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conversation. When he had first introduced them, he thought that Gabe might just nod, but instead he practically assaulted her hand.
    “What?” Gabe asked, looking completely confused. Josh just shook his head. He knew that he had his work cut out for him, but his brother was going to make things even more difficult.
    “Just get back to work.” Josh grabbed the saw and started it back up. He wanted to cut back all the bushes that surrounded her house. It was obvious that she wanted to keep herself locked away from the outside world, and he wanted to break through the barriers so that she could get to know them better. He had a few different plans and hoped that he could keep Gabe in line long enough to fulfill them.
    The first step was to be helpful and to show her that they were nice, safe, and sincere. The second was the romantic phase. He wanted to show her that having two men in her life could be very satisfying. The third step in his plan was to become needed. If she needed them, then she would want them around. Finally, at the fourth stage, she would accept them as her mates. It seemed like an easy enough idea, but for some reason his brother sucked at socializing. He was way too intense, and Josh wasn’t sure if Nicole was ready for that.
    Josh did a full loop around her house. He cut all the bushes back, opening up the yard so that she could see out. He didn’t want her to stay locked in anymore. Their job, their responsibility was to now take care of Nicole. He wanted to make sure they helped her to overcome the issue she seemed to have keeping her distance from people. She stayed locked up, only coming out when she was out of food.
    He hoped that he could shake things up a bit and pull her out of her world and into theirs. He had gone to town daily, hoping to see her, but not once did he actually confront her or try to talk to her. What changed his mind? Why did he go against orders after two years to finally say something? Maybe the waiting was getting to him, or maybe he was truly ready for a mate, ready to settle down and be the man she deserved. The sun beat down hot and hard against his skin, and he could feel the sweat trickle down his back. Josh wiped off his face with his clean T-shirt and picked up his water bottle.
    It was an abnormally warm day for northern Minnesota, even odder since winter was approaching. He expected cool weather, and the stormy season was due to arrive soon. He could smell it in the air. The wind shifted, and he knew that it would be raining within the next couple of days. Josh went around the house searching for Gabe. He wanted to get more work done. The last thing he wanted was for Nicole to think they were slacking.
    He found Gabe leaning against the wall, peeking inside of her house, trying to get a look at her. He shook his head, wondering how his brother had stayed away so long. Although, technically, he hadn’t stayed away, he had come to her each night in his wolf form. He snapped his fingers, trying to get his attention without Nicole noticing that Gabe was standing there staring at her. Gabe jolted and quickly ducked down, pretending to work, picking weeds from under her windowsill.
    Josh rolled his eyes and moved on. They could talk later when Nicole wasn’t within earshot.
    Hearing a branch break, Josh turned around. Gabe moved fast, grabbing his arm and pulling him toward the tree line.
    “Were you spying on her?” Josh said, wanting to laugh. He really didn’t care.
    Shaking his head, Gabe said, “There was an odd scent by her window. I recognize it, but I can’t place it.”
    “It shouldn’t be anyone in the pack. Everyone knows that Nicole’s place is off limits.” Josh knew that he would need to go back around her house and check it. He was just glad that they were here now, doing some yard work.
    “I’ve been here every night, except last night. The scent is fresh.” Concern marked his face, and Josh wasn’t sure if he should be