Wolf with Benefits
Page 15

Of course, that alone time lasted all of fifteen seconds before he looked over and realized there was a young wolf sitting next to him. Johnny. Bobby Ray tried to pretend hed only adopted the kid with Jessie because his mate already had plans to do just that, but Ricky knew it was because the wolf liked the kid. True, he was in that awkward, not a pup but not a full adult either stage, which could make for some tough times, but the kid definitely had some promise. Lots of it.
And, just like Bobby Ray at that age, it seemed the boy was having some problems that at the moment Ricky Lee could easily relate to.
Why, Johnny asked Ricky without much preamble, do females have to make everything so damn difficult? They ask you a question, you answer, they flip out.
Well
I didnt do anything wrong, the eighteen-year-old went on. Nothing. I answered a question. That was it. Now its being thrown in my face. He pointed at himself. I dont need this. I dont deserve it.
Johnny relaxed back into the couch, and moments later, the wolfdog female hed most likely been complaining about came sauntering through the living room.
Kristan Putowski, one of the oldest Kuznetsov Pack pups, waved as she walked by. Hey, Ricky Lee.
Hey, Kristan. Yeah. Kristan was a cutie. And when Ricky Lee was eighteen, he would have been all over that like a bad rash. So he understood what Johnny was going through. Especially when Kristans friendly wave to Ricky Lee turned into the middle finger just for Johnny.
Im not apologizing! Johnny yelled after her.
That aint subtle, Ricky Lee told the boy once Kristan was out of the room.
Subtle?
Yeah. Subtle. Cant go around yelling at a female shifter. Theyre mean, boy. All of em.
Im not scared of Kristan Putowski.
Should be. Its them friendly cute ones thatll cut a manand have no remorse about it. Ricky leaned in a bit and lowered his voice. Have you two . . . ya know?
What? No! Never! Kristans like a
Dont say shes like a sister.
Why not?
Because thats exactly what Bobby Ray used to say about Jessie Ann . . . and you saw how that relationship ended up.
Oh.
Besides, hoss, we both know youd only be lying through your fangs.
The boy sighed. I put up with her. Okay?
Putting up with hers good. Staying away from hers even better. At least for now. Give it a few years. Youve got a girlfriend?
Im too busy for a
Mistake number two.
When did I have mistake number one?
You need to get yourself a little girlfriend. Nothing youre planning to make permanent. Just someone to keep you out of trouble.
Im never in trouble.
You will be if you keep hanging around Kristan.
Yeah. Johnny sighed, big hands combing through his hair. I know.
Toni dropped onto her temporary bed and blew out a breath. Thats when she saw the large TV with a big red bow around it, the DVD player, and the stack of brand-new DVDs.
Her father. He knew the one thing she loved to do after a long day of dealing with her siblings was sit in front of her TV and relax.
She was nearly across the room to see what DVDs hed picked out for her when a familiar and very welcome scent caught her attention. She charged back across the room and threw the door open.
Cooper! Toni threw herself into her brothers arms and hugged him tight. When did you get back?
I came straight here from the airport.
Toni pulled back and looked up at her brother. Wait. How did you know we were here?
I got a text from Mom when I was waiting for my layover in Geneva.
Sure. She texted Cooper in Geneva but not Toni a few city blocks away.
Im so glad youre home, she said. Not meaning their Washington house but back with the family. You staying for long?
Well, when I got back into LaGuardia, I got a call from Aunt Irene, who told me very clearly that I was needed home because I have to share sibling duty before you snap like a twig. He smirked. Did you really cry?
Oh, God. Toni dragged her brother into her room and closed the door. I had a moment of weakness. Okay?
I didnt know you had any weaknesses.
Very funny.
Coop dropped his travel bag to the floor and took off his denim jacket. Whats going on?
Just the usual.
Not that usual if Ive got Aunt Irene calling me. She never calls me. I dont think she ever calls anyone. Not even Mom.
She doesnt like talking on the phone unless its actual business.
She doesnt like talking on the phone or shes worried the governments still listening in to her calls?
Both.
He nodded and dropped into a comfortable chair across from Tonis bed. Well, big sis, Im here to help. You. Mom. Dad. Whoever. Ill be especially efficient if you let me beat up Kyle and tell Oriana shes getting fat.