Page 94 of Unexpected Delivery

“Who the hell is that?” I grind out.

“That’s Vernie. She’s a notary.” Easton holds out an elbow for the aged woman. “They have to have a table around here somewhere. Let’s get you all set up, dear. Calder, you’re responsible for bringing the other gifts to Briar.” He gestures aimlessly over his shoulder. “She’s somewhere up there. Let Keir know we’llbe ready forourpackage in just a moment.”

Hael’s eyes widen, and he takes a step back. “I’m officially freaked the fuck out.”

Yeah, me too.

The only time Easton is that polite to anyone is when he’s in major manipulation mode, which makes me wonder what purpose he has for a notary.

“We need Arbor’s ID and signature for Vernie’s book,” Easton says, looking at me.

“Fuck no,” Morris growls, perfectly echoing my thoughts. “Not until you tell us what is going on.”

“What room are they in?” Calder asks from behind me. “This one is pretty heavy. Briar went overboard, especially since she’s made it clear she doesn’t want kids.”

“She just enjoys spending my money,” Easton says drolly. “Hael, if you wouldn’t mind?”

Hael looks a little like the top of his head might pop off, but he growls, “Once you hit the top of the stairs, head straight. Third door on the right.”

“Bring back her ID!” Easton calls after his packmate as Calder scurries away.

Morris and I take a step forward in unison.

Easton snorts. “You don’t want to try my patience today, gentlemen. Not when I had to charter a private flight to make this entire endeavor possible. Someone owes me twelve thousand dollars.”

“Who is that woman?” Hael nods to the old lady, still laying out supplies from her bag. “And what thefuckis going on?”

Easton sighs, pulling out his phone. “I’m notifying Keir that it’s time to bring in our package.” He types quickly and shoves the phone away. “Your pack commitment paperwork has been filed. You should have the legal certificate within seven to ten days. Congratulations on your union.” Easton glances at me and Hael, and I guess Morris too. We all stand in a line near the wall just inside the kitchen. “I might not have many core values, but I look after what’s mine. You’re family. That means something in my book.”

“Yeah,” I scoff. “You totally give a fuck what happens to us.”

Easton shrugs. “Think what you will of me, but I’ve had Calder monitoring Adam Newman. His family is a problem I would generally avoid, simply out of principle. However, Calder made me aware late last night that Adam accessed Arbor’s old email account.” His jaw gets tight, and he rocks on his heels. “She was smart to document the pattern of abuse. Of course, he attempted to delete everything she’d tried to preserve, but that’s not what forced such immediate action. Arbor’s email contained appointment confirmations for Gracie.”

“And he saw that?” Morris growls, shoving off the wall.

“Indeed.” Easton nods. “It didn’t contain your address, but it did show the date and time of her next appointment. He rented a room at the closest hotel here in town and booked himself a flight. I don’t have assetseverywhere, and he was already in the air by the time we determined what happened. As such, my pack and I came to handle your problem.” He gestures to me. “Our deal still stands.”

Wow, he’s really willing to go to extreme measures to keep Mom out of his house.

“Jesus Christ,” Hael whispers.

“No, you can thank me.” Easton smirks. “Adam flew into Portland, rented a car, and headed this way. We talked about apprehending him before he could leave the city, but the sheer number of cameras made that impossible. Luckily, it’s much less populated out here in the middle of nowhere, and we took possession of him en route.”

“You brought Adam here?” Arbor asks.

My head whips to the doorway.

My omega stands next to Briar.

Calder is just behind them, and he raises his palms. “I know I was supposed to keep them busy, but the one person who scares me more than you is Briar.” He must be talking to Easton because my brother mutters something under his breath that I can’t make out.

Morris stomps over and pulls Arbor into his arms. “You don’t have to see him. He won’t hurt you or Gracie. Noteveragain.”

“We’re in agreement about that,” Easton says, clapping. “Now, Briar, would you like to explain why youexplicitlywent against my instructions?”

Briar snorts. “It’s not your call. It’s not mine either. The only person who can decide if facing him will make her feel better isArbor. I get that you all mean well, but the choice ishersto make.”

My jaw falls. I’ve never seen anyone speak to Easton like that, and it makes me strangely grateful to know he doesn’t walk all over her in their relationship.

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