TELL ME, BROTHER

Zeke's Pov

"So, Zack, what are you doing in the city?" Zeke asked, trying to redirect the conversation back to his brother.

"I haven't had the chance to see this place yet; you know I've been away all summer!" Zack replied, but he kept his gaze fixed on Jannie.

Zeke could sense that Zack was trying to read his mind and realized he was frustrated with Zeke for keeping him out.

"Have you been traveling?" Jannie asked, and Zack smiled at her.

"Yeah, I actually have. So, Jannie, how do you know my brother?" Zack shifted the focus of the conversation.

"I met him here on the grand opening night," she answered, and Zeke noticed his brother frown.

"Interesting... So, you two have been together the whole summer?" Zack asked, gesturing for the bartender to serve him.

"Yeah, we've been hanging out," Jannie replied.

"I don't mean to be rude, but this is mine and Jannie's song," Jessie said abruptly, grabbing Jannie and heading out to the dance floor.

Zack watched them go, and Zeke sensed that Zack was onto something.

"Tell me, brother: You last traveled to search for your mate two months ago, and now I find out you've been hanging out in the city all summer with the same girl. That's got to mean something, right?" Zack smirked, studying Zeke with intense eyes.

"And you've shut me out, too? What are you hiding from me?" he continued, and Zeke felt his irritation rise. He didn't want to have this conversation, but he knew Zack well. Zack wouldn't let it go until he was sure of the truth.

"I have no idea what you're insinuating, Zack. We're just friends," Zeke answered casually.

"Really? So she's fair game then?" Zack smirked and stepped closer.

"Would you mind if I walked over there? Maybe try my luck?" Zack said, glancing toward Jessie and Jannie on the dance floor.

"What do you want, Zack?" Hazel interjected, stepping in front of him.

"Like I said, I just wanted to see this place and hang out with my brother," he replied, and Hazel frowned.

"We both know that's a lie. You couldn't care less about this place or your brother. You proved that long ago!" Hazel replied, and Zack's nostrils widened, "Shut up, Hazel. You don't know shit!"

"But I do, Zack. You've been jealous of your brother your whole life. You have always wanted what he has and never do something without an ulterior motive behind it. So coming here playing nice is just a bull move, and you know it. So why don't you walk out of here before I drag you out myself!" Hazel growled, and Zack rolled his eyes at her,

"You can't take me, Haze, but I will go. However, if I were you, brother, I would watch Jannie... Accidents happen easily these days!"

He winked and walked away. Hazel grabbed Zeke's arm. "Hey, he'Zack is just being a jerk. He doesn't know for sure. He's just trying to provoke you," Zeke sighed.

"He knows. Why would I search for my mate across multiple states for months and suddenly stop spending time with Jannie? She's just a human," he replied, and Hazel shrugged.

"Yeah, but he wouldn't hurt her for sure. That goes against everything we stand for." Hazel continued, but Zeke understood his brother: he never played fair, not even as a kid.

"Think about it, Haze. All my brother wants is my position as Alpha. Now, he has a chance to take it. But he wouldn't stand a chance if I found my mate before him. If it turns out my mate is human, he could get all sorts of ideas in his head. You heard what he said: accidents happen easily..." Zeke communicated through the mind link, and Hazel sighed, knowing he was right.

"But isn't it time to take things to the next level with Jannie? Let her in, Zeke. You should tell your parents about her and bring her around. We must make her more involved in our lives, and Zack won't have many opportunities to try something. We can all protect her," Hazel suggested. Zeke nodded, realizing this was his best chance.

_____________

Jannie's Pov

"Wow, that was intense back there! Who knew Zeke had such a handsome brother?" Jessie shouted over the music. Jannie nodded, agreeing, "Yes, he is cute." She glanced back at Zeke and Zack, aware that Zeke often had difficulty getting along with his brother. It looked like Hazel was arguing with Zack now. They danced to a few songs, but Jannie kept her eyes on the situation with Zeke. Jessie hooked up with a guy, prompting Jannie to return and check on Zeke.

"Hey, where's your brother?" Jannie asked, signaling the bartender to pour more shots as she looked around for Zack.

"He had to leave for an early flight," Zeke replied. Jannie nodded and handed her credit card to the bartender.

"Wait, your money doesn't work here?" he protested, trying to take Jannie's card back.

"Hey! I want to pay. I appreciate your generosity, but I'm not here for free drinks," Jannie smiled, and he relented.

"Where's Jessie?" he continued, and Jannie nodded toward the dance floor.

"She's making out with some guy," Jannie said, quickly taking two shots. "Did something happen with your brother?" she asked, studying Zeke momentarily.

He gazed out over the crowd, and Jannie noticed a shadow darkening his usually bright eyes.

"It's fine; there's nothing to worry about. I think I need some fresh air," Zeke mumbled. Jannie grabbed his arm.

"I'll come with you," she insisted, and he didn't object.

They headed out the back and passed through a locked storage room.

"Are you sure nothing happened? You seem a little off," Jannie mumbled as she touched his cheek when they stepped into the alley behind the building.

Zeke took a deep breath and looked down at her. "I'm fine, really. Don't worry about it," he whispered, making Jannie's heart race.

"But there is something you want to say to me, but you don't know how," she whispered, stepping closer until their bodies touched. Jannie felt as if her skin was on fire.

Zeke took another deep breath, and Jannie noticed his pupils widen as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Her heart raced, and she felt butterflies in her stomach. Jannie wanted him to kiss her so badly.

"There is something I want to say, but I'm afraid of how you might react if I do," Zeke admitted, gently pushing a strand of hair behind Jannie's ear. She leaned into his hand, stroking her cheek against his palm.

And then the moment arrived. Zeke and Jannie's eyes locked, hearts raced, and the desire for more filled the air. So, Jannie decided to take the leap.