One strategy he’d seen repeated over and over, however, was the Alpha was usually their target. Once he—or she—went down, they systematically wiped out a pack or used their new pack to throw at an old enemy. No one was hurting Hudson River. No one.
“You sound like you’ve been defeated already.” Disbelief clung to Luc’s tone.
“Good,” Brett smiled. “I want them to think I’m beaten before they step onto the field. They picked the wrong week.” He had everything to survive for and a reason to fight.
His best friend paused, then a grin stretched his mouth wide. “Hell yeah, they did. Dammit, dude, you had me worried there for a moment.”
Perfect. If he could fool Luc, he was already edging ahead. Flicking a glance at the clock, he checked his time then poured more coffee. Hope for the best, and prepare for the worst.
Chapter Seventeen
Breakfast in bed waited for her when she managed to open her eyes. Sunshine spilled in the windows as cheerful as Brett had been at o-dark-hell no. He, by contrast, lay on his side, fist propping his head as he studied her.
From the deep dark eyes to his rakishly tousled black hair, he looked so damn perfect. Even his shirt was pressed to perfectly and didn’t seem remotely wrinkled from his posture on the bed. The ideal man—and he turned into a wolf.
Rising on her elbows, she wiped at her mouth to make sure no drool clung to her lips and taking a moment to surreptitiously check her breath. “Hey…”
“Good morning, beautiful. Forgiven me yet?”
“No,” but she grinned to remove the sting from her words. “Not sure what I’m supposed to forgive though. Next time give a girl a little more warning.” Dog. She turned into a dog. No, wolf. Both canines, but wolf sounded way sexier. “I…” What did she say?
He cupped the back of her head as he swooped in for a kiss. The brush of his lips against hers left her smiling. “Thank you.” The whispered words accompanying the caress accompanied by the tender expression on his face were something she never wanted to forget.
“You’re welcome.” Licking the faint taste of him still lingering on her lips, she said, “I really don’t know what else to say at the moment. I—was a wolf. Am I still a wolf?”
“Yes.” Concern tightened around his eyes. “You have every right to be furious.”
“I know I do, but thanks for your permission.” The words bounced out of her and she felt a part of herself shrink back with a wince. Was that her wolf?
His chuckle erased the sensation and the taut part of her soul eased. “I am personally grateful you are still you.”
“Do people change?” She asked, then thought better of the question. “I mean when their wolf shows up—or you’re born a wolf so I guess you don’t change…” Dragging herself upright, she reached for the sheet, but Brett plucked it away and set the bed tray across her lap instead. Rather than cover her bare breasts, she raised her eyebrows. “Like something you see?”
“In order, yes some people have a more enhanced personality after they’re turned. Yes, even we born wolves change as our wolves mature and their more dominant personality traits begin to express. And yes, I absolutely adore what I see.”
He’d made her waffles and added a pile of scrambled eggs and sausages. She cradled the mug of coffee first. “You’re spoiling me.”
“That is my intention. I’m sorry about the lack of bacon, Luc helped himself to the last of it.” The light words were sweet, but intensity hung over him like a too tightly made sheet.
“I like sausage, too. And I can say with some authority that I will probably love anything you make for me. Though, I think you need to teach me to cook so I can do this for you.”
“Make me breakfast in bed?”
“Why not?”
“I get up at six every morning.” The teasing slid over her, soothing the nervous pit of agitation gnawing at her belly.
“So I can make you dinner in bed.” A reasonable exchange.
Another laugh which barely touched the worry in his eyes. “You can be my dessert anytime.”
“Brett,” she set the coffee mug down. “What’s wrong?” The buzzing in her ears and the gnawing in her stomach increased.
“Nothing for you to worry about.” Now she knew something was up. “We’re just two people enjoying breakfast together.”
“Except I’m the only one eating.”
“I ate with Luc earlier. I promise to wait for you tomorrow.”
Her bullshit meter seemed to be going off the charts. “Did I do something wrong?”