The Alpha’s Captive (Shifters of Grey Ridge)

Prologue

CARLA

When I find my sister, if she’s not already dead, I’m going to kill her myself.

I pull my SUV into the gravel parking lot of Murphy’s General Store, dust swirling in my wake as I cut the engine.

Beth disappeared abruptly, leaving behind the wreckage of Toby’s escape from custody and my reputation ruined. The pack has finally cleared my name. No thanks to her attempts to pin the blame squarely on me, but the damage is done.

Beth is still out there somewhere, and I’m determined to find her, to understand why she helped a killer escape and make me take the fall. And to see if I can convince her to come home and face up to what she’s done before she ends up dead, too.

The trail has led me here, to Anderson territory, Toby’s former pack.

A few carefully placed calls and some digging through old contacts, and I’ve learned that Beth was spotted in this area shortly after Toby’s escape. With him supposedly dead, the only people she has left are his staunch supporters, the people who still think he did nothing wrong.

If anyone knows where my sister went, it’ll be them.

The bell above the store door chimes as I enter, the familiar scent of packaged goods and coffee greeting me. I miss the cafe. I miss home. But I can’t return without at least trying to find her.

I might be beyond angry with her, but she’s my sister. And she’s always been easily led.

A short human woman looks up from behind the counter, offering a tight smile.

“Help you with something, dear?” She’s polite but cautious, glancing out the window at my rental car, and sizing me up with a look over the top of her glasses.

“I hope so.” As I approach the counter, I pull out my phone to show a photo of Beth. “I’m looking for my sister. Blonde, about my height, green eyes. Goes by Beth.”

The woman studies the photo, her expression carefully neutral. “Can’t say I recall anyone by that description. And you’re so pretty. If she looks like you, I think I’d remember.”

The response is too quick, too practiced. My wolf stirs restlessly. The woman is lying, hoping to distract me with flattery.

“Are you sure? Take your time.” My tone is saccharine sweet. I hold the photo out again, but she doesn’t even glance at it this time.

“Like I said, dear, I don’t recall.” The woman’s tone cools considerably. “Was there anything else you needed?”

She doesn’t say before you leave, but it’s implied.

I force a smile. “No, thank you.”

I step outside, blinking against the strong sun, and take a deep, calming breath. It’s just what small towns are like. It’s not personal.

I try the gas station across the street, then the small diner on Main Street.

Each inquiry is met with the same polite but firm denial.

Too polite. Too firm. My intuition is telling me there’s something very wrong here, more than a town recovering from the scandal of their soon to be alpha trying to swindle their neighbors out of millions and then attempting to kidnap their daughter.

As I walk back toward my car, frustration building, a voice calls out behind me.

“Miss?”

I turn to see a young man, maybe early twenties, emerging from the alley beside the diner. He looks up and down the street nervously and stuffs his hands into his pockets.

“You’re asking about that blonde woman,” he says, glancing around to make sure no one is watching. “The one who used to hang around with Toby?”

My heartrate picks up. “You saw her?”

“Maybe.” He fidgets with the hem of his jacket. “But I shouldn’t be talking to you. Luna made it clear…”

“Luna Anderson?” I step closer, keeping my voice low. “Please. Beth is my sister. I just need to know if she’s safe. I’m not here to cause any trouble.”

The young man’s resolve wavers. “She was here. Just for one night, but Luna... she wasn’t happy about it. Told her she wasn’t welcome.”

I don’t blame her. I doubt I’d want the woman who was trying to steal my mate hanging around, either.

“Do you know where she went?”

“North, I think.” He coughs and glances back in the direction he came, eager to get away from me as fast as he can. “Look, I gotta go. Luna finds out I talked to you…”

She must be keeping her pack on a tight rein if they’re all this afraid to talk. Although it’s understandable when so many of them seem to have remained loyal to her scumbag ex rather than her.

“Wait.” I pull out a scrap of paper and scribble my number on it. “If you remember anything else, please call me. I just want to find my sister.”

He pockets the note quickly and melts back into the alley.

I need help. Maybe Luna can give me more information, but she’s not going to talk to me. I’ll drive back to Grey Ridge, talk to Cooper, maybe ask him to make some calls. She might be open to helping after everything her mate did to our pack.

“Carla?”

I spin around to find Luna Anderson standing behind me, flanked by two large men with stern expressions. She’s even more stunning, more elegant up close.

“Yes, Luna.” I straighten, every instinct screaming danger. “I apologize if I’ve alarmed some of your pack. I was just…”

Her eyes are pale blue, like ice, and she stares back at me, her expression devoid of any hint of warmth. I’m not welcome here.

“Asking questions you have no business asking.” Luna’s voice is deceptively calm. “In my territory, about subjects that don’t concern you without requesting prior permission.”

The last part may be true, but not the rest.

“My sister is my concern. And her life could be in danger.”

“Your sister made her choices.” Luna steps closer, and I catch a glimpse of the leashed fury beneath the woman’s controlled exterior. “Just as you’re making yours now.”

“I’m leaving. I can take a hint.” Turning, I take a step toward my car, but the two men move to block my path. “I won’t bother you anymore.”

Itching to get away from her, I hold my hands up in surrender, pretending to be submissive and eager to please.

“I’m afraid that’s not possible.” Luna’s smile is sharp as a blade. “You see, your little investigation has put me in a rather difficult position. Questions lead to answers, and some answers are better left buried.”

My wolf surges forward, recognizing the threat for what it is. An admission of guilt.

She knows where Beth is.

“I just want my sister back,” I say, backing away slowly.

“Oh, my dear.” Luna’s laugh is as cold as a winter wind. “You’ll be seeing your sister sooner than you think.”

The blow comes from behind, something hard connecting with the base of my skull. Pain explodes through my head as my legs give out, darkness rushing in from the edges of my vision.

The last thing I hear before unconsciousness claims me is Luna Anderson’s voice, distant and distorted.

“Take her to Black River. Leon can deal with her.”