Resisting the Moon (Royal Shifters #2)(8)

“Plan? What the f*ck are you going on about?”

Her gaze landed on Tyla and Colin, who were finally emerging from the lake. “Colin is only pursuing Tyla because I asked him to. He’s not actually trying to steal her away; he’s just making it appear as if he’s doing so. I knew you needed a push and he’s the only one crazy enough to take you on.”

“You have got to be kidding me. Why would you do that? I could’ve ripped him apart,” I snapped.

She stepped forward. “That’s why I’m intervening now. I didn’t realize you were having such a hard time controlling yourself.”

“Is Tyla in on this?”

“No,” she said with a shake of her head. “It won’t matter anyway. We both know she’s not interested in Colin. You’re her mate and she knows that, even as pig-headed as she is being.”

I huffed. “And that’s what drives me so crazy. She fights me every second she gets.”

“You deserve it. I can’t help it you’re an idiot. Now’s the time to make it up to her.”

I could hear Tyla’s laugh from where I stood. She used to be carefree like that around me, until I’d started flaunting other women around her, hoping the feelings would stop. In the end, they only grew worse. I focused on her, the way she smiled so animatedly at Colin. Would she ever smile like that at me again?

“She hates me.” I sighed and looked at the ground. “I tricked her today and made her kiss me. You know as well as I that she’s not the forgiving type. The longer she fights me, the worse I’ll get.”

She placed her hand on my shoulder. “That’s why you need to be honest with her. It’s either that, or find someone else to control your urges with for the time being. But that option will only piss her off more, so . . .”

I groaned, angrily running a hand through my hair. “I always knew a woman would be the death of me.”

“And a hell of a one at that.” Bailey laughed. “Now, come on back to my house. Ryker and I need your help.” She squeezed my shoulder.

“Fine, but if I find out your brother makes a move on her, I’ll rip his balls off. Got it?”

She snickered. “Colin may like to f*ck with you, but he knows his limits, and so does Tyla. She doesn’t want him.”

“She may not want him, but it doesn’t mean she won’t use him to get back at me. I f*cked up, and deserve whatever she decides to throw my way.”

Bailey didn’t say a word, which meant I was absolutely right. Out of the hundred years I’d lived in this godforsaken world, you’d think I’d have learned by now. Obviously not.

By the time we got back to her house, I could hear Ryker cursing up a storm inside. “What the hell is he doing?” I asked, holding back a chuckle.

Bailey cleared her throat. “When Micah came over to talk to me, he told me you helped my parents put my crib together. I thought maybe you could help put my little one’s together as well. Ryker seems to need some help.”

More cursing ensued and I chuckled. I’d do anything to get my mind off of Tyla. “I’d be happy to. When your mother was pregnant with you, I knew you were going to be a handful, always moving around like a beast.”

She stopped at the door. “Do you regret choosing to be a protector?”

“No. It’s what my father did, and his before that for several generations. The legacy needs to live on. So far, we haven’t failed in our tasks.” Then I thought about Tyla. “At least, until I picked the most stubborn female on this planet to protect.”

She giggled. “Whether Tyla realizes it or not, you’re her mate, a man who has sworn to protect her. Any female in our pack would kill to have you as their protector.”

“All except her,” I scoffed.

Ryker ripped open the front door and huffed, his eyes flashing. “Somebody better help me soon, before I toss this crib onto the lawn. The instructions are pure garbage.”

Bailey nudged me with her elbow and I cleared my throat to keep from laughing. “Step aside, Whitemore. I’ve got this.” I walked in and shook my head at the mess on the floor. There were pieces of the crib strewn everywhere. Ryker picked up the instructions and handed them to me, but I waved him off. “Don’t need them.”

Minutes later, I had the crib put together, grinning triumphantly.

“Hats off to you, Lyall,” Ryker said, leaning against the couch. “I think this calls for a beer.”

Bailey rolled her eyes and sat down on the couch while I followed Ryker into the kitchen. As soon as he passed me a beer, a knock sounded on the door.

“I’ll get it,” Bailey called.

Colin’s voice filtered into the house and my back stiffened. Biting my tongue, I tried my best to control my temper.

“What’s up?” he asked, strutting into the kitchen. He didn’t look surprised to see me in the least.

Ryker passed him a beer and slapped his shoulder. “Just talking to Lyall here.” Clearing his throat, he turned to me, amused at the tension. “I’ll be in the living room if you need me.”

Colin gulped his beer and leaned over on the counter, his gaze fixed on mine. “I know you were there tonight,” he stated matter-of-factly.

I slammed my bottle on the counter. “And?”