With Abandon: With or Without, Book 3 (13 page)

Aubrey composed himself almost immediately. Even his scent didn’t betray him. It was quite impressive. His recovery was so swift one might have completely missed his little cough and the strangled breath. He shrugged nonchalantly.

Howard came to the rescue. “Joanna, leave the boy alone. Don’t rush him.”

Her eyes widened and she cocked a brow at her husband, but she didn’t appear upset, only surprised. After a few seconds, Howard winked and she let it drop and went back to eating.

The rest of the dinner passed mostly uneventfully.

As they were getting up from the table, Howard caught Aubrey’s gaze. “Aubrey, go get the pack settled and come back. I want to talk to you in my office before we hunt tonight.”

Nodding, Aubrey turned back toward the door.

Matt pushed his chair in, ready to follow. A hand landed on his arm, stopping him. He turned, looking into Howard’s serious brown eyes, and a knot formed in his stomach. He hadn’t known Howard long, but he didn’t need to to read the expression. Matt swallowed hard and tried not to give his nervousness away with his scent.

“I’d like to have a word with you, Matt.” Howard crooked his finger at Matt and turned to leave the room.

Oh shoot, he knows.
Matt’s stomach rolled.
Okay, don’t be a dork, he can’t know. It’s something else.
Matt forced himself to move. He followed Howard out of the dining room into another room. This wasn’t something he could avoid no matter how badly he wanted to. More than likely, it was his overactive imagination anyway. Howard probably wanted to welcome him to the pack officially and lay down some ground rules.

When he stepped inside he recognized it as a study. It was masculine, dark woods and leather furniture. There was a bar, a big desk, a fireplace and French doors leading out onto the veranda. Even with the real threat of being banished or worse, he thought the room fit Aubrey to a T. It was an intimidating and comforting room all at once, depending on which side of the desk you were on.

Taking up the place of importance, Howard slid behind the desk and motioned for Matt to have a seat. “Would you like a drink, Matt? I suppose given who you are I can offer you one. I seriously doubt my son will have a problem with it.”

Shaking his head, Matt swallowed the lump in his throat and sat in one of the high-back leather chairs in front of the desk. “How did you know?” Had Matt done something to give them away?

Howard shrugged. “I just do.”

“This is where you warn me off and tell me to leave, isn’t it?”

Howard’s brow furrowed. “No.” The corner of his mouth lifted just a bit then lowered, like he hadn’t smiled at all. “This is where I tell you that I’m sorry, and I’m here if you need me.”

What?
Matt’s pulse sped up. “Sorry?” Oh God, why was he sorry? Was he going to kill Matt or something? Matt’s breath hitched and shuddered. Survival instinct had him checking his nearest exit, wondering how quickly he could get out those French doors.

Jumping to his feet, Howard came around the desk. “Relax, Matt. You’re okay.” He knelt by Matt’s chair and caught his hand. Matt wanted to jerk it back, but he didn’t. He focused all his attention on the man before him. He didn’t sense any malice, but Howard was powerful enough Matt didn’t know if he would be able to sense it if Howard didn’t want him to. Keaton was this strong, and he was able to hide things because of it. Was his father the same way?

Howard brushed a strand of hair from his forehead. “Good Lord, you really are young.” He patted Matt’s hand. “I’m sorry this is so hard for you. Give him time. He’ll come around, I promise, but if I know Aubrey like I think I do, it’s not going to be easy. Giving in gracefully has never been one of his strong points.”

Matt tried to slow his breathing, but he didn’t let his guard down. “I— You— We—” He shook his head, wanting to smack himself to make his darned mouth work. It was difficult to concentrate.

Letting go of his hand, Howard stood and crossed the room.

Glass clinked against glass followed by the sound of liquid being poured.

Howard returned and pressed a tumbler into his hand. “Take a drink.”

Matt stared at the glass, wrinkling his nose at the strong alcoholic smell. “You are trying to kill me. Just like Aubrey. This stuff doesn’t agree with me.”

Chuckling, Howard went back to his chair behind the desk. “I just want you to take a sip, not down the whole thing.”

Matt took a sip. He couldn’t afford to offend. This time he barely even sputtered.

“Talk to me, son.”

The knot in his stomach eased some, and Matt blinked back tears. Was it possible that Howard wasn’t mad at all, but on his side? “Why?”

“I love my boys, and I want them happy. I want them to have what I have with their mother.” He shrugged. “I admit I was a little upset when Keaton first told us he was gay. But after I found out about Chay it all made sense. And frankly, I’m glad. I don’t think there’s anyone who can handle Keaton as well as Chay does. God knows I’ve wanted to strangle him most of his life.” He leaned forward, putting his elbows on the desk. “It only took me a few minutes after meeting you to realize you’re perfect for Aubrey, and shortly after that I figured out why. You’re what he needs whether he knows it or not.”

Wow.
Okay, this was weird. Matt had the urge to pinch himself to make sure he was hearing things right. He set the tumbler on the edge of the desk and ran his hands through his hair. This was a lot to digest. “You could talk to him. Surely your reaction is part of his worry. With the reaction over Keaton—”

“No,” Howard said firmly. “He has to figure it out on his own. I’ve watched the two of you together. I can tell you know him well enough to know that. Mine and his mother’s blessing isn’t going to help. He knows we love and support him. He’d still beat himself up over it. He has to realize his happiness is more important than his sense of duty, or he’ll feel like a failure and make you both miserable. My son is a very proud and responsible man. He places more accountability on himself than his mother or I ever could.”

Matt nodded. That was true, Aubrey took it upon himself to look after other people. Reynolds Hall defined Aubrey. It made him who he was. Everyone’s background influenced them to some degree, but with Aubrey nearly every motivation could be traced back to his proud heritage. He seemed to feel it was his purpose, but Matt wondered if Howard underestimated his influence.

Howard smiled. “I’m not letting him, or you, off the hook by the way. I expect an heir, whether you adopt or use a surrogate.”

“I—uh—” His mouth went dry and he had to take another sip from his glass.

“Relax, Matt. You’ve plenty of time for that. Right now, I need you to do something else for me.”

Something else besides have kids?
Matt grew lightheaded. “Wh-what?”

“I need you to be strong. I know you’re young, but I need you to stand up to him. Do not let him walk all over you. If you do, you’ll regret it, and it will take him even longer to come around. I’m not telling you to demand he come out and tell everyone. I think we both know what he’d do with an ultimatum, but you can’t let him push you around. You know that saying, give a man enough rope?” When Matt nodded, Howard continued. “I can assure you the person who came up with it didn’t know Aubrey. You give
him
enough rope and he’ll tie you to a chair with it.”

Matt chuckled. That was true. Aubrey liked to do things his way, and he was conniving enough to take whatever advantage he had.

“If you let him dictate everything, he’ll do it all your lives. Trust me on this. I don’t want you to lose yourself in trying to please him.”

That never occurred to Matt, but now that he thought about it, it would be easy to do.

Footsteps clicked on the wood deck of the veranda outside the office. Matt tensed and stared at the French doors. It didn’t smell like Aubrey, and Howard didn’t seem concerned.

He stood and came around the desk again. Stopping beside Matt’s chair, he squeezed his shoulder. “Welcome to our family, son. I’m going to tell Joanna tomorrow, but let’s keep it between the three of us for now. Let Aubrey figure it all out on his own, okay? Trust me when I tell you if we rush him, he’ll resist, and it will get messy. I’m not trying to be mean. I don’t like hurting you, but I promise you that my advice will work.”

“I won’t tell. And thank you.”

A shadow passed by outside, and the fear of getting caught niggled at Matt. Would Aubrey think he was plotting?

Howard patted his shoulder before going to the French doors and opening them.

A tall man with jet-black hair stepped in. Werewolf power oozed from him. “Good evening, Howard.”

“Jarred, good to see you.” Howard slapped the man on the arm. “Come in. Meet Matthew.”

When Jarred stepped into the room, Matt dismissed his worry over his mate, at least for the time being. He was pretty sure his mouth was even hanging open.

Jarred, whoever he was, was breathtakingly gorgeous. The piercing eyes all by themselves were enough to captivate. But this man had way more than just amazing eyes. He had an angular, classically handsome face. He sort of resembled Rock Hudson when he was young. He even had the cleft in his chin. The man was easily as big as Matt’s former boss, Rhys, and the button-up shirt and jeans emphasized his build. There was also something familiar about him and not because he looked like the famous movie star. He came forward and offered his hand to Matt. “Nice to meet you, Matthew. Jarred Brandt.”

Realizing he’d been staring, Matt jumped to his feet and shook the man’s hand. He automatically exposed his neck out of respect, but Jarred wasn’t any more powerful than he was. “Matt, please.”
Brandt?
“You’re Tara’s dad?”

Howard was at the bar pouring another drink. “He’s also my Beta.”

“I am, yes. For the moment anyway.” Jarred laughed. “I’m considering killing her and hiding the body.”

“Uh-oh, what’s she done now?” Howard came forward, handing Jarred the glass he just poured.

Oh no, did Jarred think Aubrey was his daughter’s mate? Nausea climbed its way up Matt’s throat, forcing him to take a deep breath.

Jarred regarded Matt, then turned to Howard. “What hasn’t she done? She’s still refusing to go get her MBA. Yesterday she helped Megan rearrange my damned living room without my permission. And today before I left she and Ashley were intent on fixing my Mustang.” After knocking back all of his drink, he handed the glass to Howard. “I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do with her. She’s making me crazy.”

Matt chuckled despite his worry. Jarred sounded exactly like his dad when he talked about Logan.

Turning back to Matt, Jarred smiled. “You laugh, but just wait until you have kids. All three of my girls are—” He waved his hand absently.

“Problem children?” Matt offered.

“Yes. I love them, but…yes. I’ve decided their charm is a self-defense mechanism.”

Howard slapped Jarred on the back. “Isn’t being a parent fun?”

“No,” Jarred answered without hesitation.

The door from the study into the house opened. Matt’s cock tried to perk up, and if he hadn’t blinked, his eyes would have shifted.

“Aubrey. Come have a seat. We have business to go over.” Howard returned to his desk and met Matt’s gaze. “Matt, why don’t you let Jarred introduce you to the rest of the pack?” He smiled a conspiratorial sort of grin and dipped his head.

“Okay.” He turned to leave with Jarred, but Aubrey stopped him.

Clutching Matt’s shoulder for a few seconds, Aubrey said nothing. He turned Matt toward him and stared. “I’ll meet you outside, okay? Stay by Jarred.” Slowly the corner of his mouth raised, and he winked at Matt.

Just like that the tension eased. Everything might work out after all. “Okay.”

Chapter Ten

“I’m not kidding, son, watch your back with Boskie.”

Aubrey paced toward the bar, swirling what was left of his cognac. Why couldn’t his dad keep whisky in the decanter? Hell, he wasn’t picky, even cheap whisky. He preferred it to brandy.

Lord, he was on edge. He needed to get out and run, play with Matt. He wanted to show Matt the grounds as a wolf.

“I made some calls before dinner and he’s trying to get the other board members to vote down your proposed renovations. So far he’s not having much luck, but it’s not something you should ignore.”

“Goddammit.” After tossing back the rest of his brandy, Aubrey slammed the empty tumbler down on the bar and poured some more. “I knew he was going to be trouble.”

“Why do I have a feeling this isn’t really about the renovations?” His dad’s chair creaked a little, and there was a soft thud. When Aubrey turned, his dad had leaned back in his chair and put his feet on the desk.

“Because it’s not, it’s personal…or maybe it isn’t, I don’t know. He was hesitant about the plans I have for the hotels at the last board meeting. He wants to build another hotel. Which is just stupid in this economy.” Aubrey sat in the chair in front of the desk and took a sip of cognac. If he ran into Boskie hunting tonight, he might just bite the fucker.

“I agree. I like the ideas you have. We need to get the chain into this decade. I can’t imagine why anyone would have a problem with updating the Wi-Fi and making it faster or whatever. Enlarging the gyms and renovating the bars is also smart. Why would Boskie oppose it? And why do you think it may be personal?”

Aubrey set his glass on the desk and slouched back in his chair, letting his butt slide forward on the leather. “For one, he thinks I’m too young to run Reynolds Inc. He’s been very vocal about that.” Aubrey snorted.

“Well, that’s ridiculous.” Dad’s voice became stuffy, almost snooty, as if he were offended. “It isn’t his decision, now is it? The company bylaws state the president picks his predecessor and when. How dare he pass judgment on you. Boskie can blow it out his ass.”

Aubrey chuckled. “I’ll make sure I tell him that at our next board meeting. Mind if I quote you?”

The corner of Dad’s lip twitched. “You cannot tell the man to blow it out his ass, Aubrey.” Dropping his feet, Dad leaned forward. “What else?”

“He’s having, or rather was having, an affair with someone at the Macon branch.”

“Ah.” Dad picked up Aubrey’s cognac and contemplated it before putting it back on a coaster. “A pretty young woman no doubt. He’s always had a roaming eye. I still don’t see the connection. You didn’t threaten to tell Marina, did you?”

Aubrey scoffed. “Oh hell no. I didn’t threaten to tell Marina.” Marina Boskie was a woman prone to tears and hysterics. She’d rake her husband over the coals if she found out he was cheating. Boskie deserved it, but that wasn’t Aubrey’s problem. “It’s a pretty young man actually. And Boskie didn’t just have an affair, he’s stalking now that Carson has ended it.”

“Get the fuck out. Really?”

Blinking away the surprise at his dad’s use of “get the fuck out”, Aubrey nodded. Dad spent too much time online chatting with Keaton and Chay. “Yeah, and I sort of hired Carson as my EA to get him away from Boskie.”

Dad’s face scrunched up in contemplation. “I still don’t see why that would have anything to do with it. You didn’t confront Boskie?”

“No. As far as I know Boskie has no idea that I even know about the affair.” Which was how Aubrey wanted it. And looking at it like that, his dad was right. There should be no reason for Boskie to act the way he had. But Aubrey couldn’t get over the way he’d stormed out the back door of Reynolds Hall this afternoon. Boskie had been madder than an old red hen.

“Just watch your back.”

“I always do.”
Me, paranoid? Nah.
Aubrey got up and stretched his hands over his head. Time to go find his mate. He grinned. What did Matt look like in wolf form? Had he shifted already, or was he waiting on Aubrey?

“I’m not done with you.”

Ah hell.
Aubrey flopped back down in the seat. He wasn’t sure he could take anymore.

“Did you remember that your mother and I are leaving early tomorrow morning for our cruise?”

“Tomorrow?” He had the urge to ask if he could go too. It would be nice to get away, but he couldn’t afford to leave work right now.

“You forgot. We’re going to Alaska for our anniversary, remember? Martha and Thompson are leaving tonight to go to their daughter’s in Macon. They’ll be back Sunday night, before they go on their vacation, so you need to lock up when you leave Sunday if they aren’t here.”

He and Matt would have the whole place to themselves for two whole days. Matt could sleep with him in his room. He was actually anxious for his parents to leave. How wrong was that? “No problem.” Aubrey stood, holding back a smile.

“Are you in a hurry?” Dad arched a brow, slightly amused.

Damn.
“Um, no?” Sitting back down, Aubrey tried not to look anxious.

“Good. There’s one more thing. I’m officially turning the pack over to you.”

Son of a bitch.
Just what he needed, more responsibility.

“We’ll have a party to celebrate when I get back.”

And that was that.
Fuck.

Being a wolf just plain rocked. The only thing better would be figuring out how to use his iPod in wolf form. That? Would kick serious butt. Well, that and escaping Jarred’s watchful eye. He took it to heart when Aubrey had told Matt to stay with Jarred. Tara was right, her dad was a stick in the mud—a gorgeous one—but a stick in the mud nevertheless. Matt had tried to go off with Corde and his friends, but Jarred wouldn’t let him. That was a bummer too, because Corde, Jason and Tanner were nice. Corde had even pulled Matt aside and thanked him for his advice.

He had a lot on his mind after talking to Howard. For now Matt made the best of his captivity, as it were, but he yearned to go on a nice long run. Instead he waited for his mate and explored the garden.

Aubrey was right. The place was different at night. It was magical. In human form, the gazebo was beautiful. But as a wolf, the smell of the honeysuckle vines climbing on it was intoxicating in its sweetness.

There were wonders all over the garden. Closer inspection of the fountain revealed fish in the pool surrounding it. They smelled pretty good too. Only the thought of Martha clobbering him with a rolling pin or other kitchen utensils kept Matt from sampling the fish. It hadn’t taken Matt long to figure out that Joanna may be the hostess of Reynolds Hall, but Martha ran the place. He wanted to stay on her good side.

Dipping his paw into the small pool, he batted at a particularly curious fish. Most of the other koi split as soon as he’d hopped up on the ledge. The wind blew just right to catch the spray on his face. He held his nose up and closed his eyes.
Ah, nice
.

Not only were there crickets and the occasional wolf howl, but frogs, little pops from the fish coming to the surface, the tinkling of water cascading over the fountain and the soft roar of the creek. Leaves rustled as the trees blew in the breeze. It was easy to see why the Reynolds were enamored of this place.

A horse neighed, and toenails clicked across concrete, bringing Matt out of his musings.

Jarred paced past him like a prison guard on sentry. It wasn’t that he was unfriendly, not in the least, but he sure worried a lot and he was a stickler for rules. Matt couldn’t have that. Playing and interacting with Rhys, had taught him most wolves were pups at heart.

Jarred wasn’t going to know what hit him. Waiting for just the right time when Jarred walked past, Matt slapped the pool surface hard. Water soaked his face and chest, but it rained down on Jarred too.

He stopped mid-stride and stared at Matt. His jaw actually dropped and his eyes widened. Matt had no idea a wolf could manage that shocked expression but Jarred did. Added to the very human reaction, his head cocked to the side, betraying his lupine instincts as well. If Matt could’ve laughed, he would’ve.

Not giving the older wolf time to recover, Matt pounced on him. He landed right on Jarred’s back, knocking him down. At first Jarred just lay there, stunned, but when Matt bit his ear in play, Jarred growled. It wasn’t a mean growl but a good-natured one. He rolled and nipped at Matt anywhere he could reach. They tussled for a few minutes, and Matt took off around the fountain pool. He ran toward the gazebo, but he never made it off the cobblestone area.

Jarred tackled him.

They tumbled toward the grass, tangled together. When they finally stopped, Matt lay on his back with his paws in the air.

Panting with his tongue lolling, Jarred stood over him. He made to leap but didn’t. His tail wagged as he pretended like he was going to spring again.

This time, Matt got to his paws, waiting for the attack.

Out of nowhere came Howard’s amused drawl.
“I’m impressed, Matt. I didn’t think Jarred had it in him.”
There was a husky laugh and he continued,
“You’re going to be good for this pack and even better for Aubrey. He’s one of the wolves who needs to loosen up.”

Startled, Matt gazed toward the voice. Howard stood on the back porch already a wolf and had spoken in his head. Keaton had mentioned his father could do that too. Matt glanced around to see if anyone else had heard him. Matt didn’t think so because Jarred was still ready to pounce. And Aubrey…

Oh wow.
Aubrey stood next to his dad in all his lupine glory. The same nearly white fur his younger brother had covered him from head to paw, but that was where the similarities ended. Aubrey wasn’t slim and dainty like Keaton. Even though he was still on the small side for a wolf, he was more powerfully built. His musculature was beautiful to behold. Whether Aubrey wanted to be Alpha or not, he was. The authority rolled off him. He may not be as strong as his brother or father, but he sure looked the part. Actually, he kind of felt the part too.

Matt shook his head to clear it and to get the water off himself.

Howard must have said something to Jarred, because he abandoned his ambush stance and turned toward the Alpha.

Together, Howard and Aubrey came down the back steps into the garden. Howard strolled past, and Jarred fell in beside him.
“Commence to shaking Aubrey up, Matthew. Be good and I’ll see you both when Joanna and I get back from our cruise.”

Cruise? Matt would ask Aubrey about it tomorrow when he had a voice again. Something tickled his face, and the scent of his mate filled his head, making him dizzy.

Rubbing up against Matt’s side, Aubrey kept walking, nuzzling his face on Matt’s for a brief moment. It was casual and tender at once.

Matt’s stupid cock thought it was less casual and more tender though. He tried his best to ignore his errant body and followed his mate.

Aubrey was distracted. His tail and ears drooped. The pace he set was nothing like the energetic excitement Matt had seen earlier in the car. It was slow and measured, as if he didn’t much care where he was going. He wasn’t mad exactly, but he wasn’t entirely happy either.

By the time they got to the trees, Matt had gotten his wayward body under control, but now Aubrey’s mood was seeping into him and he was getting melancholy.

He couldn’t go on like this. He had to get his mate out of this funk.

Aubrey stopped at a clearing and turned his head toward Matt.

Matt seized the moment. With a playful growl, he caught his mate’s back leg in his mouth and shook it gently.

Jerking his foot away, Aubrey stared at him like he’d lost his mind.

Taking a few steps back, Matt put distance between them, just enough to get some speed going. One…two…he sprang, knocking Aubrey over.

On his back, Aubrey contemplated Matt. At least now he didn’t look upset. He stared at Matt for several more seconds and licked his muzzle, actually making Matt’s lip flop with the force of it.

Matt mentally patted himself on the back. Aubrey’s eyes were happy. It should’ve given Matt a hint, but it didn’t. Aubrey rolled, taking Matt down in the process.

Blinking back his surprise at how quickly Aubrey reversed their positions, Matt tried to nip Aubrey’s chest.

Aubrey covered Matt’s neck with his mouth and let out a growl. It wasn’t a hard bite, but it showed dominance all the same.

Out of instinct, Matt stayed perfectly still…for about three seconds, then he jerked away and wiggled, trying to get to his feet. Since Aubrey’s legs were bracketing Matt, he fell. They ended up careening down a small slope, angling for a good hold of each other with their teeth. It ended with them crashing into a tree.

They lay side by side, panting.

After that the mood became more companionable. Aubrey led Matt around the property, showing him points of interest. There were old slave cabins, an old mill, a barn and lots of cool hiding places in the brush and trees. Every thirty feet or so they’d run for a bit, play chase and wrestle. They occasionally met up with other pack, but went their separate ways after a while. It was one of the best full moons Matt had ever spent. He loved the south. He could see himself staying here, not just in Georgia, but here at Reynolds Hall with Aubrey. Would it always be like this here? Was it the place or the company?