An Alpha's Choice (Talon Pack #2)(24)

Maddox frowned at him then reached out and patted Drake’s knee when the younger man opened his mouth to speak. “We won’t push you. Not yet. I pushed my brothers at times when it was warranted, but I might have hurt them in the process. I won’t do that to you.”

“But I might,” Drake said softly. “To save you? To make you feel whole? I’d do anything, Finn. You’re my brother. Remember that.”

Finn swallowed hard, knowing he wouldn’t be able to hide everything for much longer. He’d tell them about Brynn, about his wolf, about his path…about everything. When he could. There was no if anymore. He couldn’t hold it in for too much longer.

“I’ll remember,” he whispered then cleared his throat. “While you’re here,” he said, changing the subject, “I’ll let you know a little bit of what I’m going to talk to Dad about.”

“Other than the events of earlier?” Maddox asked.

Finn nodded. “Yeah. The outside world is one issue. But inside the Pack? We have issues of our own. I know as Betas, Nick and Jasper are working with the Pack to ensure they are functioning on a day-to-day level. But with all that’s happened in the past year, I feel as though we’re on an edge I can’t quite place. Our wolves are worried and trying to figure out how to live and not go crazy while stuck inside the den.”

Maddox frowned. “I’ve been feeling that…unease, as well. I know Jasper has since we’ve discussed it. Pack circles and events within the den wards can only do so much.”

“We’re going to have to find a way to keep the health of the Pack priority—not just their safety.”

Maddox quirked his mouth up in a smile. “You sound like your father.”

Finn raised his chin, the compliment washing over his skin.

“We’re having a family meeting tomorrow morning. We’ll find a way.”

The front door opened, and Finn turned to see Charlotte walking in, a frown on her face, and Bram, a mid-level ranking wolf on her tail. He had his hands in tight fists at his sides, the darkness of his skin holding the sheen of perspiration.

Charlotte froze mid-step as soon as she looked up. Bram didn’t run into her as he’d had his attention on the three men in the room from the start.

“Dad? What are you doing here?”

Maddox stood up, his brows raised. He folded his arms over his chest, and Finn held back a groan. He didn’t know what was going on between Bram and Charlotte, but having an angry dad in the room probably wouldn’t help.

“I needed to talk with Finn.” His gaze moved to Bram. “Bram.”

“Sir.” The deep growl of Bram’s voice didn’t sound like he was afraid of the power in the room. In fact, it sounded like he was on edge.

This wasn’t going to end well, and he wasn’t in the mood to mess with Charlotte. She needed her privacy—even if Maddox didn’t always see that. Not to mention, Finn needed time on his own right then. He had to formulate a plan and decompress after getting hit by a freaking car.

“Thanks for stopping by, Maddox and Drake. I’ll see you both at the meeting.”

Maddox didn’t move his gaze from Bram, yet Charlotte didn’t move from standing in front of him. Finn wasn’t sure what was going on, but it was their business unless Charlotte was hurt.

Then it was all of their business.

“Maddox,” Finn growled.

Maddox leaned forward and kissed his daughter’s cheek. “Your mother and I will call you tonight.”

“Love you, Dad.”

“Love you too, baby.”

With that, Maddox and Drake left, the tension in the room lowering but not as much as it should have.

Finn met Bram’s eyes. The other wolf couldn’t keep his gaze for long considering he wasn’t as dominant, but he tried enough so as not to challenge but to still hold his stance.

“I’ll talk to you later, Charlotte,” Bram said finally.

“I don’t know that we have much to talk about,” Charlotte said firmly.

Bram raised a brow. “Keep thinking that, honey.”

Finn blinked. Interesting.

Bram turned on his heel and left. Finn took a deep breath and didn’t scent Maddox or Drake nearby. That was good, at least.

Charlotte closed the door firmly behind Bram’s retreating back but didn’t turn toward Finn.

“Want to tell me what that was about?” Finn asked smoothly.

“Want to tell me what’s going on with you and Brynn?” she asked pointedly.

Finn snorted. “Fair enough.”

She turned then, playing with her ponytail. “You’re okay? I heard about the so-called accident, but everyone said you were fine.”

Finn held out his arms. “Just a few twinges that should be gone in a couple of days, if not tomorrow.”

She tucked herself close to his body, inhaling deeply before relaxing. She was his family, one of his anchors. He hugged her close, needing the touch as much as she did.

“Don’t die on me, Finn. I don’t know if I could bear it.”

He kissed the top of her head. “I won’t,” he whispered. “I’m too stubborn.”

She sniffed, kissed his chest, then pulled back. “See that you don’t. Now, I’m going to go take a hot bath. When and if you’re ready to talk about Brynn, you can always come to me.”