Wolf Untamed (SWAT - Special Wolf Alpha Team #11) - Paige Tyler Page 0,18

to make what I have to tell you any easier to understand. Mainly because it’s complicated and hard to believe,” Diego continued. “Your first instinct will be to tell me I’m crazy, then run out of here screaming and never look back, but I need you to trust me.”

Bree’s beautiful, dark eyes filled with alarm. “You’re starting to really freak me out. Just tell me what’s wrong with my son.”

“There’s nothing wrong with him,” Diego said gently. “Your son is going through a change that started when he was shot. Everything he’s experiencing—the claws and fangs, the ways his senses have gone haywire, the strange dreams, the muscle spasms—are simply his body adapting to its new abilities. It’s his inner wolf coming out.”

Bree stared at him in confusion. “I don’t understand what you’re saying. What new abilities? And what the hell do you mean by ‘inner wolf’?”

Diego took a deep breath. Damn, he wished someone else from the Pack was here to explain this. Because he was already screwing it up.

“I know this is going to sound crazy, but your son is a werewolf.”

Bree didn’t say a word. Expression suddenly hard, she stood, yanking Brandon to his feet and starting for the door.

Diego caught her arm. “Bree, please. Remember when I said I needed you to trust me? Let me finish and all of this will make sense.”

She glared at him. “How can you seriously expect me to listen to this? What you said isn’t just insane. It’s impossible!”

Diego cursed silently. Knowing it was probably the very worst way to handle this volatile situation, but not having a better idea, he leaned back and let his own inner wolf partially out. He allowed his eyes to change from deep, dark brown to vivid yellow-gold, upper and lower inch-long canines to slide out, and deadly looking claws to extend. He could have pushed it all the way, until his clothes fell off, thick fur covered every part of his body, and he grew a frigging tail.

But that might be a bit much for Bree and her son to deal with at the moment.

Turns out the fangs, claws, and glowing eyes were over the top as far as Bree was concerned. She let out a little scream and scrambled backward until she thumped against the far side of the vehicle. She probably would have fallen out the door if it had been open.

But at the same time his mother was freaking out, Brandon froze solid. Then a second later, he stepped closer, his expression equal parts relief and concern.

“This is real?” he asked. “This is why I grew fangs in the middle of the diner full of people? I’m turning into a monster?” His eyes went wide. “Crap! Is that why the guy in there was shouting about monsters? Did he know what I am? Was he going to tell the world about me?”

Diego let his body shift back, the corner of his mouth edging up. “That’s the same thing I said when I went through my change, so I understand what’s going through your head. You aren’t turning into a monster, and that guy had no idea you’re a werewolf. He was messed up, that’s all. As far as what’s going on with you, things are merely a little out of control right now. Your fangs came out in the diner because you were frigging scared. Once you gain control of your abilities, that won’t happen to you anymore. I can help you gain that control, if you’ll let me.”

The inside of the ambulance fell silent, the sounds from outside the only thing filling the space. That was it. He’d made his pitch. Now, it was up to Brandon—and Bree—to accept his help or walk away.

Diego held his breath as Brandon turned to look questioningly at his mother. When Bree gave him a tremulous smile and nodded, it was as if a weight he hadn’t even realized was there lifted from his shoulders. When had this kid become his responsibility?

“This is totally insane, but if you can help my son, I don’t care how crazy it is,” Bree said, stepping away from the wall and turning her gaze on him. “You saved our lives. That earns you the benefit of the doubt.”

Diego was so relieved, he felt like laughing, but he restrained himself. Neither of them would appreciate him laughing at a serious moment like this.

“So,” Brandon said, hope warring with worry on his face. “How does this work? Are there