by SF Benson
“Baby, I didn’t mean it that way,” she pleads. “You know I love you.”
Her words poke at me. Taunt me. Infuriate me. “Go. Home. Now.”
“Brady.”
Why can’t she leave me be?
I slam my hand on the desktop. “Get the fuck out!”
The next things I hear are doors slamming and then the roar of the engine as Audra’s car speeds out of the parking lot. Without a second thought, I reach into my bottom drawer and pull out a bottle of Stolichnaya and a double-sized rocks glass.
I’ve never raised my voice in anger with Audra. Sure, we’ve had our disagreements. Everybody does. One thing my grandfather taught me before he died was to never speak in fury to the one you love. Tomorrow is not promised to us. It’s why I keep proposing to Audra. Either of us… Both of us could die suddenly. Words would go unspoken. I want to make the most of what we have.
Filling the glass halfway, I think about Audra’s words. Because we don’t want the same thing. Since when?
Since forever.
Not once during the time I’ve known Audra has she ever mentioned marriage other than to say no to it. I turn up the glass and realize that over the thirteen years we’ve been together she’s never even mentioned a future with me. Our being together is something she’s taken for granted.
I hoped living together would have pleased you.
Did she even want to live with me?
I reach for the bottle and fill my glass to the brim. Audra is the air I breathe. She’s the reason I wake up each day. She’s my sun, my moon, my stars. The world would cease to exist if she wasn’t in it.
Slowly, I drink the smooth vodka. As I savor the taste, questions fill my thoughts. What am I to Audra Nevers? Does she crave me when we’re apart? Does her heart forget to beat whenever I’m close? More importantly, if I were no longer in her life, would it matter? Would she feel my absence in her soul?
A small voice—a more rational one—tells me the answer to all those questions is a resounding no. I’m nothing special to Audra. Only thing left to do is numb my pain. Drown it. Forget it before it takes me under.
CHAPTER 2
BRADY
Work is the last thing on my mind after Audra leaves. Part of me wants to run after her and beg for forgiveness. Make love to her until the sun comes up. The other part admonishes me for even having the thought. My wolf, a stubborn ass, warns me to stay put. Let her apologize for a change.
After answering a few unimportant emails, I shut down the computer and lock up the bar. Not even a full bottle of vodka was enough to douse my thoughts of Audra. I can’t shake the possibility we’ll never be anything more than two wolves shacking up.
I twist the key in the ignition and connect the Bluetooth. In a few minutes, the sounds of Nicky Jam fill the interior of my Mustang. Pulling out of the parking lot, I point the car toward the waterfront. A night spent with my folks seems like a better idea than going home.
Maybe someone can enlighten me on how to handle the female who has me twisted in knots.
The Romeros are one of the first supernatural families of Falls Creek. Being the first of anything does have its advantages. The benefits for my family include ninety-nine acres of choice real estate across the Mohawk River. My parents still live in the original stone house. Over the years, Dad has renovated the nearly seven-thousand-square-foot property, turning it into a showplace. It now includes a four-car garage, stables, a guest house, and a couple of cottages overlooking the water. There’s enough space for the entire family. My siblings and I, however, chose to make our lives elsewhere.
Parking at the curb, I walk across the immaculate grass and head for the stone steps. I take a moment to appreciate the crisp night air when I notice a figure standing on the dock. As I draw near, I see it’s my younger brother, Brian. He’s shirtless and barefoot. He must have gone for a run.
“What brings you home?” he says over his slim shoulder.
He reminds me a lot of myself at his age—slight build, gullible expression. Baby brother is just discovering his sense of style. His warm brown hair is shaved close on the sides and long on top—like mine. I take note of the new tattoo, some sort of skeleton with gears and machinery around it, on his upper arm—not like me. I’m not a fan of ink. But Brian’s a good kid. He wants more than the life of an alpha. Thankfully, he has a long time before passing the baton becomes an issue.
“I’ve a lot of shit on my mind,” I admit, stopping beside him. “Going out or coming back?”
“Came back a while ago.” He pauses for a beat before shooting me a crooked grin. “But I’ll run with you if you need to. Unless you don’t want to hang with your little bro’.”
Not even a question. I unbutton my shirt. A run might be what I need.
An hour later, we’re sitting in front of the great room’s fireplace. I’m sipping on a brandy while Brian has a soda. The wing chairs are far from comfortable, but if I wanted comfort, I’d drag my ass home.
Brian has done me a favor and not pried into my mood. He’s stayed quiet up until now. “So, want to tell me what’s bothering you, Brady?”
Taking a drink, I close my eyes and reply with a sigh. “Audra.”
“You proposed again?” Brian lifts an eyebrow.
“Yeah.” My failed attempts aren’t a secret. My little brother has been the only family member to speak his voice. He told me to give up on Audra after the first time she turned me down. “Don’t ask me why I did it. I should’ve known the outcome would be the same. Right now, I’m wondering why I’m tormenting myself.”
“I’m thinking the same thing. There are tons of females in this town who’d jump at the chance to wear your ring. Be claimed by you. Audra’s refusal isn’t helping the cause, bro’.” Brian turns up the soda.
Scratching beneath my beard, I ask, “What cause?”
Brian sets his empty can on the floor before placing his elbows on his knees. “Some of the wolves are talking. They’re questioning your ability to lead.”
“Based on what?”
“Not having a mate.” The soft, feminine voice comes from the hall.
We stand as our mother, a petite female with waist-length dark hair, enters the room. Looking at her dressed in faded jeans, a flannel shirt, and riding boots, you’d think she was the hired help and not the lady of the house. Mom has always been understated. It’s something Dad has never been able to change about her.
“Hi, Mom.” I kiss her offered cheek. “How are you?”
“Good.” She takes my hand and leads me over to one of the leather sofas away from the fire. “We need to talk.”
“I’ll catch up with you later,” Brian offers.
Mom grasps his wrist as she sits down. “No. This concerns you as well.”
Taking a seat beside her, I ask, “What’s going on?”
“Your leadership is being challenged. Some of the older wolves are trying to enact an old statute.”
My stomach clenches. I know exactly what archaic rule Mom speaks of. Alphas are supposed to be mated and married. If the alpha doesn’t uphold the precept, then anyone can challenge him. It’s the first step to deposition. Who the hell wants me out?
“Before you ask, I don’t know who started this nonsense.” Mom squeezes my hand. “I only know it’s getting out of hand. We’ve been given a month to set things right.”
Brian leans forward and places his elbows on his knees. “What happens in a month, Mom?”
My clueless brother… He’s never wanted to know about pack hierarchy. Frankly, I’d like to keep him in the dark for as long as possible, but Brian turns twenty-one in a month. I guess it’s time for him to learn.
Mom smooths her hands over her thighs before giving me a side-glance and rising off the sofa. “The pack will appoint someone else as alpha. Your father and I’ve been talking though.”
Oh hell… I’d rather not know what they’ve been discussing. “How’s he doing?”
“Hanging o
n. You should go up and see him before you leave.” Mom walks over to the bar and pours herself a brandy. “Brian, I know it’s not something you want, but we need you to step up. It’s time for you to assume some responsibility.”
A shadow crosses over my brother’s face. He grimaces but shakes his head as if he’s letting go of an idea. “What do you need from me?”
Mom faces us. “Become Brady’s beta.”
“No!” Brian jumps up with his hands fisted. “You promised!”
“When I made that promise, we didn’t have this problem. You’ll only become alpha if someone openly challenges Brady and he loses,” Mom says. She conveniently leaves out the part about my mate.
“Mom, this is a moot discussion. I have a mate.”
Her bright blue eyes land on me as she points out. “Have you claimed her?”
“No.” I turn up my snifter. Maybe Audra will feel differently once she learns what’s at stake. “I need more time with her.”
“I don’t need to tell you how important this is, Brady. You have two weeks to fix this. Claim Audra Nevers, or we find a suitable mate for you. I’ve learned of a potential match with the pack in New Orleans.”
Mom’s referring to the Broussard pack affiliated with The BlackGuard Society. The match would be advantageous to our family, but it’s not even worth entertaining since my heart belongs to another. Although Audra has been reluctant, I don’t imagine her going along with this situation. Something tells me we’ll be married long before Mom’s deadline. I return my glass to the bar cart.
“I think I’ll go up and see Dad now.”
Santiago Romero has always been a strong, hulk of a male. Standing at well over six feet and some inches, his size scared me much more than his voice ever did when I was a pup. I never imagined the day my father would be less than intimidating, but a year ago sickness took him down. Mom thought it was a rare cold—Dad had never been sick before. When he got worse, the hospital visits began. Test after test was performed without a real answer. Eventually, Dad came home, leaving the doctors dumbfounded.
My father has been bedridden ever since he came back. Gone is the robust, threatening being. Whatever this is robs Dad of his zest for living. He’s wasting away, and there’s not a thing I can do about it. The possibility of a curse has crossed my mind. I’ve broached the subject with Mom, but she refuses to consider it.
Pushing open the bedroom door, I slip inside the too-warm room. The only light comes from the glowing fire.
“Come on in, son.” My father’s voice is weak. His color is pale. The king-sized bed and too many pillows, thanks to Mom, dwarf him.
Taking a seat beside the bed, I ask, “How ya doing, Dad?”
He clears his throat. “About the same. Have you spoken to your mother?”
“Yeah. I’ll talk to Audra when I get home.” Since he wants to discuss it, I might as well let him know how I feel. “I don’t want a match. It doesn’t matter that it’s with Ace’s sister. She’s not Audra.”
“We know you don’t, but there aren’t a lot of options.” Dad struggles to sit up. I do my best to assist him. “Either marry the Nevers girl or somebody else. There has always been a Romero on Council. We’re not losing our seat. Not now.”
A lesson in family history isn’t necessary. I know the story of how and why Council was formed. My ancestors from Spain sat on the first one. A Romero involved in Falls Creek politics is as vital as blood to a vampire.
“It won’t, Dad. I promise.”
How will I keep the promise without jeopardizing my relationship with Audra? Without breaking Dad’s heart should she turn me down again?
I sat with Dad until he fell asleep. While I was with him, I made my mind up to go home. Face the music. Coming down the stairs, however, plans change when I find Brian slumped against the banister.
He lifts his head when I reach the bottom step. The skin bunches around his whiskey-colored eyes. “Brady, can we talk?”
Unfortunately, I know exactly what’s troubling my baby brother without him saying a word. Three years ago, I was in the same place. Only difference for me was grief and anxiety mingled together and threatened to rip me apart from the inside. I suspect anger is the only emotion plaguing Brian.
I drop my hand on my brother’s shoulder. “Come on. Let’s go someplace without ears.”
He nods and follows me through the dining room; our heavy footsteps echo on the polished wood floor. We don’t stop walking until we’re outside on the dock. Turning to Brian, I no longer see the pup who looked up to me. In his place is a strong male seeking answers to a dilemma I’m too familiar with.
After a few minutes, I find the nerve to initiate the conversation. “Did you know I never wanted to be alpha?”
Deep lines crease Brian’s forehead as he shakes his head. “No.”
“I guess you wouldn’t. You were only sixteen when it happened. You were more interested in females than politics back then. Braden’s death forced me into the role. I was his beta—something else I didn’t want. According to Dad, assuming the role was my responsibility. He told me to grow a pair and get over it.”
I gave Brian the nice version. Honestly? I fought like hell with my father for a week after the funeral. All I wanted was to mourn the loss of my brother and best friend. I also wanted revenge against Jackson Ryder, the were-panther who took Braden’s life. Their battle was stupid. It was one of those if-I-can’t-have-her-nobody-will moments. My brother had fallen in love, and Jackson threatened the life of Braden’s mate-to-be. In the end, Braden died along with the female, and I became alpha.
Brian tucks his hands into his jean pockets. He sets his jaw and speaks in a steady voice. “I don’t want this, Brady. Call me a coward. Tell me I’m being a chicken shit. I don’t care. I’m going back to Colgate. Finish up my education. Don’t make me give up my future for the family.”
I’ve known my brother too long. He doesn’t turn his back on family. “Who is she?”
His gaze swings to me. Instead of anger, a smile lights up his face. “Tia.”
Damn. What is it with us and the Nevers females? Maybe she’ll be more amenable than her sister. “Regardless, Brian. Family comes first.”
Joy fades from his face. “Not the way I see it.”
“I get it, Brian. Really I do. And I’ll do everything in my power to keep this burden off your shoulders. But brother, this is the Romero way. Family first.”
“Fuck that!” Brian turns away from me. “What about Brent? Brandon? They’re older than I am.”
I scrub a hand over my face. “You know they can’t do it. Brandon is the alpha of his own pack in Galicia. Brent is his beta. Neither of them are giving up their lives in Spain to come back here.”
Honestly, even if the twins didn’t have lives in Spain, they wouldn’t come back to Falls Creek. After Braden’s death, my brothers went after the Ryders. Fortunately, no blood was shed, but the sheriff and Council kicked Brent and Brandon out of town. With the death of Jackson, they were welcome to return, but they chose not to. Brandon found his soul mate and settled down in the Romero ancestral home.
Brian jerks a hand through his hair. “Make me do this, and I’ll run off to Spain too.”
Somehow I doubt it. I don’t think Audra will let her sister leave.
Blowing out a breath, I stare up at the starless sky. Braden was better at this shit. He knew the right words to say to me when I became beta. Although I didn’t believe him, he assured me it would be years before I became alpha. Unlike my parents, I won’t lie to my little brother. We both know the only way to avoid this situation rests on Audra’s sexy shoulders. If my love fails me and I refuse the match, Brian will have to be alpha. I’ll become his beta if the pack allows it.
“Cool your jets, Brian. I’ll do everything necessary to keep you out of my shoes. Understood?”
He looks over at me. “So you’re ready to forget about Audra?”
Hell no. I could never forget Audra. Somehow I ha
ve to convince her. Get her to see the importance of our union.
After I told Dad I didn’t want the match, he said to think of it as a business transaction. Come to an understanding with my wife and continue seeing Audra. What kind of life would that be? Me meeting Audra in secret but going home to sleep with someone else. Building a family with someone I didn’t love. Sorry. I’m not that type of wolf. I could never cheat on my spouse regardless of the situation. Hell, I’d become a lone wolf before I let it happen.
“Don’t worry about it, Brian.” I pat my brother’s shoulder. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”
This is my problem. No one else’s.
Back in the car, I lose my nerve. The last thing I want is to piss Audra off. If I tell her what’s at stake, we’ll spend the rest of the night fighting. It’s not what I want. The words will keep until the morning light.
Maybe I’m approaching this all wrong. I’ve tried romancing Audra. Letting her see how much I love her. Dad might have been on to something with the business angle. Audra feels as strongly about family as I do. She needs to think our union benefits her pack as much as it does mine. Granted, it’s not the most honest way of tying the knot, but I’m willing to try anything at this point.
I’ll tell her about Brian and Tia. Our union makes it easier for them to be together. What I won’t do is tell Audra about the potential match with the Broussard pack. The last time we had a convocation with all the pack leaders, Audra met Ace. She hated him as soon as she met him. Uniting the Romeros with the Broussards would make life difficult for Brian and Tia. My brother would never forgive me if it happened.
Decision made. I point the car toward home.
Something More: Another Falls Creek Romance Novel, #4 is coming August 2018. By signing up for my newsletter or joining my reader’s group on Facebook, you’ll be the first to know all the news regarding my upcoming books.
