Wheeler leaned against the wall and folded his arms. “Years ago, I gave Ben a job as my assistant. Thought I’d get him into finance since he had the smarts and it paid well. But he wouldn’t stop gambling, and then I found out he was posing as me so he’d have an extra line of credit. Because we looked alike, he drew my money out of the Breed bank and did other things behind my back while impersonating me.”

When Wheeler gave Ben a cursory glance, I understood the meaning. Ben must have seduced Wheeler’s women. I couldn’t imagine the feelings of inadequacy Ben felt watching his twin succeed where he’d failed.

Ben slumped into a chair, his eyes vacant.

Wheeler continued. “He played against the wrong men and they wanted him dead. The only way out was to exchange myself for him, and the next thing I knew, I was in a cage. That’s right. Your brother fought in cage matches for a year. I gained a reputation as an undefeated champion—a killer. Wolves, black bears, panthers—you name it. These tattoos are the story of my life, but they also cover up my scars.”

Austin blanched and dropped his arms to his sides.

“I got all this after I escaped,” Wheeler said. “Wanted to make sure we never got mixed up again. Maybe Ben brings in some serious cash, but it comes at a price. You don’t know how many times I’ve had to bail him out when he bet more than he should have. How could I turn my brother away? Some of those dirty bastards wouldn’t hesitate to drive him to a river and toss him in with a bag of concrete attached to his ankle.”

“Is this true?” Austin asked Ben in a quiet voice, not even looking at him.

Ben didn’t reply.

Wheeler kicked his heel against the wall. “So guess what happened the other night when I ended up in the cage again? You got it. That was me saving Ben. Maybe he’s right and I’m just a worthless bastard, but you need to know the truth. Ben needs help. I’m not saving him anymore; I’ve got my woman to think about now.”

I touched Austin’s shoulder. “Please listen to him. He’s not asking you to choose, but this needs to stop.”

Austin pulled his mask off his head and ran his fingers through his hair. “It’s going to stop, all right. Starting tonight. I want you out of my house. As of this night, you’re still my brother, but you’re no longer a member of the Weston pack. I’m officially revoking your status as a packmate.”

Wheeler hung his head and moved toward the door.

Austin’s arm flew out to block him. “Not you. Ben.”

Chapter 26

“You can’t do this,” Ben argued. “Not without hearing my side!”

“Oh?” Austin said, clenching his jaw. “And what’s your side of the story?”

Ben stood up and lifted his chin. “We all help each other out in this pack. Every single one of us. Someone’s in trouble? I go help.”