Come on, Nikolai, I know youre there, APs voice crackled over the speaker again. When a long silence passed, I wonder if AP had given up on getting hold of me.

Youll never in a million years guess whos back in town, APs voice was louder now that I focused on it. His tone was light and teasing.

I tried to block out APs ramblings as I raked shampoo through my hair. If it wasnt life and death right now, I didnt care.

So, get this, AP continued. Kenna is back in town. The double beep from APs radio send off rattled me to my core.

What?

I wrenched the shower curtain open and popped my head around it to stare at doorway. The reality of his words hit me like a slap to the forehead. So, that explains why Id been dreaming of her so much lately. I should have known.

She wrapped her Jeep around an oak. Although, I think it was a direct attempt on my life. AP chuckled over the static coming from the speaker. My throat constricted. Panic jolted me from the shower, and I raced to my room, splattering water in every direction. I slipped and slid down the hardwood hallway before slamming into the doorframe of my bedroom.

I was not trying to kill you, Kennas faint voice rattled through the speaker, and I swear my heart stopped. The sound of her voice pulled me in different directions. I knew I shouldnt care that she was back, but I couldnt help it. I did care.

You are a glutton for punishment. Are you a sadist or something? Dont let her get under your skin. Remember how she left things last time? Do you want to relive that torture? You know she is just going to leave again. Let it go.

My mind waged a war with my emotions as I stretched out a trembling hand and grabbed the walkie off its charging post.

AP, come back.

Yeah, Im here, I answered as I clicked the button twice giving the airwaves back to AP.

Is Kenna hurt? Does she need medical attention? My heart sputtered as I held my breath waiting for the answer. All I could think was that shes in danger or hurt. The worry consumed and crushed me as the silence from the radio dragged on.

Naw, man, shes fine. Tough as nails, this one. I got Titus coming with his tow truck to help her out.

Titus Creighton?

Do you know any other mechanics in this area? Sarcasm dripped from every syllable, and it grated me. I knew a lot of the pack still hasnt wrapped their heads around the fact Im the new alphahell, I havent even settled it in my headbut something about APs tone unnerved me.

Watch your tone, I growled and clenched my hand into a tight fist. Even though AP didnt pose a threat, I felt the challenge rising in me.

Sorry, AP said. But I figured Titus would be the only one who wouldnt ask questions, you know. Plus, theres no telling if the other tow company would come out this far. I didnt want to strand her out in the woods alone. Especially not now.

My hand relaxed, as did the tension in my shoulders. AP was right. I didnt want Kenna stuck in the woods alone. Despite my feelings for her and the turmoil she caused me, being her alpha meant protecting her too.

Want me to call off Titus?

No, I answered boldly. Keep things as is. Have Titus bring her home. Over and out.

Roger that.

When the radio went silent, I let my hands drop to my sides. Dumbfounded, I fell to the bed, the mattress squealing under my weight.

I cant believe it. Kenna is back in Moon Valley. What will that do to the pack? What will she do to me?

Nothing. Not a damn thing because I will not let her get to me. Im the alpha now, and she cant be trusted. She never sticks around long enough anyways.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and focused on finding a way to sever the wire cutting into my heart.

Ill be polite to her. Thats it. Minimum contact, if any at all. If I limit the time I spend with her, then maybe, just maybe, I wont get hurt again. I wont endure what she put me through the last time she came blowing through town like a tornado.

The rapping on the screen door startled me from my thoughts. A sudden rush of panic coursed through my veins, and Im on my feet in a flash. The remaining droplets of water sluice down my naked body and seeped into the carpet as the knocking started again.

Just a sec, I called as I scrambled to throw on a clean shirt and slip into a new pair of jeans. The screen door rapped harder against the door frame as I hurry to the back door.

Im coming, I grumbled as I zip my fly and pulled back the curtains of the door to spy the auburn hair with silver streaks through the window.

With an arched eyebrow, the former alphas wife, Helene stared at me.

What are you doing here? I asked as I opened the door.

She flashed me a quick, annoyed smile as she opened the screen door. You need to learn the ropes, dont you?

I nodded and stepped aside, allowing her access into the kitchen.

Well, thats why I came. Titus called me, something about a last-minute job. Apparently, some idiot wrapped their Jeep around a tree. I dont know how many times Ive told the council to put signs up around those curves. But what can you do, its to be expected, right?

What do you mean? I asked as I watched her scan the kitchen, disapproval twisted her face.

You know, she said. New alpha, new wolves. Every shifter in a twenty-mile radius feels the power shift and comes to challenge the new alpha.

It could be people coming for Lourdes funeral, I said. Besides, I knew who wrapped their Jeep around that tree. And I understood why shes come back. A lump of dread clogged my throat.

True, Helene said as she flashed a quick, judgmental smile. But I know that if Titus were still alpha, hed be beefing up security with all these new faces coming into town. Better safe than sorry, am I right? But, hey she said throwing her hands in the air as she shrugged nonchalantly. Youre the alpha now. You do what you think is best for the pack and the town.

I rubbed the back of my neck to ease the strain and stress building in my joints. Helene is right, of course. Its up to me to do something about it. Lifting one finger, I moved around her and darted into the bedroom. The walkie is still half under the bed where Id dropped it on the floor.

It feels like a hot brick thats been left in a furnace to smolder as I plucked it off the carpet. Pressure builds in my chest. Kenna could be listening in on pack business. Its foolish, but I couldnt deny the suspicion. A huge part of being alpha was to keep things running smoothly. Kenna being back in town only added to the stress. I glanced over my shoulder to Helene, who was rapping her foot on the floor. Impatience seeped out of her like smoke filling the room.

AP, come back, over.

A moment passed before the crackling of static came through the speaker. Go, AP. Over.