* * *
Lev
“This feels like a wild goose chase,” I grumble. “We’ve been on the road for two hours, and neither of us knows what the hell we’re actually looking for.”
My brother, Orion, snorts. He has my mother’s sense of adventure and belief in fate, along with her dark green eyes and sandy brown hair.
“Sure we do Lev. We’re here to pick up Moss’s sister.”
“Yeah, in a sea of purple in a gown of white? Could it have been vaguer?” I scoff. “I wasn’t aware that quests were back in fashion.” When the Alpha tells you to do something, you obey. I’m a good soldier, but I’m not into the mystical aspect that’s become common in the pack since the Lunar Goddess decided to remind us she’s more than a legend.
Orion laughs. “That’s actually pretty damn specific.”
I growl. “You know what I mean.”
“With the pack members we lost during the attempted coup, we can use every new addition that comes our way. We’re lucky if this is a sign of what’s to come.”
“Funny. I don’t feel that way.” I frown. I’d had my life planned out. Mates were few and far in-between among us. So, I focused all my attention on the family business. I’d expanded my knowledge with schooling and opened a second garage. Dad had handed over the power to make decisions, and I’d put Coxon on the map.
“What’s really going on? I think this break from the auto shops is exactly what you need. Life is more than work and business.” The worry in his voice makes me uncomfortable.
“You don’t need to worry about me, little brother. I’ve got things handled.”
“I know when Dad got elected to join the council, you were forced into the role of man of the house. I wish I could’ve helped you more back then—.”
“Hey. You were seventeen. Your job was to focus on your schooling.”
“You were only twenty-one,” he counters.
“Yeah. I was an adult with a degree and experience helping Dad at the shop. I did what I needed to. I don’t get accolades for that.”
“Why not?” Orion challenges.
I glance over at him, seeing his strong jaw set stubbornly. His thick brows are dipped down, and he’s studying me like he can see through my flesh into my soul.
“Because that’s what family does.”
“They also call each other out. You’re completely closed off from the possibility of life being different than we grew up expecting it to be.”
“Careful, your psychology degree is showing.”
“Don’t do that. I’m not diagnosing you. I’m opening up a healthy dialogue.”
“How about we stick to road trips and shooting the breeze?”
Orion sighs. “Sure.” The disappointment in his rich baritone cuts like a knife. Four years older, I’ve always felt responsible for his upbringing. Partially due to our parent’s message about being an example playing like a record stuck on repeat.
“Look. I’m not opposed, okay?” I exhale. “I’m just cautious. You start expecting too much, and you’ll be crushed when you don’t get it. We’ve had a lot of change in a short amount of time. I like to stay grounded where I can.” Orion’s always been more sensitive. It worked to our benefit, with the younger cubs learning to shift and finding their designations. It’s a lot of emotions, hormones, and dueling personalities.
Our wolves are both a part of us and not. It’s a tricky relationship to maneuver.
“I want to see you happy, and I know you’re not.”
“Who is?” I shrug.
“Mom and Dad.”
“They lucked out. Not everyone gets happy ever after Orion. Sometimes the best we can settle with is content. That’s what I’ve hedged all my bets on. “