Page 65 of Talk About… Trouble

I wasn’t naive enough to think there was love there, and I knew damn well that my siblings deserved better, but it was a start. I knew damn well my pack would pour all that love into those kids every time we had them. I’d even call up my uncle and see about summers for the older ones out at his ranch in Texas if he was up for it. Maybe having more family around wouldchange things for the better. Or at least keep my shitty parents accountable.

“You have one month to turn things around. I’ll be taking the kids, all of them, once a month. I’ll come for them Friday after school, and will bring them back Sunday. I swear to everything in me and all the power I possess with my pack and this town, I will spread your names and these pictures far and wide in every fucking social circle I can until your reputation is ruined and your families disown you. One misstep, one dirty, unfed kid, and it’s over for you.”

They paled at that. I’d hit them where it hurt. They were far more worried about their inheritances and friendships than their own children.

“I’m thinking a call to Grandma would be wise. She keeps saying she’d like to come visit Rockwood Valley again.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” Mom choked out but the others were silent. They were taking me seriously for once in my life and I was done with this fight. I’d follow through on everything I could.

“Watch me,” I said sharply, turning and pulling Wren back to the car. I helped her in before rounding it, giving them one last scathing look before leaving them behind.

Neither one of us said a word until we were back in town.

“Damn, that was hot,” she said with a chuckle. “I guess we better figure out some guest rooms, huh?”

If I wasn’t sure before, this moment would have solidified it. She saw my past, and my character, and was right here to support me every step of the way.

“But you have to tell Shepherd,” she tacked on with a grin.

Wren

Braxton parked the car in the lot of the vet clinic before turning to me. He’d kept conversation light during our quick lunch, so I knew what was coming.

“Wren. I’m so sorry, that was not how I planned to introduce you to my family or let you see me react,” he started to stumble over his words, his fingers tapping incessantly on the steering wheel as he talked.

“Stop, Brax. If I didn’t want to go, I wouldn’t have gone,” I promised, reaching over and taking his hand, soothing him the best I could in this car. “You handled that beautifully. If anything, standing up for your siblings like that showed me that you’re the kind of beta who would go to war for his packmates.”

“Yeah, then I invited them over for sleepovers,” he groaned. “The others are going to kill me.”

“I think they’ll surprise you. Maybe I’ll run out and grab a nice dinner to butter them up for you,” I mused, laughing at his look of horror. “From a restaurant, Brax. Don’t worry.”

“We might need to find you two some cooking classes,” he snorted. “I’ve never seen anyone quite so disastrous in the kitchen. Put you together and it’s asking for trouble. Shep and Nash nearly passed out while you tried to master waffles.”

I chuckled at the memory. Devon had flour in his hair, I had it on my face, we both nearly burnt them and ourselves. It really was a mess.

“Why don’t I pick up the food on my way home, then I can tell them over dinner,” he offered. “You go home and relax since you’ve got an afternoon off.”

“Sold,” I agreed as I bit back a yawn. For some reason sleep wasn’t great last night.

We said a quick goodbye as someone brought their animal inside, Braxton rushing to work while I got in my own car and sent Devon a text.

Wren

I need a nap. Cuddle buddies?

Devon

Only if you never call me a buddy again. Maybe cuddle lovers?

Wren

Be my cuddle lover? Your girl needs sleep.

Devon

Are you feeling alright? Heat spike again?

Wren

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