The moment Lorenzo Esteban walks into our emergency pack meeting, I know he’s trouble. I don’t know if it’s a model thing, but Lorenzo has a way of turning heads and grabbing everyone’s attention, werewolves included. The lean bodied Latino hunk looks like he just stepped out of the numerous billboards plastered everywhere from towns like Puppyville to the big city, except, well he’s not wearing a thong.
“Hello, Brick. It’s been awhile, handsome,” Lorenzo says, hands cocked on his hips. The guy has a way of ignoring everyone else there, and only has his smoldering eyes on Brick.
Why do I have a bad feeling about this?
Lorenzo is one of those guys who naturally ooze sex appeal. He’s wearing the tightest pair of jeans I’ve ever seen, but for some reason he looks good in them, just like everything else he’s wearing. Lorenzo looks like he just came from some photo shoot and I don’t doubt each piece of his coordinated outfit is designer.
Me? I buy my clothes in bulk at the local Walmart. The only expensive piece of clothing I ever bought was the itty-bitty piece of leather g-string I wore to seduce Brick at the auction yesterday. I try not to take it too hard. I mean, I’m just a shy, average red head, except I can’t help but feel insecure. It feels like I’ve already lost the battle before it begins.
“Loren,” Brick grunts. I don’t like seeing my Brick this way. He’s usually so self-assured, so kick-ass looking and dominating when he talks to the pack, but this stupid underwear model makes him so tense.
“Why the cold greeting, handsome?” Lorenzo purrs. I wonder if he’s really a werewolf, because he’s acting more feline than canine. Besides, you usually don’t associate a maneater with a nice warm grumpy wolf.
Jealousy rears its ugly head. This guy can’t seem to understand Brick doesn’t find him appealing anymore— or does he? I can’t be too sure if Lorenzo still has his hooks buried in Brick. Rover assures me it’s been awhile they’d seen each other, but first love never really goes away. Lorenzo is the reason Brick can’t commit. Surely, it’s unhealthy for my Brick to linger around this twink for too long.
That’s right. My Brick. I’m not going to let this thong model get in the way of my happy ending. He doesn’t care about Brick like I do and I swear, I’m not going to be intimidated by him. I know I don’t possess the same goods as he does, but I do have Brick’s attention.
“You’re fucking lucky I don’t rip your fucking head off,” Brick growls.
Unconsciously, or maybe Brick’s not even aware of it, he tugs at the metaphysical pack bonds connecting him to the rest of the Puppyville Pack. A couple of the men and women make uncomfortable movements or noises. Some are too surprised to react, because no one can really remember when Brick last lost his cool.
“Don’t be like that, baby,” Lorenzo murmurs, not taking the hint.
This is too much. I step between the two of them. Lorenzo’s gaze immediately latches on my figure. His eyes narrow, reminding me of a snake about to strike. I know Lorenzo is appraising me, looking at me from top to bottom. Lorenzo doesn’t look impressed, but like I give a fuck about what he thinks. Okay, maybe I do, but I’m not about to lose my resolve now.
“Brick is alpha of the Puppyville Pack the Grizzly Falls wolf pack is allied with. Show him the proper respect he deserves.”
“Oh, poor little pup. Do you have any idea who I am?”
I scoff. “An exile and someone who caused the pack trouble before. The only reason you’re still standing here unharmed is because of your guest status.”
“Who the hell do you think you are, loser?” Lorenzo spats. His expression turns ugly and loathsome, and the unexplainable dislike there distorts his usually handsome face.
He continues, “Back off. You’re way out of your league, runt. Has no one ever taught you playing with matches will get you burned?”
“Don’t flatter yourself, Lorenzo. You’re not that big of a threat,” I retort. “Rules work the same way. You’ve already offended our alpha by not showing proper respect.”
I’m not quite sure where this bravado is coming from, because I’m not a violent person by nature. Heck, I wince during our monthly full moon pack run through the woods and some of the wolves chase down a deer or hare. When it comes to Brick though, my wolf’s ready to shed blood. My spiritual wolf hovers at the surface of my skin, ready to bite back. The beast knows it’s his right, because Brick’s our mate, and this outsider is threatening our territory.
I’m aware toying with this kind of asshole is dangerous. As a representative of our allies, offending Lorenzo equaled offending our neighbors, and judging by Lorenzo’s smug smile, he knows it too,
To my shock, a couple of the pack enforcers beside Brick rumble in approval. I’m starting to think I’m on a roll, except Brick walks up to me and clasps my shoulder. “Bobby, it’s fine. Calm down.”
I don’t like where this is going. Lorenzo gives me a lazy smile that’s saying ‘you see?’.
“Brick, you should bring your runt in line. Better yet, why bother allowing an ill-mannered, ugly bas—.” Lorenzo chokes, unable to continue because Brick’s figure blurs and his hands are suddenly wrapped around Lorenzo’s neck. Brick slams Lorenzo against the wall, growling.
“If I ever hear you insult my mate again, I will tear out your throat. Got that?” Brick doesn’t let go. Rover and the pack gamma, Henry, try to pry Brick’s fingers off Lorenzo, but Brick’s grip is like steel. “I can’t hear you.”
“Yes,” Lorenzo manages. Brick lets him go, and Lorenzo makes a show of looking all abused and injured.
“Your mate?” Lorenzo finally spits out. “This weak omega? I’m going to tell my alpha Luka how the Puppyville Pack treats its guests.”
“My love life is none of your concern, Loren. Bobby’s right. You disrespected me. Go on tell Luka that. Luka and I go way back, do you think he’ll listen to you?” Brick leaves his threat hanging in the air.
Thick tension brews inside the town gym we use for meetings. No one’s speaking. Honestly though? Inside, I’m turning cartwheels. Fireworks are going off inside my head, because Brick finally called me his mate and everyone there heard.
Some jealous pups give me scathing looks for being the one to tame Brick—well that’s not true, no one can really tame an alpha. But I can hold his heart captive and make his wolf want mine.
I have supporters too. My friends, Blue and Jolly, flash me thumbs up signs from their corner. Rover’s got my back and I know Brick’s enforcers might not entirely approve of me. Still, an omega from the pack is still a safer choice than an exile who betrayed Brick once, and would do it again in a heartbeat.
My triumph turns to dust the moment a new expression crosses Loren’s face. I didn’t like the almost caricature malice painted there, or the way his lips tilt crookedly to what passes for a smile.
“Is that how it is?” Lorenzo tosses a lock of his luxurious brown curls. Damn him. I’m suddenly conscious of my mop of unruly red hair. His look of challenge is clearly directed at me. “Fine. Brick, I challenge your omega to an official duel.”
Someone, Rover I think, growls. “A challenge for what purpose?”
“To see who’s more suitable as Brick’s mate.”
“You’re here on guest rights, Loren. Beating Bobby won’t change my mind either,” Brick says evenly.
Lorenzo, the snake, isn’t out of ammo yet. “What, Brick? Afraid your little runt can’t defeat me in a fair fight? Is that the kind of mate the pack wants for its alpha?”
“Whoever said I’m saying no, fruit cake? I accept your challenge,” the heated words pour out of me before I can stop them. My wolf’s howling, primed for a fight. I don’t need to remind the beast we aren’t exactly the cream of the crop.
Brick is by my shoulder. “Bobby, you don’t need to do this.”
“Lorenzo is right. If I can’t defend my man in front of my pack, why would you pick me?”
“You’ll regret this, runt.” Lorenzo smirks, and I have the feeling I just played into his hands. I’ll probably lose. It’s a fool’s errand, but aren’t we all fools when it comes to love?
“Whatever. State your place and time. I’ll be there, buddy. You can be sure of that.”
“All bark and no bite,” Lorenzo says dismissively. “Since you’ve signed your death, I’ll give you a parting gift and let you pick the location.”
A location? Did he do that on purpose, or he knows I haven’t been in any fight in all my life? “The old junkyard,” I say immediately. Okay, sounded manly enough. Besides, I don’t think I can stand the pack laughing behind my back when I say something like the mall or park.
Lorenzo scrunches his nose. “That old stinking place? I suppose it’s a fitting place for a runt. Three days at sunrise then.”
“Did you come here to talk about the Grizzly Falls pack problems, or interfere in my love life?” Brick demanded.
“Both. You can’t imagine how lonely it’s been for me, Brick. I’ve regretted leaving your side.”
“You didn’t leave Brick. He kicked your ass out of town,” I say, flatly.
For once, Lorenzo loses his temper. His pupils turn amber and I almost hope he loses it. Attacking me now could mean we never have to do this stupid duel. Lorenzo shakes his head.
“Clever, runt.” He does his annoying hair toss again. I can’t believe I’m fighting this twink, but I won’t make the mistake of underestimating him. Betraying your alpha and pack isn’t an easy thing to do. Maybe Lorenzo uses his cock air-headed stupidity as a front to hide his real self.
“Oh yes, the mission. It’s all in here.” Lorenzo fishes out—I swear an old-fashioned envelope.
“Hasn’t Luka heard of email or a simple phone call?” Rover asks, snatching the paper.
“Luka doesn’t like technology.” Lorenzo yawns. “Where can one find a decent five-star inn around here?”
“Your ex is a charmer,” I tell Brick once Lorenzo leaves.
Brick frowns. “Bobby, there’s no turning back from this. Are you sure?”
“What? You’re going to protect me from this? Backing down is a show of weakness.”
“I’ve severely underestimated you, Bobby,” someone says, placing a hand on my shoulder. Trig, one of Brick’s enforcers.
“I knew he wouldn’t falter. Brick, we need to discuss this letter,” Rover points to the note.
“I’ll meet you later. Trig, can you keep an eye on Bobby?” Brick asks, ignoring my scowl.
“I don’t need a babysitter!”
Brick pulls me to him for a kiss. I don’t know if it’s to shut me up, or prove some kind of point, but it’s effective. The demanding press of his lips, his arm around my waist, and his hard body pressing up against mine is enough for me to forget why I’m mad at him in the first place.
“Be good, I need you alive.” With that, Brick leaves.
Blue and Jolly come up to us. Blue slaps me on the back. Jolly grins at me.
“The way you told off that guy was awesome,” Blue says.
“Kind of reckless though,” Jolly mutters. “Bobby, you’ve never been in a fight your entire life.”
“I did. Remember back in high school?”
Jolly gives me an exasperated look. “Punching a bully is one thing. Going up against another wolf in a closed pack circle is another.”
My stomach dropped at the reminder. I haven’t been inside that circle, but I’ve been a spectator watching on the sidelines. The powerful members in our rank fight for dominance all the time. It’s our way to establish hierarchy.
I look to Jolly and Blue, neither of them fighters. Then to Trig, who expels a breath, probably sensing my intent. The big-scarred wolf is one of Brick’s best fighters. I’ve seen him in the circle, run through his enemies like an unstoppable force of nature, but I also know there’s a softer secret side to him. Blue tells me Trig likes knitting, but I’m not sure if Blue is just pulling my leg like always.
“Please, Trig? I need some pointers. You’ve won all your fights.”
“I don’t know about this, Bobby. You can’t teach someone to be good in three days,” Trig says dubiously. I have a feeling Trig knows Brick pushed him towards my direction exactly for this reason.
“I just need to learn the basics.”
Blue nudges Trig sharply in the ribs. They’re childhood friends together with another pack mate, Paul, and everyone knows Trig has a soft spot for Blue and Paul.
Trig grunts, and then gives me a contemplative look. “Learning the basics isn’t good enough. We have to make sure you survive the fight, or else Brick’s going to have my head.”
“No one wants that pompous airhead to be Brick’s mate either,” Blue says with a shudder.
“With Trig teaching you, you have a chance,” Jolly agrees.
Trig blinks in surprise as I pull him into a tight hug. “Thank you! I promise you won’t regret this, and I’ll even go to a knitting class with you if you want.”
It’s something to see the big guy change color at the knowledge I know about his secret hobby. He throws Blue a searing look, but sighs. “You’re something else, Bobby Roy. It’s a deal. I teach you to fight and you owe me a class.”
I shook his offered hand. “I intend to win.”
“Wanting to win and seeing the goal is the first step,” Trig says with approval.