by Brenda Trim
Brenlee smiled. She couldn’t deny how much fun she had with Zane. He was charming, funny, smart and kind. And, he was a true gentleman. Not once had he pushed the boundaries with her. He was sticking to their arrangement of being friends.
A part of her wished he’d had made a move. It had been unnerving as hell to sit near the nude male and not think about sex. Who wouldn’t where the sexy attorney was concerned?
At least he wasn’t upset with her intoxication, if his note was any indication. She made a mental note to check in with him after the meeting then glanced at her phone. She needed to get to the dining room ASAP. Lawson didn’t tolerate tardiness, even if he did think she was sick.
She rushed from her suite and was happy her headache had subsided to the point she could function. Taking the elevator to the first floor, Brenlee headed straight toward the dining area. She hoped Ashley was there because she wanted to apologize for missing the first two shifts of the day. She would make it up to her and help with dinner.
She entered the room and wanted to turn right around and leave. The cacophony only made the pounding in her skull worse. Why did shifters talk so loudly, especially when her head was sensitive to every little sound? She glanced around the room, and acknowledged she was the last to arrive. Lawson was standing with Liv, and they were talking to Ryan, Cassie, Bart, and Erika. Jay and Dawn Anderson were sitting at a table with their son, Luke, who was growing by the day it seemed. He was on the cusp of becoming a teenager. Brenlee wondered if the young shifter was lonely at Safe Haven since there were no other pack members his age. The Halls were chatting with Jeremiah at another table, and Henry and Annette Packard were drinking coffee while their two sons, Slate and Blade, flirted with Haylee and Hannah. The two males were extremely attractive, and Brenlee was surprised Haylee hadn’t hooked up with one of them yet.
She spotted Ashley and Knox nearby, and made her way to the couple. Knox took one look at Brenlee and let out a low whistle. “Somebody could use a Bloody Mary,” he declared with a chuckle.
“No, thank you,” Brenlee quickly replied as nausea returned at the thought of drinking alcohol. “Ashley, I’m so sorry I wasn’t here to help with breakfast or lunch. I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
“Don’t worry about it. Hannah and Haylee were available. You do more than your share of shifts. How does a toasted bagel sound?” Ashley offered with a sympathetic smile. Brenlee nodded eagerly thinking the bread would help settle her stomach.
“You’re the best,” she replied.
“I’ll be right back,” the petite female promised before she exited the room.
Lawson turned to face the gathering. “Thank you for coming, and please take a seat,” he instructed. Those standing chose an empty chair and sat down.
“Two policemen stopped by this morning. They wanted to let me know what they discovered about the explosion. It isn’t fucking good. There was a bomb near the entryway of the building. This was a deliberate attempt on my life mate,” he gritted through clenched teeth as his hands fisted at his sides.
Brenlee gasped. She couldn’t believe someone would want to harm Liv. What she was doing at the lab benefitted humans and shifters. Why would anyone want to stop her from finding a cure to cancer? It made no sense.
“Do they have any leads as to who might’ve done this?” Knox asked as Ashley returned with a small plate and a glass of water, placing them in front of Brenlee.
It was an Everything bagel with a small spread of cream cheese. Brenlee’s favorite. She picked up half of the bagel and took a bite. When her stomach didn’t roil, she took another. She was hungrier than she realized, and the food settled her shakiness.
“No, and I didn’t get the impression that they’re searching for any. They seem to think this could’ve been shifter related, which is bullshit,” Lawson growled then crossed his arms over his chest.
Several pack members started talking amongst each other. The tension in the room thickened, and Brenlee set down her bagel. Any appetite she’d had disappeared with Lawson’s words.
Her brother’s clenched jaw and defensive stance told Brenlee how pissed he was. She didn’t like the direction this was taking. Humans and shifters needed to work together, not become more divided. She hoped Zane and Bart got through to the senator when they met with him on Monday. Otherwise, she didn’t see a peaceful solution anytime soon.
“What now?” Knox spoke above the clamorous crowd.
“My mate’s work is very important. Not only to shifters, but to humans, too. One thing I do know is we’re not going to be bullied. Having said that, I will not put her, or our child at risk. She’s going to set up a temporary lab here at the hotel while we build a facility on the property. Hopefully Bart and Zane will make headway with Senator Hartwell, and the gap between shifters and humans can be bridged,” Lawson explained as he wrapped an arm around Liv.
The female looked tired. The stress was wearing on her, Brenlee surmised. She worried about the baby. Humans weren’t as physically strong as shifters, and Brenlee didn’t know how much distress Liv could handle.
A rattled Devin came rushing into the room. “Lawson, you need to come quick,” he sputtered as his chest heaved.
Lawson’s brow furrowed. “Why aren’t you at the security station?”
“An argument erupted between two alphas. It’s about to get out of hand,” Devin replied. Brenlee didn’t miss the worry in Devin’s dark amber eyes.
Lawson wasted no time. In the next blink, he ran from the room. The Hollow Rock pack was hot on his heels, running through the kitchen and out the back door. The cold air sobered Brenlee, and she huddled into her hoodie.
It was dusk, and several bonfires were lit. Tents were scattered as far as the eye could see. Off to the side, two males were squaring off against each other. Brenlee noticed a female standing between the two. Her hands were placed on each male’s chest, and she was pushing them apart.
Brenlee didn’t know many of the newcomers, but she’d been introduced to the alpha of each visiting pack. The two males in question had rubbed her the wrong way from day one. Unlike her brother, who was genuinely concerned about each member of his pack, these two seemed concerned about themselves, and nobody else.
“It’s not my fault you can’t please your female. I didn’t force her into my tent last night. She came to me,” Lance, one of the alphas barked. Oh, great. They were fighting over a female. No way this was ending peacefully.
“Fuck you. You’ve been trying to bed her since you arrived. She’s mine!” Sean, the other alpha, yelled then shoved the female to the side before punching Lance in the face.
A loud pop echoed right before Lance stumbled backward. In the next blink, he shifted. Tattered clothes flew in every direction while growls sounded loudly. His tan-colored wolf pounced on top of Sean and latched onto the male’s neck with its lethal canines.
Sean’s agonizing scream morphed into a growl as he shifted. His black wolf was much larger than the tan one. The size difference was accompanied by more power which allowed Sean to easily take control of the fight. The black wolf tossed the tan wolf to the ground then jumped on top of the smaller animal.
Lawson rushed toward the wolves. “Cease and desist!” He yelled and grabbed the black wolf around its massive shoulders.
The large wolf pivoted then pounced on top of Lawson, knocking him to the ground. Brenlee cried out at the same time Liv screamed, “No!”
When Liv charged toward the fight, Brenlee rushed over and grabbed her around the waist. “Don’t, Liv. Lawson can handle this. You need to think about the baby,” Brenlee ordered and pulled the pregnant female away from the fighting wolves.
“Somebody needs to help him,” Liv yelled as she fought against Brenlee’s hold. The female was strong for a human, Brenlee would give her that. It took all her strength to keep Liv from breaking free.
“No. This is how it is between alphas. Lawson has to take control,” she explained.
Sudd
enly, Zane appeared and took Liv from Brenlee’s grasp. He held her against his chest, keeping her face directed away from the fight. “I know you’re worried, but your job is to keep your baby safe. Lawson would say the same thing,” he insisted.
Liv’s demeanor relaxed, and her body slumped against Zane. Brenlee mouthed thank you, and he nodded his understanding. She shifted her focus back to her brother in time to see Lawson shift. Clothes ripped and fell to the ground as her brother’s beast emerged. He lifted his snout and howled a warning, but the two wolves ignored his demand.
Lawson’s charcoal-gray wolf towered over the other two animals. He growled low then charged toward the two wolves. Rumbles and growls filled the air as the three animals fought for dominance. Fur flew as teeth and claws left their marks. Lawson’s wolf pinned the black wolf to the ground. His large jaw ripped into the flesh of the black wolf’s throat. Blood poured from the injury but not until the black wolf let out an ear-piercing yelp did Lawson’s wolf release its hold. The black wolf conceded by lowering its head and bowing to the gray wolf. When Lawson stalked toward the tan wolf, the inferior animal immediately laid down, acknowledging defeat.
In one fluid motion, Lawson shifted. Liv wriggled from Zane’s hold, and rushed toward her mate. Brenlee watched as Liv threw her arms around Lawson’s neck, and hugged him as if she might never see him again. It was touching to see the devotion between her brother and Liv. Brenlee acknowledged it must be so comforting to know that depth of love.
A heavy arm wrapped around her shoulder, and Brenlee glanced over to see Zane standing beside her. “What the hell was that about?” He asked.
“Two alphas fighting over a female. My brother won’t put up with that bullshit,” she explained and wrapped her arm around Zane’s waist. It came so natural with him, even though she wished it didn’t.
Lawson turned to the gathered crowd. He was completely nude, but it didn’t deter from his commanding presence. Shifters didn’t put much importance on nudity. It was a natural state, and part of the shifting process.
More shifters had come out of their tents to see what the commotion was about. Sean and Lance shifted back to their human form and stood with their packs. Sean’s neck was bleeding badly, but Brenlee knew it would heal quickly.
“I realize we have several packs cohabitating together, and tensions are high, but let me be very clear about how it works around here. As alphas, I expect you to control your pack,” Lawson said with a glare at the two males. “If you can’t, then I will step in and do it for you. And if you are easily swayed to another male’s bed,” he barked, and stared at the female who was the center of the fight, “then you are not a loyal member. If that’s the case, I suggest you find another pack. Trust and loyalty are the backbone of shifters. Without it we prove all the horrid accusations to the humans. I hope I’ve made myself clear,” he concluded then turned around and walked back to the hotel with Liv by his side.
Brenlee admired her brother. It was difficult for packs to live amongst each other. Too many chiefs and testosterone for comradery, but Lawson was determined to make it work. He wanted all shifters to feel safe and opened his home and heart to anyone. He was a true leader, just like their father.
“So, how are you feeling today?” Zane asked. His voice intruded on thoughts of her brother or anything else. A wry grin crept across his face as he peered into her eyes. No doubt they were red and puffy.
“Like someone poured a vat of beer down my throat,” she chided with a grimace.
“Don’t look at me. I didn’t make you drink six beers,” he said and threw his hands up in defense. She immediately missed his nearness and wondered when she’d become so attached to the male. They weren’t a couple.
“Six? No wonder I feel so awful. I don’t drink much, and never more than one or two. And those were craft beers which is even worse. I’m sorry if I was an embarrassment last night. And, thank you for taking me back to my room,” Brenlee confessed with a sheepish grin. It was bad enough she didn’t remember all the details of last night. Hopefully, Zane didn’t hold her responsible for anything stupid she said or did.
“You were not an embarrassment. I had a lot of fun with you,” he admitted then leaned down to whisper in her ear, “and, I promise I won’t tell anyone that you snore.”
His deep timber made Brenlee shudder, but she hid her reaction by punching his side. “I do not snore!”
“Okay, Miss Freight Train,” he countered and snorted several times in mockery.
“Whatever, Zaney,” she huffed then realized it was time for the dinner shift. “Well, I need to get inside to help Ashley. Thanks again for taking care of me last night,” she offered and leaned in to kiss his cheek.
“Anytime,” he murmured. She gazed into green eyes that made her stomach churn for a completely different reason. There was a hint of mirth she didn’t understand which made Brenlee question if anything happened between them the night before. Surely, she would remember if it had.
“So, when can we do it again?” he asked with a devilishly handsome grin.
She shrugged nonchalantly while her wolf howled in her mind Right now, Zaney!
“We’ll see,” she replied coyly and walked away. She needed to put space between her and Zane.
She liked him. A lot.
Zane was the opposite of her deepest desires, and distance would help her sort through the confusion. So, why did her chest ache at the thought of not seeing him?
Chapter 10
Zane loosened his tie as he watched Senator Hartwell. Bart was explaining their proposal regarding shifter rights, as well as sovereignty of pack land. It was a longshot at best, but Larry was their only hope. Bart’s resources dwindled the moment he’d resigned as governor and chose sides with shifters. The senator was the only one who remained a loyal friend and colleague to Bart.
“So, as you can see, we’ve put a lot of time and energy into this bill, Larry. I think you can agree that something has to change. This hostility between humans and shifters needs to stop,” Bart concluded at the end of his presentation.
Larry sat back in his executive chair and stared at Bart. The guy oozed wealth, from his custom suit to his Rolex watch to his designer shoes. Surprisingly, the senator wasn’t pompous in the least. In fact, his southern drawl and warm smile reminded Zane of his grandfather making him like the man instantly. He seemed genuine and honest, unlike most politicians.
“I do agree that something has to change, Bart. It’s become increasingly violent, and dangerous for everyone. I’m hoping that the turmoil settles over time, and we can get back to the way it used to be,” Larry admitted and stood from his chair then walked to the bar against the opposite wall. “Coffee?” he asked them.
Bart shook his head and Zane replied, “No, thank you.”
Larry proceeded to pour himself a coffee while Bart looked like he was about to blow a gasket. “You’re joking, right? Larry, going back to the way things were is precisely the problem. What happens the next time a shifter is accused of murder? Do they run the risk of a judge saying he can’t rule in their favor because in the law’s eyes they have no rights? Erika was lucky, but the next case could go very differently,” Bart declared emphatically.
Zane recalled Erika’s case. It was the reason he’d come to Chattanooga in the first place. She was accused of murder and looking at hard time. Yes her wolf killed a man, but only because her animal was protecting Bart against two men that had trespassed onto his private property and attacked him.
“I do sympathize Bart, but I have to consider my constituents. I’m still in office, and, unlike yourself, I’d like it to stay that way. I’m not judging you. I just can’t afford to alienate the people that elected me,” the senator explained as he grabbed a donut from a platter beside the coffee machine.
“I didn’t have a choice, if you remember. It was either resign or be impeached. I chose to leave on my terms,” Bart said with a heavy sigh.
It was the first time Za
ne saw the impact of Bart’s decision. The man obviously didn’t want to leave his position but hadn’t been given another option. It was Tennessee’s loss, in Zane’s opinion. Bart was a stand-up guy with principles. He believed in standing up for what was right, no matter the cost. Zane respected that in a person.
“I do remember, and I hate how you were treated. But your situation is different than mine. Shifter issues aren’t my problem, or financial obligation, Bart,” Larry remarked then took a large bite of the glazed pastry.
“They might not be your obligation today, but if something doesn’t change, it will be. And, it won’t be pretty when it comes to that. Trust me,” Bart replied as he pinned the senator with a glare.
“May I say something?” Zane interjected and stood from where he was sitting.
“Of course,” Larry answered without pause.
“I think we can all agree we’ve witnessed wrongdoing against shifters. I saw it in Erika’s case, and just recently I watched an innocent shifter get shot because he stopped to fill up his gas tank. Shot and killed for no other reason than he was a shifter. But, here’s the thing. They’re not animals. They’re human beings who live in homes, go to work every day, fall in love, raise children, and try to make a positive impact on their lives and community. So what if they shift into wolves? That’s not what defines them. If anything, it’s what makes them better than us. But fear and jealousy isn’t a reason to deny them basic rights. How can we not recognize them as citizens?” Zane voiced as he poured his heart out.
Once he started talking, the words wouldn’t stop. He’d never felt more passionate about anything and wasn’t sure why it mattered so much to him. Was his heritage that important? It shouldn’t be, considering how his parents reacted to his announcement about going to Tennessee to help shifters. Zane thought about Brenlee, and what he’d do if she were in Erika’s shoes. He’d move heaven and earth to see justice was served.
