Alpha Rogue 3 (BBW Paranormal Wolf Shifter Romance) Read Online Free Page B

sullen. “I’m sorry. This is all my fault.”
    I look up at Josh and see sincere sadness in his eyes. His armor is finally cracking, the heavy burden of his decisions finally wearing him down.
    “No, it’s not your fault…”
    “It is. I’m the only one who should be held responsible for this. I treated Hawes badly, and when I found out you had feelings for him it made me even angrier, more cold toward him. But I’m so sorry, I didn’t think it would go this way. That things would turn out so bad.” He hangs his head limply, eyes sad and brooding. There’s silence for a moment, only the quiet sound of the tiny TV from the table heard in the room.
    Then I hear clapping. A slow, intentional, rhythmic applause coming from the woman leaning back in the chair. I look up and see Alexis, her dark red lips turned up at the corners, staring at me.
    “Wow, you can’t make this shit up. This is better than a telenovela . Bravo.”
    Josh perks his head up and looks with shock at the source of the slow clap. Alexis looks over and raises an eyebrow at Josh, then turns back to me.
    “Well, how about we make a deal?”
    “A what?” I reply, stunned.
    She plops her chair legs back onto the ground, picks the shotgun up from her lap, presses it onto the table, and then leans over the table, her forearms crossed. Her eyes are serious now, an intense chocolate brown color, staring at me across the table. They’re cunning and intelligent.
    “How’s about I let you go. But on two conditions.”
    “What?” I reply.
    “Don’t listen to her, Rose, she’s a criminal. It’s probably a trap,” Josh says from his place on the wall behind her.
    “You. Cállate . Shut up,” she says, putting a finger up in Josh’s direction, but still looking intently at me. “I’m talking to her.”
    “I’m listening,” I say, trying not to let my voice falter.
    “I can tell this guy Hawes is important to you. From where I stand, he’s a silver spoon-fed brat, but apparently you see something more in him.” She pauses, collecting her thoughts, but not blinking, her focus still squarely on me. “As I see it, I’d just as soon see Legrand dead so he can’t encroach on my turf.”
    “Wait, you want Legrand dead?”
    “Yeah, he’s only been in the mob a few months, and already the higher ups are basically his bitches. I’ve been a part of this organization for a long time, and I’m not going to just roll over and see him run it when I’ve worked so hard to make a name for myself. That, and the guy’s a real asshole,” she says plainly.
    “What’s the other thing?”
    “He stays.” She points at Josh behind her.
    “Why?” I ask, confused.
    “I need collateral. I know this place will be crawling with cops and with Tribunal brass any minute now. I want him here in case I need a hostage to make a break with.”
    “Do it, Rose,” I hear Josh call across the room.
    “Hey, what did I say about you talking?” Alexis raises her voice and turns around to glare at Josh. Josh doesn’t move, just glares back.
    “What will happen to my partner?” I question.
    “I can’t make any promises, I’m sorry,” she replies, raising her hands with a shrug.
    I’m not sure I can do it. I know if Josh was in this position, he’d never put me in danger to save himself. And I don’t even know yet what I’ll do to help Hawes. But I know I’ll do whatever it takes.
    “Rose, I know what you’re thinking,” I hear Josh say. “Just go, don’t worry about me.”
    Alexis throws a glass at the wall in Josh’s direction, purposefully missing him, but making her point all the same. “I swear, I’m coming over there when I’m done!”
    I look up at Josh, whose face is resolute. I nod at him, and he nods back, a wordless exchange between us. In that moment, I’m grateful for a partner like him.
    “Fine, I’ll do it,” I tell Alexis.
    “Good. Now get your ass out of here, your man looks like he could use some help,” she replies,