Page 2 of Taming of a Wolf

I’m being selfish, putting myself and my wants before his. “Yeah, buddy. I’ll be right there. Promise. Do you want me to stay on the phone with you?”

He sniffles. “Y-yeah.”

“Okay. I can do that. Just a second, okay?” Lowering my phone, I march to the host stand, explain that I’d like to pay and leave, and he prints my receipt. After swiping my card and signing, I jog back to our table. Shit. He’s going to be upset. Hopefully, he’ll understand.

“Hey, so, I am so sorry, but something’s come up.”

Matt’s smile falls off his face. “Oh no. What happened?”

Dragging a hand through my hair, I say, “My little brother’s having a tough time. I’m sorry, but I need to go make sure he’s okay. I’ve paid for dinner, and I’d love to go out with you again another time.”

When a scowl creases Matt’s face, I lose hope in an understanding response. “Are you serious?” Before I canrespond, he chucks his napkin on the table. “I came all the way from Jersey to meet you, and you can’t stick around for dinner?”

Heat flames my cheeks. “I’m sorry, but—”

“Your brother’s what, ten, right? Tell him to man up.”

Anger burns in my veins. “You don’t get it!” I snap. Fuck being polite. Nobody gets to talk about my little brother like that. “I’m all he has left of our family. He needs me.”

Screw this guy. I can understand being disappointed, but insulting a traumatized ten-year-old is a low blow. If this is how Matt reacts before he’s even met Jace, that’s already a red flag.

“Forget it,” I snap. “Don’t call me again.”

Turning away, I march from the boat and back toward Kate’s house near Hudson River Park.

I need someone who will prioritize my brother like I do. If I can’t find that person, then I’d rather be alone the rest of my life.

Jace is in the middle of a panic attack when I arrive at Kate’s. “Oh, Jace.” I throw myself onto the bed and hold him tight as he sobs, his little body shaking against mine.

Kate gives me a sad smile, holding her own concerned daughter close.

“Did you have the dream again?”

Gasping, he nods frantically against my chest. He grips at my shirt, nails biting into my skin. God, poor kiddo. I hate this for him.

“D-don’t leave me all alone,” he whimpers. “Please, Jamie.”

Like our parents did.

Even though it’s been four years, tears sting my eyes, and a lump aches in my throat. “It’s okay, bud. I promise.” I rub his heaving back as he sobs into my shirt, soaking it with his tears. “I’m here. I’m alive. I’m not going anywhere. Ever.”

God, I am so stupid. While I was out on some stupid date, my brother was suffering.

Can’t I do anything right? If our parents were still here, they’d know what to do.

Mouthing a silent thank-you to Kate and her kiddo for being there for him, I lift my brother and carry him downstairs. When Jace starts squirming, I set him down. He wipes his face dry.

“Feeling better?” I ask.

Jace shrugs and doesn’t look at me, cheeks red from crying or embarrassment or both.

“Want to take a walk over to the river before we go home? The water always calms me down.”

I don’t get a reply, but Jace doesn’t resist as we walk away from the car and toward the river. The water sloshes peacefully, and gulls cry in the night. Turning my face to the sky, I count the few stars I can see and try to calm myself down. I need to be strong for Jace.

“I still miss Mom and Dad,” Jace says.

I take in a deep breath that hitches around a sudden sob. “Me too.”

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