Chapter Three

Nikki had slept like the dead. She’d meant to be awake when Brandon had gotten off shift, but she hadn’t heard a thing once she’d passed out in bed. Upon waking, she had been thrown for a minute unable to place where she’d fallen asleep. Then the memory of the trouble they could be in had had her stomach in knots as she had dressed for the day.

She looked forward to seeing her friend again, but she now wished she hadn’t invited her to breakfast. She needed to have a conversation with her brother. Nikki moved quietly around the house, starting the coffeepot and turning on the television. She needed to fix breakfast.

The familiar routine helped to settle her. Growing up, she’d had to learn to cook since both Brandon and Justin had proved to be disasters in the kitchen. She placed the cinnamon rolls in the oven when Brandon appeared in the doorway. Nikki poured him a cup and set it on the bar between them.

He grunted his thanks and took a seat. Brandon appeared tired, more worn-out than she’d seen the previous night. If she’d been paying better attention when she’d arrived, Nikki might have realized sooner that something was wrong. She placed the spatula she held on the counter then leaned against the bar.

Brandon drank half the coffee before he glanced up at her. “Justin told you?”

Nikki nodded. Guess we’re were going to do this now. “How could you even consider it?” she asked, her voice soft.

He peered down, rubbing the side of his mug. “I hadn’t, really. Some of the older members approached me and I figured they were just upset and would get over it.”

“But they didn’t,” she guessed.

“No. As the ceremony gets closer, they’re getting more desperate. Word is that Dylan Cross will fill his inner circle with his own wolves. Cameron’s discussed that some of our Pack would be involved, but I guess Dylan is backing out on that. So we would be losing the Pack and that scares people. Especially if the shifters do go public soon, as planned. If I don’t do it, then someone else will.”

“Someone not as strong as you,” she filled in. Nikki couldn’t even imagine the pressure Brandon was under. He didn’t answer, so she just watched him, the man who had been her mother and father for the last twenty years. “Do you even want to be Alpha?” she asked when he remained silent.

He glanced up and she read the answer in his eyes. He didn’t, but he felt trapped.

She walked around the counter and wrapped an arm around his neck. “I don’t want to lose you,” she whispered into his ear.

He hugged her tight and they just held each other. Nikki couldn’t believe this was happening. She had to find a way to save them all. “We’ll figure it out,” she promised.

Brandon gave her one last squeeze before letting her go and standing. “In two days? I’ve been trying to come up with another way for months now. And I don’t want you to get involved. I just wanted you home. I wanted to have some time with you.”

Nikki bit her lip at the lost look on his face. She had never understood how much responsibility her brother carried. “I love you.”

He smiled, just the corners of his lips curving up. “I love you, too.”

“But I’m not staying out of anything.”

Brandon sighed. “We don’t know what’s going to happen.”

“I know what’s not going to happen. I’m not losing my brother!”

“Nik—”

“No.” She shook her head. “I’ve been thinking about this. You didn’t have to support me when I wanted to go away for school. Hell, you paid for college. If it wasn’t for you, I don’t know where I’d have ended up.”

“You were meant for great things. You’d have found your own way.”

Jesus, does it take something like Brandon’s possible death for us to talk like this? “I can’t live without you.”

“No!” He grabbed her face. “If something happens to me, you and Justin need to get out of here. Take him to Houston with you.”

“This is our home,” she argued.

“If I have to challenge, it won’t be any longer.”

“How’d we get here?” she asked. “Why is this happening?”

“I don’t know. I still have two days. Maybe I’ll think of something.”

“Just don’t do it,” she practically begged him.

“I gotta get ready for work. Just yell when breakfast is ready.”

She watched him go, her chest aching. Nikki loved her family. If something happened to Brandon and she’d wasted so much time staying away, she’d never be able to make that up to him. Her brother was the greatest man she knew. No—Nikki wouldn’t let this happen. She needed to come up with a plan. Shit, she wrote pieces that had an entire world stepping up to help others. When it really mattered, Nikki would use everything at her disposal.

Her travels had taken her all over and she’d made friends with numerous shifters of different species. If it came down to calling in favors, she’d do it. Nikki didn’t have long to think about it. The back door opened and the whirlwind of her best friend entered. Hands full of bags and children, Sabrina swept in, distracting her from her problems.

Breakfast was a noisy but wonderful event. The kids woke Justin up, so he made it down right behind Brandon. They shared a look of worry but both remained quiet. After a while, both men went off to work, leaving the women and kids. Sabrina ushered the two older kids into the den to watch television as Nikki sat with another cup of coffee at the table, holding baby Julian.

Sabrina topped off the mugs before sitting beside her.

“How are things around here?” her friend asked.

Nikki was glad she’d brought it up. She didn’t want to confide too much, but she needed to talk to someone. “As well as can be expected.”

Sabrina sent her a sympathetic look. “I know a lot of the other members of the Pack are worried, but I don’t know that a challenge is the way to go. Cameron is giving his blessing for the new Alpha. He’s been working on the transition being as smooth as possible. I think it’s a great idea of Dylan’s to bring the Pack members in prior to taking over, so everyone could merge together.”

Nikki was glad her friend agreed. “How’s it been around here since the new members came? Any problems?”

“No, as far as I’ve heard, they’ve brought in more money, businesses and are a pretty good bunch.”

“Then why all this talk about the challenge?”

Sabrina shrugged. “It’s mostly the older generation. You know how they are about change. And this is a big one.”

“Yeah, but Cameron wouldn’t bring someone in he didn’t trust. It couldn’t have been easy to decide. He even consulted the Alpha council.”

“I know. So much has happened within the shifter world in the last few months. Talking about going public, the feline Prince being kidnapped and now a new leader here. They’re just trying to control something.”

Nikki thought about the new information. “Does Cameron know? He should be able to do something.”

“I don’t think so. He wouldn’t want a challenge. He would for sure try to talk to Brandon. But what can you say? I haven’t actually heard if Brandon is going to challenge. Just the rumor that he should.”

“Someone has to tell Cameron,” Nikki insisted.

“And if Brandon doesn’t challenge, it could put him in jeopardy. What would you do in his position? He can’t act on a rumor.”

“What do you know about the new Alpha?”

“Just that he was an Enforcer at his old Pack. He showed all the signs of being a great leader, but their Pack had several wolves descended from the Alpha who would want the position. To be an Alpha, he had to go somewhere else.”

She had to ask, Nikki knew, but she dreaded bringing up the name. “What do you know about his brother, RJ Cross?”

Sabrina grinned. “Good-looking, smart, but a little rough around the edges. He owns the tattoo parlor in town, drives a Harley and has every woman in town lusting after him.”

“Hmm,” Nikki murmured, not one hundred percent happy that the thought of every woman in town making eyes at the stranger made her feel extremely jealous. Damn, I’ve just met the guy.

“He has another brother, too,” Sabrina informed her.

“Really?”

“Younger than Dylan and RJ. He works at the real estate office with Max. Max says he’s quiet and keeps to himself. Nice and wicked smart.”

“So both the brothers already work in town?” That was good information. If she wanted to protect her brother, she needed as much intel as she could find on them.

“Yep, why? What are you going to do?” Sabrina asked with a nervous laugh.

“I don’t know yet.”

“Well, whatever you do, it has to be quick.” Sabrina stood. Nikki passed the baby over to her. “Not everyone wants a challenge, but if there is one, sides will be drawn. Brandon would have the entire town on his. That’s a lot of pressure.”

Picking up the mugs and a few plates from the kitchen, Nikki couldn’t help but agree. If she was going to help, she needed to get started. First, she needed to find out more about the entire Cross family.

As soon as Sabrina had gone, Nikki fetched her laptop from her room. She took it over to the kitchen counter. She refreshed her coffee then settled in. She knew she had better programs than some of the law enforcement agencies. The different papers that published her work relied on an honest take and detailed articles from her. She paid good money to be able to access people’s personal information. Normally, she hated having to stoop to use the databases, but this time Nikki felt no guilt. If invading the Cross brothers’ privacy would save her brother, then Nikki had work to do.

As much as she wanted to start with RJ, she typed in Dylan’s name first. It was the responsible decision to make. Plus, if she learned enough about Dylan to put her mind at ease, maybe she wouldn’t even have to research RJ. Nikki would much prefer to learn about him first-hand. But if she had doubts, Nikki would find out everything she could about the man, from what he liked for breakfast to his color of underwear. Hopefully he wasn’t a boxers kind of guy. Nikki enjoyed a well-defined package.

* * * *

RJ lifted his head from his new art work at the sound of a door slamming close by. Nikki Stratton stood, hands on hips, glaring at the front entrance of his shop. He grinned; closing his sketchpad then slipped it under the counter. Since the last three pictures had been of her in different sexual positions, it sure wouldn’t be wise for her to see it.

He adjusted his hard cock as she stomped toward his door with long, confident strides. Nikki had dressed in an almost identical style to his. Faded jeans and a snug, fitted black T-shirt with black sneakers. Her long hair was pulled up into a ponytail and he could almost imagine hanging on to her hair as she went down on him. He licked his lips in need. Probably wasn’t smart to have been fantasizing about her for the past hour.

Damn, she looks determined.

Everything he had learned from the Internet made him think she would attack any problem head-on. Hopefully he could get her on his side. Not against her brother, but against a challenge.

She pushed open the door, only pausing a second to take in the lack of customers before turning and moving the sign to Closed. He allowed her to walk around the shop, taking in his pride and joy without interruption. While she prowled, he admired her. After several moments, she peered over at him.

“We have a problem,” she said.

“Just one?” he asked, crossing his arms. He could think of at least half a dozen issues. Of course, he knew exactly what she was talking about.

She laughed. “One problem at a time, I think.”

“Okay.” He waved to one of the couches. “Have a seat.”

Nikki sat and he chose one of the other chairs so he could be directly in front of her. He wanted to sit close, but he wasn’t sure if he did that he would be able to keep his hands off her. It’d be better that he put some distance between them—for now, anyway. She smelled clean and fresh. He closed his eyes for a second and took a deep breath, pulling her scent inside him. When he opened his eyes again, she was sitting staring down at her hands.

“Which problem would you like to discuss today?” he asked. He didn’t like the thought of her being upset. The urge to join her on the couch was strong once again. Shit, she should be considered the enemy, but instead he felt a need inside him that was new. If the guys in his unit could see him pining for some chick he didn’t know, they’d have a good laugh at him.

“Our brothers.”

RJ tensed. He didn’t mean to, but he couldn’t hide his reaction. As soon as he did, she shifted away from him. He took several deep breaths in the hopes of calming himself and putting her at ease.

“I have heard rumors,” he admitted, not wanting to give too much away until he knew her stance. “It concerns me.”

“It concerns you? That’s all you have to say? Just an everyday nuisance? Don’t you want to do something to stop it?”

RJ laughed. This spitfire of a woman is sure intriguing. “You’ve been here, what? Twelve hours? I’ve been here for weeks. In all that time, not one person has asked my opinion. And if they did, I would tell them that Cameron chose his replacement and the members of this community need to accept it.”

She frowned and shook her head. “What’s your brother going to do about it?”

“What’s my brother going to do? Are you saying Brandon is going to challenge?”

“No!” It came out almost as a yell. She caught herself and cleared her throat. “No, I’m not saying that. But there are people in this town who don’t want your brother to be Alpha. He needs to address it.”

Even though the entire situation was serious, he admired the woman sitting across from him. But she did have some fucking nerve coming in and making demands of his family. They were on the right side of things. “My brother plans on accepting the position of the Alpha of the Lawton Pack as requested by the current Alpha Cameron King,” he told her, his tone formal. “He does not have to prove his worth to anyone and does not have to ask permission. This has already been decided.”

She snorted. “Nice. Nicely worded.”

He liked that she appreciated it. It had never been his job to be diplomatic. That was Ben’s specialty.

“And you know that’s a bullshit answer. I didn’t expect that from you. Maybe from Ben, but I thought you would shoot a little straighter.”

RJ tensed and a growl slipped out. “What do you know about Ben?”

“Not much. Doesn’t seem like anyone knows much more than that he keeps to himself and he’s very smart. A good businessman who’s invested in the growth of our community.”

Her words filled him with pride. Ben was smart, even though that caused him to keep to himself so much. Being bullied as a kid would do that to a guy. Dylan and RJ had done their best to protect him, but they hadn’t always succeeded.

“Dylan hasn’t been around much, either. Spending all his time with Cameron,” she commented.

“He does have a new Pack to learn about,” RJ replied.

“Then there’s you. You placed yourself right smack in the middle of town, you mix with the community and you stay visible. Like you’re trying to take everyone’s attention from your brothers. Does that sound about right?”

She was smart. But so was he. “And you. The big-city girl comes home, asks about the Cross brothers and thinks she knows it all?” he questioned.

“No, I don’t know it all. But I do know that in two days, one way or another, we will have a new Alpha. If there is a challenge of any form, it will tear this town apart. You might not care about that, but this is my family we’re talking about, my town.”

“Maybe you should be talking to the people in your town who are causing problems.”

“I plan to,” she said. “But first I want to know what your brother is planning.”

“I just told you,” RJ stated firmly. “If you want to know something else, you’ll have to ask him.”

“If he is challenged, will he fight?” she asked.

“I can’t answer that.”

Nikki pressed her lips together before sucking her bottom lip, most likely in thought. His cock responded right away, growing harder as he stared at her mouth. Damn it—they were having a serious conversation and he still wanted to mount her. Just the thought that she was brave enough to ask questions no one else had made him want to strip her naked and pound into her. She licked her lips and he stifled a moan.

The fantasy from the previous night returned. Her on her knees in front of him, pleasing him with her mouth and hands. His cock started leaking against the front of his jeans and he shifted, trying to relieve some of the pressure.

Her cough brought his thoughts back to the current time. When he glanced over at her, she stared at his lap. His erection was obvious under the zipper of his pants.

“Really?” she asked, peeking up at him.

He grinned and winked. “What can I say?” RJ wouldn’t defend his body’s reaction. She had to know how attractive she was. Hell, she might be attempting to play him for more information.

She chewed on her lip more and he groaned. Her eyebrows drew together in her confusion.

“Stop with the lip thing! You’re killing me here.”

Her eyes widened. “Hmm,” she teased and darted her tongue to swipe at her lips.

He wasn’t a saint. His control could only be tested so far. He jumped off the chair and was on her in one second. He straddled her legs and pushed her against the couch.

“You’re playing with fire, Nikki Stratton,” he warned. Any indication she wanted this to go forward and he would be all over her. RJ jerked while she ran her hands up from his knees to his waist.

“Oh, God, just kiss me,” she pleaded, tilting her head back.

“Hell yeah.” He celebrated for a quick second before leaning down and closing the distance between their mouths, nice and slow.

Sweet and tender wasn’t his normal speed but RJ felt he needed to take his time. He licked at the seam of her lips forcing his tongue through. She opened for him and their tongues met, her hands gripped his shoulders hard as well.

He made love to her mouth like he planned to soon do to her body.

Eventually the need to breathe forced him to draw away. He almost laughed when she licked her lips, which had started the entire thing.

“We can’t do this,” she whispered.

RJ nodded. He was disappointed, but she was right. Instead of giving in and getting another taste of her, RJ climbed off her and strode across the room to the small fridge he had under the counter. As he pulled out two waters, he took deep breaths, trying to regain his control. He had a feeling that Nikki would be doing the same thing behind him. Once he knew he wouldn’t pounce on the woman, he spun away.

He passed her a bottle before sitting back down.

“Thanks.” Her voice still sounded strained. RJ hid his smile by taking a drink.

“Should I apologize?” Their present situation made what had happened highly inappropriate, but they’d both wanted it.

Nikki snorted. “We’re both adults. I think we can own up to a kiss and agree that we have more important things to deal with.”

So we’re back to our brothers.

“Got any ideas?” she asked.

Oh, RJ had several, but since they all ended with her on her back, he decided not to voice them.

“Come on,” she exclaimed. “We have two days to figure something out.”

“Answer this,” RJ demanded. “Does Brandon want to be Alpha?”

For several moments he didn’t think she’d answer, but at last she shook her head.

He raised his bottle and tilted it to her. “You need to convince your brother not to challenge Dylan.”

“Yeah, why didn’t I think of that?” Nikki rolled her eyes. “It’s not that simple and you know it.”

He disagreed. “But it is. Dylan was picked by Cameron King. The Pack needs to respect his wishes.”

“The Pack is worried. They don’t know your brother, your family or anyone else. They have the right to be concerned,” she shot back.

“If they believe in Cameron, why are they questioning his choice? I’ve met the man several times and I don’t see him turning his Pack over to someone who will lead them down the wrong road. Do you even know why they don’t accept Dylan?”

“Not exactly.”

“That’s bullshit, then. He’s a good man and he’ll be a great and fair leader.”

“He’s new and different.”

He snorted and took a long drink. “So instead of using these last two weeks or even the few months we’ve been here getting to know the future Alpha or asking questions, they come up with a conspiracy to get rid of him.”

“It’s not a conspiracy,” she argued.

“They had their time to talk with Cameron. To ask questions. Instead they wait until days prior to the ceremony then they start speaking about a challenge?”

“If Brandon doesn’t challenge, then someone else will.”

With a jerk of his shoulder, RJ sat forward. “Fine, then they should expect a fight.”

“It’s nothing against you or your family.”

“Yes, actually it is. Dylan is meant to be the Alpha. But dividing the Pack was never meant to happen. Even if Dylan wins the challenge, he’ll constantly be reminded he’s not from here. How is that fair?”

“He had to know, coming here, something like this might happen.”

“No,” he interrupted. “We were told we were wanted here. That it had already been decided. Dylan doesn’t deserve this.”

“What about his inner circle? Is he only using the wolves he brought with him?”

RJ shook his head. “I don’t know. I do know that Cameron and Dylan have discussed it, but that is something that we’d have to ask him. Why?”

“Just some rumors that Dylan is using this to bring his Pack up and leave the original Pack in the dust.”

“Dylan wouldn’t do that!”

Nikki slammed her water on the side table while she sank against the couch. “This isn’t going to work. If we can’t agree, then we’ll never get the Pack to.”

“I don’t know.”

“I think the majority of the Pack, both new and old members, are okay with it,” she said. “Just a handful of the people, really, have any concerns. They just need to hash all this out and it doesn’t look like there’s much communication.”

“That’s a good idea. Maybe they should just get together and have it out before the ceremony.”

“Unless they kill each other.”

“I think they can both resist the urge. Plus we’ll be there to help keep things calm. Bring Justin as well.”

“We need to do it soon and without anyone else knowing about it. Can you get Brandon to our house tonight?” he requested.

She hesitated then nodded. “Yeah, if I don’t tell him where we’re going, I think I might manage it. He doesn’t get off work until ten, though.”

“Midnight?” he offered. RJ didn’t know how he’d get both of his brothers to stay up that late without explaining what was going on. But it was worth a shot.

“Okay,” she agreed, standing.

“Kiss for the road?” he teased. He couldn’t resist.

She flipped him off, obviously trying not to smile.

“Fine. Be that way.” RJ rose. Whatever was happening between them was far from over.

“I’ll see you tonight,” she said. “Hopefully.”

“Wait,” he called out, stopping her progress. “We should exchange numbers.”

“Should we?” she asked.

“For our brothers,” he quipped.

This time Nikki laughed and the sound was magical. She pulled her cell from her pocket. “What’s your number?”

“You naughty girl,” RJ said. “I knew you liked me. First you ask for my number then you’ll be stalking me for a date.”

“Wow!” she said. “Does that act ever work?”

RJ gave her his best fake pout. “Act?”

She waved her phone. “Just tell me.”

He gave in and got her digits in return. He did want it for the reasons he’d said, but he could already picture all the dirty texts he could send her. What did kids call it these days? Sexting. Yeah, he wanted to sext her.

“I’ll call if I have any problems getting Brandon to agree,” she told him.

“Be careful,” he said then peered out of the front window. “There’s a good chance that you were either spotted coming in or someone has seen your vehicle.”

“Don’t worry about me,” she dismissed. “Just start thinking about what we’re going to say tonight.”

She’d gone not allowing him to formulate a reply. What an interesting turn of events. He’d somehow managed to secure support from at least one Stratton, plus he had a better idea of what was going on. If Brandon truly didn’t want the position of Alpha, he’d be a fool to challenge Dylan. Now they just needed to figure out how to get Dylan and Brandon on the same side.