by DJ Bryce
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Right Girl, Wrong Alpha
Brothers of the Heart, book 2
DJ Bryce
Copyright © 2017 by DJ Bryce
Cover by Makeready Designs
Proofreading by KMS Freelance Editing
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Created with Vellum
Contents
1. Logan
2. Natasha
3. Logan
4. Natasha
5. Logan
6. Natasha
7. Logan
8. Natasha
9. Logan
10. Natasha
11. Logan
12. Natasha
13. Logan
14. Natasha
15. Logan
16. Natasha
17. Logan
18. Natasha
What’s Next
Also by DJ Bryce
About the Author
Chapter 1
Logan
“I’ll be gone a few days, a week, tops… Derrik, you can handle any issues that arise, and Marta, you can make sure Derrik doesn’t piss anyone off. Keep the peace,” I joked as I threw my clothes in an old, Army green duffel bag.
“What if she’s the one pissing me off?” Derrik joked, causing his mate to slap him on the arm.
“Suck it up and do what she says anyway,” I told my second in command.
This would be the first time I’d be leaving my clan, and our land, since I took over as Chief. Although I was going to learn of ways to make our clan more sustainable, I hated the thought of leaving my people. Although we were solitary by nature, there was something to be said for knowing someone had your back at all times.
Well, I thought as I watched Marta laugh, then kiss Derrik like it was as essential as breathing, I had my clan at my back, but what I wouldn’t give to find my mate.
“Don’t worry about things here, we have it under control. Have fun and come back refreshed. You deserve the break.”
This Marta said gently. Since I didn’t yet have a mate, a lot of responsibility fell to her, as the highest-ranking woman in our clan. And she was privy to more of what was going on than most. She was always on me about working too hard and taking time for myself. She was the sister of my soul, not by blood.
“I’ll do my best,” I promised, said my goodbyes and loaded up my truck.
I was a beast of a man, so only the biggest, toughest truck would do. As a Grizzly shifter and Chief of my clan, I’d gotten into some pretty crazy scrapes, and found having a vehicle that could mow down anything in its path was a must have for me.
Turning the radio to my favorite classic rock station, I turned my truck south and headed toward Mateo and his pack.
Mateo and I had been friends for years. Both of us had taken over as head of our families at a young age, he as the Alpha of his pack and me as the Chief of my clan. Bear and wolf shifters didn’t always get along, but there had never been issues between Mateo and I. Maybe because we’d been too young and inexperienced to know we were supposed to be at odds, but I think it’s more because he’s a good dude.
Plus, he was smart, crazy smart, which was the reason I was headed to visit with him and his pack now. A couple of years ago they’d moved from just running bars and trying to make ends meet, to planting crops. Harvesting was coming up, and I wanted to see if what they were doing would be beneficial to my clan, so I was going to learn what I could.
After a few hours, I’d finally reached my destination and pulled up to park at the building in town where Mateo and his council conducted business. Since it was almost closing time, I was hoping to talk him into knocking off early and going to grab a beer so we could catch up.
I was surprised to find, however, that parking was scarce because the place was packed. It looked like some sort of town hall meeting was going on or something.
I maneuvered through the crush of people until I noticed Mateo’s Bravo, Maximus, standing just inside a room in the back. Grinning as I moved, happy to see a friend I hadn’t seen in ages, I didn’t notice who was in his arms until I stepped into the room.
“Looks like some things have changed since last we saw each other…” I began, shocked to see Gilly, who I’d always known as Mateo’s mate, sidled up against Max.
Still, Max was my friend, and I knew there had to be a good explanation, since neither Gilly, or Max, would ever do anything to hurt Mateo. So, when Max held out his hand, of course I shook it. He was my friend, after all.
“Good to see you as well,” I replied, when Max greeted me, then I turned to Gilly and added, “And you, my lovely, are a sight for sore eyes, although I’m a little confused…”
“We’re actually about to have a meeting with the pack to explain things,” Max informed me. “Gilly is my mate.”
“I see,” I muttered, although I was utterly confused. There was no way Gilly could be mates to both Mateo and Maximus.
“Is that why you came?” he asked.
I shook his head.
“No, Mateo invited me to be here for the harvest. I’m interested in learning some things, maybe starting something up for my clan.”
“Great, well, hopefully we’ll get a chance to grab a drink and catch up,” Max said.
“Sounds good.”
“You guys ready?” Mateo asked as he walked in from the stage.
I turned at the sound of my friends’ voice, gave him a once over to assure myself he was okay, then grinned as he crossed to me and slapped his hand on my back.
“Hey, Logan, I didn’t realize you were here already. We’re just meeting with the pack. Why don’t you head to my place and I’ll meet you there? This shouldn’t take too long. There’s beer in the fridge.”
“Perfect,” I stated, thinking a beer was just what the doctor ordered. Then, seeing everything was okay with my friends, and they had business to get down to, I looked to Max and Gilly once more and said, “Congrats,” then left the building, eager to get to Mateo’s and take a load off.
Chapter 2
Natasha
“There’s the prettiest thing this side of the Mississippi.”
I’d been standing in the back of the crowded room, my arms crossed as I waited for Mateo and the council to take the stage for the big announcement. Although, I already knew what it was and was still trying to come to terms with everything myself.
My older sister, Gillian, who’d been “mated” to Mateo for as long as I could remember, had just informed me that things between her and Mateo had been a lie, and that she’d found her true mate in Maximus.
It wasn’t that I didn’t love Maximus like a brother, because I did… And, it wasn’t that we had been raised knowing we were intended to mate with an Alpha. I believed we should all be free to love who we love… No, it was the fact that she’d lied to me all these years. Me. Her sister.
It stung that she hadn’t trusted me enough to confide in me.
I pulled myself from my pity part to see who’d approached me, and went fr
om feeling down to thrilled in a matter of seconds.
“Brick,” I cried, hurtling myself into my little brothers’ arms.
Little in age, not in size.
We hugged each other tightly and I felt the burning of tears threatening at the back of my throat. My brother was away at college, and it had been years since he’d been home. Not because he lived too far away, but because since he came out to our parents, he’d no longer been welcome in their home.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, after hugging him fiercely, then stepping back to look up at him.
He tugged my short hair lightly, grinning broadly as he looked down at me with his beautiful face.
“I came back with Gilly,” Brick answered. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see mom and dad’s reaction when she told them she was in love with the Bravo and not the Alpha as instructed.”
“Gilly’s back?” I asked, turning to search the room for our sister. After she’d told me, Gilly had left town, not wanting to be here in case there was any fallback from the news of her, Mateo, and Maximus.
“Yup, she decided she needed to be here to face the music with her man.”
“And, how did mom and dad react?” I asked, although I could guess.
Brick shot me a wry expression and said, “Almost worse than when I told them I was gay. Gilly is their pride and joy after all, the one who was supposed to give them the status they think they deserve.”
“How’s Gilly doing?”
I suddenly felt awful for my own reaction to her news. I should have known she’d have to deal with not only backlash from the town, but resentment from our parents.
“Our big sis is doing just fine. She’s a woman in love with sexy man who knows her worth,” Brick said as he leaned back against the wall, then his eyes came to me and he said, “Looks like the fate of our family now rests on your shoulders.”
“Great,” I muttered, hating the fact that he was right. Our parents would now look to me to mate with an Alpha and fulfil our family legacy.
Dread filled me as I worried that they’d try and send me away. Mateo and I had been around each other forever, and he was definitely not my mate. Not only because I’d always thought he was intended for my sister, but because, as my future brother in law, we’d hugged on several occasions, and even shared a few kisses on the cheek on holidays.
If we were mates, we’d already know it.
No… I hadn’t met my mate yet, which meant it had to be an Alpha of another pack.
I pushed those thoughts aside as everyone took the stage and the meeting started. When they brought Gilly out after announcing that she was not with Mateo, but with Max, looking nervous and unsure, Brick and I hugged each other and grinned wildly at her, trying to convey that she had our support, no matter what the rest of the pack thought.
Luckily, after a few murmurs, when Max took Gilly’s hand in his and brought it to his lips, the crowd went wild. The love they felt for each other was palpable, and with Mateo standing at their side, obviously accepting, the pack was willing to accept this new development with open arms.
After the meeting adjourned, Brick and I stayed back waiting to see Gilly. While we waited I asked him how classes were going.
“Hey,” I heard Gilly call, and when I turned to see her happy face, guilt crushed me and I ran to take her in my arms.
“I’m so sorry, Gilly,” I cried, hugging her as hard as I could.
“No, I’m sorry, now you’re going to get the brunt of parental pestering,” Gilly said, her tone conveying her worry.
“Don’t worry about that,” I said, pulling back to look at her. “I can handle mom and dad, even though I don’t know if I even want to. I hate what they’re doing to our family. First pushing Brick away, now you… I really don’t understand.”
“Well, you can bet that they’re sole focus is going to be on getting you mated to an Alpha, whether they try to push you at Mateo, or send you somewhere else. I wouldn’t be surprised if they ordered all the Alpha’s in the State to come by the house and set them up to some sort of machine to gauge their feelings upon touching you.”
“I wish they cared about their children as much as they did some damn family trait,” Brick muttered from behind me.
“We still have each other,” Gilly promised with a smile.
“Nothing will ever change that,” I agreed.
“I know,” Brick said softly, but his unhappiness was apparent in his tone. I hated that it was a result of our parents’ ignorance.
“What do you say to some barbecue, beers, and good conversation?” Gilly said, changing the subject and putting a smile back on our brothers’ face.
“I should get back to the bar,” I said, thinking I’d been gone too long already.
Gilly and I ran Howlers, the pack bar and grill, and with her off trying to deal with pack business, I’d been left to oversee everything.
“Who’s covering?” Gilly asked.
“Taylor.”
“She’s dependable, she can hold it down for a few hours at least,” Gill said, then cajoled, “Come on, just for a little while?”
I’d never been able to deny my siblings, especially when they looked so cute while begging.
“Okay, but only for one beer and one burger.”
“Deal. What about you?” She asked Brick.
He shrugged and said, “I’m at your mercy until you decide to take me back home.”
“Good, you’re coming with us to Mateo’s then.”
“I’m sorry I got mad at you,” I said softly, needing to get it out. “Seeing you and Max together, I totally get it. You never lit up that way around Mateo.”
“Thanks, Tash,” she said softly, leaning down to kiss the crown of my head. “That means a lot.”
“Okay, my beautiful babies,” Brick said, pulling us apart and throwing an arm around both of us. “Let’s get this party started.”
Chapter 3
Logan
Hanging out with Mateo turned into a full-blown barbecue in his backyard.
I wasn’t complaining. Although bear shifters were more solitary than wolves, I didn’t mind hanging out, having a few beers, and shooting the shit with Mateo and his council. Plus, Mateo had a pretty cool setup, and it was a beautiful night, so it was all good.
I was kicked back, legs out in front of me, enjoying my beer and some conversation.
Gilly’s little brother, Brick, was currently peppering me with questions about my clan. He seemed like a cool enough dude, and I was always happy to talk about my clan with people who were curious, especially people who, although were no strangers to shifters, hadn’t had much interaction with bears.
That spurred a conversation about acceptance and tolerance within clans and packs, which made me wonder if, because Brick was gay, he’d been shunned by his pack somehow. The thought immediately put my back up, we didn’t tolerate ignorance in my clan, but when I saw the look Mateo was giving Brick, I thought maybe acceptance by the pack wasn’t what Brick was getting at after all.
Before I could ponder this new development further, Gilly walked in with the most adorable woman I’d ever seen. As soon as my gaze fell upon her, my heart started surging in my chest, and I sprang to my feet without even realizing it.
The urge to go to her was undeniable.
The pixie woman was carrying grocery bags, so I rushed to take them from her arms to ease her burden. In doing so, my hand brushed against her skin and an electric current shot through me. I knew she felt it too when she stilled, looked up at me with wide eyes, then released the bags and took a step back.
“I’m Logan,” I managed, my voice rough. The need to know her name was so great it almost brought me to my knees.
“The Chief?” she asked, and my chest puffed with pride that she knew me.
I nodded, then my words caught when she took another stepped back and looked to Gilly in panic.
“I have to get back to Howlers,” my still unnamed mate e
xclaimed, then spun on her heel and left, leaving me standing there in shock, holding the bags like a schmuck.
“Who was that?” I asked Gilly, still looking at the spot my mate had just vacated.
“Natasha, my sister,” Gilly answered, oblivious to the fact that I’d just been figuratively knocked on my ass. “She promised me she’d stay for one beer and one burger.”
“Your sister?” I asked, sudden desperate at this new information. “So, she’s promised to an Alpha?”
“No, well, not yet, but yes, we were always told that we were meant to be an Alpha’s mate… At least, that’s what our parents always told us. Who knows what the truth really is…”
“Hmmm,” I murmured, my mind reeling. No, I wasn’t a wolf, but I was still a shifter, and the equivalent to the Alpha of my clan.
There was no doubt in my mind that Natasha had indeed been born to mate with an Alpha, and that Alpha was me. She’d obviously felt the same thing and been spooked by this new twist on what she’d been raised to believe, but there was no denying the facts. She was mine and I was hers.
Still, I’d give her a little time to come to terms with things, rather than barge after her and push. It looked like I’d be spending a little more time here than originally planned, now that I had a woman to claim.
Wanting to give Natasha space, but still needing to learn more about her, I crossed to where Brick was sitting on his own, drinking a beer and looking up at the sky.
“Seat taken?” I asked, gesturing with my beer to the empty chair next to him.
“Nope, help yourself.”
I eased into the chair, stretching my legs out before me as I took in the party around us, smiling at the laughter being shared between the pack, then took a tug on my beer, before letting out a sigh.
