Bella's heart froze in and out as her gaze met his. His eyes sparkled with an intensity that was far too frightening even for a bold and gutsy lady like her.

And she saw it. That hint of danger that lay beneath the surface. It made her want to buckle, to submit to the force of his power. But she wasn't ready to do that yet. She had to resist this someway. Somehow.

"Did you ever stop for once to wonder if I might even be the alpha?"

"Not once!" She met his gaze now with one of her fiercest look, then scoffed. "So, how should I address you now?...