Page 11 of Echoes of Us
“Well,” Cory drawled, “looks like the flock is nervous. I swear, they get more dramatic over stupid shit. You’d think you brought home a vampire stripper instead of a human woman.”
Talon blew out a rough breath, shaking his head.
Cory didn’t stop. “Funny thing, though...every single one of them bows and scrapes like Dad’s ghost is still calling the shots. That bastard hated humans, hated women who didn’t bow, hated most of them assholes, hell—he hatedus. And now they’re all clutching their pearls like you’re breaking some holy commandment he left behind.”
Talon’s jaw tightened, but Cory barreled on, still smirking. “If Dad were alive, he’d be raising all kinds of hell knowing Willow was back in town. But guess what? He’s dead. Buried. Rotting. And honestly, that’s the best thing he ever did for this pack.”
A harsh laugh tore out of Talon despite the tension riding him.
Cory clapped him on the back, eyes gleaming with wicked humor. “So, let’s not waste tears over the old man’s fan club. You want the girl, you take her. Screw the rest. If they don’t like it…” He shrugged with mock solemnity. “…they can go dig him up and ask his opinion. See how far that gets them.”
Talon finally spoke, his voice low, rough. “It was him. Dad. He’s the reason Willow left back then.”
Cory’s smirk dropped, his brows lifting. “I fucking knew it. Should’ve put money on it. Our old man couldn’t stand anyone he couldn’t break.” He gave a sharp laugh, devoid of humor.
Talon dragged a hand over his face, guilt eating at him. “I should’ve seen it. Should’ve known. Instead, I blamed her. Thought she didn’t want me.”
“Yeah, well,” Cory said, stepping closer, his tone biting but not at Talon. “You were too busy surviving the bastard to notice what games he was playing. Don’t beat yourself up for not catching on. He fooled everyone—hell, he ruled by fear, not brains.”
Talon’s fists clenched at his sides. “He hated her just for being human. He hated me for loving her.”
Cory snorted, dark humor flashing back in his eyes. “Of course he did. The old man hated sunshine, puppies, and laughter too. If it wasn’t miserable, he didn’t trust it.” He shook his head.
Talon’s chest eased, just a fraction, at his brother’s words. “Yeah,” Talon ran his hand through his thick hair. “I can’t even imagine what he put her through.”
“Can I ask you a question?” Cory said thoughtfully. “If you don’t want to answer, fine, tell me to mind my own fucking business.”
“What?” Talon replied, curious to know what Cory wanted to ask. Usually, his brother would just shoot off at the mouth with whatever came to mind. For him to ask if he could ask a question was new, which made him edgy about what he was about to ask.”
“Why didn’t she tell the asshole to fuck off?” Cory looked from where the pack had disappeared, then back to Talon. “Willow is a strong ass woman who knows how you felt about him. Why not come to you?”
Talon snorted, shaking his head. “Yeah, I asked her the same thing.” The old rage for his father began to coil inside him, sharp and poisonous. “She said he threatened to take her grandfather’s land. Said she couldn’t ruin his life—or mine. He boxed her in, Cory. The bastard gave her no choice, and you and I both know he would’ve followed through.”
Cory’s jaw flexed, his voice tight with venom. “I know you’re not supposed to speak ill of the dead, but I hope that son of a bitch is burning in Hell.”
“Yeah.” Talon’s reply was angry. His stomach knotted at the thought of what Willow had endured, the scars he couldn’t see. The weight of it nearly brought him to his knees.
Cory’s hand landed on his shoulder, a steadying anchor. “So here it is, brother...she’s back, Dad’s dead, and you’re the Alpha now. Most of the pack already knows you’ll lead with strength and fairness. The only ones you’ll have trouble with are the jackasses Dad brainwashed. But if you love her, fight for her. And if she’s your Mate, die for her.” His words were razor-sharp, no-nonsense, like always.
“I would fight and die for her.” Talon’s vow was raw, scraped straight from his soul, as they climbed the porch steps.
“Damn right,” Cory said, nodding. His grin tugged back into place. “Now, since your love drama cost me my dinner, you’re making me something to eat.”
“Watch how you talk to your Alpha.” Talon shoved him through the doorway, rolling his eyes. “You’re the one who belongs in front of the stove serving me, asshole.”
Cory stumbled, then glanced back over his shoulder, smirk widening. “Please. I once saw you squatting behind a tree, taking a shit, and grunting like a constipated bear, so chill on the Alpha bullshit with me, bro.”
The sound that tore out of Talon was half growl, half laugh. For the first time that night, the weight pressing on his chest cracked apart. He shook his head, muttering, “You’re an idiot,” but his lips curved as they stepped inside.
CHAPTER 7
Willow set her grandfather’s breakfast plate in front of him, the smell of bacon and eggs filling the cozy kitchen. Grabbing her own mug of coffee, she slid into the chair across from him, the steam rising between them. Mornings were usually their time, quiet, steady, filled with small talk and comfort. But today her thoughts wouldn’t settle. They spun and tangled, pulled in a dozen directions, all circling back to Talon.
As happy as she was, Arthur’s words haunted her. Was this the right thing for Talon? Yes, she loved Talon that much. What if his Pack didn’t accept her, and what would that mean for Talon?
“What’s got you in a tizzy?” Her grandfather’s voice broke into her thoughts.
Willow blinked, pulling herself back to the present. “A tizzy?” She arched a brow, trying to mask her unease as she lifted her coffee for a sip. “I’m not in a tizzy. And when did you start using the word tizzy?”
