Pack Balance

by Crissy Smith

  “I think you and Cooper are pretty much on the same page when it comes to family. I wouldn’t worry about it too much.”

  Shelby’s phone rang before Julie could reply. She backed off to give her friend the opportunity to answer the call. Just the little time she’d spent talking to Shelby had helped her feel better. Julie knew she’d done the right thing confiding in her.

  “Hello?” Shelby spoke into her cell.

  Julie could only hear her part of the conversation but she didn’t miss the excitement in Shelby’s eyes.

  “Thanks! I’ll be there!” Julie jumped off her stool before she hung up.

  “What’s going on?” Julie asked.

  “That was one of my contacts from the police department. They just informed me that the mayor is about to be taken into custody—right in the middle of his very important fundraiser,” Shelby answered.

  “What? Why?”

  “I didn’t get that, but I will once I get there. I don’t have time to change but, oh well. I have to go.” Shelby hugged her quickly.

  Julie thought Shelby looked just as put together as she always did. Her expensive tan suit complemented her dark skin beautifully. She’d never seen Shelby look anything but perfect. “Go. You look fine.”

  “There is no way I would miss this,” Shelby said, as she headed toward the door.

  Now that Shelby mentioned it, Julie found it strange that the star reporter hadn’t been at the event already. “Why weren’t you there tonight?”

  Shelby grimaced. “I refuse to cover anything with the mayor. He is the most bigoted, hateful man I’ve ever met.”

  “The mayor?” Julie questioned.

  “You missed a lot being gone these last few months,” Shelby said as she pulled open the door. “The mayor is a horrible man and if he’s being taken down tonight, I want to be there.”

  “Go!” Julie waved her on. “Good luck.”

  Shelby grinned. “He’s going to need the luck.” She jogged down the steps, and Julie had to shake her head. She wondered about the mayor and what he was being busted for. She’d take a quick shower then turn on the local channel. It might be fun to watch.

  * * * *

  Cooper stood next to Josiah, Fisher and Turner in front of his captain. Other officers were fanned out behind them as they gathered on the front steps of the mayor’s mansion.

  “We will serve Mayor Jensen the arrest warrant then proceed on with the search of his office. Follow all procedures and do your jobs well,” Captain Martinez said.

  Cooper rubbed his hands together in anticipation. He couldn’t wait to see Jensen’s face when he was finally taken down.

  “Let’s go,” Captain Martinez ordered.

  Fisher and Turner fell in line behind the captain and he and Josiah after them. It was only right that the four of them were the ones who took down the mayor for drug trafficking. They’d worked hard on this case and it was time for someone to pay.

  The security guard at the door didn’t try to stop them from entering the crowded event. Cooper glanced around, trying to spot his target.

  “Fisher, Turner, go right,” Captain Martinez said. “Burns, Grainger, left. Let’s find him and get this taken care of quickly.”

  “Yes, sir,” Cooper acknowledged.

  He broke off with Josiah, passing partygoers, who looked surprised to see them. They didn’t fit in with the expensive tuxes and gowns in their jeans and T-shirts. Cooper patted the weapon at his side, reassuring himself that he was prepared if anyone gave him trouble.

  He spotted the mayor standing in the center of a large room laughing and clinking glasses with one of the city council members. He nudged Josiah toward Jensen.

  “Got him,” Josiah murmured.

  Cooper crossed the room with long strides until he was in front of the mayor. “Mayor Jensen,” he called.

  The mayor turned toward him. Cooper was amused to see his fake smile slip into a sneer. “What are you doing here?” Jensen asked. “I know I didn’t invite any of your kind.”

  Oh yeah, the mayor knew who he was. “Mayor Jensen,” Cooper said loudly and clearly. “You are under arrest for drug trafficking.”

  “What?” Jensen shouted.

  Cooper reached back and grabbed the handcuffs from his belt. He strolled forward and clamped a hand down on the mayor’s shoulder.

  “What is the meaning of this?” Jensen yelled.

  “Mayor Jensen,” Captain Martinez appeared in front of them. “This is a warrant for your arrest.”

  “You can’t do this!” Jensen hollered. He looked around, and Cooper followed suit, preparing for trouble.

  It didn’t seem like the mayor had many supporters now. The people that the mayor had just been talking to were quickly putting distance between themselves and Jensen.

  Josiah took the warrant from the captain and held it up to Jensen. As his partner started to read Jensen his Miranda rights, Cooper finished securing him. The final snick of the cuffs and Cooper felt lighter than he had in months.

  “Do you understand your rights?” Josiah asked Jensen.

  Since Cooper couldn’t understand much of what the mayor screamed, he just pushed the man forward to escort him from the party. He took Jensen’s right arm, allowing Josiah to take the left.

  Captain Martinez led the way, which wasn’t too difficult since people were rushing to clear a path. At the front door, Cooper spotted a news cameraman and reporter. He recognized Shelby from when he’d met her previously. It appeared that the mayor was going to get his fifteen minutes of fame and more. Cooper was proud to be involved.

  Even as Shelby shouted questions at Jensen, the mayor continued to cuss and threaten the officers. Cooper grinned, making sure to pass right in front of the camera.

  It was good to be a cop and stand up for what was right.

  Chapter Seven

  Cooper grinned as he walked into the kitchen and spotted Julie bent over, pulling containers out of the bottom cabinet. He wasn’t sure what she was looking for or even if she’d find anything in the mess of plastic, but he sure enjoyed the view. He crept forward silently until he was right behind her.

  She screamed when he grabbed her around the waist and yanked her back.

  “Look what I found,” he whispered into her ear. He trailed his fingers down her neck and inside her tank top.

  “What are you doing?” Julie asked, as she pressed back into him.

  The pressure on his cock was just what he wanted.

  “If I have to explain it to you, I must be doing something wrong,” he teased. He cupped her breast before he rubbed his thumb over her hard nipple.

  “We have guests that will be here soon,” she clearly tried to sound stern but failed, since she was still pushing her ass against his erection. His wolf itched as he fought to the surface intent of claiming Julie again.

  “We have plenty of time,” he assured her. He spun her around before lifting her to sit on the counter. Julie laughed, reaching for him as he quickly moved in between her legs before he lowered his mouth to hers. She kissed him with passion and enthusiasm. He would never tire of her taste or the feel of her under him. They were just starting their life together. Today was the first step, bringing their loved friends and family closer—to make sure that the inner circle around them was strong.

  “I really don’t think we should do this,” she gave a token protest. “Someone could arrive early.”

  He hummed in response as he slowly lifted her top over her head. She raised her arms to help. He knew she didn’t really mind taking a break from getting the party ready. “Not one of our friends are the early bird type.”

  “Still…” She reached for his T-shirt. “We should hurry.”

  “Yes,” he agreed. They twisted, tugged and removed each article until they were both naked. It wasn’t easy with her still seated on the marble countertop, but they made do.

  He pushed her to lie back before he gripped her hips and pulled her to the edge of the cou
nter. Cooper laid his palms on her inner thighs and began to spread her legs. He dipped a finger into her moist pussy. She bucked silently, demanding more.

  Cooper chuckled. “Maybe you’re right. We might not have time,” he taunted.

  She growled—a sound very much like a wolf, even though she was human—before she raised herself up and grabbed his shoulder. “Don’t make me hurt you,” she warned.

  “Never,” he promised. He added a second digit, relishing every soft sound that came from Julie’s mouth.

  “Please,” she begged.

  He peered down at her, taking in the way she had thrown her head back and clenched eyes closed. “Look at me,” he demanded.

  She opened her eyes, and he could see that passion clouded her vision. He grasped his erection until he was poised at her entrance.

  “Cooper,” she pleaded.

  He pressed forward. Julie sighed as he filled her. Cooper kept his gaze on hers. Inside, his wolf calmed to let his human side enjoy being with her. He pumped his hips with long, deliberate strides. Julie scratched her nails into the counter, and he had a fleeting wonder whether or not she’d leave marks behind.

  “More… Please, more,” she chanted, lifting her hips trying to get him deeper and faster. “More.”

  He could never have resisted her pleas. He slammed himself in hard. Julie cried out with pleasure. He drew back then plunged again, over and over until sweat trickled down his neck and Julie’s voice echoed through the kitchen, bouncing off the walls. Cooper groaned as her inner muscles tightened around his cock and he yelled as he came. Julie shuddered as she went over the edge herself.

  * * * *

  “Everything is ready,” Cooper said as he joined her on the back deck. “I told you we would have plenty of time.”

  Even if they hadn’t been able to finish setting up, it would have been worth it. She ran her hand over his ass then squeezed. “We’ll have even more after everyone leaves,” she taunted.

  “Maybe then we can also discuss you moving in?” he asked.

  There hadn’t been much time to talk about their relationship with Cooper working with the district attorney in putting the mayor away for good. Julie turned in Cooper’s arms, wrapping hers around his neck. “I think we can probably even talk my brother into helping.” Garrett, Tom and Steve had driven in the night before and were staying at her house.

  “I like him,” Cooper said.

  She hadn’t been worried about her brother and lover getting along. They were good, honest and kind. They had a lot in common and Julie knew they would be great friends. “I’m glad.”

  “Now.” He gripped her hips. “How much time do we have?”

  “Not enough for whatever you’re thinking about doing,” Josiah said behind her.

  Julie spun around. Josiah stood at the sliding glass door leading from the house with a case of beer. A very pretty redhead was at his side, holding what looked like a pie.

  “Perfect timing, as usual,” Julie teased. She tried to get loose from Cooper but he only tightened his hold.

  “It’s good to see you again, Cammi,” Cooper greeted the woman.

  “Hi, and you must be Julie. I brought one of my mom’s pecan pies. She makes the best I’ve ever tasted.”

  “Thank her for us.” Julie smiled. “And make yourself at home.” She turned to Cooper. “Are you going to let me go?”

  “No,” he replied.

  She elbowed him, and he chuckled. He did release her, though. She rose to her tiptoes and kissed him quickly before walking over to Cammi. Cooper had already told her that Josiah would be bringing the woman he’d started to date. Julie was happy to see Josiah settling down. She hoped the two of them made each other happy. “Let me show you around,” she told Cammi. “You”—she pointed at Josiah—“help your partner light the grill. And don’t catch anything on fire!”

  “Well if you do, at least you’ll have trained professionals,” Garrett called as he joined them. They all laughed.

  “Good to see you again,” Julie said to Tom and Steve. “Let me introduce you to Josiah and Cammi. Josiah is Cooper’s partner.”

  Garrett slung an arm around her shoulder. “So you have to put up with Coop all day?” he asked Josiah.

  Josiah grinned. “Yep.”

  “I bet you know all his secrets,” Garrett said. “We should talk.”

  “No.” Cooper pushed Josiah to the side. “You can help me with the grill, Mr. Fireman,” he joked.

  Julie took Cammi through the house on a quick tour so she’d know where the restroom and kitchen was in case she needed anything. They’d just returned to the deck to get a drink when Shawn popped his head through the open doorway. “The fun has arrived!”

  Julie waved her partner out. “Where are the kids?”

  “Here!” Two small boys ran out yelling and hugged her. Shawn’s wife was a nurse at the hospital and had to work, but Julie was glad the rest of the family could come.

  Introductions were made quickly and loudly and the boys hollered and sprinted to Cooper.

  Julie loved watching him with the boys. He was a natural nurturer and it showed how much he cared by the way he bent down and talked to them.

  “Help me with the coolers?” she asked Shawn.

  He nodded, and they headed back inside. It took several trips but once they were done they both grabbed a cold bottle. She glanced around at the backyard full of friends and family. The weather was perfect. Cooper stood at the grill talking with Garrett and Steve. Shawn’s kids were running around kicking a soccer ball while Josiah and his new girlfriend cheered them on from the lounge chairs. Julie was so happy, watching the people she loved most in the world.

  “Nice party,” Shelby said, as she joined Julie at the large picnic table.

  “It is. I’m glad you could make it. You don’t usually,” Julie replied.

  “My boss was so impressed with my report on the mayor’s arrest and the follow up pieces on his corruption that I have a week off.”

  “That’s great,” Julie told her. It had only been a couple of days but Julie could already see how the take down of the mayor had relaxed Cooper. He’d told her the entire story about the drugs, pay offs and threats that Jensen would be convicted of. The Bradley cousins had tried to make a deal, but the district attorney wasn’t buying it. No one needed the Bradleys to talk. They had enough evidence on Jensen to make sure they all went away for a long time.

  “So I’m going to take a few days to catch up on some reading and just relax before I go visit my parents,” Shelby said.

  Julie leaned over and grabbed a beer from the cooler at the end of the table. She passed it to Shelby as she spotted Mike coming through the gate. She waved at him and he returned the gesture as he headed over to Cooper.

  “And who is that fine specimen of a man?” Shelby practically purred.

  Julie rolled her eyes. “That’s Cooper’s old college roommate, Mike Riley.”

  “The criminal lawyer?” Shelby asked, with something close to disgust in her tone.

  Julie turned to her friend surprised. “Yes, why?”

  “I’ve done some reports on clients of his. He’s good at what he does,” Shelby stated. “Even when they should be in jail.”

  Since she didn’t know much about law, Julie couldn’t really say whether or not what Mike did was wrong. She did know that Mike was a great guy and she couldn’t see him defending anyone for something horrible. She’d have to ask Cooper.

  “Anyway”—Shelby made it a point to turn her back to where Mike stood—“did the files that I sent help?”

  Shelby’s reaction to Mike was very suspicious. Julie would have to see about getting them together to watch the fireworks. She couldn’t think of a more perfect match for her friend. Something was off with Shelby’s attitude toward him. This might get really interesting. She wanted to see her friend happy. Shelby didn’t date a lot, always blaming her busy schedule, and from what Cooper had told her about Mike, they had that
in common.

  “Julie.” Shelby waved her hand in front of Julie’s face. “The files?”

  True to her word, Shelby had forwarded everything she had on shifters. The night before, Julie had been reading through some of it when Cooper had got home. He’d taken the laptop from her and set it on the coffee table before drawing her into his arms. He’d wanted to talk to her if she had any questions. He claimed the news still didn’t have everything right and he’d rather she knew for sure. Julie had to admit that what Cooper had said made a lot of sense. She’d promised him she’d always go to him first. “Yes, but Cooper and I decided to talk about my concerns first.”

  Shelby grinned. “I thought he would.”

  “Burgers are ready!” Cooper yelled.

  Julie and Shelby strolled over to the grill. She kept her eyes on her man as she walked toward him. He looked damn hot in his faded jeans and tank top. She loved it when he showed off his muscular arms. He grinned at her as she approached.

  “Having fun?” he asked.

  Julie nodded. “We need to do this more often.”

  “Maybe next time we can invite my Alpha?”

  Julie paused in reaching for a plate. She hadn’t even thought of that. “We should. I want to get to know your Pack.”

  “I want that too. They’re really good people. I’d like you to meet Alpha Jeremy and his family first,” Cooper told her.

  Julie could see how much his request meant to Cooper. “I wish you’d have said something sooner.”

  “I thought it would be better just to have our friends this weekend. But when we’re both off next, I think it’s time you got to know my family. That’s what my Pack is, and I want you to look at them like that.”

  “I will,” she assured him. She had faith that Cooper’s Pack would mean as much to her as they did to him. All she needed to do was to learn how to open herself to the new world that Cooper was opening up to her. She’d learned an important lesson, to give her trust to Cooper. She’d never make a mistake like she had done when she’d run. She’d balance her human beliefs with what she needed to do to support Cooper. No matter what they had to deal with in the future, she knew that having him at her side made her a very lucky woman.