Once An Alpha (The S Files: Paranormal Investigation Agency – Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

would be able to hear my screams and pleas for help.
    “Come on,” I said, the sudden chill still rattling my bones. “I think we’re done here for now. Let’s head back and tell the local cops to come and bag this all up.”
    Whatever had happened to all these missing people over the years, I hoped we would figure it out soon, because I wouldn’t wish that kind of terror upon anyone, and I sure as hell didn’t want to be next.
     

 
     
    Chapter Four
    After finally getting back into town, we headed to the same steak house that we’d gone to the night before and ate in silence, both of us still trying to process what we’d seen out there in the wilderness. It was one thing to hear about people disappearing, but to actually stand in the same area where they’d vanished gave us a whole new feel for it.
    As we ate, a familiar voice startled us. “Agent Peyton! Oh, and Agent Lyndon.”
    I whirled around to see Deputy Ted standing near our booth. I couldn’t help but inwardly snicker at the way he’d added on Lyndon’s presence as if it were an unpleasant afterthought, and I flashed him a bright smile. “Hey, Ted. How’s it going?”
    “Good, good,” he replied, walking up to our table. “Find much out there today?”
    “Not really,” I said. “Although I don’t know what we were expecting to find, honestly.”
    “Myla found what might be a blood spatter on a tree,” Lyndon interrupted, reaching across the table and firmly patting my right hand with his left. “She’s one of the best, just too modest for her own good.”
    The tension in the air was palpable as I slowly pulled my hand away from Lyndon’s. What the hell was he doing? Trying to make it look like we were together so that Ted would back off? And if so, why? Was he actually jealous at the thought of seeing me with another man? So many questions and so few seconds to comprehend it all.
    Ted affected a slightly cooler gaze. “That’s great,” he said, staring straight at Lyndon now. “And I’m sure she is the best.”
    He turned back to face me. “So I was wondering…if you aren’t too busy tonight, maybe I could show you a few of our local bars. Have a few drinks and maybe dessert or something.”
    “Sure!” Lyndon boomed. “I’d love to come. Thanks, man.”
    I hissed through my teeth at him. “What the hell are you doing?”
    The invitation had clearly been directed at only me, but by now it was too awkward for Ted to say anything about it.  Lyndon smiled beatifically at me and pretended he hadn’t heard what I’d said.
    “Well, great then,” Ted said, managing to look only slightly nonplussed. “If you’re done eating, we could head off now. Or I could meet you outside the police department in a while.”
    “Let’s go now!” Lyndon said, clearly not wanting to allow me any opportunity to give him the slip.
    I rolled my eyes, and we settled up our bill before heading out with Ted and then following his car to a side street which appeared to be a small café and bar strip.
    “So Ted,” I said after we were settled into a crimson leather booth at a dingy yet homely establishment that was clearly a town favorite, judging by the crowd.  “How long have you lived in Bakewell Springs? Must be so nice, all this fresh mountain air all year round.”
    “Sure is,” he replied. “I’ve lived here my whole life. Born and raised.”
    “What was it like growing up here? Must have been fun.”
    “Oh yeah, it sure was,” he replied. “Such a beautiful place. It’s a shame people keep leaving. Our population has been dropping more and more every year since the mining boom ended.”
    “Yeah, I read about that,” I said.
    “But still,” he continued. “Beautiful place for a kid to grow up. Mountains, parks…”
    “Well, isn’t that nice,” Lyndon once again interjected. I seethed inwardly. Seriously, what the hell was he playing at? He’d stood me up and rejected me years ago, and what, I wasn’t allowed to move