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“So.... Will you take the case, then?”
The dark-haired lawyer behind the desk looked up from his notes. A slight frown creased his forehead, giving his youthful face an otherwise severe look. His deep emerald eyes glittered with warning, though his smile was soft. “What made you think I wouldn’t?”
Head bowed, the client fiddled with the hat in his hand and stuttered, “Nothing, just...” He paused, unable – or unwilling – to go on. The rest of the confession came out in a whisper. “Everyone else refused when they saw the name of the defendant. I thought you would, too.”
“You thought wrong.” Another smile, this time to take the bite out of his words.
The client stared at the run-down carpet, clutching the woolen hat in his hands. “I’m a simple man, sir. But, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. For my kids, and my wife...” A sob clogged his throat, and he stopped talking again.
By the time he looked up, the lawyer was holding out his hand for him to shake. “Let’s take this bastard down, once and for all.”
Trembling, the client took the offered hand, and a deal was struck.
∞ ♦ ∞
Later that evening, Finn McConnell stared out the foggy window of his office. The city at his feet was buzzing with noise, as it always was. The human part of him wanted to mix with others, interact and enjoy life with his kin. Yet the darker part, the primal part, knew it was but a wishful intention.
He had willfully chosen this path. Being a solicitor, taking pro bono cases, didn’t mean a lot of money, but it did mean justice was served. And Finn craved the rules, cared to make them respected.
As if a reminder, his landline rang. Once, twice. Finn waited for the third ring, and it never came. Satisfied with the signal, he opened a small drawer and pulled out a faded-looking cellphone. Pressing a key, he waited as it speed-dialed the pre-programmed number to another burner phone. “What is it, Ronan? I’m in the middle of a case.”
“The pack needs to meet tonight, boss. Brian found his mate, and you need to approve it.”
Finn let out a chuckle, turning to glance out the window of his office. It had been a while since he’d witnessed the oaths of mating between two of his pack. He’d been gone too long... “Eager, is he?”
A booming laugh resounded on the other line. “That’s my little brother, mate. He’s always eager.”
Rolling his eyes, Finn nodded to his reflection. “Call it, but make it before sunrise. And do me a favor, will you? Instruct them both on what goes on. I don’t want to have to explain hand-fasting to some pups again.”
Another laugh, then Ronan hung up. Finn went back to staring at his reflection. Why wasn’t he with his pack, leading them? Another alpha would have. Instead, he was kilometers away – towns away, even. Fighting for a legal justice that only humans cared about. He couldn’t have both worlds, the human and the wolf. And yet he still tried. Because justice mattered, and rules mattered most of all.
Blinking at his reflection, Finn thought back to his client from earlier. It was a sad reminder that justice didn’t matter to all. Niall Walsh had lost his wife to the negligence of a tycoon. It could have been avoided – should have been avoided. But it hadn’t, and now he was left raising three kids on his own, and mourning an innocent, but much dead, wife.
His mirrored image taunted him with what he’d face in court. The best of the best solicitors, those that money could buy, and who would sell their soul to the devil. They already had, in many ways. As for Finn... At only twenty-six, he was cynical, but still an idealist. He didn’t wear expensive suits, didn’t flaunt jewelry he didn’t have. His brains were his best asset – as was his ability to taste a jury’s emotions before they even could. But that was a facet of his personality he didn’t let many see.
A buzz by the desk drew his gaze to his regular cellphone. A pretty blonde’s laughing image taunted him with promises of wild nights, but he ignored the call. There was no room for desire in his mind tonight, only for justice. Setting the phone to silent mode, Finn picked up the binder with his notes from earlier.
Ciaran Loughey. A tycoon, owner of a chain of jewelry stores, he had money, fame, a family when it was convenient. He was backed up by most politicians and upper echelon of society, because their pockets were lined with his blood money. And it seemed his greed had no limit. It had been his excessive stinginess that had led to a cheap security system, and one of his stores being robbed.
Finn had written testimonies from two employees who confirmed having raised the issue of security with their managers, and those above them. One had even written to Ciaran himself – and had proof of delivery for the letter. And still, the store had been robbed, an employee – Niall’s wife – had died, and now the insurance refused to pay out. Rumors flew that Ciaran didn’t have the right security in place, and he’d threatened Niall himself with a lawsuit if he opened his mouth to confirm them.
Which had opened the door for a lawsuit. Gross negligence manslaughter. And Finn wasn’t used to taking prisoners. He intended to make the man suffer. After all, his selfish decision had caused a woman’s death, and her husband and three sons were now left bereft.
No, this won’t do at all, Finn thought as he shrugged off his blazer, tore the shirt off him, and leaned back in the chair.
His wolf tended to react in temperature spikes, and now was no different. The cool air helped his heated skin, lowering the temperature of his primal self. A massive drawback of being away from his pack was difficulty with controlling him – especially when he was ready to kill.
It’s going to be a long few nights.
∞ ♦ ∞
Finn knew the moment he stepped into the courtroom that something was wrong. It was deserted, except for one man seated in the defense panel. Dark-haired like Finn, but dressed in an impeccable suit, he didn't glance up from the phone in his hand. Scowling, he scrolled through the electronic keyboard as if riveted by the tiny words.
It wasn’t his silence that bothered him. Finn had recognized his profile from the media pictures – this was Ciaran himself. He’d expected the man to be morose and snobby. So no, the silence didn’t bother him, but something did. Finn couldn’t put his finger on it right off the bat, so he headed to the prosecution side.
Setting down his worn briefcase, he opened it and took out a few papers. The meeting with the judge was meant to confirm whether the case would go to trial or not.
“You think you have a chance against me, mate?”
At the sound of his smooth, yet ruthless voice, Finn looked up at the man for the first time. And then it hit him – he tasted nothing in the air, not even anger. No emotions whatsoever. Only a coldness that got to his bones.
“What?”
Ciaran finally looked up, and his golden eyes glared back. “I will win.”
Finn tried not to let his confidence get to him, but already his wolf was rumbling in disapproval. “Ciaran, I suppose.”
A slight narrowing of the eyes. “Do you not know who you’ve dragged in this court?”
Finn only smirked and went back to his papers. A shuffle in the air raked him the wrong way, and he caught taste of...ashes. He glanced up, trying to determine where the change had come from. Only instead of emotionless golden eyes, he now looked into fiery flames.
The chill in his bones intensified, and only one word passed Finn’s numb lips as he stumbled back a few meters. “Dragan!”
Ciaran smiled – cold as ice. “Aye, you finally get it.”
The doors opened, and Ciaran went back to his phone. People started shuffling in while Finn tried to focus back on his notes. The man was part of a destroyed race, and if he was what Finn thought he was – a dragon – that meant his entire clan was...
“Feckin’ hell.”
“What was that?” Niall had joined him, and looked up fearfully.
Finn gritted his teeth and shook his head. This changes nothing, he told himself. I’ll get him, one way or another.
∞ ♦ ∞
“What’s got you so riled up?”
Finn turned from the window to face the newcomer. Ronan strolled into his office, glancing at the mess of papers and things thrown everywhere.
“A case.” He tapped the wooden desk, more in an effort to collect himself. Ronan’s hesitation and trepidation coated the air, making it hard to focus on the task at hand. “What is it?”
Rather than answer, Ronan picked up a stack of papers. His eyebrows shot way up when he noticed one of the names. “Ciaran Loughey?” He met Finn’s gaze. “What the hell did you get involved in?”
Finn dropped into the chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. “A bloody mess, that’s what.”
“Why the face? You’ve got a pack, boss. Put us to use.”
Sighing, Finn told him about the case. When he got to the meeting at the court, Ronan whistled low. “He’s got some nerve. And a dragan? I thought their race was all but gone.”
“Apparently, it was just my luck to run into one.”
“More like antagonize him,” Ronan snorted. He rubbed his chin, then said, “What about the judge? What’s your feel?”
“He sympathizes. But one look at Ciaran had him freeze multiple times. I’m not sure he can see this through, let alone sentence the head of a dragon clan.”
“You think he knows?”
Finn thought back to the judge’s innate fearful response. “Nah, more that he perceives the danger in opposing someone like Ciaran.”
Ronan was quiet for a moment, then said, “But you’ve got it in the bag. The witnesses, the paper trail... What more do you need?”
Finn groaned. “I need Ciaran nailed. Proof that he knew what he was doing in picking the cheapest security company. If I have it on paper that he was offered options and purposefully chose the least expensive, it would change the game.”
Ronan shrugged, “So, we’ll get it. I’ll take a few of the guys and dig into it.”
Finn shook his head. “It’s too dangerous. I don’t want the pack involved in this.”
“Boss, no offense, but we’re already involved. You may keep your distance from us, hunting justice for humans, but whatever you throw your strength behind drags all of us in it. And you chose to dig your heels into this, so now we need to stick by you.”
Knowing it was true, Finn nodded. The invisible burden on his shoulders got heavier with the movement. “Fine. But keep your distance from his men, make sure you’re not seen, and I need to know of any developments. As soon as they happen.”
“You got it.” Ronan got up to head out, but Finn called out.
“What had you so hesitating earlier?”
“I hate it when you do that,” Ronan muttered under his breath. A faint smile graced his lips – something not easily seen. “If you must know, I met someone. And I’d like you to meet her, too.”
Finn laughed. “After this mess is over, it’s a deal.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
Ronan walked out then. As he watched his friend and beta leave, Finn got an odd feeling in the pit of his stomach – like he wouldn’t be seeing him again.
∞ ♦ ∞
There is no worse omen than a phone ringing in the middle of the night. Even more so when it won’t stop ringing.
Groaning and swearing under his breath, Finn picked up. “Yeah?”
“I didn’t know who else to call.”
Finn froze, then jumped out of bed and pulled on a pair of sweatpants and a shirt. Within moments, he was flooring his old car through the half-asleep city. When he got to the neighborhood, police were already on site. A younger-looking cop headed towards him to warn him off, but Finn growled. “I’m his solicitor. Let me the fuck in.”
The man hesitated, but an older police officer moved forward. “He’s good, I know him. Let him through.” Finn ducked under the yellow tape, and scowled at the young policeman.
He was a young punk, probably still a rookie, and untrained in the ways of their world. Plus, he was human. The older one knew the drill, and that alone earned him a nod of respect from Finn. It was good having wolves in various professions.
Inside the house, Finn took stock of the broken living room window, and the three kids in a corner. A policewoman was speaking softly to them, and they seemed to be sipping cups of tea. Niall was on a couch, holding a pack of ice to his head. A nasty bruise was forming, and Finn saw a towel filled with blood tossed on the ground.
The two cops interrogating him looked up as he entered. “I’m Finn McConnell,” he said, dropping a hand on Niall’s shoulder. “What happened?”
“Earlier this evening, your client was attacked. He didn’t report it. Within moments of getting home, a brick was tossed through his window, resulting in these damages.” A pause. “He still won’t talk.”
Finn narrowed his eyes on the cops. “Maybe if you’d give him a minute to catch his breath, he would. Leave us.”
The eldest of the cops opened his mouth to say something. Finn narrowed his eyes, letting enough of his anger seep loose. He knew what the humans would perceive – an innate reaction, telling them to back the fuck off.
It was one thing to taste emotions in the air, but his were always well kept under wraps. Unless something took him by surprise – and whatever this was, it wasn’t good news.
After a hesitation, the cops headed into the hall, leaving him alone with his client. Heart pounding, Finn knelt before Niall. “What happened?”
Tears filled the man’s eyes, and his fear and despair permeated the air. “It’s Ciaran. One of his goons from the courthouse, he followed me. I recognized him, and he was the one who attacked me. Probably the same one who threw the brick.”
Finn glanced at the cops. “And why didn’t you tell them?”
“I can’t. He’ll kill me. You know as well as I do that it’s a warning. I won’t leave my kids orphaned.”
Finn inhaled sharply, trying to hold his anger at bay. “He won’t get to do anything, I swear it.”
“How can you be sure? Ciaran... He’s not like you. There’s something wrong with him.”
Finn gave a short laugh. “Yeah, there’s something wrong with him, alright. And I plan on fixing it.”
He stood and walked to the cops. “My client won’t speak as to who hurt him. However, if you want to dig deeper, feel free. He’s currently involved in a lawsuit with a rather powerful man. Three guesses who’s leading this witness intimidation scheme.”
Ignoring their startled looks, Finn walked out. One glance at the older cop from earlier, and he followed in his footsteps. When they were far enough from the house, Finn stopped and took out a lighter. He didn’t smoke – hadn’t since he’d been a boy. But playing with the flame calmed him down. A deep breath later, he spoke out of the corner of his mouth. “I want uniforms around his house, protecting him and his kids. I don’t care how, but arrange it.”
The man nodded. “Who do we have to look out for?”
Finn glanced at the darkening clouds. “The skies. Be wary of the damn skies.” With an equally darkening expression, he growled. “Ciaran Loughey is on his last straw.”
∞ ♦ ∞
The trial went on. And on.
First the employees refused to testify. Then the witnesses disappeared.
In the end, the judge had no chance but to declare Ciaran cleared of all charges. The smug bastard walked off as Finn's client collapsed into sobs. Finn tasted Niall’s defeat, his unbearable misery, and could do nothing to console him. The man responsible for his wife’s death had just walked off free – there was nothing to be done.
Still, he glared after Ciaran. At the entrance of the courtroom, the dragan turned around and smirked. His look told Finn he wasn’t quite done.
∞ ♦ ∞
The same evening, Finn was woken up yet again in the middle of the night. Only, it wasn’t due to his cellphone. A sense of loss, of unbearable agony spread through his body. He gasped, panting and sweating in bed, waiting for it to go away. When it finally did – interminable seconds later – a body-numbing cold took over him.
Finn grappled out of bed, searching for clothes. His hand encountered a phone in the darkness, and he dialed Ronan’s number. Despite the distance, he’d always been attuned to his wolves, especially his beta. And something was telling him now it was imperative to contact Ronan. But the line rang on, and on.
Dread filling the pit of his stomach, Finn pulled on clothes and once more got into his car. The scene felt all too familiar when he sped down the streets, heart in the pit of his stomach, but he tried not to let panic overrule him.
At least until he got to Ronan’s out-of-town bungalow, at the cul-de-sac of a tiny residential address... And found ashes. There was nothing left of the house, only a pile of bricks, amd broken ruins of what used to be a home.
“Ronan...”
Finn left the car running in the middle of the road and stumbled out. The dread in his gut intensified. He tasted ashes, but also anger – not his. An alien anger. A dragan. His eyes searched the skies, and he could have sworn seeing a shadow pass, hiding behind clouds.
“Ciaran, you feckin’ piece of shite!”
A roar of pain burst from his throat, and he fell to the ground, hitting it with unleashed fury until his knuckles were bloodied, the skin hanging off them.
How had the humans not seen it?
How had Ronan not escaped?
And worst of all... Why had he, the alpha, not been around to prevent this from ever taking place?
Guilt bubbled up his throat, escaping into another roar. “RONAN!!!!!!” It ended on a howl, scorching his insides, echoing around. Lights turned on in the few houses surrounding the area.
Before any residents could see him, a shudder ran through Finn, and he was no longer human. White paws dusted with grey covered the ground, a black nose dug deep into the rubbles, searching, questing, praying to find no trace of his friend.
But Ronan was there. His charred body was unmistakable, a familiar pewter necklace still hanging around his neck. Finn vowed then and there that his friend’s death would not go unavenged.
∞ ♦ ∞
Robotically, Finn made his way to his office. He pulled up all the files on Ciaran, all the research. Downing cup after cup of coffee, he poured over the documents, searching. Seeing if anything could be done. His family called too many times to count. Word must have spread of Ronan’s death. He had decisions to make – a new beta to choose.
The pain was too fresh, the agony too raw. He refused to speak to anyone and turned both phones off, even unhooked the landline.
And then the news caught his attention. Police in front of a beaten down house, three kids crying at the front. The area was familiar, though it took him a second to realize why. When he did, Finn’s throat clogged up. “No...”
It was Niall’s house. And according to the news anchor, he’d committed suicide following the verdict.
Finn grabbed his coat and drove like hell to his former client’s neighborhood. The cop he’d spoken to, the one who assured him Niall would be protected, was on duty. He saw Finn approaching and shook his head. Regret was etched all over his face.
“We had him, but following the verdict the guys eased up, tried to let him get back to his life...” The rest faded away as Finn walked away. They were excuses he did not want to hear.
In the house, Finn only had to step one foot inside before he tasted it – the fiery anger that had been missing at the trial. This was no suicide.
Fists clenched, he stomped out of the house, slamming the door. A growl of agony left him and he hit the closest thing – his car. A deep breath, then he forced the red haze clouding him back, and got inside. He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel for a beat, before putting the car into gear. The time for thinking was over. As was the time for the human legal system to act.
It was time for his justice.
And he knew just where to find Ciaran.
∞ ♦ ∞
The club was open all night long. It should be – Ciaran owned it, too. Finn gained entrance with a few well-placed bills, and took stock in the darkest corner of the bar. He was overrun with anger, regret – he should have done more, could have done more. Had he not been confined by stupid rules.
Rules he’d chosen to follow.
But there were no rules now. Only him, Ciaran, and justice in sight. When he was done playing around with girl after girl, the dragan left behind his security detail and went outside.
Finn followed from afar, keeping his footsteps light. Ciaran was walking, stumbling, uncaring. The minute he ducked into an alley to relieve himself, Finn went after him. Without hesitation, he grabbed him by the neck, smashing his face against the brick wall.
A crack echoed in the air, and Ciaran cursed under his breath. Hands to his bloody nose, he turned to Finn. His eyes flashed to flames in the darkness. “Do you have a death wish, faoladh?”
“Aye, maybe I do.” Finn ducked his punch and went for his gut. “Or maybe I just want to taste your blood.”
Ciaran drunkenly tried to hit again, but Finn knew his enemy. He’d studied him the last few weeks. Dragans had a thirst for gold, for vices, and it was their weakness. Alcohol and drugs, they relished, but both inhibited their ability to shift, let alone keep a handle on their powers.
In short, Ciaran was vulnerable. And he was alone. So, Finn ducked and punched again, this time hitting him under the jaw. Ciaran’s back hit the side of a dumpster, and slid to the ground. But Finn wasn’t done. He picked him up by his shirt and hit again. And again.
A red haze filled his sight. Ronan. Niall. Three poor kids who were now orphans. Ronan’s girl who would never know the joy of having a mate. Brian, who’d lost a brother. His fist was numb from the hits, but still he went at it.
By the time he was done, Ciaran was on the ground, his face an unrecognizable mess. It would take hours for it to heal – if it ever did. Still, the dragan looked up at him through one swollen eye. “You’ve signed your death warrant.”
“Maybe so,” Finn growled, towering over him. “But at least you’ll lose your clan over this.”
A dragan chief who got beat up? It was bound to lead to a fight for alpha. And, if nothing else, that meant Ciaran would lose something from the entire mess.
Finn spit at his feet, then walked away. For the first time that night, he slept peacefully – aided by the good contents of a whiskey bottle.
Retaliation was swift. The following morning, his office was trashed. Over the next few weeks, clients started being threatened. But it was only the build up to the final nail in the coffin.
One night Finn parked the car in front of his house. He didn't even make it to his front door before a group attacked him. When they were done and he was on the ground, coughing up blood, Ciaran walked up to him.
He was wearing an impeccable suit once more, not a hair out of place. His beatings had healed, too. Arching an eyebrow, the dragan smirked. “Lose my pack, you said? It’s you who will lose yours. You have a choice: death to all your kin, or exile. And let me never see your face, faoladh, ever again.”
∞ ♦ ∞
It took him an hour, but finally Finn was able to move off the grass. He crawled back into the car, resting his head on the steering wheel. He fought to catch his breath, but each inhalation increased his agony.
“I’ve fucked up.”
The whisper was loud in the small space, its only competition his ragged breath. Finn looked at the icy moon, visible from his spot. “What the hell do I do, Ronan?”
There was no answer, but deep down, he knew his next step. Men like Ciaran didn’t give up. His rage had led him to break the rules, and now he had to pay the price.
Starting the car, he drove out of town, coughing blood all the way. He was heading to the one place he should have when all this mess had started. When he pulled in the driveway, just as the sun poked over the horizon, two men stepped out of the house. His brother and cousin greeted him, their similar green eyes looking him over in concern. They caught him as he stumbled out of the car, holding his weight up.
“Call a pack meet,” Finn whispered, before passing out.
When he came to, whispered voices surrounded him.
“Is it true?”
“Is the dragan’s clan after us?”
“He must have pissed them off.”
“Don't talk about him like that. He's our alpha.”
“And how can he protect us, if he can't even protect himself? Ronan died because of him!”
Finn coughed and opened his eyes. He was surrounded by his family, and as much of the pack that fit in the cramped living room. “You're right,” he hoarsely. “I'm here to pick a replacement.”
∞ ♦ ∞
We’ll miss you.
Finn glanced at his cellphone one more time. The text made his heart clench, but he knew it was for the best. Choosing someone to take his place had been easy – his brother was the natural pick. He was strong enough to keep Ciaran from coming after his pack, and it was for the best.
Leaving was another matter. Ireland was in his very bones, and the thought of never returning left him empty, bereft. Even if it was the only choice, it wasn’t the easiest to make.
His flight was called. Holding his ribs, Finn shuffled to the plane. Each step was harder, and every muscle in his body wanted to rebel against the act.
He wasn’t leaving because he feared for himself – but for his pack, for their sake. If he stayed, it would mean certain death, and he already had two such deaths on his conscience.
One last glance over his shoulder. The rolling emerald hills taunted him. Clouds hid the sun, but he already missed the wet smell of the outside. Memories of another time, a simpler time, shifted through his mind. Tears pricked at the corner of his eyes – tears of rage – but he blinked them away.
Resolutely, he turned around and handed the hostess his passport.
Maybe an ocean will be enough for Ciaran. Maybe one day I’ll come back home. Maybe...it’s not forever. Just for right now.
That last bit of hope gave him the courage to move onwards. Head held high, he turned his back on Ireland and stepped on the plane.
∞ ♦ ∞
Will Finn find his way back home? Or will something else, something deeper, keep him rooted in the New World... Perhaps even love?
(Flip the page for a preview!)
Or continue with Tristan’s Origin Story
Rules are meant to be broken... Unless breaking them tears an entire family apart.
Finn
I'm the cool-headed one. The rule-follower. The non-hormonal-raging wolf.
This pack needs someone like me. We've fought creatures of the night, stuck together through psychotic families and dealing with magic and the unbelievable. We're all thick as thieves, and the worst thing that could happen is getting kicked out of this pack.
Breaking rules is not my thing.
So why does Elle make me want to throw it all away?
And why is it my stupid, idiotic wolf does exactly that...before I've even had a taste of her lips?
Elle
He barges in like he owns my destiny, and yeah it's hot as sin. That Irish accent, those gorgeous eyes, it'd be easy to fall for it.
Only I don't. I may look as sweet as the baked goods I sell, but there are thorns under this armor Finn has no idea about.
And then things get really complicated when Tytus is added to the mix, telling me stories I can't believe. They're fables, myths....aren't they? ‘Cause if they’re not, those thorns I mentioned may just burn down this entire town.
∞ ♦ ∞ PREVIEW ∞ ♦ ∞
Elisandra
The damn delivery truck had to crap out on us – again. Grandmama’s already had a hard enough time with grandpa gone and now... Ugh.
And of course there’s only one damn mechanic shop in this town, and he happens to work there. I wish it didn’t make a difference. That he didn’t make my pulse race, my heart beat faster, nor create butterflies in my stomach. I wish I didn’t think of him naked whenever I see him. I wish to hell I was indifferent.
Only, I’m not.
Finn McConnell. Tall, lean, eyes the color of the lush emerald landscape he’s from, a jaw I could trace time and time again. And that Irish lilt that melted me to pudding the first time I heard it.
I never had a chance.
Oh, I’ve seen him around. Since he showed up to town, I’ve seen him. And the guys he hangs out with, each hotter than the last. Only, Finn doesn’t even know I exist.
Which is why it’s even harder dragging the damn car there and making my way inside the shop. A reception desk is set up outside the garage doors. A familiar redhead’s typing furiously, while the new girl in town chats animatedly. They’re dating two of Finn’s best friends – Dom, and Tristan. And no, I’m not a stalker. I just...see.
They both look up when I enter, and I hesitate, shifting from foot to foot. “Do you guys have room for one more appointment today?” I don’t tell them it’s urgent. That grandmama depends on this. I can’t appear that desperate.
As they share a look, a loud clatter startles me – it’s coming from the garage. And then I feel his eyes on me.
Don’t look. Don’t look. Don’t —
I look. It’s impossible not to, like a damn magnet. My gaze travels through the transparent door into the garage and collides with Finn’s emerald gaze. A faint flush creeps up his neck, then he picks up the tool he dropped and bends back over the car. Now my eyes are glued to his corded back, showcased in a dirty white shirt over equally dirty jeans. As he messes with something in the engine, his muscles tense and release. He’s screwing something there.
Wish he’d screw us.
I jump at the voice. This is why I can’t be around Finn. She always shows up, without a fault, and I’m having a harder time keeping a rein on her.
It’s not that I’m possessed. But, there’s something wrong with me, alright. ‘Cause that voice in my head, it’s me – only a nastier version.
Just one bite. Look at that ass.
And did I mention sluttier version?
No, I scowl, noticing my reflection on glass pane darkening. It’s not the first time I’ve had full conversations in my head, but I try to force myself to look at Lucrezia and Daniela instead. They’ve been awfully quiet, observing me with mirroring interested expression.
“Sorry, I’m a bit scattered today. Um, so, do you?”
Lucrezia nods and grins. “Absolutely! What’s the issue?”
“Transmission crapped out on me.” I hate asking, but it’s a must-know at this point. Grandmama’s business isn’t in top shape, and since she went up to visit her sister and stayed there, it’s gotten worse. Only, I can’t tell her how bad, since she’ll want to come back. So I bite on my pride and say, “Any idea how much it’ll cost?”
Lucrezia types something in, then shakes her head. “No, but once Finn has a look he can give you an estimate.”
I dig my nails into my palms, refusing to surrender to the temptation of looking his way. “Is there anyone else who could check it out?”
She glances up with a small frown. “I...maybe?”
Daniela, quiet up until then, says, “We can probably rope of the other guys in, but it may take longer.”
Just my luck.
Yummy luck!
Shut up.
Sighing, I nod. “Never mind, then. Anyone will do, but I need this fixed ASAP. We have a baked goods delivery for a wedding out of town and....it’s important nothing delays it, Lucrezia.”
A small frown creases her features. “Of course. And I told you to call me Luz, no need for the mouthful my name is.” When I only answer with a weak smile, she gets up. “We’ll do our best, I promise. I’ll go get Finn so he can take a peek right away.”
“No, stay,” Dani smirks. “I’ll go.” When she passes me, she stops and says, “I’m Dani, by the way. I don’t think we’ve ever been formally introduced.”
I shake her hand, envying her confidence as she struts up to Finn.
Finn
This makes three.
Three times I’ve made a complete fool of myself around this girl – Elle.
Elisandra Worthington. I know because I’ve made it my business to know. Not that it helps. This is one bird I can’t figure out for the life of me. She’s shy as all sights, but handles an entire bakery by herself – her grandma hasn’t been around in a while. And while I can’t explain my interest in her, I’m also oblivious to why my wolf has suddenly decided it wants to stake his claim on her.
I want to blame Dom and Tristan. These blokes were first to fall and now here I am, feckin’ tumbling head first into something I’m nowhere ready for.
Jerking at the machinery that just won’t give today, I try to angle my thoughts elsewhere. It’s impossible, at least while she’s in the same building. There’s something about Elle, yeah. And the way her burning stare is glued to my ass right now, focus flies out the window – as does the screwdriver in my hand. Again.
“Look who’s all clumsy today.”
The breathy voice takes me by surprise. I’m not usually this unaware, especially with females around me. It’s with a sigh that I turn to Dani.
“No more than usual.”
She cocks a hip against the car I’m fixing and smirks. “Yeah? So, it’s got nothing to do with the pretty brunette who just walked in?”
My treacherous eyes shift again to Elle. She’s squirming, uncomfortable in whatever conversation she’s having with Luz. “What did you two say to her?”
The words come out more cross than I’d intended. Dani’s smirk widens. “Não, meu amigo. We said nothing. Seems sweet Elle is just as much of a mess around you.”
Damn.
My gaze moves to Elle again. Our eyes lock across the distance and a zing goes through me, like I’ve been electrocuted.
Yummy.
The word rings in my head as clear as if she’d spoken. Elle’s eyes widen, then she breaks the stare and tries to rush out the door.
“Finn, wait!” Dani’s voice echoes behind me, but I’m already gone.
Don’t let her leave, or you may not see her again. The impulse is strong – too impossible to resist. So I burst through the side garage door and intercept Elle as she tries to flee.
“Running off, love?” I hope to high hell and beyond she doesn’t see through the front I’m putting up.
Elle looks at me then, her lips parted. The moment lengthens, and I taste her interest, mixed with something else. It’s everywhere in the air. And it’s such a sweet invitation, I’m about to take it despite myself – until her eyes flash.
And it’s enough to make me pause. Because I’ve seen that look before...in one I hate.
Then I realize she’s talking to me. “Sorry, what?”
She crosses her arms over her chest then, scowling at me. “I said I wasn’t running, you just seemed busy.” A pause, then, “Lucrezia said you might have room for one more appointment.”
I follow her gaze to the minivan parked near the auto shop. “What’s wrong with it?”
“Transmission, I think.”
Elle’s voice is soft now, less edgy than before. Her emotions are too chaotic to place, but one thing I’m sure of. This attraction isn’t one-sided.
Which is why my feckin’ mouth runs off without me and says, “I’ll have a look.”
Elisandra
Yum.
Ugh she won’t shut up. And I’m probably not helping by checking Finn out every two minutes. What the hell possessed me to stick around?
Grandmama’s business, that’s what. She and grandpapa took care of me after my parents died. And now, well, somehow it seems only fair I help out.
Double yum.
“Ugh, would you shut up?”
Lucrezia stops typing and looks up. “Sorry?”
“No, not you.” I cringe. “Can’t really say I’ve got a voice in my head that only comes out when Finn’s around, can I?”
Her eyes go wide. My stomach sinks.
“I didn’t just...”
“Say that out loud?” She grins. “You so did.”
“Crap.” I bury my head in my hands, taking a deep breath through my fingers. Could this day get any worse?
Lucrezia comes and sits next to me, rubbing my shoulder. “No shame in it. He’s something, alright.”
I peek out from my hands. “Please don’t say anything.”
“Of course not!.”
“I’m not usually this crazy.”
Lucrezia smiles. Then her eyes go over my shoulder and the smile turns into something blinding. I envy that joy, and the soft welcome in her voice when she says, “Hey.”
“Draga mea.”
The deep voice – I know it. It’s Dominic, her boyfriend. Lucrezia stands and goes to him, burying herself in his embrace. It’s not long before Tristan and Daniela walk in, interrupting the moment with their loud bickering.
“I said não, beleza, why don’t you listen?”
“Because Lucas is already impossible and you know I can help! If I’ve got this ma—”
Lucrezia clears her throat noisily and Daniela stops mid-sentence. Her eyes fall on me. “Elle! Still around?”
It’s not said in a mean way, but I still get defensive. “Just waiting on a quote, Daniela.”
“Call me Dani.” She cranes her neck around Tristan and grins at Finn. “Taking his sweet time, I see.”
It’s then I’m aware of both Dominic and Tristan’s heavy gazes on me. They share a look, and Dominic gives a small shrug, as if answering a silent question. Then he kisses Lucrezia. “I’ll be back. Need to run an errand with Tristan.”
“Again? But you just got back!”
He shrugs in apology and they take off, but not before Tristan lingers around Dani, kissing her a few times. I look away, scorched by their intensity. Then the guys are gone once more and Luz and Dani’s chatter dies away.
I’m once more drawn to Finn. His form, his right everything moving around...
“Did you know he used to be a lawyer?”
I snap out of my daze at Luz’s words.
“Who, Finn?” The way Dani asks it makes it seem like she’s overdoing it for my sake.
“Yeah, back when he lived in Belfast.”
“Why’d he move here?”
Luz shrugs at my question. “Never did find out. He keeps to himself.”
Dani snorts. “Speak for your experience.”
A glance passes between them. Then I turn to look at Finn again. Another voice draws my attention. “Che cazzo... What the hell is she doing here?”
Finn
Crap. This’ll cost a pretty penny. And something tells me from the state of this car, it won’t be easy for Elle to come up with the funds. Then again, that’s not my problem. I shouldn’t care. Nor should I care that I’ve felt her eyes on me the last hour.
Ruckus by the reception area draws my wolf. He’s always a bit too damn interested when people exhibit too many emotions.
My mouth parts as I taste their scents. See, most wolves focus on their nose, but my ancestry gave me something different. I can taste everything – desire, anger, embarrassment.
Like Dani, who’s annoyed she’s being left behind. Dom and Tristan have been out patrolling the last few days since the fight with the Reapers and her old pack. We don’t want to be taken unawares, not that it’s helped much. And Dani, naïve in some ways, doesn’t understand Lucas is purposefully keeping her in the shop to protect what’s here – Lucrezia.
As an indoctrinated member of our pack, she’s the only human around us. And since the Reapers hate humans, Lucas thinks they might come after her – our weakest link.
Of course, his Italian macho side also wants to keep the women away from whatever horrifying discoveries Dom and Tristan run into on their patrol. With the Reapers crazy and Cade as their leader, the town itself is changing.
All thoughts of change leave my mind when Lucas steps into the reception area. I’d feel his anger even without my extrasensory perceptions. Shit.
Dropping the clipboard I was writing my estimate on, I make my way to them.
“....and Finn’s just getting an estimate. Won’t be long now.”
I walk in at the last of Luz’s babbling. “Problem, boss?”
For Elle’s sake, we have to try to keep it normal. I can taste her wariness and sense of doing wrong.
Get her out of here.
The voice is loud in my head – demanding. It’s an order if I ever heard one. I focus on Lucas’ glare. “It’ll be a complicated job, but I’ve got room.”
Lucas looks to Elle, dismissing me. “Afraid we’re capped out for the week.” He doesn’t sound the least bit apologetic.
Elle’s face falls. “Are you sure? What if I pay double?”
Something tells me it’s a bluff. Not that it changes Lucas’ mind. “Scusi, but it’s a hard no.” Then the heartless bastard walks off.
Elle looks ready to burst into tears, and my reaction gets the best of me again. I step closer to her, touching her shoulder. She jumps as if jolted, and I pull my hand back, frowning at it. Yeah, I definitely sensed that zap again. Despite my confusion, I whisper, “It’ll be okay. We’ll do it, just give me a second to sort the schedule out with my boss.”
Ignoring the gratefulness in her eyes, I stalk after Lucas. “Why are you being so nutty all of a sudden?”
Lucas throws me a glare over his shoulder. “Not you, too. I need one wolf at least with a clear head!”
My steps slow down. “Have I ever disappointed?”
Lucas stops moving away, and sighs rather dramatically. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he turns to me and stares, not saying anything.
He doesn’t have to. When Dom fell in love, he broke all the rules – and then some. All to claim Lucrezia. When it was Tristan’s turn, he fell so hard and so fast for Dani, he didn’t even see it coming. Nor did he know what to do with it – other than challenge his alpha at the most idiotic of times. And as for me...
I’m not there yet. Nor do I plan to be.
So I say the words I know will get Lucas to budge. “She’s just a girl. An inconsequential nobody, boss. Let me do the job and she’ll be out of our hair.”
His onyx eyes glitter. “It’s not a simple job, is it?”
“No. But I’ll pay it out of pocket if I have to.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
Shit.
I turn and sure enough, there’s Elle behind me. How much did she hear?
The hurt on her expression tells me she caught more than enough.
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