by SF Benson
I yank my hand away. “You shouldn’t listen to gossip.”
“I’m guessing this one is true. So tell me, Audra,” Calhoun drawls. “Who dumped who?”
“None of your business.” I pick up the notebook and walk toward the office. “We have a few hours before we’re open.”
Calhoun cuts me off before I get through the door. How the hell did he move that fast?
“Ain’t good for you to be here alone. Anything could happen.”
“The only thing happening here is your leaving.” I stand my ground. Calhoun has never scared me.
“Fine.” He juts out his chin. “I’ll be back. You’ll soon find out that the best way to get over Brady Romero is to get under me.”
“Not in a million years.” Even if someone took away my ability to smell, I wouldn’t stoop that low.
Despite my heartache, it’s been a good day for business. I guess everyone wanted to stop in to see if I’d lost my shit yet. Sorry to disappoint them.
I’m trying to choke down my dinner when someone knocks on the office door. “Come in.”
It yawns open, and Sebastian Archer, the lawyer for the Romeros, enters. The short, round man reminds me of the elf on a bag of cookies. He claims to be completely human though.
“Miss Nevers, can I have a moment of your time?”
Kicking a stack of empty boxes off a chair, I point toward the seat. I chew up the morsel of steak before saying, “If you don’t mind my finishing my dinner.”
“Not at all. I won’t take long.” He removes an envelope from his suit jacket and passes it to me. “I have paperwork for you from Mr. Romero.”
Slowly, I examine what looks like contracts. “What are these?”
“The one on top is the deed for the house. The second one is the deed for the bar. Mr. Romero wanted to be sure ownership passes to you.”
It’s official. We really are finished. With a shaky hand, I drop the papers on the desktop. “Do you need me to sign anything?”
“No. I’m just delivering them to you per Mr. Romero’s orders.”
Mr. Romero. It’s all too formal now. Although I wanted an end to our relationship, it was Brady who wanted the clean break. I feel like I’ve been served divorce papers. Good thing there weren’t any pups involved.
“If you don’t mind my saying…”
Mr. Archer’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “What?”
“Mr. Romero is also miserable. He never wanted this.”
I scrutinize the human for a moment. “Aren’t you just the lawyer?”
His unnaturally pink lips lift, and a deep glow spreads over his chubby cheeks. “I’m also a friend of the Romero family. I’ve known Brady and his siblings since they were infants. He still loves you and is doing everything to fix this situation.”
“There’s nothing to fix, Mr. Archer.” I pause for a moment. “You said he’s miserable?”
“Yes. He’s trying hard to hide it, but it’s apparent. Without you in his life, he’s going to become more like his father. We both know that’s not a good thing.”
Shrugging my shoulders, I say, “There’s nothing I can do about that.”
“If that’s what you choose to believe.” The lawyer rises off the chair. “Have a good night, Miss Nevers.”
It’s close to three in the morning when I unlock the door to my parents’ house. Greg left a lamp on in the living room, but he doesn’t seem to be around. I toss my key on the coffee table and collapse on the sofa.
At the end of a busy night, I always looked forward to a late meal with Brady and a little pampering. There won’t be any of that for me anymore. I close my eyes and rest my head on the cushion.
Minutes later, someone’s shaking my shoulder. “Wake up!”
“Huh?” I sit up, drenched in sweat, and look around the room. Greg crouches beside me. “Did I fall asleep? What time is it?”
“Almost four. Get up and go to bed.”
Swinging my legs to the floor, I rub the sleep from my eyes. “I’m good. This is easier than sleeping in an empty bed.”
Greg sits on the sofa. “Audra, what would you do if the pack wasn’t an issue?”
I side-glance at my brother. “It’s too late for riddles.”
“Not a riddle. If you didn’t need to be alpha… If there wasn’t a pack to worry about, what would you be doing right now?”
I sigh as I hang my head. “I’d be with Brady. We’d be married.”
“And what’s going to happen in a few years when the pack dies off?”
“Huh?”
Greg leans his elbows on his knees. “Without a bonded mate, you’re setting a bad precedent for the rest of the pack. They don’t have any incentive to build families. They’re following as you lead them. A carefree life is okay for the members, but it’s death for an alpha.”
My mouth slackens, and I cock my head to one side. Since when did my brother know the implications of the bond? He’s never had any interest in pack life. I smell a rat, and her name is Sarah. I’m willing to give Greg the benefit of doubt. Just a bit. “Are you finally stepping up?”
“This isn’t about me, Audra.” He clears his throat. “Sarah came to see me. We talked for a long time.”
Nice to know I was right. “And what all did you discuss?”
“I love you, sis. But I agree with her. You’ve given it your best. Hanging on to the pack is going to kill you. I don’t want to see you become a bitter, old wolf. Eventually, Brady will forget about you. He’ll choose happiness. I’d rather you be his choice.” Greg puts a hand on my leg. “Stop being so stubborn.”
“I don’t have a choice, Greg. Dad told me to never let the pack fail.”
“That’s before he knew what it would do to you. Dad was old-school. He had Mom by his side to help, but you can’t do this alone.”
I chew on Greg’s words for a moment. At times like this, I wish I could sit down with my parents. Ask for their advice. Suddenly it occurs to me that I can, provided a certain witch helps me.
“I’m not alone, Greg. I still have the pack.”
He pushes to his feet. “Not what I meant. I’m going to bed.”
Agreeing with him, I reach for my keys.
“Where are you going?”
“Home.” The place I should be. A place I hope I can stay in without Brady.
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 th
e 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.
