Page 45 of Tender Wild

“You still feeling brave?” Miguel’s voice emerged from the beast, deeper and rougher than before, yet unmistakably his. Rows of teeth gleamed when he spoke, each one designed to tear flesh from bone.

Jared’s jaw hit the ground, eyes widening. “You can flipping talk!”

Cameron’s face drained of color. His lips moved but no sound came out, his eyes bulging as he backed away. Doug stood frozen, terror clearly paralyzing him, while Richard’s legs gave out entirely, dropping him to his knees.

“I asked you a question.” Miguel stepped forward, each footfall heavy enough to flatten the grass. “Are. You. Still. Brave?”

Cameron visibly trembled. “What the fuck are you?”

“Your worst nightmare if you don’t leave now.” Miguel’s massive, clawed hand gestured toward their truck. “Last chance.”

Headlights cut through the darkness as another vehicle approached, momentarily blinding everyone. The motorcycle came to a stop before the engine cut off.

“Well, fuck me sideways,” came Suero’s amused voice as he stepped into view. He took in the scene—the transformed Miguel, the terrified cheetahs, Jared standing wide-eyed beside the motorcycle—and his face split into a wicked grin. “Started the party without me?”

Kia appeared beside him, freezing mid-step when he caught sight of Miguel. His eyes widened to perfect circles, mouth dropping open as he clutched Suero’s arm.

“You never told me you could do that,” he hissed at his mate.

Suero shrugged. “The subject never came up.”

Kia turned, staring incredulously at Suero. “Never came up? This isn’t something you conveniently forget to mention while passing dinner rolls across the table.”

“Can we deal with this later, cariño?” Suero replied, sounding far too casual given the situation.

“Oh, we’re definitely dealing.” Kia glanced back at Miguel.

Suero’s gaze flicked to Cameron and the others, a smirk spreading across his face at their obvious terror. “Problem, gentlemen?”

None of them answered. Cameron’s throat worked uselessly, Adam’s apple bobbing as he tried to form words.

Miguel took another step toward them, claws flexing at his sides. “These three thought it would be fun to run us off the road.”

“Did they now?” Suero’s voice hardened, all traces of humor gone.

Richard had already pushed to his feet and begun inching toward the truck, keys jangling in his trembling hand.

Doug took a hesitant step backward, feet tangling in the tall grass.

Cameron finally found his legs, scrambling backward without taking his eyes off Miguel’s towering form. “You’re all fucking dead when Xavier hears about this.”

Suero cupped his ear, tilting his head slightly. “I’m sorry. Do I hear a little bitch running his mouth?”

Cameron’s jaw clenched, eyes glowing, but wasn’t stupid enough to say anything.

“What exactly is your alpha gonna hear about?” Suero took a few steps toward Cameron, arms crossed. “How you three assholes ran a motorcycle off the road? How you threatened my pack brother and his mate? Yeah, I'm sure he’ll love that story.” He pulled out his phone. “As a matter of fact, let me call my alpha so he can play telephone and call yours about this little shindig I’m still pissed I wasn’t invited to. I cannot wait until Xavier learns you nearly killed his nephew.”

Cameron’s eyes cut toward Jared.

“I think he forgot that little fact,” Kia said beside him, still unable to take his eyes off of Miguel.

“I’m so over this shit.” Jared threw his hands up. “Every time I think things are going just fine, someone has to ruin my sense of safety.” He glared at Camerion.

“This isn’t over,” Cameron managed, voice cracking.

Miguel’s muzzle pulled back into what might have been a smile. Hell if Jared knew. “It can be, if you’re smart.”

Fuck giving Cameron multiple warnings. After fighting and killing that hyena, Jared was so over today. Twice now Miguel’s life had been threatened. And for the second time, Jared was putting an end to the threat.

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