Chained By The Alpha Jessica Hall

Book 2 Chapter 22

The engine roars to life beneath me, breaking the eerie quiet. As I pull out of the parking lot, I glance one last time towards the library. I start my car, pull out onto the road, and drive past the bus stop when a flash of movement catches my eye, and I slam on the brakes, earning an angry honk from behind. There, at a run-down bus stop, stands a familiar figure. Maya. She looks small and vulnerable, nothing like the confident dancer from The Club

Without consciously deciding to do so, I'm pulling over to the curb. My wolf stirs restlessly within me. I roll down the window, heart pounding

"Maya?" I call out, trying to keep my voice

neutral

She startles, eyes widening as she recognizes me. For a moment, I think she might bolt

"Vance," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "What are you doing here?"

I struggle to find the right words. "I... I thought I saw you at the library. Are you okay?"

A flicker of something fear? Defiance? - crosses her face. "I'm fine, I was meeting a

friend," she lies, but her trembling hands betray her

"Which friend?" I ask

"None of your business." I peer at the bus stop sign

"So why are you here?" "Just waiting for the bus."

I stare at her wondering if she is embarrassed about working at the library? "Let me give you a ride," I offer

Maya hesitates, conflict clear in her eyes. I can almost see the battle raging within her - pride versus practicality, suspicion versus need

"I don't need a lift," she says, but there's no real fire behind the words

I take a deep breath, wrestling with my own conflicted emotions. "Maybe not," I admit. "But I'm offering anyway."

Finally, Maya's shoulders slump and she grits her teeth. "Fine," she says, moving towards the

Car

As she slides into the passenger seat, I catch a whiff of her scent - a mix of cheap soap and something deliciously Maya. My wolf rumbles contentedly, and I have to forcibly push down the surge of protectiveness that threatens to overwhelm me. My wolf has never taken a liking to any woman since our mate. Yet he seems to be warming up to Maya; maybe it's my guilt-ridden conflicted feelings. I have no clue, but this 1s the most he has come forward for anyone besides my brother

"Where to?" I ask, trying to keep my voice casual

Maya gives me a wary look. "Just... home," she says softly. "If that's okay."

I nod, pulling away from the curb

"Everything okay with your car?" I ask. The memory of her beaten-up sedan flashes through my mind

Maya jumps slightly, her eyes wide as they meet mine. For a moment, I catch a glimpse of vulnerability beneath her carefully constructed facade. Then, as quickly as it appeared, it's gone, replaced by a mask of indifference

"prefer the bus," she says quickly. "It's easier than dealing with city traffic."

I arch an eyebrow, unconvinced. My wolf bristles, sensing her discomfort

"Right," I mutter, my fingers tightening on the steering wheel. "Because nothing says 'easy' like waiting in the morning heat for a crowded bus."

Maya's jaw clenches, and I can practically see

the walls going up around her. "I didn't ask for your opinion," she snaps. I sigh, why is she always so angry? Shaking my head I focus on driving

The drive is quiet at first, the silence punctuated only by the low hum of the engine. I steal glances at her when I can, noticing the dark circles under her eyes, the way her fingers twist nervously in her lap

Suddenly, Maya reaches into her bag, pulling out a crumpled wad of cash. "Here," she says,

thrusting it towards me. "For fixing my car."

I glance at the money, my stomach twisting. It's clearly not enough to cover the alternator, but I never fixed it, expecting her to pay me back

"A friend owed me a favor," I lie, gently pushing her hand away. "Keep your money, Maya."

Her eyes narrow, searching my face for any sign of deception. "T don't need your charity, Vance," she says, her voice tight