“They were promised to mate guys from other packs but you still had sex with them. You’re lucky it didn’t get you killed.”

“Yeah but it was really fun and I was right. I could totally handle three women at once.” Braden grinned. “And they weren’t mated yet. I thought they might enjoy a last fling. I saved them money by providing my body to them at that send-off party. I can dance and strip at the same time. Did you know some guys actually charge money to do that shit? I totally want that job.”

“And that’s why you’re single. It was wrong, Braden. Their families made those alliances, yet you put them at risk. Never touch a woman promised to someone else. You screwed three of them in the same night.”

“I did.” He grinned, holding up three fingers. “You’re just a little jealous that I could have that kind of stamina.”

“Wrong. You’re missing the damn point. You shamed the entire family.”

Braden’s cheerful expression changed to one of seriousness. “I get it. My bad but that wasn’t my intent. They weren’t happy when their parents made those agreements. They didn’t love those guys and they wanted to rebel a little. They needed to have a little fun and I gave them an outlet to do both. Would you have preferred they spent that night crying and being miserable? You’re judging something you don’t understand.”

A hint of pain glimmering in his cousin’s gaze surprised Brand. “Talk to me without the usual act you put on for everyone then. What did happen that night besides you fucking them, if it wasn’t you just being irresponsible?”

“I knew those girls. They were my friends. They got a raw deal so I showed up at Carmen’s house to wish them luck with their new lives. It was just the three of them having a pity party. You can’t imagine how much ice cream depressed chicks can put away.”

“Ice cream?” Brand hadn’t expected that.

“They’d been crying, empty ice cream cartons were all over the coffee table and it broke my heart, man. You should be allowed to mate someone you love, not because your parents were lured by money. That’s what it boiled down to. Carmen’s old man sold her to the Carlton Pack for a new truck because they’re short on women there. Tina and Mandy were traded to the Bolt Pack because they promised their parents a vacation home near a lake and welcome access to the territory. Someone thought it would be cool to mate their twin sons to a set of twin girls. How fucked is that? They had no say in the matter.”

“It isn’t right but they could have gone to Uncle Elroy and asked him to stop those matings if the girls were dead-set against it.”

“My mom ruled on the decisions concerning the girls.” Braden looked disgusted. “She made it clear their lives would be hell if they stayed and made waves. She didn’t want them around in case I or my brothers took an interest in them. They were from poor families, not good enough for her precious boys. I love my mother but she’s the ultimate bitch. We wanted to get even and have fun at the same time. Mission accomplished. Tell me that any family considering trading their daughters for profit won’t think about what happened that night and worry about a repeat. We sent a message that no one will forget. It’s not acceptable to force matings and there should be consequences when it happens. I brought shame to my family and they did the same to theirs, which was deserved. That was the damn point, Brand.”

Brand understood. He wouldn’t have gone to that length to make a point but he respected his cousin on a new level. Payback was something he could relate to. “Were you the one to think up that plan?”

“Mandy did.” Braden grinned. “She said their old man would be too afraid to sell off their younger sisters if she and Tina were to set an example of how to throw a proper send-off party. It also gave them some protection because their new mates would be afraid to hurt them since we’d become intimate friends. Our family is known for kicking some ass to protect the people we care about. Carmen just wanted to piss off her dad and I could relate. Mom hit the roof. You know how she feels about us doing anything she didn’t approve of.”

Brand shook his head but was amused. “Your heart and dick were in the right place, huh? I won’t bust your balls anymore about that night.”

“Speaking of balls, let me go to the runnings. I’ll be careful.”

“It’s too dangerous. Sorry. Hang on while I grab those movies. That’s the best I can do for you. Don’t enter my room again unless I actually yell for you.”

“Got it.”

Chapter Six

Charma grinned as Brand held out the spoon. “Seriously?”

He wiggled it in front of her mouth. “Take a bite. You’re too thin. I bought chocolate ice cream and brownies. Eat.”

“You put them all together and this is lunch? Really?”

His gaze dropped to her waist. “I miss those curves.”

“I’m going to get them back if you keep feeding me this way. This morning I thought the pancakes with chocolate chips and chocolate syrup was over the top but this is junk food on a whole new level. I’m not a full shifter, you know. My human side is going to pack on the weight.”

“Good. You shouldn’t be this thin. You need to gain at least forty pounds.”

“I really missed you, Brand. Have I said that enough? Most guys want model types. You sure don’t.”

“I want you happy and you’re sexy when you’re all curvy and plush. I’m afraid I’m going to break you. I can feel your bones.”

The phone rang and he sighed, handing her the utensil. “Hang on. I have to get that. I’ve been expecting the pack to contact me.”

“Will they be angry about me being here?”

“No. This will concern what to do about the prides.”

Charma watched him stride quickly to the wall and answer the phone. She couldn’t stare at him enough. Sleeping in his arms had been pure heaven the night before and the amount of sex he needed was over the top. Her muscles ached but she wasn’t going to complain.

“Okay.” He paused. “Right. I’ll be there.” He hung up and turned. “That was Rave. He and his brothers are holding an emergency pack meeting at my uncle’s house. A few strangers were spotted on the outer edges of town and from the smell of them, your pride has reached us. They are probably waiting until darkness falls to attack but just in case, don’t leave the house.”