Annie Nicholas: The Alpha

A noise in the hallway outside of Eric’s bedroom alerted Spice. She shoved the half-wrapped present under the blankets of her unmade bed and spun around.

Her sister stepped through the doorway.

“Jesus H. Christ, Sugar. You about gave me a heart attack.” Her heart slowed with relief now that she knew it wasn’t Eric. She wanted to surprise him with a gift. The realization amazed her. When was the last time she cared to give something to anyone?

“What are you hiding?” Her twin peeked under the blankets. “A book? Is it for me?” She grinned with a wicked glint in her eyes. The vampire’s personality had rubbed off on her.

“No.” Spice pulled it out and exposed the cover. It had taken some work to get Eric to admit the box of romance books under his bed belonged to him, but they’d both enjoyed her methods of persuading his confession. She smiled, remembering the last three nights. He still refused to join her in his bed but didn’t protest if she searched him out during the wee hours of the morning and joined him on the couch.

His virginity tortured her. At first, she believed it was the reason for her infatuation but after three days she realized what she felt meant more. Like a moth to flame, his kindness drew her. She hoped she didn’t get burned.

“That’s Eric’s favorite author. How’d you know?”

“It wasn’t hard to figure out. I went through his books and she had the most titles. Look.” Inside the cover was the author’s signature. “She did a signing at the book store yesterday. Do you think he’ll like it?”

Sugar gripped her arm and laughed. “He’ll love it. How’s the new job?”

“I never thought I’d like working with books. It’s…peaceful.” She finished wrapping the gift in bright shiny blue paper and taped the edges, then took a navy blue ribbon to tie around it. Her sister placed a finger over the knot to hold it while she tied a bow. “It’s the best job I’ve had in a long time.”

Sugar’s smile faded as she stepped closer. “If you ever need to talk, I’m here for you.”

Without meeting her stare, Spice nodded. “I know.” Her voice cracked, and she cleared her throat. “That part of my life is over. It’s in the past.” Taking a deep breath she glanced at her little sister, whose concern painted her face, then smiled. “I’m ready to start fresh.”

“Eric is part of it?” Spice realized then the concern on Sugar’s face wasn’t only for her but for Eric, her best friend, as well.

“I think so.”

Her twin hugged her suddenly. “Nothing would make me happier than if the two of you fell in love.”

Spice couldn’t return the gesture and stepped away, waiting to hear the “but” part of the speech. Whenever something concerned her, the use of that word went with it. You’re smart, but you can’t handle the responsibility or her favorite you’re beautiful but don’t have enough talent. She could write a memoir filled with these kinds of statements.

“But I don’t want Eric getting hurt.”

Even though she was familiar with such expectations, didn’t mean it stopped hurting. “Hmm…” It was the only sound she could make. If she opened her mouth, she might tell Sugar where to shove her worries. What about her heart? Would anybody be troubled if he hurt her ?

“Don’t give those eyes, Spice.”

“What?”

“The eat-shit-and-die glare you give people when pissed.” Sugar placed her hands on her hips. “You don’t have a good track record when it comes to men. Use ’em and lose ’em, isn’t that your motto?”

“It used to be. Until I became the one used.” She set the present on the dresser. Eric would be home soon. He’d gone out with Sam and Robert to check on some friends but promised that after he returned he’d take her to a late dinner. She didn’t want to wreck the night by carrying a bunch of emotional crap around. “I won’t hurt him.”

She was about to embark on the most risky endeavor she’d ever been part of—a relationship. Tonight, she’d give him everything, her trust, her dreams, and her heart. No one, except her twin, had deserved such trust. The book symbolized these gifts. She touched it.

“He means something to you.” The awe in Sugar’s voice should have been insulting, but Spice laughed at it. They knew each other too well.

“Yep, for the first time, I’m in love.”

A squeal of joy escaped her little sister just before she jumped on her and knocked them both to the floor. Sugar landed on top of her, the air whooshed from her lungs, and stars pirouetted in front of her eyes. Her sister yelled, “Yes, yes, yes!”

“What’s going on in here—oh, my.”

Spice glanced over Sugar’s shoulder. Daedalus stood in the doorway, his eyes wide and his mouth hanging open. She’d seen that look on other men before once they’d met her twin. The ménage fantasy stare. Not on his life. She’d had her share of cold-blooded life-suckers.

With a twist of her hips, she dumped Sugar to the floor. She appreciated her enthusiasm, but it still stung that she doubted the sincerity of her intentions toward Eric. If anyone understood her, it should be her sister. The emptiness in her soul grew a little larger. She hoped Eric believed in her. They weren’t teenagers anymore, and she’d been through enough crap to recognize the real thing when she felt it.

Daedalus lost his dreamy expression and replaced it with a crooked grin. “I thought I was the only one who could make you scream like that.” He leaned against the doorframe and folded his arms over his chest.

“Daedalus.” Sugar sounded so scandalized Spiced had to chuckle. The girl shared her bed with a vampire yet still managed to keep some of her innocence. It amazed her. Why couldn’t Spice retain any?

The sound of the front door closing carried to the bedroom, followed by Eric’s call. “Honey, I’m home.”

Dang, she wasn’t ready for their first official date.

Sugar grabbed onto the dresser as she stood, then sashayed past Daedalus. With the tip of her fingernail, she traced a line down his bulging bicep. Her stare never left his as she led him to their room and closed the door.

Spice wanted to give her sister a mental high five. The way the vampire’s expression softened when he watched her spoke volumes. She had worried about who controlled who in their relationship, but after this little display she wouldn’t anymore. Yet, she still had to force herself not to shiver at the thought of what they’d be doing in there. If she was going to be part of her twin’s life again, she needed to learn to accept the bloodsucker.

Eric poked his head around the doorway. “Are you okay?”

She smiled at him from her place on the floor. “Yeah, I got waylaid by a squealing sister. You know, if you close the door, we could just spend the evening in here.” She popped the button on her jeans and exposed a little belly flesh.

His eyes darted straight for it. The hunger in his gaze made her breath catch. It made him look so feral, but he blinked and it faded.

“No, I was promised a date, a formal one, with you in a dress.” He stepped into the room and offered her a hand to stand.

She took it. Her man not only read romance, he wanted it in his life. Maybe she should have read one his books to get an idea of what he expected. She bit her bottom lip.

“You’re nervous?” He chuckled and pushed a stray curl behind her ear.

“It’s been a long time since someone asked me on a date. I’m not sure how to behave.” The heat of her blush burned her cheeks. “I don’t want to disappoint you.”

He lifted her chin with his finger. “I made you blush.” The awe in his voice made it deeper, sexier and the innocence of his words made her love him so much more. “Nothing you do would ever disappoint me. I’m still thrilled you want to spend any time with me.”