No one touches her but me, he thought harshly, the words beating through his head like a drum. He wasn’t sure if it was the mating sickness, irrational jealousy, or both that compelled his actions, but right at that moment, he didn’t care.
“Get out,” Murphy ordered sharply, his nails lengthening into deadly claws as his fury mounted. His brother stopped in his tracks, his expression turning wary.
“Murphy?” Nessa asked quietly behind him, his body blocking her from Jasper’s gaze. He wanted her to stay behind the counter, far away from the other male at all costs. “What’s wrong?”
Murphy didn’t answer, but a terrifying rumble exploded in his chest as he caught the scent of Nessa’s distress.
“Easy there, Murph. I’m just here like you asked,” Jasper reminded him, keeping his voice light and easy. He held out his hands, palms up, as if he were trying to tame a rabid animal. “There’s no need to threaten me.”
“I’m sorry. You know each other? Who are you?” Nessa came around the counter, and Murphy sidestepped in front of her, keeping her away from Jasper while still facing the male. “Rude,“ she muttered, and then he felt her peer around his shoulder, staring at the other male in bewilderment.
Did she think Jasper handsome? He was almost as tall as Murphy, just as broad-shouldered and buff. His brown hair was a bit longer, and his green eyes always drew in the ladies—at least the females in the bear clan. He didn’t have scars that he was ashamed of littering most of his body, nor did he hold the fate of an entire bear clan on his shoulders. He’d make her laugh in ways Murphy couldn’t.
He was a clean slate, easygoing. What if Nessa decided Jasper was the bear she wanted to be with?
Don’t be ridiculous. She wouldn’t do that. And even if she did, Jasper would never betray your trust.
Still …
“I said,get out,“ Murphy growled, waves of his power blasting through the air as he began to shift.
Jasper’s knees buckled as Murphy felt shivers race across his skin. The familiar sensation was coupled by his clothing tightening, his muscles expanding—
“Hey!”
Small, warm fingers locked around his wrist, pushing up the sleeve of his sweater until soft skin connected with his. Nessa’s scent enveloped him; traces of berries and vanilla that had his mouth watering. Murphy shuddered, some of his rage disappearing as her hold on him tightened.
“You need to calm down, Murphy. It’s alright,” she whispered.
Murphy nodded, taking deep, heaving breaths before pushing his bear back. The animal followed his command easily, without so much as a fuss.Odd.Lately, his bear had fought him at every turn. The fact it was so easily obeying was enough to startle him back to reality.
What the hell was he doing?
Wincing, Murphy shot his brother a disgruntled look. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me,” he grumbled out the lie.
“Yeah, sure,” Jasper drawled, standing back up on unsteady legs. “Maybe next time we don’t meet here if it’s a problem,” the male suggested, sliding a covert glance at the female tucked behind Murphy.
Murphy didn’t like him even looking at his Nessa but he bit back a snarl before it could form again. Turning his wrist to dislodge her hold, he snatched her hand in his, pulling her forward until she was standing close beside him, practically tucked into his side.
She was stiff, a frown on her face as she watched Jasper with distrust.
“You remember my mate,” Murphy said to his brother, emphasis heavy in his voice. “Nessa, this is Jasper. My youngest brother.”
At the introduction, Nessa’s shoulders relaxed, and she let out a small, relieved breath. “Oh, thank God. I thought he was an enemy,” she said quickly, casting one last look at Jasper before turning her attention fully to Murphy. “What was that about? Are you okay? You’re not going to Hulk out are you?”
Jasper snorted. “Didn’t peg you for the comic book type.”
She ignored him, studying Murphy intently. “Seriously, what’s going on?”
“It’s nothing,” Murphy said with a shake of his head. He knew he was full of shit, and as her gaze narrowed on him, he knew she’d read right through him.
“Is it mating sickness?” she asked, lowering her voice. “And don’t lie to me.”
“I don’t want to discuss it, Nes.” Mostly because he wasn’t sure how to answer.
“Uh-oh, Mom and Dad are fighting already,” Jasper chimed in.
Murphy snarled, snapping his head toward his brother. “Enough, or you’ll be patrolling the border every night for the next six weeks until you learn some damned manners.”
