by SF Benson
Thanks, Mom.
“A ruse. Once this business with the Ryders is handled, I’ll come clean.”
“Good to know. I’d hate to see you shackled to that she-wolf.” He laughs. “Besides, I don’t think Audra would stand for such nonsense.”
“True.”
“Anything else, brother?”
“Brian’s mated and married.”
“What the hell?” The noise level in the background increases again. Brandon yells for them to knock it off before returning to the call. “Tia Nevers?”
“Yeah. Dad wants all of you to come home. Welcome her to the family.”
“Gladly. I’m kicking Brian’s ass too when I get there.”
“Why?”
“Jerk called me last night. Not once did he tell me his news.”
“What did he call for?”
“We only spoke briefly. He talked to Brent though. Some shit about being a beta. I can’t believe you finally got baby brother into politics.”
“Plans changed when the Ryders waged war.”
The front door opens and closes. The stairs creak as my love makes her way to me.
“Understood. But listen, Brady. Don’t worry about shit. I’ll contact Ace and see what I can uncover. I’ll make arrangements, and we’ll be in Falls Creek by the weekend. Sound good?”
“Yeah. Make sure Briannon is excused from school. I don’t know how long you should plan on staying.”
“Tell Consuela to prep the meeting house. I’m bringing reinforcements with us. No way am I entering Falls Creek without them.”
And if I tell Brandon I need them, he’d bring the entire pack and then some. Audra enters the room and stops next to the bed. Suddenly, this conversation is no longer important. “I gotta go.”
“Bueno. Talk to you soon.”
I disconnect the call and toss my phone to the side. “Hey, sugar.”
“Hey. Been here long?”
“Just a bit.” Looking at my love in the moonlight, lust takes over my brain, and I can think of nothing else. Reaching out, I let my hand roam up her thigh and over her curves. “Come here.”
The bed dips as Audra crawls over me and rests on her side. Her hands caress my face. “I missed you.”
“Same here.” Lowering my head, my lips brush hers. So soft. So tasty.
“We need to talk,” she whispers against my mouth.
“Later,” I growl. Lifting the hem of her T-shirt, my fingers trace a trail, stopping at her bra. I tug it down, exposing her breasts. These were made for me—fitting perfectly in my hand.
Audra moans before covering my hand with hers. “Talk first. I want no distractions in bed.”
Her nipples pebble as I continue teasing. “I promise you won’t be distracted.”
“Brady.”
Groaning, I sit up. “Fine. We’ll talk.”
“Thank you.” Audra adjusts her bra and then lowers her shirt. “What happened after you left the bar this afternoon?”
“I put Amber in her place. I let her know I wasn’t playing her games and then sent her to the estate. I’ve confiscated her car. She can’t go anywhere unless Mateo comes for her.”
“Good. Did you find out how Amber knows Cal?”
“Not yet. I called Brandon. He’s friends with Ace.”
Audra squints at me while shaking her head. “Do you honestly think Amber’s brother is going to tell us anything useful?”
Leaning against the leather-covered headboard, I run my fingers up Audra’s thigh. “I do. Brandon can be quite persuasive.” I caress her leg and ask, “Now, are we done talking?”
“When are Brian and Tia coming home?”
I roll toward Audra. My fingers stop at her waistband. “Don’t worry about them. Elsbeth assured me they’re safe. They’re enjoying some couple time. Something I’d like to do.”
Audra relaxes and lies back. “Can we call them after?”
“If there’s time.” I tug on her jeans zipper.
“If?”
“Yeah. We’re not leaving this bed again tonight.” I shove her jeans down her legs.
“At all?” The corners of her mouth lift.
“Well.” I drop a kiss above her black, lacy panties. “If you get hungry…” I finger the pattern before ripping the barrier off.
She gasps.
“If you need to use the bathroom…” Lowering my head, I drag my tongue over her clit. She shudders. “Maybe I’ll let you go.”
Audra’s fingers twist in my hair. “Never let me go.”
I would answer, but my tongue is buried deeply between her legs.
Around midnight, Brady’s lust ebbs, and we head downstairs to the kitchen. I do okay cooking for myself, but when I want something good to eat, I rely on his skills. He could have easily been a chef, but his stubbornness keeps him from adhering to a schedule.
Brady starts prepping a meal—pulling dishes from the refrigerator and slicing vegetables. While he’s busy, I decide it’s a good time to contact my little sister. I depress the number two on my phone and wait for her to pick up.
Giggling hits my ear first. Then, I get her voicemail. “You’ve reached Tia Nevers Romero. You know what to do.”
“What the fuck?” I know my baby sister isn’t that stupid.
“Something wrong?” Brady throws over his shoulder.
I remember what Greg said. Brian and Tia are mated. My blood pressure rises. “I just called Tia and got her voicemail.”
“And?” Brady continues working.
The smell of crispy, garlic butter potatoes isn’t enough to calm me down. I redial the number. “Listen for yourself.”
After hearing the message, Brady turns around. His chin drops, but his eyes stay fixed on me. “Audra…”
The phone slips from my grasp and hits the table as reality dawns. “You knew! You asshole! You let them do this? When did it happen?”
Brady holds his palms out but keeps his distance. “I didn’t let them do anything. Sugar, I found out last night. Elsbeth told me. The voicemail is the first confirmation I’ve had.”
My hands squeeze into fists as I lower my head. It takes every fiber I possess to keep my wolf at bay. “You should have told me.”
“Telling you wouldn’t have made a difference. They’d still be married. I promise you I didn’t know they were planning it.” Brady shuts off the burner before sitting down at the table. “Look, we’ll deal with Tia and Brian’s relationship when they return. The rest of the family will be here by the weekend.”
Great. This is not the time for a fucking Romero reunion. But it’s also not the time for anger, not toward Brady. Angered thoughts lead to angered actions. Wrong mindset for war.
“Who else knows?” I ask.
“Dad. I’m sure my brothers and sister know too. I was on the phone with Brandon when you came home.” Brady rests his hand on top of my fist. When my fingers unfurl, he continues. “I told Brandon what’s been happening here. He’s bringing reinforcements.”
Thoughts of blood being spilled enter my mind—a battle to the end, thanks to the Ryders. “Do you think that’s wise? Wolves are going to get killed.”
“It’s not my call. Brandon’s an alpha. He does what’s best for him and his family. I’d do the same thing in his shoes.”
“Any chance we can wrap up this shit with the Ryders before your family arrives?” I’d like to meet Brandon’s wife and avoid losing anyone.
“Sugar, we’ll do our best. If anything, we’ll be able to end this once and for all with the extra muscle. We’ll send Amber back to New Orleans and get on with our lives.”
“Okay.” I look toward the stove. “What’s to eat?”
“Spanish tortilla and chorizo.”
“Yummy. There’s white wine and a salad in the fridge.”
We stand at the same time.
“Sugar, it’ll work out.” Brady opens his arms to me. “You’ll see.”
Wrapping my arms around his waist, my conscience let
s me know things won’t be solved until I’m truthful. My confessions can wait until later.
After we’ve won the war.
After I find out where my sister’s head is at.
After we get rid of Amber.
Then, I’ll be honest with Brady. We’ll make real plans. I’ll announce my decision—hopefully, I can make one.
The truth will have to wait a little longer.
Soreness plagues my body in the morning. As I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, parts of my anatomy tingle. It’s the only reminder—albeit a pleasant one—that Brady was with me last night. We fucked on nearly every surface in the house at least once. We were like a couple of newlyweds discovering each other for the first time.
Ahh…
Sunlight destroys the moment. Looking around the bedroom, I see no traces of Brady. He claims he doesn’t want to give away our deception if someone comes to see me. A load of bull if you ask me. Greg doesn’t care what I do or don’t do with Brady, and pack members aren’t allowed upstairs. Picking up his pillow, I hold it to my nose and inhale deeply. At least I have his scent. Nobody had better touch this bed.
Another fragrance grabs my attention though as I shuffle into the kitchen. A smile dances over my lips as the heavenly aromas greet me. Brady remembered to set the coffee maker for me. Outside of the fresh roasted brew, the smell of cinnamon and sugar tickle my nose. I open the warming drawer beneath the wall oven and discover a pan of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. My stomach growls its approval. Pouring a cup of coffee and grabbing a roll, I head to the table. Before I can sit down, however, the doorbell rings.
It’s tempting to ignore it, but I don’t. When you’re an alpha, pack members stop by and interrupt private moments. I put down my breakfast and go to the door. Opening it, I find Sarah.
“Good morning, Sarah!”
Her eyes rake over my sweatshirt and pajama pants. “Late morning?”
“I slept in. Come on. You can join me in a cup of coffee.”
Sarah follows me down the hall. “You’re in good spirits today.”
Those words give me pause. I’m supposed to be getting over a breakup. “I slept well last night.” Not a complete lie. We did get some sleep. “Plus, I have my favorite cinnamon rolls for breakfast. I forgot I had them in the freezer.”
The older female studies me for a moment before accepting the cup I hand her. “Do you have cream?”
I open the fridge. “Will half and half do?”
“It will.” She pours a generous portion from the carton followed by two heaping teaspoons of sugar.
“Thanks for stopping by.” I sit across from Sarah. In all honesty, I contacted her yesterday. I was afraid she would disrespect me and not heed my summons.
“Sorry it took me so long to get over here. I had family business to handle.” She takes a sip of coffee, grimaces, and adds another teaspoon of sugar.
“Anything serious?”
“No. Just my youngest needed my help. You have my undivided attention though.”
Good. I take a bite of the pastry and consider what I’m about to say. Sarah can’t think I’m walking away from the pack. “You know I trust your opinion.”
She nods.
“I considered what you said the other day.” I wrap my hands around the mug and savor the heat. “Before I can even think about stepping down, there has to be some changes within the pack.”
“Like?” Sarah reaches for the pan of cinnamon rolls.
“I need a new beta. Luther’s a good—”
“No need to say it. He’s too good. Big heart but couldn’t defend a fly.” She dabs at her thin lips with a paper napkin. “Audra, pack members will be happy you’re replacing him. A lot of families left because of his promotion.”
News flash.
Never once did I consider my appointing a weak wolf jeopardized the pack. Contrary to my father’s assessment, I suck as a leader. “Can I get your help to fix this?”
“Of course. I’ll pull together the heads of the families. They’ll be happy to meet with you and select a new beta. Give me a day, and I’ll get back with you.” Sarah pushes to her feet and gives me an appreciative look. “Audra, this is a necessary move. I think you’ll be happier knowing that the pack’s well-being doesn’t completely rest on your shoulders.”
I nod. “I hope so.”
“Have faith.” She smiles. “I’ll see myself out.”
I make an executive decision and stay at home for the day. The assistant manager can handle the lunch crowd at the bar and determine staffing for the evening. I need time to evaluate and consider all of my options—starting with the pack and ending with Brady.
Speak of the devil… My phone lights up with his name. “Hey, baby. Miss me already?”
“You don’t know how much.” He breathes deep. “I won’t be over tonight.”
My heart sinks. I was hoping to play hooky with him. “What’s going on?”
“I’m in New Orleans. Brandon set up a meeting for me with Ace. I plan on getting some much-needed answers while I’m here.”
“Good.” I curl up on the sofa and reach for the remote. Maybe I can catch up on Supernatural while I’m home. “Are you bringing Tia and Brian back with you?”
“Yeah, after I read them the riot act. They have to know making snap decisions isn’t smart. There’s a reason we plan things.”
Lifting my hand, I attempt to stifle the chuckle. Brady hears it anyway.
“What’s so funny?”
“We made our fair share of snap decisions when we were younger. Remember how our parents thought we were too young to be so serious?”
“I do. That doesn’t mean our siblings need to follow in our shoes.”
A hint of mockery slides into my voice. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“No, sugar. It’s just the path of love has been difficult for us.” He pauses for a moment. “I don’t want that for those two.”
True. Our parents tried to prevent our relationship from escalating. When they learned we had mated, they forbade our bonding using every trick they could, including the threat of disinheriting Brady.
“Well, it’s their choice. It’s up to us to help them live with it.”
“I know. Sugar, stay safe. We still don’t know what the Ryders are up to.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’m staying home today. Someone wore me out last night.”
Brady’s voice lowers and becomes husky. “Really? Wonder how that happened?”
“Do I need to explain how sex works to you?”
“Only if it comes with a visual.” He laughs. “Sugar, I have to go. The jet is gassed up, and the pilot’s waiting for me.”
“Have a safe trip. Call me when you land. Love you.”
“Love you to the moon and back.”
I disconnect and snuggle into the sofa cushion, ready for a marathon session with those hot Winchester brothers.
My phone buzzing beneath my cheek wakes me up. It’s dark outside, and the late news is on. I lower the volume and answer the call.
“Hello?” I rub the sleep from my eyes.
“Did I wake you?”
It’s Brady. “Yeah, but it’s okay. Are you just getting to New Orleans?”
“No. I called earlier but got your voicemail. You must have been knocked out.”
“I guess so.” Swinging my feet to the floor, I reach for the remote and turn off the TV. “What’s up?”
“Audra, you need to go to Elsbeth.”
“Why?” Panic grips me, and I struggle to my feet.
“I just met with Ace and Amber.”
“Wait! Amber’s there? How? I thought you left her here.” I take the stairs two at a time, headed for the bedroom.
“Somebody is posing as her. I confirmed it when I called Mom. I had to wait for the so-called Amber to finish her shower and then I spoke to her. Problem is, Ace and Amber were in the room with me.”
An impostor—that explains the weird vibe
I got at the bar. I should have mentioned it to Brady. If I had, we could have taken care of the pretender already.
Going to the closet, I remove a pair of jeans, a sweater, and black combat boots. “We need to find out who the impostor is.”
“No shit.” He pauses for a moment. “Amber swore to me that she doesn’t know Cal Ryder. Oh, and I learned something else.”
I put the phone on speaker so I could get dressed. “What?”
“I don’t know who my mother spoke with, but Amber isn’t looking for a mate.”
“Huh?”
“I met him today. He’s Ace’s beta.”
“What the hell is going on?” I sit on the edge of the bed and pick up a boot.
“Not sure. After Amber left, Ace and I had a private meeting. I told him about the beef with the Ryders. We now have the support of the Broussard pack. Ace is coming back with me. He doesn’t appreciate someone impersonating his sister.”
“Good to know.” I tie up my boots. “Have you seen Tia and Brian?”
“Yeah.” Brady breathes heavily. “My little brother is going to make a great alpha one day. He’s already met with Ace about the Mercier witches.”
Respect.
Brenna and Santiago raised their pups right. “And my sister?”
“You can be proud of her. She went to Amber and let her know she was the beta’s wife. Tia even settled the ugliness between you and Amber.”
“How?”
“Mind you this information comes from Ace. Apparently, Tia told Amber that the wives of leaders need to know how to forgive and set aside differences. Amber agreed.”
I lift the phone, turn off the speaker, and place the device to my ear. “You’re kidding?”
“Nope. An engaged Amber isn’t as bitchy.”
Stranger things have happened. “I’m on my way to Elsbeth’s. I’ll handle the situation on this end.”
“Thanks, sugar. I’ll talk to you later. As soon as I wrap up things here, we’re headed home. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Later, baby.”
Time to see the Red Witch. Again.
