“So?”

“So it’s my job to keep the peace and some of the males might go after your mate unless you cover her again with your mark. I can barely pick it up. I don’t want to have to bury any of our members when you tear them apart.”

Garrett snorted. “Nobody would want her. She’s useless. She’s infertile, a rotten lay, and unless I’m smacking her she doesn’t even move while I’m nailing her.”

Charma wished the floor would open up under her feet. She could sense every male watching her. She should have known her mate would retaliate for what had occurred the night before when he’d entered her area of their home in a drunken stupor. It had been one of the rare occurrences when he’d sought her out but she’d spurned his sexual advances.

“One of the pride will attempt to fuck her if you don’t strengthen your scent on her,” Randy persisted. “You might not think so but she’s very pretty.”

“I don’t care what happens to her.”

Randy released her arm. “You’re saying you don’t give a damn if other pride go after her? She’s only half-blooded. She won’t be able to fight them off.”

“Nope. Hell, you want her, fuck her right there. You’ll be disappointed if you think it’s going to be any good. Any of you can have her if you want. Bend her over the nearest chair if you’re in the mood.”

Horror gripped Charma. Her gaze lifted to Randy, praying he’d protect her even if her mate wouldn’t. Interest sparked in his green eyes and he licked his lips.

“You sure? I’ve always wondered what it would be like having her.”

“I’d find it amusing as hell.” Garrett chuckled. “Go for it. Just be rough.”

“Not inside my office, on my furniture.” Percy sighed. “Do it on your time. Right now she’s got shit to do other than amuse your friends, son.” Percy waved her off. “Go. We are busy. Tomorrow night we’re declaring war on those damn werewolves.”

She fled toward the door, wanted to escape, but paused to address her pride leader. “Your dry cleaning is ready. Should I pick it up now or wait until later?”

“Go but come right back. We’re going to need coffee soon while we plan the attack.”

She backed up, avoiding Garrett and the other men who watched her with way too much concentration. As soon as she reached her desk, she grabbed her purse and car keys before bolting from the office.

There was no going back once she left town. She’d die but it beat sticking around waiting for Garrett to allow the enforcers to have her. He would do it. Her mate was a total bastard. The fact that he would outlive her was the only regret she suffered as she climbed into her car.

Within twenty minutes Percy would figure out she hadn’t returned and send some of the enforcers to hunt her. Within two hours they’d realize she wasn’t within pride lands.

She rolled down her window and reached inside her purse. She glanced at the phone, tempted to call her family to say goodbye but rejected the idea. Her parents would demand she stay. She also didn’t want to have to explain to her siblings exactly how bad life had gotten for her. They’d be safe from retaliation since her sister had mated with the alpha’s son from another pack. It would be an offense to that pride if Percy or Garrett hurt Megan’s family.

Charma pitched the device out the window. She could be traced by it and she didn’t want to weaken her resolve to do the right thing. Calling one of her siblings made that a real possibility.

Fear nearly overwhelmed her but a memory surfaced. The image of Brand smiling at her from across a candlelit table on their first official date soothed her. I can do this. For him.

* * * * *

Brand jerked awake, panting from the nightmare of reliving the worst day of his life—the day Charma had fled. He was twisted up in the bedding, sweat covered his body and his dick was rock hard. He glanced down at the tented sheet.

“Yeah, I know who you want but she’s not here.”

He sat up, shoved the sheet away, and stood. His skin was overheated, his gums ached and he knew why. “I hate this time of year. Goddamn mating heat.”

It disgusted him that his evening would consist of porn flicks and lotion. He had stopped going to the pack runnings once he realized that he’d never find a mate there. He had tried it for years, hopeful someone would make him forget that she-cat, but eventually acceptance had settled in. The random sex gave him a break from routine but after a while, even that bored him. It just wasn’t worth the bullshit.

The phone rang and he stared at it. He wasn’t on duty until tomorrow. The answering machine picked up after three rings.

“Hello? Brand? It’s Peggy!” The annoying voice grated on his nerves. “You haven’t called me back. I’m going to the running in an hour and wanted to make sure you know where to meet me.” She giggled, sounding like a teenager instead of a thirty-year-old mother of nine. “I’m really excited. Don’t be late. I don’t want to have to fight off other males if they find me first. You’re the one I want. I’ll be at the creek where the white rocks are, near the waterfall.” She hung up.

The woman had lost her mate and was looking to make him the father and provider for her family. She chased him often but he wasn’t having any of it. She only wanted him for his home and money and was not even polite enough to lie about it. He had to give her credit for honesty, at least. She’d told him flat-out why she’d chosen him. She’d loved her mate but figured Brand would welcome a relationship where no emotions were involved. She had also tired of dealing with nine kids alone.

“Not happening,” he groaned. “I might not be the friendliest bastard but I’m not desperate either.”

The phone rang as he reached the master bathroom to take his shower. He paused and waited as the answering machine clicked on.

“Brand? It’s Melissa.” The woman paused. “The guy I agreed to hook up with chose another bitch who wiggled her tail at him.” Anger deepened her voice. “I thought since that fell through that maybe you and I could get together instead. I figured you’d still be available. I hate this time of year, don’t you? Hey, it beats batteries, right? Give me a call back soon or I’ll find someone else.” She hung up.

“Right,” he muttered. “I’m so flattered to be your second choice and better than a vibrator. You thinking of some other guy while I’m nailing you is such a turn-on.” He snorted. “I’ll pass.”