Page 26 of The Pact

“Could be worse,” I offer. “We could have no clients at all.”

“So…” She stares at me expectantly. When I give her a look of confusion, she pushes. “Last night? I want to know everything!”

I’m torn. Everything felt perfect until my talk with Sutton this morning. Maybe she’ll have some good advice, she usually does. I tell Cassie about the note in my car and the guy that Cole rescued me from. Then about meeting his brothers and knowing Sutton.

The name is familiar to her. I’d mentioned him occasionally over the years. Then about Sutton’s worries. That he doesn’t want Cole or me to get hurt because no one has stuck around long in the past.

By the time I finish, Cassie’s jaw has dropped at least five times and she can’t stop saying, “you’ve got to be fucking kidding.” I assure her I’m not. I don’t know what to do. Cole is near perfect. However, I don’t want to come between him and his brothers. I’m also not okay with being second best—I’ve done that before and it’s a deal breaker.

When the shock wears off, Cassie shakes her head in confusion. “Wait. How did the note get in your truck? Was your window broken?”

I chew the corner of my mouth. “Not exactly.”

“Thea…” She broaches cautiously. “Tell me you didn’t.”

My eyes shift away. “It was an accident. I don’t usually forget to lock my doors!”

Cassie shakes her head. We both know it’s a lie. I change the subject.

“Do you know anything about these guys? You’ve been here a few years. There has to be some info on them.” It feels wrong to pry this way, yet I can’t help myself.

Cassie thinks for a second. “Not much and what I do know…I’m not sure if there’s much truth to it. Are you sure you want to hear the town gossip?”

No, I don’t. But I need to. “Yes, it can’t be too bad.”

“I’ve heard of them referred to as the Wolfe Creek Four. Something about all of them naming their businesses with Wolfe Creek. Cole has Wolfe Creek Bakery. Sutton has Wolfe Creek Bookstore. Wesley owns Wolfe Creek Adventures. I’m not sure of Damian’s business, although I can only assume it’s named similarly. They even changed their last names.”

Sutton’s comment about leaning into the wolf thing resurfaces.

“That was before my time,” she continues. “They grew up here and went their separate ways after high school, but eventually made it back. They keep to themselves, mostly. Damian, I know almost nothing about. Cole and Sutton are in town more than him since they own businesses on Main Street. I’ve heard that Wesley is kind of the town’s favorite. He’s really outgoing and friendly.”

“I’m sorry, Wesley’s what?” I stop in my tracks. Friendly and outgoing. There’s no way in hell. “I can tell you, without a doubt, that your info on him is bad.”

Cassie lets out a barking laugh. “Why do you say that?”

I narrow my eyes at her. “He’s as bad as Damian. They both have logs shoved so far up their asses that it’s the only explanation for their shitty attitudes.”

Cassie doubles over, laughing. “Sorry,” she pants out. “I was imagining how that would work.”

“Lots of lube,” I offer.

Our laughter settles and I mention one of the odd things I noticed. Maybe she’ll have more info.

“They all wear this wolf ring with red stone eyes.” I echo my earlier sentiment to Sutton. “Comes off culty,” I say.

She nods in confirmation. “Yeah…” She hesitates for a moment. “Some of the pious people here have made certain claims. All ridiculous, of course,” she includes quickly. “Just the regular witchcraft, Satan worshiper crap. For the record, I know it’s not true.”

Cassie can be a judgmental person, by her own admission. So, I can tell that she’s saying this so that I don’t think she’s criticizing me for keeping company with Cole.

Her eyes shift away. I know what that means. There’s something she hasn’t told me or doesn’t want to. My brows raise in anticipation.

She sighs before continuing. “From what I’ve heard, they don’t make it a habit of dating local women. You’re the first I know of.”

This surprises me. “Are women not beating down their doors? Have you seen those guys? They could be in an underwear ad.”

“Oh, trust me, most of the eligible women have certainly tried, although they shut it down pretty quickly.” She sits back down on the couch and I join her.

“Why didn’t you tell me any of this before? Girl code!” I squirt her with my shower scene water bottle.

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