It's not a word I've ever even thought before, but right now, I'd like to tear a hole in Kaylee's flank, sink my teeth into her hind leg and show her who's the dominant wolf.
But that's not how things work. I'm in human form and the instinct for physical retribution must be resisted.
Oh fuck that.
I march forward and shove Trey's chest. I don't know what reaction I expect, but he doesn't move, nor does he look particularly surprised or upset to see me. His ice blue eyes watch me, unreadable.
I draw a fist back and clock him in the jaw. He grunts and rubs his face, still not offering me a single word, not a single reaction.
"Jerk-off," I mutter. "You'll regret this." I turn and stomp off as Pam gives him one more searing glare before following me.
When I get back home, all I can do is throw up. And when there's nothing left to heave, I flop onto my bed and plan his destruction.
Present
Trey
I'M COMPLETELY numb on the ride back to my apartment. I don't even remember getting here. All I know is I just made history repeat itself. I just broke Sheridan's heart again.
Or did she break mine?
I'm not even sure what happened back there.
How this day went so sideways.
I only know it's going to get worse when my phone rings and it's a Phoenix area code.
"Yeah?" I pull out my surliest tone. It's fucking past midnight. Whoever's calling, it's not going to be good.
I'm right.
An icy voice says, "Trey Robson? This is Mr. Green. Sheridan's father."
I take a deep breath. "What do you want?" I ask, even though I know. I had a conversation just like this with the asshole twelve years ago.
"I'm calling with a warning. Stay away from my daughter. You damn near ruined her life once, and I'll be damned if I allow it again."
"With all due respect," I say, even though he doesn't deserve anything, "Sheridan is a grown wolf. She makes her own decisions."
"That's why I'm calling. She doesn't want to contact you. I've spoken with her, and she's coming back home first thing."
I let my hand drop, the phone still squawking. Green goes on about shutting down the fight club, hunting down leeches and bringing the Tucson pack back in line, but after a minute, there's nothing but the ache in my chest, the rushing in my ears.
I fought so long, and so hard, and I'm right back to where I was: letting Sheridan Green go. Letting her ruin my life.
Rip out my heart.
Again.
SHERIDAN
I MOPE around the tiny casita, my body feeling twice as heavy and four times as lumbering as usual. It's because my wolf is on strike. She didn't want to get out of bed at all today.
I haven't taken anyone's calls-not my dad's, not my mom's, not Trey's. I listen to their voice messages, but they change nothing.
Trey apologized, but still won't own that my life is mine to choose. My dad is still insisting I get back up to Phoenix. And of course, he's recruited my mom toward that effort.
I grab a tissue and blow my nose, checking my face in the mirror. I look like hell. My eyes are red from crying and there are dark circles under them from lack of sleep.
I get a message from Alpha Green that he and my dad are planning to attend the Tucson pack meeting tonight, and he wants a full report before he gets there.
Well, tough shit. I'm not putting myself between the two packs any more. It was unwise of me to take this job in the first place, especially considering the history. But then, that's probably why I took it. I thought I was going to march in and show Trey what he missed out on, but really, I just wanted Trey. And I needed closure.
Now I have both but we're full circle again. Trey pushing me away, believing he's not good enough. Willing to damage us both in the name of protecting me.
Well, if he can't pull his head out of his ass, it's his loss. I'm not his clay to mold.
My wolf howls in protest, though. His mark throbs on my neck.
Screw it. I go to the closet and get dressed. I need to get out of this space before my wolf goes nuts.
I need to go back to the place Trey took me to run on the anniversary of Zach's death.
To heal in the desert.
Trey
THE AIR at the fight club is old, stale. It's been only a day since the club was shut down.
Damn, this place is a dump. No wonder Sheridan hates it. A part of me is embarrassed she ever saw it, but it was her fault. I didn't ask her to come sniffing around me, waking up my wolf, bringing everything full circle. Try as I might, I don't hate her. I hate myself.
Gravel crunches outside and I tense until I scent Jared. My best friend tromps inside, ignoring the police tape.
"Hey," I greet him.
He stops and puts his hands in his pocket. "How long you gonna mope around like a pupper who lost his favorite stuffed animal?"
'What the fuck, man?" My fists clench. "I dare you to come closer and say that to my face."
Jared shrugs. "I would, but you're still looking a little beat up. What's wrong, man, not healing as fast?"
"You know it takes longer when there's internal damage. Fucker got my ribs." Didn't hurt as much as Grizz's betrayal.
"Yeah, about him. You want to sic the pack on him, make him pay?"