The Alpha's Desire Series Book 6 by Black Barbie

In the world of Alphas, power is law and mates are claimed, not chosen.

One reckless night binds her to a pack ruled by violence and secrets. Marked by an Alpha who thrives on control, desired by others who refuse to let fate decide for them, she becomes the spark that ignites old rivalries and new wars.

Each Alpha wants something different.

Protection. Possession. Revenge.

None of them are willing to lose.

As the mate bond tightens and blood is spilled in her name, she learns the truth love is not the danger. Power is.

Because in a world where Alphas never share, the greatest sin is wanting more than one… and surviving it.

Blrub

Chapter 1

“I was really hoping you’d come,” Sofía’s gentle voice drifted through the phone, and Eugénie shut her eyes for a moment as she drew in a slow breath. Disappointing her mother had never gotten easier. If anything, it hurt more each time.

“I’m sorry, Mom. Exams are coming up and I’ve been swamped.”

“I understand, sweetheart, but everyone was here except you. We missed you terribly. I just want to hold you again. You know how much we all love you.”

A faint smile touched Eugénie’s lips despite the ache in her chest. “I love all of you even more. Don’t worry. Once exams are over, I’ll surprise you with a visit. Just take care of yourself, okay?”

“You too, Eugénie. Come home soon.”

The call ended.

She tossed her phone onto the bed beside her and stared up at the ceiling with a weary sigh.

That had been painful.

She wanted to go home. More than she admitted aloud. Even a few days with her family sounded comforting.

But she couldn’t.

Not because of the pack house.
Not because of the city.
Because of one person.

Alexandre Mercier.

Even now, years later, the memory of that night still lived beneath her skin like a scar that refused to fade. No matter how hard she tried to bury it, it always resurfaced.

For five years she had mastered the art of avoiding him.

Whenever she visited the pack house, she made sure Alexandre was away on missions or occupied elsewhere. Distance had become her safest shield.

Those past five years had been chaotic like being thrown onto a runaway roller coaster without warning. So many things had changed back then, enough to drive her far from home. Still, she didn’t hate the life she had now. In truth, part of her had always dreamed of escaping the suffocating walls of the pack house and building a future of her own.

And she had.

San Francisco had become her sanctuary a dazzling city filled with restless energy, bright lights, and endless motion. It gave her freedom. Space to breathe. Space to become someone beyond her family name.

Her phone buzzed again.

“Want to ride tonight?” Gaston asked the second she answered.

“How many riders?”

“The whole club. Late-night run.”

A spark lit inside her instantly. “Count me in.”

“See you tonight.”

The line disconnected.

Gaston was one of the few people she’d grown close to after joining the biker community. She’d met him during one of the club rides, and over time the riders had become something close to family.

Pushing herself off the bed, Eugénie headed for the shower. She still had two afternoon classes to survive before the night began.

She was studying business at one of the top universities in the United States on a scholarship she had earned through sheer brilliance and relentless discipline. Eugénie refused to be overshadowed by her brothers in any aspect of life. Success mattered to her not for praise, but because she craved independence.

The home she lived in reflected her father’s devotion to her comfort.

A beautiful two-story Victorian house stood in one of the city’s elite neighborhoods, purchased specifically for her. It was luxurious yet warm, elegant yet quiet. Too quiet sometimes.

Living alone in a house that large could become lonely, but Eugénie rarely stayed still long enough for the loneliness to settle in.

Sofía had also hired a maid for her a middle-aged woman named Fabienne whose duties included cooking healthy meals and maintaining the house. She arrived every morning and left sometime in the afternoon. Breakfast was usually the only meal they shared together.

After showering, Eugénie entered the kitchen to find the table already prepared.

Fabienne smiled as Eugénie sat down and served herself.

“How’s your son doing?” Eugénie asked.

“He’s much better. The doctors said he should be discharged tomorrow.”

“That’s wonderful.”

Fabienne’s son had been hospitalized after an accident the previous week. Eugénie had quietly covered most of the medical expenses, something the older woman remained deeply grateful for.

Once breakfast ended, Eugénie headed to the university.

“Eugénie!”

She turned at the sound of Sophie’s voice just after parking her car.

Sophie hurried toward her along the pathway, her expression full of urgency.

“Tell me you finished the last section of our presentation,” she pleaded.

“I did,” Eugénie answered with a grin as they started toward their department.

Before Sophie could celebrate, a heavy arm suddenly dropped over her shoulders.

Both girls looked back to find Émile flashing them a shameless grin.

Their first encounter had been a disaster.

Émile had practically bulldozed into her while sprinting through campus like a maniac. In the process of trying to stop her fall, he had grabbed her arm, and they both crashed to the ground together. The panic attack that followed had terrified him. He’d apologized obsessively afterward every single time he saw her.

Somehow, those awkward apologies had turned into friendship.

Tall and lean with blond hair, blue eyes, and a permanently flirtatious smile, Émile had a talent for making people laugh. He was reckless, energetic, and somehow impossible to dislike.

When he discovered Eugénie rode motorcycles, he became obsessed with biker culture overnight, bought his first bike, and dragged the group into celebrating with a coastal cruise. Sophie had spent most of that ride clinging to Eugénie while screaming threats at Émile.

“Good afternoon, my little beans,” Émile announced dramatically.

Sophie elbowed him so hard in the chest that he doubled over with a groan.

“Jesus, that hurts! Are you secretly Wonder Woman?” he complained while rubbing his chest. “I hate how strong you are.”

“Then work out,” Eugénie shot back.

He rolled his eyes. “Please. I could beat anyone already. Worry about yourself instead. I’ll see you tonight.”

With that, he disappeared toward the law department.

The rest of the day passed in lectures and assignments. On the drive home, Sophie spent nearly the entire ride rambling about her newest crush from the arts department.

After dropping her off, Eugénie finally returned home.

A text lit up her screen.

Dominique.

Are you okay?

Her brows furrowed immediately.

I’m perfectly fine. Why? Is everything alright?

The response came almost instantly.

I’m coming to get you. There’s a situation.

A chill slid down her spine.

No.

The second she sent it, her phone rang.

She answered with a sharp inhale. “What’s wrong?”

“I’ll be there in a few days,” Dominique said calmly, though concern threaded through his voice. “Until then, stay home and be careful. Then I’ll take you back.”

“I’m not coming back, and you know that.”

“Don’t argue with me, Eugénie. This is serious.”

“Then tell me what’s happening.”

“Stay inside. Be careful. We’ll talk when I arrive.”

“Dominique”

But the line had already gone dead.

Scowling, she tossed the phone aside and changed for the gym.

No matter how busy life became, she never skipped training. Strength was survival.

By the time she returned home and stepped out of the shower, her riding suit was already laid across the bed.

Another message flashed onto her screen.

Meet me at the bridge. Émile

Dominique worried too much.

She wasn’t helpless anymore.

At nineteen, Eugénie was stronger than most humans could ever imagine. Years of training had sharpened her into a fighter capable of protecting herself.

Pulling on her black riding suit, she grabbed her helmet and headed into the garage.

Her motorcycle waited there like a living beast cloaked in black steel.

The sight alone made her smile.

The moment she mounted it and the engine roared to life beneath her, adrenaline rushed through her veins like fire.

Freedom.

That was what riding gave her.

She sped toward the bridge where Émile waited, and together they rode to the club’s gathering point.

The other riders greeted her warmly the second she arrived. She was among the youngest members, and most of the club had adopted her like a little sister.

Gaston, their leader, eventually signaled everyone into formation.

Engines thundered.

Within moments they were tearing through the roads, slicing between traffic in flashing streaks of speed and light.

Inside her helmet, Eugénie grinned wildly.

These were the moments she felt most alive.

A couple members of the club ran biker vlog channels, so rides often turned into showcases of stunts and wheelies while cameras rolled. Eugénie herself had recently launched a channel of her own. She never showed her face, yet her audience kept growing rapidly, and the platform had already started earning her money.

Émile handled most of her filming.

And annoyingly enough, he was excellent at it.

A sleek McLaren suddenly surged past her.

She caught a glimpse of the driver cocky, challenging.

He wanted a race.

Eugénie never ignored a challenge.

Leaning forward, she twisted the throttle and shot ahead of the car in seconds. Excitement burst through her as the wind screamed around her.

Then she noticed the woman seated beside the driver.

With a small laugh, she eased off the speed and let him reclaim the lead.

A moment later Gaston sped past her, tapping the top of his helmet.

Cops ahead.

She immediately slowed. Getting pulled over was the last thing she needed.

They rode for nearly another hour before turning back along the coastal roads Eugénie loved most.

Her helmet was off now, her hair tied high in a ponytail while the ocean wind whipped around her.

Behind her, Gaston and Émile laughed and argued loudly.

Then suddenly

A sleek black car swerved directly into her path.

Everything happened too fast.

Her bike slammed into the front of the vehicle before she could brake properly, and she was thrown hard onto the asphalt.

Pain exploded through her body.

Bikes screeched to a halt behind her as Émile rushed forward, but Eugénie had already forced herself upright.

Her protective suit spared her from serious injury. Aside from a shallow cut on her forehead, she was mostly unharmed. Blood trickled slowly down the side of her face.

Then she saw her motorcycle.

The damage hit her harder than the crash itself.

Fury ignited instantly.

Storming toward the black car, she pounded violently against the driver’s window while Émile followed close behind.

“Are you fucking blind?” she shouted.

When the driver still didn’t move, she punched the side mirror clean off the car.

A tense second passed.

Then the driver’s door opened.

Eugénie stepped back, fully prepared to unleash hell

But the words died in her throat.

Steel-gray eyes met hers.

Cold.
Familiar.
Unforgettable.

Her mind went blank.

For a heartbeat she could only stare.

Then her lips parted on their own.

“Alexandre.”

Past

Five Years Ago…

“I’m exhausted. Let me breathe for God’s sake.”

Eugénie collapsed flat onto the ground, staring up at the sky as the setting sun painted it in rich shades of orange and gold.

“You’re slacking,” Armand said from above her, hands planted on his hips while he glared down disapprovingly.

“Go to hell,” she muttered, rolling over and burying her face in her arms so her back faced him.

“You’re bruised everywhere, and you still haven’t managed to land a single hit on Pascal,” he pointed out mercilessly.

Her head snapped up instantly.

“Look at him and then look at me,” she snapped. “The man’s a damn gorilla who moves faster than he has any right to. I’ve only been training for three weeks. What exactly are you expecting from me? Honestly, you make my blood boil.”

Every inch of her body hurt. Her muscles screamed in protest, and she was convinced death was hovering nearby waiting to collect her.

“You should rest for today,” Pascal suggested calmly from the side.

Armand immediately frowned in disagreement.

Eugénie took advantage of the distraction and kicked the back of his leg hard enough to force him onto one knee.

He shot her a murderous glare.

“You little menace,” he warned darkly. “If you still want to go to the States, you’d better start being nice to me.”

She answered him with an irritated sneer before storming back toward the palace.

The moment she reached her room, she dropped face-first onto the bed.

Sleep claimed her instantly.

The next morning, she woke refreshed and determined.

Today, she promised herself, she was finally going to land a punch on Pascal.

As soon as Eugénie entered the training barracks, her steps slowed.

Someone stood in the distance, far from the others, yet she recognized him immediately.

How could she not?

He towered over nearly everyone around him. With his savage build, sharp features, and oppressive presence, Alexandre Mercier was impossible to overlook.

Her brows knitted together.

What was he doing in the vampire kingdom?

She had assumed his training period there had long since ended. The very last thing she wanted was for him to suddenly appear again. They barely tolerated each other as it was, and his presence alone had the power to ruin her entire day.

Everything between them had soured after the incident with Charlotte when Eugénie had stopped Alexandre from cornering her and reported him to Gérard afterward.

That night had changed something.

The fear he planted inside her never truly disappeared.

It had been years since they’d spoken normally to one another. Somewhere along the way, she’d begun to believe he genuinely despised her. Things hadn’t always been that way, but people changed.

And Alexandre had changed the most.

As she moved closer, she couldn’t ignore how terrifyingly perfect he looked among the fighters.

If she had to describe him in one word, it would be simple.

A beast.

Alexandre was a nightmare in combat. The most skilled fighter across both kingdoms. No one had ever defeated him not even Dominique. Dominique may have possessed greater raw strength, but Alexandre’s technique was unmatched.

Pascal was already waiting for her on the training grounds. He had finished warming up and was busy correcting a pair of trainees mid-sparring session.

The moment he spotted her, he nodded once.

Eugénie immediately began preparing herself.

Stretching first.

Then laps.

As she ran, she noticed Armand speaking quietly with Alexandre and Noël nearby. The three men wore serious expressions while Olivier supervised the remaining trainees.

Once she finished warming up, Eugénie approached Pascal.

“I’ll attack first,” he said.

She nodded.

Just as expected, he didn’t give her even a second to recover before lunging at her.

But after weeks of training, she had begun understanding his patterns. Despite how insanely fast he was, this time she managed to dodge his first strike.

Pascal aimed low for her leg.

She slipped away in time.

A smirk pulled at his lips. “You’re improving. But what happens when I switch techniques?”

Before she could react, he blurred forward and slammed a punch directly into her stomach.

Pain exploded through her.

A sharp gasp escaped her lips as she stumbled backward

Then a deep voice interrupted.

Pascal immediately stepped away.

Eugénie dropped onto the ground, clutching her stomach as agony twisted through her core. She knew Pascal had held back most of his strength, yet it still hurt like hell.

Armand grabbed the back of her shirt to pull her up, careful not to touch her directly since he knew how much she disliked physical contact from men.

The moment she steadied herself, she accidentally bumped into him.

Armand chuckled softly at her clumsiness before stepping away.

Then she felt it.

A stare.

Sharp enough to pierce skin.

Her eyes shifted toward Alexandre.

He was looking at Armand first.

Then his gaze settled on her face.

Instantly, her signature frown appeared.

Their eyes locked.

His expression remained cold and unreadable.

Hers practically promised murder.

“Twenty-two days,” Alexandre said flatly, “and this is all the progress you’ve made?”

Her fists clenched immediately.

He was mocking her.

“You’re not my trainer,” she shot back. “Save your opinions for your own trainees.”

A smug smile almost reached her lips

Until he spoke again.

“I am your trainer starting today.”

His voice dropped lower, darker, threaded with a quiet dominance that wrapped around the training grounds like smoke.

“Says who?”

“Dominique.”

Her mouth flattened into a hard line.

“I’d rather train with literally anyone else.”

“Then complain to your brother,” Alexandre replied without emotion. “You’re wasting my time. Either take your position or leave.”

Pascal and Armand quietly stepped outside the sparring circle.

Rage pulsed visibly in her neck.

God, she wanted to hit him.

If he hadn’t been older and so overwhelmingly intimidating she might have actually tried.

Still… sparring was fair game.

Hurting him there wouldn’t count as outright defiance.

“Fine,” she bit out.

She lifted her fists into position and inhaled deeply before releasing the breath slowly.

Alexandre pulled off his hoodie and tossed it aside.

The sight alone nearly made her reconsider every bad decision she’d ever made.

The compression shirt stretched tightly across his broad chest and powerful frame. Dark trousers disappeared into heavy black boots. His hair was tied into a careless man bun, though one loose strand had fallen across his face.

And his eyes

Those steel-gray eyes looked almost inhuman.

Like something demonic hiding behind calm restraint.

For one fleeting second, Eugénie realized she might have made a terrible mistake.

The way he looked at her…

It felt as though he could kill her without the slightest hesitation.

One hand remained tucked casually inside his pocket while he lifted the other and crooked two fingers at her in challenge.

“You attack.”

Fear slid coldly down her spine, but she swallowed it.

He didn’t need to tell her twice.

Eugénie launched herself at him.

She aimed for his torso first, but Alexandre evaded her attack effortlessly. The precision of his movements stunned her so badly she froze for half a heartbeat.

He moved as fast as the vampires.

How was that even possible?

No wonder no one could beat him.

“Be careful, Eugénie,” Noël warned from the sidelines. “He’s fast, and worse, he’s smart. Watch his eyes. Read his movements. Predict what he’ll do next.”

Read his eyes.

Predict him.

She looked directly into Alexandre’s gaze

And instantly regretted it.

More than half her confidence vanished on the spot.

His eyes reminded her of the deepest parts of the ocean in winter cold, merciless, endless.

The longer she stared into them, the more terror swallowed her whole.

At that moment, he looked every inch the predator she should stay far away from.

“Attack,” Alexandre ordered harshly. “Stop staring like an idiot.”

His voice snapped her out of it.

Anger surged through her veins.

Her eyes narrowed as she charged again.

This time she used her speed properly.

She unleashed every strike, every combination, every technique she had learned over the past weeks in one relentless assault.

Alexandre dodged every single attack with humiliating ease.

Eventually she stopped, chest heaving violently as sweat slid down her forehead and traced the sharp curve of her jaw.

Alexandre stood before her untouched.

Unbothered.

Both hands tucked into his pockets.

Expression blank.

“Good,” he said calmly. “Now defend.”

Her eyes widened

Because he was already moving toward her.

Fast.

Too fast.

The moment his gaze collided with hers, her legs nearly gave out.

Instead of defending herself, she froze completely as his massive fist came toward her face.

This is it.

He’s going to kill me.

Eugénie squeezed her eyes shut and stopped breathing.

One second passed.

Then another.

Nothing happened.

Slowly, she opened one eye.

His fist hovered inches from her face.

Her breath caught.

Alexandre stared down at her with chilling indifference.

“If you brace yourself like that in front of a real enemy,” he said coldly, “they’ll smash your brains across the ground.”

She flinched hard at the cruelty in his tone.

He straightened to his full height, looking at her as though she were profoundly disappointing.

“You’re below average for someone I’d ever consider training,” he said with clear irritation. “But I can’t refuse Dominique.”

Then he turned away from her.

“Be here at five in the morning,” he said over his shoulder. “If you’re late by even a second, I’ll train you for twenty-four hours straight without rest.”

His voice remained calm.

That somehow made the threat worse.

“You’re dismissed.”

And just like that, he walked away leaving Eugénie standing there furious enough to burn the entire training ground to ashes.

Present…

“So… you’re her bodyguard?”

Eugénie slowed halfway down the staircase the moment she heard Fabienne’s curious voice drifting from the kitchen below.

“Something like that,” Alexandre answered, his voice rough and deep, thick with sleep as though he’d only just woken up. “I’d rather not call myself her bodyguard, but unfortunately, that’s what I am for now.”

Immediately, Eugénie slowed her steps even more.

Eavesdropping suddenly sounded like an excellent idea.

“It’s not my fault for asking so many questions,” Fabienne continued warmly. “I just worry about that girl.”

That was true.

Fabienne questioned every single person who entered Eugénie’s life. Friends, classmates, club members everyone. The woman had terrifyingly good instincts and could read people frighteningly well.

“Are you family?” Fabienne asked.

“Not by blood,” Alexandre replied. “But we grew up together.”

“How old are you, young man?”

“I’ll be thirty in about two months.”

Fabienne smiled softly. “Then you must think of Eugénie like a little sister.”

Eugénie nearly choked.

She leaned around the wall just enough to peek inside the kitchen.

Alexandre looked mildly horrified.

Honestly, so was she.

Brother?

Absolutely not.

Disgusting.

“I think of her more like an annoying brat,” Alexandre answered bluntly.

Fabienne gasped.

“Eugénie is not a brat,” she defended immediately. “That girl is one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever met.”

One of Alexandre’s brows lifted slowly.

“Sweetest?” he repeated dryly. “Since the day I met her, all she’s done is glare at me like she wants me dead. She doesn’t even realize her angry face makes her look like an irritated little bunny trying to fight the world.”

A smirk tugged at his lips.

And for the first time since she’d seen him again, Eugénie noticed something dangerous in his eyes.

Warmth.

He looked almost amused remembering it.

She blinked in disbelief.

Good thing she was far enough away that he couldn’t scent her standing there.

“Are you bullying her, Mr. Mercier?” Fabienne asked suspiciously.

“Please call me Alexandre,” he replied. “And no, I’m not bullying her. I’m only here because her brother ordered me to protect her.”

Fabienne continued kneading dough thoughtfully before speaking again.

“I think you misunderstand Eugénie.”

Alexandre leaned back slightly against the stool. “Because I called her a brat?”

“Yes.” Fabienne nodded firmly. “That child is incredibly kind-hearted. She even helped pay my son’s medical”

“I smell something delicious,” Eugénie interrupted brightly as she walked into the kitchen before Fabienne could finish.

Fabienne’s face softened instantly.

“There you are.” She smiled warmly. “Sit down. I’m making your favorite garlic bread. Breakfast will be ready in about fifteen minutes.”

Alexandre still hadn’t looked at her.

Not once.

Only after she sat opposite him did his eyes finally lift.

Their gazes locked instantly.

Eugénie narrowed her eyes in challenge, silently daring him to look away first.

Impossible.

The stare became too intense far too quickly, and eventually she was the one forced to break eye contact.

“Fabienne,” she said casually while pretending to scroll through her phone, “weren’t you scared seeing such a terrifying man inside my house?”

She didn’t miss how silent Alexandre suddenly became.

Interesting.

He’d been chatting so comfortably before she walked in.

“Oh, I was startled at first,” Fabienne admitted. “But he explained who he was. He even showed me an old picture of you together when you were younger.”

Eugénie’s head snapped up immediately.

“What picture?”

“I don’t remember ever taking pictures with him.”

“It was a family photo,” Alexandre answered flatly without looking at her.

Something about his tone irritated her instantly.

“What rotten mood is this?” she thought. “He was perfectly normal five minutes ago.”

“Show me.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

Fabienne glanced between them before speaking hesitantly.

“It actually wasn’t a family photo,” she admitted. “It was only the two of you. Eugénie, you were glaring at him while he wasn’t paying attention.”

That only made her more curious.

“Noël took it five years ago and sent it to me,” Alexandre explained dismissively.

But Eugénie wasn’t letting it go.

She turned toward Fabienne dramatically.

“Fabienne,” she began, “if some random person came here showing you a picture of me glaring murderously at them, would you really assume they were welcome inside my house?”

Fabienne froze.

Her eyes widened in panic.

“I-I…”

Eugénie burst into laughter.

“Oh my God, look at your face. I’m kidding.”

Fabienne visibly relaxed.

“You scared me for a second,” she muttered.

Eugénie only smiled mischievously.

Still, she felt Alexandre’s gaze burning holes into the back of her head.

“I’ll wait in the lounge,” she announced. “Call me when breakfast’s ready.”

Then she walked out.

She barely paid attention to the television while flipping through channels until Fabienne eventually called her back.

Eugénie returned to the kitchen and deliberately sat with one empty stool between herself and Alexandre.

Fabienne settled across from them.

Breakfast passed quietly.

Too quietly.

The second Eugénie finished eating and prepared to leave, Alexandre finally spoke.

“What’s your schedule today? I think you should stay home for the next few days”

She stood up and walked away before he even finished speaking.

As if she’d obey him.

Please.

Eugénie changed into her gym clothes, grabbed her bag, and stepped out of her room

Only to stop abruptly.

Alexandre stood in the hallway directly in her path, hands tucked into his pockets.

Wonderful.

She was not in the mood for this.

“What you did downstairs was disrespectful,” he said calmly. “I was still speaking.”

“But I’m a brat, remember?” she replied sweetly. “So naturally I behave like one.”

“Eugénie”

“Move. I’m going to the gym.”

“You can exercise here for a few days.”

Her patience vanished instantly.

“Move aside. You’re free to follow me around like my loyal bodyguard if you want, but I’m not locking myself indoors because some asshole sent threats to Dominique.”

Then she stepped closer.

Alexandre silently clenched his jaw.

No one interrupted him mid-sentence.

No one.

Yet this tiny menace seemed almost addicted to testing his patience.

Still, after a tense moment, he stepped aside.

Eugénie walked past him triumphantly and headed outside.

She jogged to the gym while Alexandre followed several steps behind, his sharp gaze constantly scanning their surroundings.

Inside, the gym wasn’t too crowded yet.

Eugénie informed the manager that Alexandre was her bodyguard, allowing him to stay nearby.

He hated the title.

But starting an argument with her this early in the morning sounded exhausting.

Truthfully, despite her size, Eugénie could shred someone alive in an argument if she wanted to.

She had the sharpest tongue he’d ever encountered.

After warming up, Eugénie pulled off her oversized hoodie.

Alexandre blinked.

Underneath, she wore a fitted compression shirt and leggings that clung tightly to her body.

Then she tied her shoulder-length hair into a ponytail and slipped on her AirPods Max.

Without meaning to, his gaze traveled lower.

And lower.

Her body was stunning.

Strong.

Athletic.

Her posture alone showed years of disciplined training.

Then she turned slightly

And his eyes landed directly on her curves.

Jesus Christ.

As if sensing his stare, Eugénie glanced up suddenly.

Alexandre looked away so quickly it almost hurt his neck.

The tips of his ears burned red.

Thankfully, his bronze skin concealed most of it.

What the hell was wrong with him?

He hadn’t meant to stare.

It just… happened.

And it wasn’t anything inappropriate.

He was simply appreciating the results of her training.

That was all.

Probably.

A few minutes later she slipped on her gloves and began working on the punching bag.

Alexandre watched carefully.

Something was slightly wrong.

“Your right leg,” he said finally. “Move it a little farther forward.”

She adjusted automatically, but the stance still wasn’t perfect.

Alexandre stepped behind her.

Instantly, she stopped breathing.

The tips of his fingers pressed against her lower back as he corrected her posture. Then he lightly guided her thigh into position.

His chest hovered dangerously close behind her.

Warm breath brushed her ear.

Déjà vu crashed into both of them.

Eugénie immediately stepped away.

Alexandre did the same.

She inhaled sharply before punching the bag with all her strength.

The impact sent it slamming backward violently against the wall with a loud bang that turned several heads around the gym.

The bag didn’t rip mostly because of the gloves but the force behind the strike was undeniable.

She looked directly at him afterward.

Showing off.

Reminding him she wasn’t weak anymore.

After all…

He was the one who trained her.

Alexandre only raised a brow silently.

Then she moved to weights.

And this time he genuinely stared.

She wasn’t the same girl from five years ago.

Not even close.

Eugénie had become strong.

Dangerously strong.

Yet somehow she still looked deceptively delicate.

He liked the fact that she focused heavily on core strength instead of simply brute force.

After the gym, she returned home, changed quickly, and headed to university.

She didn’t even bother waiting for him.

So he had to trail behind her car the entire way.

Every tiny act of defiance chipped away at his patience.

Still, he endured it.

Barely.

At the university gates, Alexandre wasn’t allowed inside.

For once, Eugénie felt blessed.

She attended her lectures normally, and later, while leaving campus, she ran into Émile.

“How’s the wound?” he asked immediately, glancing at the bandage on her forehead.

“It’s healing fast.”

“What about that guy? Is he bothering you?”

“He’s officially my bodyguard now,” she grumbled. “Probably lurking outside the gates as we speak.”

Sophie looked confused. “Who exactly are we talking about?”

“Alexandre,” Eugénie muttered.

Émile immediately launched into the story about yesterday’s crash while Eugénie explained that her brother had sent Alexandre because of security concerns.

“If he keeps annoying you,” Émile said with a grin, “you should prank him. Teach him a lesson for hitting you with that car.”

Eugénie slowly smiled.

A dangerous little smile.

Why not?

The idea settled perfectly into her mind.

A tiny revenge.

After all, Alexandre used to make her wait an hour every morning during training years ago.

Now it was her turn.

“Let’s go out tonight,” she declared. “Drinks. Party. He can wait outside all night for all I care.”

She deliberately left her car behind so it would take him longer to realize she’d disappeared.

Perfect.

“Come on,” she said.

The three of them slipped around the back of the university and climbed over the wall. Émile helped Sophie down first before Eugénie jumped after them.

Then she turned off her phone completely.

The club was already packed by the time they arrived later that night.

Beforehand, they’d stopped at Sophie’s apartment so the girls could change.

Eugénie borrowed one of Sophie’s dresses.

Unfortunately for Sophie, Eugénie’s curves filled it out much more dramatically.

The dark red dress hugged her body perfectly.

She kept her makeup light and twisted her hair into a loose bun.

When Émile picked them up afterward, even he stared for a second.

Gaston and several members of the biker club were already there waiting.

Music thundered through the crowded space.

Eugénie drank just enough to feel pleasantly light and free before joining Sophie on the dance floor.

Émile hovered nearby protectively, scaring off every idiot who tried approaching them.

Tonight Eugénie looked devastatingly beautiful.

Sophie looked adorable beside her.

And Émile guarded his “little beans” proudly

Until suddenly a hand clamped down hard onto his shoulder.

Before he could react, he was shoved aside violently enough to crash into another man nearby.

Eugénie’s eyes widened.

Then a brutal grip locked around her wrist.

Her breath caught as she looked up.

Steel-gray eyes burned with fury.

Alexandre.

Before she could even process it, he was already dragging her out of the club.

Continue Reading

Present…

“Get in the car.”

His voice came out rough and blunt, every word carrying that same cold authority she remembered too well.

“W-What?” Eugénie stammered, staring at him in disbelief.

Her mind refused to function properly.

Of all the things she had imagined happening tonight, this had never crossed her mind. She had spent years making sure their paths never crossed again, and now he stood in front of her like some cruel twist of fate.

“Have you gone deaf?” he asked flatly.

The shock slowly faded, irritation replacing it almost instantly.

“Not yet,” she shot back sharply, “but you’re doing a fantastic job making my ears bleed.”

It was subtle, almost invisible, but she caught the slight tightening in his jaw. His eyes darkened for only a second before his expression returned to that usual unreadable calm.

She wondered briefly how he had managed to find her so easily before remembering who he was.

Alexandre had always been frighteningly good at tracking people down.

He took a step toward her

But suddenly Émile grabbed the back of her jacket and pulled her behind him, placing himself directly between her and Alexandre.

Gaston moved beside them immediately.

“You hit her with your damn car on purpose,” Émile growled.

The absurd thing was that Alexandre barely acknowledged him.

Émile was tall easily the tallest man in their club but Alexandre still looked bigger, broader, more imposing. He could look straight past Émile without effort.

And he did.

His gaze stayed locked on Eugénie alone.

She knew that look.

It meant business.

And worse, he looked irritated.

“I’m calling the cops,” Gaston muttered, already pulling out his phone.

“I know him,” Eugénie interrupted quickly.

She grabbed the back of Émile’s shirt and gently pulled him aside before stepping forward herself.

The second she took his place, she felt dwarfed by Alexandre’s sheer size. Up close, his presence was suffocating.

Émile was still shorter than him by at least an inch or two.

Without speaking, Alexandre tipped his head toward the black car.

Her glare sharpened immediately.

“I’m riding my bike.”

She turned on her heel and marched toward her motorcycle, which one of the club members was holding upright for her.

She had no desire to ride with him.

But she also refused to create a dramatic scene in front of everyone.

“Thanks,” she murmured as she climbed onto the bike.

Émile walked up beside her, his eyes landing on the cut on her forehead. Quietly, he pulled a bandage from his pocket and carefully placed it over the wound without actually touching her skin.

“Thanks,” she said softly.

“That guy…” Émile glanced toward Alexandre suspiciously. “Are you sure you know him?”

“He’s my brother’s best friend,” she answered while Gaston handed her helmet over.

She slipped it on before facing Émile again.

“He looked ready to murder someone,” Émile muttered. “Seriously, he almost killed you earlier. I don’t like the idea of you being alone with him.”

A faint smile tugged at her lips as she shook her head.

“It’s okay. He can’t hurt me. My brother would skin him alive.”

That seemed to reassure him only slightly.

“Call me if you need anything,” Gaston told her, holding her gaze seriously.

With his warm brown eyes, curly hair, and naturally protective nature, Gaston always carried himself like someone responsible for everyone around him.

Eugénie nodded once.

Then she started the bike.

The moment she drove away from her friends, her expression darkened.

Alexandre followed close behind in his car.

She accelerated.

So did he.

The second Eugénie reached home, she parked her bike in the garage and stormed inside the house.

She tossed her helmet aside and yanked off her gloves just as Alexandre entered behind her and locked the front door.

“What the hell was that?” she demanded, barely holding onto her temper. The moment he hit her with that car, every ounce of calm she possessed had vanished.

“Where’s your phone?” he asked instead.

She blinked. “Why?”

“I called you multiple times. You didn’t answer, so I had no choice.”

Her eyes widened in disbelief.

“So your solution was trying to kill me?”

Silence.

That only made her angrier.

“Why are you here?” she demanded, folding her arms tightly across her chest.

“Your brother sent me to protect you.”

His voice was deeper than she remembered.

Rougher.

More masculine.

The sound of it alone stirred memories she had spent years trying to bury.

“Protect me from what?”

“A threat. Dominique’s been receiving warnings involving you.” His gaze remained fixed on her. “He wants you back at the pack house. He’ll come for you in a week. Until then, you stay under my protection.”

Her eyes widened.

No.

Absolutely not.

“I don’t need protection. I can protect myself. You can leave.”

A scoff left him.

“Protect yourself?” he repeated mockingly. “Seriously?”

Her molars ground together so hard her jaw hurt.

God, she wanted to slap that arrogance straight out of him.

Ignoring him, she grabbed her phone.

Seven missed calls from Alexandre.

Annoyance flared again as she immediately called Dominique.

He answered instantly.

“What is this, Dominique?” she snapped. “You said you were coming yourself. Why is he here?”

“I couldn’t leave you defenseless,” Dominique replied calmly. “Alexandre was already in the States. It made sense. I know you don’t like him, but deal with it for one week. I’ll come get you afterward.”

“I’m not coming back, and tell him to leave. I can handle myself.”

“This isn’t a joke, Eugénie. Someone is threatening you. Until we figure out who it is, cooperate.”

“Send Armand instead.”

“He’s away on a mission. And there’s nobody better suited for this than Alexandre.”

“But I can’t stay with him!” she exploded.

“You don’t have a choice,” Dominique said firmly. “Either you come back with Alexandre tonight, or you stay there until I track this person down and kill them myself. Please, Eugénie… I’m worried about you.”

Her teeth sank into her bottom lip.

She could tolerate anyone else.

Anyone.

Just not Alexandre.

“…Fine,” she whispered finally before hanging up.

Rubbing a hand over her face, she inhaled slowly before turning toward him.

“The guest room is down the hall,” she said coldly. “If you need anything, don’t ask me. And try your absolute best to be invisible.”

Without waiting for a response, she hurried upstairs and locked herself inside her room.

Eugénie immediately searched for the small bottle of transparent liquid hidden among her things and swallowed some quickly.

Then she texted Inés to bring more before plugging her phone in to charge.

After stripping out of her riding suit, she dropped heavily onto the bed.

What the hell had just happened?

She had avoided Alexandre so carefully for years that she had practically stopped visiting her own family.

And now?

Now he was living in her house.

Terrible. Absolutely terrible.

But she couldn’t abandon everything she had worked for in the States either.

A loud knock suddenly echoed through the room, making her jump violently.

“W-What?”

“Just checking if you’re alive.”

His deep voice slipped through the door before his footsteps faded away.

She stayed hidden in her room for hours.

Only after she was convinced he had gone to sleep did she finally sneak downstairs.

The kitchen lights flicked on.

And she froze.

Her dinner was gone.

Not only gone he had even washed the dishes afterward, leaving absolutely no evidence behind except her growing rage.

Eugénie stared blankly for a moment.

The urge to storm into his room and demand her food back was painfully strong.

Still, she resisted.

The farther she stayed from Alexandre, the better.

Unfortunately, she was starving.

And since she wasn’t exactly gifted in cooking, her options were limited.

After digging through the kitchen, she eventually made herself a sandwich and grabbed a soda from the fridge.

She lit one of her scented candles and sat on a stool beside the island counter.

The first bite nearly made her sigh in relief.

She was so focused on eating that she didn’t notice the man silently leaning against the kitchen doorway.

“Five minutes,” his smooth voice filled the silence suddenly, “and you still didn’t notice me.”

Eugénie nearly launched herself out of the chair.

Her heart slammed violently against her ribs.

Living alone had made her too relaxed.

Her wide eyes snapped toward him.

One cheek was still stuffed with food as she stared at him in horror.

“You’d be dead already at this rate,” Alexandre said calmly. “You should’ve scented me the second I walked in.”

His eyes flickered briefly toward the sandwich in her hand before lifting back to her face.

Embarrassed, Eugénie quickly looked away and chewed properly before swallowing.

Moments ago she had been devouring the sandwich like a starving animal.

Wonderful.

Now she looked ridiculous too.

Alexandre pushed himself off the doorway and walked closer before leaning against the opposite wall, arms crossed over his chest.

Eugénie studied him carefully despite herself.

He had changed.

His hair was shorter now trimmed on the sides with length left on top. The style sharpened his already dangerous jawline. Light stubble shadowed his face, giving him a rougher edge.

Dressed in sweats and a loose shirt, he somehow looked even more intimidating than before.

And his eyes…

No.

Better not think about those.

“Why are you here?” she asked stiffly.

“I heard movement downstairs.”

She nodded once and resumed eating.

She expected him to leave eventually.

He didn’t.

Instead, he continued watching her in complete silence.

The intensity of his stare eventually forced her to look up again.

She tried holding his gaze.

Big mistake.

He never looked away.

Not once.

The longer it lasted, the heavier the air became until she had to drop her eyes first.

Alexandre was the only man who had ever genuinely intimidated her.

Maybe because he was ten years older.

Or maybe because once upon a time, during her training days, she had stupidly harbored a crush on him.

Now, standing inside her kitchen, his presence seemed too large for the space itself.

Why was he staring at her like that?

The last time she checked, he wanted nothing to do with her.

“As you can see, I’m perfectly fine,” she muttered. “You can go back to your room now.”

“Does Dominique know about your nightly adventures?”

Her eyes sharpened immediately.

“That’s none of your business.”

“Who were those men? How close are you to them?”

“I already said it’s none of your concern.” Her tone hardened. “Stay out of my personal life.”

Then, after a pause, she added coldly, “If possible, go call Armand and ask him to replace you. I’d appreciate that a lot.”

“Where did you learn to ride motorcycles?”

“Why are you so interested?”

“Stop acting like a brat.”

“Then stop acting like my boss.”

“Eugénie.”

“Alexandre.”

“Watch your tone,” he warned darkly.

“Then stop interfering in my life.” Anger rose fast inside her. “Go focus on your own problems. Oh right, I forgot you don’t even have a”

The words died abruptly.

Because suddenly he moved.

Fast.

Too fast.

One second he stood across the counter.

The next he was right in front of her.

“Behave,” he said through clenched teeth. “And stop using vulgar language.”

“I can say whatever I want,” she fired back immediately. “You don’t control me. I’m a brat, remember? Brats don’t listen, old man.”

She shoved her dishes into the sink and washed her hands quickly before turning to leave

Only to stop abruptly.

He was standing directly behind her.

“When exactly did I become an old man?” he asked dangerously.

She lifted a brow. “Do you see anyone else here?”

His gaze sharpened.

“Are you still angry about what happened back then”

“No.” The answer came instantly. Too quickly. “Why would I be? I was just a dumb teenager. It meant nothing. I forgot about it years ago.”

Lie.

“Now move.”

She tried stepping around him.

Instead, he blocked her path again.

The movement happened so suddenly that she walked straight into his chest.

The impact sent her stumbling backward, nearly falling

Until his hand shot out and grabbed her arm.

The force pulled her directly against him again.

Pain flared through her nose from the collision.

Scowling, she looked up

And instantly forgot how to breathe.

Those steel-gray eyes stared straight into hers.

Too close.

Far too close.

Goosebumps erupted across her skin where his hand touched her arm.

Eugénie hated physical contact from men.

Outside of combat or training, she couldn’t tolerate it. Sparring had always been different because adrenaline drowned everything else out.

But this?

This was unbearable.

Ever since the assault at her friend’s house years ago, she had kept every man at a distance. Even with her own father and brothers, it had taken time before she could tolerate touch again.

Alexandre knew that.

Or maybe he had forgotten.

“C-Can you let go?” she whispered weakly.

For a moment he didn’t react.

His eyes remained fixed on her face like he had drifted somewhere far away.

Only when she tugged slightly against his grip did something shift in his expression.

His dilated pupils narrowed again inside those icy eyes.

Slowly, he released her.

Eugénie stepped back immediately.

Then she ran.

Straight out of the kitchen.

Leaving him standing there alone.

4

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5