Page 24 of Flesh and Fury

Edward dragged his gaze away from his grandfather’s angry face and looked over at Carmen. “I’m so sorry, Carmen. That’s not the real reason I can’t marry you. It’s what your grandfather Oscar chose to tell everyone, but that’s not the reason.”

A bright yellow flared around Carmen’s brown irises before they returned to normal. “What is the reason, Edward?”

He turned and looked directly at Juan before looking back at Carmen. “Because you’re not the Garcia I want to marry.”

“What are you talking about?” Carly Rusch asked.

Edward glanced over at the marshals as though he’d completely forgotten they were there.

“He doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” Alvin said. He turned to his grandson. “We’re not discussingthatany further.”

“That, Grandfather, is the only way.”

“I think I’m missing something,” Chief Washington said. “You said there’s another Garcia you want to marry. Can we find our way to a peaceful solution to this problem or can’t we?”

“Yes, there is,” Juan said.

Eoghan and Ari exchanged a glance, knowing what was coming and having to brace for the impact of it.

“What is it?” Evan Chastain asked.

“It’s not an acceptable solution, Edward,” Alvin said. There was an underlying growl in the Alpha’s voice that made the hair on the back of Eoghan’s neck stand up at attention.

“It has to be, grandfather. Juan is Alpha of his pack now. The only way for us to get Galen back is to allow us to marry,” Edward said. His voice was pleading.

“Allow who to marry?” Carly asked.

Juan sighed. “Edward and I are in love with each other. We have been for many years.” He turned to his sister. “I’m so sorry, Carmen. If it hadn’t been for the promise our grandfathers made to each other before either of you two were born, Edward and I would have been mated and married already. We are really very much in love.”

“That sounds like a good solution to me,” Chief Washington said.

“Well, it’s not,” Alvin said.

“That’s because you’re a homophobe, grandfather,” Edward said, a slight plea in his voice. “I apologize. I know you’re the Alpha, but it has to be said.”

The Alpha frowned, shaking his head. “Believe what you want about me but that’s not the reason, Edward,” Alvin said. “The reason is because being gay and a pack Alpha is asking for trouble. Juan is going to be challenged every time he turns around once he comes out but he’s not the only one affected here.” He reached out and put his hand on Edward’s shoulder. Edward looked down at the connection but didn’t pull away. When he looked up, Alvin caught his gaze. “Edward, whenever Juan gets challenged, it’ll put you right in the crossfire. I heard of a gay Alpha and his mate who were crucified by their pack…crucified. Imagine it. In this day and age, two men were crucified because the Alpha declared that males in his pack wouldn’t turn any wolves away, even if they were gay. So, his pack made an example of him and the love of his life.”

“Alpha, respectfully, that’s mine and Edward’s choice to make,” Juan said. He looked at Edward. “Do you understand the risk of being with me as my mate?”

Edward instantly reached across the table and took Juan’s hand. “Yes. We’ve discussed this. I’ll stand with you, my love. Iwantto be with you. I will die for you.”

“It will never come to that,mi amore.”

The sound of motorcycle engines coming up the road had everyone craning their necks to see a long row of bikers turning the corner and coming right at them. It was dark and the parking lot was empty. Eoghan looked at his watch. Pepper’s was getting ready to close. He prayed that the line of bikers would drive past and keep on going. Unfortunately, they turned into the parking lot and began pulling into spaces. All the werewolves at the table stood at the same time, andEoghan exchanged a glance with Ari, noting the alarm in his expression.

“What’s happenin’?” the chief drawled.

“Werewolves,” Juan replied, looking directly at the bikers as they were getting off their bikes.

Eoghan counted six big men dressed in leathers, praying that Juan was wrong and they hadn’t come here looking for a fight. He glanced at Carmen. “We need to get you inside.”

“No one’s going to hurt me, Marshal. That’s Tyler.” She pointed at the largest of the bikers. He had a long, red beard to match his hair and a big gut. The way he was glaring at her wasn’t friendly at all. For once, Eoghan was glad they were werewolves rather than vampires who moved with lightning speed.

“Who’s Tyler?” Alvin asked.

“Her boyfriend,” Juan replied, a growl down deep in his throat.

Eoghan glanced at him, noting the yellow circle flaring in his eyes.