4. Ryan

Ipeered out of the car window as Bridgetown unfurled before me, a pulsating hub of urban life nestled in the middle of Shifter territories. Unlike the untouched wilderness of Three Rivers, this was a place where old-world charm met modern sophistication. Two and three-story buildings lined the streets, their modern lines softened by an architectural style that echoed a simpler time.

It wasn't our territory, though, and it set my senses on alert, my wolf pacing inside of me in apprehension. My mind whirled: a storm of worry for Mai, sitting next to me in the back seat while Derek drove; wariness of our new surroundings; and the constant, throbbing undercurrent of our loss of Jem. I couldn"t believe he was dead. He wasn"t blood, but he was my brother. We"d been through everything together—the death of his parents and my mom, taking care of my brothers when my dad checked out on alcohol, Mai disappearing, challenging Oliver and his enforcers, Jem and Hayley taking over the Pack—we"d done it all together and now he was just gone. I should have seen it. The signs were there, but I"d failed to connect the dots. Hayley"s increasing instability, her growing discontent with Jem and the Pack, the way her eyes would darken with a dangerous glint whenever Jem brushed her off. I"d ignored it, convinced that Jem could handle her, that their bond as mates would keep her in check. But I was wrong.

The guilt gnawed at me, a relentless beast tearing at my insides. If I"d paid more attention, if I"d intervened, maybe Jem would still be alive. But beneath the guilt, beneath the grief that was threatening to consume both me and Mai, there was a simmering rage, a fury that burned white-hot in my veins. Hayley and Brock had taken Jem from us. Hayley had betrayed her mate, but they"d both betrayed their Pack and everything we stood for. And for that, they would pay.

The buildings were closer together now, their facades a mix of old brick and modern glass. The streets were dotted with people going about their business. And elderly couple strolled hand in hand, their steps slow but sure. A young mother pushed a stroller, her eyes flicking down to the babbling infant nestled inside. None of them had any idea of the battles that we"d fought, or the ones that were coming. They didn"t know our pain, the depth of the betrayal we had suffered, or the lengths we would go to get justice for Jem, for all of us.

With all these people, we had to be near the heart of Bridgetown. It had taken us most of the day to finalize plans and head over here. Then we took the long way around, making sure we weren't followed. It was almost eight in the evening now, and I knew Mai needed sleep soon. Her ordeals from the last week, plus the grief of losing Jem, had drained her. I could feel her exhaustion through our bond, and my wolf was getting annoyed with me for not finding her a place to rest. As Mai's fingers danced over the screen of her phone, I caught a glimpse of her expression, tight with concern and determination. She was texting Sofia, filling her in on our decision to go to Bridgetown, and telling her that she and Jase should keep out of sight for the time being.

While Mai was occupied, my thoughts spiraled inward, my wolf unsettled. I was grappling with the responsibility my brothers had sprung on us—challenging for the Alphahood of the Three Rivers Pack. The notion was as electrifying as it was daunting.

Could I really be an Alpha? The word itself seemed too grand, too heavy, for someone like me. But then again, hadn't I been playing a similar role for years? Flashbacks of my childhood rushed back … Mom died when I was ten. After that, Dad had been as useless as he was drunk, and my brothers and I had gone without clean clothes, without food to eat. I'd stolen food, ditched class, and gone hunting each day just to make sure they had enough to eat.

Jem had helped, slipping me food and clothes when he could. Then Jem had made the Beta spot under Oliver. I'd been his number one enforcer, watching his back, making sure we were all safe. It came with a regular paycheck, and life got a bit easier for my brothers. Those years had shaped me, honed my protective instincts, and kicked my Alpha tendencies into high gear.

I glanced at Mai, her face, and that cute frown she got when she was concentrating, illuminated by the phone screen. What would it mean for her, for us, to step into such roles? I couldn't let Mai down. Not again. Being an Alpha pair wasn't just about leading; it was about setting an example, forging a bond that would be looked upon as the epitome of what a partnership could be. Did we have what it took to be that example? Our Pack needed that desperately, especially after the shitshow that Jem and Hayley had descended into.

And then there were the others—our packmates, our friends. They'd already lost so much. The last thing I wanted was to bring them more pain or uncertainty. But could we bring them something else? Hope, maybe. A fresh start. Justice for Jem.

Mai's phone buzzed, the sound jarring in the silence of the car, and she read the reply, her brow furrowing deeper. "Brock's enforcers were at Thomas and Wally's house," she informed me, her voice barely above a whisper.

Fuck.

"Did they get in?"

She shook her head. "No. Thomas refused to let them enter."

Thank the Goddess for Thomas. "Good. Brock will be reluctant to go against the only Pack doctor. He needs Thomas for now, but it might only buy us a few days. Tell Sofia and Jase to stay hidden for now," I said, my mind racing as I considered our options, "and not to leave Wally and Thomas's house."

Mai nodded, her fingers flying over the keys once again. I could see the strain in her eyes, the worry that was eating at her. I wanted to take it all away, wanted to make sure she never felt like this again. Without thinking, I reached over to hold her hand. As soon as I touched her skin, a bolt of electricity shot through our bond and her eyes widened.

"What was that?" she whispered.

"The mate bond is still new. Until it settles down, it"s going to flare up randomly." I trailed a finger up her bare arm, and watched the pulse in her throat quicken. "And sometimes not so randomly."

I could feel my wolf stir, driven by the need to protect and comfort her. The mate bond was powerful, demanding, but it also gave a sense of calm and reassurance. Seeing Mai respond to my touch, the way her tension eased slightly, made my wolf chuff in satisfaction. He loved that we could do this for her. I loved just how responsive she was to my touch. Images of Mai naked in my bed while I explored just how responsive she could be flashed into my mind. I trailed my finger slowly back down her arm to clasp her hand again. It was fucking hard holding myself back. Our bond being this new was driving me on but she needed comfort right now not multiple orgasms.

"We"re here," Derek announced as he pulled up in front of the Alpha's residence.

Mason, who was driving the other car with the rest of our little Pack in it, stopped next to us.

"You ready?"

Mai nodded and I got out, looking up at an impressive two-story structure that sprawled across a generous lot near the town center. It was a modern building that had a welcoming air, its walls of glass and steel softened by landscaped gardens. This wasn't the secluded, fortress-like compound of Three Rivers. It was right in the heart of things, a clear message of its importance to the community.

I moved over to Mai and placed my hand on her back.

The grand entrance of the Alpha house swung open, and standing there was Michael, a familiar face in this unfamiliar territory. There was First Nations blood in his heritage, and it showed strongly in Michael with his height, lean frame, and sharp features. Beside him stood a petite woman in a dark, knee-length skirt and navy blouse. She had chestnut hair that was knotted neatly at the nape of her neck, and her lips were set in a thin line. She radiated a silent command that prickled my senses even from a distance.

"Ryan, Mai," Michael began, "this is my mate, Camille."

She nodded at us, her gaze unflinching, appraising. "It's unfortunate we meet under these circumstances," she said, her voice carrying a hint of steel.

"Indeed," I replied, "but we appreciate your hospitality."

A sudden flurry of movement stole my focus. Two figures, one a towering beanpole of a teen and the other a whirlwind of energy, bounded into view from behind Michael and Camille. The taller boy couldn't be more than seventeen, a spitting image of Michael, but with watchful eyes that were a reflection of his mother. The other boy looked about seven years old and wore a happy, playful smile.

"This is Henry," Michael said, his rough voice turning unexpectedly tender. "And this vivacious firecracker," he gestured to the younger boy, "is Tucker."

Henry offered a polite nod in response, his eyes never still, taking in everything. Tucker, on the other hand, flashed us a brilliant, cheeky grin that showed he was missing his two front teeth.

Henry and Tucker's eyes darted toward the two cars behind us. A gasp escaped Tucker's lips as he saw the last passenger get out of the car.

"Shya!" he whooped, his voice cracking with youthful delight. He took off, sprinting across the lawn and cannonballing into his older sister. Shya, surprised by the little human missile, staggered back a step, then laughed, her worry lines softening for a moment. Henry hung back, his gaze watchful and protective, before walking over to join the reunion. His greeting was more restrained, a warm hug and soft words exchanged between siblings.

As Tucker disentangled himself from Shya, his eyes danced with mischief. He turned to his parents, his grin growing wider. "Dad, did you know wolves run faster than cars?" he blurted out. Michael chuckled, a soft rumbling sound, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Camille, suppressing a smile, quickly feigned a stern look. "Tucker, manners."

"What?" He frowned. "It's true! Can I prove it, Dad? Can I? We can race now. You Shift, and I'll drive the car!"

Michael laughed out loud, turning to us. "He's been trying to drive a car for the last six months, ever since he saw a Formula One race on the TV. He keeps coming up with new ways for us to allow it."

"It hasn't worked yet," Camille said sternly. "And this one isn't going to work, either."

"Aw, Mom!" Tucker whined, still in Shya's arms.

"Aw, Mom, nothing. It's time for your bed. I said you could stay up to see your sister. Now, scoot, young man."

Henry stepped forward and held out his arms to his sister. "Here, let me. I'll put him to bed. You get caught up with Mom and Dad."

Shya smiled at Henry, passing the struggling Tucker over to him.

"I'll come and read you a story in a bit, okay, Tucker? Promise."

Tucker stopped struggling, but stuck his tongue out at his older brother.

Camille sighed as they walked past. "I don't know what we're going to do with that one."

"Go-karting," I said. "Lots of fun and works a charm for kids who want to drive. I did it with my younger brother Sam, and it shut him up about driving a car for years."

Camille tilted her head to one side. "Good idea. I'll try it."

Behind Camille, a tall, wiry woman with frizzy brown hair stepped forward. Her sharp, foxlike features softened in a polite smile. "I'm Danni, the new Beta here in Bridgetown," she introduced herself, extending a hand to me. Her grip was firm—a fighter's grip.

"Nice to meet you, Danni."

Then came two others, a pair who could only be the enforcers. The man was broad, with a deep-set scar running down his cheek. The woman next to him had a lean, almost wolfish figure, her eyes alert and wary.

"This is Ivan," Michael introduced the man. He offered a curt nod, but didn't say anything. "And Elise," he continued, gesturing toward the woman.

"Hello, pleased to meet you all," Elise said, her gaze sharp and assessing.

Mai was silent, taking it all in. I couldn't put my finger on it, but I felt a faint current of tension running beneath the polite introductions and forced smiles. I guessed not everyone was happy we were here.

"Please," Camille nodded at the entrance, "follow me. Mai, Ryan, we would appreciate it if you would join us in the study. Danni will show the others to their rooms. They are all adjoining. Shya, of course," and here Camille's voice went from polite to iron firm, a mother making it clear to her child who was in charge, "will have her old room."

Derek shot a glance at me. I nodded, telling him to follow Danni, then I took Mai's hand as we followed Camille into the wolf's den.