Page 13 of Feral Heart
“Jamie,” Cesar said, the name sounding sweeter on his lips suddenly. He was even smiling, knowing damn well he was in for the ride of his life with his bouncy squirrel.
Matias salted the fries then picked one up, taking a bite. He chewed like he lived his life. Methodically, like he was judging each bite. “Still good.”
The alpha took the plate with him as he walked out, eating another fry.
He’d known Matias for a few years now. The brother had pulled Cesar out of a rough situation involving five cheetahs, a bottle of vodka, and enough machismo to start a fight Cesar couldn’t finish. Not on his own. He didn’t know why Matias had stopped at that shit watering hole, but whatever the reason, Matias had saved his ass that night.
About a year later, Cesar had been out back of the tavern, working on his bike, cursing seven ways from Sunday.
He couldn’t figure out what the noise his bike was making.
A moment later, Matias was out there, helping Cesar.
“Why don’t you ever talk?” he’d asked while Matias crouched on the side of his bike, ratcheting some bolt. “I never see you cutting loose and having fun.”
Matias had kept working, eyes focused on what he’d been doing. “It’s my job to watch over my pack so they can strengthen their bonds.” He’d looked up at Cesar. “Would you rather have me partying with you or watching for threats?”
There’d been more to it. Cesar knew there was. Matias was grandson to the apex alpha, his brain built differently from others.
After that day, Cesar had never asked again.
Instead of going to Jamie, Cesar stepped outside, the alley empty except for the overflowing dumpster, trash due to be emptied tomorrow. The sun had already set, nighttime settling over the town.
Cesar took a deep breath, glancing up at the star-filled sky. Music from the tavern spilled into the alley, a guitar-heavy song. But it was muted, only growing louder whenever the front entrance opened or closed.
A few motorcycles revved then quieted the farther away they drove. Cesar couldn’t see them, but the sound was as familiar as his own breathing.
As he stood there, deep in thought—enjoying the breeze cooling off his heated skin from the kitchen—his senses prickled.
Someone else was in the alley with him. More than one person. Eyes glowed from the shadows. Three sets.
Cesar cursed under his breath. His gun was resting in the inside pocket of his leather, which was draped over one of the ten kitchen chairs. He didn’t think to bring it outside with him.
Usually didn’t need protection at Sin & Steel, the tavern doubling as the wolves’ den.
Cesar’d had it earlier when he’d been out here with Jamie but put it away once they’d gone inside.
Ever since Tomas and Noel had been shot through the bedroom window not twenty feet away from Cesar, he kept his gun on him at all times. Now he was mentally kicking himself for leaving it inside.
Three silhouettes appeared as the sound of shoes scuffed the ground. The scent of sulfur made Cesar’s nose twitch when a match was struck. The orange flare made the stranger’s features appear eerie in the darkness.
The guy lit his cigarette then tossed the match aside. He took a long drag, blowing out the smoke, dark eyes fixed on Cesar.
“Got brass balls coming near a wolf den, hijo de putas.” Cesar felt his eyes glowing, his vision filled with an amber hue. Sharp claws unsheathed from his fingers. “Must have a death wish, mutt.”
A muskier scent permeated the air. A power flex to let Cesar know an alpha stood before him. But which guy? They were too close together, making it impossible to tell.
Cesar’s wolf gave a low, threatening growl while, at the same time, pacing nervously. Breed was irrelevant when it came to an alpha. Only the strongest could command enough respect to lead and demand everyone else to follow.
While Cesar would chew off his own arm before he allowed this cabrón to give him orders, he couldn’t deny the power he felt emanating from the guy.
A power that crawled along Cesar’s body and made his skin crawl with unease.
“That was quick.” Cesar glanced between them, but his gaze kept sliding to the smoker. He was tall, lean, with a head full of silken black hair and dark eyes cold enough to cause frost on a warm summer night. “I see ya’ll found another nut job to lead a pack of pussies.” He waved his finger back and forth. “Which one of you girls is it?”
The hyena on the left glanced at the guy taking a drag of his smoke, confirming Cesar’s suspicions. He was too calm, giving off an aura that said he owned whatever space surrounded him.
Cesar could call for backup, could shoot Matias a quick text, but that was what this guy wanted. A show of weakness. He was testing the waters. Gathering intel on the enemy.
