Something was wrong with Sam. I had noticed her mood had increasingly gotten worse over the past couple weeks. It was subtle and if you didn't know her, you probably wouldn't have noticed it. Sam was normally the first one to break our kisses, but tonight I had to be the one to pull back. Her movements were more sluggish, smile not as full and our kisses were full of desperation. Her complexion was pale and there were slight shadows under her eyes. Knowing my Sam, I knew I couldn't push her or she would close up and fast.

When she came back with the drinks, putting them on the table then straddled my lap. Sam always tried to be cautious with our physical relationship and I knew she wasn't ready to go any further. Hands on her hips keeping some distance, I stared into those sad eyes. I broke my own rule and kissed Sam letting her know just how I felt, holding nothing back. I immediately forgot everything except for the feel of Sam's body and lips against mine hard.

We never had a chance to watch the movie. Things came close to going to far right as the pizza delivery guy got there. I never would have thought I would ever say this but I was grateful for the interruption. Things were not right with her at all and I didn't know what to do. At the bar I got out to walk around the building like I always did. My mind was on Sam so it took me a minute to recognize the voice and my name being mentioned. Stopping in the shadows I listened to what was being said.

"Look, Alexis. I like Sam and don't want to get involved with any of this," Shayann sounded annoyed.

"So, you don't care what kind of power she holds over our males?" Alexis hissed.

"She's not doing anything to anyone!" Shayann defended, her voice raised a notch. I had known her for a long time and had never heard her raise her voice. She liked to stay out of the way and not to be seen or put attention on herself.

"Ha! I can't believe you said that. She is dating, Dmitri, our 3rd in command and the Lions Nickoli who is their second. When's the last time you have ever seen any of our males share a woman?" Alexis' voice dripped with disgust. "Hell a part of me is jealous to have two of the strongest unmated males here wrapped around her finger, but the bigger half is appalled. Since when do our males play stool pigeon? It's worse than being at the bottom of the pack," Alexis paused then gasped, "Unless...Unless they are afraid of each other."

"Alexis," Shayann gave a soft warning growl.

"Don't you growl at me Shayann," Alexis started to laugh, "Oh my god. Dmitri's afraid of losing her to a Lion," her voice elevated, "He would rather share her because he knows he would lose in a fight!"

I had heard enough and was seeing red. How could Alexis think I was afraid of a LION? That was the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. I stepped out of the shadows then headed to the front of the bar where Alexis stood outside of the patio talking to Shayann who was on the patio. I really wished she had been in the bar so I could throw her ass out...literally.

The smirk on Alexis' face pissed me off that much more, and it confirmed she knew I was there the whole time. Shayann's eyes practically popped out, the smell of fear extended to me immediately. My anger had all the wolves that stood on the patio turn my way. No one liked to deal with a pissed off wolf never mind when it is one of the top wolves.

"Shay, why don't you meet me inside," I said, glaring at the amused Alexis. Taking her arm with force, I all but dragged Alexis away from the bar patrons,

Alexis had the nerve to laugh. "I always thought you were the strongest male in this pack, but you're not. You are a weak, pathetic excuse for a wolf!"

"Leave now!" I growled, just keeping it together.

Her smile brightened, "Big bad Dmitri isn't so scary anymore." Wrenching her arm away then flipping her hair back, sauntering down the street.

* * *
OTHER

"Did you get all that boss? I wouldn't mind taking that feisty blonde with the legs for a spin," the passenger in the black SUV said over the phone holding the camera in his other hand.

"No," the rough voice came from the other end, "She may be useful. New plan boys. Find out all you can about this Sam that I keep on hearing about. She just might be my ticket I need."

"Ok. Do you want us to invite the other girl to be our guest?" the man in the passenger seat asked.

"No. Right know all your focus goes on this Sam and nothing else. Do you understand me? I have something else in mind for the blonde." The man on the other line made it perfectly clear, and then hung up without his answer.