Waking up in my childhood room—pink walls, a four-poster bed, and some tattered stuffed toys sitting on a dusty corner shelf—is a little disorienting. It’s been years since I’ve been in this room. When Mom and Dad died, I slept in the guest room. Once I moved out, Greg didn’t bother keeping sheets on the bed. Last night, I didn’t feel like doing it, so I crashed here.
To be honest, it wasn’t fatigue that drove me here last night. It was the very real inability to sleep in the home I shared with Brady. But it wasn’t the empty house or the empty bed that bothered me. It was the staggering silence. Turning on the TV, blasting music, or even checking out my social media didn’t fill the massive void.
In a futile attempt to block out the sun, I drag the threadbare, floral comforter over my head. It’s safe beneath it. There isn’t any pressure beneath it. Brady’s scent isn’t beneath it.
Unfortunately, as much as I’d love to stay under the covers and wallow, I can’t. There’s work to be done. Word travels fast in this town. My breaking up with Brady will be gossiped about over breakfast. The imagined details will be exchanged as individuals pass each other on the street. If there was a rumor segment on the evening news, we would be the lead story.
Creaking floorboards and the ticking of the grandfather clock greet me as I shuffle toward the hall bathroom. A shower and a tall cup of coffee, hopefully, will do the trick.
A quick glance in the mirror before leaving—hair is neat, makeup is in place—and then I shrug into my jacket. I yank open the door and find Sarah, an older pack member, with her hand poised to knock.
How the hell did she figure out I was here? Her arrival makes me wonder if there’s somebody watching me.
I close my gaping mouth. “Morning, Sarah. I’m on my way out, but did you need something?”
Her thin lips lift into a smile. “If you can spare an old woman a moment.”
“Oh, you’re not old,” I lie. Truth be told, Sarah isn’t aging gracefully. Deep lines etch the surface of her caramel-colored skin. Her short, kinky hair is mostly gray, and she walks with a limp—an injury from a wound that never healed properly.
She pulls her beige wool coat closer. “You’re a lousy liar. Just like your father.”
“Where are my manners? Come on in, out of the cold. Would you like some coffee?” I step to the side and let Sarah enter.
“Thank you, child, but this won’t take long.” Her rheumy eyes look me over. “Every day you look more and more like your blessed mother.”
As much as I’d like to hurry Sarah along, I can’t. It’s rude, and my parents raised me better than that. Butterflies taking off in my stomach give me a dire warning, but I lead her to the sofa anyway. Whatever she has to say is probably inevitable.
“What can I do for you?”
“We need to discuss pack matters.” Sarah avoids eye contact with me.
Forcing myself to sit patiently, I ask, “What’s going on?”
The elder wolf, keeping her gaze lowered, twists her fingers in her lap. “More families want to leave the pack.”
Exactly what I feared. Members deserting the pack has been a problem ever since I became alpha. Some of it comes from members not trusting me. They don’t believe a female can properly lead them. Others leave because opportunities—better jobs and packs with chances for advancement—present themselves outside Falls Creek. Every time a member leaves, though, they take income and muscle with them. It weakens those left behind. Of late, it’s been getting worse. At least one family departs each week. If this keeps up, there won’t be many members left in town.
A good reason for you to step down.
I let go of the breath I’ve been holding. “How many?”
“Five.” A few moments pass before Sarah lifts her eyes. “Can I offer you a little advice, dear?”
Like I said, the inevitable speech. Every time I meet with Sarah or one of the other elders, I get unsolicited advice. They all think they could do my job better than me, but when I ask for suggestions, no one speaks. The biggest problem in our pack is the elders treating me like I’m still James Nevers’ little girl—pigtails and skinned knees chasing behind my brother. After Tia came along, I became the kid who dragged her sister along. Everyone used me as the sitter for all the other pups while their parents attended meetings. No one took me seriously. They still don’t even after I stepped into my father’s shoes.
“Unless you have a little magic to help the pack—”
“Not magic. Just wisdom.” Sarah shifts her position on the sofa. The plastic-covered cushion squeaks beneath her ample body. “Maybe it’s time for you to give it up.”
My head whips toward her. “I’m not a quitter,” I spit out through gritted teeth.
“No one’s saying you’re a quitter.” She pats my hand. “This is about cutting your losses. The pack is aging, Audra. The young families are leaving. They want reassurances you can’t give them.”
“Like what?” My hands clench as my wolf wakes up.
“Prosperity, protection, progress. So far, you’ve offered none of that. Packs need all three of those to survive.”
Although Sarah’s words don’t shock me, they do piss me off. No one gives me credit for the things I’ve done. I’ve continued programs my parents started, like the orphaned pups program. It may not seem like much, but it’s a start. With a little time and patience, our pack can be stronger and larger.
Keep telling yourself that one.
Fatigue and frustration fall on my shoulders and they slump. “It’s not from a lack of trying. This is all new to me, Sarah. Members trust your guidance. Help me convince them that we’ll have those things. Soon. If they stick by me…”
She bites her lip and moves her head from side to side. “I’ll do what I can, but I can’t promise you anything. I suggest you seriously consider turning over the pack. Let either your beta take over or let us vote on the next leader. You’ve given it your best.”
Apparently, my best isn’t good enough. Sarah’s visit spurs me into action though. Before leaving the house, I take a moment to draw up a plan. So far, I only have a handful of ideas to increase income, mostly. Bottom line? I can’t afford to sit back and do nothing.
Arriving at the bar, I consider one of my decisions. For months Brady and I have speculated opening for lunch. Just one of many plans we had. I love how that man indulged all my ideas. Now who do I turn to? Who will find interest in what I think?
No one. Stand up for yourself.
I’m sure the bar will turn a profit with a lunch crowd. The extra income would help my family be more self-sufficient, which would allow pack members to reduce their contributions. More money in their pockets would let them grow their own pursuits, have nicer homes, and build better lives. Not supporting their alpha might keep members from bailing.
The front door opens, and a breeze ruffles the pages of my notebook. I don’t bother looking up as I announce, “We’re not open for—”
“Audra.”
The sound of her voice forces my eyes up. Riding boots, jeans, and a thick sweater adorn the body of the last person I expected to see today. “Brenna. What can I do for you?”
Brady’s mom slides onto a bar stool. “You seem to be doing well, considering.”
“Why wouldn’t I? People break up all the time.” I close my notebook. “Is there something you need?”
She traces the wood grain on the counter with a manicured, polish-free finger. Brenna Romero has always been a straightforward female—minimal makeup and casual clothing. Although Santiago’s money could give her the world, she embraces a simple life. One of the few things we have in common.
Brenna presses her lips together briefly. “Is this thing between you and my son permanent?”
“What do you mean?”
Brenna’s blue eyes focus on me. “Are you playing a game with my son? Hoping for more time?”
Slamming my pen down, I lean toward her. “Brenna, I don’t play games. As far as what happens or doesn’t happen between Brady and me, that’s personal. If you have questions, go ask him. I’d appreciate it if you’d leave now. I have work to do.”
Brenna works my nerves. If she doubted whether our breakup was real, she should have just asked Brady. Faking a separation serves no purpose for either of us.
“You heard her, Brenna.” The deep male voice comes from the open door. “Beat it. You’re not wanted here.”
We both look over to find Calhoun Ryder in his customary ripped jeans and flannel shirt. I’m surprised his usual funk isn’t as overpowering today. As much as I can’t stand him, in this moment I’m thankful he’s here.
Brenna takes one look at the were-panther and then toward me with darkening eyes. “We’ll speak again.”
Neither of us says a word after she leaves. Calhoun lumbers toward me and leans over the counter. “She giving you problems?”
“No. I’m fine.” I open the notebook. Unfortunately, with him here, I can’t focus on the numbers. “Did you need something?”
“Just wanted to know if it’s true.” He rests his hand on top of mine. “You know, the rumor?”
I yank my hand away. “You shouldn’t listen to gossip.”
“I’m guessing this one is true. So tell me, Audra,” Calhoun drawls. “Who dumped who?”
“None of your business.” I pick up the notebook and walk toward the office. “We have a few hours before we’re open.”
Calhoun cuts me off before I get through the door. How the hell did he move that fast?
“Ain’t good for you to be here alone. Anything could happen.”
“The only thing happening here is your leaving.” I stand my ground. Calhoun has never scared me.
“Fine.” He juts out his chin. “I’ll be back. You’ll soon find out that the best way to get over Brady Romero is to get under me.”
“Not in a million years.” Even if someone took away my ability to smell, I wouldn’t stoop that low.
Despite my heartache, it’s been a good day for business. I guess everyone wanted to stop in to see if I’d lost my shit yet. Sorry to disappoint them.
I’m trying to choke down my dinner when someone knocks on the office door. “Come in.”
It yawns open, and Sebastian Archer, the lawyer for the Romeros, enters. The short, round man reminds me of the elf on a bag of cookies. He claims to be completely human though.
“Miss Nevers, can I have a moment of your time?”
Kicking a stack of empty boxes off a chair, I point toward the seat. I chew up the morsel of steak before saying, “If you don’t mind my finishing my dinner.”
“Not at all. I won’t take long.” He removes an envelope from his suit jacket and passes it to me. “I have paperwork for you from Mr. Romero.”
Slowly, I examine what looks like contracts. “What are these?”
“The one on top is the deed for the house. The second one is the deed for the bar. Mr. Romero wanted to be sure ownership passes to you.”
It’s official. We really are finished. With a shaky hand, I drop the papers on the desktop. “Do you need me to sign anything?”
“No. I’m just delivering them to you per Mr. Romero’s orders.”
Mr. Romero. It’s all too formal now. Although I wanted an end to our relationship, it was Brady who wanted the clean break. I feel like I’ve been served divorce papers. Good thing there weren’t any pups involved.
“If you don’t mind my saying…”
Mr. Archer’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “What?”
“Mr. Romero is also miserable. He never wanted this.”
I scrutinize the human for a moment. “Aren’t you just the lawyer?”
His unnaturally pink lips lift, and a deep glow spreads over his chubby cheeks. “I’m also a friend of the Romero family. I’ve known Brady and his siblings since they were infants. He still loves you and is doing everything to fix this situation.”
“There’s nothing to fix, Mr. Archer.” I pause for a moment. “You said he’s miserable?”
“Yes. He’s trying hard to hide it, but it’s apparent. Without you in his life, he’s going to become more like his father. We both know that’s not a good thing.”
Shrugging my shoulders, I say, “There’s nothing I can do about that.”
“If that’s what you choose to believe.” The lawyer rises off the chair. “Have a good night, Miss Nevers.”
It’s close to three in the morning when I unlock the door to my parents’ house. Greg left a lamp on in the living room, but he doesn’t seem to be around. I toss my key on the coffee table and collapse on the sofa.
At the end of a busy night, I always looked forward to a late meal with Brady and a little pampering. There won’t be any of that for me anymore. I close my eyes and rest my head on the cushion.
Minutes later, someone’s shaking my shoulder. “Wake up!”
“Huh?” I sit up, drenched in sweat, and look around the room. Greg crouches beside me. “Did I fall asleep? What time is it?”
“Almost four. Get up and go to bed.”
Swinging my legs to the floor, I rub the sleep from my eyes. “I’m good. This is easier than sleeping in an empty bed.”
Greg sits on the sofa. “Audra, what would you do if the pack wasn’t an issue?”
I side-glance at my brother. “It’s too late for riddles.”
“Not a riddle. If you didn’t need to be alpha… If there wasn’t a pack to worry about, what would you be doing right now?”
I sigh as I hang my head. “I’d be with Brady. We’d be married.”
“And what’s going to happen in a few years when the pack dies off?”
“Huh?”
Greg leans his elbows on his knees. “Without a bonded mate, you’re setting a bad precedent for the rest of the pack. They don’t have any incentive to build families. They’re following as you lead them. A carefree life is okay for the members, but it’s death for an alpha.”
My mouth slackens, and I cock my head to one side. Since when did my brother know the implications of the bond? He’s never had any interest in pack life. I smell a rat, and her name is Sarah. I’m willing to give Greg the benefit of doubt. Just a bit. “Are you finally stepping up?”
“This isn’t about me, Audra.” He clears his throat. “Sarah came to see me. We talked for a long time.”
Nice to know I was right. “And what all did you discuss?”
“I love you, sis. But I agree with her. You’ve given it your best. Hanging on to the pack is going to kill you. I don’t want to see you become a bitter, old wolf. Eventually, Brady will forget about you. He’ll choose happiness. I’d rather you be his choice.” Greg puts a hand on my leg. “Stop being so stubborn.”
“I don’t have a choice, Greg. Dad told me to never let the pack fail.”
“That’s before he knew what it would do to you. Dad was old-school. He had Mom by his side to help, but you can’t do this alone.”
I chew on Greg’s words for a moment. At times like this, I wish I could sit down with my parents. Ask for their advice. Suddenly it occurs to me that I can, provided a certain witch helps me.
“I’m not alone, Greg. I still have the pack.”
He pushes to his feet. “Not what I meant. I’m going to bed.”
Agreeing with him, I reach for my keys.
“Where are you going?”
“Home.” The place I should be. A place I hope I can stay in without Brady.