In the Alpha's Bed (Stealing the Alpha Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page A

something one of the witches wanted." He could have kept that information to himself, but he didn't want to keep those kind of secrets from Mel.
    God help him, he trusted her.
    But Mel's face had paled and her hands betrayed the tiniest shake. She was shaking her head slowly from side to side and stumbled back half a step. "You have a Well in your territory?" She hugged herself, probably to stop the shaking. "You need to get your pack and run. Far away, otherwise say goodbye to living. It's bad news."
    What could be that bad? "What is a Well?" He asked again, emphasizing the word. The way she said it made it sound like it should be capitalized. It was meant to push her, especially given her reaction, but for his pack's sake, he needed to know.
    "I can't do this right now." She turned away and fled back to the house. Luke didn't follow. He needed to get his thoughts together. He thought that he'd gotten to know Mel pretty well in the past few weeks. And she didn't freak, not like that.
    Back in Mexico she'd barely batted a lash when his father's killer had blithely walked into the room at Marco's estate. She had broken into his house on more than one occasion, and even as his prisoner she had been remarkably calm. But one mention of a Well and she was ready to run away? Ready to surrender? He was almost terrified to find out what it could do.
    He took off back to the house a few minutes later, trying to catch up to Mel to offer her comfort.
    By the time he got back, she had ensconced herself away with Krista in their room. He almost knocked, but stopped himself at the last minute. If she was freaking out, he wouldn't help. He had things he needed to be doing.
    He found Maya in the kitchen, putting away dishes from the dishwasher. She stopped when she saw him. "What's up?" she asked.
    "Call the inner circle together. We need to meet." He had been keeping the details scarce, determined to keep Cassie safe. They were long past safety now. "And I need to talk to Peklo."
    Maya pursed her lips. "You're not about to do anything stupid, are you?"
    Luke had planned to meet with James Peklo more than a week ago to discuss a business venture the vampire leader wanted to head up. Vampires and shapeshifters did not get along in general, and it had been nearly a century since a peaceful delegation had ventured into Luke's territory. Between Mel's robbery and Cassie's kidnapping and hex, he'd postponed the meet and put the man off. Angering him would not be a wise move.
    "Just call the meeting."
    Maya nodded and left him alone. Luke went upstairs to the War Room and closed the door behind him. It wouldn't stop anyone from hearing every word said inside, but it did indicate that he wanted privacy. His lions would respect that.
    He dialed Peklo's number and waited for it to ring.
    Many of the older members of the supernatural community were reluctant to do business over any technology that had been invented after 1600. The vampire was slightly more flexible, being willing to handle some business over the phone. But he refused to hash out the details and do the deals any way but in person.
    The phone rang several times, but Luke didn't hang up. After the fifth ring, he was rewarded.
    "You've reached the offices of Jim Peak, how may I direct your call?" the voice was cheery and feminine, the receptionist at his main company.
    "It's Torres. I need to talk to Mr. Peak," Peklo had been alive for centuries, he couldn't continue to use his real name. It would arouse suspicion. The receptionist told Luke to wait and put him on hold.
    After another three minutes, Peklo picked up, his voice completely devoid of a foreign accent. He sounded like he had grown up in Colorado. Some feat for a man rumored to be more than 400 years old. "Good afternoon, Mr. Torres. I'm glad you could finally get in touch. Are you ready to reschedule our meeting?"
    "That is still on hold. I called wondering if you would do me the courtesy of answering a few questions." Luke