Page 6 of Stealing His Human

“Thanks, Pre,” Nedrick called before heading away.

Brett watched Nedrick drive away and found he actually looked forward to seeing him again. For some reason, he enjoyed the friendly mechanic’s presence. The guy could make a great friend.

His attention was quickly averted by Karissa once more as she demanded scathingly, “Why are you going to invite him, Preall?” She scowled at him while resting her hands on her hips. “It’s so damn obvious that he’s after Brett. He’s trying to poach my guy.”

“Wait, what?” Brett looked from Karissa to Preall, sure that his friend would deny that. “He was just being nice.”

Preall scoffed as he released Trina’s hand in order to wrap his arm around her waist. “Well, I can tell you that Ned would have changed your tire without being interested in you. That’s just the kind of stand-up guy he is.” Then he smirked at Brett as he indicated Karissa. “But Karissa’s right. Heisinterested in you.” With a laugh, Preall winked. “How could you not notice his flirting?”

“Yeah?” Karissa snapped, turning to frown at Brett. “How come you didn’t notice and set him straight?” She stepped close and pressed her breasts to his side as she gripped his arm again. “You’re with me, and you’re not interested.”

Confusion flooded him even as he fought his desire to extricate himself from Karissa’s clinginess.

Before Brett had a chance to dig up a response, Tyler barked a laugh. “Hell, Brett wouldn’t notice a guy bein’ interested if he walked up to him and dropped to his knees.” He rolled his eyes as he grinned widely at him. “Sorry, buddy, but it’s true.” With a shrug, Tyler added, “I’ve seen you get hit on in bars by guys, and you’ve been completely oblivious to it.”

“Really?” Brett had no idea what Tyler was talking about. “Huh.”

Brett had never really thought about being with a guy before. He didn’t have a problem with it, per se, but it was always so easy for him to pick up women. Even when Brett had noticed that a guy was attractive, he’d never seen a reason to try to go that route.

“Well, Brett isn’t a fag,” Karissa stated derisively with an eye-roll. She lifted her chin and smiled. “So he’s out of luck.”

“Watch your mouth,” Trina snapped, frowning at the other woman. “My brother’s gay, and I don’t like that term.”

“Whatever,” Karissa muttered with another eye-roll.

Preall eyed Brett, and he wondered what the older man was looking for. “Well, let me and Trina set up camp. Then we’ll take a look at the map and decide where to go.” Sliding his arm back around Trina’s waist, he turned and headed toward their campsite.

As Brett allowed Karissa to urge him toward their own space, he wondered what the others had obviously seen that he’d completely missed.

And why do I care if Nedrick’s interested? That doesn’t really matter to me.

Does it?

Chapter Three

Driving away from his mate while he was in the clutches of that hussy was the hardest thing Nedrick had ever had to do in his life. He gripped the steering wheel tightly as he drove along the winding roads toward town. Nedrick focused on his breathing, while reminding his wolf that they would see their mate again... soon.

Preall will let me know where to meet them. It won’t be long before we see our mate again.

With that silent promise made to the snarling wolf he shared his psyche with, Nedrick focused on his driving. The trek to Stone Ridge was short, and he drove through the open gate to the left of Kade’s mechanic’s shop. A quick glance showed him that the car dolly was right where he thought it would be.

As Nedrick backed hisJeepup to it, he spotted Kade as he exited the back of the shop and began striding toward him. He was a little surprised to see the wolf shifter enforcer there on a Saturday. The man usually reserved the weekends for pack business and time with his human mate, Tom.

After parking his vehicle in front of the dolly, Nedrick cut the engine. He hopped out, as did Rierdon, who’d been sitting quietly in the passenger seat. Nedrick had appreciated that his buddy hadn’t tried to discuss the situation with him. In truth, it had taken all of Nedrick’s self-control to keep his agitated wolf in check while driving.

“Hi, Ned,” Kade greeted with a smile as he glanced between them. “What’s up?”

Before Nedrick could explain, Rierdon blurted, “My truck broke down at Tall Timbers Campground. Ned came to help me, and he found his mate there.” Hardly taking a breath, he rambled, “Is there someone here that can help me instead, so Ned can go back and woo his mate? He’s up there camping with a redheaded hussy named Karissa.”

Kade’s jaw sagged open for an instant, and his dark eyebrows shot up as his eyes widened. “Say what now?” A second later, he shook his head once, as if clearing it, and lifted his hand, obviously asking for Rierdon to keep silent. Then he turned his attention to Nedrick. “You found your mate, Ned?”

Nedrick nodded. “Yeah. He’s a human camping with a group of friends for the week.”

“Congratulations,” Kade rumbled, grabbing Nedrick in a quick hug. After a pat on the back, he stepped back and returned his attention to Rierdon. “What’s this about a hussy named Karissa?”

Clenching his jaw, Nedrick blew out a sharp breath through his nostrils. He fought the urge to growl, and he felt a muscle begin ticking in his jaw. Fortunately, Rierdon answered for him again.

“Yeah, total skank-city.” Rierdon crossed his arms and scowled while staring at the car dolly. “She kept pressing her boobs against him and grabbing his arm possessively.” Curling his lip, Rierdon grumbled, “Ugh, and the way she carded her fingers through his hair almost mademewant to yank her away from him.” Shaking his head, he focused on Nedrick. “I don’t know how you kept your cool, Ned.”

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