In the Heat

Book Four: In the Heat

‘The Feral War is over. Tyler, who’s been Alpha and a warrior since the beginning, comes home to a pack that’s wary of him, a beta who’s hungry for power, and a human settlement nearby that’s causing tension. He’s unsure of who to trust, grieving for his lost mate, and in need of a new luna to help him lead.’ *** ‘Tyler turns to Caroline, the only other pack member who can understand his pain. But as the fragile peace treaty between humans and werewolves puts the pack’s safety at risk, Tyler and Caroline realize their “arrangement” is bound to fail—unless they can spark a passion that’s been missing for too long.’

Caroline Ryder

I took a deep breath, but the air was too thick with humidity to fill my lungs properly.

The air clung to my throat and lungs before it could reach the parts of my body that needed it the most. Like my legs. They were on fire.

I touched two fingers to my throat, counting my pulse more out of habit than for any real reason.

Checking my pulse after a run was more of a comfort thing than it was for health reasons. I didn’t even know what my heart rate should be.

I stretched my arms over my head, taking in the view.

I was standing at the edge of a large cliff on the side of Mt. Timbre, overlooking Blue Maple Valley. The mountain was wolf territory; the valley was a mix.

I usually stayed on the mountain.

It was only ten in the morning, but the heat was already intense.

This summer had started with a two-week heat wave that had most people lying down with a glass of lemonade balanced on their chest.

I wiped my forehead and let out a long breath. The prickling pain in my throat and chest was starting to fade as I stood there.

I traced the lines of trees and hills and other mountains as they stretched across the blue sky.

Without any clouds to block the sun, I had to shield my eyes to follow the path of the river, which sliced through the heart of the valley.

I jogged a lot, and sprinted even more. Exercise was the only thing that kept my mind clear.

If I went too long without feeling the burning ache in my chest, then that same feeling would creep into my mind and mess everything up. It was better to run regularly than to play catch-up.

The mountain I lived on made running a challenge. I liked that.

Every morning, I jumped over streams, dodged low branches, skirted around boulders, and avoided pitfalls and sheer drops.

Obstacles were another good way to keep my mind off heavy thoughts.

I closed my eyes for a moment, breathing in the thick air, allowing myself to think of him for just one painful moment.

When I opened my eyes, the moment had passed, and all thoughts had fled from my mind except one: home.

I turned away from the valley and started at a steady pace, not speeding up until my legs felt warmed up.

I sprinted until I reached the edge of my property, slowing to a walk as I entered the backyard.

My mother was tending to her small garden, her hands and face smeared with dirt.

She looked up when I emerged from the trees, smiling. Wrinkles gathered at the corners of her eyes as she walked over to me, tucking her gloves into the front pocket of her overalls.

“Where did you run to, Caroline?”

I shrugged, kissing her cheek. “The usual spot.”

My mother touched my elbow. “Libby and Mick stopped by.” Hearing this always felt like dry ice was creeping through my veins.

I looked at the back of my house for a moment before forcing myself to smile. “Are they inside?”

My mother was the only one who could see through me. “Oh, Caroline. You don’t have to, you can leave. Mick will understand; you know he understands.” He didn’t.

I bit the inside of my cheek. “Mom, stop worrying. I’m fine.”

Just to prove it to her, I headed for the back porch. I jumped up with as much fake enthusiasm as I could muster before I pulled open the back screen and let it slam shut behind me.

I smelled them almost instantly. Mated pairs have a unique scent. The smell of two combines to make one, although the male’s smell is always stronger.

Libby and Mick were a strange mix of lilac and mint.

I held onto the back of the sofa for a moment before I straightened up and moved toward the kitchen. I heard their voices but their laughter felt like punches to my gut.

I loved my brother but seeing him with his mate was almost too much to bear.

“Caroline!” Mick called out, rushing forward to hug me. Over his shoulder, I saw Libby. She met my eyes for a brief moment before looking down and turning away.

I felt a surge of heat in my stomach. I wished I was strong enough to be around her but she was a constant reminder of what I didn’t have. I hated myself for resenting her.

I turned to Mick, putting on a happy face. It was an emotion I knew how to fake but had forgotten how to feel.

“Micky,” I said sweetly. “It’s been so long! How are you?” It had been so long because I had avoided him the last time he visited. Mick had gotten the message I never wanted to send.

If Mick was thinking the same thing, he didn’t show it. “We’ve been really good, Care, really good.”

Somehow, I managed not to flinch. Mates have a way of speaking. It’s almost always plural and definitely subconscious.

“That’s good,” I told him. I ignored the feeling of a knife twisting in my ribs and smiled anyway.

I heard a snort from my left. “Good would mean I’d have some grandbabies.” My father was sitting at the counter, a pleasant smile on his pleasant face.

My father’s hair was completely silver and had been since he was a teenager. Somehow, it made him look more handsome than old.

Mick grinned. “We’re trying, Dad.”

Libby’s face turned red, making her blonde hair look darker. “Mick,” she scolded.

Mick was excited by the idea. “I can’t wait any longer to start a family. Lib and I have already started talking about names and everything.”

I couldn’t tell if it was his ever-present grin or the way his dark eyes sparkled that made me exit the room, but I did.

“Oh shit,” Mick muttered under his breath, “I always forget.” And he always did. But that was Mick for you; he was always so wrapped up in his own world. He wasn’t conceited or superficial. It was just his nature.

“You’re such a bonehead, Mick,” Han grumbled. Han was my other brother, older than me but younger than Mick. I heard his footsteps before I felt his hand on my shoulder.

As soon as he touched me, I shrugged him off. “I’m okay,” I assured him. “I just need to change.”

“Mick’s such a jerk,” Han said. His dark eyes were a stark contrast to his silver hair: he had inherited our father’s genes. “He just blabs on and on like no one can hear him.”

“It’s not a big deal, Han, he was just excited.”

“Yeah, but he knows he shouldn’t say those things around you,” Han argued.

I raised an eyebrow. “And why not?”

“Because—” Han stumbled over his words. “Don’t make me say it, Caroline, he was my friend too.” Sometimes, it felt like my kneecaps had been ripped from my body and I struggled to stand.

“I’m okay,” I repeated when I saw that he wasn’t buying my act. I punched his arm. “Seriously, Hanna, I’m good.”

Han scrunched up his nose. “Don’t call me Hanna.”

“Okay, Hanna.”

Han glared at me for as long as he could manage to keep the smile off his face. He gave in after a moment and his shoulders shook with laughter.

After a moment, Han composed himself but the moment couldn’t be taken back.

I poked him in the stomach. “Now there can’t be any doubt over which one of us is more stoic. I take that crown.”

Han rolled his eyes. “You’ve been a grouch for a year; I’ve been working this angle since I was born.”

The sound of footsteps interrupted my response. Both Han and I turned as Libby shuffled down the hall, heading toward us.

She hesitated when she met my eyes, coming to a full stop. “Uh, sorry, I just needed to use the bathroom.” She tucked her long blonde hair behind her ear. A self-conscious gesture.

I didn’t know much about my brother’s girlfriend. Mostly because I had never really made the effort.

I didn’t say anything as Libby moved past us, toward the small bathroom at the end of the hall.

Han let out a low whistle when the door clicked shut behind her. I turned to him and raised an eyebrow, inviting whatever comment he had in mind.

Han raised his hands. “You could try smiling at the girl.”

I rolled my eyes. “There’s nothing wrong with Libby.”

“Is that why you avoid her like she’s contagious?” Han challenged. I didn’t answer.

Han sighed and placed his hands on his hips. “I know it’s hard for you to see her but think about our lives. Girlfriends are always going to be around.

“We’re not a pack of loners. We’re a group built on the foundation of couples. You’re going to have to get over it sometime, Caroline.”

I took a quick step toward Han and felt my upper lip curl. “Don’t go there, Han.”

My brother didn’t back down. “It’s been over a year since the fire, Caroline. We’ve all moved on. It’s time you did too.”

“Moved on?” I echoed, my voice high-pitched. “We didn’t move on. We moved away. We’re not even inside the pack’s territory anymore. Mom and Dad have completely shied away from pack life since Alpha Vex died!”

Han rolled his eyes. “At least they try, Caroline! You run away from your feelings.”

I crossed my arms defensively. “So do you, Han.”

Han’s dark eyes narrowed. “That’s not true, Caroline. I feel things. I let his death hurt me. I’m just trying to recover now.

“I don’t even think I saw you cry for him. You didn’t even cry after your own boyfriend died—”

I reached out and slapped his face. The hollow sound hung between us as he clutched his stinging face and I cradled my traitorous hand.

After a moment, Han rolled his tongue along the inside of his cheek and smiled grimly at me.

My entire face flushed with color and then drained me of all feeling. I pushed my way past my brother, catching his shoulder with my own.

He grabbed my wrist but I yanked myself free, sending him a pointed glare before disappearing into my room.

When the door was closed, I slid down it, hitting the floor with a soft thud, and then pulled my knees into my chest. I closed my eyes, repeating to myself over and over to keep it out.

Once you allowed yourself to feel one thing, you could never shut the gates again and then you were overrun. I wasn’t going to let wayward emotions hijack my body. I couldn’t.

***

I emerged from my room hours later to join my family at the dinner table. I took my seat opposite Han but made sure my eyes were focused elsewhere.

Mick and Libby held hands while they ate, Libby’s thumb moving in slow circles along my brother’s palm.

My father chatted happily, either oblivious to the tension in the room or too stubborn to let it ruin his meal.

My mother’s eyes wandered to me more than a few times over the course of the evening, her mouth tensing when I met her gaze.

“The dinner is really good, Mom,” Mick complimented. “I’m not sure when I last ate this well.”

Libby slapped his hand playfully. “I cook for you almost every night.”

Mick leaned over and pecked the side of Libby’s mouth. “You try, hun.”

Libby’s laugh forced my gaze downward. Their happiness shattered something in me, and it was all I could do to keep the glass shards from piercing my stomach.

“Your baking is wonderful, Libby!” my father exclaimed. “I must confess, I snuck one of your muffins in before dinner; they were too irresistible!”

Libby blushed. “You’re too kind.” I gripped my fork, hard.

Mick set his fork down and leaned forward, capturing our attention. “I’ve got some exciting news, everyone!” He paused for dramatic effect. “The true alpha is returning!”

My mom was the first to respond. “Tyler Trip? Back on Mt. Timbre?”

Mick nodded. “He’s done with his tour and ready to reclaim the pack.”

“About time,” my dad grumbled. “His beta’s been in charge too long. This pack needs a strong alpha.”

Han rolled his eyes. “We don’t know what kind of alpha he is, Dad. He’s never actually held the title.”

My mom bit her lip. “How do you know he’s back, sweetheart?”

“I was chatting with his third, Rowan. There’s a ceremony tomorrow. Everyone’s expected to be there,” Mick explained.

I watched my dad’s face turn ashen. He had been close with the last alpha, Vex. After his death, my dad had chosen to distance himself from pack life.

Worry lines appeared on my mom’s face. “We’ll need to dress up for tomorrow. Caroline, do you still have that blue dress?”

I looked up, surprised to be included in the conversation. It was the first time anyone had spoken to me since Han and I had argued that morning.

I swallowed my mouthful of potatoes before responding. “It might be too tight.”

My mom sighed. “Can you try to squeeze into it?” I caught Han’s eye briefly before nodding.

Libby chimed in softly. “I have a dress that might fit you if the blue one doesn’t, Caroline. Maybe you could try it on after dinner?”

I wished I could have thanked her or smiled, but seeing my brother’s smile at her, all I could do was meet her gaze.

My mom filled the silence. “That’s very kind of you, Libby.”

“Well, I’m not dressing up for some half-assed alpha who abandoned his pack to fight in a war that was practically over,” Han grumbled.

My dad nearly exploded. “It was a noble decision! If I had been fit enough, I would’ve gladly joined the cause! Those humans took everything from us, everything!

“You will dress up and you will show respect!”

Han looked ready to leap out of his seat. “He left an injured pack to a beta! What respect does he deserve?”

This time, my dad actually did jump out of his seat. “He went to avenge our previous alpha; to ensure no other pack faced the same devastation we did!”

My mom looked stressed. “Please, Rick, just sit down.” Neither of them paid her any attention.

Han stood, his face flushed beneath his silver hair.

“What good is revenge when his pack was suffering, halved, and without a home or leader? As far as I’m concerned, Tyler Trip is a coward.”

“That’s enough,” Mick growled. “Trip is my friend.”

“Makes sense why you two get along,” Han spat. Mick stood but remained silent. All three men stared at each other, the tension thick in the air.

After a few tense moments, Han kicked his chair back and stormed out of the room.

My mom took a long sip of water and then smiled at Libby. “Sweetheart, could you get the muffins?”

***

I woke to the sound of howling.

Still feverish from my dream, I threw off my blankets and dressed quickly, lacing up my sneakers in the dark and grabbing a light jacket, before heading out the back door.

The howling would stop every few moments, only to start up again. I jogged, gradually getting closer to the sound.

The sky was just beginning to lighten as I reached the peak I usually ran to, just outside the Timbre Pack’s territory.

I took a few moments to catch my breath and then stretched my arms over my head, relishing the familiar burn in my muscles.

The howling started up again, close enough to raise the hairs on my arms and stir my own wolf.

I moved through the trees with wide eyes as I spotted a few wolves with their heads thrown back in song.

I watched their ears twitch as they howled, adjusting their notes as other wolves, miles away, changed their tunes.

I moved to my left and looked up the mountain, spotting wolves spread out sporadically along the path that led into the heart of Timbre territory.

After a few moments of watching, I understood what they were doing. They were welcoming their alpha home.

The next round of howls was so powerful, it nearly triggered a shift in me. I doubled over, clinging to my human form as I heard the sound of approaching footsteps.

The first wolf was one I recognized: pale yellow fur with only the slightest touches of brown, intense hazel eyes, and heavy paws. This was Ryan Steller, the acting alpha wolf, but beta to Tyler Trip.

Just behind Ryan was a wolf of medium build with alert eyes and shaggy brown fur that darkened to black around his muzzle and paws. Rowan Moss was Tyler’s third-in-command.

Ryan and Rowan were acting as the personal escorts for the last wolf who could only be Tyler Trip, the true alpha who had been absent since the last alpha had died.

Looking at him, it was clear why he was the alpha. The wolf was massive.

His bulging muscles supported his head and shoulders while his flanks were elegantly sculpted and powerful.

He was covered in light brown fur with streaks of white and auburn. His eyes were focused, honest, and trustworthy.

Tyler Trip was everything an alpha was supposed to be.

For one painfully long moment, Tyler Trip met my gaze. His eyes were green and hauntingly sincere. It didn’t matter that it was only a fleeting glance; I felt as though I had been turned inside out.

And then he was gone.

The howling stopped once the leaders had moved on and the wolves that had been stationed in this area began to wander up the side of the mountain, loosely following their alpha.

A minute later, more howling echoed from higher up the mountainside.

By the time I got back to my house, the entire family was in a flurry of activity.

My mom spotted me in the front hall as she was putting in an earring. She yelped when she saw me, rushing forward to grab my arm.

“Where have you been, Caroline? We’re going to be late!”

I showered as quickly as I could and squeezed into my blue dress, cursing myself for not accepting Libby’s offer as I struggled to zip the dress all the way up.

After five minutes of sucking in and hopping around, I managed to zip up the dress and was shoving my feet into sneakers.

My mom was adjusting my dad’s tie, her eyes darting over to me with a frown. “Caroline, couldn’t you have dried your hair? It’s all wet and curly!”

I shrugged, touching my damp hair. We were short on time and the heat would dry it soon enough.

Libby emerged from my brother’s room, looking radiant in a white summer dress that made her skin glow.

Her hair was styled in a bohemian braid, strands of golden brown and pale blonde woven together. She was stunning.

I glanced at my own freckled skin and pale legs, wishing I could just disappear. Han nudged my shoulder, pulling me out of my Libby-induced daze.

Han looked good in black. He always did.

“Come on, slowpoke,” he teased. “We don’t want to miss the fashionably late and not-so-impressive alpha.”

My dad shot Han a warning look from his bedroom doorway. “Watch your mouth, Han.” My mom tugged at his tie, trying to keep him in line.

Mick emerged from his room, running a brush through his red hair, his tie hanging loosely around his neck.

He gave me a smile when he saw me, his eyes taking in my dress. His compliment only made me feel more self-conscious.

“Everyone, let’s go!” My mom hurried us, herding us toward the car like a flock of sheep. We rarely used the old SUV parked out back, but it didn’t make sense to shift after getting all dressed up.

We crammed into the sweltering car, growing more restless as my dad struggled to start it. The heat was oppressive and the six of us packed into the vehicle didn’t help.

“I’m going to arrive cooked,” Han grumbled.

Mick’s face was flushed from the heat, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple. He smiled anyway. “I don’t even feel the heat,” he claimed. “Yesterday was hotter.”

It wasn’t.

The car finally roared to life and we all breathed a sigh of relief—until we realized the air conditioner was broken.

The old car didn’t go fast enough to generate a decent breeze, so we sweated through the entire drive up the mountain.

The higher altitude helped cut the humidity, but the sun still beat down on us as we parked the car and gathered near the trunk.

People were heading toward the alpha’s house, a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air.

As we walked, my dad chatted with some older pack members he hadn’t seen in a while and my mom did the same with the elder women.

Mick found a group of his friends, with Libby happily by his side.

Han bumped my shoulder as we walked, looking just as uncomfortable as I felt. I had only been in the new Timbre territory a few times and half the scents were unfamiliar to me.

“I’m sorry about last night,” Han muttered. “I was out of line.”

I glanced up at my brother. “I was the one out of line. I shouldn’t have hit you. That was wrong.”

“It was,” Han agreed. We both laughed after a moment.

Once the laughter faded, my face returned to its usual stoic expression. I met the gaze of any wolf who looked my way, avoiding any potential connection. Han did the same, so we stuck together.

After a few minutes of walking, the alpha’s house came into view. It was a grand, modern building. No one had lived in it yet; the acting alpha, Ryan Steller, hadn’t been allowed.

I looked up at the house, noticing a curtain twitch and a face appear. The curtain fell back into place too quickly for me to see who it was.

My gaze dropped to the front porch, which was serving as a makeshift stage. Standing in front of the grand stairs was Ryan Steller.

“Welcome, Timbre Pack! Thank you all for coming! Today, I have the great honor of welcoming back not just my friend, but the true alpha of this land, this pack, and our legacies.

“After serving in the Feral War, Alpha Trip has returned to us, ready to assume his role as leader.”

Beside Ryan, the third-in-command, Rowan Moss, was beaming. Rowan couldn’t be much older than me.

He was tall and well-built, with thick brown hair that hung in waves, and big blue eyes that made him look more sweet than intimidating.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you all as acting alpha. I hope I did a good job.

“I now step down to return to my role as the beta of the Timbre Pack, pledging myself as a loyal servant to our new alpha.”

The gathered wolves clapped or howled or did both.

Han nudged me and whispered in my ear, “Bullshit.”

The crowd fell silent as the front door opened and a man stepped out onto the porch.

He was tall, standing at six foot three.

His jaw was square and covered in stubble. His hair was short, slightly messy in the front, and a rich brown color.

His eyes were beautiful; as green as the grass under our feet and trustworthy.

Alpha Tyler Trip.