sexual partner for a long, despite the fact that she was now in a relationship with Spencer his best friend. He'd met her at his very own company's end-of-the-year dinner last year when Spencer introduced her to him as his fiancée. He'd felt hurt, butt-hurt, because he was in love with Spencer too but things became crazy when Victoria sought him out the day after, and they had wild sex on the back seat of his car by the roadside.

He made a sloppy sound as he let the nipple go and straightened, the image of those innocent blue eyes burning in his mind. He'd never felt like that before, and Andrew, his wolf had been pretty excited, screaming Mate! Mate! In his head. He was hesitant because he didn't expect his mate to be a man, which was why he hadn't whisked the omega off at first sight.

The more he thought about it, the more he was losing his mind.

"What are you thinking about?" Victoria cooed, locking her arms around his neck and pulling his face down for a kiss. He stiffened, giving her his face instead. Her red lipstick smeared the corner of his lips and he pushed her off. "What's gotten into you?"

"I'm tired of this, Vee," he sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. God, how complicated everything seemed. "Spencer is my friend and – "

"Don't you fucking pull that card on me, Dan," she held up a hand, her pearly white earrings dangling about. "I know what I want. And it's not Spencer."

"Well then break off your engagement with him! It's as simple as that. I don't want to keep secrets from him anymore. This shit between us has got to stop."

"B-But," she moved closer to him, her voice falling before a whisper. "But you know I love you. And I'm sure you love me too. Stop pretending that you're not enjoying this affair. Or have you found yourself another woman?"

Daniel said nothing, but cerulean blue eyes that were becoming all too familiar plagued his mind. He groaned, stumbling back against the room's dresser. "Victoria..."

"Tell me the truth now," he jumped at the sound of her voice in his ears. Damn, how did she move that fast? As sneaky as a snake. "Who is this person that you can't stop thinking of? Is she better than me? Of course not...well?"

His phone dinged loudly in his pocket. A saving grace from Victoria's intensity. Whipping it out, he almost passed out at the name on the caller ID. "Shit."

Victoria had gone to sit on the edge of the small futon, twirling a strand of her blonde hair around her finger. "Well?" she tilted her head to the side, waving him on. "Answer it. Then tell him we're having an affair."

His mouth flew open, hands trembling. "What?"

She giggled mischievously. "You heard what I said. Tell him. After all, there are always two sides to a story."

His brows knitted together in alarm. "Are you implying that you'd try to break our friendship off? That's pretty mean, even for a bitch like you."

I don't care what you say. I love you but I also want Spencer," her eyes darkened. "If you want to keep being besties with Spence as you two have always been, you'll know what's best for you to do."

His jaw tightened as he swiped up the green button. "Spence?"

"Where the fuck did you keep your phone?" Spencer barked sharply, causing Daniel to drag a palm down his face with a sigh. "You said you'd be here on time so we'd talk with Mr. JC about getting married to his daughter to straighten our company ties."

"Yes I said so, but right now I'm extremely worn out. I don't think I can make it tonight anymore."

"Well, that's just great." The disappointment in Spencer's voice was scathing. It made Daniel feel even guiltier than he already was.

"I'm sorry."

Spencer snorted. "It's nothing to be sorry for. You've been a lot more difficult this past week, man. Does this have something to do with the Pack elders? Did you inform them of your impending engagement to Anita?"

Daniel sighed heavily, turning slightly away from Victoria whose ear tips were erect as she listened attentively to their conversation. He didn't enjoy her scrutiny. He wanted to tell Spencer about the omega he felt a strong connection with and he couldn't feel comfortable doing so in front of her. "No. they know nothing about that yet."

"What then are you waiting for? We have to move quickly or another smarter company beats us to the race. You know how important a merger between our company and his is. Call Viktor and tell him to schedule a meeting with the Pack elders tomorrow."

"Sure," he eyed the door now, wondering how he was going to leave without Victoria making a fuss. "I'll call you if anything comes up." He hung up.

The silence that descended afterward made Daniel feel as though he was treading on pins and needles. Victoria had fallen back into the mattress, her hips hiked up so he could see her expensive lace panties. "Anita, huh? I've heard that name before."

"I need to leave." There was no use pretending to do this shit anymore. "Mind if I drop you off?"

Victoria sat up, calmly. "Yes. But I wouldn't mind if you fucked me."

"I'm afraid I can't help you with that." He said, moving over to the door now.

"Then you can't drop me off. And I forbid you from leaving."

"Okay." He turned the doorknob now, stepping outside. It irritated him that she thought she could control just about anyone.

"Where are you going?" he slammed the door now, hurrying down the corridor. "This is not over, Daniel! I swear I'll make you pay!"

He didn't doubt her words. And he knew that soon enough, Spencer would come to know of their affair. He felt bad about it now. He'd been a very bad friend and Alpha. There were lots of sweet female omegas to get entangled in a scandal with. But it had to be Victoria. Daniel didn't totally blame her for inciting things between them. To be frank he'd found her appealing and sexy almost the same time Spencer fell for her. And he knew better than to continue shagging her even after their engagement.

Tonight, he was going to end it all. To get his conscience clean and have some fun. Then maybe he could deal with Spencer hating him for life.