Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply (7 page)

“Well, I hope no one does anything on my account,” Pepper reminded the brothers. Just because she ate lunch with them didn't mean she wanted anything further to do with them. Yes, they were nice, but she doubted just being friends was Eric's goal.

“This would be strictly on my account. Believe me, no wolf is going to get away with fighting me twice without some payback.”

On the other hand, maybe since the teens now knew Eric was on duty—he was wearing a park ranger uniform and driving one of the ranger vehicles—they would relay the information. And Waldron would realize Eric was just taking a break for lunch. Having his brother with them helped somewhat too. Of course, Pepper had no intention of telling Waldron what she was doing that day or any other, but he could guess that if she was with the ranger and another man, she was doing some kind of forestry lecture or project.

Still, she was concerned things would escalate between her and Waldron. Just the fact he was anywhere near her campsite last night proved troublesome. Had he been there for the two days they'd been staying there? And now this. What were the chances that the kids just happened upon them at the deli?

“I hope you're going to make your brother go home after this,” she said to Sarandon.

“Like I could make him do anything he didn't want to do.”

They arrived back at the campground, then hiked in to the next troop encampment. “A good night's rest, and I'll be good as new,” Eric said as if he didn't want them to get the last word on the subject.

“He won't let me see his bite wounds,” Sarandon said. “But after a couple of dozen stitches, and the fact they are bleeding again…”

Eric glowered at him.

“I thought you said there were only a couple of stitches,” Pepper said, glancing at the spots of blood on Eric's uniform.

“That's what he told me. He could have a compound fracture and downplay it. He doesn't like being pampered.” Sarandon hurried to catch up to his brother.

Pepper rushed to keep pace with the two long-legged brothers.

“I can still hear you, you know,” Eric said to his brother.

“I meant for you to.” Sarandon waited for Pepper, but his gaze suddenly shot past her down the trail.

She turned to see what he saw. The two dark-haired teens from the deli. She didn't believe it was a coincidence that they had come here to hike and just happened to be using the same trail to go to a campsite. Not when they'd taken pictures of her and the Silver brothers at the deli.

“I'll catch up to you in a moment.” Sarandon obviously intended to talk to the boys. But suddenly Eric was passing her and Sarandon.

Between the two brothers, she had no doubt who was in charge. Then again, Eric did work here as a law-enforcement park ranger and had the authority to question the teens in a more official capacity than his brother did.

She folded her arms and watched the confrontation, curious as to how it would play out. She wanted to know just as much as they did who the boys were and what they were doing here. But she also wanted to see how Eric handled it.

“Are you with Waldron's pack?” Eric asked.

“What's it to you?” one of the boys spouted off.

“I need to know who to call if you cause any trouble in the park.”

That made the boys cast each other a look. She thought they appeared a little worried. One shoved his hands in his pockets, while the other lowered his gaze to the ground. She suspected Waldron wouldn't like to hear the boys had taken it upon themselves to chase after her and the Silver brothers as if they were on a spy mission.

“What is your business in the park?” Eric asked, sounding like a pack leader himself.

“Just hiking around,” the other boy said. “Not against the law.”

“Names?”

“Jonathan Fairhaven,” said the first boy, who was slightly fairer than his companion.

“Leroy Fairhaven.”

“Brothers?”

“Yeah,” they both said.

“Let me see your IDs.”

When they handed over their IDs, Eric said, “Says here you're from Idaho. If you're going to stay in the area, you have to get new driver's licenses.”

“We're just…visiting for now.”

“Do you have jobs?” Eric asked.

The boys shook their heads.

“What about Waldron?”

“Can't say.”

“Do you have his cell number?”

“No,” Jonathan said quickly.

Pepper knew it was a lie. She was certain now that the boys were keeping the pack leader informed about what was going on with Pepper and the Silver brothers. Eric recorded the boys' previous address and sent a text to someone. “No more following Ms. Grayling, or I'll have to do something more than lecture you,” Eric said.

Both nodded, then headed back the way they had come.

“Do you think they'll listen to what you said?” Sarandon asked Eric. He looked like he thought Eric should have hauled them in on some charges right then and there.

“Yeah. I think they're afraid enough of Waldron that they will. But mainly I think they're afraid he won't like that they got caught on their little secret agent mission. If they'd been sneakier about it, he might have appreciated the news.”

“They weren't trying to be stealthy,” Pepper said.

“No. They were being cocky teens. What can I say?” Eric said, raising a brow at her.

“Like you were at that age?” Pepper could just imagine.

Eric cast her an elusive smile.

“Only you wouldn't have backed down,” Pepper guessed.

“Depends on who I was talking to.”

Sarandon snorted. “You wouldn't have backed down. Not even with our father or Darien's father when he was pack leader.”

Eric looked like he could have socked Sarandon for saying so.

Pepper was amused by Sarandon speaking up about Eric. It made her wonder: If Eric had been a pack leader in his own right, would his mate have had any say in leading the pack? That made her wonder if he'd ever had a mate.

“What?” Sarandon said. “It's the truth. If you felt something needed to be done or said, you did it. And you owned up to it. You never backed down.”

“What about you, Sarandon?” Pepper asked, curious.

“Hell, not me. When Father was in a terror, we let Eric stick up for us. Dad was the sheriff of Silver Town. He was pretty much adrift after we lost our mother. Eric tended to be the bossy one. Keeping us in line when we needed someone to do that. We're all only a few minutes apart, but he always made sure the rest of us got fed.

“Normally, we had more than enough motherly she-wolves in the pack to check up on us, but occasionally something was going on and we'd be forgotten. When we were a little older, Eric learned how to cook and taught us. So we became really self-sufficient when we were fairly young. Eric even made us do laundry. And you know how that was done in the old days. No washing machines and the modern conveniences we have nowadays.”

“Yeah, I know the days.” She couldn't help but be impressed that Eric had taken charge of his brothers when he was the same age as them.

When they reached the campsite, they spoke in turn to the Boy Scouts. Afterward, they went to the last camp and then they were finished with their lectures for the day.

Eric offered her his card. “If you ever need anything when you visit the park, let me know and I'll see what I can do.”

“Thanks.” She tucked his card in her shirt pocket, certain she'd never have any need to call him. But what if she did? She would keep it in a drawer of a chest in her living room, like she did with the rest of the business cards people gave her.

Despite the fact that Pepper wasn't interested in having a mate, she'd had fun meeting wolves from another pack. They were different, interesting, and she realized how everything had become kind of the same old thing with her own wolf pack. She thought about how Eric must have felt to lose his mother and then take charge of his brothers, and how that must have affected him. Maybe that's why he was genuinely good with the Boy Scouts. Had he been the same way with his brothers? She imagined he'd had to be strict with his own brothers, or they would have gotten away with stuff like all boys would do. But then she wondered if Eric had gotten away with stuff when he was a kid, or had he been super responsible?

She'd had a close relationship with her mother and father, and when they had died she'd inherited the pack. No one would have considered it any other way. Harold had been a wolf with her pack forever. He had been the closest in age to her, and she had cared for him. He'd been more of a beta. Not alpha pushy like Waldron, who had declared from the first time he met her a few weeks ago that he wanted their packs to join as one.

She knew it had to do with her treed land as much as anything. She had wondered why Waldron's pack had left their territory, but since she hadn't wanted him to believe she was interested in him or his pack, she'd hadn't asked.

No way did she want an alpha male in her life. She'd had too much trouble with several over the years. Including her father before he died. She thought some of it was because she was just as alpha and they'd butted heads all the time. Her mother had been more beta, and Pepper had gotten along great with her.

On the hike to her car, Pepper pulled out Eric's card to really look at it and smiled when she saw the wolf's head. It wasn't just any wolf's picture. It was Eric's handsome wolf portrait.

But even so, she just couldn't imagine dealing with another alpha male like any of the ones she'd met so far without wanting to do him bodily harm.

All that was on the agenda when Eric went home was to wash the bloodstain out his uniform and then go to bed. He'd probably get up later, but he was wiped out from the lingering fever. Tomorrow, he'd investigate the cannabis plants further, but before he left the park today, he was driving over to the campground where Pepper and her people had stayed.

Sarandon walked him to his truck. “I'm dropping by Silva's tearoom and picking up some chicken soup, potato rolls, and a pie for you. I already called in the order, and I'll drop it by your place.”

“I thought you said I should sleep.”

Sarandon turned to leave. “And eat. You need to eat, then sleep. See you later.”

Since when did his younger brother dictate Eric's life? Not that he didn't appreciate what Sarandon was doing for him, but Eric knew Sarandon wasn't going to just drop off the food and leave. His brother wanted to talk more about Pepper and her situation.

Eric didn't tell Sarandon where he was going first either. He wanted to know for himself if Pepper or her people had anything to do with the illegal marijuana plants.

When he arrived at the campground, Eric felt a bit apprehensive. He wanted more than anything to clear Pepper and her people of any wrongdoing. He didn't smell any of the wolves who had been at the growing sites. He suspected if Waldron's or Pepper's packs were involved, they now knew that one of the park rangers was a wolf. They might have begun wearing hunter's scent, but it was too late for that. He already knew the culprits' scents. At least five of them.

He only found the same scents as before when he reached the first of the cabins. No one he'd smelled at the marijuana sites. The second cabin, same thing. But as he reached the third cabin, he saw Pepper hiking up the trail, looking as surprised to see him there as he was to see her. Now how the hell could he get himself out of this one? And what was she doing back here?

“Fancy seeing you here,” she immediately said, looking wary. “I thought you were going home to bed because you're sick.”

“I am, but I wanted to make sure no one was camping here illegally since you vacated early. Sometimes we have folks who will try to use a cabin if the renters leave earlier than expected.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. It hasn't happened here while I've been working, but it did up north at another national park. Besides that, I wanted to learn all your people's scents in case I run into them later. I smelled Waldron around here, checking out the area.”

“I noticed.”

“Did you leave something behind?”

“A pack member said one of her son's favorite action figures was left at the cabin because we were in such a rush to leave. Since I was already close to here, I told her I'd check. I hope you won't report me for using a lockpick on the cabin where her boys stayed so that I can look for it.”

He shook his head. “Unless you want me to use mine so your search will seem more legit.”

“I'll take you up on that. I wouldn't want to do anything illegal in front of a law enforcement officer.”

He unlocked the door to the cabin, then let her go in first. She headed straight for one of the bedrooms while he smelled around the place, trying to locate any scent of a wolf who had been up at one of the marijuana patches. None smelled familiar, and he felt a hint of relief.

She came out of the bedroom smiling and waving a golden-armored action figure. “Pauline didn't think she'd hear the end of it last night, so she'll be delighted to know it was still here.”

Eric was glad Pepper had a legitimate reason to be here. Not that he didn't, but he still felt guilty about checking up on her and her people when he really liked what he'd seen of her.

“Are you returning home now?”

He swore she wanted to tell him she'd call his superiors—his pack leaders—if he didn't go straight home and rest. He smiled. “Yeah, I'm done here.” And he was glad he hadn't found anything to tie her pack to the illegal drugs.

“Thanks, Eric.” And then to his surprise, she took hold of his arm and kissed him on the cheek very quickly, pulling away before he had a chance to react.

“Hell,” he said, smiling down at her, “I'm glad I came back to check the cabins.”

She laughed. “Well, it won't happen again. I just…wanted to thank you for everything.”

Now he was feeling guilty again. If she only knew why he really was here. He wished he could just accept the kiss as a sweet gesture and nothing more, but, damn it, he wanted something more to come of it. But what if she was trying to bamboozle him into thinking she was all sweet and not doing anything illegal so he would be too stuck on her to arrest her? His law enforcement training was telling him to be careful before making any mistakes he'd later regret.

His wolfish side said screw that, she was the kind of woman he wanted in his life. And if she was doing anything illegal, well, he wasn't going to worry about that now. He just had to prove who was planting the seeds and harvesting the plants and hope that had nothing to do with her pack.

“Eric? Where did you park your truck? I didn't see it at the site where we parked ours before. Is there another official-use road near here?”

“Yeah. That's where I parked when I carried Susan to the camp.”

“Oh, okay. I was going to give you a lift because you look so flushed, but you're probably parked closer than I am.”

He was touched by her change of heart and glad he had invited her to share lunch with them. Maybe that had convinced her that he and Sarandon were just offering friendship as wolves in the vicinity.

“Thanks. I would have taken you up on it, but you're right. I enjoyed visiting with you and loved hearing your lecture. I was trying to pick up some tips from you to teach our kids, but maybe instead you could talk to them sometime.”

“I'd…like that.” She shrugged. “It's part of my job.” She waved the action figure. “Got to get going. Nice seeing you again.”

“Likewise.” He watched her head out as he locked up the cabin. Despite feeling drained physically, he felt a little lighter-hearted about having seen Pepper again.

But when Eric made a wide loop around the last of the cabins, he smelled the scent of one of the wolves who had been at the first marijuana site he had found. He began to explore the area again, hating that he'd found anything that could incriminate her pack. Maybe the wolf wasn't one of her pack members. Maybe he or she was like Waldron, just snooping around.

But what if the wolf
was
in her pack?

When Eric arrived home, he took a shower, careful not to get his bandages wet. He pulled on a T-shirt and gym shorts, ready to retire to bed when Sarandon arrived.

“How are you feeling?” Sarandon asked, bringing in two sacks of food.

“Like I need to be sleeping.” Even though all he wanted to do was investigate this business with the cannabis further and prove Pepper wasn't involved. “Soup smells good.” Eric sniffed at the air again and smiled. “Silva made me chocolate mousse pie?” Now that sure brightened his evening.

“Yep, just for you. Sorry the word has spread, but several pack members asked me if you needed to hunt down the wolf who attacked you. Now that we know it wasn't a guard wolf and he's causing trouble for Pepper's pack, we might need some backup to handle it.”

“We're
not
getting involved. Not unless she asks. Although I did ask CJ to see if he could run down a wolf pack in Boise, Idaho, to check if that's where Waldron and his pack are from. And if Waldron and his pack members are involved in the production of marijuana, I'll need our deputy sheriffs to help me catch the culprits.”

“So you think he might be involved?” Sarandon poured the soup into two bowls, then paused and looked up at Eric. “It's okay if I share this with you, isn't it? She made enough for six.”

“Six?” Eric brought out spoons. “Yeah, of course. I wouldn't want it any other way.” Not after his brother had gone to the trouble of ordering it and paying for it. Eric normally loved his brother's company, but he knew where the conversation would be headed and planned to change the direction right away. “But, yeah, it's possible. The Fairhaven teens wouldn't say what kind of a job Waldron has. So what if pot is his business here? And he thinks that if he takes over Pepper's lands, he can make a real mint off growing weed.”

“As far as Pepper goes, it sounds like the perfect setup to me—for you. She's not mated and has her own pack. You need a mate and would be the perfect coleader. You've always wanted to be one. If Darien hadn't taken over the pack, you would have, and done a damn good job.”

Eric wondered if things would have turned out differently if his father had been the pack leader. He thought about telling Sarandon that he had to consider Pepper and her pack as suspects too, but he wanted to know what he was dealing with first and not just make wild assumptions.

“It wouldn't work out. She said she doesn't want anyone in her life.” Even though she had kissed him, it was purely a thank-you, and despite wanting to read more into it, he knew better. “I'm sure she's used to running her own pack. She doesn't need a male sharing the responsibilities. She may believe I'd be a threat to her position.”

“What about to have children? From the sounds of it, she has none of her own.”

“Maybe she doesn't want any.”

“Maybe.” Sarandon sighed. “But you'd be happy either way, wouldn't you? So what are you going to do about this Waldron? Surely you're not going to let him get away with stalking her.”

“Sarandon, she doesn't want my help. I'm sure she thinks all I'll do is replace Waldron in his quest to court her and take over her pack.”

“You're probably right. Though I can't imagine you giving up on her so easily.” Sarandon served a couple of beers. “You know they say beer and baked potatoes—well, or chicken soup—make you feel better when you have the flu. If you had the flu. With the fever. You know what I mean.” Then he took his seat across from Eric. “Despite what you think, I could tell she liked the way you were with her: not pushing her to go to lunch with us, just offering her your card in case she, or anyone in her pack, had trouble in the park. That showed real restraint on your part. I didn't know you had it in you.” Then Sarandon frowned at Eric. “It's not because you're feeling so poorly, is it? Hell, that's probably it. The fever, the pain from the bite.”

“It's not the fever. I want to give her space. Besides, I'm really not in the running for a mate right now.” Not that Eric wouldn't be damned interested if Pepper was, but the rest of his pack didn't need to know that. He took another spoonful of the tasty chicken soup. “Silva sure makes the best soups.”

“And pie. When I called, she didn't have any left. So she baked you a fresh one and wished you all the best. I have to warn you, CJ and Brett are dropping by in a few minutes.”

“Ah, hell, Sarandon. I'm supposed to be resting.”

“Yeah, but they're our brothers and they want to see for themselves you're all right.”

“I'm all right.” Eric felt like hell, but by tomorrow morning, he was sure he'd be feeling fine.

The doorbell rang and Sarandon hurried to get the door. “Hey, CJ, Brett.”

“How's he doing?” Brett asked, sounding concerned.

“Grouchy. Which means he has to be feeling better.”

CJ was carrying a box of chocolates. “From my mate's aunt's chocolate shop. She sent them especially for you,” he said as they entered the dining room. “You look like you're on fire.”

“Have you eaten?” Eric asked them, suspecting they might not have, since Sarandon had picked up enough food for six people. Eric should have known.

CJ shook his head. “But we don't want to impose.”

“There's enough for six.” Eric finished his bowl of soup and took another swig of beer.

“So what's the deal with the wolf?” CJ asked, sitting down to eat with the rest of them. He took his job seriously as a deputy sheriff, and if any of the family was injured by an outside wolf, he and the rest of the sheriff's department would take care of the situation in a heartbeat.

Eric explained what had happened and how he didn't want to get involved unless Pepper asked for his help.

“Ah, now I got it.” Brett was a reporter for their local newspaper, and he loved people and stories. “You are the reluctant hero.”

“How do you figure that?” Eric couldn't help being annoyed. “If she needs me, I'll be there pronto. But I don't want to butt in where I'm not wanted.”

Brett and CJ stared at him.

Sarandon saluted him. “Yep, I told you guys Eric had turned over a new leaf.”

“I wonder how long that will last,” Brett said, chuckling.

“If everyone's done with their soup, I'll serve the pie and then we can let Eric get some rest,” Sarandon said.

“I thought the pie was for me,” Eric said, not being serious in the least.

“Now that's the Eric we know.” CJ eyed Sarandon with the pie cutter, his plate readied for a slice.

At least Eric hadn't
meant
to sound serious. Was he
really
like that?

Despite how rotten he felt, Eric was glad that his brothers had come by. He wasn't sharing his box of chocolates though. When they left, he collapsed in bed, knowing Brett was wrong. To be a reluctant hero, he would have to be apathetic toward Pepper's situation. He was anything but. He totally sympathized with her. And if she needed him, he would indeed be there without hesitation. Guaranteed. Nothing reluctant about it.

* * *

When Susan called, Pepper was afraid it was because of trouble with the pack. She wouldn't be home for another hour and a half because she had to do some grocery shopping since Susan was staying with her for a couple of days.