Total pages in book: 50
Estimated words: 47519 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 238(@200wpm)___ 190(@250wpm)___ 158(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47519 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 238(@200wpm)___ 190(@250wpm)___ 158(@300wpm)
Brian blinked at him. “My life used to make sense. It was orderly, predictable, calm.”
“Sounds dull.”
“It was.” He surged up, wrapped his arms around Keith, and held on tightly. “We have no idea what they have planned, and I don’t want you to walk into that, but you refuse to stay here.” He pressed his face to Keith’s neck and whispered, “I’m worried.”
Keith caressed his nape with one hand and his lower back with the other. “I’ll keep you safe while we’re at Green Field, mate. I promise. You don’t need to worry about this trip.”
“It’s not my safety I’m worried about.” Brian leaned back and cupped his cheeks. “I can’t lose you. You are challenging, chaotic, stimulating, exciting, energizing…” He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Nothing I thought I wanted and everything I can’t live without. If we go to Green Field, we’ll be delivering ourselves to the doorstep of a man who keeps trying to kill you. I don’t know how many people Rupert Jackson has backing him up, which means I don’t know what we’ll be walking into. I’ll drink that shake and leave now if you agree to stay here where you’re safe.”
“Rupert’s a jerk so only a limited number of people can stand him, but even if he manages to gather such a big group of supporters that you can’t handle them, it’ll be a good thing I’m there to back you up.”
“I don’t want you backing me up. I want you safe.” He pulled Keith into his arms. “You refuse to stop walking headfirst into danger, and if I’m busy with Rupert and his people, I may not be able to protect you. Why don’t you understand that?”
“What does walking headfirst mean? The first thing to enter a space we walk into is a foot, not a head.”
“Keith!”
“I understand your concerns. I respect you and I don’t want to go against your wishes, but I have to do this.” He kissed Brian’s neck. “I’m going to Green Field today. I have no problem handling Rupert Jackson alone or we can go together. Either way, this is happening. Today.”
“What if we—”
“Brian, you’ve successfully come up with five hours’ worth of delays but enough is enough.” Keith curled his hand around his mate’s and walked toward the door. “We’re leaving.”
“You weren’t complaining about the delays earlier.”
“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?”