Chapter 10

Sean

Cooper, Hayley’s mate, and the local Alpha, is propping up the bar with his brother Nathan when I walk in. Of course he is. By bringing Sam back here, I have piqued his interest. With a large pack of wolves to protect, it’s his job to know what’s going on around Grey Ridge, particularly where human and shifter relationships are involved.

“Sean,” he tips his head in greeting as John places another round of beers in front of them. I nod and make my way over reluctantly. Normally, I love the social side of owning a bar, but not today, because I know he’s going to ask me what’s going on with me and Sam, but I have no idea myself.

Resting back against the coolers, I gesture to the beers in front of them.

“Bit early isn’t it, boys? Cooper, I haven’t seen you in here in months.”

With a pregnant mate and multiple busy businesses, as well as some recent trouble with another pack, Cooper has been on lockdown. Nathan, on the hand, is a regular. A real lady's man, he’s normally in here every weekend at some stage, and probably an evening or two during the week for a quiet beer and a game of pool.

“I’ve been told I’m in danger of becoming boring,” he answers, with a small smile and a side eye to his younger brother.

“No, you are boring. It became official when you refused to have a bachelor party.” Nathan looks at Cooper with betrayal, shaking his head emphatically to drive home his disappointment.

“You all came in here for a few drinks, was that not it?” I ask, reaching under the counter to pull out a couple of bags of chips and tossing them to the two men. Nathan opens his immediately and stuffs a handful into his mouth, all the while fixing me with a look of disgust.

“I will not even dignify that with a response. I’m still bitter we didn’t get to go to Vegas. It’s just sad.”

“Cooper’s a mated man, Nathan. With a pup on the way.” As I explain, Cooper nods along, grateful someone understands his point. “He’s like a homing pigeon now. Doesn’t like to be away for long.” Cooper’s not so grateful anymore, and he frowns at me, looking totally confused as Nathan laughs.

“Don’t compare me to a pigeon,” he grumbles, pointing his bottle at me, and Nathan chuckles again before taking a deep draw of his beer.

“Listen, I’d love to stand here and shoot the breeze, but I have loads to do before I head back to the packhouse for Sam, so just spit it out.” I don’t want to be rude, but their visit here isn’t without reason. And I’d prefer to know what they want can get it over with.

“You and Sam, what’s the story?” Cooper says, leaning against the back of the stool and clasping his hands in his lap. Totally open, totally relaxed, but it’s a loaded question.

“No story. She’s here for a break and to see Hayley.”

Cooper eyes me dubiously before his gaze lands on Sam’s overnight bag resting inside the door where I set it down. I press my lips into a firm line, ignoring the unanswered question that hangs in the air between us. Nathan’s face lights up in a big grin.

“Fantastic. There’s a new Italian restaurant opening up this weekend. Think she likes Italian food?” He pushes a hand back through his tussled chestnut brown hair and winks, goading me. Asshole. Unfortunately, he’s good-looking enough that Sam might actually accept an invitation from him. The old Sam would have eaten him alive, but now, I’m not so sure.

“Stay the fuck away from her, Nathan. We might not be together, but she doesn’t deserve to be played with by the likes of you.”

Cooper’s face darkens, not appreciating the way I’ve spoken to his brother. But he’s forgetting one thing. I’m not part of his pack. I don’t have to listen to what he says, and I damn sure don’t have to answer his questions.

“Sam’s a beautiful woman. If you’re not interested, why can’t I ask her? And maybe show her a good time while she’s in town.” Nathan continues on, completely unaffected by my snarky comment. I’d say he’s oblivious, but I know there’s more to Nathan than the pretty playboy act he plays up to.

“Because she’s mine,” I shout, rage suddenly rushing forth and causing me to lose my cool. I didn’t mean for that to slip out. It’s the only thing that makes sense, but I can’t bring myself to accept the truth. That I might have met my mate. Because if she doesn’t want me, it’s too depressing to consider.

Both of their eyes snap down to my hands, where claws the length of fingers have appeared. Nathan shoots to his feet and steps back, hands up.

“Sean, what was that? What on earth are you?”

“Someone who’s too tired for this bullshit.” Nathan stands even further back as my rage seeps into the atmosphere and makes the room extremely tense. He edges away, hands raised in surrender. I’m pretty certain he won’t be hitting on Sam anytime soon.

“She’s your mate,” Cooper says simply, and I growl at him in frustration. My head is a mess.

“Lions don’t have mates,” I argue stubbornly. Or at least I don’t think they do. There aren’t exactly lots of other lions around that I can ask and my parents passed when I was very young.

“And alphas don’t have human mates. Yet here we are.”

“Get out. Both of you,” I snarl, turning my back and stomping away in frustration. It’s none of their business. When I round the corner, and I'm opening the door to my office, I hear Cooper call out behind me.

“It’s not going to get any easier, Sean. You can’t keep denying it. And believe me, you want to be the one to tell her. Lock it down, Sean, or let her go.”

Slamming the door so hard the pictures on the wall rattle, I drop into my chair, head in my hands, and curse.

Could it be true?

Is that why I’m so drawn to her, even though I’m still so angry? Is that why I’m so angry in the first place? Because she’s my mate, and your mate is never supposed to leave you.

My claws have retracted, and my breathing is steadier. A few deep breaths and I’m feeling calmer. But that doesn’t last for long.

A buzzing at my feet and Sam’s comically appropriate ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ ringtone draw my attention to the front pocket of her bag. Intending to put it on silent, I pull out her phone and glance at the screen. JEREMY. And 5 missed calls. The possessiveness that had slightly subsided roars back to life and before I know it, I’ve swiped to answer the call.

“Sam?” he asks, sounding worried. There’s a lot of background noise like he’s on the side of the street, and I can barely hear him about the din.

“Guess again.” I know I’m being a dick, and I have no right to answer her phone, but I can’t control myself.

“Is Sam there?” he asks, irritation clear in his clipped tone.

“She’s otherwise occupied,” I reply, knowing exactly what I’m suggesting with the inflection of my voice. She’ll have my balls if she finds out what I’m at.

“Can I speak to her?” Jeremy is a persistent bugger. I’ll give him that. But he’s not getting anywhere near her. She doesn’t need to be bothered about work. And if it’s not to do with work, he can get lost.

“Maybe later.”

He grumbles and hesitates, waiting for me to cave in, but when I don’t, he gives in, mumbling a terse goodbye before hanging up, clearly not happy. As I put the phone back on the table, I have a feeling I’ve done something stupid, maybe two things when I think about challenging Cooper and Nathan, that are going to come back and bite me in the ass.