The King (Alpha Trilogy #3)

Lorenzo

I watch the fight in front of me with little interest; the two fighters have no potential and their mindless exchange of half-assed punches and kicks doesn’t amuse me.

Usually, I like watching humans fight, but only when they show some real skill.

Like her.

Oh, how I miss my Ghost. She was a sight to behold.

When I first saw her, I knew she’s not your average fighter. There was this air of confidence and authority she had around her whenever she stepped on the ring.

I loved watching her. She was so strong, so ferocious, so unforgiving.

Her being a gorgeous woman only added to her appeal.

If only she was my mate. She would be an amazing Queen to rule by my side. But, she chose that human, Blake, to be with. I’d rather claim her myself, but if she’s happy with him, then I won’t interfere.

I sigh tiredly, fed up with those idiots in the ring, and get up from my seat, heading to the office upstairs. I pass few ranked fighters dragging some tipsy girls into the private rooms, shaking my head at their arrogance. I should’ve never allowed that. Ghost never took anyone to her room. She was too proud to have some noncommittal one night stands in my club. She has too much self-respect to do that.

“You’re back already? I thought you were going to watch the fights for longer.” My beta and best friend, Alex, frowns in shock when he sees me enter the office. He’s been working with me for over 400 years. Loyalty like his is not a common trait recently, especially after the world wars. Humans are like pests, only nice when they need something. Usually it’s money.

That’s why I decided to give them a chance to earn it. By fighting. I have seen countless fights, thousands of people went through the doors of my clubs and the only thing they ever cared for was a bunch of bills with numbers on it.

There was no one who caught my attention except for Lia.

Yes, I know who she is. But I never admitted to that.

When I first caught her scent, I was immediately mesmerized. She smelled so sweet, so innocent, so tantalizing. It was so hard to pretend I don’t know who she is. I found out about her when I went to Walford for some business. I caught her scent and followed it, like a damn stalker, to find out who hides behind that skull mask. I wasn’t disappointed. She’s a beautiful young woman, with sharp eyes and great instincts. She almost caught me watching her, but thankfully I’m much faster than a human.

Perks of being a werewolf.

I continued to pretend I don’t know who she is, slowly gaining her trust and getting close to her. Eventually she revealed her identity to me on her own. It actually made me feel warm inside when she did that.

But then she left to college.

I haven’t seen her for months now and I’d never admit it to anyone, but I miss her and her fights. She’s a force to be reckoned with both in the ring and in life. That Blake guy is lucky son of a bitch to have a woman like her and to call her his.

“You seem annoyed. Did something happen?” Alex questions as I pour myself a glass of whiskey.

“No. And that’s the thing. Nothing amuses me anymore.” I sigh, sitting in my chair, spinning it to face the window and the serene view of the city.

“That’s unusual for you to say. I thought you liked this.” I can tell Alex is confused about my sudden change, but I pay him no mind.

There’s a heavy feeling in my chest that I don’t know how to alleviate. Nothing works. I think it comes from spending millennia without a mate. I hate to admit it, but I might actually be... miserable.

“Lo, what’s wrong?” Alex worriedly asks.

“I think it’s time to move. There’s nothing for me here anymore.” I lean back on my chair, sipping on my drink.

“She’s not here…” Alex rather states than asks, already knowing the answer.

“She’s not. – I confirm – I think it’s time to look somewhere else.”

“Where? Should I arrange the flight?”

“San Francisco. I want everything ready for next month.”

“Oh, isn’t that where Ghost fights now? It looks like you’re following her. – Alex chuckles in amusement, but quickly sobers up when he sees I’m not laughing – Are you going to close the club or find someone to run it for you again?” I hear Alex being busy with papers behind me, most likely looking for his phone. He always manages to misplace it and despite his sharp senses, he can never find it.

“I’ll think about it.”

“What about those bikers? You know, Ghost’s friends?” I spin my chair to look at my friend, giving him an inquisitive look.

“Why them?”

Alex remains quiet for a moment before finally answering. “Their Prez used to fight here and they’re influential enough to keep the fighters in check.” He shrugs, still looking for his phone. It amazes me how clueless he can be as a werewolf.

“I see…” I turn back to the window.

Bikers, huh? It might be a good idea to leave it to them. They know the city and they’d manage everything well.

Does it really seem like I’m following Ghost? Was that really my intention?

Maybe.

But something tells me to go to where she is. It’s weird how drawn I am to her. My wolf’s always calm in her presence and I can’t figure out why. She’s not our mate, so why would she affect us?

I get up from my chair, ignoring Alex’s imploring look when I pass by him “I’m going out.” I announce then without further ado, walk out of the office.

I get in my black Mercedes and drive around the city aimlessly, before deciding to go to Walford, to meet the Shadow Warriors. It’s an hour away from here, and I use this time to think about Alex’s offer. It makes sense to get them to manage the club, they know the area and they can deal with guys that don’t like to follow the rules.

I pull up in front of the clubhouse, slightly surprised about the gates being open, then get out of the car, heading straight to the entrance. There are a few guys outside, but they don’t say anything, just glare at me as I walk in.

When I enter the club, I’m met by the sight of Tank and who I'm assuming is his woman sitting comfortably in one of the booths with a bunch of other guys with him. I go straight to them, not missing their surprised expressions.

“You? What are you doing here?” One of the guys finally notices me. I recognize him as one of the guys who came to get those four fuckers who hurt Lia. He’s slightly older, probably around fifty, with salt and pepper hair and a long beard. I glance at his patch to check his name. Gun, Vice President.

“I’d like to talk to you.” I directly address Tank. He squints his eyes in suspicion before gesturing at me to take a seat in front of him. “Alone.” I sternly add, but all it gets is a smirk from him. Damn humans.

“I don’t have to hide anything from my brothers. What do you need?” Tank doesn’t beat around the bush, still keeping his woman on his lap despite her attempts to leave.

“I have a proposition for you. – I start, leaning my elbows on the table – I would like your club to take over the Cage.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m leaving soon. And I won’t be able to manage the club from there.”

“What do you want in return?

“Nothing.” I watch as shock crosses the guys’ faces and they stare at me in pure disbelief.

“What’s going on?” Tank suspiciously questions, scowling at me.

“Nothing. I just don’t want to close the club and leaving it in wrong hands would ruin the reputation I worked for. The only solution to that might actually be your club. You’re influential in the area and you’d be able to keep everything in check.” I explain shortly. I can see Tank’s woman trying to not look at me, hiding her face from me. This is the reaction I always get. No one is able to look me in the eye.

Apart from Ghost and… Beast. That woman gets on my nerves like no one else. While Ghost calms my wolf down, Beast, also known as Thea Kingston, infuriates him beyond belief.

“I don’t like how casual you’re being about this. You’ve had the club for almost 10 years and suddenly you want to leave it in my hands, like it’s nothing. What are you up to, Lorenzo?” Tank leans back, tightening his arms around his woman’s waist.

“I’m not up to anything. – I sigh – I really don’t want to leave the club in wrong hands. I don’t care about the money, I have enough of it to last me a lifetime. But I’m not going to let someone tarnish my name.”

“So that’s your plan. – Tank nods slowly – I’ll think about it. Give me a week and I’ll tell you my answer. Is that alright with you?”

“Sure. Thanks, Tank.” I say before getting up and leaving the club.

I get back in my car and drive away, with no specific place in mind.

Where should I go now?