Cold-blooded actions require equally callous reactions. I’m not a suspicious being. Never have been. I’ve always given everyone the benefit of doubt, but uncovering the threat to my family requires a ruthless heart. It goes without saying that the culprit isn’t thinking about our best interests.
Pack members gather inside the cavernous building on the edge of the estate. Whispers float around the meeting room as apprehensive glances dart from being to being while unease filters through the space.
I don’t know whether the exchanges are signs of distrust or just curiosity. What matters is the simple philosophy—the pack should never doubt its alpha. It sets the stage for a challenge, but this encounter can’t be avoided. It may be a mistake on my part, conducting it this way, but I’ll deal with the fallout later.
Stepping to the front of the room, I glance out the multi-paned window before banging a gavel on the table top. All eyes focus on me. “Thanks for coming on such short notice. I promise not to keep you long.”
“What’s going on?” someone asks.
“It’s what I’d like to know.” I lean my butt against the table edge and hold up the paperwork from Sebastian. “Thanks to a complaint to Council, I have to marry by the end of the month.”
Pack members clap and some whistle.
“Don’t get excited.” Confusion settles over the crowd. “It won’t be Audra. I’ll be marrying Amber Broussard.”
Eyebrows shoot up. Eyes widen. Jaws drop. And then the criticisms pour forth.
“You can’t be serious!”
“Not a Broussard!”
Patiently, I listen to the uproar while my gaze surveys the crowd. Amid the nervous twitters racing around the room, I’m scrutinizing the members. Anyone shifting on their feet? Anyone suddenly popping a sweat? Where’s the quiet member? No one shows any obvious guilt or even nervousness. It doesn’t matter that I can’t see the culprit. There are hidden eyes on this room.
Waving the paperwork like a flag, I say, “It’s out of my hands. Someone, possibly one of you, decided to contest my right to lead.”
The uproar gets worse. I let it continue for a few minutes longer, hoping the asshole will reveal himself.
Could it be a her?
I doubt it. This wolf wants my position. It takes a very strong female to oppose a male.
Like Audra.
She wouldn’t challenge me. Never has. Never will. Besides, if she wants the pack, she could have it without a fight.
Finally, the chaos dies down and someone stands. It’s the omega, a pack member who lost his ranking years ago when he confronted my father. The lowly wolf says, “Don’t do anything rash. Things can change.”
“I’m not counting on luck. Besides, my decision has already been made. Amber will arrive next week. This isn’t open to pack voting. I’m only extending a courtesy by telling you.”
The meeting devolves into heated individual discussions. I don’t stick around to see it through. Bigger things are waiting for me.
Inside the main house, at my father’s bedside, is my mother with Elsbeth.
“Are we ready to begin?” the witch rasps.
“Yeah.” I shut the door behind me. “The pack is still in the meeting room.”
Elsbeth opens a drawstring bag and pulls out various items—something that looks like a coiled sea shell, some bones, and three glass vials. She places them on top of the dresser beside a small cauldron. From the depths of her cavernous sleeves, she removes a small dagger and approaches my father.
“A drop of your blood is required.”
My father holds out his hand. He grimaces as Elsbeth cuts across the palm. Blood flowers from the wound, and she collects the fluid in one of the empty containers.
“The spell used is an ancient one.” She mixes dirt from one vial with the blood before pouring the mixture into a third container. “Fortunately, I know all of them.”
A black billowing cloud swirls and churns, before rising above the vessel. Seconds pass as the concoction calms and turns clear. Once it settles, Elsbeth adds it to the cauldron. With the blunt end of the dagger, she pulverizes the shell and then the bones, adding them to the pot.
Elsbeth closes her eyes and passes a palm over the mixture. “Abyssus abyssum invocat. Abyssus abyssum invocat. Abyssus abyssum invocat.”
A face, part skeleton and part flesh, hovers above the small black pot. The bony mouth parts, and a deathly, deep voice fills the room. “Your bidding, mistress?”
“Bono malum superate,” croaks Elsbeth.
“As you wish.” The face turns toward my father.
Low rumbling like thunder starts up and shakes the walls. The chair beside me vibrates, but it’s only the bed that bounces across the hardwood floor. The lights flicker. Once. Twice. And then darkness surrounds us. A clap of lightning reveals my father’s contorted face. He clings to the sheets, and his eyes widen.
A sulfur smell tickles my nose. The Red Witch, standing beside a candelabra, shows no concern as a strong wind blows open the window. Somehow, the candles stay lit. Elsbeth lifts her gnarled hands toward the ceiling. Tilting her head back, she begins to hum.
A loud thud resounds through the room. Dad cries out. Just as quickly as the storm began, it stops. Silence blankets the room. The lights snap on, and the face from the cauldron is gone.
“It is done,” Elsbeth says.
Mom strokes my father’s sweaty face. She swallows hard. “Santiago, how do you feel?”
He clears his throat. “Surprisingly better. Stronger than I’ve felt in a long time.”
Mom’s teary gaze turns toward the witch. “Thank you.”
“Your actions shall speak louder than words.” Elsbeth’s eyes land on me. “We should talk in private.”
I look at Mom, seeking her permission. She waves me on.
“Follow me.” I open the door. Although the house is quiet, I’m sure the fray is still ongoing in the meeting room. I lead Elsbeth to my old room at the end of the hall. The last time I was in this space I was nineteen. Mom caught me in bed with Audra. Right after that embarrassing moment, I moved into a guest house. Mom protested heavily while Dad ruled it was for the best.
Shutting the door behind us, I turn to the witch. “What did you learn?”
“The Mercier witch works for the Ryders.”
“Shit.” Running a hand through my hair, I pace the floor. “Why would a Mercier help them?”
“Elijah Ryder was close to the Mercier shrew. She disappeared when he was killed.”
My eyes pop wide as I freeze in my tracks. “He’s dead?”
“Yes. Word is Hank Richards ended him.”
“You went to New Orleans?”
“Naturally.” Elsbeth takes a seat at the foot of my bed. “Before you ask, your brother is safe. He’s busy enjoying the sights with his new bride.”
“Bride?” That can’t be right. Brian just claimed Tia. Mom and Dad are going to have my brother’s hide.
More wrinkles appear at the corners of Elsbeth’s aged eyes. “You are so entrenched in your own shit you can’t smell anyone else’s. The mates married shortly after arriving in Crescent City. I must say your beta is a proactive wolf. What are you doing about your predicament?”
Pushing thoughts of Brian aside, I say, “I had my meeting. Amber will be here in a few days.”
“Not what I’m referring to.” Elsbeth pauses for a moment. “Have you found the guilty party?”
“I haven’t looked at the video yet.”
“No need. The guilty one is someone planted by the Ryders. Have your most trusted subordinates keep an eye on Cal and Drew. The offender will show himself.”
Now that my father is on the mend, I could use his advice as well. “Thanks for your help, Elsbeth. My family and I are always ready to assist you.”
She nods crisply and then vanishes into thin air. Only a musty stench is left behind.
After Elsbeth’s departure, I return to Dad’s room. He’s out of bed and dressed—the first time in over a year. Other than the gray frosting the edges of his dark hair, he looks good. Mom stands next to him with her arm wrapped around his waist.
“Dad, has Mom filled you in on what’s happening?” I ask, taking a seat near the window.
“She has.” He drops a kiss on her temple and tucks her into his side. “What did Elsbeth tell you?”
That’s Dad. He doesn’t miss a thing. “A Mercier witch working with Elijah Ryder cursed you. Unfortunately, she’s disappeared and he’s dead.”
“Not good.” Dad runs a hand over his newly trimmed beard. “What about the challenge to your leadership?”
“Possibly the Ryders are involved. Elsbeth suggested we keep eyes on Cal and Drew. The backstabber will undoubtedly go to them with news from tonight’s meeting.”
“Don’t trust anyone else, son. You go. The sooner, the better.”
Hours pass as I sit in the shadows, watching Calhoun’s place down on Pierce Street. The single-story clapboard house has seen better days. Black, fibrous board peeks through the fading white paint while weeds and tall grass choke out the stairs leading to the uneven porch. Anyone would think the place is abandoned.
A twig breaking in the distance grabs my attention. Suddenly, a dark figure rushes up to the front door. It knocks twice before glancing back over its shoulder. Suddenly, a yellowish light bathes the figure. Damn, it’s the omega.
My blood pressure rises as I witness him talking to Calhoun. The panther laughs, presses a wad of cash in the wolf’s hand, and pats the turncoat on the back as he skulks off. I let the asshole slink down the street. His time is coming.
Too many thoughts on my mind, namely the backstabbing wolf, make sleep difficult. Without Audra by my side, I settled for a run.
It shouldn’t have surprised me when my feet led me back home. As soon as my paws breach the perimeter, I know I’m doomed. I should turn around and leave, but my wolf doesn’t want to. Thankfully, I still have a change of clothing in the secured box at the edge of my property. Correction. Her property. I own nothing here.
Not anymore.
But that simple fact isn’t enough to keep me from checking on her.
As I creep toward the back of the house, I notice the lack of lights and noise. Standing in the shadows, I stare at the place wrapped in a semblance of peace. I was supposed to tear it all down and build our dream house. Just a small dwelling for us and a few pups. Nothing like the grandeur of my parents’ estate.
Unfortunately, the longer I linger, memories of Audra bombard my brain. It would be so easy to rush inside, take her in my arms, and tell her this was a mistake. Take it all back. Start over.
I start to leave when the back door creaks open.
“Brady?” She takes a hesitant step off the porch. “I know it’s you.”
Audra steps into the moonlight. It’s like the first time I saw her illuminated by the stars. Our first date. We’d been studying Lord Byron in school. Back then, I was a foolish boy wanting to impress the female I had a crush on. So I recited the poem perfectly to Audra. She loved it and fell in love with me.
Miraculously, the words tumble back to me. “She walks in beauty, like the night. Of cloudless climes and starry skies…”
“You remember it? After all this time?” Audra stops in front of me.
“How could I forget?” The urge to touch her is so strong. Instead of acting on it, I shove my hands in my jeans pockets.
She folds her arms over her chest. “What are you doing here?”
“I was out running. There’s a lot on my mind.” I pause and take in Audra’s pajama bottoms and flimsy top. “Can we talk for a minute?”
She sighs. “Come on. I think there’s some bourbon inside.”
Audra hands me a snifter before taking a seat on the far end of the sofa and curling her legs beneath her. She sips from her glass but doesn’t initiate the conversation. Instead, silence envelops us. I’m grateful for the moment. The longer I sit here, the longer I get to be with her.
Minutes pass slowly. Before it stretches on endlessly, Audra lowers her glass to the coffee table. “Brady, what’s wrong?”
“You know me too well.” I toss back my drink and relish the burn. Unhurriedly, I tell Audra, “Elsbeth broke the curse on my father.”
Audra smiles. “Oh, Brady, that’s great news! How’s he doing?”
“Actually pretty good. He recovered quickly.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Audra’s dark eyes study me. “Now tell me what’s bothering you.”
“I’ve missed this. Talking to you always helps me.” I run a finger along the rim of the glass. “Elsbeth gave me some not-so-great news. The Ryders are stirring up trouble.”
“How so?” Audra folds her legs, crossed-legged style, and leans forward with her elbows on her knees.
To be honest, Audra is the only one I can trust outside my family. If I want to construct a real plan, she might be able to help. “The curse was cast by a witch working with the Ryders. Tonight, I found out one of my own is in league with them too.”
Audra tilts her head to the side. “Who?”
“Remember the omega?”
Audra nods. “Is he the one who’s challenging you?”
“Yeah. He went straight to Cal after I announced I had to marry Amber.”
Audra pierces me with a cold stare. “Are you really going to do that? Now? Even after learning about the Ryders?”
I drop my gaze. “I told you I’ll put it off for as long as possible. If we can take down the Ryders, once and for all, it doesn’t have to happen.” My eyes lift. “It won’t happen.”
She turns up her glass and takes a long sip.
“I can’t quit you, Audra. Why do you think I ended up here?”
Audra shakes her head. “No, Brady, you don’t get to do this. You wanted a clean break.”
Setting my glass down on the table, I risk moving closer. My hand goes to her cheek. So soft. Just as beautiful when annoyed with me as when she’s happy. “Because I thought it was how I’d get over you. I can’t… I don’t want to get over you.”
She leans into my palm. “I don’t want to be over you either.”
“Ah, sugar.” I don’t need a better invite. Pulling Audra into my lap, my lips brush hers. She opens her mouth to me, and my tongue slides inside. So sweet. As if I’m kissing her for the first time.
My mouth trails down to her collarbone as I run a hand up her thigh. Audra leans back against the cushions. Her breath coming in short pants. “Brady.”
“Shh, sugar.”
Her fingers thread through my hair. “Please, don’t leave, Brady.”
“I don’t want to.” Commonsense invades the moment. I sit up.
“What’s wrong? Why’d you stop?”
Scrubbing a hand over my face, I say, “I want nothing more to take you upstairs, but we need to be smart about this. Everyone thinks we’ve broken up. We need them to keep believing it.”
Audra slips off the sofa, her hands in her hair as she paces the floor. “You’re right. I hate it, but you’re right. Cal and Drew won’t reveal what they’re up to if we’re together.”
This is what I’ve missed. My mate knows me. She knows how I think. Right now, I need her help figuring out things.
“Exactly. But sugar, we’ll be together. I’ll come to you at night.” I walk up behind Audra and wrap my arms around her waist. This is my home. I won’t let anyone, not even the Ryders, keep me from it. “During the day, go about your routine. Let everyone believe you’re upset over my union with Amber.”
“It won’t be an act.” She turns in my arms and places her head on my chest. “Baby, we have to be careful. We don’t know who else is a threat.”
“I know.” I place my finger beneath her chin. “We have hours before dawn. Let me enjoy the time with you, and then we’ll make plans.”
“I love you, Brady.” She leans up and brushes her lips over mine.
Swinging her up into my arms, I carry her upstairs and settle her gently on the bed. I tug her pajama bottoms from her hips. As I stand up and then yank my shirt over my head, Audra removes her top. Completely exposed, she taps the mattress.
“You’re overdressed, baby.”
Just looking at her makes me so hard it hurts. In an instant I’m out of my jeans and kneeling onto the bed. “Is this better?”
Audra scrapes her nails over my abs as she pushes me down on the mattress. “Much.”
“I love it when you take control.”
She straddles me and eases herself down over my throbbing cock.
“Ohhh,” I groan. Sugar’s hot for me. Her pussy tightens around my shaft. I pant out, “Slow down. You’re going to make me come too soon.”
Rotating her hips, Audra says, “Don’t worry. We’ve got plenty of time.”
My little minx keeps working me until I’m pushed over the edge and moaning her name.
Right before the moon kisses the sun, I sneak away from my home. I’m feeling better now that Audra is by my side again. We did find a minute to discuss the situation. As long as we stick to the script, we’ll be fine as we put an end to the Ryders and their chaos.