Alpha Arrangement: A BBW BWWM Bear Shifter Paranormal Romance (Arcane Affairs Agency) Read online

  “Even trace amounts of silver can wipe out an entire clan of shifters,” I said as I absentmindedly chewed my thumbnail. “We need to secure the area, and we need to search my clan’s compound. Can you send out a Hazmat crew as soon as possible?”

  “Way ahead of you,” he said. “Dr. Reynolds and her team are working on the logistics as we speak. If the results indicate that he was poisoned, we may need to look for suspects within Timber Creek.”

  “You think this was an inside job?” I said, trying to keep myself from throwing up once again.

  “Unless the security in the Moore Clan compound has been compromised, yes.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “My officers have told me that is not the case.”

  Shit. “What do you need me to do?”

  “Try to keep everyone calm for now, and remain vigilant,” he said. “I need to debrief the council. You should do the same with your Beta, although I suspect she won’t be surprised to hear it may be a homicide.”

  I nodded and left the room in a hurry. My heart ached for Edgar; his death was certainly not a pain-free one.

  As I raced back to Tabitha’s house, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was in grave danger. No one in Timber Creek was safe anymore, and I somehow had to convince people otherwise.

  ***

  “We will start the meeting with roll call. Councilman Black?” Councilman Reed peered at the crowd through his thick rimmed, Harry Potter-like glasses.

  “Present.”

  “Councilwoman Truman?”

  “Present!”

  “Councilwoman Fortescue...Councilwoman Renaldi…Councilman Turk...”

  I sat at a table facing the row of mourning city council members in front of me. Most of them were crying into their handkerchiefs, and others were trying their hardest not to show any emotion.

  “Alpha Aubrey Moore?” Councilman Reed looked directly at me.

  “Present,” I responded.

  “I assume you've been debriefed by Sheriff Andrews, correct?” he asked as I nodded in response. “Because Councilman Johnson was in your clan, you were the first alpha to be notified. We will be contacting Alpha Reynolds, Alpha Owo, and Alpha Fortescue shortly. In addition, we will be asking members of the Timber Creek Defense Force to patrol and search your compound over the next week.”

  I could hear muffled sobs in the background. I’d never seen anything quite like this before. Our town was peaceful, due in part to the strong relationships between our clans. We maybe had a few instances of shoplifting every so often, but nothing quite as extreme as murder.

  “Because the Moore clan and the Fortescue clan are the largest in the town, we expect you to work closely with each other to ensure the safety of our people,” he continued.

  My bear was more than happy to hear this. Mason. Mine.

  “Of course,” I said. “I am more than willing to work with whoever is needed to protect Timber Creek. Does the council have any suggestions as to a course of action?”

  My heart was fluttering inside of my chest, and I couldn't tell if it was my bear being excited at the thought of Mason, or if it was a more generalized feeling of fear.

  “As a matter of fact, Alpha Moore, we do,” Councilman Reed said, his normally pink face flushing crimson. “We held an emergency meeting about 30 minutes ago to discuss our options. If you're interested, ma'am, we’d like to tell you what our proposed plan of action is.”

  I tried not to roll my eyes. No shit, I’d like to hear the plan. “Of course,” I said.

  Councilman Reed paused and rubbed his now-sweaty forehead. “It's a little bit… unconventional,” he said. “We had to look back in our records to see how things like this were handled in the past.”

  I could handle “unconventional”...maybe.

  “It is crucial that our clans band together at this time for the welfare of our town,” he continued. “Apart, we are strong, but together, we are even stronger.”

  “I understand that, and I agree, Councilman Reed. Like I said, I am more than willing to do whatever I need to ensure the safety of Timber Creek.”

  “We are aware of that, Alpha Moore. But in such desperate times, I'm afraid we need something...stronger than just your word.”

  I shifted in my seat. “Okay…” I said. “Do you need me to sign something?” Sign something in blood, perhaps?

  Councilman Reed furrowed his brow and looked to the rest of the councilmembers by his side. “Alpha Moore,” he said. “We would like you to enter into a contract with the Fortescue clan Alpha, Mason Fortescue.”

  “What type of contract?” I said, clenching my jaw. Councilman Reed was quite skilled at beating around the bush. “Will I have the opportunity to speak with my lawyer beforehand?”

  “Yes,” Councilman Reed said. “That is only fair.” He paused and ran his trembling hands through his hair.

  I rubbed my temples. What the hell was Councilman Reed so nervous about?

  “I apologize, Councilman Reed, but I would appreciate it if I was told the specifics of this contract sooner rather than later. Time is of the essence.” I spoke in a commanding voice that I hoped would mask my frustration.

  “I can take it from here,” Councilman Black said as he cleared his throat. “Alpha Moore, this contract is unconventional for us. As we stated earlier, we had to consult the town’s records to determine the best course of action. We have not done anything like this in over a century. As such, we hope that you will understand that it is our last – and possibly best – choice to ensure our safety. There are a few other places that have been forced to do this as well, as they are also experiencing an increase in homicides against shifters.” Councilman Black looked at Councilman Reed, who looked like he was about to faint.

  I glanced at Mason’s mother, Councilwoman Fortescue, who was surprisingly stone-faced.

  “We would like you to engage in a marriage contract with Mason Fortescue. This will ensure that our clans will be permanently bonded from this point forward.”

  The bile I’d been working so hard to keep in my stomach crept into my esophagus. “An arranged marriage?” I stammered. “I’m sorry, but how the hell is this supposed to bond our clans?”

  “This will allow us to increase security, combine the clan compounds, and foster a sense of community and safety in our town. As such, we would like the two leading Alphas to be in charge together by merging their clans,” Councilman Black said as he crossed his arms over his chest. He looked just as happy as I did.

  “Alpha Moore, our current methods may be working well now, but it will crumble under the pressure of any further crimes against us,” Councilman Reed said, his voice trembling.

  My face felt hot and everything was starting to spin. My bear, on the other hand, was ecstatic beyond belief. “When are we supposed to get married?”

  “In four weeks,” said Councilman Reed. “In addition, there is one additional clause to this contract –”

  “I’ll say it, Councilman Reed, as you’re barely keeping it together,” Councilman Black interjected and rolled his eyes. “The additional clause states that you two must have offspring within two years of being married. This will establish a solid line of succession, which will finalize the merging.”

  My muscles quivered and adrenaline coursed through my veins. I was primed to fight and destroy everyone who agreed to this ridiculous and barbaric contract. My eyes glossed over as I glared at every single council member in front of me.

  Tabitha raised a frail hand. “Aubrey,” she said, “I know this may be a difficult decision, but desperate times call for desperate measures. It is only under the leadership of strong alphas– you and Mason – that our clans can stand strong against our enemies.” She sniffled and her voice cracked. “Please consider it. We’re all depending on you.”

  I slammed my fist on the table as I stood up. Marriage was never in my future – an arranged marriage, even less so. Not after Gregory. I told myself I would never let anyone in my heart after w
hat he did to me, and I sure as hell wasn't going to let a contract change that.

  “Why couldn't you choose someone from the other two clans? The Reynolds clan? The Owo clan? Are they not responsible for the protection of Timber Creek?”

  “We have 300 people living here, Alpha Moore, and your clan and the Fortescue clan make up more than half of that. It wouldn’t make sense to combine the smallest clans,” Tabitha said, her voice soft.

  “Councilwoman Renaldi is right,” Councilman Black said. “And besides, because Alpha Fortescue is with the Agency, you can oversee the clan when he’s on assignment.”

  What the fuck? “Isn't that the Beta’s job?” I said through gritted teeth. “And what happens if I decline?”

  “We’ll be forced to seek asylum elsewhere, if the murders continue. Timber Creek will be no more.” Councilman Black said, showing the teensiest bit if a smirk.

  “Did anyone even consider consulting me before making this decision?” I said, gripping the table so hard that my knuckles turned white.

  “We didn’t have time, we had to –” Councilman Reid stammered.

  I threw my hands up in the air. “I can't consider this archaic and barbaric proposal right now,” I said as I turned around and strolled out of the room.

  Unprofessional, I know, but this was too much for me to handle.

  No fucking way was I going to marry Mason Fortescue.

  Chapter 2: Mason Fortescue

  “Here they are, Mason, and they’re ready to get ripped a new one,” my Beta, Connor, said as he gestured to a group of 50 fresh-eyed Timber Creek Defense Force recruits, who were dressed in their freshly ironed all-black uniforms and standing at attention. Connor’s normally dirty blonde hair was turned brown from sweat, and he wore a sleeveless t-shirt, which allowed him to proudly display his Fortescue Clan tattoo on his bicep, which was reserved for clan leaders.

  I nodded and took my sweet time looking over the visibly nervous men and women. They were so sweet, so innocent, so naive...and guess what? It was my job to terrify the living shit out of them. It was my favorite part of every season. Was it hazing? Nah, that’s juvenile. I liked to call it “giving them a healthy dose of reality”. I’m the fucking commander, I can do shit like that. Besides, they needed to grow a thick skin in order to survive even one day under my command.

  “Welcome,” I said, gesturing to the 10-foot tall wooden fence surrounding the military base. The base was nestled in a clearing about a mile away from the base of Mount Callista, meaning that we had some privacy during our training exercises. I took a deep breath and gave a cocky smile as the calming scent of pine and wet grass filled my lungs. The faintest hint of smoke – mesquite, perhaps? – wafted in my direction from the dining hall. “Life in the Timber Creek Defense Force can be both extremely fulfilling and devastatingly soul-sucking,” I continued. “It’s up to you to decide what you’re going to make of it.”

  I paced up and down the line, sizing everyone up. “I’m assuming that all of you have passed basic training, or else you wouldn’t be standing in front of me right now?”

  “Yes, obviously,” a particularly beefy recruit said with a smirk.

  “Obviously?” I said with a laugh as I turned to face him, effortlessly keeping my composure. Connor tensed up and looked ready to rip his throat out. “Name?” I asked.

  “Jeremy.”

  “I don't give a shit about your first name, recruit. Give me your last name.” I walked up to him, my muscular frame practically eclipsing his.

  “Brooks,” he said, his voice a bit softer than before. The stench of sour milk and ripe sweat emanated from his body, and I wrinkled my nose to try to block it out.

  “What clan are you in, Brooks?”

  “Moore,” he stated, looking me directly in the eyes as he puffed his chest out.

  Ha, look at that confidence. How cute.

  “Oh, really?” I said as I crossed my arms and cocked my head. “I’m sure Alpha Moore would be happy to know that you spent your first – and possibly last – day as a soldier fucking around and mouthing off to your superior,” I said. “Now, tell me, what’s so fucking obvious about what I said?”

  “W-we just got done with training,” he stammered.

  “Yes, I’m aware of that,” I replied. “What’s not obvious to me is how you managed to pass basic training.” I sized him up. His arms were stacked, but his legs looked like twigs. “Are you taking steroids?”

  “No,” he said, stepping back and shaking his head.

  I took one step closer. “No, what?” I said as I grabbed the collar of his uniform.

  “No, sir.”

  “I don't believe you,” I said. “As your commander, I reserve the right to do with you as I see fit. I don’t think you’re cut out to defend Timber Creek.”

  “But–”

  “Don’t speak until you’re spoken to, motherfucker,” I said, putting my palm on his sternum to offset his center of balance. “Do you realize the amount of danger we’re in right now? We've got a mass murderer on our asses, and we don’t need a waste of space like you clogging up the front lines.” I shook my head and briefly placed my hand on my Agency-issued Glock Model 22 pistol.

  “A murderer, sir?” he said, raising an eyebrow and tensing his shoulders.

  You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. “What part of that didn’t you understand?”

  “W-w-who is this murderer?” He said, furiously licking his already chapped lips.

  “Have you not heard about the murders in Spokane?” Connor replied. “How the hell do you not know this?”

  “I –”

  “I thought Connor debriefed you all on this a day or so ago,” I said, turning to Connor.

  He threw his hands up in a fit of exasperation. “Oh, I did. Guess they weren’t paying attention,” he sneered.

  “Piece of shit,” I said, narrowing my eyes at Brooks. “Obvious, my ass.” I turned to face the other recruits. “Does anyone else want to fuck around and talk back to me?”

  They were silent.

  “I said, does anyone want to fuck around and talk back to me? I yelled.

  “No, sir!” a timid chorus of voices replied.

  “That's what I fucking thought. I demand respect from each and every one of you, or I’ll make you wish whoever’s killing shifters kills you before I do.” I made sure to look Brooks dead in the eye as I said that. “Who knows if the murderer is a human, a witch, a demon...either way, you’re our first line of defense against them.”

  A few people gasped. “Seriously, how many of you didn’t know this?” I said, feeling my blood pressure starting to rise. Half of the recruits raised their hands. “Jesus fucking Christ,” I muttered under my breath. This was fucking pathetic. I glanced at the wide-eyed recruits in front of me. Their expressions told me that they were more unprepared for this than I ever could’ve expected. I clenched my fists and tried to control my rage.

  “Go to your barracks,” I said. “I don’t want to see you pieces of shit anymore.”

  They hesitated and started to talk amongst one another.

  “Did I fucking stutter?” I yelled, baring my teeth. “Get the hell out of my sight, now!”

  “I’ll take care of them, Mason,” Connor said as he followed the recruits – who were running at top speed at this point – to the barracks. I pinched my brow and tried to take deep breaths.

  Holy fucking shit. Never in my 7 years of leading the TCDF have I seen such a fucking incompetent group of recruits. Ignorance may be bliss, but this level of ignorance is dangerous. This is how murderers infiltrate us. This is how they kill us from the inside out.

  ***

  My sauna was my personal refuge after a hellish day like today. The steam was excellent at relieving post-workout muscle strain and was an amazing stress reliever. It was small but had a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooked the private creek that ran through my backyard. A group of Ponderosa pine trees surrounded the creek, their deep gr
een needles and thick, rugged trunks gave me shade and much-needed privacy. I sat on the smooth wooden ledge and adjusted the charcoal in the stove in the center of the room. It crackled and glowed with every poke and prod. I closed my eyes, let the steam fill my lungs, and let my mind wander.

  “Hey, dude, didn’t I see you talking to Aubrey Moore just now?”

  “Yeah,” I replied. “I was holding the door open for her. She didn’t say anything.”

  “Damn, that was your chance. Why didn’t you ask her out?”

  “She’s a fucking Alpha,” I told him. “It’s harder than it looks.”

  “Bullshit. I could ask her out right now,” Connor said.

  “Aren’t you dating her Beta?”

  He laughed and lightly punched my shoulder. “Theoretically, I could ask her out. I have the balls to do it.”

  “Now I’m calling bullshit, asshole.”

  “Who you calling asshole, dickhead? Besides, you’ve slept with hundreds of women –”

  “Not hundreds. Definitely not that many,” I said.

  “Dozens of women. What’s so different about her?”

  “It doesn’t matter,” I said. “She’s gone anyways.”

  I cringed. I had missed yet another chance to talk to Aubrey-fucking-Moore, the sexy, curvy, confident, assertive, and collected Alpha who doesn’t take shit from anyone.

  She was my dream woman who I’ve never had more than a two-second conversation with.

  The truth is that I couldn’t really pinpoint what was different about her. I've had women practically crawling all over me since I turned 17, and yeah, I've had more than my fair share of flings and hookups. For some reason, I was never able to see myself in a long-term relationship with any of them. I can't “turn off” my feelings for her like I have with all of my flings. With them, I would wine them, dine them, fuck them, and then wait until one of us became bored (usually me). We’d break up, and then I'd move on to the next lucky lady. Rinse and repeat. Usually, most of the women who wanted to be with me wanted me for my status, power, and my family’s money – nothing more. It's kind of dehumanizing, honestly. I think I just convinced myself that I'd never be able to settle down with anyone, so why not live like Casanova while I'm still young?