I Don't Want to Fall

Chapter 12: Hauntings From Our Past

I studied Jesse for a moment as he pretended I didn’t exist. It was a pretty bold move as I was still the brother of his alpha and his superior. Finally, I got up and walked over to the counter in front of him, but he made no move to greet me. Corey was behind him in the garage and noticed what was going on. He seemed nervous, not wanting to offend me, but also wanting to stay loyal to his brother.

I rang the bell on the counter for service to be smart, but Jesse just turned the page in his magazine as if I didn’t exist. Corey couldn’t handle it anymore and came dutifully to the counter to greet me.

“Morning Gamma, how may I be of service to you today?” He nervously sputtered out. Jesse still ignored the whole ordeal.

“I am no longer your Gamma, Corey. Carson will do just fine.” I calmly replied.

“Okay Mr. Cunningham,” he responded, remaining formal, “How can I be of service to you?”

“I came to ask about Miss Ellowyn’s jeep to see if it was ready this morning and pay for any costs it may have inquired.” I answered simply.

“Well, yes, I just finished it this morn-“ Corey was abruptly cut off by his brother.

“Only the vehicle owner can have it released. They must be present and give consent.” Jesse demanded.

He was no longer in the chair reading the magazine but standing next to Corey and staring me down. A risky move as he was challenging me directly, and normally by pack law, I am within rights to make my dominance known. Corey looked in shock at his brother. Knowing Jerry had done well to train his sons in all pack laws and traditions, I ignored Jesse’s disrespect.

“Ellowyn is very sick and unable to be here to retrieve her vehicle. I came as a courtesy to get it for her as she is my grandfather’s neighbor and friend.”

Jesse glared at me, but I continued to stare back down at him. Corey cleared his throat to break the awkward moment.

“What is wrong with Ellowyn? She is a dear friend of ours.” He asked.

It became clear to me suddenly that Jesse had feelings for Ellowyn that were more than friendship. Maybe a secret crush? My glare turned into a slight smirk at this knowledge, which made Jesse seem even more enraged. I turned my attention to Corey with my smirk still plastered on my face. I couldn’t help but aggravate Jesse. He made it too easy.

“She’s currently lying asleep in my bed, but I didn’t know that was anyone’s business.”

Jesse smacked the counter hard with his hand, his face contorted in anger, “LIAR!! Ellowyn is not that type of woman!” He yelled, standing up for her honor.

“Jesse, it’s so sweet that you would stand up for her. Does she know you harbor such feelings for her? What about your future mate? Oh that’s right, she rejected you. You might have to show your face more often around the werewolves you hate so much in order to find your second chance mate if you even have one.” I responded, condescending towards him. He looked like I had just spit in his face. I snuffed and rolled my eyes at him. “Funny how you can hate something so much that is a part of who you are.”

“Get out of my shop!” He growled at me veins popping out of his neck.

I turned and walked away with a slight laugh.

“You need to work better at controlling your anger. Jesse or someone might figure out what you are. Can’t have that now, can we.” The door chimed as I walked out.

I heard something break within the shop and a string of curses from behind me. Getting in the truck, I shook my head.

“Well, that was a waste of time.”

“You think?” My wolf responded, “Though it was a little fun getting under Jesse’s skin again.”

“We’re assholes,” I laughed with my wolf as I started the truck to head back.

Jesse’s mate was a member of my pack she looked down on Jesse for being a half-breed and rejected him on the spot. Something I don’t agree with at all, but was unaware about. Later she came to me for a good time and being drunk at the time I bedded her before Jesse accepted her rejection. He felt the pain of her betrayal. She was nothing more than a one night stand for me as she tried to seduce me to choose her as my chosen mate. I valued the mate bond more than that even though I had physical needs before meeting my mate. I tossed her aside and refused to speak to her ever again after learning what she had done.

Jesse never forgave me. We had never gotten along before that, but that was definitely the nail in the coffin. I figured if I was going to be perceived as the enemy no matter what I might as well just play the role.

**********

When I got back to the farmhouse Carter’s Mercedes was already in the driveway. That was fast. I walked in to find him at the table.

“Hey Carter, where is everyone else?”

“Hey, you’re Papaw and Cassidy took the kids to their house to change and get ready. I found all the information we need, and located her lawyer. I will now be taking over her case. Her ex is very powerful with a fleet of strong lawyers. Her lawyer did the best he could to get her out which is impressive since he was working alone against Maxwell’s wall of lawyers, and I suspect he also has people in higher places as well.” Carter explained. “According to this paperwork Dad will be here for pickup at 3pm which is just in a couple of hours.”

“Thank you for being here for me Carter.”

“Isn’t that what friends are for? I’m just glad you called me. I’ve missed my friend.” He smiled. “Are you ready for this?”

“I don’t have a choice at this point. I can’t back out now.”