“I would be too afraid to do that,” she admitted. “I’ll never forget last night. I thought those wolves were going to tear me out of the car and rip me to shreds.”

Rage twisted his features. “Fuck. That’s another thing that is going to be taken care of today. It won’t ever happen again once the pack is informed you’re my mate. We have a lot of wolves visiting from nearby areas but they’ll immediately take off to avoid being dragged into a war. Word will spread fast that the runnings have been canceled and why.”

“What is that?”

He hesitated.

Charma studied him. He obviously didn’t want to answer her. “What is a running? Some werewolf thing? Do you shift and all run together?”

“Um…”

The door to the basement jerked open and Braden stepped into the kitchen. He glanced at Charma, grinning. “At this time of year, it’s when all the single wolves get naked and fuck like mad in the woods during mating heat.” He glanced at his cousin. “I heard your conversation as I came up the stairs. We’re going to a pack meeting at Dad’s? Is that what you said? I’m dressed and dying to go somewhere. No offense but your basement is making me claustrophobic.”

The information of what a running was settled into Charma and her gaze fixed on Brand. He avoided looking at her, instead glaring at his cousin. It suddenly became clear why he hadn’t wanted to answer her question. The image of Brand out there running with a bunch of female wolves to have sex made her lose her appetite. She wondered how many of his pack bitches he knew intimately.

“Yeah,” Brand growled. “We’re going to your dad’s house. Go wait for me in the truck.”

Braden frowned. “Why are you angry? You don’t want to leave your mate? I get that.”

Charma cleared her throat. “I think it’s because you just answered a question he was avoiding.”

Braden paled. He glanced between her and Brand, inched away from his cousin and winced. “Sorry. You didn’t want her to know? Shit.” He put more distance between them. “Hey, he hasn’t gone in a few years. That’s good news, right? He got sick of women coming after him for all the wrong reasons.”

“Shut up,” Brand rumbled. “Now.”

“What?” Braden got closer to Charma, putting her between him and Brand. “I’ve got your back. She won’t be angry if I explain it to her. He’s the nephew of the pack alpha and a lot of women try to lure him into mating to challenge for the leadership of their packs. He inherited the strength of the bloodline and all the traits of an alpha. He’s too loyal to our family, though, choosing to be an enforcer here rather than kill another alpha to take over his territory. He’s a great guy but the women don’t care about that. It’s just his bloodline they want and his strength.”

“Shut up,” Brand warned, taking a threatening step forward. “You’re digging a hole and don’t even know it.”

“I’m not. I goofed up and I’m clearing the air. Most women from our pack won’t consider mating with him while my older brothers are single. They are hoping they’ll hook up with them instead but other packs would be thrilled to have Brand. He got tired of women trying to use him. That’s why he stopped going. They’d hound him for months afterward if he fucked any of them. He’s a prime catch for some bitches.”

“Shut up!” Brand snarled, his fangs elongating.

Charma rose from her chair and frowned. “Calm down.”

“He’s upsetting you.”

“I’m fine. You beating on your cousin, though, will upset me. I hate to clean up blood.”

“I just told her you haven’t gone to the runnings in years. He usually holes up with one bitch or hides in his house until it’s over. He doesn’t even keep a girlfriend for long.”

“Shut up.” Brand lunged.

Charma stepped into his path and her palms flattened on his chest to hold him in place. She turned her head to shoot Braden a pleading look. “Go wait in the truck and seal your lips.”

He fled, the door slamming behind him. Brand’s body trembled against her hands as she gave him her full attention. She had to tilt her head back to peer at his face. He grimly regarded her.

“I’m sorry.”

She rubbed him. “For what?”

“You shouldn’t have heard about that.”

“You had sex while we were apart. I’m just grateful you didn’t mate anyone. It would break my heart to see you with someone else and not be able to be with you. It worked out, didn’t it?”

His hands gripped her hips. “You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved, hon.”

“You’re the only man I’ve ever loved. It doesn’t matter. Your runnings are over though.” She smiled to soften her words. “That would upset me.”

“Never. You’re it for me.”

“We’re fine then.”

“I’m your mate. I’d never want another.”

She leaned into him and dropped her chin. Her cheek rested against his chest. He hugged her and placed a kiss on top of her head.

“I’m not him.”

“I know.”

It amazed her that Brand would guess she had thought about Garrett and how he’d cheated. She’d driven him to it but it had still shocked her at first. She hadn’t been hurt, though, more relieved that he’d sought out physical release with other women. The thought of Brand touching someone else made pain sear through her heart.

“I’ll send Braden without me and stay here with you. They don’t really need me at the meeting.”

“No. You should go. I’ll be fine and this is about your pack. That’s important.” She pulled away enough to meet his intense gaze. “Call me if you have any questions about the prides. I’d offer to come along but I’m kind of afraid to do that.”

“It’s our pack now, yours too, and after this meeting you’ll be safe anywhere you go within our territory. I’ll make damn sure of that and my cousins will back me.”

“Are you sure?” It worried her still that his pack might not accept her.

“Positive. Grady married a full human and Anton mated a quarter-puma.” He grinned. “Now we have a half-breed spotted leopard in the family. We’re going to gain a reputation for being a totally cool pack. All we need now is a bear shifter and I’m thinking Braden should volunteer for that.”