by Jenny May
As Myles walked into the sweltering heat of the Texas sun, she couldn’t help but pray things changed soon. The rolling hills in the distance called to her, and she closed her eyes, letting herself get lost. Maybe they should leave. Start over somewhere new where no one knew who her and her mates were. Could they do it? Could she leave her brother and the pack she’d grown up with? Tears came to her eyes, and for the first time she didn’t feel strong enough to fight them.
* * * *
Ty stood at the kitchen window and stared at Myles while she cried. His heart broke at seeing her go from wiping away the tears to sobbing uncontrollably. As much as he wanted to go out there and comfort her, he wasn’t sure if he should. Did she want time alone? Would he make things worse by interrupting? He wasn’t sure about anything anymore.
Questions about whether he should stay or take Myles and Logan back with him tore at his conscience. If he stayed, he betrayed everyone he’d ever known. He’d become a traitor, and they’d be out to kill him and anyone close to him. But if he took Myles against her will, she’d never forgive him. Never. And he knew that.
Ty tightened his grip on the edge of the counter and the sink. He lowered his head and tried to come up with the best thing for all three of them.
“You’re going to break that.”
“What?” Ty looked up to see Logan sitting back at the table. Funny thing was, he’d never even heard the wolf walk back in the room, much less a chair being pulled out.
“I said you’re going to break that counter. I bet your fingertips are imprinted into the sink.”
Ty looked down but didn’t see anything. “Look, seriously, we need to figure out what we’re going to do. Come here.” He waved Logan over. The cowboy walked slowly enough for it to irritate him. “Look at her, Logan. She’s hurting. We need to figure out a way to make things better.”
A look of pain flashed across Logan’s face. His brow creased and he rubbed at his eyes. “If you saw she was crying, why aren’t you out there?” The anger in Logan’s tone was a one-eighty from the laziness he’d represented not thirty seconds ago. The Alpha in him shone through as his eyes connected with Ty’s.
“Because I wasn’t sure if she needed to be alone.”
Logan grabbed his hand. “The last thing she needs is to be by herself. Let’s go. We’re fixing things right now.”
Ty was practically being dragged behind as Logan walked through the living room at a pace that was short of running. It was clear he had no idea the power he represented, even in a task as easy as walking.
The door creaked as the men made their way outside. Myles quickly wiped her tears, but didn’t turn to face them. They made their way to her at a normal pace, and for that Ty was thankful. The last thing she needed to do was think something else was wrong.
“Myles.” Logan slowly reached out and spun her around to face them. At what they saw, both men grabbed hands. The act was simultaneous, and couldn’t have felt more natural. Their mate was in emotional pain. It hurt them to see her so upset. Her eyes were swollen, and her face blotchy. A sob came from Myles’s mouth. Both men sandwiched her between them, molding their bodies to hers.
“Don’t cry, My. We’re going to figure everything out.”
“How? I don’t see a solution unless we leave here. I don’t think I could bear seeing you and my brother fight, Logan.”
“You won’t have to,” he assured her. “I’d never do anything to hurt you.”
Myles lifted her head and looked into his face. “You don’t understand, Logan.” She sobbed harder. “Your wolf will have to, and I understand that better than anyone. He’s my twin and I have to refrain from challenging him constantly. I was his Alpha until you came along. You have no idea how hard it is to not step up when you feel he’s making the wrong decision, or seriously hurt him when he challenges you.”
Their connection broke as Myles wiggled out from between them. Ty stepped closer to her. “What do you suggest we do, leave? Where would we go?”
She shook her head, and her shoulders slumped. “I have no idea.”
Ty pulled out his cell phone and turned it on for the first time since he’d entered the bar. The notification of voice mail and text messaging went crazy. Myles looked over at him, confused. “I can take care of one of these problems right now.” Before he could even dial Samone, Ty’s phone started ringing.
“Where the hell are you at? I’ve been trying to reach you for days.”
He took a deep breath and kicked at a mound of dirt. “I’m leaving the pack. I’ve mated with someone.”
“You can’t leave. Bring your mate here. I need you with me.”
“That’s impossible, Samone.”
She growled into the phone. “Nothing is impossible unless you make it. I will not tell you again. You either get your ass here by nightfall or you will regret it.”
Ty closed his eyes. It was possible that she was bluffing, then again if she wasn’t there was going to be hell to pay. “I told you. I can’t.”
“You leave me no choice. I will find you, and when I do you’re going to wish you’d come back.” The line disconnected, and Ty placed it back in his pocket.
Another tear rolled down Myles’s cheek. “I could hear her. Do you think she’s serious?”
“It’s hard to tell. Try not to worry about it. Let’s take one day at a time.” Ty stared into the vast open space. Would it be better to leave this area? It definitely sounded like the best option. For one, Jack could go on being the Alpha. No one would be able to challenge his authority if they left. Samone wouldn’t be able to find them. The idea definitely had its perks.
Dust clouded the air in the distance. It wasn’t long before Jack’s truck came into view. Myles turned to leave when Logan stopped her.
“Where are you going?”
She nervously looked toward the truck that was making its way closer. Logan followed her gaze.
“I don’t want him to see me like this.”
“You’re upset. He’ll understand that. You shouldn’t have to leave.”
Ty looked around and spotted a picnic table at the end of the yard. “Why don’t we go over there and sit. Maybe he’ll walk inside and you won’t have to face him.”
Myles nodded. “I’d like that.” She grabbed both his and Logan’s hands and they sat on the far side, facing away from the house.
As the loud roar of her brother’s truck came to a stop in front of the house, none of them turned around. They sat there staring across the land, holding hands. The warmth from Myles’s side penetrated through his shirt, and Ty wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She immediately rested her head against his chest. The fit was perfect. He lightly squeezed her and placed a kiss on the top of her head.
Crunching from someone walking up made Ty internally groan. Myles stiffed against him.
“What are y’all looking at?” They turned around, and Ty watched Jack’s eyes narrow at his sister. “Have you been crying?” Before she could answer, Jack swooped in and reached around her waist, pulling her out from between him and Logan. Ty’s wolf went crazy, rattling at the inside of his belly.
“Jack, let me go! I was upset. I’m fine now.”
“Did they make you cry? Because if they did—”
Logan stood slowly. His hands were shaking as he walked around the picnic table. “She said to let her go.”
“Jack.” Myles’s voice lowered as she pushed back against her brother. “Jack, go inside.”
He put her down and took a step forward. “You know what.” He started unbuttoning his shirt. “I’ve cowered down to him too long. You might be intimidated by his wolf, but you’re his mate. I don’t think Logan here is Alpha material. I think he’s just a wolf with an attitude problem, and if he’s going to be part of my pack, I’m gonna fix that right now.”
“No, Jack!” Myles pulled at her brother’s arm. He jerked free and threw his shirt to the ground. “Come on, Logan. It’s time to see what you’re made
of.”
Ty took off his shirt. “If you’re looking for a fight, why not go against me? I’m tired of seeing you treat my mates this way. You forget, I haven’t been part of your pack. Who’s to say I won’t beat your ass right here. We’ve been going ’round for years now. Why not settle this once and for all?”
Jack’s smile looked to be full of excitement and mischief. “You’ll get your turn, Ty. Oh yeah. You don’t worry about that. But Logan’s first. My sister thinks he’s big shit. Let’s find out.”
The tears poured down Myles’s face, and Ty couldn’t stand it. Why would Jack want to do this to her? Someone needed to teach him a lesson, and although nobody had looked into the eyes of Logan’s wolf but Myles, he prayed she was right about him being Alpha.
Chapter 10
Red covered Logan’s vision, and it was as though he was looking out of someone else’s eyes. His insides twisted violently, as though they were sitting inside of a blender set on high. As he watched Jack’s every little movement, something kept bouncing off the walls of Logan’s stomach. It was feeding his rage, and he liked it. Maybe a little too much.
“What’cha waiting for, Mr. Bigshit Cowboy. I’m right here.” Jack began to circle him slowly, looking every bit the predator Logan knew he was. For the first time he could sense Jack’s wolf, and surprisingly he wasn’t afraid. He wanted this fight. Needed it like nothing he’d ever felt before. Myles had been right. Proving himself was ingrained now in who he was.
Jack’s body began to contort right before Logan’s very eyes and pieces of clothing flew in all directions as Jack’s beast tore from his body. It was apparently what his wolf had been waiting for. The pounding inside of him became so violent Logan’s vision blurred. Popping exploded in his ears and everything flashed black. Then out of nowhere, Logan was landing on the ground on all fours, except his hands and feet weren’t normal. He had huge paws.
A snarl came from Jack as he rounded the picnic table. His black fur was standing at end and his teeth snapped in Logan’s direction.
Oh yeah, you want this as much as I do. Jack’s voice sounded as clear as day inside Logan’s mind. If he could have smiled he would have. Instead he made his way in Jack’s direction. Myles’s screams echoed in the background, and he quickly caught a glimpse of her being held back by Ty. At the sight, a sense of pride and love for his mates rushed through him.
You sure you want to do this, Jack? I’ll let you walk away now.
A laugh broke through loudly in his head. We both know that’s a lie. I feel your need, newbie. This fight has to happen. I have to know how strong you are, for myself.
Jack leapt the few feet separating them and crashed into Logan hard. Teeth tore into his neck and Logan cried out in pain. He had not been expecting that. Out of nowhere his beast kicked into action. With power Logan didn’t know he had, he used his back legs and sent Jack flying through the air. As his new brother was midflight, Logan flew up, pushing himself as hard as he could in the direction Jack had gone.
The black wolf hit the ground but was quick on his feet, colliding with Logan full force. Teeth were snapping at every direction. Blood filled Logan’s mouth and like the drug Myles had mentioned, his wolf roared in satisfaction. He began to move faster, and everything seemed to slow as his teeth grazed into Jack’s shoulder.
As the wolf came at him with speed that was unreal, Logan lowered his neck and used his strength to slam Jack down again. Over and over Myles’s brother tried to get up, and each time Logan put him to the ground. Teeth sliced down where his forearm would have been and Logan growled as he bit down on Jack’s upper neck and pounded him into the ground with every ounce of power he had.
A loud cry came from Jack. Logan loomed over his now human body. The wolf inside of him begged for the kill. He wanted this. Not Jack, but the satisfaction of proving what he was capable of.
Deep within, Myles’s pleas broke through his obsessive thoughts. Logan turned to look at her, and he could feel his wolf retreat. His naked, human body hit the ground and he shook his head. The thoughts of his wolf were still there, pleading, but he quickly reined them in.
Jack stood, and his body was covered with bloody wounds. “We go before the pack tomorrow. I’m renouncing my leadership, and handing it over to you. You deserve to serve us.” He paused. “No, I would be honored to have you as my Alpha.” With that Jack walked back toward the house. Logan looked over at his mates in shock. Had that just happened? He could hardly believe it.
Myles rushed toward him and threw herself into his arms. “Thank you. God, thank you. I was sure you were going to kill him. And I wouldn’t have been able to blame you. Almost no one could have come out of that fight with the restraint you did. That’s not how our wolves work. How did you do it?”
Logan leaned back and peered into her face. “I could never put you through so much pain. I know how you feel for your brother. Besides, I may not agree with the things he does, but he means well. I knew it was more about proving himself. It’s a guy thing, I guess.”
As Logan embraced Myles tighter, he looked over at Ty. There was a huge smile on his face. No words were needed to know that his mate loved watching every minute of his former enemy getting his ass beat. But Logan knew Ty would come around. Jack was too good of a man to not like, and before long he knew the two would become good friends.
“Why don’t we go and wash this blood off of you. I need to check the wounds by your neck. I think they’re pretty deep.” Myles led him in the direction of the house. When they got into the restroom she pulled out a first aid kit.
Logan looked at the puncture holes by his neck. “There’s no need. It doesn’t look too bad. I’ll just jump in the shower and wash off. Why don’t you two go wait for me in the room? If you feel it needs bandages by the time I get out, I’ll let you treat me.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Myles walked out of the restroom, and he caught Ty’s attention before he followed.
“Go give our girl some attention. I’ll join y’all shortly.”
Ty smiled. “Already a step ahead of you.”
Logan closed the door and smiled. Ty would take good care of Myles while he was cleaning up. She deserved so much love and attention, and they’d neglected to realize the importance of that for the last two days. Now he was going to make sure they made it up to her.
* * * *
The shirt hit the floor in front of Myles, and she glanced up to see Ty walking toward her. There was a look in his eyes that reminded her of a wolf. He was all predator, and apparently she was his prey. The hungry expression left her wet and wanting him. Hadn’t she craved this for the past two days? Now that he was unbuttoning his pants, she was almost afraid. Would it hurt this time, too? Although the pain hadn’t been significant before, it was scary to think that she might have to experience it all over again. Of course, the pleasure really had been well worth it.
“Myles, stop thinking so much and just kiss me.” Ty pulled her into his arms. The moment his lips touched hers, she was lost. The fear disappeared. All Myles wanted to do was have him deep inside of her.
Ty’s tongue slid against hers. The deliciousness had her moaning and repeating the action. She’d never known how exciting it was to kiss a person before. And Ty sure knew what he was doing.
“I’m going to take off your clothes and kiss you all over.”
Myles’s clothes fell to the floor. Ty removed each piece with such care that she wanted to scream. Slowly, he took off his. The impatience she felt was near its breaking point. All she wanted to do was experience that explosive release that she was so desperately yearning for. The longer he took, the more impatient she became.
As he stepped back to take in her body, Myles grabbed him and threw him onto the bed. Ty bounced against the mattress and crashed into the wall. All Myles had seen were his legs flailing as he sailed through the air. She tried to hold in her laughter while she took in his bewildered face and the basketball-sized hole he’d put in the wall.<
br />
“Oh! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to toss you that hard. It’s just, you were taking so long…” Myles rushed to the bed and used her hand to cover her mouth.
The shock lasted all of two seconds before Ty began to laugh hysterically. “Damn, girl. You are strong!” He laughed even harder, and Myles watched as he tried to catch his breath. “You scared the shit out of me. One minute I’m standing, the next I’m flying across the room commando.”
“I’m really sorry. That didn’t happen the way I’d imagined it at all.”
Ty sat up. “No? Well, I guess maybe you should come over here and make it up to me.” He got on his hands and knees. “Or…I could come and get you.”
A playful expression appeared on his face. The way he smiled and narrowed his eyes had her taking steps backward. Just as he pounced off the bed, Myles screamed and turned to run. She was laughing so hard that she didn’t see the clothes directly below her. Ty’s shoe spun underneath her foot and all Myles saw was wood. She hit hard, but quickly rolled to her back. Ty covered her body almost immediately.
“Damn clod-hopping shoes,” Myles said between the giggling.
“Very graceful landing.”
Myles laughed even louder. “What do you mean, graceful? I face-planted into the wooden floor.”
“Graceful, none the less. I especially liked how your knees slid to your chest and your ass remained in the air.”
“Jerk.” She laughed. “Ugh. That’s probably going to leave a mark.”
Ty lifted the curls from her forehead. “I don’t see anything, but your nose is a little red. Here.” The softness from his lips caused the need deep within her stomach to come back. She could feel herself getting wet as the weight of his cock rested against her thigh.
The door swung open, and Logan’s eyes were wide as he spotted them on the floor. The towel was barely hanging around his waist while he took in the room. “What was all that noise? I thought there was another fight going on in here.”
