Claws & Crochet

Part 70

WARNER

"Are you moping? I don't think I've ever seen you mope before." Courtney plops down on the stool next to me, bumping her shoulder into mine and jostling my beer. I clutch it close to keep the contents from spilling before taking another swig.

"I'm not moping. I'm brooding. It's a good look for me, right?" I try to offer her my normal charming smile, but from her grimace I bet I didn't get anywhere close.

"What's wrong? No wait, let me guess. Could it possibly be four cock blocks having a slumber party at Zoey's house?"

I snort. "Yeah. You could say that."

Zoey's brothers do have me feeling pissy. But it's more than that.

I'm angry at myself.

My first impression with her family is as a possessive asshole, practically begging to get into a fight. No one in this town, not even the people that know about the wolves and are scared of us, would use those words to describe me.

I didn't know I could get that way.

But the second I pulled up to her cabin and scented not just one strange man, but four, my hackles were up. Zoey and I haven't talked about mating, but that doesn't change the fact that my wolf is pushing me to lay claim.

Then when that neanderthal Abram tried to keep her from me?

I'm not sure there's ever been a moment when I was angrier. Somehow, I kept from lunging forward and ripping his arms off.

But just barely.

Does Zoey know how close I came to doing something she'd never forgive me for?

A better man than me would take my overreaction as proof that I should leave her alone. Find someone of my own kind to be with.

But no matter how nice I am, how willing to help my neighbor, when it comes to Zoey, I'm selfish. I want her. I want all of her, and I'll do a lot more than snap my fangs at anyone who tries to keep us apart.

"Yeah, that older one is a real piece of work. Made me take Queen Omelet back home with me just because Zoey doesn't have a chicken coop. I mean, details, right?" Courtney waves for her own beer. "So, did she break up with you?"

"No!" Hell, I'd be in a lot worse shape if that happened. "She just asked me to give her some time alone with her brothers. Since everything was so tense. And she hasn't seen them in a few weeks." By the end of my explanation, I'm grumbling. Like a spoiled kid denied his favorite toy.

I can't help it. We've been away on a moon run, and all I wanted to do was curl up with my woman tonight after pleasuring her in all the ways I can think of.

But no. I'm stuck at The Rabbit Hole nursing my second beer as the clock ticks past midnight. I can't even get properly drunk because I have to drive myself home.

"Sounds like you need to get on their good sides."

"Me?" I growl. "What about them getting on my good side? You should've seen the way they were treating her before you got there. Wouldn't even let her out of the house. She had to climb out a fucking window!"

"Hmm." Courtney answers, not committing to my side. "So they're dicks. But clearly Zoey can handle them . . . in her own way." Courtney flicks at something on my shoulder and I catch a glimmer of another glitter piece I must've missed in my shower. The memory of Zoey's method for shutting down a fight has me giving into a reluctant smile.

But Courtney isn't done.

"Still, they're her brothers. Her family. What are you?"

My smile drops, and I can feel myself frowning. "I'm her . . . mate."

"No. You're not. Not yet." Courtney, normally just as carefree as me, examines me with cool eyes. "Maybe not ever."

The bar door swings open behind us, letting in the cool night air that does nothing to sooth the panic caused by Courtney's words. As I'm trying to formulate a response, a heavy hand claps on my shoulder.

"Warner." Before I turn to look, I recognize Raider's voice. The shaggy, bearded man grimaces down at me, and I'm on edge. Raider isn't one to seek me out. Or anyone really for that matter. He's a seasoned member of the pack that keeps to himself. "Tell me, any reason your lady would be with a bunch of guys?"

Is that it?

Please let that be it.

"Zoey's brothers are in town. There's four of them. Big, blonde guys for the most part."

Instead of giving me an understanding nod and walking away, my packmate only looks more disturbed.

"Thought it was her, but them fuckers were crowded so close around her, didn't get a good look."

"What are you saying, Raider?" My wolf paces anxiously in my chest, setting my pulse pounding.

"We were riding through town and saw them take her into emergency care—"

"What?!" My stool topples over as I shoot to my feet and sprint.

Zoey is hurt.