her neck and then nipped her earlobe, drawing a gasp from Alyson.
“Come on, let’s get out of here.” Rylan wrapped his arm around Alyson’s waist when Tarkyn backed off, and he turned her toward the door. She picked up her purse and the key, but he took the key from her hand and locked up before sliding the key back under the door.
Chevy was waiting at the door to their truck, ready to help her in, but she just shook her head and dug in her purse. She backed away and then crossed the road to a small car which had definitely seen better days. If Rylan had his way, the vehicle she drove would be sent to the scrap heap, but he would have to wait to gain her trust before he made such a decision.
“Chevy, go with Alyson,” Rylan ordered.
Alyson was in the process of getting in her car. She pulled her seat belt on and then looked over to him through the open window. “I’m quite capable of driving on my own. I can just follow you to your house.”
“You’re not driving by yourself. Chevy is going with you,” he stated firmly.
Alyson muttered again about “arrogant, bossy men,” but he ignored her this time.
Chevy hopped in the passenger seat, and Rylan watched Alyson pull her car out onto the street.
He stood and watched them go.
“What’s up?” Tarkyn asked.
“She has to learn that when we say something, we mean it.”
Tarkyn was wearing a goofy smile. “She likes that we’re arrogant and bossy. She just won’t admit it.”
Rylan hoped that was true, but he wasn’t sure. “And the Alphas? They’re a hell of a lot bossier than we are. If she challenges them, can we protect her?”
“You’re worrying about nothing. The Alphas are lenient when it comes to women. The females of our pack are to be cherished and protected. Especially since Alyson doesn’t know the ropes yet.”
Rylan shook his head. He knew Alyson would fit in fine with the other women of the pack. They, too, were feisty and independent. But it would be just like her to go head to head with Jonah, not realizing what it meant to challenge an Alpha wolf. She won’t like the taste of Pack Law.
Tarkyn slapped him on the shoulder and drew him from his thoughts. “Let’s catch up. Don’t want them to start the party without us.”
“No, we don’t.” Rylan unlocked their SUV and pulled out toward the pack house.
Let’s see if she is as accepting of the rest of us as we’ve been of her.
Chapter Seven
Alyson listened as the three Friess brothers debated about ways to bring more business to the Aztec Club. She had already learned that Rylan was a bit of a hard ass and Tarkyn could be just as bad. Chevy seemed to be the mediator and thinker even though he was the youngest of the three.
“I think we should bring in live bands,” Rylan said in a firm voice.
“Wasn’t that Cherry’s suggestion?” Tarkyn asked critically. “She just wants a chance to schmooze with musicians.”
“I know she’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but she’s allowed to have a good idea occasionally. The more people we can get to visit our town, the better our profits will be and the more we can do for the local economy.”
“Rylan, we already have too many humans living here,” Tarkyn responded. “The pack members have to be cautious enough. I think bringing in even more of them will be a mistake. We only have a few women, and we don’t want them to be in danger from strangers.”
“Guys, stop!” Chevy butted in. “You are both right. Bringing in live music will benefit all of us, and, Tarkyn, you know damn well that if any of our women were in trouble, our pack members would step in to protect them. Besides, do you really think that their mates will let them visit the club without them? Get real.”
Alyson was intrigued by how they hashed out their decisions. She wondered if Rylan ever put his foot down, making an idea stick whether the other two agreed or not. She wouldn’t put it past him.
“Are you all right,
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