“Sorry, bro, she’s not the only one detained. All guardians are to pick up their charges.”
“There goes my idea of relaxing tonight. If she’s apprehended and you’re asked to pick her up, means she’s broken a rule and Enforcer Ryker has her and others.”
Adrie placed her hand on his chest. “I’m sure whatever happened we can get it resolved.”
Ravage kissed the top of her head. “We’re not finished with our discussion. Let’s go fish my sister out of whatever she’s found herself in. Do we need to take the truck?”
And just like that, the dominating man got under her skin. The situation begged for clemency, and she gave it to him, choosing not to incite an argument, she’d surely lose. “You can use the walk to calm down. The Enforcer is not far from here.” Adrie laced her fingers with his.
“So, I take it you’re a couple now?”
“Um. I don’t think we’ve agreed on what we are besides consenting adults,” Adrie addressed the inquisitive brother. Too soon for any real definition of what we are or where we’re headed. Her Wolf begged to differ.
“Oh, darlin’, my brother is ruthless when he decides he wants something, and, right now, you are just that.” Raze chuckled.
“What you walked in on isn’t something I normally do. I’m a responsible adult.” She stammered, heat flooding her cheeks.
“We Galveston’s are pretty hard to resist.” Raze winked at her. “My brother is no doubt still counting backward from three hundred to calm down if his silence is anything to go by.”
“Now I have to start over again.” Ravage punched his brother in the arm and tugged Adrie into his body, looping his arm around her shoulder. “We are what we decide to be. My Wolf was pretty clear. You’re mine, sexy schoolmarm.”
What’s a girl to say? Part of her sighed in female appreciation of his masculine declaration. The other part ignored him. If she argued, he’d probably use his pheromones to fog her mind—and she’d gladly let him over and over again.
Raze chuckled, reminding her they shared familial ties, no doubt why he’d waited to interrupt them until they finished copulating.
She should be scenting the area, as she led them in the right direction. But Ravage had left her with sensory overload. All she could smell, taste, and feel was him…and no matter how much her body agreed, her mind didn’t. His honesty made her nervous. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine she’d end up fucking her new assistant’s brother. At least he didn’t know she hadn’t been active for years, and never with a shifter. The last boyfriend she had a physical relationship with was human, which had left her disillusioned about sex. However, tonight…. She never knew experiencing sex could be so fun and unforgettable.
“We’re almost there.” She pointed to The Barn.
They moved forward to listen to Enforcer Ryker roar at his captives for dragging him from bed with his mate and advised them, that even though he’d called for their guardians, he wasn’t releasing them for the night.
“Let’s go home,” Ravage growled. “She can explain tomorrow. She needs to be held accountable without us saving her.”
Chapter Four
Ravage chuckled. He’d received word their delinquent was on the way home. He had to hand it to her, she tried to duck in and get upstairs without being noticed. “Caress.”
“Yeah?”
“Come down here.”
“Hey.” She tried to act nonchalant.
He quirked a brow at her and pointed to the breakfast table, where he’d placed a plate of food and a coffee mug. “Eat.”
“I’d rather shower and sleep.”
“That’s not happening. We have a lot to do in the house and yard today. You can sleep when we’re done. Eat up.”
She gave him the stink eye as she went to the sink to wash her hands, arms, and face. “I’d have thought after getting laid, you’d be in a better mood, a forgiving mood,” she sassed, plunking down in a chair. Her eyes drifted closed between mouthfuls of loaded sausage-and-cheese omelet.
“Who says I’m not in a good mood? Do you see me holding the belt? Enforcer Ryker’s punishment fit. I’ve decided not to flay the ever-loving-shit out of your ass. This time.” He moved around the den, putting their unpacked things away.
Caress let out a, “Thank God.”
“Thank Ryker. I got a good workout this morning. Raze and I set up my training room. Sparred to rid some of the rage. He’s unpacking the items you canned and the bags of dehydrated jerky you sealed in packages before our move. Christ, we have enough to eat for five years.” He sat next to her, dug into his own plate, and alternated with drinking coffee.
“I know. I didn’t realize how much meat we had left. So I decided to fill up the ten-rack dehydrator and make enough to last for a while, plus I donated a lot. I made turkey, beef, deer, and buffalo jerky, even peppered and smoked some in teriyaki sauce. Plus, we had a productive garden. A good portion is jams, jellies, sweet potato apple butter, and regular apple butter, some chili salsa, mango salsa, pickled okra, and pickles. I think when I’m done eating, I’ll make up a few baskets. One for our Alpha, one for Enforcer Ryker and his pretty mate, and another for Widow Jamison.”
“Sounds like a nice gesture, considering how you messed up your first impression.” He took a deep gulp of coffee. “Adrie and I had a long conversation last night. In addition to helping her with the younger students, mid-morning, you and your three cohorts will begin planting a garden behind the school where there is plenty of room. Splitting your day up gives you more than enough time to work on the few online courses I finished setting up for you.”
Her fork clanked on the plate, accompanied with her groan. “I thought I’d make my own schedule and allow time for myself.”
“Yeah? See how well leaving you to your own devices worked out less than twenty-four hours from our arrival? Raze and I noticed your pattern of behavior changes when you don’t have anything productive to occupy your time.” He shoved a forkful of omelet in his mouth. “Adrie believes this will be a good lesson in what it takes to be part of a community that gives back.”
“But we’re adults.”
“Then start acting like one.” He pointed at her with his fork. “You will do as I am ordering. You will learn to curb your tongue and quit challenging everything. I can protect you from many things, sis, but not those higher ranking here.”
She slouched in her chair. “Fine.”
He needed to make her understand. “Caress. I taught you about pack life. Challenging the wrong person could end in a harsh punishment or your death. You have got to obey laws and submit to those in higher authority. Pack way rules.”
She grimaced. “That is so primal.”
“We are primal. You are not a human, although we certainly lived a long time in their world. Adapt quick to make life easier for us,” he snapped.
“I never knew raising me was such a fucking burden. I mean burden, sir. Please excuse my foul language. I’ll be the perfect Stepford sister ever and find a mate fast so you can finally be rid of me. If you will, I find I’m no longer hungry.” Pushing back her chair, she rose. “I’ll make the baskets to restore the Galveston name then come home and begin earning my keep. Leave a list of what you want done.”
He gritted his teeth. Somehow, she’d twisted his words. “You know I didn’t mean you were a burden. I love you and want what’s best for you.”
“Whatevs.” She cleared her dishes. “I’m over this convo, brother-daddy,” she added with snark before storming out of the room.
Raze entered the kitchen and grabbed a cup of coffee. “What on earth did you do to her?”
“Gave her the new rules. She thinks I don’t want her here and she’s a burden.”
“Aw, you hurt her feelings.” He filled his mug. “She doesn’t like disappointing you, Ravage. Let her cool off. She knows we love her” His twin clapped him on the back.
“The look on her face was different than when she’s in a snit or
upset at one of us. I don’t know. She looked…crushed. Like I broke her heart.”
An hour later, Ravage and Raze followed the sound of blaring rock music. Caress stepped out of the shower, took one look at them, and turned the music down. “Am I breaking another covenant?”
“No. We just want to talk.”
“Whatever, I’m busy. Say what you want quick. The sooner I get dressed and the baskets made, the sooner I can get to my Cinderella chores.” She swept past them to grab clothes and slinked back into the bathroom, slamming the door. A few minutes later, she came out, gathering her labels and small wicker baskets.
“Damn it, brat. Stop. You are not a slave here. You are our sister. You took what I said the wrong way. When are you going to understand how much we love you and want the best for you, like any parent would? I may be your brother, but I’ve also been a father to you. Don’t escalate our need to protect you into some insane womanly drama.” Ravage’s vision shifted, everything becoming sharper as his orbs changed to their oblong state. His Wolf wanted out.
“Okay. She heard you. Caress, finish your baskets, and I will take his lordship away before you two begin to throw things at one another.”
“Thank you, Raze.”
“We are not done with this conversation,” he thundered. “I’ll be damned if she becomes some victim because she can’t handle following rules. Do you hear me, young lady?”
“Of course I hear you. The whole damn pack can probably hear you. Wanna roar at me a little louder? So embarrassing,” she screamed.
“Maybe I should’ve spanked your ass more growing up for all your insolence.”
“Yeah, well try it and I will spank you back.” She stomped to Ravage and stood toe-to-toe with him.
Raze pushed between them. “I’ve had enough of the Ravage-and-Caress power struggle. Little sister, you need to chill out. Brother, she is exactly like you in temperament. Let’s let her do what she needs to and we can have a calm and collected conversation when everyone has cooled off. Fucks sake, to your separate corners. Now,” Raze bellowed, a feat they rarely provoked in him.
“Fine,” they replied to Raze in unison.
The day had dipped into early afternoon when Ravage looked up to see Caress bringing two boxes downstairs. After setting them down, she walked over to him.
“I had time to think. I’m sorry for overreacting. I know you love me. You really did step up and take care of Raze and me. I shouldn’t take out my anger at not having a normal life with parents on you. Their death was no one’s fault. It’s hard sometimes.” She hugged him and kissed his cheek.
Ravage wrapped his arms around her, enveloping her in a bear hug. “I fucking love you so much, kid.” He kissed her head and tugged on her hair.
“I know. I, um…I put a note in each basket, apologizing for my behavior and hoping they enjoy the goods I made. Do you think they will? I even made some bath scrub, lotion, and matching scented soap for the women.” She glanced from the baskets to him. “Don’t worry, I put the labels on with the ingredients in case anyone is allergic.”
“Wolves allergic?” He shook his head. “I imagine they’ll appreciate the sentiment.” He had a bit more to teach her about what Wolves were allergic to. Mainly silver and wolfs bane.
“I can be good. I know at times I am a bit out of hand, but I don’t want anyone to think bad of us.”
He lifted a brow. “How will you know where to drop off the baskets?”
“My new friend, Myanna, is on her way to pick me up. She’ll bring me right back when we’re done.”
“Sounds good. When you get back, go upstairs and sleep. Raze and I will unpack the rest of our things. Anything else can wait.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, you’ve had a long night and even longer day. Drive safe, wear seatbelts, follow the pack laws.”
“I know.” A knock on the door interrupted them. Caress moved to let her friend in. “Hey, Myanna.”
“Uh, hi. You ready?” A pretty and petite raven-haired Latina nervously tucked her hair behind her ears. He scented her jitters and smiled to calm her Wolf.
“Yeah.” She gestured toward him. “This is my brother, Ravage. I don’t know where Raze is.”
“I’m right here, sis.” He joined them.
“They’re twins. Smokin’ hot twins with dimples. Holy mother of wolves, their abs have abs,” her friend whispered. “They could so rock a shirt with that saying on it.”
“Yeah. Let’s go.” Caress grabbed one box, and her friend grabbed the other.
Ravage followed the girls to the door.
“Nice to meet you both.” Myanna carried the second down the stairs. “I can’t get over the smoking hotness living with you,” she murmured to his sister. “Messy brown hair, gray-green eyes, dimples, sexy stubble on the face. I so see what you were talking about.”
Caress snorted. “Yep. It’s in the genes. A curse of genes.”
They loaded her car and drove off. The young woman oozed gentle nature. He and his Wolf liked the young lady immediately from scent and her reaction to him and Raze—awed by sexy and struck dumb belied her age and experience with the male persuasion. Perhaps his sister would find a good friend in her.
“I see what Adrie meant by hormonal young women.” Ravage grinned at his brother. “They have to know we could hear their entire conversation.”
“I doubt they were paying attention. Let’s head over to Gee’s Bar for some food and a beer. We need one.”
“You’re right. Let me grab some fresh clothes, and we can head out.”
Raze grinned. “You do smell sweaty and dirty.”
“Ha. While I was working hard, you were doing some minimal shit.” Ravage headed up the stairs, took a quick shower, and threw on a clean pair of button up jeans, black tee, and black boots, then jogged downstairs to meet his twin.
“That was quick.”
“Yeah, I’m starving, and I hear they serve some food there. Pizza didn’t fill me this morning, and I’m not in the mood to cook.”
His brother grinned. “You gonna call your girl and let her know we’re heading over to grab a bite?”
“I want some bro time. I don’t think I can handle a female after dealing with Caress.”
Raze chuckled. “You two bring out the worst in each other. Glad you both saw reason and hugged it out.”
His spirits had lifted considerably. Maybe we’re making progress. Maybe she’s finally growing up. “Yeah, well. She’s our girl. We promised to protect her the moment she was born.”
Ravage grabbed his keys, and they climbed into the truck. The trip to the bar was short. In truth, they could’ve walked.
“Damn. This is a nice hangout,” Raze commented on entering the building. “Feels like home you know? This rustic wood decor and furniture is a nice touch.” He headed to the bar and picked up a menu. “Fried pickles, hamburgers, and steamed broccoli.”
“No steak?”
“Nah. Burgers, pickles, and broccoli. Which is an odd choice of sides.” Raze chuckled and flagged down the waiter whose tag read Paul. “Hey, Paul, we’ll take two rare burgers, two baskets of fried pickles, and whatever you have on tap for beer.”
Paul moved to put their order in. Ravage looked at Raze and quirked a brow. “Maybe he’s not one for talking, bro.”
A large male, looming at almost seven feet, approached them. “Welcome to my bar, I haven’t seen you two here before. I’m Gee.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Ravage, and my twin is Raze. We moved here yesterday with our younger sister, Caress.” He sniffed, catching the scent of bear, though he couldn’t detect what species, his only recollection was the polar bear he’d fought at one time. Similar scent, though this male possessed a power and wisdom of experience.
“Welcome to Los Lobos. Enjoy your lunch. Paul doesn’t speak. He’s mute but a good omega.”
“Thanks for the heads up.”
The large man moved back to where he’d been sitting
, reading a paper and sipping from his mug.
“I somehow don’t see him as being too friendly or a conversationalist.” Ravage sighed in pleasure as Paul placed the food on the table. “Thanks, man. Smells good.”
The brothers ate in compatible silence, enjoying the greasy food. After Ravage shoved the last bite of burger in his mouth, and swallowed a swig of beer to wash it down, he waved Paul over. “Hit me again. Same thing.” After the guy left to place his order, Ravage glanced at his brother. “What?”
“Something is weighing on you. Twin intuition.” He narrowed his eyes.
“If we weren’t identical, your ability to read me would be scary.” Ravage shrugged. “Do you think I did the right thing? I didn’t get to go to college like you did and Caress is. I entered the game of fighting for quick cash and built a name for myself.” He grabbed his beer to take a deep swallow. “Sometimes, I wonder if I made the right call.”
“You were born to fight. Simple as that. Not everyone is born for college. Not having a broad education doesn’t mean you don’t have a way to contribute to the pack.” Raze popped a fried pickle into his mouth. “Is this what’s rolling around in your head?”
“You’re good at building things, repairing shit. Caress is a pain, but she can grow anything and prep food to last for years. Plus her knowledge of plants. Those are skills I don’t have.”
“Yeah but, bro, you are smart. You can strategize and build any state-of-the-art alarm system. You can also teach combat skills, survival skills, and so much more.” He leaned back in his chair. “Don’t sell yourself short because you feel you’re lacking in education.”
“Yeah, but do I re-up my contract since we’re on pack land? Everything we’ve wanted has come down to this, having roots, a place to settle.”
“And?”
Here it was, the moment he’d been playing over in his mind, trying to come up with the best way to explain what he’d been considering. Best just to say it. “I’ve been thinking of retiring from the fighting circuit. I have a little under a year to decide, or I can pay to get out of everything.”
Seducing the Schoolmarm Page 4
