4. Cooper

Chapter 4

Cooper

" S o, what are your plans now?" Miles asked, his voice steady but his eyes betraying a flicker of concern.

"I'm checking into an inn. I'll swing by first thing tomorrow," I answered, trying to keep my tone casual.

"I see," Miles said with a nod, looking relieved.

His shoulders seemed to relax just a fraction, and I had the sudden urge to pull him close for a comforting hug.

But I hesitated, remembering we had returned to Sawyer's hospital room after our walk.

What was it about being with Miles that made me forget everything else around me, focusing solely on him?

Sawyer's eyes were glued to the TV, but I wondered if he sensed something had changed between Miles and me. Not yet, probably. Sawyer could be dang clueless at times.

Even if he did know, he'd see it as a betrayal. Heck, I still felt sketchy for having these feelings for Miles, and it was such an inappropriate moment. I left the room, feeling bothered by the changes inside me.

My wolf grew alert as I exited the hospital. Ryder's wolves were still there. Sawyer had been right to call for me.

If both Uncle Ben and Sawyer had pissed Ryder off, then their family had made their way onto Ryder's wanted list.

Miles would be put in danger... and I didn't like that thought one bit.

Sawyer had come to the defense of his uncle, who was simply protecting a pack member Ryder was harassing.

I suspected it wasn't a one-time incident. Ryder had always done what he wanted, even in the past, as if the rules didn't apply to him.

As I walked to my ride, I noticed the big werewolf who snarled at me earlier was waiting for me.

He wasn't alone. A fit, ginger-haired man in his forties was with him. I silently sized up this newcomer.

Not a newcomer, I realized, as the ginger-haired man smiled at me like we were old friends. I didn't return his smile.

"Bruce," I said, acknowledging Ryder's second-in-command from ten years ago.

He hadn't aged gracefully. I wondered if he was still in the same position.

"Cooper, been a while," Bruce said, his tone deceptively friendly.

"So, Beefy here called you in. Must be serious," I said, keeping my tone casual and nodding toward the big werewolf who had growled at me earlier.

Beefy growled again, narrowing his eyes at me. He punched his fist into his hand, a clear threat.

Bruce's smile widened, but there was no warmth in it. "You know how it is. Ryder likes to keep tabs on old friends, make sure everyone's... behaving."

"Right," I replied, my eyes flicking between Bruce and Beefy. "Well, I've got nothing to hide."

"Good to hear," Bruce said, stepping closer. "Because if you did, Ryder wouldn't be happy. And you remember what he's like when he's not happy."

"Vividly," I said, my voice tight.

Did Bruce bring up the past to agitate me? Probably, but I wasn't the same reckless and angry boy I'd been ten years ago. It would take much more to provoke me.

I continued, "But I'm not here to cause trouble. Just visiting old friends."

"Old friends?" Bruce asked, his tone dripping with false concern. "Well, that's good. What happened to Sawyer and Ben was such a shame. Now Miles is all alone."

His words hit a nerve, and I felt my wolf stir, the urge to protect Miles rising within me.

Be patient, I reminded myself. Bruce seemed intent on baiting me.

"Sawyer and Ben are fighters; they'll make a quick recovery," I said, keeping my voice steady.

"I'm sure they will," Bruce said, still smiling that infuriating smile.

I was tempted to punch his smug face but reeled myself in. If I did anything now, it would give them a reason to fight a 'misbehaving' visitor in their territory.

When I did nothing, Bruce looked a little disappointed. I wasn't going to lose my cool, not with so much at stake.

Bruce and his cronies were waiting for any excuse to pounce, but I wouldn't give them the satisfaction.

"So, how long are you planning on staying in Pecan Pines?" Bruce finally asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Just a few days," I said, forcing a casual tone. "I figured I'd use the opportunity to do a little sightseeing. Been a while since I was here."

Bruce's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Sightseeing, huh? Well, I hope you enjoy your stay. Pecan Pines has changed a lot in the last ten years," he said.

"I'm sure it has," I replied, meeting his gaze without flinching. "But some things never change."

"Indeed. Well, just remember, Cooper. You're in our territory now. Watch your step," Bruce said.

With that, he turned and walked away, Beefy following close behind. I watched them go, my fists clenched at my sides. This encounter was a good reminder that none of us were truly safe.

As I climbed into my car, my mind raced with the worst-case scenarios. That encounter with Bruce reminded me that I was under constant surveillance, and that Ryder's pack would have their eyes on me at all times.

It also meant they considered me a threat. Good, because I wasn't the reckless 18-year-old they remembered. I had grown stronger and smarter.

I started the engine, the roar of the truck filling the quiet night. My thoughts drifted back to Miles and how my wolf and I felt so comfortable around him.

Despite the danger, despite the uncertainty, I wasn't the least bit scared of Bruce, Ryder, or the other wolves in their pack. Miles' safety, Sawyer's well-being, and their family's protection were my top priorities.

That was the reason I had dropped everything to come here. When I told Daniel I'd only be here a few days, I didn't know the situation yet. Now that I did, I knew I would have to extend my stay.

I rubbed my eyes, forcing myself to focus on the road and wake up. What I needed was coffee. I could drop by a nearby café but decided against it.

It would be better to ask Miles if he wanted to get coffee at the cafeteria or vending machine. That would be a good excuse to leave Sawyer's room and have some privacy.

I wasn't worried about Ryder's guys making a move on Sawyer or Ben because Noah and Griffin were there when I wasn't.

I hadn't spent the last two days doing nothing, although I probably should have been spending more time at the hospital with Miles and Sawyer.

I'd been making a few calls, meeting with former pack mates I trusted to get a feel for what Ryder had been doing with the pack for the last ten years. I needed to assess how much of a threat they were.

By some miracle, I reached the hospital without falling asleep at the wheel.

Seeing Beefy, whose name I learned was Garth, along with another muscle-bound werewolf chatting by the entrance, I immediately woke up. Guard up, I headed to the entrance.

"Still here?" Garth asked me. His pal gave me an unfriendly look.

"Yep," was all I said before strolling in.

I could feel their stares behind me, but I was pretty sure they weren't foolish enough to attack me in broad daylight in front of a busy hospital.

Sawyer was asleep when I entered the room, but Miles wasn't. I frowned, studying him carefully.

There were dark circles under his eyes, and he looked like he hadn't gone home last night because he was still wearing the same clothes he wore yesterday.

"Hey," I said softly.

Miles jerked up, looking momentarily panicked.

"Did something happen last night?" I asked carefully, sitting in the chair next to Miles.

"Cooper, you're here," Miles said, rubbing at his eyes. "Griffin was supposed to drop by last night, but he had a family emergency."

"Miles, you should head home, get a shower, and some sleep," I said gently.

"I can't," Miles said, sounding panicky. "If I take my eyes off Sawyer or Uncle Ben for a second... I saw Garth wandering the corridors last night. The way he grinned at me..."

Garth. I silently swore. I knew Ryder's guys would hover, but I foolishly assumed they'd keep some distance from Sawyer and Ben's rooms, which were on the same floor.

Knowing Garth was this close to Miles made me seethe. On the outside, I might look like a changed person. I wasn't baited easily anymore, but the anger inside me never truly went away after Ryder beat me all those years ago.

It would always be there, I realized, so I chose when to unleash it and when to put it aside.

"Cooper?" Miles asked, brushing his hand against my arm.

I was this close to striding outside and pummeling the heck out of Garth, but Miles' touch immediately calmed me down. It made me see reason again.

I turned to look at him, his eyes filled with worry and exhaustion.

"I'm sorry, Miles. I should've been around more," I said. "You're not alone. We're in this together. I promised I'll be here for both Sawyer and you."

"That's alright," Miles said quickly. "The fact you're still here is enough."

"Miles, sorry about last night," came a new voice.

Griffin had arrived. He nodded to me when he saw I was there.

"Griffin will keep an eye on Sawyer. Why don't we get some coffee?" I suggested, hoping the break would help Miles relax a bit.

Miles hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah, okay," he said.

We made our way to the hospital cafeteria. The walk was quiet, the tension still lingering in the air.

Although I didn't know Griffin that well, Miles assured me he and Noah could be trusted.

Like Sawyer, Ben, and Miles, they belonged to a small group that opposed Ryder. During our walk, I made sure none of Ryder's wolves were lurking nearby.

In the cafeteria, we found a small table in the corner. I bought us coffees, the bitter scent filling the air as we sat down. Miles cradled his cup in his hands, taking a slow sip.

"I'm really glad you're here, Cooper," Miles said, breaking the silence. "Things have been getting worse with Ryder's pack."

"I've noticed," I replied, my eyes meeting his.

Miles shivered slightly, and I reached over, placing a reassuring hand on his arm.

To be honest, I had even considered moving Sawyer and Ben, and by extension, Miles, to Winter Valley.

Daniel would need convincing, but in the end, I didn't think he'd argue. However, I eventually dismissed that thought.

Pecan Pines was Sawyer and Miles' home, and leaving, even temporarily, was not an option.

That was just me being overprotective. Still, we had a huge problem.

"Noah mentioned that you met with two pack mates yesterday," Miles brought up hesitantly. "Can I ask why?"

"I needed a first-hand account of the current situation, how the pack's been during Ryder's rule, from the other Pecan Pines pack members," I said.

"I see," Miles said. "So you've really been busy. But Cooper, what if Ryder finds out?"

"The people I've spoken to are aware of that risk. So I only spoke to those willing to meet up with me," I said.

The two people I'd spoken to, Lee and Hannah, were former enforcers of the pack and were my dad's old friends. They weren't pushovers.

"I see," Miles said, nodding in satisfaction. "You've...changed."

"You've changed too," I murmured, taking a chance and letting Miles see the hunger in my eyes.

Miles swallowed, and I decided now wasn't the right moment to bring up what was brewing between us. It couldn't be ignored, but for now, my priority was to take care of Miles.

"Look, since Griffin's here, why don't I drive you back home so you can freshen up, maybe get some sleep?" I asked.

I didn't make the suggestion earlier because, even after just speaking to Miles for a few days, I realized how stubborn he could be. Right now, his defenses were down.

"But..." Miles began, but I interrupted him.

"Sawyer needs us both at a hundred percent," I gently reminded him.

"Alright," he finally said. "Let's tell Griffin."

Griffin, it turned out, was agreeable. As Miles talked to Sawyer, who was now awake and eating breakfast, Griffin took me aside into the corridor.

"Cooper, are you sure it's a good idea to take Miles back home?" Griffin asked, his brow furrowed with concern. "Ryder's guys might be watching."

"I'll be careful," I assured him. "And besides, I can't let Miles continue like this. He's exhausted, and it's only a matter of time before he collapses. I need him strong for what's coming."

Griffin nodded slowly. "Alright. Just... keep your guard up. Ryder's men might do something if they see an opportunity," Griffin said.

"I know," I said, my jaw tightening. "Believe me, I'm ready for them."

We rejoined Miles and Sawyer, and after a brief conversation, Miles reluctantly agreed to leave.

As we made our way to my truck, I couldn't help but keep a close eye on our surroundings, my senses heightened.

Once we were in the truck, I started the engine, the roar filling the quiet morning.

"I can't thank you enough for this, Cooper," Miles said softly, breaking the silence. "I didn't realize how much I needed a break until now."

"You're welcome," I replied, glancing over at him. "We all need to take care of each other, especially now."

Miles leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes. "Just... wake me up when we get there, okay?"

"Sure thing," I said, a small smile playing on my lips.

As I drove through the streets of Pecan Pines, I kept my eyes sharp for any signs of trouble.

My mind, however, kept drifting back to Miles and the growing feelings I had for him.

Those feelings would have to take a backseat for now, I decided.