For weeks, they bad-mouthed her to her face and behind her back. Never within earshot of Roderick though. He would’ve shut them up fast. One night, I almost went after them, but Courtney stopped me. She claimed they weren’t worth it, laughing with her usual don’t-give-a-fuck attitude.

That only seemed to piss them off more.

Then, one night, the pair followed Courtney out of the bar. A hunter herself, she sensed their intentions. She could’ve called for help, but she later told me that she was tired of their shit and ready to put an end to it. With a few years on the twins, Courtney could shift faster than either. She did, and in wolf form, my friend beat the shit out of the pair. When some of the pack finally picked up on the commotion and went to check on the noise, they found the men out cold and Courtney with a bloody muzzle.

No permanent damage was done, but now, Jordan and Anthony drop their eyes whenever she enters the room.

Because violence is the warning certain wolves need.

Maybe I should have told Zoey not to speak up like that against other werewolves. But I hate the idea of trying to stifle her fire. And I hate even more that one of my pack members made her uncomfortable. The woman who waltzed into a biker bar with a bag full of crafts is more badass than the piece of shit who hasn’t learned what no means.

The memory of him stalking toward her, as if she were something to be hunted, has my wolf growling, and the sound spills out of my chest.

All the workers on the build site pause. Uncle Mason employs wolves only, so they’re all pack members. Every one of them knows me.

And barely any have seen me get angry about anything. I’m sure the sound of my rage is a shock to all.

When they all freeze in their work, Ross finally looks at me. From the smirk on his face, I know he doesn’t take me seriously.

Why should he?

Roderick is the pack leader, exuding strength and discipline. My mom is the second-strongest in the pack, our beta. Then, there’s Uncle Mason, quiet and dangerous. But I’m the easygoing member of the family. The guy with a smile and a joke. I don’t get into it with people.

Because I’ve never needed to.

But if Ross’s actions go unchecked, Zoey will be in danger. He’ll think he has a right to enact retribution.

I could get Roderick to lay down an edict. But I want to handle this. When it comes to Zoey’s relationship to the pack, I’m her protector.

And Ross has threatened what’s mine.