“That part was fun,” he agreed, grinning. “Whatever random pack business you’re pretending has to get done right this second isn’t. Let’s go.”
“How about we go back to bed first?” Brian brought them to a stop and kissed Keith’s nape. “I can make you feel good.”
He sighed. “I know you can.” He rolled his head back and stretched his neck. “And I’m counting on you to do that later, but I have to go now.” He turned around and met Brian’s gaze. “No more delays.”
Just as his mate looked ready to give in, his phone rang. “One second.” He walked several steps away, took the phone out of his pocket, and answered it. “Jennifer? Is everything okay? Do you need me?”
“Oh, come on!” Keith said.
“What?” Brian frowned and dragged his free hand through his hair. “Are you sure?”
“Do you think I don’t realize you moved away so I wouldn’t be able to hear her and you could come up with another excuse to—”
“Don’t antagonize him,” Brian said into the phone. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
That tone sounded sincere. Sincere and anxious. Keith tipped his head to the side and looked at his mate’s face.
“I’m thinking,” Brian said. “I don’t want you or anyone else near him but if he comes here—”
“What’s going on?” Keith asked, moving toward his mate.
Brian’s chest was heaving.
“Brian?” He clutched Brian’s waist with one hand and his shoulder with the other. “Breathe.”
“He’s here,” Brian choked out.
“Who?”
“Rupert Jackson Junior. He’s on packlands and he’s asking to see me.”
“Oh.” Keith crinkled his nose, considering this unexpected development. “Well, that’s weird but good.”
“Good? Good?” Brian shrieked. “How is it good that one of the men committed to killing you is here?”
He winced. “Your pack member is still on the phone,” he whispered. “Hang up if you’re going to lose it. You don’t want her to hear that.”
“Jennifer, I’ll call you back.” He pressed the screen and set the phone on an end table. “Why is he here?” He sucked in air. “Fuck.”
“Why are you freaking out?” Keith asked.
“Did you hear me when I said that an Alpha who wants you dead is close enough to accomplish his greatest desire?”
“I’m pretty sure Junior’s greatest desire is hearing his daddy call him a good boy.”
Brian recoiled. “Eww.”
“I’m saying.” Keith nodded in agreement. “Anywho, let’s get this reunion over with. Tell Jennifer to lead him here.”
“And then what, Keith? What’s the plan for when the Alpha who wants you dead gets you in his sights?”
“It’s a good thing nobody else can you hear you right now because you’re going to be embarrassed about this little tantrum later.”
“Tantrum? Tantrum?” Brian threw his hands up. “Are you kidding me? Your life is in danger.”
Keith rolled his eyes. “Okay. I’m going to need you to dial this way down. I’m fine. Everything’s fine. He’s one idiot. What harm can he cause?”
“He could kill you! Why aren’t you getting this?” He stomped across the room.
