Brandon nodded in agreement. “I agree with that, but it’s not our pack. If he doesn’t want help, I can’t change anything.”
I shook my head. “We already lost one town. We don’t need to lose more.” I thought of the people who died in the first town, and the massacre it was. And the second town was no better. People were alive, but buildings were destroyed. Peoplewere crying over the loss of their homes and businesses. And their Alpha refused help.
“We need to come together rather than become divided.”
Brandon nodded. “I agree, but my father didn’t exactly throw his arms out offering people help. We have discussed how this couldn’t possibly go. Alphas aren’t always raised to accept hand-outs.”
I knew that. We had discussed this many times. Brandon was trying hard to form better alliances with the surrounding packs, and some were open while others weren’t. We all knew it was understandable, considering the huge help his father offered.
“But you’re not your father. Surely, they should see that by now. You’ve been in this role for months.”
“That’s not long enough,” Brandon said with a shrug. “These things take time.”
“Time we don’t have,” I sighed and rubbed at my face. “Before we decide to go out again, can we discuss whether or not Nora should join us?”
Brandon’s eyebrows went up. “Why?”
“Because she could have gotten hurt.”
Brandon leaned back in his chair, staring at me for a moment without saying anything. He crossed his arms. “Why don’t you care so much?”
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
Brandon shrugged. “I just wonder why you care so much when your relationship isn’t real.”
I stiffened, knowing instantly that my sister had told him. I frowned. “How long have you known?”
“The moment your sister found out. Do you honestly think your sister keeps anything from me?”
I groaned and ran a hand through my hair. “It’s not like that. I swear.”
“So you’re saying there are at least some feelings, and my Beta isn’t a complete ass?”
“I care about her, Brandon. Just because the relationship is fake doesn’t mean I don’t care about her feelings.”
“That’s bullshit and not how I want my beta behaving!” Brandon snapped, his hand slamming down onto the table. “What the hell were you thinking!”
I gripped my chair. “Says the man that knocked my sister up and left her alone for years!”
We both fell quiet. Brandon seemed to relax slightly. “Why? Why are you doing this?”
“We both have reasons. I’m getting my father off my back, and she’s keeping a guy that’s interested in her away. We are both getting something out of this.”
“You know how important she is to your sister, and you know damn well what will happen if things go south.”
“You’re going to beat my ass?”
Brandon shook his head. “You would be lucky if I got to you before your sister did.”
That, though, scared me a little. Jade had been practicing more with her magic every day, and she was becoming someone you didn’t want to cross. I saw just how powerful she was.
“I don’t plan to hurt her, Brandon. I want things to end amicably between us.” A part of wondering if I wanted it to end at all, though.
“I don’t think that’s exactly going to happen.”
“And why not?”
“Because you slept with her!”
