Falling in love with a she-wolf as headstrong as Audra will ultimately lead to my death. My wolf wanted to hold her tight, preferably naked beneath the sheets. Her wolf, however, had other plans. Instead of spending time with me, she downed her meal and took off for the bar, claiming to have inventory to do before opening. With great effort, I let her go. Something I might have to do on a permanent basis if this shit between the Romeros and the Ryders blows up.
Making choices while disregarding my own needs is the life of an alpha. It’s something I do each day. No big deal, right?
Wrong.
Sure, I could walk away and let someone else lead. But that someone would be Brian, and he’s not ready. Walking away would also mean giving up the Council seat which can’t happen. To be honest, I don’t know how to proceed. Maybe I could just wing it? Let things happen organically.
Yeah, right.
My phone rings again. For the past hour, Mom’s been blowing it up, undoubtedly looking for an update on what’s happening with Audra. Absolutely nothing. But I can’t tell my mother that. She’ll kick my ass from one end of town to the other. She might even be able to get a few pack members to help her. My mother is a former alpha’s wife. No one disrespects her.
Meanwhile, Audra’s claws are primed, ready to rip my ass to shreds if I even mention the ceremony again. I know she loves me. She’s just scared of losing anything else in her life. Passing leadership on to someone else, before she’s ready, ranks in the loss category.
I’m caught between two strong women. Both of them have my undying respect and love, but I don’t know what to do. If I please my mother, I piss off Audra. And if I keep my mate happy? Nobody’s going to like the outcome, least of all me.
What do you want to do?
The only question with an easy answer for me. All I’ve ever wanted was a life with Audra. Much like Brian, I didn’t ask to be alpha. Family first, pack second, and personal needs last. It’s the Romero way. Nothing will ever change that.
You could change that.
No way in hell am I messing with tradition. I happen to like where my balls rest.
It’s why I’m setting foot on Elsbeth’s property, risking my life and following Archer’s advice. Mom claimed she couldn’t contact the Red Witch, so I’m being a good son and handling the matter myself. Only time will tell if this is a foolhardy endeavor—story of my life.
Palpable evil lives on her parcel of land. The sinister spirits don’t inhabit any other spot in Falls Creek. History claims Elsbeth summoned them to the island. For what purpose? No one who’s ever asked has lived to tell it.
Supernaturals in America owe their existence to Elsbeth—she created or called forth most of them. My family is the exception, making us like supernatural royalty—the actual title goes to The Najex and his offspring. The first Romero came to these shores from Spain and chose to settle in Falls Creek, allying with the witch. It’s been a profitable, symbiotic relationship. Elsbeth protects us from human predators outside of town, and we help whenever she requires it. Because of that, I don’t fear Elsbeth, but I do respect her. Evidence of her ancient energy charges the air. The wards surrounding the island snap like volts of electricity around my head.
“Wolf.” Her raspy voice hits me before I notice the Red Witch. “Why are you here uninvited?”
My mistake for failing to give Elsbeth the customary twenty-four-hour notice and waiting for permission. For once, I’m claiming rank. Romero alphas don’t wait for anyone or anything. This matter, unfortunately, can’t wait. My father is suffering and needed help yesterday.
Killing the motor and climbing down from Dad’s bay boat, pebbles skitter beneath my feet. Water seeps over the top of my boots, ruining my favorite pair of Dingos. I make a mental note to replace them tomorrow while securing the vessel to the dock.
The stench of rotting flesh mixes with the wind ruffling my hair. I do my best not to inhale the foulness. Lore has it that one whiff is enough to condemn your soul to the bowels of Hell. A subtle low wail, reminding me of a wolf in agony, carries on the breeze. The sound, a backdrop to the squelching my water-soaked socks make inside my shoes, wakes up my wolf.
I stop a few feet away from the Red Witch. She stands like a venerable statue in her familiar tattered and dusty black dress. Spiders appear in the churning debris between the ground and the edge of her attire.
Standing tall, I say, “The Romeros have need of your services.”
She comes closer and her voice, like a rusty wrought-iron gate in need of oil, grates. “My help comes with a price. What are you offering?”
“I’m not in the market for bargaining.” Feigning the confidence I left at my parents’ house, I cross my arms over my chest and widen my stance. “Name what you want, Elsbeth, and be done with it.”
A slight smile, hard to detect on her heavily lined face, threatens to crack the filthy flesh. She lifts her chin, raises her hand, and her decrepit appearance transforms. The humped back straightens. Curves return and breasts lift. Wrinkles rescind, and her skin smooths out. Gray hairs erase. An attractive woman with shiny crimson hair, like an intense flame, hanging down her back stands before me.
Elsbeth lifts an eyebrow and sashays closer. “Alpha, when I need your help, you’ll give it. Agreed?”
An open-ended request. My father warned me about the perils of doing business with Elsbeth—never agree to anything unless you’re willing to live with the consequences. Ordinarily, I’d turn her down and walk away, but the matter with Dad requires her touch.
“Granted.” I point toward the black log cabin. “Care to talk here or inside?”
Elsbeth pivots on her heel and walks toward the structure. All matter of vermin travel in and out of the holes over the surface while vultures roost on the sloped, crumbling roof, and snakes slither across the warped porch. The spiders, her constant companions, follow in Elsbeth’s wake. One fat and hairy insect stops in its tracks. I swear its multiple eyes glare at me before it reveals its fangs and hisses. A warning I’m sure. Surveying the ground, I’m mindful not to step on one as I trek behind them.
Crossing the threshold, I feel the invisible wards, like tiny fingers on my shoulders, part and click shut behind me. This is my first time, and I hope my last time, inside Elsbeth’s sanctuary. My wolf growls as I take in the dimly lit, sparsely decorated main room. A lumpy, faded sofa—the color no longer recognizable—is across from a shoddy, brick fireplace. To the left of it is a rickety wooden table with splintered chairs. Off to the right is a much smaller space with a sink and something which passes as a stove.
According to history, the cabin has been here ever since the first settlers came to Falls Creek. Elsbeth has made very few changes to the place. If I didn’t know better, I’d think I stepped back in time.
“Sit.” She points a scrawny, twisted finger toward the sofa while taking a seat on one of the wooden chairs. The piece of furniture groans but doesn’t break. “Tell me how I may help.”
Perching on the edge of the cushion, I wonder how Elsbeth presents a youthful image but maintains that irritating voice. It’s unnerving. Maybe that’s the intended effect.
“You’re aware that Santiago is sick.” It’s not a question since the witch is the eyes and ears for all supernatural activity in Falls Creek.
“He’s not improving either.” Elsbeth holds up her hand and unfurls her fingers. The fireplace roars to life. “Santiago endures a slow, painful death.”
Not news. I could have done without the dramatics though. “Is it natural?”
Elsbeth cackles. “I wouldn’t want you telling anyone that I wasn’t entertaining.”
Although the Red Witch reads minds, I prefer speaking my thoughts.
The sound of snapping bones hits my ears as Elsbeth crosses her legs. “I would need to see Santiago to be sure, but I don’t think his illness is natural. I’ve known your father for years. He’s never had as much as a cold or a thorn in his paw. I shall pay a visit to him this evening.”
“If this is a curse, will you be able to undo it?”
Elsbeth pierces me with a dark glance. “Your question insults me, Alpha. Remember, I am the creator of the Black Plague.”
Lowering my chin, I apologize. I’m in the company of one of the world’s greatest and oldest witches. Many of the world’s troubles are her creation. “I assure you it wasn’t my intent to insult you. Once you’ve broken the curse, I want to know who cast the spell.”
“Not an issue. I promise you, Alpha, it was not one of my sisters. The Blue Moon Coven owes much to Santiago. We wouldn’t jeopardize that relationship for anything or anyone. I will get to the bottom of the matter. When I locate the responsible party, he or she will answer to me.”
A chill sneaks down my spine. I almost feel sorry for the culprit. The witch’s spite is legendary. After all, it’s why supernaturals inhabit Falls Creek.
“Thank you, Elsbeth.” I push to my feet. “We appreciate your assistance.”
She nods. “Show your appreciation when I call upon you. And I will call on you.”
I have no doubt of that.
“Before you leave, I have words of warning, Alpha.” Elsbeth inclines her head as if she’s listening to something. “Your past threatens your future. Be prepared for there are those who wish you and your mate dead.”
My wolf sits tall. “The Ryders.”
Elsbeth steeples her hands before her chest. “Then you know. Your mate is unwilling to be claimed though. I can speak with her if you like. Get her to understand that you need to bond. It protects both of you.”
I’d forgotten about all the benefits of our union. Marking each other would activate a supernatural tracking system—or GPS. Without it, someone could abduct Audra, and I’d never know. But then again, anyone dumb enough to kidnap my mate would give her back once her wolf presents herself.
“I’ll keep that in mind should I need it.”
“Aye, but there’s the rub,” Elsbeth says in a curious tone. “You shall need it. Trouble is coming your way. Alpha, remember my words.”
Elsbeth’s words, trailing me all the way to Balls Up, color my mood for the evening. Upon my arrival, I bypass Audra’s wandering gaze and go to my office.
Opening the door to find my mother, however, shocks my system and corrects my disposition. Mom switched out of her jeans and flannel shirt for casual slacks and a sweater. She twirls her thick, brown braid around a finger.
“Mom?”
“So you remember me?” Her comment lacks humor. “How long did you plan on dodging my calls?”
Parking my ass on the edge of my desk, I say, “I wasn’t dodging them. I just needed more time.”
“Time for what? Lies?”
I scrub a hand over my face. “Mom, can we let it rest for a moment? Please? We have other issues.”
“Like what?”
Part of me would prefer keeping my mother in the dark. I thought she was safer not knowing everything, but if the Ryders are after Audra and me… I’d rather not think of the possibilities. “I went to see Elsbeth.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. She’s going to look into the possibility of a curse, but she says one of her witches isn’t responsible.”
Mom sits forward and places her elbows on the desk. “Then who? Our family has no issues with anyone.”
It’s time. For her safety, she has to know. “That’s not exactly true.”
Her gaze swings to me. “What do you mean by that?”
Before I can get the words out, the office door opens and Audra steps in. “Brenna. Brady. What’s going on?”
“Take a seat, sugar. You need to hear all of this too.” I’m done with the secrets.
My intended sits beside Brenna, and the two females exchange an ardent look. I’ll deal with the meaning behind that expression later.
“Audra, you know some of this, but bear with me while I catch Mom up.” I swallow hard. “Both of you remember the death of Jackson Ryder?”
Brenna and Audra nod.
“Mom, what you don’t know is that Hank Richards was responsible for it.”
My mother’s eyebrows knit together. “The former police detective?”
“Yeah. Before you jump to conclusions, Jackson deserved what happened. The panther killed Hank’s sister. It was retaliation,” I explain.
“Who involved our family?” A twinge of anger is laced in her words. Mom’s gaze is full of darkness. “You or Santiago?”
I lower my eyes. “We both did. Hank needed some place to lie low. If we hadn’t helped him, Elijah Ryder would have killed him.”
Mom purses her lips. “It would have been justified even if it was wrong.”
Shaking my head, I say, “No. Jackson put his paws on Jenn. He regularly took out his aggression on her. Males don’t hit females.”
Audra shoots an appreciative smile my way and says, “So, this is why Cal Ryder came by the other night. He said the Ryders are coming after the Romeros.”
Nodding, I continue, “That’s why I’m telling you everything, Mom. Dad and I thought we were protecting you by not giving you this information.”
“Treating me like a child,” Mom says in a voice so calm it’s chilling. “What trouble have you brought to our family?”
I fold my arms and lean forward. “Elsbeth said trouble was headed our way. She also said the Ryders want us dead.”
“Us?” Mom and Audra say at the same time.
“You and me, sugar,” I admit.
Mom sits back in the chair. “You need to claim her. The bond will protect the both of you.”
“That’s what Elsbeth said.”
Audra’s anger crackles and burns. A storm brews in her eyes as her jaw clenches. Her claws poke through unnoticed.
“Audra,” I warn.
“Don’t!” She pushes to her feet, and the change halts. “Why are you forcing me into a corner? You know that Greg and my beta need time to prepare. One year. You promised me that when I asked you not to go down this road again.”
I open my mouth, but Mom holds her hand up, silencing me in an instant.
“I’ve had enough,” Mom says. “You’re an alpha, Audra. Act like it! You do what’s best for the pack.”
“What—”
“No! I’m not finished! I have sat back for years as you and my son played house. You claim to love him. Well, here’s your chance to prove it. Either step up and let him claim you or let someone else do it. I will not have my family weakened because you’re too scared to make a commitment.”
My mother rises to her feet and storms out of the office, slamming the door behind her.
Audra glances at me. “I’m sorry, Brady. Either give me time or let me go. I won’t abandon my pack. Not for you. Not for your family. Not for anyone.”
“Sugar.”
My intended stands, slips her arms around my neck, and kisses me deeply. It feels like a kiss goodbye. So full of love, passion, and, dare I say, regret. She’s the first to drag her mouth away. Resting her forehead on mine, Audra sighs.
“Brady, I love you. I have loved you since the first time we mated in the moonlight. You have always indulged me. You have always been the one to believe in me. If you can’t wait, then do what you need to do. I won’t hold it against you.”
Knowing what she’s about to do, I tighten my embrace. “Don’t do this, sugar. We’ll figure it out.”
“You heard your mother.” Audra chokes back a sob. “There’s nothing to figure out.”
I caress her cheek, and she leans into it. “Sugar, don’t do anything yet. Please, give me a moment. If you walk away from me, I’ll die. We’ve been together too long to end it this way.”
Audra turns her head and drops a kiss into my palm. “I know, baby. I know. I’m going home.”
“Okay. Do you need anything?”
“To think. Possibly call Greg and hash things out.”
I nod.
Audra touches the doorknob. “Brady, fear of commitment isn’t my reason for turning you down.”
“I know.”
“No, I don’t think you do. I know Brenna doesn’t.” Audra pauses for a moment. “My parents’ deaths left the Nevers Wolves in limbo. Greg wasn’t fit to take up the reins, so I did. I kept us together. We’re not a large pack. Without strong leadership, we’ll perish. I need help keeping my pack together.”
“Okay. We’ll do this the way we’ve done everything.”
“Together,” she says.
“Together.”