Page 16 of Brick

“Heard you had an exciting morning,” Brandon said as he sliced fresh roast beef for the sub.

“Yep. With a happy ending,” Brick said.

“That’s always a good thing.”

He piled the meat high on the freshly baked sub roll and took Brick’s direction for cheese and toppings.

His mate came from the back and smiled. “Hi, Brick. Can I get you a drink?”

“I’ve got one in my car already, thanks.”

“Are you heading back to the alphas’ house?” she asked.

“Not directly, I was going to the security office after my break, but that’s near the house and I can stop in. Why?”

“Cinder called and asked if we had chips. She’s having a little luncheon at the house and is out.”

“I’d be happy to take them over.”

She smiled and returned to the back while Brandon wrapped up his sandwich. “Anything else, son?”

“No, I’m good, thanks.” He paid the bill and then took the paper sack containing two large bags of chips before saying goodbye and heading to his truck.

He scrolled social media and ate his sandwich, then crumpled up the wrapper and stuffed it into the cup holder to toss later. When he got to the alphas’ house, his wolf suddenly became restless.

He felt an urgency he couldn’t explain.

There wasn’t any danger. No strangers roaming around to rouse his beast.

But still. He felt like something was pulling him out of his truck, and it was such a strong feeling that he couldn’t ignore it.

He climbed from the truck, grabbed the bag containing the chips, and slammed the door shut. He inhaled to see if he could pick up any scents but didn’t smell anything out of the ordinary.

His wolf was no actual help, just head butting him from the inside and urging him to get into the house.

He walked into the house and dropped the chips off in the kitchen.

And then he froze as his heart clenched tightly. What the hell?

He heard voices coming from the family room and was drawn there. He strode into the room and scanned it, his gaze landing on a female he didn’t know.

His whole world tilted.

His wolf surged forward within him and he had to grit his teeth to stop from howling or shifting, or both.

Recognition rose inside him.

She’s ours.

His breath caught, and for a moment, he was struck speechless. His instincts demanded he approach her, claim her, but he reined them in. She seemed to be similarly frozen andstaring at him in surprise, but he couldn’t miss the wariness and the stiff posture.

Adam rose to his feet. “Jade Albright, this is Brick Beaumont. He’s second-in-command of the wolf pack and also in charge of security. And, as a plus, he’s my cousin. You’re in safe hands with him around.”

Brick snapped to attention and forced himself to relax. Adam saying she was safe with him around told him that something was wrong in her world, and maybe she was in danger.

Not on my fucking watch.

He joined them and extended his hand. “Hi, Jade, it’s nice to meet you. Welcome to Thorn Hollow.”

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