by Paige Tyler
A familiar scent caught his attention, and Diego scanned the crowd of people beyond the police crime-scene tape to see Hobbs standing right up front, complete with his own photographer. Even at this distance, Diego could hear the guy’s telephoto camera clicking away at a hundred miles an hour. He could only imagine what the headlines were going to say tomorrow.
Dallas PD—and SWAT—Powerless in the Face of This New Threat!
But then he remembered the blood and looked down at his torn and ruined uniform, forgetting about tomorrow’s headlines. Instead, he prayed Bree didn’t see these pictures. She would lose her mind, and he hated the idea of worrying her. It frigging bothered him more than getting shot to crap by four men intent on killing him for some reason he and his teammates might never know.
Chapter 8
“I can’t believe we have to see a cartoon,” Brandon complained with the cutest little beta growl as Diego followed him up the stairs toward the top row of seats in the movie theater. “I’m not a kid.”
Diego bit his tongue to keep from laughing. Instead, he held the monster-sized bucket of popcorn in one hand while using the other to pull out his movie ticket, making sure they were heading toward the right seats. He’d never been to a theater where you actually picked out your seats when you bought the tickets, so he really had no idea what he was doing. It was obvious Brandon knew where to go since he headed straight to the three right-most seats in the back row. Probably because Bree had let him pick out the seats to make up for the fact that she had vetoed his selection, telling him there was absolutely zero chance of them seeing an action movie with stuff blowing up every five minutes. Using her executive authority, Bree had declared they’d be watching the new animated movie, and that was the end of the conversation.
While Brandon had let it be known he wasn’t happy about the pick, Diego was secretly thrilled. It had been forever since he’d seen a cartoon, and it wasn’t like he’d be able to see the movie with the guys from the Pack. Alpha werewolves did not go to see animated movies. Unless they could save face by blaming their significant others for making them see one.
As he and Brandon took their seats—leaving a space in between for Bree—Diego glanced down at the entrance to see if she’d come in yet, but there was no sight of her. She’d gotten a call from work that she needed to take as they walked into the movie theater. Knowing what it was like being on call 24/7, Diego had understood, even when she said the call might take a while. They had plenty of time before the movie started. Besides, it would give him a chance to talk with Brandon.
They’d gone to Keller’s Drive-In for burgers, fries, and shakes, sitting in his extended-cab pickup, laughing and talking. Diego had taken advantage of the privacy offered by his truck to give Brandon a few lessons on controlling his claws with some easy exercises to go along with the stuff they’d been talking about on the phone over the past couple days.
The kid had done really well, being able to extend and retract his claws half a dozen times in the hour-long session. Brandon had been thrilled and so had Bree. Diego had also been pretty jazzed, though he tried not to let it show too much. Seeing the kid already gaining some level of control over his abilities was satisfying as hell. It might be lame, but it made Diego feel good—even proud.
But a little while after dinner, Diego had picked up on a strange tension in the air. It took him a moment to realize it was coming from the kid. Brandon would go quiet every now and then, staring off into the distance, lost in thought. He was doing the same thing now.
Diego sat there in silence, wondering if Brandon might tell him what the problem was. But then he realized how stupid that was. Like any teenager was going to simply open up and talk about their problems.
“You want to tell me what’s bothering you?” he finally asked, leaning over to offer Brandon some popcorn. “And don’t try and say nothing. I’m a werewolf. I can tell when something’s off.”
Brandon opened his mouth, clearly ready to deny it, but then closed it again, his expression one of acceptance. “Are you going to be my alpha?” he asked quietly, staring down at the floor and clutching the arms of the seat in a death grip, his heart picking up speed. “And is that kind of like being my new dad?”
Since becoming a werewolf, Diego had been shot, hit by a car, felled by a pallet load of drugs dropped on him, and kicked by a Texas longhorn. All of those events had hurt like hell, but none of them had left him as stunned and speechless as Brandon’s not-so-simple question. The alpha part was tough to answer, especially since he felt someone like Jayna would be a better choice for Brandon. But the second part about being his new dad? Holy crap, how was he supposed to reply to a question like that?
“Brandon, did something happen to make you ask that?”
The kid glanced at the bucket of popcorn Diego was still holding out to him, like he was wondering if he should grab a handful or not. “My father kind of ambushed Kevin and me outside the apartment complex today,” he finally murmured, still not looking at Diego.
“Did he hurt you?” Diego asked, gums and fingertips suddenly tingling. “Threaten you in any way?”
Brandon shook his head. “No, it wasn’t anything like that. He said he wanted to talk. I didn’t really want to hear what he had to say, but I didn’t know what else to do, so I hung around and listened.”
“I’m guessing he said something that bothered you,” Diego said, holding the bucket out until Brandon stuck a hand in and took some. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, but if you need to talk about it, I’ll listen.”
Brandon seemed to consider that, then shrugged. It was a simple gesture, but Diego could sense the sudden relaxation in the kid’s lanky frame as he gave in to the need to talk to someone about what was bothering him.
“He said he wanted us to be a family again—like we used to be,” Brandon said softly. “That he was a better person now. That prison had made him better. He wanted me to talk to Mom and tell her I wanted us to be a family again. He said she’d go along with the idea if she thought that’s what I wanted.”
Brandon’s heart beat harder as he spoke, and his breath hitched several times, betraying how upset he was. But that was nothing compared to how pissed Diego was. That lying, manipulative asshole. Using a kid like that to get control over Bree, whom Diego knew wanted nothing to do with Dave anymore. It was messed up. It made him want to hunt the jerk down right now and thump the shit out of him.
But he took a deep breath and regained control over his inner werewolf, knowing he couldn’t give in to his instincts. Bree wouldn’t appreciate it, and it wouldn’t help the situation, or Brandon.
“Is that what you want?” Diego asked softly. “To get back together with your dad and be a family again?”
He expected Brandon to think about it, so he was surprised when the kid quickly shook his head. “No! I wish he’d just go away. I don’t need anyone like him in my life, and neither does Mom. We’re better off on our own.”
Maybe the kid hadn’t intended to shut him out, but still, it was nearly impossible to describe the pain that lanced through Diego at those words. Yeah, he’d only just met Bree and Brandon, but there was a part of him that had been hoping to get closer to them both. But if Brandon didn’t want that, Diego guessed he’d have to accept it.
“Is that the reason you asked about me becoming your alpha and whether that’s like being a dad? Because you’re worried I’m going to try and insert myself into your and your mom’s life like your dad is trying to do?”
Brandon lifted his head to look at him, his expression part surprised, part thoughtful. “It’s not like that,” he said, looking down at the floor again. “Actually, I was hoping you’d want to be in our lives so my dad would finally go away.”
The air left Diego’s lungs once again—for a different reason this time. He’d apparently read the situation all wrong.
“
I want to be in your life, Brandon. And your mom’s, too. I care what happens to you both. It’s why I made the offer to teach you what you need to know to be a werewolf and why I asked you guys to come to dinner and a movie tonight.”
Brandon’s brow furrowed. “So, you are going to be my alpha and take my dad’s place?”
Diego took a deep breath. “None of this is that simple. I’m not an expert on this alpha-beta bond, but from what I understand, it’s not like I have a lot of say in the matter. If we’re right for each other, I’ll end up as your alpha. If there’s another alpha out there who’s better for you, that’s who you’ll bond with. And as far as taking your dad’s place, that’s something I can never do.”
Brandon looked up sharply, hurt and pain written on his face.
“I didn’t mean I don’t want to be there for you, however you need me,” Diego quickly clarified. “But your dad is your dad. I can’t be him. I can only be me. You’ll have to figure out if that’s enough. Until then, if you need someone to talk to, I’ll always be there to listen.”
Brandon considered that for a while before giving him a slight smile. “I’d like that. Sometimes, it’s hard not to have someone to talk to. There’s stuff I can’t say to Mom—or Kevin.”
Diego nodded. “I get it. Everybody needs someone they can spill to. Somebody that won’t be upset, or take sides, or judge them. Someone who will listen.”
Brandon looked at Diego like he was a Jedi master—or a mind reader. “Yeah. Someone like that.”
He probably would have said more, but a couple with two small children came up the stairs. Diego immediately recognized the guy, even if he did look drastically different than he did at work.
“Diego Martinez. Long time, no see,” the tall, wiry dark-skinned guy said with a laugh, waiting for his wife and kids to find their seats a few rows ahead of Diego and Brandon before continuing up the steps to shake Diego’s hand. “Good to see you get a night off.”
“Every once in a while.” Diego chuckled, getting to his feet. “Nice to see they give you some time off every now and then yourself. Those two kids of yours are growing like weeds.”
Dion Harbin was one of the best undercover narcotics cops Diego had ever worked with. The guy had spent the better part of the past four years buried inside the largest street gang in the city. Diego didn’t know how his wife put up with it, especially with two little kids to take care of.
“Yeah, kids do have a habit of growing up fast.” Dion glanced at Brandon. “Speaking of kids, who’s this?”
“Dion, meet Brandon,” Diego said as they shook hands. “Brandon, his mom, and I are doing dinner and a movie.”
“Nice meeting you,” Dion told Brandon, then nodded at Diego. “Well, I’d better get back to my family. I’ll see you around.”
“Is that guy a cop?” Brandon asked curiously as Dion rejoined his wife and pair of giggling kids.
“Do you think he’s a cop?” Diego asked, scooping up a big handful of popcorn and dropping some in his mouth.
Brandon frowned as he thought about it. “I think he looks more like an accountant. Or maybe a librarian. Anything but a cop.”
Diego chuckled. Dion looked like a different person when he wasn’t undercover. That’s one of the things that made him so good at the job. “Sometimes the people who don’t look like cops make the best cops.”
Brandon seemed to consider that for a while, gazing at Dion and his family in between eating bites of popcorn. Diego found the silence more comfortable than he’d thought it would be. Just him and the kid sitting together, eating popcorn covered in loads of gooey butter.
“So, you and my mom,” Brandon said suddenly, turning to gaze at him questioningly. “If you aren’t trying to take my dad’s place with me, are you taking his place with her?”
Diego almost choked on his popcorn. He definitely hadn’t seen that one coming, which was why he had no idea what to say. Luckily, Bree chose that moment to show up. And damn, did she look mighty fine walking up the steps in the long, flowing flower-print skirt she’d worn tonight.
“Sorry that took so long,” she said when she sat down in between him and Brandon. “The company’s managers are losing their minds over the possibility that they might have to pay out on these two claims I’m working. I had to brief three different levels of management.”
Diego waved off her apology, thrilled she’d come and saved his ass when she did. If the amused expression on Brandon’s face was any indication, he knew that, too.
“Don’t worry about it,” Diego said. “Your timing is perfect. The previews will start any minute.”
Bree smiled and reached into the bucket for a small handful of popcorn. “What were you two talking about while I was on the phone?”
Diego exchanged looks with Brandon. “Just guy stuff. You know—football, cars, video games. Things like that.”
“Not girls?” Bree asked, laughing.
He and Brandon exchanged looks again before they both shook their heads.
“Nope,” Brandon confirmed, his face suggesting he already knew exactly how much Diego already liked his mother. “Just guy stuff.”
* * *
“You know,” Bree said, trying to hold in the laughter that threatened to have her rolling on the floor. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a person land on Boardwalk five times in a row. Are you doing it on purpose?”
Diego frowned as he counted up the last of his cash, then began totaling up the value of his few remaining properties. Even from where she sat on the floor across from him at the coffee table in the living room, she could see he didn’t have enough.
“Of course, I’m doing this on purpose,” he said. “Because it’s so much fun giving all my money to a fifteen-year-old con artist who tricked me into playing Monopoly with a line about not having played in forever right before he proceeded to wipe me out in”—he glanced at his watch—“less than two hours. I think he set me up.”
Bree couldn’t keep from laughing this time. The indignant look on Diego’s handsome face was impossible to ignore. Brandon started laughing, too, nearly spewing soda out his nose as he continued to count up all his winnings. She hadn’t heard her son laugh so much in years. Seriously, not since he was five years old. Which just happened to be the last time her ex had bothered trying to act like a father who cared about his child.
Brandon had pulled out the Monopoly game within seconds of Diego bringing them home after the movie, asking if he wanted to stay for a while. Bree certainly wasn’t ready for the date to end and had been happy to sit around on the living room floor playing a game that had only good memories for her. Diego eagerly agreed, saying he couldn’t remember the last time he played Monopoly. Then, while Brandon disappeared into his room to grab his ferret, Diego whispered in her ear that if playing Monopoly meant getting to spend more time with her and Brandon, he was all for it.
“Mom, you ready to forfeit yet?” Brandon asked, looking her way as he leaned back on one elbow and ran his other hand over Finn’s fur. The slinky ferret rubbed up against him lovingly. “Since I own pretty much the entire board anyway.”
Bree handed over the embarrassingly small stack of funny money she had left to her son, who’d been performing the job of banker at the same time he’d been kicking their butts. “Okay, you win. Though I think Diego’s right about you playing both of us.”
Brandon laughed but didn’t try to deny it as he started to clean up the board.
Bree motioned him away from the collection of game pieces, plastic hotels, and money. “Leave all that. It’s been a while since we’ve played, but I still remember the rules. Losers clean up and put everything away.”
Brandon had apparently forgotten that, but quickly jumped to his feet, grabbing his glass of soda and his ferret with the other. “Cool. I’m going to go to bed then. I’ll probably listen to some music for a wh
ile, so I’ll have my headphones on.”
Bree didn’t miss the pointed look he gave Diego as he headed down the hallway toward his room.
“What was that about?” she asked, eyeing Diego suspiciously.
Diego only shrugged his perfectly well-muscled shoulders and reached over to help clean up the game pieces. Bree studied his face, pretty sure there was something going on. He must be a really good poker player because his expression gave nothing away.
While Diego finished separating the money into the proper denominations, Bree went into the kitchen to get them some more wine. Then she joined Diego on the couch, lifting her long skirt a little so she could curl her legs underneath her. Diego’s eyes flared yellow gold as he followed the movement, watching the flash of bare skin. It was crazy how her stomach fluttered a little at the realization he was practically hypnotized at the mere glimpse of her legs.
“Thanks for agreeing to play the game,” she said, taking a slow sip of the wine Diego had brought on their first date. “I really appreciate it. It’s been a long time since Brandon’s had someone like you in his life willing to spend time with him.”
Diego flashed her a smile. “Don’t mention it. I had a good time tonight. In fact, I wouldn’t have traded this evening for anything.”
Bree returned his smile, realizing Diego wasn’t merely saying those words to be nice. She’d seen the way Brandon had looked at him back in the movie theater when she’d walked up the steps. She had no idea what it was, but she was sure something significant had happened while she’d been busy on the phone. There was a bond forming between them, and she couldn’t put into words how much she appreciated that.
She and Diego talked about the movie as they sipped their wine, laughing at how much Brandon had enjoyed it even though he was “too old to watch a cartoon.” Once or twice Bree tried to wheedle out what the two of them had talked about while she was on the phone, but Diego simply smiled and insisted it was just guy stuff.
“There is one thing Brandon and I talked about tonight you should know,” he said. “Something that involves your ex.”
