Page 10 of Loved By the Wolf

I was always the happy-go-lucky brother of the group. Not so happy-go-lucky now. Not after what I just read.

I shifted to human and leaned against the tree, cursing my life. Thank goodness my pants were able to stay on when I transformed. There was something to be said for having a grandmother who was a witch and a shifter. Taking a few deep breaths to calm myself, I pulled the letter from my pocket and reread it.

Brandon,

It’s been a while. I would ask if you were good, but I really don’t care. The last time we spoke you had found me and threatened to take away one of my biggest clients—and then successfully did so. All for a girl, and not even the one you love. Yes, I know about your Becca. I see how you look at her. You didn’t know I’ve been watching you, did you? No one does. I’ve gotten very good at covering my scent.

This is a friendly note to let you know that I am coming after you. That client you took away from me has come back to me, crawling on all four legs, because they know I’m the best when it comes to cloaking people’s identities, and now he’s learned that the hard way. He and everyone else are being sufficiently punished, and now it’s your turn.

You have your family’s protection, and as you know, I know them well too. But Becca . . . well, Becca doesn’t have that, does she? She’s all alone.

Pac

I crumpled up the note and stuffed it back in my pocket, then began banging my head on the tree. Why was this happening? Becca could do no harm to anyone. She was the epitome of kindness and would protect the wounded and weak with all her being.

Becca . . .

My heart bled for her. My wolf was torturing me even more these days to claim her as my own. Which meant I couldn’t go to Luigi’s party last night. Couldn’t watch her in her element, helping others. Knowing her, she probably forgot to eat dinner, but Donna and Luigi would have been there, and Jill too. Becca would have been okay.

As for work, I planned on lightening my case load and aligning myself with a new lawyer who had joined our company—one I didn’t want to jump every second. I would still ensure I was in the same department as Becca, so I could keep an eye on her. I groaned and rubbed my hands through my hair. What was I going to do? Even if I could keep an eye on her for the rest of her life, I was worthless at saving those I loved. My heart hurt just thinking about it.

I released a deep sigh. How things had changed. Ever since I saw her bright red hair in law school, we’d been best friends. She had drawn me to her like a siren, and I’d followed her everywhere. It was a big relief when she decided to work in the same firm I had gotten a job in.

We were allowed to go to college in Crystal Lake, but then we had to come home and work. More years away from the pack made Dad uneasy and upset. Not a great combination. Mom had stood up for me when I said I wanted to attend a law school in Crystal Lake, but she had put her foot down on me leaving the pack for a job. So, with Becca here, I had her and my family. But now I wasn’t so sure. After the ball, I’d made a mess of things. How could I have let her kiss me that night? I couldn’t provide her with the type of love she deserved. She needed someone stronger than me, someone who wouldn’t fail her.

I squeezed my eyes closed and prayed for sleep to overtake me.

The recurring dream began filtering into my mind as soon as I started to let go. Sandy was screaming as Pac took her away. Something hard knocked against my head, and I blacked out until I woke up to Luc shaking me awake. Sandy had gone—taken by Pac. I’d been completely useless; the one brother who was with Sandy. The only one who couldn’t keep her safe, even though I’d been right next to her. The memory jarred me awake again.

What use would I be to Becca if I couldn’t keep her safe?

But Pac threatening her was sending a surge of anger through me, so strong it left me shaking. I had to find a way to keep her safe.But what if I failed again?My wolf was screaming in my head that he would lay waste to Pac if he dared to lay a hand on her. I pushed him back as much as I could, trying to retain my human form. It was the only way to think without the need to kill taking over.

Pac

I wouldn’t makethe same mistake I made with Jill. Becca would be captured and brought straight to my house. I would watch over her personally; she would never be left alone.

Who knew Jill could fight back? She was such a submissive girl I hadn’t expected it. I should have never let her go. A void had been created when she left. She belonged here with me, not with Luc! How dare he take her as his own. He would be next on my list . . . .

But then again, once I got ahold of Becca, Brandon would come, and when Brandon came for me, the whole family would follow. Then I would have my revenge on them all!

It was Theodore’s fault. He should have put me first in line as alpha. I was the oldest, after all. But the wretched bloodline came first. Well, we’d see what he thought when I stripped them of their alpha powers. Then we’d see who was alpha.

Thomas better report in soon because I wanted Becca now!

Becca

Fallingonto the floor of my room was not the way I liked to wake up. Groaning, I peeled myself off the carpet and climbed back into bed. Laying on my back, I stared at the ceiling, wishing the nightmare would go away once and for all. The sense of claustrophobia was still lingering, and I tried to draw in deep breaths, but to no avail. I closed my eyes and counted to ten while holding my breath, just like Brandon taught me, and tried more deep breaths. This time I was able to take in a couple, and after repeating this a few more times, I could breathe again.

Tears took over then, and I let them fall. No one could ever save me in my nightmare, and I always woke up after I’d exhausted myself banging on the locked door. What did this all mean?

The nightmares had started soon after the ball, and the only person I’d told about them was Brandon. He never told me I was crazy but looked at me like he wanted to tell me something. Then he looked away and told me I could call him if I wanted his help to get back to sleep. I couldn’t do that, though. Going to sleep to the sound of his voice while knowing I’d never be with him would be another form of torture.

Seeing that it was four in the morning, I made myself think of a field of green grass and flowers. Slowly, I fell back asleep, hoping this time it would be free of dreams.

* * *

The next morning was gruesome, as I hadn’t slept a wink. Somehow, I managed to get out of bed and make myself presentable. Why did I agree to this brunch today? I was worn out.

---