Val stared at her. “You’re not weak, are you?”
Amelia took a deep breath. “Yes, I am.”
Val glared at her. “No, you’re not. I’ve watched you. You pick up your dogs without breaking a sweat. I’ve seen you run as a wolf. You’re not weak, but the pack thinks you are because you don’t believe in violence. You could take them on, couldn’t you?”
No one had ever dared to ask.
When it came tothe deer that was injured, she carried it to the vet and lifted it in her arms.
Amelia knew she was strong. She didn’t know if she was strong enough to be consideredan alpha, but she had never cared to try. No woman had ever made it within the club.
“I don’t believe in violence, Val. Can we leave it at that?”
She had also taken a few beatings from the pack, and the truth was, none of them had hurt either.
“You just … Amelia.”
She started to walk back to the bar and then turned to glare at him. “What? What do you want me to say? That I’m an outcast and probably could kill every single fucking person who ever said anything nasty to me? That I might be able to take on one or two of the Poison Wolves MC? I don’t know. I know that I am strong. I know that I am capable, but I … refuse to hurt others. That is my vow, Val. I will never hurt anyone.” Amelia grabbed the door handle about to yank it open.
“What about for thesafety of the pack?” Val asked.
She glanced at Val and shrugged. “I don’t know.”
After entering the bar, she went straight to the stock room, picked up a large crate of beer, and carried it through to the front. The fridge was empty.
Alpha had announcedthe town hall meeting, and they all had to go to it that morning. It was why she was late to work, and why she ended up walking here with Val.
Val entered the bar, and Amelia put the large case of beer on the counter.
He sat down on the chair and watchedher.
“No one will believe you, you know,” Amelia said.
“I always thought you were different.”
This made her laugh. “Iamdifferent.”
“I know, but those are choices. You’re … different.” He pointed at her body.
She rolled her eyes. “Can we just focus ongetting this bar cleaned and ready for opening?”
“You’re right, no one will believe me, but I feel a little better knowing that you canhandle yourself.”
“Val, I’ve been handling myself for a long time now. I’m good.”
“Have you ever gone up against humans?” Val asked.
She shook her head. No, she hadn’t.
Val opened his shirt, showcasing his chest, and along with it, the scars.
“I went up against humans. Was out running. Angry little wolf I was many moons ago. Thought I was unstoppable.” He showed off hiswrist. The scars were clear to see.
“A bear trap?”
“A bear trap. Couldn’t get out of it in time. Nearly chopped my fucking paw right off. The hunters came as I turned into a human. They didn’t see that I was a wolf.”
Amelia winced.