Emma could practically see the tension thickening in the air—dense enough that a knife could slice through it.

  One look at the boys’ faces told her all she needed to know: this “uncle” wasn’t the Christmas-gift-giving type. They didn’t like him.

  Time to leave, she decided. Whatever this was, it screamed family business, and from experience, she knew it was better to disappear before things got awkward. Besides, her shift wasn’t going to wait.

  “Uhmm, guys…” she said, trying to wiggle her neck free from Derek’s grip.

  His hand had been resting there since Shane mentioned his uncle—tight enough to make her muscles ache. She’d enjoyed the warmth of it, even if she hated herself a little for it.

  “I need to get to work,” she said finally, giving up on prying his hand off, glancing at the boys who were now staring at her like they’d just remembered she existed.

  “Work?” Derek muttered, frowning. “What work?” His uncle-related worries seemed to vanish as he looked down at her, curiosity replacing tension.

  Emma huffed and crossed her arms, ignoring the way his gaze sent tingles running down her spine.

  Why is he acting interested? Go to your girlfriend, she thought bitterly, feeling an unwanted pinch of jealousy.

  “Emma…” he said softly, snapping her out of her thoughts.

  “I got her a job at a café,” Clem answered before she could speak. “She has the morning shift there.”

  Emma held back a smile when Derek’s grip tightened again. So, he wasn’t immune to jealousy either.

  “We have to go, Derek,” Shane said, stepping in before the air grew too charged again. The tension wasn’t just about family anymore.

  Derek gave his gamma a sharp look, but he knew Shane was right. With a slow exhale, he slid his arm from around Emma’s shoulders.

  “Don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything,” he said, placing both hands on her shoulders and turning her gently to face him.

  “Why?”

  He nearly laughed. The fake bravery in her eyes was adorable, but he knew better than to mock it. He’d already upset her more than once today.

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  “Because I care,” he said simply, brushing his thumb against her cheek.

  Her eyes widened, and the faint blush that spread across her face made his lips twitch into a grin.

  “Okay… but I don’t have your number,” she murmured, voice barely audible.

  Amused, Derek took the phone from her hand and typed in his contact. “Now you do,” he said. “Don’t forget to call.”

  “Alright,” she muttered, clutching the phone as she turned to leave. She waved briefly at Clem and Shane.

  “You two are a beautiful sight to behold,” Shane teased, smirking as Derek’s gaze followed Emma until she disappeared from view.

  “Yeah, for now,” Clem muttered under his breath.

  Derek’s head snapped toward him. “What did you just say?”

  “I said—” Clem started, but Shane cut him off.

  “Knock it off, both of you. We need to move,” Shane said firmly. “And I’m guessing your father will call a pack meeting after your uncle leaves.”

  “Why do you think so?” Clem asked, frowning. “We just had one two days ago.”

  Shane frowned. “Did you forget how conniving his uncle can be?”

  Clem grunted. Forget? Impossible.

  Uncle Arnold was a coward and a manipulator, and Clem couldn’t understand why Derek’s father still entertained him.

  Yes, they’re brothers. So what?

  He noticed Derek already walking ahead, head lowered, deep in thought.

  Clem’s jaw tightened. His alpha’s protectiveness toward Emma wasn’t normal. He could only hope it was a passing crush and not what he feared most—because if Emma was truly Derek’s mate, his twin would lose her mind.

  “Let’s go,” he said to Shane, who nodded.

  The trio strode in silence across the college grounds, the weight of unspoken thoughts between them.

  At the parking lot, Clem finally broke the quiet. “Are we walking? I brought my car.”

  “Then let’s go,” Derek said shortly, relieved. He wasn’t in the mood to walk. Anthony had dropped him off earlier—his own car had broken down that morning.

  Clem unlocked his sleek black Mustang, the engine roaring to life as the others climbed in. Minutes later, they were speeding through the open road, the tension in the car thicker than ever.

  Fifteen minutes later, they pulled into the alpha’s driveway. Derek was out before the car even stopped, striding toward the back entrance. He didn’t wait for the others. He needed to see his mother.

  He pushed through the kitchen door—and smiled despite himself. As expected, his mother was there, flipping pancakes with his little sister perched on a stool beside her.

  “Good afternoon, Mom,” he greeted, walking over.

  Melvina turned, her face lighting up at the sight of him. “Derek! How was your first day at college?” she asked cheerfully, dropping another dollop of batter into the pan.

  “Boring. Just like high school,” he said, lifting his baby sister into his arms.

  “Shane told me—” he began, but stopped when two men entered the kitchen.

  “Derek,” his father called, surprise flickering across his features. “I was waiting for you in the sitting room.”

  “Good afternoon, Dad,” Derek greeted politely, then added, “Good afternoon, Uncle Arnold.”