Biting Their Mate [Wolf Packs of Fate 6] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Read online

  And then there was Will. Even if he hadn’t been the youngest, she would’ve thought he was younger than his brothers because of his round face. Although not a baby face by any means, his face had an appealing boyish look that made her smile. He was two inches taller than Collin but had the same dark eyes and hair.

  “Jealous much?” Her own jealousy swamped her. Although she wouldn’t have admitted it, some of the green-eyed monster was churning inside her. She gritted her teeth and slammed the bottle down on the table so hard that she rattled the others’ drinks. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to do that so hard.”

  “Okay. So what? Maybe I am a little jealous. What woman wouldn’t be? And don’t worry about the rattling the table. We know you’re preoccupied—and frustrated.” Krystal tried to smother a grin, but couldn’t.

  “Uh-uh. Don’t you start,” warned Arizona. She’d already taken enough kidding from her friends. Normally it wouldn’t have bothered her, but sometimes they got on her nerves. This was one of those times.

  Had the Brannigan brothers noticed her attraction to them? If Krystal had, then it was a good bet that other people had as well. Fortunately, Krystal’s attention shifted to Dane and Eric when their cousin Curt Walton joined them. Stella was busy nursing her beer while glancing every so often at Mike, Alex, and Danny Lennox. She finally lowered her gaze, doing her best not to look again.

  We’re no better than schoolgirls mooning over the football players.

  Yet what was she supposed to do? She didn’t want to like the Brannigans. After all, what point was there? Even if they were attracted to her, even if they started dating, sooner or later, they’d find out about her past.

  She’d been young and foolish, but that wasn’t any excuse. At sixteen, she’d been interested only in having a good time with her best friend Darla. They’d worked together at a warehouse store and had often gone partying after their shifts had ended.

  If only we hadn’t gone partying that last night.

  Heartache hit her, searing through her at her last memory of Darla. Her friend had lain motionless outside the car as Arizona had crawled over to her, blooding pouring down her face. At first, she’d screamed at her friend as though Darla could still hear her, telling her she’d been an idiot to not use her seatbelt. As though the staring eyes meant her friend was still alive.

  Once the shock had worn away and the pain from her injuries splintered through her, she’d realized the truth. People from other cars had stalled the traffic on the highway and rushed to see what had happened. From that moment on, the rest of the night had been a blur of sirens, police, and her parents’ horrified faces.

  That had been six years ago, and although the wounds were healed, the emotional scars hurt far worse than any physical pain ever could.

  If only.

  Those were the two saddest words in the whole world.

  A movement behind Stella had her looking up to find Quinn Mallory, the brother of Stella’s boss, Shawna Mallory, with his hand on her friend’s shoulder.

  “Oh, hi,” said Stella, obviously thrown by his arrival.

  Arizona sipped her beer, thankful for the distraction.

  “I hope I didn’t scare you.” Quinn was a good-looking man, but there was something about him that made her jumpy. He always seemed like he was on the prowl. Not sexually speaking, but like a cat ready to pounce on a mouse if the mouse dared to poke its head out of its hole.

  “I guess I’m a little jumpy is all.”

  “Sorry.” His gaze went to Krystal then Arizona, going back to Stella. “I don’t want to butt in or anything, but I figured it was about time I checked to see how you were doing working with Shawna. She can be kind of cantankerous sometimes.”

  “Funny. That’s what she said about you.”

  Good one, Stella. Most of the time her friend was kind of quiet, but every so often, she’d let out a zinger.

  He chuckled. “Figures. Guess that’s what you get with siblings, huh?”

  “It sure is.”

  He tilted his head at Stella. “I don’t think you ever said. Do you have family in these parts? Maybe back home in Atlanta?”

  “I have a sister in Atlanta. The folks moved to Colorado a while back.”

  Arizona exchanged a look with Krystal. Neither one felt any inclination to join in their conversation. It was obvious that Quinn hadn’t come to talk to them. Instead, she went back to making her beer last. She wasn’t much of a drinker and tried not to let her gaze stray to the best-looking men in the bar. Or at least, where they’d been standing.

  Where are they? Did they leave?

  She sat up a little straighter and swept her gaze around the bar.

  Damn. Don’t look.

  Yet, she still did. Her gaze locked with Devin’s. For a moment, it felt as though they were in a staring contest. One she soon lost.

  Damn him and his incredible blue eyes.

  One stupid little look and her body was alive with tingles. Had any man ever been able to make her quiver with need like those men could? Not that she’d had a lot of experience with men. Although she’d dated since getting released, she’d never allowed anyone to get too close to her heart. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d given a damn about any man, much less three.

  “Well, I’ll let you get back to it, Stella.” Quinn tipped his hat. “Ladies, y’all have a good time, okay?” He heeled around and disappeared into the crowd.

  “Damn, but he’s good-looking.” Krystal let out a wolf whistle.

  “And nice,” added Stella. “If I hadn’t run into him at the market, I might not have found a job with his sister.”

  “Rumor has it that he has his eye on you. Is it true? If he does, do you feel the same way?” What better way to get her mind off the Brannigan men than to gossip? Normally, she didn’t like gossiping, but if it had a purpose, then why not? Her questions didn’t seem to faze Stella, which meant she’d heard the rumors, too.

  “Sorry to burst your bubble, but no. I like Quinn, of course, but that’s all it is. He’s not my type.”

  “Oh, right. Because hot as hell and nice are horrible traits in a lover,” added Arizona.

  “I just don’t feel that way with him. For some odd reason, he reminds me of Shawna’s cats.”

  “That hunk of a man reminds you of a cat?” Arizona scoffed, even though she’d had the same thought. “You realize that’s crazy, don’t you?”

  “Yeah, but I can’t help it. Just let it go, okay?” said Stella.

  “Fine.” Krystal played with her napkin. “Besides, poor Quinn didn’t have a chance after you met the Lennox brothers, huh?”

  “Can we please drop it?”

  Arizona couldn’t blame Stella for wanting to talk about something else. As long as it wasn’t her fascination with the Brannigan men, then any subject was safe ground.

  “Does the B&B do much business? I mean, I wouldn’t think a small town like Fate would get many visitors.” She hadn’t meant to ask so abruptly, but she considered her bluntness part of her charm. Or her curse, depending on what she’d said.

  “We get a few. Although I doubt it’s really enough to warrant hiring me. I think they’re being kind and helping me out. Which means I’m going to have to find a new job soon.”

  Arizona could see that happening. Quinn and his sister had reputations for being nice people. In fact, most of the people in Fate were nice, even if some of them were a little strange, even a little scary at times.

  “Maybe you could help out here? We could use another waitress.” It wasn’t the first time Krystal had suggested she and Stella get jobs at the bar.

  “Me slinging drinks? No thank you.”

  Even Arizona was surprised at Stella’s tone and could see that she immediately regretted it.

  “Damn it, Krystal, I didn’t mean it the way it came out. I just don’t think I could handle the men the way you do.”

  “It does take a knack.” Krystal gave Stella a wan smile. “But as jobs go, the
re are a whole lot worse ones.”

  “True.” Arizona couldn’t help but add, “And a whole lot of better ones, too.” She shrugged at Stella’s hard glare. “Sorry.”

  “Let’s talk about something other than jobs, okay?” Stella’s mood brightened, although her smile seemed a little forced.

  “Okay.” Seems like we’re always changing the topic. Hmm. Look who’s coming toward us. “How about we talk about the hunk of a man headed your way?”

  “What? Who?” Stella straightened up like a deer finally noticing a nearby predator out to make her its meal.

  “Hey, Stella, how are you doing?” The handsome man swiveled Stella around to face him. “It’s Krystal and Arizona, right?” He asked the question, but his focus never left Stella.

  “Uh-huh.” Krystal sipped on her beer, her attention locked on him. “Hi, Mike.”

  “We’ve met more than once, by the way.”

  “Oh, yeah, I know. I’m just making sure,” he added still without looking at Arizona or Krystal. “It’s been a while since I saw you the last time.”

  As much as Arizona was happy that Stella was getting some attention from a great guy, it only made her think about the men she’d like to have come over and talk to her.

  Frustration set in. One minute she couldn’t wait to see the Brannigans. In the next minute, she was sure she’d be better off if she never saw them again. Her head said now wasn’t the time to get involved with anyone, yet her heart yearned for love. Confusion had her stomach clenching. Never seeing them would hurt. They hadn’t gotten together or even had a fledgling friendship, yet somehow she knew she’d miss them.

  If only…

  Damn, I hate those words.

  “How about a dance?”

  Arizona was only vaguely aware of Stella leaving the table.

  “I sure wish someone would ask me to dance.”

  “What?” Arizona jerked her attention back to her friend. “Oh. You mean like one of the Hill brothers?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “I don’t blame you.” She took a sip and realized her bottle was empty. “I’ll get us a couple more.”

  “Okay.”

  Yet she doubted Krystal was paying much attention. Arizona slid off her stool and started toward the bar. She did her best to act as nonchalantly as she could, her focus on the bar and not scanning the room, but she failed miserably.

  What the hell?

  She faltered in her step. Will Brannigan had his arm around a pretty blonde. That was bad enough, but when he saw her headed their way, a small smile curved his lips.

  Is he playing with me?

  Don’t be silly. He doesn’t have any reason to. Still…

  She wouldn’t look at him. Not when he was so obviously trying to catch her attention. But why? Altering her direction, she picked up the pace, determined to get the drinks and get back to the table.

  Yet she’d only gone a few steps before once again, she paused and then had to force herself to keep going.

  Collin Brannigan had his arms looped over the shoulders of two women. Women who were more than willing to skim their hands along his body. His smirk was directed straight at her.

  What’s going on?

  If she’d been their girlfriend, she would’ve sworn they were trying to make her jealous. Strangely, although she didn’t have any right to be jealous, it worked.

  She headed toward a different place at the counter, going well out of her way. “Two bottles of Bud.” Once the bartender nodded acknowledging her order, she turned and put her back to the bar.

  Damn it.

  Devin Brannigan was on the dance floor with a tall brunette. He had his hands on her hips, but his gaze was locked on Arizona.

  What the fuck’s going on?

  They were baiting her, but why? So far, they’d barely paid any real attention to her. Now, all of a sudden, they were trying—and succeeding—in making her jealous.

  It’s a game. It has to be.

  Irritation that could easily grow to anger swelled inside her yet didn’t replace the jealousy. Was it because she was new it town? Or did they think she was an easy target? Had they found out that she thought they were hot and were playing the attraction card to the max? If they were, then they weren’t the nice guys everyone said they were.

  Or they’re drunk. Even good people do stupid things when they’ve been drinking.

  That much she knew all too well.

  Whatever the reason, she wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction of letting them know they’d gotten to her.

  “Here you go.”

  “Thanks.” She slapped a ten on the bar. “Keep the change.” Even as the bartender told her the drinks were on the house because of Krystal, she snatched up the drinks and started moving as fast as she could back to the table.

  She’d covered half the distance by the time she saw them coming. All three of the men had turned the women loose and were striding toward her. Their long legs ate up the floor, their lean waists moving side to side while their broad arms swayed gently by their sides. Their walks weren’t swaggers, but more like struts. On other men, the movements might have seemed cocky, but not them. Theirs were full of confidence that wasn’t boastful. Of a pride in themselves and their ability to handle any situation that might arise. Elation struck her. They’d given up the other women for her.

  She swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry, forgetting about the drinks in her hands. What would she say? Should she mention the other women? Should she tell them she knew they were playing with her?

  Whatever happens, I’ll play it cool.

  She thrust back her shoulders and jutted out her chin. She opened her mouth to ask them what game they were playing, to let them know she was on to them. Suddenly, they altered their course, skimming around her as though she wasn’t standing there. As though she didn’t even exist. She gaped at them as they brushed past her, Collin’s and Will’s arms brushing against either side of her. Devin passed her, his blue eyes never landing on her, although hers locked on him. They were past her and gone before she could make sense of what had happened.

  Don’t turn around. That’s what they want you to do.

  Gritting her teeth against the almost overwhelming need to see where they’d gone, she forced her legs to move. By the time she’d made it back to the table, her body was shaking from the effort.

  “Wow.”

  It was bad enough that it had happened, but to know that Krystal had watched the whole thing made it even worse.

  “They were headed straight toward you. I thought—”

  “No, no.” She couldn’t admit that Krystal was right. “They weren’t coming my way. Didn’t you see them? They all had dates.”

  “Dates? I’m not sure that’s what I’d call those girls.”

  Arizona placed a bottle in front of Krystal then took a swig from hers. “Whatever. It doesn’t matter.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make things worse.”

  She lifted her head high. “It’s fine. Seriously.” But was it? If it didn’t bother her, then why did she feel so bad? So alone? So…unwanted?

  “Okay. If you say so.”

  Thankfully, her friend’s attention shifted away.

  “Stella’s back.”

  Stella returned, picked up her drink, and downed the little bit that was left. Although a frown wrinkled her forehead, her eyes still danced.

  “Who was that girl that pounced on Mike?”

  Thankfully, Krystal had asked the question and not her.

  “I don’t know.”

  Arizona expected Stella to take her seat again, but she remained standing. “Whoever it was, he sure was happy to see her.” Arizona cringed. I have such a big mouth sometimes.

  “Yeah, he was. Very happy.” Sadness enveloped Stella.

  Arizona opened her mouth to say how tense Stella sounded then caught herself. Why make things worse?

  “Look, I think I’m going to head on home.” Stella downed th
e rest of her drink.

  “Ah, don’t let that blonde bimbo run you off.” Shit. There I go again.

  Krystal pinched her in the arm. “Have a little sensitivity, damn it. And watch it on the blonde bimbo stuff.”

  Arizona rubbed her arm. What the hell? Sure, she was mouthy, but had she really deserved that? Her gaze slid to Stella, who was obviously doing her best to put on a good front.

  “It’s okay. I’m just really tired. Besides, I need to get up early.”

  “Why? The B&B doesn’t have any guests right now.” I have diarrhea of the mouth. Just stop talking.

  “Sure, sweetie, we understand.” Krystal shot Arizona a look, as though she hadn’t already decided to clam up.

  “We’re supposed to be getting a guest soon, and I want to make sure everything’s ready for him. Thanks for understanding. Bye.”

  “Stella, please don’t go,” called Krystal.

  “Damn. She’s really upset.” I say some really stupid things at times, especially when I’m upset.

  “No help from you.” Even Krystal’s scowl couldn’t mar her beauty.

  “I’m sorry, okay? I’ll let her know I’m sorry, too.”

  “You’d better.”

  Krystal’s anger threw her. Her friend had never shown that side of herself. “Maybe it’s best if I call it a night, too.” Besides, she didn’t want to sit there like a wallflower while the Brannigan men had women hanging on them. She doubted she could stand playing any more of their game.

  “I’m going to check in with the boss and see if they need an extra set of hands. I could use the money.”

  “Okay, then, I’m off.” Arizona slipped off the stool, leaving her almost full bottle of beer where it was. “Talk to you soon.”

  She hurried away, not daring to look back. If she didn’t get out of there fast, she might change her mind. She shoved open the door to the bar, keeping her gaze lowered as she muttered to herself. “You’re acting like a damn idiot. You don’t even know them.”