Calhoun and Drew may have Audra fooled, but I’m not so easily convinced. My troubles with those two cats goes back years. Our issues started way before my family chose to protect Hank Richards.
The Ryders have always hated my family. They despise us for our money, our status, and even how we look—as if we could help that last one. Petty shit if you ask me. It’s not like we haven’t worked hard for everything we have. Even my ancestors from Spain, who first came to this country, toiled long and hard to make a name for themselves. My father built up Romero Enterprises without one handout from anyone, including the government.
Now the Ryders have never liked to work for anything. I don’t think any of the brothers have ever worked an honest job. They’re more likely to gamble and hope to win enough to take care of their needs for the day.
I remember old man Ryder always being in debt and drunk. Then one night he beat the shit out of his wife—a docile female. Elijah claimed it was an accident—she fell and hit her head. Cops arrested him, but he got off. It took the loss of a life to get the cat sobered up. He did try to straighten out his life, but every chance he got, he blamed my family for his issues. We were responsible for his wife dying, his crumbling house, and even for his stupid-ass sons. And those unintelligent children stood by him. They agreed with everything Elijah said and did, no matter how wrong.
Once Audra entered the picture, things only became worse. The problem was Calhoun liked her. He claimed he saw her first, and therefore she should have been his. The asshole couldn’t get it through his thick skull that life didn’t work that way. Females weren’t property for sale to the highest bidder. Loving Audra wasn’t some game of who-got-there-first. It didn’t help that she refused to even entertain the idea of dating Calhoun. The bastard just got more pissed—at me.
At least once a week, I had to fight off the asshole. I got tired of being in the principal’s office, but I wouldn’t back down. I simply made sure that I had witnesses who could testify I was acting in self-defense. His anger wouldn’t bother me and make me attack him.
Fast forward twelve years, and it’s the same shit. Once again, though, his anger won’t get me to go off half-cocked. No dumb-ass moves because of his overreaching emotions. Instead, I’ll use his ire to fuel my decisions. I’ll let it direct how intense I protect those I love. No matter what Calhoun told Audra, I’ll never trust him. For all we know, they’re just lying low, waiting to strike against us. We have to be smarter. We have to be more prepared.
My pack members, along with the Broussard Wolves, have been dispersed. Their only job is to stalk out all the areas the Ryders hang out. Ace contacted his crew back in New Orleans to investigate the validity of Calhoun’s story. As I said, I don’t believe shit from him, so I’m definitely not trusting his so-called story. Besides, too much time has passed since Elijah’s death. My nemesis is merely playing on Audra’s emotions.
Right now, I’d love a hot shower within the confines of the guest house instead of standing guard. Wouldn’t hurt if Audra joined me in that endeavor. Thanks to the Mercier witch on the property, though, that won’t be happening anytime soon. I’ll have to wait in the main house. After Elsbeth has worked her magic, then I can take care of my needs. She said she’s the only one who can trap the witch. Supposedly, the deed will be done before the rising of the sun. I’d rest easier if I had a time set in stone.
Stretching out on the sofa with a tumbler of Dad’s finest Scotch, I attempt to ease my thoughts. Unfortunately, watching the flames lick the fragrant wood nearly puts me to sleep. The floor creaks behind me. I jerk upright and rub my eyes. A shadow crosses in front of me. When I look up, I see it’s only Ace.
“Sorry,” he offers. “Didn’t mean to wake you.”
I glance down at my almost-empty glass. “No. It’s fine. Has something happened?”
“No. Everything’s quiet for now,” he says, and then he takes a seat in one of the chairs near the fireplace.
“Good to know. Ace, help yourself to whatever you need. The bar and the kitchen are at your disposal.” I toss back the last of my drink, appreciating the burn.
“Thanks.” He purses his lips as he bobs his head. “Have you spoken to the Nevers alpha?”
“Yeah. She’s not budging. Audra is as tough as nails.” I palm the etched crystal. “It’s something I love about her, but it drives me crazy all the same.”
“Sounds like Morgan.” The big guy cracks a smile. “She thinks she knows everything and doesn’t need anyone’s help.”
Ace refers to his dhampir mate—a cross between a witch and a vampire. I’m surprised she didn’t make the trip with him. It’s my understanding they travel everywhere under the guise of being business partners. Her family isn’t accepting of their relationship. Makes me glad Romeros don’t have those hang-ups.
Your issues are of a different nature. Your issues leave scars—some physical, some emotional.
“Fill me in on the situation with the Ryders. Edwina never told me everything ‘bout that history.”
It had slipped my mind that Ace had tangled with Elijah a few months ago. Edwina Devereaux, a hybrid vampire, went to New Orleans to find Hank’s brother. Turned out it was an elaborate trap set for the former police detective. In the end, Elijah was killed by Hank.
I go over to the bar and get myself a refill. “Cal and I have been at odds for years. His issues with me intensified when I fell in love with Audra.”
“How long has that been?”
“Since ninth grade. Twelve long-ass years.” The memory puts a smile on my face. “Audra never returned his feelings though. Somehow Cal blames me for that.”
“He ain’t too bright, is he?”
“Understatement.” I take a sip from the glass before returning to the sofa. “Things got worse when Cal’s older brother was matched to another panther. Jennifer Richards was a nice female who was liked by everyone. But she was too nice for someone like Jackson. Just like his father, the cat got his kicks from punching shit, especially females. He’d get pissy drunk and then put his paws on her.”
Ace growls his disapproval.
“Her brother had had enough of it. He planned on putting an end to Jackson’s abuse. One night Jenn contacted Hank. She told him Jackson was scaring the crap out of her. Hank said he was going for a run and would stop by and check on her. While he was running, he heard her screams. Jackson attacked and killed her. Damn fool. Hank wasted no time ripping his throat out.”
“Good riddance to damn swamp trash.”
Swamp trash? Must be a bayou thing.
“Exactly. But the Ryders didn’t see it that way.” I look up at the ceiling, remembering the night Hank came to us for help.
Someone pounded on our front door. A storm was brewing outside, but there was another non-weather related disturbance approaching. Traces of copper and sweat hit me before I even opened the door. On the other side was Hank Richards. Blood covered his shirt. Streaks of it painted his cheeks. Deep claw marks marred his arms. He looked like he’d been to Hell and back.
“What the fuck happened to you?” A cold worm of fear snaked down my spine. I looked past Hank, checking to see if there was anyone else with him. I would have felt better had I seen a few bodies on the ground.
“You don’t want to know,” he said and made a quick path toward our basement stairs.
I had no choice but to follow behind him. Our heavy footsteps alerted my father in the wine cellar. He rushed out with a bottle in his large hand. “What’s happened?”
When no one spoke, my father dragged a hand through his thick, graying hair and growled. “Tell me you did not do what I think you did.”
Deep down, I had a good idea what took place. Hank and I had talked about his plans should Jackson Ryder continue using Jenn as a punching bag. At that moment, though, all I did was pace the floor. My frantic movement matched my thoughts. My friend was in trouble and needed our help. Romeros didn’t discriminate. Friendship trumped species any day. Unfortunately, this decision would make our family a target in the Ryder sights.
Dad eyed Hank like he was prey—it’s how he treated us when we did something stupid. The deep scowl on my father’s face spoke volumes. He didn’t appreciate the position we were putting him in.
Hank shook. He balled his fists, trying to maintain some sort of calm. It wasn’t working. Although he was a cop, he’d never taken a life. My friend spoke through gritted teeth. “Jackson attacked Jenn.”
Fuck! Without being told, I guessed Jackson was dead. I stopped pacing, and my gaze lifted. “How is she?”
“Dead,” the word tumbled out of Hank’s mouth as he dropped to his knees.
With surprising repose, Dad asked, “What happened, Detective?”
Hank struggled with the words, but somehow he managed to lace them together and tell us the story. “I was out for a run and heard Jenn’s scream. When I found her, it was too late. That asshole Jackson just stood over her. Blood dripped from his mouth. He showed absolutely no remorse for what he’d done. Then, he fucking challenged me.” Hank glanced up and pointed at his chest. “Me! He challenged me! I showed no hesitation and took his ass down.”
When Hank finished his story, Dad said, “You need to leave town.”
But Hank refused to leave. He was concerned for his pregnant wife.
“The Pack will protect you,” Dad said. “But you can’t go home.”
“We hid Hank here on the property. He took an extended leave of absence from the FCPD and stayed in a guest house that Elsbeth glamoured. That was seven years ago, but Cal and his brother never forgot what happened. Neither did their father.”
Ace rubs the space between his eyes. “So, that’s why their funky-ass father was in my town.”
“Yeah. According to Hank, Elijah laid a trap.” Audra’s conversation comes to mind. “Tell me something. How long does the coroner’s office hold a body before releasing it to the family?”
“No more than a week. Possibly two if they have a hard time tracking down the next of kin. Why?”
“Fuck.” I slam down my drink and sit forward. “Cal went to see Audra. He gave her some bullshit story about going to New Orleans to claim his father’s body. Cal told her that the Ryders weren’t planning anything and we should stand down.”
“Interesting lie. I know for a fact the coroner got rid of the body as soon as possible. He didn’t want that shit smelling up the building. It was either get rid of the body or call out a hazmat team.” Ace shifts on his chair. “I can tell ya the fucker ain’t left ya town. I say we watch ‘em a little closer. Something tells me they’re hoping ya lady lets her guard down.”
“Not if I can help it.” My greatest fear in this world is losing Audra. I’ll be damned if something happens to her because of the Ryders.
“I’m on it, Brady.” Ace rises to his feet. I’m tall, but I have to tilt my head back to see his face. “I’ll check in with my beta. See what’s happening in N’awlins. Then I’ll disperse more of my wolves. We got ya covered.”
“Thanks.”
After Ace leaves, I call Audra.
“Hello, Brady.” Her smile comes through her voice. “Miss me already?”
“You know it.” I clear my throat. “Listen, sugar, I’ve been talking with Ace about the Ryders. When did Cal say he was going to New Orleans?”
“He didn’t.” She breathes into the phone. “I assumed he was going soon.”
“Wrong. Ace said Cal hasn’t left the city. On top of that, the city doesn’t hold bodies for weeks before contacting families. Ace knows the coroner. The body left the morgue right away.”
“So, Cal lied to me.”
Not a question. “I’m coming over. Stay inside.”
“Brady, I—”
“Don’t.” My voice rises as I sit forward. “For once, let me protect you.”
“I don’t—”
“You need it.” I scrub a hand over my face. This female of mine is so fucking stubborn. “Indulge me. Okay?”
She breathes into the phone again. “Fine. I’ll be upstairs when you get here.”
“Thank you. See you in a bit.”
I hang up and get ready to leave. Before I reach the door, Elsbeth appears minus her pet spiders. I jump. Thankfully, I’d just put my phone away, or it would be on the floor.
“Did I startle you?” she asks.
“Yeah.” Probably wouldn’t have happened had I not been thinking of Audra. “I’m on my way out.”
“That works for me.” Her high heels click-clack across the floor. As she walks to the front door, her leather pants squeak.
Elsbeth, riding shotgun, stares out into the dark sky as I drive across the bridge. Silence tightens around us. For whatever reason, neither of us are willing to be the first one to breach it.
Once over the river, I steer my car down Main Street toward the hills. Pulling up to a stoplight, I glance over at Elsbeth. A small bottle shakes violently in her slender hand. Looking closer, I see a dark purple substance churning inside the clear container like it’s being fueled by a tiny cyclone.
“What’s that?”
“The Mercier witch. She’s no longer a threat.” Light bounces off its surface as Elsbeth twirls the container.
“How…” I stop my thought. It’s probably best I don’t know.
“Best decision ever,” she says in her gravelly tone. “I’ll hold on to this until you’ve taken care of the Ryders. Then, I’ll send her some place where she won’t cause anyone trouble again.” Elsbeth attaches the bottle to a chain around her neck. “Don’t ask where that place is. You really don’t want to know.”
“Understood. Is that all you needed to tell me?”
“No. The Broussard wolf… Do you trust him?”
“I do.” I turn onto one of the side roads. “Should I not?”
“He’s fine. Just make sure he knows to stay off my property. I saw one of his wolves on the island last night. The wards held, but I don’t appreciate the disturbance.”
“I’ll be sure to talk with him about it. I’m sure the wolves meant no harm.”
“If they did, they would no longer exist,” Elsbeth points out.
I’m close to home when the car suddenly stops. Not my doing.
“Sorry about that. The spirits whispered a message you need to know,” Elsbeth says. “If your intended insists on doing things her way, be sure she understands that the threat is still coming for her. Cal will take her by surprise. She won’t be able to refuse him.”
My wolf sits up and bares his teeth. “What can I do to prevent it?”
“Only the bond will change things.” Elsbeth faces me. “You should know that the she-wolf will survive and so will you. But this will be a precarious moment in your lives. You will doubt your chances. Don’t.”
Unsure whether I should thank her or push for more information, I sit in silence.
“Heed my warning, Alpha. No lives need be lost if she accepts your bond.” Elsbeth image fades until she’s gone.
There will be hell to pay if anything happens to Audra. I’ll gladly deliver Calhoun’s body on Ashmedai’s door step.
Turning the key in the ignition, I head for home with Elsbeth’s words on repeat in my mind.