Yeah, that could work. I wouldn’t be an asshole for not showing up, and I could help one of our long-time clients at the same time. It had nothing to do with seeing Madison again.

  I dried my hands and headed for my desk.

  CHAPTER 2

  Madison

  My cell rang, interrupting me as I was scrolling through Twitter. The number wasn’t in my contacts, but I recognized it anyway. I’d called the vet clinic earlier today, but it was almost eight o’clock. I hadn’t expected a call back this late.

  “This is Madison,” I answered.

  Cole cleared his throat on the other end of the line. “It’s Dr. Vega. I was returning your call.” His deep voice had a rough edge to it that made it instantly recognizable.

  “Working late?”

  He paused before responding. “Yeah. Long day. Am I interrupting? We can talk in the morning if that’s best.”

  “No, this is good. I’m just having a glass of wine and thinking about heating up some leftovers.” I picked up my glass and swirled the pink Moscato.

  Was I oversharing with a near stranger? Probably. Wine without food made me an open book. It didn’t matter. Even though he was good-looking and hadn’t been wearing a wedding ring, I’d decided long ago that dating was overrated. If love was in the cards for me, I’d stumble into it without trying. Otherwise, what was the point?

  “Sounds like a great night.” He chuckled, the sound sending a ripple of heat through my bloodstream.

  Had to be the wine.

  I took another sip and rested the glass on the table. “I called earlier about the next shipment of bull semen. I have a notation down for your next ranch call, but we need to receive the shipment within twenty-four hours of your visit for it to still be viable, right?”

  Okay, never in a million years would I have dreamed I’d be talking about bull semen with a sexy, rough-around-the-edges veterinarian. Life was full of surprises.

  A chair squeaked in the background. “Jorge can check with Double S about the collection dates. It’s only viable for twenty-four hours once it’s thawed. If the dates don’t match up, just call the office in the morning and we can change the appointment.”

  I jotted the information on a sticky note. “Perfect. Thanks, Cole.”

  “You’re welcome.” He cleared his throat, his tone warming a bit. “It’s a big job managing a working cattle ranch.”

  I laughed at the understatement of the day and picked up my wineglass again. “Where were you before I accepted this job?”

  He lowered his voice. “I don’t remember anyone asking for my opinion.”

  “I didn’t think to call a veterinarian for a rundown of how regimented and scientific artificially inseminating cattle would be.” I took another sip and smiled. “I’m pretty sure this is the most I’ve ever discussed semen in my life.”

  “I forget everyone else doesn’t talk like this every day.” He laughed, and there was that warmth sliding through my bloodstream again.

  “You’re numb to semen?” I giggled.

  Okay, definitely too much wine.

  “Not sure how to answer that.” The smile was plain in his voice.

  “Sorry. There’s a good chance I should’ve had some food before I poured the wine.” I stared up at the ceiling, willing myself to mellow out. “I swear I don’t usually drink alone. I’m just new in town and a little stressed about the job.”

  “Not meeting up with your brother?”

  He had remembered our brief conversation earlier. The corners of my mouth tipped up. “He’s got his hands full with his new pregnant wife and he’s got a demanding job in Phoenix, so it’s tough to pin him down.”

  “Well if you come up with more questions about bull semen, you’ve got my number.”

  I rested my elbow on the table with a goofy grin. “Not exactly. I have your office number.”

  Was I seriously asking the vet for his number? Maybe I was lonelier than I’d realized.

  Sedona was a long way from Lake Tahoe. I’d left behind my best friend, Vivianna, a job that I loved, and a house that was walking distance from the gorgeous lake. But when Chandler had told me he’d eloped with Wendy and they were expecting, it had flipped a switch inside me. Our dad had nearly died of a heart attack a few weeks earlier, and suddenly it hit me how short life was. Chandler and I had a chance to make sure our fractured family history ended with our parents. It inspired me. More than that. Seeing Chandler in love, happy—god, it made me believe love might be real after all—and I didn’t want to miss a moment.

  Vivi understood, and my former boss, Taryn, sent me off with a promise that Goldstone Properties would always have a place for me if I ever came back to Tahoe. But I still missed them.

  Cole gave me his cell number and added, “I have some time later in the day on Saturday if you’d like to get together. We could meet at the ranch or maybe over a drink?”

  I blinked. “Like a date?” I hadn’t been on one in so long, I wasn’t sure.

  “No. Just thought you might have more cattle questions.” Was he back-pedaling? “Plus, I guess then you’d know someone else in town besides your brother.”

  So not a date.

  “That’s okay. I wouldn’t want to keep you from your…” He didn’t wear a ring, but he could still be married or have a girlfriend or a family. “Thanks, though.”

  “If I had someone to be kept from, I wouldn’t be inviting another woman out for drinks.” His chair squeaked again, and I imagined him leaning back with an arm up behind his head, his biceps on display. “I’m not that kind of guy.”

  “Good to know.” I glanced at the stacks of boxes lining the wall, begging to be unpacked, and decided to ignore them. “I do have some questions. But I’ve got a thing on Saturday afternoon. Maybe we could meet tomorrow instead?” He was quiet long enough that I checked my phone to make sure the call hadn’t dropped. “Cole?”

  “Sorry.” He cleared his throat. “I’m here. I was just checking my schedule. Fridays are usually pretty busy.”

  “Maybe after work? We could still talk over a drink, but I’m not sure where to suggest we meet up.”

  “All right.” He paused, and I imagined him writing it on a paper desk calendar. He didn’t seem like a Google calendar on his phone type. “How about the Wolf Pack Bar? Say six o’clock?”

  “Great. See you then.” I grinned without fear anyone would see the goofy hearts over my head. This wasn’t a date but still. “I might have a bunch more semen questions.”

  He laughed again, and I caught myself wanting to hear more of it. “I’ll be ready.”

  “Thanks, Cole.”

  “’Night, Madison.” The call ended, and I set my cell on the table, replaying the sound of my name on his lips in my mind.

  I got up and stretched before heading into the kitchen to forage for food. Anything to take my mind off the phone call I’d just had. I had just taken out a frozen chicken pot pie when my cell rang again. I peered around the corner as if it might explode, pretty sure I should not answer with my current buzz.

  Chandler’s name lit up the screen. How much damage could I do?

  I picked it up and accepted the call. “Hey, bro. What’s up?”

  “Just finished at the TV station and thought I’d bring over a pizza. Are you game?”

  I put the pot pie back in the freezer. “What about Wendy?”

  “She’s busy with Naomi and the twins tonight.”

  I’d learned from Chandler that their friend Naomi’s twins were actually fathered by Wendy’s elder brother, who had been murdered. She’d also lost her parents in a mining explosion so the boys were the only blood relatives Wendy had left.

  “Then I’d love to see you! When will you be here?”

  “I’m already on the road. I’ll be there in an hour. Want to order the pizza?”

  “Sure. Where’s the best pizza around here?”

  “Filippi’s is good. Tell them I’ll be there in an hour to pick it up.”

  “Will do.” She jotted down the name just in case her buzz stole her short-term memory.

  “See you soon, Madison.”

  Chandler came through the door with a large pizza, and I smiled. “That smells amazing.”

  He set the box on the table while I retrieved paper plates. He glanced at my moving boxes and back to me. “Need help unpacking?”

  “Nah, I’ll get it eventually. I unpacked the important things.” I opened the pizza box. “I’ve just been really busy with my new job.”

  “Tell me again why you decided to take a job on a cattle ranch?” He lifted a piece of pizza, stretching out the cheese until it broke free.

  “I already told you. I wanted something closer to you and Wendy, and this job included marketing. I just need to get up to speed on all the cow things.” I picked a piece of pizza from the box and took a bite, moaning as the cheesy miracle hit my tongue. “Oh, this is good.”

  He set his slice back on the plate. “You’re coming to the baby shower on Saturday, right?”

  “Yes. I can’t wait to meet all your friends, and I haven’t seen Wendy since Dad’s surgery.” I took another swig from my wineglass.

  He nodded without smiling. Something was up with my brother, but I couldn’t figure out what. I took another bite and lifted my eyes to his face. “Are you…not happy I moved here?”

  “No.” His gaze locked on mine as he shook his head. “Wendy and I are both glad you’re here. Her nephews are in Sedona, too, so we’ll be over from Phoenix as much as we can.” His sad smile spoke volumes. “Family is everything to Wendy.”

  A wry chuckle escaped my lips. “Even after meeting our mom and dad?”

  He smirked. “I thought the same thing, but she doesn’t hold them against us.”

  “You found a good one.” I munched on more pizza.

  “I did.” He sobered as he went on, “Wendy was just diagnosed with gestational diabetes so I’ve got to keep an eye on her.”

  I set my pizza back on the plate. “I’m so sorry. Is she going to be okay?”

  “Yeah. It should go away after the birth.” His eyes met mine. “It usually means the baby will be large, and there’s a possibility they’ll be born premature.”

  My jaw slackened a little. “That sounds scary.”

  He reached over and squeezed my hand. “The doctor has assured us she’ll be fine.”

  “Good.” But it didn’t feel good. I’d been so excited for my brother and our chance to start a new, healthier branch of our family tree that it hadn’t occurred to me that Wendy or the baby might be in danger. I’d been blissfully naive.

  Eager to change the subject, I blurted out, “I met the veterinarian for the ranch today. He invited me out for drinks tomorrow night.”

  “That’s great.” Chandler grinned. “You’re already making friends here.”

  It was no secret he had felt guilty when I told him I was leaving Vivi and all my friends in Lake Tahoe, but his enthusiasm for my date was adorable.

  “I hope so. Cole seems like a great guy. He offered to show me around town, too.”

  Chandler’s grin faded, a crease forming between his brows.

  I frowned. “Is something wrong?”

  “Cole…Vega is your vet?”

  My eyes widened. “Do you know him?” I couldn’t bite back my smile. “He’s smart and funny, and he looks like Bradley Cooper. Well, the version without a beard. But those eyes…” I shut my mouth, forcing myself to stop rambling as the color drained from my brother’s face. “Shit. Please don’t tell me you did an exposé on him grifting animal lovers or something. What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” He shook his head, but he also wasn’t smiling. “He’s a great guy. You’ll probably see him at the baby shower, too.”

  “He’s part of your friend circle?” I might never stop smiling. “That’s so great. What a small world, right?”

  He nodded. “Unbelievably small.”

  “You don’t look happy.” My brows pinched together. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “Cole’s a friend of mine. I just think…” He met my eyes. “He’s got a lot on his plate. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

  If my brother didn’t stop speaking in riddles soon, I was going to smack him. “What’s wrong with him? Is he married? He wasn’t wearing a ring.”

  “No. It’s nothing like that.” He shook his head. “He works a lot, and sometimes it gets dangerous. I just worry about you. You’re my baby sister.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Oh please. I could kick your ass if I wanted to.”

  He raised a brow. “I doubt that, but you could try.”

  “Don’t tempt me.” I laughed and took another bite of pizza. “Don’t tell Cole anything bad about me, okay? It would be nice to have a friend here, even if that’s all he is.”

  “There’s nothing bad to tell.” An honest smile curved his lips. “And he’d be lucky to call you a friend.”

  CHAPTER 3

  Cole

  As soon as I lifted a cold beer to my lips, my cell rang. Chandler’s name flashed on the screen. I raised a brow, and swallowed before accepting the call. “Hey, Chandler. What’s up? Is Wendy all right?”

  “Wendy’s fine.” He sighed. “It’s my sister.”

  I frowned. “The one coming to the shower? I told Piper you should tell her Wendy has gestational diabetes. It’ll explain why her pregnancy is so pronounced already.”

  “I already told her that,” he said.

  “All right.” I blinked. “Then what’s wrong?”

  “She didn’t tell you I was her brother?”

  “Who?” I felt like we were having two separate conversations. “I’ve never met your sister.”

  He cursed under his breath. “Madison is my sister.”

  Oh shit. Our earlier conversations flashed through my head. Her brother was going to be a father, and she had a thing on Saturday afternoon. When did the world get so fucking small. I sat up in my chair.

  “I didn’t know.”

  “Cancel it.” There was a bite to his voice that made my hackles rise.

  “Ease up.” I set the bottle down on the counter. “She asked me for my number, and I offered to meet up for drinks and show her around the area. What’s your problem?”

  “My problem is that I don’t want to see my sister hurt. We have enemies here, in case you’ve forgotten. The less she knows the better.”

  “Would she be all right with you making that decision for her?” The memory of Madison’s smile taunted me, and the way she said what she meant without any apologies was beyond attractive. “I don’t think you’re giving her enough credit. She’s an intelligent woman who was willing to move her whole life down here to be closer to you and help with the new babies. She wouldn’t expose our secrets and put you in danger.”

  “You’ve known her for an entire day. This is fucked up.” He paused, probably regrouping. “Look, I know she wouldn’t spill our secrets. It’s not like she’d hook up with the Transparency Collective but knowing about us makes her valuable to people who would. The pack in Reno understood. She worked with them. Hell, her best friend is a werewolf and manages to keep it secret.” He took a breath before going on. “But if Madison knew shifters exist, she’d have information the government might find useful, and unlike us, she wouldn’t have the heightened senses and power to protect herself. Worse, if Evolution Defense found out she was related to me, they could kidnap her and use her for leverage against the pack. They’re still trying to make the perfect super soldier serum, but they need shifter DNA to get it.”

  Okay, I hadn’t thought of that. But still…

  “Her ranch is one of my clients; they have been for a few years now. I don’t think meeting her at the Wolf Pack Bar is going to put her on anyone’s radar.”

  Chandler was quiet for a minute. Finally, he sighed. “Just having her in Sedona is risky. It won’t be tough for anyone watching the pack to figure out she’s my sister. My human sister. She’ll be the low-hanging fruit for them to target.”

  “All the more reason for her to understand what’s at stake. We can protect her.” Why was I arguing so hard on her behalf? I didn’t have a horse in this race.

  “The more time she spends with the pack, the harder it will be to keep our secrets.”

  I groaned. “I don’t think you can have it both ways, Chandler.”

  “You don’t love her.” He growled. “Asking her to hide a dangerous secret like this means changing her whole life. She’d never be safe from the government, from Evolution Defense, or the rogue jaguar shifters left over from the Nero Organization. God, I wish she had stayed in Reno.”

  I rubbed my forehead, struggling with his argument. He was right. Plus, this was his sister. I didn’t have a right to tell him how to handle any of this. My twin brother, Chase, had died in the fight to free the pack from Caldwell’s leadership. No one knew the pain of losing a sibling more than I did. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, least of all a pack brother.

  “I won’t tell her. No one in the pack will. But you should talk to Asher before the baby shower. Be sure everyone knows we can’t talk freely in front of your sister.” The faces of my packmates flashed through my head, then those of the next generation wolf cubs—specifically Naomi’s two-year-old boys—and I chuckled. “Bart and Ben have a hard time with secrets. You better be ready with some excuses when she meets the little guys.”

  “I will.” He cleared his throat. “Thanks for understanding, Cole. My family dynamic is strained, but Madison has always been my true north. If anything happened to her—”

  “I won’t let that happen,” I interrupted, surprising myself. Protecting Madison wouldn’t bring Chase back, and I barely knew her. At the same time, I meant every word. It wasn’t bravado. I’d respect Chandler’s wishes and keep shifters out of the conversation, and I would also protect her as best I could.