by SF Benson
Her voice, too sweet with an edge, irritated the fuck out of me. My wolf sat at the fence ready to leap.
Brady, wisely, remained quiet. He knew I could fight my own battles.
“Who the hell are you?” I demanded.
“Amber Broussard.” Her gaze dropped from my eyes to my feet and back again. “No mark. Honey, he’s not yours.”
Brady cleared his throat. “For your sake, Miss Broussard, step off. I can’t guarantee your safety with my mate.”
But Amber wasn’t smart. She stayed her ground. Before things escalated, a tall, muscular male walked up to us. He looked like the biker type—full-sleeve, colorful tattoos with a bald head and dark facial hair. He stood beside us as if his mere presence intimidated. It didn’t work on me, but it affected Amber.
“Amber.” His voice, robust and deep, vibrated. “Is there a problem here?”
She shook her head and stalked off.
“Forgive my sister.” He extended his hand. “Name’s Ace. The Broussards welcome you to our town.”
Brady accepted the gesture as his gaze flicked between Ace and me. “We’re happy to be here. I speak for me and my mate when I say there won’t be any trouble from us. But if your sister steps to me again like that, I can’t promise anything.”
Ace’s gaze landed on me, and his head bobbed up and down. “Understood. You won’t have a problem with my sister. I promise it.”
I immediately liked Ace. It wasn’t just the way he handled his sister. The male ruled his pack fairly—appreciating the strengths of its members and not taking advantage of their weaknesses. It was how I wanted to lead my own pack. Thanks to his sister, though, I spent the rest of the conference in a foul mood. I’ve hated Amber ever since.
Brady comes in the front door as I walk behind the counter. Damn that male can wear a suit. Undoubtedly, it’s custom-made. I’m wondering how long it will take for me to get him out of it.
His eyes dart to me and then over to Calhoun and the wench before he storms toward their table. Calhoun crosses his beefy arms over his chest. Amber, visibly shaken, opens and closes her mouth like a damned fish. Nice to see her speechless for a change.
One of my servers comes up to me. “What’s going on over there?”
“I’m hoping someone gets their ass kicked,” I say.
“Who? Cal?”
“No.” I let the word linger in the air as I walk around the edge of the bar. It’s time to perform.
“Amber.” Brady’s hand goes to her elbow. “You need to come with me. This isn’t the sort of company my future bride should be hanging with.”
Calhoun laughs loudly. “So it’s true? Damn. Glad to know the pretty she-wolf is back on the market. At least for the moment.”
His beady eyes turn to me as I approach. Suddenly, I feel the need for a long bath and a hard scrubbing.
“Not hardly.” I say. “Being on the market implies property. I belong to no one.”
Brady drops his hand and brings it to his chin, rubbing it before saying, “I’m sorry, Audra. I came by to drop off some paperwork. If Amber will come with me, there won’t be any trouble.”
The wench holds her chin high. “No harm. I’m just catching up with Cal.”
“I don’t care what you were doing. This is a public place, so I can’t make you leave. Just keep your drama out of my business.” I start to walk away.
“Oh, Audra,” Amber says.
“What?” I throw over my shoulder.
“Perhaps you could drink a toast with us? Help celebrate our upcoming nuptials?”
I swear listening to Amber talk might put me in a sugar-induced coma. Nobody should sound that damn sweet, especially when they’re nothing but pure evil. The female is toxic and a pain in the ass, but there’s something else… Something’s off about her, but I’m not going to waste my time trying to figure it out.
“No, thank you. I have better things to do.”
Brady comes over to me. “I’m sorry, Audra. Forgive Amber. She meant nothing by it.”
I hold my palm up. “Just give me the damn paperwork and be on your way. There’s nothing we need to say to each other.”
He nods, reaches into his suit jacket, and gives me an envelope. “The deeds to the house and bar are inside. I’m giving them to you.”
“It’s the least you can do.”
“Audra, can’t we at least be civil?”
My fists go to my hips. “Civil? You bring that cheap-ass skank around here, and I’m supposed to play nice?” My voice goes up another octave. “Get the fuck away from me, Brady Romero! I wish to hell we’d never met!”
“Audra.” He reaches for me, and I step backward.
Jerking my head toward Amber, I shout, “Have fun with the bimbo.”
A chair screeches, but I don’t stick around to deal with her rage. I’ve had enough of acting for one day.
“Want to explain what you were doing with Cal Ryder?” I shout as soon as Amber and I are outside the bar.
The she-wolf tosses her golden-blonde locks off her shoulder and bats her too-long lashes at me. When I don’t fall for the act, Amber scowls and her hands tighten into fists. “Calhoun is just a friend. Just because I’m marrying you doesn’t mean you can dictate who I keep company with.”
Amber pivots on her black Louboutin pumps, attempting to walk away from me.
“Sorry. Not happening here.” I grasp her by the elbow and lead her in the opposite direction. Hurrying Amber down the sidewalk, her feet move so fast they barely tap the pavement.
“You’re hurting me,” she complains.
“I don’t care.” We don’t stop moving until we’re a good distance away from the bar. Pulling her close, I lean into her. Terror flashes in her baby blues as my coffee-infused breath assaults her delicate skin. “Let’s get some things straight. First, you are never to go to Balls Up!”
Amber sets her jaw and shoots me a frosty glare. An invisible force, dark and threatening, hits me. What the hell was that?
Whatever it was dissipates, and Amber’s wolf bares her teeth. “Why? Don’t want to upset your ex?”
Her voice may be praline sweet, but I hear the hatred in her tone. Amber’s the type of female that will either drive a male to drink or punch the shit out of something. Before I do something stupid, I drop my hand and shove it into my pants pocket.
“You need to remember who you’re speaking to. I’m Alpha. You don’t give me orders, and you don’t question me. Think you can keep that straight?”
Her wolf recoils. I’m left with bitchy Amber rubbing her upper arm like I damaged it. “My family won’t like how you’re treating me.”
“I don’t give a shit.” Passersby are starting to stare. I want them to. It’s all part of the act. Folks need to think I’ve lost my mind—a plausible reason why Audra and I aren’t together. Otherwise, they’ll question why I dumped my longtime girlfriend for this plastic female. “You’re lucky to be matched with me.”
Her eyes blaze for a moment before she lowers her head. This fight is over for now. I have no doubt Amber will continue testing me. It’s one reason her family was eager to make the match. She couldn’t keep a potential mate. They were tired of her childish maneuvering. The female is a spoiled brat in wolf’s clothing.
“It’s time for you to go.” My fingers grip my phone.
“My car—”
“Not necessary. I’ll send someone for it. My wife-to-be has no need for a car. Your job is to support me and take care of my needs. If you need transportation, my driver will take you.”
I realize the caveman routine is overkill, but I don’t see a choice in the matter. Amber is the type of female who requires a firm hand. Anything less, and she’ll try to rule over me. Instead of dwelling on my behavior, I call for Mateo who’s waiting on the next street over per my orders.
Amber’s head jerks back like I slapped her. Her mouth opens, but no words come out. For the second time today, Amber is speechless. Thank the gods for t
hat. Her twang is already giving me a headache.
Squashing this problem with the Ryders as soon as possible is my primary focus. The sooner I put an end to them, the sooner this magnolia-scented wolf can return to New Orleans.
Within minutes, the black Lincoln pulls up to the curb. I open the back door, and Amber quickly gets in. I lean over the seat. “Mateo, take Miss Broussard back to the main house. My mother will have a room ready for her.” To Amber, I direct, “You are not to leave the house for any reason. Understood?”
“But—”
“Do not defy me, or I’ll send you right back to New Orleans tonight, and the deal will be over.”
Amber’s glowing eyes shoot invisible sparks at me, but she doesn’t say a word. Satisfied that we’ve reached an understanding, I slam the door. “Thanks, Mateo.”
As the car drives off, I send a text to Audra.
Brady Romero: Plan’s in motion. My mother will keep Amber occupied in the main house.
Audra Nevers: Good. We need to find out how Amber knows Cal.
Brady Romero: I’ll handle it, sugar. Thanks for playing along. I love you.
Audra Nevers: Same here. See you tonight.
I pocket my phone and head back to my car in the bar’s parking lot. Smiling to myself, I think we might just pull this off and end the Ryders once for and all.
Romero Enterprises has its headquarters in New York City. My always working father also has a well-equipped office on the estate. Although I need to use a computer, I won’t chance it with Amber on the property. I’ll check on Dad, grab a laptop, and go to the guest house.
I knock on my parents’ bedroom door before entering. Dad is seated at a desk near the window. That’s a new arrangement. He undoubtedly wanted to get to work and had the staff set him up in here, continuing the illusion of his sickness.
“Am I interrupting?” I say as I loosen my tie and unfasten the top button on my shirt.
“Come on in. Just checking in with the office.” He enters a few strokes on the keyboard and then closes his laptop. “What’s going on?”
“Where’s Amber?”
“With your mother at the stables.” Dad sits back and stretches out his long legs. “Brenna put her on the opposite side of the house. Gave her a wing to herself.”
“Good.” I take the seat across from my father. “Dad, you know the Broussards. What type of relationship do they have with the Ryders?”
Dad cocks his head to the side. “I wasn’t aware anyone from the Broussard family knew the Ryders. What’s happened?”
Not good. I lean back in the chair and run my hand through my hair. “Amber was at the bar with Cal. According to Audra, they came in together.”
My father’s brows snap together. “Audra’s helping you?”
A smile tugs at my lips as I think of the many ways Audra helped me last night. “Did you doubt she would?”
“I thought the breakup was real.”
I exhale loudly. “Everyone needs to believe that, but I’d appreciate it if you keep this news to yourself. Don’t even tell Mom. There won’t be a union with Amber. I refuse to make myself or Audra miserable.”
Dad shakes his head from side to side before he asks, “What are you planning, son?”
Holding my hand up, I say, “Don’t worry. I won’t jeopardize the pack or the family. We’re going on the defensive against the Ryders. Once that’s taken care of, I’ll make sure there aren’t any other threats from within the pack. Audra and I will marry. She just needs more time to figure out the situation with her pack.”
After last night, I have no doubts that Audra will become my wife. We’re no good apart. She knows what’s at stake for both of us.
“Maybe it’s time for her to step down.” Dad says.
If it were left up to my father, Audra would have never been an alpha. Either Greg would have claimed the position or our pack would have taken over. It wouldn’t have been a choice. Strong packs seize the smaller, weaker ones.
“Perhaps. But she needs to make that decision, not me.” Something else I’m well aware of. Audra didn’t say anything to me, but I’ve heard the whisperings in this town. I’ve seen members of her pack move away. But this isn’t my call. “I won’t tell Audra what to do. Regardless, we’ll figure a way to make it all work out. Just the little time we spent apart nearly killed me.”
Dad nods. “Believe it or not, I’m proud of you. When I was your age, your grandfather convinced me that I couldn’t be in love with the female I married. He said it was more important for an alpha to have his mate and show a united front. He said if I wanted love and pleasure, I could take a mistress. Honestly, I hated the idea. I refused to do it. But I was fortunate when I met your mother. Still, I’ve never wanted a matched marriage for you.”
“Wait! Weren’t you the one telling me to think of marriage as a business arrangement?”
One side of Dad’s mouth lifts. “I merely gave you the same words your grandfather said to me. I’m glad you didn’t listen. Some traditions deserve to be broken.”
His confession doesn’t absolve Mom though. She has no issue with this match between me and Amber. Although my parents ultimately fell in love, Mom believes in tradition to a point. She would never tolerate my father cheating, and to my knowledge, he never has.
“What about Mom? You know she has no issue with the match.”
“Leave your mother to me. She won’t be a problem.”
“Okay.” I push to my feet. “With that out of the way, I can focus on this Ryder situation. Then, I can plan a future with Audra.”
“Where are you off to?”
“The guest house and then to see Audra. Cover for me?”
“Of course. Amber will be told that you had to go to New York overnight. Will that work for you?”
“That’s perfect. It’ll give me a chance to go to New Orleans and learn more about this friendship between Amber and Cal.”
Dad lifts an eyebrow. “Where’s Brian? He should take care of that.”
“He’s handling pack business in New Orleans.”
“Oh?”
I might as well fill Dad in. I’m going to need all the help I can when I break the news to Mom and Audra. “He’s with Tia Nevers.”
A frown clouds Dad’s face. Firmness creeps into his voice. “What has your brother done?”
“He married Tia. They bonded as well.”
Dad’s fist collides with the desk top. “Damn. What is it with you and your brother? Both of you involved with sisters! Ridiculous!”
My father has never liked the idea of in-laws hooking up. Although none of us share blood with Tia and Audra, Dad considers it screwing family—something forbidden in his eyes. It doesn’t matter that Brian and Tia are the first to get married. It was always implied that Audra and I would marry.
One day.
“Not really, Dad. Brian and Tia have known each other since they were pups. You had to see how their friendship changed in high school. Everyone else did.” Placing my hand on the doorknob, I say, “Please, don’t tell Mom. Audra doesn’t know about the marriage either.”
Dad purses his lips. “Do you know if they plan on finishing college?”
Shrugging, I answer, “All I know is they married in New Orleans. You might say they’re mixing business with pleasure.”
Dad’s gaze goes to the ceiling. “Do me a favor? Contact your brothers in Spain. They should know what’s happened. I’d like them to come home and welcome their new sister. Be sure they contact Briannon. She might not be able to leave school yet, but she should know.”
“Of course.” If everyone is to believe Dad is still sick, I have to conduct family business. “I’ll contact them tonight while I’m with Audra.”
“Be careful, Brady. I don’t want to lose any more children to the Ryders.”
Not happening. This time it’s the Ryders who will lose.
As soon as it’s dark, I sneak into my house like a thief in the night. Audra hasn’t come h
ome yet. Checking my phone, I see it’s close to six o’clock here, which means it’s after midnight in Spain. I’ll chance it.
“¿Dígame?” My brother’s strong voice is too loud.
“Brandon? It’s Brady. You busy?” It sounds like a party’s going on.
“No… Hold on.” He screams in Spanish for someone to quiet down. “Sorry about that. Briannon is here with some of her friends.”
Our sister is supposed to be nearly 950 kilometers north of Galicia. Are my brothers condoning truancy?
“Why isn’t she in school?” Oh man. I sound like Dad.
“Relax, Brady. Briannon is on holiday for a week. She came to visit with some of her friends. Javiera told her they could have a sleepover. Want to talk to her?”
Taking advantage of my sister-in-law’s fondness, my little sister probably talked Javiera into taking her shopping in all the expensive stores in Cadiz.
“No. This won’t take long.” I stop in the living room, pour myself a brandy, and head upstairs to the bedroom. Toeing my shoes off, I stretch out on top of the covers. “Things have happened here.”
“¿Cómo qué?” The nonchalance in his heavily-accented voice takes a back seat.
“Dad’s cured.”
“Ahh… So your suspicions were true?”
“Yeah.” Brandon was the first I told when I thought Dad had been cursed. “Elsbeth broke the spell. Turns out a witch down in New Orleans cursed him.”
“¿Por qué?”
“She was working with the Ryders.”
Static fills the air between us as Brandon exhales loudly. “Should I ask?”
“The same old business, brother. Things are escalating here.” I leave it at that. Last thing I want is for Brandon and Brent to go on the defensive. My brothers will come to the States with their pack ready to fight. It’s not time for that much muscle. “Tell me what you know of the Broussards and the Ryders.”
“Nothing. As far as I know, they’ve never had a relationship.”
“Well, they do now. Amber’s in town, and she was with Cal.”
“Not good. Listen, Ace is a friend. I’ll touch base with him. See what he knows. Amber’s not good at keeping secrets. I’m sure she’s puked her guts to somebody.” Brandon pauses for a minute. “Is it true about this match shit between you two?”
