The rising of the sun brings overwhelming guilt with it. I glance over at Audra resting on her side with her hands tucked beneath her chin. Like an angel. My love is the most beautiful female I’ve ever seen. No one compares to her. Never has. Never will.
I want her to enjoy this peace for as long as she can before I toss a grenade on it. In the aftermath, I’ll be lucky if Audra’s wolf doesn’t rip me to shreds.
Scrubbing a hand over my face, I lift my eyes to the ceiling and think about last night. I was supposed to make love to my mate-to-be. Instead, I spent the night with my arms wrapped around her like a dying fool clinging to what I’ll surely miss.
How the fuck do I tell the one who has my heart that we must bond? Our union is no longer a request. It’s a damned demand from on high. If Audra reacts the way I fear she will, the rest of our days will be spent in misery. Apart.
It’s not what I want. Back in high school I wanted to claim Audra. My father talked me out of it. He said I was too young to make such a commitment. He told me that if Audra was truly my soul mate, she’d be there when the time was right. He never informed me what to do if my intended was as stubborn as a Billy goat.
In case things go south, I need to make some plans. If I must leave Audra’s life, I want her taken care of. She shouldn’t want for anything—the reason why I’m seeing the lawyer this morning—material-wise, that is.
But what if she misses you?
Not my problem anymore.
Audra can have the house. We chose it together along with every stitch of furniture. I’ll move back in with my parents. She owns half the bar, but Audra can have my shares. I don’t need the money. With Dad being sick, I need to assume more responsibilities within Romero Enterprises. It’ll give Mom more time to spend with him. Today, I’ll arrange my affairs so my path won’t ever cross Audra’s again. I won’t make her miserable with daily reminders of our failure.
Correction. You won’t make yourself miserable.
That’s only a back-up plan. I’m hoping Audra comes around and sees things my way. The way it has to be for us to have a future together. It’s not like we have a lot of options.
Slipping from beneath the covers, I go over to the closet and grab a pair of jeans and a button-down shirt. Mom has already sent me a message requesting my presence for breakfast. I need to hurry.
“Baby?”
My feet freeze, and I can’t breathe. The plan was to sneak out. Just send Audra a text with instructions about what was needed at the bar.
“Brady? Where are you going? It’s not even seven o’clock.”
No need to lie to her. Audra knows I like to linger in bed for as long as possible. Swallowing hard, I throw over my shoulder. “I’m headed to my parents’ house. Go back to sleep.”
“Un-uh.” Suspicion weighs in her voice. “What’s going on?”
When I turn around, it’s confirmed. Audra sits with her arms crossed over her chest. Her expression is tight—squinty eyes and lips pressed flat. An empty feeling settles in my chest as my wolf curls up into a corner, unwilling to confront the angry female on the bed.
A partial truth isn’t a lie, right?
“Sugar, I need to meet with my mom and Brian. It’s just family business.”
Noisy breathing followed by a simmering growl are the only sounds in the room. Maybe I should’ve been honest? Playing the family card was definitely a bad move.
Audra bares her teeth. “How dare…?” Her breathing saws in and out before she mumbles, “I thought I was family.”
Normally, I always include Audra in Romero business—pack and family. But I can’t do it this time. Not without angering my mother and Audra at the same time. Two heated females in the same room aren’t something I want with my morning coffee.
Not including Audra, however, goes deeper than a desire not to confront her. Without the bond, my parents and the pack only see her as someone I fuck on a regular basis. Not my opinion. Just theirs. Bringing Audra to my parents’ house this morning might provoke Mom’s ugly side. I’m only protecting Audra from it. Unfortunately, I don’t have time to clean this up and wrap it with a bow. Mom doesn’t like to be kept waiting.
“I’m sorry, Audra. I didn’t mean it that way. We’ll have to talk later. There’s a delivery scheduled for the bar this morning. Can you handle it?”
She nods. “You need to know something before you go.”
“What?” My stomach twists.
“Cal Ryder was here last night.”
My hands fist, my blood boils, and my wolf wakes up. “What the hell was that fucker doing in my house?”
“He wasn’t in your house.” Audra rolls her eyes.
With every word I speak this morning, I’m making the situation worse. “Okay. He wasn’t in our house. What happened?”
“Cal cornered me at my Jeep. He said the Ryders are coming for your family.”
“Shit.” She’s definitely pissed. Audra and I have been together for so long that she automatically gets included on family business. For her to make the distinction, isn’t good. I shake my head and keep my thoughts to myself. Adding a pair of underwear to my pile of clothes, I head to the adjoining bathroom. I’ll deal with Audra’s attitude later.
Mom and Brian are eating by the time I reach the estate. I take my seat beside Mom near the head of the table. She cuts her eyes toward me while Brian gives me a nervous grin.
“Nice of you to join us, Brady,” she says curtly.
Placing eggs and bacon on my plate, I lower my gaze. “I’m sorry, Mom. It couldn’t be avoided.”
She pushes the food around on her plate. “What did Audra say about the union?”
Lying to my mother is a waste of time. She’s always been able to see through any untruth any of us crafted. If we didn’t want Mom to know something, we simply refrained from telling her anything. It was safer that way.
I drop a napkin in my lap and pick up the fork. “We haven’t talked about it.”
“I see.” Mom lifts her cup of coffee. “Brian, leave us.”
My brother pushes away from the table, starts to get up, and then freezes. “No.”
Crimson moves across Mom’s face, and she sets the cup down, coffee spilling over the side. “Excuse me? Did I hear you correctly?”
“I’m not going anywhere. If I’m Brady’s beta, then whatever you have to say concerns me too.” Brian sits back on the chair and folds his arms over this chest.
I nod and raise an eyebrow in his direction. My little brother makes me proud. He doesn’t want to carry the cross, but he’s doing what’s required—a show of strength, demonstrating he’ll lead.
Mom’s gaze darts from Brian to me. A smile flickers on her lips, but she doesn’t let it take full possession. “Very well. Brady, I want this mess wrapped up. Speak to Audra today. If she turns you down, I’ll meet with her. I know I gave you two weeks. She doesn’t need to know that. Audra has to believe this is more urgent than it is.”
“Why?” I ask.
“Sometimes when we believe things are critical, we’re more prone to act.” Mom returns to her cup of coffee.
There’s no arguing with my mother. Her word is as solid as mine when delivering instructions to the pack.
“Brian, I have a job for you,” Mom announces. “As beta, you’re to contact the Broussards. I want Amber in town next week.”
Amber Broussard.
Damn.
Words escape me. Simply speaking her name makes breathing difficult. Amber and Audra crossed paths about a year ago. There’s no love between them. If Audra learns about Amber, my family might as well tack my carcass on a wall for decoration.
Brian takes a deep breath. “How do you suggest I handle this, Mom? I’m supposed to be back in school next week.”
“School will wait. You have to go to New Orleans.” Mom dabs at her lips with a cloth napkin. “Take the jet and you can be back overnight. You’re only presenting the idea to the pack. Let them know your brother is handling his personal affairs. I want Amber and Brady to get to know each other before any deal is struck.”
Brian nods and stands. “I’ll go make the necessary phone calls.”
After he leaves, Mom turns to me. “You should know I don’t anticipate a union between you and Audra.”
“I know.” I lift my water glass. Her words aren’t surprising. Everyone in Falls Creek knows how stubborn Audra Nevers can be. It hasn’t stopped me from loving her though. “Thanks for at least giving me an opportunity.”
Mom sighs. “Son, sometimes love isn’t enough. Sometimes loyalty and doing the right thing have to take precedence.”
“Do you honestly think marrying Amber is the right thing? It’ll alienate Audra. The Romero pack is strong, but it’s better with the help of the Nevers wolves on board.”
Mom shakes her head. “It doesn’t matter.”
“It matters to me! I don’t want anyone else but my mate.”
My mother ignores my outburst. “As much as I like your chosen mate, I won’t lie. She’s not a child anymore. She knows, or should know, all about pack politics. If she can’t put aside her issues for you, then she’s not the right mate for you.” Mom pushes to her feet. “End of discussion. Move forward. Send me a text after you’ve spoken to Audra.”
“I will.” Staring into my plate, I wish I could find an easy solution to my problem amongst the half-eaten eggs and bacon. My thoughts turn to my father. I glance up. “Mom, before you go can we talk about Dad?”
Tension pulls at Mom’s expression. “What about him?”
“I think it’s time to call Elsbeth,” I say quietly. The Red Witch has been in Falls Creek since the town’s founding. If there’s something supernatural about my father’s illness, she would know.
Mom sits down, her gaze distant. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“Doctors can’t explain what’s wrong with Dad. He’s been sick for a year and it’s getting worse. What if he’s cursed? Elsbeth is the most powerful witch in town. She’d know if someone cast a spell on him. She might even be able to break it.”
“To be honest, I’ve thought about a curse.” A pained look crosses my mother’s pretty face. “I even mentioned it to Santiago. He said it was preposterous. The Romeros have no issues with anyone in town. So who would do it, Brady? Who?”
“Call Elsbeth, Mom. Please.” I drop my napkin on the table—my breakfast no longer appealing—and rise. “We’ll deal with the who once we find out what’s going on.”
If I were to gamble on the answer, I’d bet on the Ryders. But Mom doesn’t need to know this. It’s just one of many truths we’ve kept from her over the years. All a part of protecting my family.
Mom has no idea about what happened the night Hank Richards, a were-panther and a former police detective with the Falls Creek Police Department, killed Jackson Ryder. My father and I hid the shifter from Elijah, the patriarch of the Ryders. If I tell Mom I believe the Ryders are behind the curse, I’ll have to tell her everything. Keeping the secret keeps her protected.
A curious expression crosses her face before she leaves the dining room. She knows I’m not telling her everything. Shaking my head, I walk toward the front door. It’s just one more thing I’m not proud of today. I check my watch. It’s time to see the lawyer.
Sebastian Archer has been our family’s lawyer for years. His ancestry dates back to the founding families. His small office is located on Main Street—thankfully on my way home. The rotund man wearing a dark-brown suit reminds me of a fat tree elf with a bald head.
“Good to see you, Brady. How’s your dad doing?” Sebastian leans back, and the seat squeaks under his girth.
“The same. Mom’s calling in Elsbeth.”
Sebastian lifts a ginger eyebrow. “That sounds serious. How can I help you today?”
“I need you to draw up papers to transfer my properties to Audra Nevers.”
The lawyer tilts his head to one side. “Also serious. What’s going on, Brady?”
“I won’t bore you with the details, but I’m taking some precautions if we don’t bond and marry.”
Sebastian exhales and pushes to his feet. He turns to the bookcase lining the wall behind him. He studies the brown leather tomes until he settles on one toward the bottom. The book is huge and covered in dust. Dropping it on his desk, papers scatter. Sebastian takes a moment and flips through the pages.
“Do you know the history of the Romero pack?” he asks after a few silent minutes.
“Sure. Mom and Dad filled me in before I became alpha. What are you getting at?”
Sebastian shakes his head, and the sunlight bounces off his shiny pate. “I’ve heard the chatter in town. Someone in your ranks wants to enact the mate clause. What that person doesn’t know is that Council gets to weigh in on the decision.”
“Huh?”
Sebastian turns the book toward me. “In Falls Creek, supernaturals decided to go against the rules and made their own. The first thing our ancestors did was to do away with common challenges and depositions.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Read it for yourself.” The lawyer points down the page.
I lean forward, and my gaze settles on the parchment covered with archaic lettering. It takes a minute for my eyes to adjust, but I key in on the paragraph:
No supernatural may have his or her status revoked by simple challenge. The matter must be brought before Council. Proof of an infraction must be submitted with the complaint.
I look up. “So what does this mean for me?”
Sebastian reaches for the book. “It means you have time. Whoever wants to challenge your authority has to file a claim with Council. You’re on Council. By law, the other members must call you and inform you of the challenge.”
The breath I didn’t know I held comes sputtering forth. “Thanks.”
“You’re most welcome. I’ll draw up the paperwork for you. I advise to move forward with whatever plans you have in mind. Just remember there’s no urgency until someone contacts Council. This might simply be a threat you need to investigate.”
“Threats I can handle. Oh, there’s one other thing. I need to protect my brother, Brian. He’s my new beta.”
Sebastian’s face pales. “Even more reason to find the wolf threatening you. That is, if there’s really a wolf behind it.”
My gaze snaps to his. Sebastian is the only human who knows what went down between Jackson and Hank.
“Don’t waste any time contacting Elsbeth. You might need her help in the end.”
“Thanks, man.” I stand and shake Sebastian’s hand. “Let me know when the papers are ready. I don’t want anything left open.”
“You got it. I’ll give you a call.”
A realm of likelihoods dance in my head on the drive home from Sebastian’s. Could the threat simply be a seed planted by one of the Ryders? If that’s the case, how do I uncover it? If they’re behind it, it’s even more important to act as if I know nothing. Keep moving forward and doing what’s necessary. Involve as few people as possible.
Which brings me back to the bonding situation. If I tell Audra the truth, I’ll have to tell Mom too. In this case, the truth won’t set anyone free. It’ll do the opposite. Something I have to avoid. So I’m back at square one.
Audra won’t like anyone, even me, forcing her hand. Insisting she marry me might be the breaking point between us. The last thing I want is to charge in like a damned Neanderthal and demand she submit to my rule. I’ve never commanded Audra to do anything. Our relationship is a rare one in our community. I believe in equality, and I’ve always allowed her a say in whatever we do. A contradiction with how things are normally done with wolves.
I turn my car onto Main Street, one possibility comes to mind. Granted, it’s the worse choice other than losing Audra.
Becoming a lone wolf.
We’d have to leave Falls Creek. Cut ties with our families and friends. Would Audra leave everything behind for me? For us?
Don’t kid yourself. She won’t give up her pack for you.
I stop at the light, pick up my phone, and call the bar. The phone rings incessantly. Where the hell is she? A car horn blaring behind me snaps my attention. I put the car in gear and drive off.
I’ll go home. Maybe she’s waiting there for me. Audra doesn’t do as she’s told. Another reason why I love her. I don’t want some mate who sits around needing me to tell her what she can and can’t do. That’s what I’ll get with Amber. The female is the stereotypical blonde. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that she needs a male to tell her when to let her wolf out.
I pull off Main Street and steer the car toward the curb. It’s better not to surprise Audra. I’ll give her a call and then head home.