AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I haven’t been to Rock Hill in years, even though it’s one of the larger cities in Northern California. Any other time, I would have loved to explore the fancy restaurants and trendy boutiques, but now a sense of dread looms as I find my exit.
I have the semblance of a plan in my head, but the closer I get to the city, the more it seems ridiculous.
If these Alpha investigators weren’t involved before, why would they want to be involved in April’s case now?
What is a box of macarons going to do?
I feel foolish. The optimism that I absorbed from Devyn slowly wavers, and my thoughts spiral.
This won’t work.
I fight the negative thoughts as I find my destination and pull into the parking lot, managing to find a spot that doesn’t have a warning about being towed. The building is inside of a business park with a pristine white exterior and tinted windows. A large metal sign next to a door reads Alpha Private Bureau.
I’m extremely intimidated, and the self-doubt from before creeps in as I carefully retrieve the box of macarons from the passenger seat.
Do this for April. The worst they can say is no.
I step out of the car, box of cookies in hand and purse slung over my shoulder, and smooth out my skirt. I glance at my reflection in the window and stand up straighter, feigning an air of confidence.
“We can do this,” I murmur to the reflection. “We’ve got this.”
I may not know exactly what my plan is, but at least I’m trying something.
My kitten heels clack against the walkway as I make my way to the main door. I glance at the sign one more time, take a deep breath, and pull open the door.
Here goes nothing.
6
SKYLAR
Entering the building is extremely anticlimactic. I’m greeted by an empty reception area, with two chairs to the left and a vacant desk directly in front of me. A tiny potted plant sits on the desk, along with half a dozen business card holders.
The only sound is the gentle whirring of the air conditioner. There aren’t even any lights on, and for a second, I wonder if the entire building is empty.
Then, I smell it.
Alpha.
My entire body tenses and I’m temporarily paralyzed.
I’ve never reacted this way to a scent. I take my suppressants like I’m supposed to, never missing a dose, especially after what happened with Jason.
But tingles shoot down my spine and my thoughts sputter.
Strong imagery fills my imagination, and I never want to stop inhaling the scent.
It’s rain in the forest with a touch of gentle pine.
It’s the subtle smoke from blowing out a candle after stepping out of the bath.
Romance.
Longing.
Comfort.
I almost drop my macarons as I stand there slack jawed, looking like an absolute weirdo.
