She glanced at all three men watching her expectantly, and she realized the one major difference. Back on the force she’d been one of the group, but here she was center of attention—center of attention for three testosterone-laden, alpha-male types all willing to share her. She fanned herself with her hand. Hell, had it just gotten way hotter in here?
Daegan wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pressed a kiss to her temple, and advised her to eat. “We need to be on the road in fifteen minutes,” Isaac added, glancing at his watch.
She practically wolfed down her food, almost giggling at her own silly pun, before it occurred to her that she had no idea what Xavier would be doing today. “Will I see you tonight?”
“Probably not,” Xavier said as he finished his own breakfast and pulled her onto his lap. She straddled his thighs, her arms going around his neck as he pressed another hard kiss to her mouth. When he’d somehow managed to suck all the air out of the room, he moved her slightly away and pressed his forehead against her own. “I’ve got a really tight schedule the rest of this week, but I’ll try to clear a couple of days at the beginning of next week.”
“Don’t try. Do.”
Xavier laughed and pulled her closer. “Yes, boss,” he said in an indulgent tone of voice. He lifted her off his lap, placed her on her feet, and gave her a look that made heat curl through her belly. “I’ll clear my schedule. You go pack up your shop.”
“But…” Her words trailed off as he shook his head. He didn’t look any happier about it than she did, but it seemed to be something he wasn’t willing to negotiate on. Well, that was too damn bad. Even if she wanted to sell her jewelry store—and she most emphatically did not—it took more than three weeks to find a buyer, get all the paperwork done, and close off that part of her life. She had no intention of walking away from everything she’d worked so hard to achieve. She’d alter, she’d bend, she’d change a little and compromise, but there was no way she was giving up everything that made her the person she was before meeting them.
* * * *
Five hours later Daegan could still sense Andrea’s anger as he watched her deal with a customer. The argument had been swift and angry and full of hurt feelings and unsure reactions. It probably sounded opportunistic and self-serving, but he’d stepped back and let his brothers handle it. Xavier had gone all alpha werewolf on her and started giving orders. She’d reacted by defying him even more, digging in her heels, and refusing to compromise one iota.
Isaac had stepped into the fray, trying to calm the situation, but had ended up on the receiving end of both their considerable tempers.
Daegan had remained quiet, seeing the argument from all sides, and in some ways understanding that it was necessary. Xavier would never be happy with a mate who let him order her around. He needed Andrea for her strength and her ability not to be intimidated by him. She knew he was in charge of the whole pack, but it didn’t mean she was going to docilely accept his decrees—especially when he was acting like a dick.
Daegan couldn’t quite stifle the urge to laugh. Xavier sure wasn’t used to compromise. It simply reiterated that he needed a strong mate who could make him think differently. Yes, Andrea was the perfect match for Xavier. Fortunately, she was perfect for Daegan and Isaac, too.
“No worries, Mrs. Thomson. I’ll have this repaired by Monday,” Andrea said as she finished making notes about the watch the older lady had brought in.
“Thank you, dear. It’s so wonderful to have a jeweler in town that we can trust.” Andrea smiled and followed the lady to the door, but the older woman turned at the last moment, pinned Daegan with her stare, and added, “And it was delightful to meet your new beau. You take care of her now, young man.”
“I will, Mrs. Thomson,” Daegan promised with a grin. Wouldn’t the old lady be surprised to discover that her trusted jeweler was now a werewolf and had three new boyfriends, not just one? As soon as Mrs. Thomson was out of the shop, Daegan cornered Andrea and pulled her into his arms. He could still feel her anger from this morning’s argument, but at least she was willing to hug him back.
Isaac had made himself scarce for most of the morning, finally realizing that Andrea needed space, not consoling. Thanks to the mating link, it was becoming easier to understand what Andrea was thinking and feeling. They just didn’t know why.
“Lunch is ready,” Isaac called through their link.
“Isaac said lunch is ready,” Andrea informed him.
“I know.”
“How do you know? Does the mating link build between my mates as well?” She seemed more curious than pissed, so he tried to explain something that he and his twin had kept hidden from all but a trusted few.