Taming The Ruthless Alpha

Raven Donovan exited the building where she worked as the assistant director to a loan firm. A few person's waved to her as she walked passed them, while some called out to her.

"See you tomorrow Raven"

"Good night Raven".

Raven just smiled at them without saying a word. Truth be told, she never stopped to talk with these people. And they only befriended her so they could get a little favour from her, due to her high status.

She continued round the large building towards the parking lot where her sweet mustang was waiting for her. Even after a hard day's work, she still looked absolutely fresh. Her bright red hair was still neatly clipped behind her ears, trailing down her back in a river of fiery waves. Her well tailored two-piece suit clung to her luscious body enticingly, without a single crease. Two inches stiletto heels rapped hard on the concrete floor as she walked briskly to her car. She held a file and her little purse in one hand while on the other hand, she texted on her cell phone.

She just arrived at her car when she heard voices from the other side of the parking lot. Her emerald green eyes snapped upwards and she paused beside her car.

"I'm begging you Master Drake, give me another chance",a female voice begged earnestly.

Raven paused beside her car and listened. She wasn't one to eavesdrop on another person's conversation but the yearning in the woman's voice caught her attention. Such longing and passion. Her interest was aroused as a male voice answered coldly.

"Perry please come over and read the contract again to Miss Eleanor. It seems she has forgotten the terms of our agreement".

Eleanor? Agreement?

Raven scrunched her eyebrows in thought. Could that be Eleanor Manchester?The biggest movie star the world was crazy about? It couldn't be.

Sharp footsteps echoed and someone, presumably Perry began to read out some sort of rules.

"In this contracted relationship between Master Drake Jordan and Miss Eleanor Manchester..."

Raven gasped. It was indeed Eleanor Manchester. What could the biggest movie star be doing in a cramped parking lot, begging for a man's attention? Eleanor was a star and people begged to have a glimpse of her. She shook her head and continued to listen.

"...shall ask for anything you desire, money, fame and otherwise. But you shall never request for the Master to return whatever feelings you feel for him. Should you break this rule, the contract shall cease to exist and it shall be annulled".

A contracted relationship? Raven rolled her eyes. Whoever this man was, he was so full of himself. To sign a contract just to have a relationship with him? Who the hell did he think he was? She needed to have a glimpse of him so she moved as quietly as she could to the corner of the parking lot and peered round the cars that were parked.

There was a man standing with his back to her. She couldn't see him clearly. Another man stood beside him, holding an envelope and a bunch of paper. That had to be Perry. And right before her astonished eyes, Eleanor Manchester was down on the ground on her knees. Her face, her beautiful face that men died for was streaked with tears, her mascara running down the sides of her face. Her blonde hair was disheveled, making her look twice her age. She was dressed in a light pink mini gown that hugged her body tightly. She looked so helpless and miserable that Raven couldn't help but feel a little pity for her. This was a woman she literally admired on TV everyday, wishing to be as successful as her. And here she was, looking so pitiful on the ground, begging for the love of a man. The man in question hadn't turned around since the beginning of the conversation. Raven quietly brought out her iPad and began to record the scene.

"You heard that clearly Eleanor",Drake said coldly without an ounce of pity for the woman on the ground. He still had his back turned and he didn't bother to spare her a glance.

"I know Master Drake",Eleanor sobbed and tried to move forward towards Drake. "I know the contract I signed. But I couldn't help it. I love you so much Drake. I tried to hold back my feelings. The more I tried, the stronger they became".

She began to ramble endlessly.

"I just want you to love me back. I don't want anything else from you Drake. Just love me. I can't live without you. Please Drake, don't send me away. I love you so much". Eleanor crawled on the ground and gripped Drake's pants. "Just give me a chance Drake. I'll make you feel so good. You won't regret loving me..."

"ENOUGH ELEANOR",Drake barked harshly at her. He kicked her hands off his legs and whirled around.

The iPad almost fell off Raven's hand when she caught a clear glimpse of Drake's face. She stared. He was simply magnificent. Perfect.

Rich dark wavy hair that curled around his head. Hard hazel eyes which were currently glaring at the woman sprawled on the ground. His face was hard and chiselled. Handsome as the devil. That was the thought that came across Raven's mind. He was sinfully handsome. His body was made for the tailored tuxedo he wore. The blazer rode over his broad shoulders. The top three buttons of his inner shirt was unbuttoned and she could see the smooth column of his throat. Well fitted black pants enclosed his long hard legs, and a pair of black suede shoes competed it all. She had never seen this man before. He looked like the CEO of a prominent company and Raven didn't realize she was staring intently at him, not paying attention to what was being said.

Drake glared coldly at the woman sprawled on the ground beside him. This was the reason why he had nothing to do with women. They were a burden to him. Always wanted love and affection. Something he detested so much.

"You've broken the agreement of our contract Eleanor",he said in a bitingly cold voice. He showed no ounce of mercy or pity for Eleanor who was now sobbing on the ground.

"Drake",she whispered in tears. Her eyes pleaded with him. "Please don't do this".

"The relationship is over",Drake continued harshly. "Perry get this woman out of my sight!".

"Drake noooo",Eleanor screamed in agony. She felt her heart constricting. All she wanted was for him to love her in return. When she signed the contract to be his girlfriend for six months, she had done it because of the money he had to spend. And also the fame that would be added to her name. She never knew she would fall helplessly in love with him.

Perry pressed a button on his cell phone and spoke into it.

"The parking lot. Now".

"Drake please give me a chance... ",Eleanor kept begging just as three men came out from the elevator and walked towards them. They didn't say a word as they took hold of Eleanor and dragged her away. Her cries and pleas echoed in the empty lot as she was pulled away.

Drake didn't spare her a glance. He brought out his phone and dialled a number.

"Yes Drey. Bring the next client tomorrow. The recent one had been dumped".

Raven blinked. Next client? Where women really lining up to sign a contract just to be with this man? Such a shame.

She put down her iPad and was about to tiptoe away when the same hard voice stopped her.

"I know you're there. Come out right now!".

Raven froze.

Her eyes widened and her hand tightened unconsciously over her purse.

She didn't know her presence had been exposed. Her heart beat wildly in her chest and she gulped. She began to regret her decision to eavesdrop. She would have just gone home when she had the chance. Now what would people think of her when they heard she had been caught eavesdropping? She who was admired by all the staffs in the company? It would be a stain and a scandal to her reputation.

She remained where she stood, hoping they would forget about her and leave.

No such luck.

"Miss?",Perry called out. "You need to come out this instant".

Suddenly Raven frowned. So what if she had been eavesdropping? It was a natural thing to do. It wasn't everyday you got to see your favourite movie star begging to be loved by a cold-hearted man who was so good looking.

Raven palmed her head in annoyance. What the hell was wrong with her? Shaking her head in resignation, she stepped out from the car she had been standing behind.

"Yes? What do you want?",she asked hauntingly, one brow arched up.

Drake felt the lust slam into him as his eyes came in contact with the woman before him. He had seen women, tons of women. Women like the one he just dumped.

But he had never seen one like her.

She was a goddess to behold. His eyes took in every inch of her body. Fiery red hair that curled wildly around her face, trailing down her shoulders till it got to her middle. Her eyes were the brightest emerald he had ever seen, sparkly with youthfulness. Her two-piece suit hugged her curvaceous body, enhancing the flair of her hips and trailing down her long legs. She was as pale as the pearl of the ocean, skin so creamy and fresh. Her lips drew all of his attention. Plump and shapely, making him ache to trail his tongue over their luscious softness.

He snapped out of his fantasies as those sexy lips curled mockingly.

"Are you done staring?",she asked, one brow still perfectly arched.

Perry looked towards his Alpha and looked back at the woman who didn't seem to fear him at all. He had never come across a woman who could stare down at the Alpha and not cower.

"Master Jordan?",he said uncertainly. Drake just stood there, a half smile on his face as he stared at the woman who was standing a few meters away from him.

"Okay",Raven said and turned around. "If you have nothing meaningful to say, I'm just gonna go".

"Stop!",Drake commanded.

Raven was extremely annoyed when she actually stopped and turned around. What was wrong with her?

Perry looked back to the Alpha. Maybe he didn't know, but Drake just used his Alpha tone on the woman. He wanted to point it out but he decided to wait until they were out of there.

Drake walked slowly towards the woman who seemed to intrigue him so much. There was something about her, something he couldn't quite understand. She didn't cower under his gaze, nor look away. She stared right back at him, watching him as he came closer.

He stopped a few inches away from her. Silence ensued for a moment between both of them.

"What did you think you were doing?",he asked suddenly. All traces of his smile was gone and he now stared hard at Raven, trying to intimidate her.

However, instead of feeling intimidated, Raven looked him up and down and tossed her hair over her shoulders.

"What are you talking about?",she asked in return.

"Where you listening in on my conversation?", Drake asked.

Raven folded her arms in front of her and tilted her head a little to the side. She stared right back at him fearlessly.

"What if I was?",she asked.

Perry didn't know if he should feel sorry or pity for the woman. She had no idea whom she was talking with.

One corner of Drake's lips lifted sardonically. This woman had guts.

"That's a crime you know",he said and started moving forward again.

"A crime?",Raven asked, feigning innocence. "Oh forgive me Mister, I had no idea I was supposed to rip off my ears when I happened to hear your conversation". Her voice dripped with pure sarcasm and Perry winced. He felt the bite in her words.

Surprisingly Drake was enjoying himself. He took another step closer to Raven, watching with satisfaction when she took one back, not wanting to be close to him. He kept moving closer to her, wanting her to cower under his smouldering gaze.

"What a brave little rabbit you are",he said lazily, his eyes trailing down her body before moving back to her eyes. "So tell me, did you hear everything that was said?"

Raven didn't like the fact that he kept coming closer towards her. She didn't want to appear scared of him. She just didn't like his close proximity. Nevertheless she answered him.

"As a matter of fact I did",she said. "And in my opinion, I think you treated that woman wrong".

"You think?",Drake asked and cocked his head to the side. "Tell me why little rabbit".

"Don't call me that",Raven snapped, her eyes flashing with annoyance. She hated the way he was making her feel and she could do nothing about it.

"Okay then, redhead",Drake said and grinned wolfishly. "Tell me why you think I treated her wrong".

Raven kept her annoyance at bay and decided to answer him.

"All she did was love you",she said. "I mean, she's not some loser whom you picked from the street. She's a star, one everybody admires. The least you can do is to return her feelings".

"I'm not liable to return the feelings of women who confuse infatuation for love",Drake said and elegantly lifted a shoulder in a shrug. "Those are the rules of my contacts".

"The concept of a contracted relationship is stupid",Raven said. Behind Drake, Perry's eyes widened in shock. This woman just threw an insult at the Alpha and she still stood so defiantly staring at him. Didn't the Alpha find anything wrong with that?

A genuine smile lit up Drake's handsome face, causing Raven to lose focus for a moment. His smile was disarming.

"Tell me redhead",he said softly. "Why do you think it is stupid?".

Raven resisted the urge to roll her eyes. This man had to be crazy. Who the hell signed a contracted relationship? Love was not meant to be signed on paper and she told him so.

"Love is a beautiful thing",she said. "It isn't meant to be signed or contracted. It flows through you freely".

Drake resumed his slow stalking.

"You got it all wrong redhead",Drake said in a deep husky voice, taking slow steps towards Raven until she was pinned to the wall behind her.

He leaned closer to her and placed his hands on either sides of her head, his hazel eyes burning with so much intensity. His lips were just a few inches away from her ears and his hot breath made her shiver.

"I don't do love. I devour".

Raven looked up at him defiantly, green eyes flashing with rebellion.

"Go on then",she said boldly. "Devour me".

.

"What did you just say?",Drake asked in disbelief.

"You heard me",Raven said and squared her shoulders. "Devour me".

Perry finally felt pity for the woman. She really had no idea whom she was addressing. If she did, she wouldn't speak so defiantly to him.

"Are you aware of what you're asking me redhead?",Drake asked and leaned closer to her. His face was just a few inches away from her and he could perceive the lavender scent on her skin. Lavender and honey. It was the sweetest scent he had ever perceived. His eyes darkened as desire shot through him. This woman did things no other woman had ever done to him.

"What? Surprised?",Raven asked with a smug look. "You just told me you don't do love. You devour. So go on, try and devour me".

Drake simply stared at the woman in front of him. She really had no idea what she was asking. He could see that she was just teasing.

"Don't take my words for a joke redhead",he said softly. One hand lifted and he rolled a lock of her hair in his fingers, feeling the soft texture. His hands itched to run his fingers through the fiery flames of her hair, itched to tilt her head up and press his lips on those luscious lips of hers.

"Then why don't you love?",Raven asked. Her voice came out raspy and she gulped to clear it. For a while Drake stared deeply at her and she saw an emotion flash through the hazel depths. Pain. Or was it sadness?

Before she could figure it out, Drake stepped back from her as if stung by a bee. He turned away and walked back towards Perry.

Raven was left speechless. Breathless from his closeness and feeling strangely empty now that he wasn't close to her anymore. She shook her head to clear her thoughts and pushed away from the wall.

"Wait",she said.

Drake didn't bother to turn back.

"Go home redhead",he said over his shoulders. Perry walked briskly beside him and quickly opened the door of the sleek Rolls-Royce phantom. Raven eyes almost popped out of her head when she saw the flashy car the stranger rode in.

Just who was this man?

Drake turned back before entering the car and his eyes met hers for a split second. Then he turned away and entered the car while Perry slammed the door shut. He cast a quick look at Raven and quickly walked over to the driver's side and entered the car.

Raven remained rooted to the spot as the Rolls-Royce purred to life. It backed out of the parking lot and zoomed off, leaving a trail of smoke and dust behind.

"What the hell just happened?",she asked herself. For a while she remained where she stood, her hands hugging her body. The events that occured a few minutes back played through her head.

I'm so stupid, she thought. She had actually told the stranger to devour her. Like, who did that? What would he think of her? She hadn't meant any of what she said. She had been so pissed off at his pompous attitude. Who the hell signed a relationship contract?

She scoffed and stalked back to her mustang. Now that she had seen the sleek Rolls-Royce, her car suddenly looked old in comparison. Annoyed with her thoughts, she unlocked the door and threw her purse and cell phone on the back seat. She was about to dump the iPad on the passenger seat when saw the paused recording.

Slipping into the driver's seat, she played the video and watched as Eleanor grovelled on the ground like a miserable person. All that for a man who didn't even think her worthy enough to have a relationship with. In anger, she deleted the video and threw the iPad on the passenger seat angrily. Why she was angry, she had no idea. She just felt pissed off at the thought of women signing a contract just to be in a relationship with him. Who the hell was he?

Shaking her head, she turned on the ignition and the car rumbled to life. She backed out of the parking lot slowly and then shifted gears and drove away into the approaching twilight.

She couldn't stop thinking of the stranger. The pain and sadness that had flashed through his eyes in that moment he had been staring at her. Who was he? He must be a prominent figure to have such a classy car. But what had he been doing in the company? And why had that look been in his eyes?

The questions roamed through her mind as she drove home.

...

Drake had taken off his blazer and tie and loosened more of the buttons of his inner shirt. The blazer and tie lay beside him on the back seat and his eyes stared out at nothing in particular as Perry drove towards the pack house. He had a lot on his mind.

For some strange reason, he couldn't stop thinking of the woman from the parking lot. He had no idea why she affected him so much. He never had time for women. Women chased after him, wanting a taste of his wealth and power. And he gave them all on the condition that they kept their feelings to themselves.

But this particular woman had gotten under his skin and he couldn't tell why. He sighed deeply and ran a hand through his hair. He needed a hot shower. And a run in the woods. That would clear his mind.

"Are you okay Alpha?",Perry asked. Now that they were no longer in the company of humans, he addressed Drake with the Alpha title. Perry was Drake's beta and trusted friend. He looked through the rear view mirror at Drake and noticed the faraway look in his eyes.

"Alpha?",he called.

Drake turned and stared at him. He shook his head before answering.

"I'm fine Perry",he said. "I just got a lot on my mind".

"The woman back there?", Perry asked as he slowed down for a red light.

"You noticed?",Drake asked.

"I did", Perry said and pressed down on the accelerator as the light showed green. "She looks so much like...."

"Don't say her name",Drake cut in sharply. He didn't want to hear the name that caused him so much pain. So much anguish. The pain was still fresh in his heart and he chose not to speak about it.

"I'm sorry Alpha",Perry said and turned his eyes back to the road. He knew that particular memory caused Drake so much pain. To lose your one true mate was something a lycan could never get over. And the girl of today looked so much like Lana, Drake's dead mate. And he knew it had awoken dead emotions in the Alpha.

"Perry"

"Yes Alpha?",Perry answered promptly.

"Cancel my appointments for tomorrow",Drake said. He leaned his head on the backrest and closed his eyes.

"Yes Alpha",Perry said.

"And",Drake added. "Find out everything you can about that woman. Everything".

"Will do, Alpha",Perry said. He wasn't surprised. When something caught Drake's attention, he dug down until he found whatever roused his interest. And now that this strange woman looked so much like his dead mate, his interest was piqued.

The remaining minutes of the drive was in total silence as Drake dozed off with the image of Raven behind his closed eyes.