“Bet I know where he’s going,” Jericho murmured with a nod of his head.

Lynn sent Wheeler to Home Depot to figure out how to repair the door. Wheeler silently went, not having said a word since my return. He must be blaming me for all this. If not for me, he wouldn’t be on the outs with his Packmaster, and here I was, being given the red carpet.

I skipped lunch and took a nap on the sofa, overcome with emotion. I didn’t tell anyone about the note or Misha’s collar. Reno had noticed I was visibly distraught but he probably assumed it had to do with Lola. Shifters didn’t keep pets, and they simply wouldn’t understand how devastated I was. Of course Skye and Lola were more important, but that didn’t lessen the love I felt for my little princess. After Jericho’s band had swung by on their way to a show, the house quieted.

When I woke up, my head was in someone’s lap.

“Sleep good?” a familiar voice asked.

I stared at the black television in front of the sofa, nestling my head against his lap. “I had nightmares.”

“I have a suggestion for what’ll take care of that.”

I furrowed my brow. It didn’t seem like Wheeler, so I sat up.

It wasn’t Wheeler.

“Ben. Do me a favor and never do that again.”

He smirked and combed his fingers through his short hair. “Do what? Put your head in my lap or sound like my brother?”

I scooted away from him and noticed the last spray of golden light sifting through the front windows.

Ben crossed one leg over the other, wearing a pair of knee-length shorts and a button-up shirt. “You were pretty reluctant until I started sweet-talking you. Just face the facts: I’m the irresistible brother.”

“You’re a grown man who shouldn’t be competitive with your twin. It shows your insecurity.”

Ben snorted. “I’m not insecure. Wheeler’s an ass, and everyone knows it. I pull more money into this house—no question about it. There’s no competition to be had. What I can’t figure out is why Austin chose him to be your bodyguard.”

“Maybe it’s because Wheeler is smarter and tougher,” I suggested in a smooth voice. Ben was undoubtedly attractive. Clean-cut, close shave, a charming smile, and just an easy way about him. Even his body language was open and friendly, from the way his left arm stretched over the back of the couch to the way he made eye contact.

Until his eyes slid south.

“That’s an impressive animal you’ve got,” he said. “Wolves are overrated. I’ve only gone out with two myself. Usually I’ll pair up with a grizzly or something along those lines. I’ve never been with a panther.”

“Well, good luck with your bucket list, because I won’t be filling it.”

I stood up and he gently took my hand.

“You’re a beautiful woman, Naya. Don’t get mixed up with a man like Wheeler.”

“Darling, I don’t get mixed up with anyone. I’m not a cocktail drink. I choose my men, and right now, I’m not choosing anyone.”