“Have you talked to father yet?” Christoph, Wilhem’s younger brother by five minutes, asked as he saddled up to the bar. “You know you only have a few more weeks to find a suitable mate.”

Yes, he knew. The proverbial clock ticked in the back of his mind. He hated the idea of being manipulated by his parents, but also understood it. He and Christoph had been the consummate bachelors of Cape Town. They’d also been the most sought-after males of their pride.

“Don’t get under my skin,” he replied. “I have enough pressure on me at the moment. Your wonderings don’t need to be added.” He glanced down at the clipboard in his hands. “Besides, don’t you have a job to do?”

The wedding, so far, had been a rousing success. The bride and groom’s vows went off without a hitch, and they were plastered drunk on the dance floor making googly eyes at each other. Shortly, the best man would stand up at the mic near the front table and give his speech. If all went well, they’d be home by ten. It would give him and his brother enough time to shower, change and hit the club to blow off some steam.

“Already did it.” He raised his hand to get the bartender’s attention. “We need to come up with a plan.”

And by we, Christoph meant Wilhem. He shouldn’t feel cornered—pressured to find someone who he could call mate. However, with time ticking away, each day added another ounce of anxiety to his already stressful existence. Only, Wilhem wasn’t in this alone. If he didn’t find a mate by the twenty-first of August, then Christoph would be forced to mate a woman of their father’s choosing and assume the role of alpha-apparent.

As much as he and his twin were alike, they were different. Christoph had a wild streak about him. He didn’t settle. If Wilhem had to guess, his twin would never mate and would enjoy being the life of the party, especially if it meant all eyes were on him. He, on the other hand, knew what was expected of him. Loyalty to pride meant something to him—not that his brother didn’t have loyalty. He did.

“This takes precedence. Tomorrow we can think about the rest of my life with a mate and cubs.” He took the bottle of water Christoph offered him as the bartender handed over a second one.

“I don’t know why you’re stressing. It’s not like it’s your life on the line.”

His brother snorted. “You don’t mate. I have to and become alpha. I think father is a sadistic man.”

Wilhem chuckled. “He is alpha.”

“Don’t remind me,” Christoph groused.

“Let’s make it through tonight, then tomorrow, we can figure out what we’re going to do next.”

“Fine.” Christoph tapped his bottle of water against Wilhem’s. “You can deal with the best man’s speech.”

He rolled his eyes. “You’re such an asshole.”

 

The next morning didn’t bring them any closer a spark of connection with a female or to an idea. Wilhem had taken the opportunity to scent the air whenever he could in hopes of finding the “one.”

Nothing.

Wilhem wouldn’t say he’d been anxious. However, something niggled at him. A sense of foreboding maybe? Or impending doom? Weren’t they the same thing? “What are you doing?” Hell if he knew. He pushed the sheet from his body and sat up. Usually, this was when he told whoever occupied his bed he had stuff to do and she could see herself out. Last night, however, he’d come home alone.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

He shuffled to the bathroom and began the process of getting ready for the day. He was supposed to meet his brother at the café near their office for an impromptu meeting. Something his brother “arranged,” last night at the wedding. The secretiveness of it rubbed his lion the wrong way. He didn’t like surprises or schemes. He liked direct bluntness. It took all the coy, bullshit games out of a situation, and let the person he was dealing with know exactly what he expected.

His phone beeped as he stepped out of the shower. Grabbing a towel, Wilhem wrapped it around his waist then padded over to his bedside table. His brother’s curt message made him laugh. The asshole deserved his hangover. He replied to Christoph’s question before placing the phone on the table.

Late as usual.

A knock at his door stopped him mid-stride to the bathroom. Curious, he glanced at the clock on his nightstand and frowned. No one showed up at his flat this early.

Another knock sounded, and he crossed to his door. When he opened it, he frowned. A petite, tawny-haired, doe-eyed woman stared up at him. Her fingers danced along the silk sash of her bathrobe, if it could even be considered one. She smiled up at him, before drawing her bottom lip between her teeth. The scent of her arousal wrinkled his nose. Like last night, his dick didn’t rise in interest. Perhaps the pressure was getting to him.

“Yes?” He stared down at her. He didn’t recognize her. “Can I help you?”

“Hi,” she greeted. “I’m new here and I was wondering if you have some sugar?”

He cocked a brow. An American? Interesting. “Sugar?”

“For my coffee.”

“American?” He stepped to the side to allow her inside. “I haven’t seen you around before.”

She shook her head. “New start. Just moved in.”

“Ah.” After walking back to his kitchen, he grabbed the canister off the counter and opened it. Wilhem grabbed a few packets and handed them to her. “Well, welcome to Cape Town.”

“Thanks.”

He escorted her back to the door, completely taken aback by her presence. In the five years since he’d moved into the luxury apartments, no one had come to his door, dressed like this woman, and asked for sugar. How strange. “I’m Wilhem.”

“Sandy,” she replied. “Thanks for the sugar.” She sauntered out the apartment, leaving him to stare after her, still stunned by her appearance to begin with. The sway of her hips should have enticed him. Instead he closed the door. Nothing. Not even a twitch from his cock. Not even a rumble of appreciation from his lion.

So strange.

Instead of hurrying through his routine, Wilhem took his time. His brother had an invigorating night while he’d come home alone, so why shouldn’t he take his time? After he dressed, he made some breakfast. Things could be extremely worse, he supposed. He could lose all interest in everyone and everything. The thought sent his lion to pacing. The majestic beast curled his lip in disgust, exposing the long, sharp canine used to rend flesh during a kill. The cruel glow to his amber eyes had a shiver rolling down Wilhem’s spine. Okay, well, I guess I’ve been told.

The jaunt down to the café hadn’t taken long. He arrived to find the place nearly empty. For a Sunday morning, it surprised him. Cape Town had a steeply rooted history, and with the gorgeous view of the South Atlantic sea, tourists were always wandering the roads, even in winter.

It hadn’t always been this way though. For years apartheid had destroyed their country. His father had fought for equal rights and the end of segregation during his formative years. It was how the man had met Wilhem’s mother. The couples’ tireless work helped unify several prides and packs throughout South Africa. It had instilled a strong moral conviction in him, as well as a sense of obligation to protect those who needed it most. It also taught him respect and understanding.

He glanced up as he pushed the hood of his sweatshirt off his head and spotted his brother sitting at a back table, mirrored aviator glasses covering his eyes. He’d feel sorry for the guy, but…

“You look like shit,” Wilhem stated, taking a seat. “I warned you, brother.”

Christoph waved him off. “Don’t yell.”

“If I were to yell, you’d be the first to know. Why am I here?” He grabbed the menu from the placeholder. “If it’s to rub in your ordeal last night, don’t. I’m not sure I could stomach it right now.”

“Oh, ha-ha,” Christoph grumbled, pulling off his sunglasses. His normally clear green eyes, were bloodshot and red rimmed. “I have a solution for you.”

“A solution? For what?”

His brother rolled his eyes, then groaned. “Never drinking again.” He rubbed his temples. “Your situation. How to get dad off your ass.”

A bit of hope bloomed inside him. “Do tell.”

The waitress approached and Wilhem sat back. Fascinating. The girl with tawny hair and a great ass stopped near their table. “Hi. I’m Sandy.”

Christoph sat up. “Christoph.” He pointed to his brother. “Wilhem. You’re new here.”

“I am. I met your brother earlier. I’m still getting used to the weather.” She held her pad in a tight grip. “So, what can I get for the both of you?”

“What’s an American like you, doing in a seaside South African city like this?” Christoph sat forward, not taking his eyes off her.

“Enjoying the scenery,” she replied. “About those drinks?”

“Coffee,” Wilhem said. “Black.”

“Latte, double half-whip with sprinkles, extra whip.”

She grinned as she wrote down their orders. “I’ll be right back.”

When she’d been far enough away, Christoph grinned. “Sure, you went home alone.”

“She came over this morning.” Wilhem shook his head. “What’s this solution you have?”

“A party.”

Wilhem sighed. “No.”

“Think about it. We’ll make it classy, do it for the Wag Festival.” He snapped his finger. “Charity auction. Hot women. Raise some money for some kids. Get you mated by your birthday.”

With each word his brother spoke, Christoph’s expression brightened and his gestures became more animated. A party to help him find a mate? It sounded stupid. Not logical, how could anyone find their mate with knowing them only one night? Sure, the beast within would know, but it would also mean convincing that person as well.

“I don’t know,” Wilhem answered. “It’s too, speed date-ish. I’ll know my mate when I see her, but how do I explain everything to her in a few short hours and expect her to mate me?”

Christoph shrugged. “Don’t. Mate her, spend time with her and at least you’ll get our father off your back. Later on, you can tell her.”

“Lie for now? You’re kidding, right?”

“No.”

“So, when I become a lion because something happens or just because, then what?” Wilhem couldn’t believe his brother. No way he’d lie to his mate just to get his dad off his back.

“Tell her.”

He snorted. “Brother, as much as I appreciate your plans, I don’t think this will work. I’ll figure out another way.”

“Sure, whatever you say.” Christoph sat back when Sandy appeared again. “What time do you get off work?”

“Uh…” She glanced between both men then pasted on a smile Wilhem could see right through. “Seven?”

“Are you not sure what time you get out of here?” his brother pushed.

“No, I mean, I get off at seven. Why?”

“Join us for dinner?”

She placed their coffees in front of them. “Um, I guess.”

“Great we’ll meet you right here,” Christoph replied, tapping the table.

She gave them a shy smile then hurried back to front counter. Wilhem still didn’t have any kind of reaction to her, so his brother’s attention to her piqued his curiosity. “What are you doing?”

“Nothing. She’s new.”

He gave Christoph a knowing look. His brother never did anything without a reason. “Sure.”

“It would be rude of us to not talk to her. She’s new here and American.”

“Okay.”

His brother frowned. “It’s the truth.”

“I’m sure.”

Christoph threw a napkin at him. “Shut up. You never just experience life.”

“Whatever.” He tossed the crumpled up napkin aside. “Is she your, you know?”

“Mate?”

He nodded.

“No,” Christoph answered. “But, she’s hiding something.”

“What’s your play?”

“Perhaps we offer a better job with us and then find out.” He shrugged.

“Why do I have a bad feeling about this?” Wilhem groaned.

“It’s an adventure. You need at last one before you lose your bachelor status.” Christoph smacked his shoulder. “We’ll be doing a good thing. Keeping up our father’s traditions of helping those in need.”