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him home to play that afternoon, and her father had taken Brendan under his wings.
    They’d treated him like family, and when his mother passed away after his eighteenth birthday, the Callahans had been there, assuring him he would never be alone. He hoped they would be as supportive after he revealed his intentions toward Julie.
    Growing up, there had been an unspoken rule among the Callahan clan. Julie was their treasure, and they guarded her closely. He never knew whether it was the fact she was the youngest, or her human status that compelled her siblings to protect her so fiercely. But whatever the reason, it had been clear she was off-limits. Respect for the family had held him back from staking a claim years ago when he’d first felt the mating pull. Julie had only been fourteen to Brendan’s eighteen, and there had been no doubt her family would have disapproved. But now they were both adults, and she made her own decisions.
    It would be interesting to see their reactions as the next few weeks played out. Jason might be Premier, the leader of the pack, but nothing would stand between Brendan and Julie.
    Although he’d never flaunted his strength, nor had any desire to lead the pack, Brendan was an alpha wolf too. He didn’t want to fight any of her brothers but would if he had to. Of course if all three jumped him, he might have problems.
    As he pondered the possibility of fighting his three pack officers, he caught Julie studying him. She blushed as her lips curled up in a smile. Brendan couldn’t help but answer with one of his own.
    She was worth any cuts or bruises he might have to endure. She was worth everything. Now all he had to do was convince her they were made for each other and figure out why she seemed so eager to pull away from him whenever he got close.
     

 
    Chapter 2
     
    Julie looked up from the account books as the bell above the front door jingled. The formal greeting died on her tongue as Brendan strode into the bookstore. His charming smile never failed to heat her blood. He looked around the room for a moment before settling his gaze on her. The warmth in his stare surrounded her, and she couldn’t help but return his smile.
    “Hey beautiful,” he said, strolling over to her counter. “Where are Laurie and Samantha?”
    Julie’s smile slipped a tiny bit before she plastered it in place. Of course he wanted to know where Laurie was. He probably came by every day at lunch to spend time with her.
    “I’m sorry you just missed them. They went out to lunch at the diner, but you can probably catch up to them. They left a few minutes ago.” Brendan’s gaze narrowed as if he sensed her inner torment.
    “Now why would I want to go chasing after those two when I can spend time alone with you?”
    Julie felt his hand brush her cheek as he pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. Wanting to savor the sensation, she closed her eyes until reason returned. What was she doing? This was Brendan who was not only way out of her league, but thought of her as a little sister. Besides, even if he were interested, she’d never betray Laurie like that. She had to get her imagination under control.
    “So what are you doing out this way? Shouldn’t you be working in your studio?”
    Unless he’d moved, Brendan’s metalworking studio was located on the other side of town. Not a huge trek considering how small Alpine Woods was, but the bookstore was far enough to be out of the way.
    “I wanted to see you. You’ve been away a long time. I thought we should catch up.” Brendan shrugged. The carefree move drew Julie’s gaze to his shoulders. She could imagine gripping them in her hands, pulling him closer as he leaned in for a kiss.
    A blush stole over her cheeks as she pushed the thoughts out of her head. Why couldn’t she get rid of this stupid crush? “It has been a long time.”
    “Have dinner with me. Tonight.”
    Shocked, her gaze shot to Brendan. Dinner? The invitation sounded like a date,