He wanted to give her that. Jesse was smart and determined. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do if she set her mind to it. What she hadn’t had was time to explore. The women of his pack could help her with that. They were a diverse group who didn’t hesitate to share their opinions or skills or to offer assistance.

  The back of his neck itched. They needed to get back on the road. He’d taken one step toward the building when Jesse came out. Flashing him a smile, she raised the two bags in her hands. She’d taken a step toward him when she stopped and stared at the road. Her eyes flashed, her wolf close to the surface. She hustled toward the truck, keeping her gaze on the road. “Someone is coming.”

  “I know.” It was too late to jump in the truck and run. They’d have to make a stand here.

  “Get in.” She had her door open and the bags dumped on the floor. “What’s wrong with you?” Grabbing his arm, she pulled.

  “No time.” He squinted as a familiar truck rolled into the lot. A big male jumped out from the driver’s side and strode toward him. A blast of power had every fine hair on his body standing on end. Beside him, Jesse stiffened.

  ****

  The huge male stalked toward them, his face grim. The air snapped with energy. It was akin to having your fur brushed the wrong way. Her sire and his friends were dangerous, but this wolf was a whole other level of deadly. The only thing keeping her from fleeing was pride … and the fact he resembled an older version of Aaron.

  A hint of steel gray at his temples was the only outward sign of his age. Jacque LaForge was taller than his son and fitter than most of the males half his age. His lips were pressed together in a scowl.

  Her muscles bunched, readying for a fight. Aaron sighed and gave a small wave. “I figured we’d pass on the road. Wasn’t expecting you to be this fast.” Tension thrummed through him, but she didn’t scent any fear, and that was one emotion that carried a distinct smell. She forced her arms and legs to relax.

  Golden-brown eyes scanned them both from head to toe. Giving a ragged growl, he hooked his hand behind Aaron’s neck and dragged his son into his arms. “You got yourself into a heap of trouble.”

  Tears pricked her eyes at their reunion. The love between them was palpable. She took a step back, not wanting to intrude on the intimate moment.

  “It’s a gift. And you taught me how to handle trouble.”

  He snorted. “So this is my fault, is it?” Jacque released him and sighed. “You worried your mother.” The gruff tone almost made her smile. The alpha was a lot like Lottie, rough on the outside with a softer core.

  Those gold eyes pinned her in place. She swallowed and revised her assessment. There was no softness to be found in them. Apparently, that part of him was for family only. Bristling at the inspection, she squared her shoulders and glared back. Not smart, but she couldn’t help herself. She backed down from no one.

  “I know you’ve spoken on the phone, but, Jesse, this is my father and the alpha of the Salvation Pack, Jacque LaForge. Dad, this is Jesse Broussard.”

  She gave him a curt nod. “Nice to meet you.” It was anything but nice. She remained calm by reminding herself she’d survived worse.

  The corners of his lips twitched. “I’m not sure you really mean that, but it’s good to meet you.”

  “I appreciate you coming all this way.”

  “My son is in trouble, I come.”

  That was the second time he’d referred to her as trouble. Was he trying to make a point? Asking her to leave without having to come right out and say it? She couldn’t be angry, as he wasn’t wrong.

  “I appreciate it. We both do.” Aaron slung his arm around her shoulders and pulled her into the curve of his body, his body language leaving no doubt that they were together.

  Jacque’s eyes narrowed. He gave a curt nod.

  She didn’t like the idea of being a wedge between them. Uncomfortable, she tried to move away, but Aaron clamped down on her arm. Unless she wanted to fight him, she was stuck. “I didn’t expect to make introductions at a gas station,” he continued.

  Forcing a smile, she slammed her elbow into his side. Criticizing his father was not going to win either of them any favors. And if he didn’t release her, he’d get more than an elbow.

  “Oomph.” He flinched and released a breath. “What was that for?”

  Taking advantage, she slipped out from beneath his arm, putting some space between them. Men were oblivious idiots. It was the only explanation she could come up with. Did he really expect her to spell it out for him? Obviously, she’d overestimated his intelligence.

  Jacque rubbed his hand over his mouth. Was that a smile he was hiding? More likely a grimace. Way to make a first impression. Heat crept up her face, but she refused to be embarrassed. Any other pack and Aaron would have been in trouble. It didn’t matter that the alpha was his father. If anything, his actions would be under even more scrutiny in front of outsiders—in this case, her.

  The passenger side of the truck opened and another male got out. He’d been so still, and Jacque had absorbed all her attention, she hadn’t noticed him sitting there. It was a careless mistake. One that could get her killed under other circumstances. Being around Aaron was making her lose her edge.

  The unknown male was about the same height as Aaron, with short black hair and piercing blue eyes. Tattoos ranged up and down his arms. He ambled toward them, his pace slow and easy, but she wasn’t fooled. If she tried to run, he’d be on her in a heartbeat.

  Her breath caught in her throat. Black hair, blue eyes, tattoos. This had to be Gator Rollins, her sire’s brother. Her knees went weak, but she stood her ground. He’d acknowledged her over the phone, but seeing her in person was different. Would he have second thoughts?

  “I’m your uncle, chère.” His deep voice carried a hint of home.

  Emotion tightened her throat, making it impossible to speak. It was the first time anyone in her family had ever acknowledged her. The family likeness was unmistakable. It was in the shape and color of the eyes and the jut of the chin.

  “I’m so sorry, chère. I did not know about you.” She swallowed repeatedly, but couldn’t make a sound. They stared at each other, cataloging every feature. Swearing, he dragged her into his arms. She closed her eyes and inhaled, drinking in his unique scent. He smelled like fresh air, pine trees, and … vanilla?

  I’m being an idiot in front of everyone.

  She cleared her throat and put her hand on his chest. His heart was beating as fast as hers. “I’m Jesse.” Like he didn’t already know that. God, they were going to think she was a brainless twit.

  Aaron put his hand on her lower back, anchoring her to reality.

  Her uncle released her, a slow smile spreading across his face. “My given name is Etienne, but you can call me Gator. Everyone does. My son is Etienne.” He glanced at Jacque. “We need to move.”

  It was startling to hear him give orders to the alpha. Jacque gave a curt nod. “You are right, mon ami. Load up. We’ll follow you.”

  Aaron sighed, his gaze on a black truck pulling into the lot. “Too late.”

  What now? Gravel kicked up from the wheels as the brakes were jammed on. A tall male with shaggy brown hair and golden eyes slammed out of the vehicle and stalked toward them. A carbon copy of Jacque, this had to be Nicholas. Ignoring her, he headed straight toward his brother and swung.

  “Fuck.” Aaron shoved her to the side and ducked before the fist made contact. “I get that you’re pissed, but this is not the time or place.”

  “Sure as hell works for me.” Hands clenched, he vibrated with anger. This was not the loving reunion she’d expected between the brothers, given how close they seemed to be. If anything, this was the reaction she’d expected from his father.

  “You could have accidentally hit Jesse.” Aaron took a step forward and drilled his forefinger into his brother’s chest. “That’s not acceptable.”

  “Give me some credit. I only hit what I aim at. You’re too pretty, anyway. A broken nose would give you character.”

  Aaron snorted. “You’re the pretty one. At least, that’s what your mate says. Personally, I think she needs glasses.” He shook his head and gave a mournful sigh. “Don’t make me beat you in front of my girl. I told her you were badass. Don’t make me a liar.”

  Nicholas’s lips twitched. “Idiot.”

  “You know you love me.” He opened his arms, and his brother walked into them. The slap Nicholas gave him would have felled a lesser male. Aaron laughed.

  Jesse watched the back-and-forth exchange, not quite sure what to make of it. Were all families like this? This was so far outside her experience. They yelled and tried to pick a fight and then hugged.

  “Don’t worry, chère.” As if sensing her unease, Gator patted her arm, an indulgent smile on his face. “We’re wolves. Emotions run hot and tempers flare. Beneath it is fear and love.”

  That made sense and was something she understood. Lottie had often gotten angry with her when she’d done something she shouldn’t. It was only when she’d gotten older she’d understood it had come out of fear for Jesse’s safety.

  “Enough.” One word from their father and they parted and gave him their full attention. “We’re drawing a crowd.” Sure enough, the attendant was at the door, peering out. He’d had to have seen everything. Fortunately, they were far enough way he couldn’t hear them. When they all looked toward him, the human ducked out of sight.

  “We’ll talk when we get home.” Pronouncement given, Jacque headed back to his vehicle.

  Home. The word sent a poignant longing through her. It belonged to Aaron and the others. Her being there only put them all in danger.

  “I’d ask you to ride with us, but I can see it would be a waste of breath.” Gator leaned down and pressed a kiss against her forehead. “He’s a good male. Don’t let fear rob you of a chance for something more.” She remained silent, unwilling to confirm or deny her and Aaron’s relationship. “So stubborn. Don’t worry, little wolf. You’re safe now.”

  He joined Jacque, leaving only her and the two brothers.

  “This is Jesse.” Aaron made the introductions. Not that they were necessary. It was more a formality. “And, Jesse, this is my brother, Nicholas.”

  They sized each other up. A bead of sweat rolled down her back. She stuck out her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  Nicholas stared at it and snorted. Her wolf bristled at the slight. If he thought he was better than her…

  Strong arms yanked her forward. She unleashed her claws, but stopped short of jamming them into his side when she realized it was a hug, not an attack. These males were a demonstrative bunch.

  “Bro, you might want to give some warning next time.” Aaron slipped his arm around her waist and eased her away. To protect his brother or because he didn’t want her touching another male? It was likely the first, but the idea it might be the second made her heart flutter.

  “I can handle claws in the back.” Okay, he was smart and observant. “What I can’t handle is losing you.”

  The closeness of the two males, of all of them, was something she’d never experienced. In her limited knowledge of packs, relationships were built more on hierarchy and aligning for benefit. This was based purely on love and caring.

  “I don’t plan on dying anytime soon.” Aaron’s arm tightened around her. A fine tension thrummed through his entire body. “But I won’t lose Jesse.”

  He’d thrown down the challenge between them. It was almost an ultimatum. “Aaron,” she began, not quite sure what she planned to say.

  “Then let’s go home.” Nicholas spun on his heel and walked back to his truck, his spine stiff, his movements jerky, not at all fluid as a wolf’s would normally be. To say he was pissed was an understatement.

  Aaron leaned down and kissed her temple. “That went well.”

  Groaning, she rubbed her forehead. “Get in the damn truck.” Once they were in Salvation, she needed to make plans.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Aaron wanted to kick his brother’s ass. While he recognized Nicholas was angry, showing it in front of Jesse had put her on edge. Bad enough she’d had to meet his father and deal with the reality of a new uncle without adding his brother’s hurt feelings on top of it.

  She was blaming herself. He could almost hear the conversation in her head. A down-and-dirty fistfight would help relieve the tension between him and his brother. It wouldn’t be the first time they’d settled their differences that way. But it would do nothing to get rid of Jesse’s worry.

  If he pulled off the road to talk to her, they’d only follow. That would not help her relax. He tapped his fingers against the steering wheel before turning on the radio and fiddling with the dial. Nothing suited his mood, so he flicked it off. Their breathing was loud in the silence of the cab, the hum of the tires against the pavement the only thing to break the monotony.

  He glanced over at her, silently swearing at the great view of the back of her head. She’d been staring out the window, hadn’t looked in his direction, hadn’t spoken since they’d left the gas station. The snacks and drinks remained in the bags at her feet. He was tempted to turn up the heater. The temperature in the truck had turned icy.

  His wolf was not happy. It was grumbling nonstop. How could he reassure her without being able to take her into his arms and touch her? Their little convoy was on a direct path toward home, where there would be more people, more distractions.

  Would have been smarter not to let anyone know they were coming, but it wouldn’t have been safer. That was the bottom line. Jesse’s safety topped all else.

  “Talk to me.” He couldn’t ease her concerns if she didn’t voice them.

  She slowly swiveled her head around and made eye contact. There was no anger in them, no frustration or worry. There was nothing but calm disinterest. “What do you want to talk about?” The walls had gone back up around her. He was getting black and blue from battering them down.

  “My family—”

  “Are wonderful,” she interjected. “They’re good people who care deeply for you.”

  “But?” He’d address all her concerns with reason and calm. Even if it killed him. And it might.

  “No but. What you have, what they’ve built, it needs to be protected.”

  “I agree.”

  Her shoulders slumped, and she bit her bottom lip. “So we agree?”

  “Pack is to be protected at all costs.” It was the motto they all lived by. “You’re with me now,” he reminded her.

  She rubbed her hand over her forehead. “We’re not mated. I’m putting your family in the crosshairs of a bunch of dangerous people. The best thing for me to do is to get on my bike and leave.”

  A sense of hopelessness swamped him. No matter what he said or did, nothing seemed to get through to her. What would it take? Catching sight of a dirt road up ahead, he spun the wheel.

  “Hey.” Jesse stuck out a hand and grabbed the dashboard for support even as her seatbelt pulled tight against her chest. “What are you doing?”

  “What you want me to.” He slammed the truck into park and jumped out, leaving the engine running. Yanking down the tailgate, he jumped into the back. “You want your bike. You want to leave.” He tugged at the ropes holding down the tarp.

  Tires screeched to a halt on the road, followed by the rumble of engines getting closer. His family was going to be pissed. Too damn bad.

  Wild-eyed, Jesse watched as he shoved the tarp out of the way. “You’re doing this now?”

  “Why wait?” He went to work on the rest of the fastenings. “It’s what you want, right?”

  “Yes.” Her reply was subdued. “Yes,” she repeated, this time more firmly.

  Ignoring the pain in his chest and the howl of his beast, he met her gaze. “Then why wait. You’re so determined to not give me or my pack a chance. So hell-bent on going it alone, being a lone wolf.” He was aware of the audience they’d drawn, but ignored them as they hung back.

  “What the hell do you know about it?” She leaped into the bed of the truck on the opposite side of the Harley. “You grew up surrounded by people who loved and cared for you. You’ve always had a pack. Your sire never tried to kill you.” She was panting heavily, her lungs heaving.

  “No, he didn’t.” He gripped the handlebar so he wouldn’t reach for her. Her face was pale as snow. She looked utterly miserable but still determined. “I’ve told you that you’re my destiny, my mate, but you don’t believe in me, in us.” And that was what hurt the most.

  “You’re not being fair,” she whispered.

  “All’s fair in love and war, sweetheart.” The flash of pain in her eyes was almost his undoing, but he couldn’t relent. If she didn’t choose him, didn’t commit, there was nothing he could do or say that would make her.

  “You don’t know me, not really. I come from nothing. I have nothing to offer. I got my high school diploma online. I can hunt and survive in a swamp, but I don’t see you planning to relocate anytime soon.”

  God, he was asking so much of her. “I know you.” Fuck not touching her. He cupped her chin in his hand and stared into her luminous blue eyes. “You’re the woman I love.” It was out there now, for her and his family to hear.

  “You can’t.” There was pure torture in her voice. It was killing him.

  “Why not?” He pushed her hair away from her face. “You’re strong and smart. You have so much love bottled up inside you. It’s hot and huge and I want it all.” They were almost nose-to-nose. He could practically count every long, dark lash of her eyes.

  “I’m nothing. I’m nobody.”

  There it was. The reason she was afraid.

  “My own father didn’t want me.” It was the first time she’d ever called him that. The old pain was ripe and fresh.

  Aaron swallowed the lump in his throat. If Alain Rollins was here, he’d kill him for what he’d done. “That’s his loss. I want you. You’re not nothing or nobody. You’re my destiny, my mate, the woman I love.”