In Wulf's Clothing: Banished, #1

By BA Tortuga

When werewolf Trey is banished from Lobo Canyon, scarred and bleeding, he vows never to come back. His best friend with benefits, Cory Benally, never expects to see him again, for sure, so it comes as quite a shock when Trey shows up for the pack alpha's wedding. The alpha is Trey's brother, and sheriff Cory's boss, and when they're thrown together Cory isn't sure what the heck to do.

Now a famous clothing designer who goes by Wulf, Trey doesn't care what anyone thinks of him. He's there to do the dresses and suits for his brother's wedding, and Cory can go take a flying leap. Except he and Cory still have the same sizzling chemistry. And the love. When danger lurks around the corner for Trey, Cory has to protect him, and prove this time he's willing to fight for Trey's love, no matter what.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Turtlehat Creatives
• Release date: Jul 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781951532017

Book preview

Prologue

W hat did you do? Cory stared at Trey like he’d grown a bonus head—which, okay, he was good, but he wasn’t that talented.

What? Trey blinked over at Cory innocently, not really sure what the problem was this time. You’re so damn uptight.

I am not! Cory flushed, his dark cheeks going darker. At least you don’t always think so.

He grinned, because when Cory let himself, his lover could tear him up. So damn hot. So, what’s wrong?

You went out of the canyon! People saw you as a wolf. Regular people, not us. The alpha is furious, babe. Cory looked miserable now. Such a law-abiding little pack enforcer he was going to be. That was Cory’s place, and they all knew it.

I needed a run. Wolves exist, you know? And the people out there closest to us think we’re sacred. I was stretching my legs. Come on and breathe, huh. The alpha, George, was an asshole, always worrying about everything. Life wasn’t a terrifying thing, the world wasn’t an awful place, and he wasn’t going to be trapped here in nowhere land for the rest of his days.

Yeah, and hunters hunt. Cory’s shoulders hunched.

I was careful, honey. I swear. He moved behind Cory and began rubbing his shoulders, fingers digging in to loosen his lover’s tight muscles.

Oh. Cory let his head drop forward. Magic man.

Yours. Trey kissed Cory’s nape, the taste of his lover like a dream. He loved that salty, heated skin so much. He and Cory were mates. Their bond was growing every day, and he knew it.

Uh-huh. Even if you are nuts.

You love it. There’s a whole world out there, waiting to be explored, that’s all. Surely Cory could understand that? He wanted Cory to see it with him.

I know. We’re just not made for it. They hate us.

They don’t know us. We’re amazing. And given the opportunity, they could be better than amazing. They could fit in with the world at large. They could be free.

I know, Cory repeated. I just… I worry. You’re going to get in trouble, and I want you safe.

Aren’t you curious? Bored? Interested? Don’t you want to go play?

No. And neither do you. The growled words from the alpha made them both jump and turn to face the old bastard, and Cory winced.

Damn it, he didn’t want Cory taking the heat for this. Actually, I do. This is not 1898.

The blow from the alpha was fast, but not entirely unexpected, so Trey rolled with it, refusing to be cowed.

Don’t you argue with me, pup. You’re a danger. George bared his teeth, and his belly went tight and hard.

To who? Not to you, I don’t want your fucking job.

No? Well, good. Because you’re putting everyone in this pack in harm’s way. That growl… George was going to beat his ass. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Cory stiffen, stepping toward him instead of away.

He met Cory’s eyes for a heartbeat, then braced for the attack. Trey wasn’t going to fight. He wasn’t doing anything wrong.

The alpha leaped, and Cory met him head-on, slamming him away from Trey. Oh Jesus fuck. George was gonna kill Cory for that.

George snarled and bounced Cory off the ground, his lover crashing down like a felled tree.

No! Leave him alone! Trey jumped at George, knowing he had to protect Cory, who wasn’t at fault here. He was.

He couldn’t win this; there was no way. He was smart, and he was daring, but he wasn’t a large wolf, and he knew it. Still, for Cory, he’d take the licks.

George flung his ass around like a rag doll, making him yelp, and when Cory got up again, George put him down too. Like he wasn’t already almost the same size as the alpha.

Cory! Let it go, he growled, although it sounded more like a wheeze than a rumble. I got this.

The old man would get his jollies, kick his ass, and then Trey would go to Cory’s to recuperate. No sweat. Cory’s friend Erma had a place out on the very end of the canyon where no one bothered them. The perfect place to lick each others’ wounds.

You’ve got nothing. George’s snarl rang through him, and the first blow shattered something in his arm, the pain so sudden and sharp he couldn’t even breathe. The second blow came as claws, raking across his face, slamming him to his knees.

What the fuck? You asshole! Trey couldn’t believe this. What are you doing?

What I ought to have done years ago, you worthless little shit. George snarled, spitting on the ground. You are not pack. You are not welcome here. You are not ours.

Trey stared. Not pack? He didn’t understand. Of course he was pack. He was born of two pack members. He could shift…

Another blow caught his chin, making him bite his lip. Out, Trey. Leave the canyon. Now. Tonight. The words came slow. Measured. Deliberate.

You can’t—

This time he hit the ground for a second before he was lifted up and thrown into the trees, his hip bashing against a pinyon before he slid down.

I just did.

Alpha, no! I’ll—

George whirled on Cory, hitting him hard across the face, staggering him. Stay out of this, whelp. I’m serious. He goes.

Come with me. Trey could barely get the words out, but he meant them. He could do this if Cory came with him.

Cory stared at him, mouth open a tiny bit, blood on his teeth.

The moment stretched out too long, and Trey’s shoulders slumped.

Trey. Cory reached out to him, desperation clear in his eyes. Alpha, please.

No. None of us are safe with him here. Especially you, pup. Now George was trying to sound kind, but it just came off slimy.

Trey found his feet, careful not to move his arm, careful not to show how his heart was breaking. Shit, was already broken in just those few seconds Cory had hesitated. He’d thought there was a good chance they could be mates, that what he felt for Cory was real. It couldn’t be if Cory could let him go. It was a lie. Give my family my things. They’ll make sure I get them.

You can’t… You’re hurt. Cory looked… lost. Still, he wasn’t going to choose Trey, was he? Not over the pack.

I’ve got this. He held his head up high, giving all the attitude he had. I don’t need your pack. I’ll find my own.

Good. Get. One long finger pointed to the end of the canyon he was always staring out of anyway, so he turned, slowly, and limped toward it.

A soft whine followed him, Cory’s wolf calling to his.

His belly went rock-hard, but Trey didn’t look back. He would call home, ask for his wallet, his phone cord, cash. Then he would go, and he wouldn’t come back until someone begged.

He sure hoped someone would, because he would take great fucking pleasure in rubbing their faces in it. Assholes.

All he had to do was walk away.

The tears and fear could come after that.

Chapter 1

M orning, Miz Begay. Cory tipped his hat at the wizened old lady most people thought was approaching her hundredth birthday.

He knew better. Their kind was long-lived. She was damn near two centuries in.

Morning, Sheriff. Are you excited about Stephen and Laurel’s wedding?

Sure. Why wouldn’t he be? The new alpha was young, vibrant, strong.

Not George.

Cory had to admit, he’d celebrated with a good drunk when Stephen had taken George down. Hard.

Sheriff? Are you all right? A gentle hand landed on his arm.

Yes, ma’am. I am. He smiled, knowing it probably didn’t reach his eyes.

Good. Good. It should be a lovely party. She’s going to be beautiful.

He didn’t doubt it—they all were. That whole family was stunning.

Trey had been the most gorgeous wolf Cory had ever known until George had banished him, torn him up, and broken him. No one spoke of him. It was like he’d never existed anywhere but Cory’s memory.

But Cory did remember. Every touch, every fight, every laughter-filled day. He ached, deep inside. Was he okay? No. And he never would be.

And now he had this new alpha that reminded him daily of what he might have had.

He shrugged it off when he felt Miz Begay’s touch on his arm start to tingle. She’d always been a healer, and she was unconsciously trying to help. His pain would overwhelm her, though, so he stepped away. You need anything, Miz Begay? Can I carry anything back for you? He’d just stopped into the store to get a Coke, having missed his coffee this morning due to a couple of drunk kids.

You’re a good boy. Don’t worry, Sheriff. Everything’s going to be beautiful.

You know it. Hey, the wedding wasn’t his problem. Overcrowding? Water disputes? Yeah. All he had to do was keep the peace the day of, and the alpha would be happy.

A strange car moved through town—a bright red Escalade that he knew didn’t belong there. Shit, the last thing he needed was an accidental stranger in town. No one came to Lobo Canyon by accident. They were the fucking land time forgot. Cory squinted, trying to see the driver.

The guy looked familiar, but only vaguely. There wasn’t more than a huge mane of copper hair and an arm covered in tattoos.

Tattoos.

No one here had those.

Dammit.

He watched to see where they might be going, since they’d passed the one store and gas station in town.

They were heading straight for the big house at the heart of the packlands. The alpha.

Fuck him sideways.

Twice.

He took a swig of his Coke. Might as well get in his truck and head down there. Stephen had a second, and it wasn’t him, but he did keep the town on track, so…

The bright red beast headed right for the alpha’s house like it belonged there.

He hopped into his truck, worry moving through him. George was still around and still damn bitter. What if he’d hired someone to go after Stephen?

The newcomer parked by the door and sat there. Who did that? Who just sat there?

Well, Cory guessed he did, because he’d pulled up on the other side of the street to park, his engine idling.

Stephen’s fiancée walked out of the house, and his hackles rose as a shaggy stranger stepped out of the car and headed for her. He was halfway out of the truck when Laurel threw her arms around the guy and hugged him. What the hell?

The laughter stopped him short. He knew that sound. He knew it. How did he know it?

The hair was wild, very male model, and the build wasn’t huge or anything, just average. So why did that laugh make him shiver?

I can’t believe you came! I told Stephen you wouldn’t, but he said you’d be here.

I couldn’t have missed his wedding for anything.

Cory tilted his head to hear better. Sometimes he forgot his human ears didn’t work the way his wolf ears did.

Come in. He’s waiting for you. You’re staying with us, aren’t you?

Who else would I stay with, silly woman?

He stared, his mouth going dry. Honestly, that sounded like… No. No way.

The man turned, bright green eyes piercing him to the soul. Sheriff, are you going to come say hello to the prodigal son, or are you just going to stare in that oh-so-penal way?

His knees almost went out from under him. Trey. It was Trey. Jesus. What— He stopped because he was croaking. Trey?

I go by Wulf these days. It was Trey. He’d been there when those scars that crossed Trey’s cheek were laid down. But, in effect, yes.

I— Oh. I didn’t know you were coming. Lame, Cory. Super idiot. Of course, he hadn’t known. He had no idea Stephen was in touch with Wulf. Hell, as far as he knew, Trey might have been dead.

No. Of course you didn’t. Trey’s eyes were like chips of emeralds as they dragged over him. You look good, but your pants don’t fit. Seriously. You’re all baggy.

His cheeks heated kinda painfully. Gee, thanks. I’ll get a better belt. Jesus. That was all Trey had to say after all this damn time? That he was too skinny?

I’ll talk to my brother about outfitting his public servants better.

Stephen came out of the house, along with River—Stephen’s second and Cory’s sometime fuckbuddy. Are you already stirring up trouble, brother? Leave my sheriff alone.

Trey’s answer was to blow Stephen a kiss.

Oh God. Someone was going to get killed before this week was over.

He was critiquing my pants, Cory said before he could stop himself. Apparently they don’t fit correctly.

Or you don’t measure up, Trey said, batting his eyelashes.

He thought maybe River growled.

Trey turned to look at River and watched his green eyes flash gold. Call off your dog, brother. I’m not here for his lover. I’m here to dress your wife.

We’re not lovers, River snapped.

Enough. Stephen’s voice rang with command. All of you. River and Cory, you both ought to know that Trey—Wulf—will be outfitting both the bridal party and the groomsmen. He’ll be doing your fittings this week.

Fuck.

You’re a seamstress? The question slipped out of his lips, totally without his permission.

Laurel gasped. He’s a designer! He dressed Leta Martin at the Academy Awards, for Goddess’ sake!

Who’s that?

Even River stared at him. "Dude, she’s on that Queen of Thorns show."

Cory bared his teeth. I don’t have time to watch TV.

"Mira, look, it doesn’t matter. I make important clothes for people. This is important. Fair enough? Trey rolled his eyes. I’ll need help unpacking the car at some point, if you don’t mind."

Oh. Sure. I mean… They were still all just… watching him. Cory backed up a step. Well. Bye. He was going to flee. That was his only choice.

Trey watched him back off. No. No, it wasn’t watching. It was staring. Judging. Weighing him.

He always came up lacking. Why should now be any different? Holler at me when it’s time for my fitting. He whirled on his heel and left, wondering why he’d agreed to be in the wedding.

He could feel Trey’s eyes all the way to his pickup.

Acid churned in his belly. This was so what he didn’t need.

You still have the finest ass I’ve ever seen.

He whirled around. Just Trey. Everyone else had gone back inside. Even if it’s too skinny? he snapped.

I said your pants were too big, Cory. Pay attention. How many times had Trey said that to him? A hundred? A thousand?

His shoulders drew up around his ears. Why are you here?

Stephen asked. So simple, so quiet.

Right. I-I didn’t know you were in touch. His head was starting to pound. He needed that caffeine.

No. It seemed the kindest thing. You have a life here; I don’t.

The kindest— He gritted his teeth. Kindest. Anytime after Stephen became alpha, Trey could have called. Told Cory he was still alive. You fuck right off.

Trey snorted. You honestly think, after I fucking walked out of here with a shattered arm, three broken ribs, and a sheared vertebra that you telling me to fuck off is going to hurt? Bitch, please.

No. No, I reckon nothing hurts you, ‘Wulf.’ You have Stephen call me when he needs me to come. He wasn’t doing this.

You broke me, man. I’ll be damned if you ever get the chance to do it again. Trey turned and headed up the stairs into the house.

Cory almost went after him. George had broken him. Not Cory. He’d fucking gotten his ass kicked defending. He wanted to scream, to howl, to wolf out and go for Trey’s throat.

He didn’t. That wasn’t Cory’s way. He was a lawman, not an animal.

The sound of the door clicking shut was so final, so fucking loud.

Just like when they were younger. Trey was always leaving him staring at that retreating back.

He needed to get back to work. And drink his damn Coke.

Chapter 2

D id you have to poke him? Stephen asked. He’s a good guy.

I’ve sucked his dick, brother. I’m aware what kind of guy he is. The kind that didn’t need a freak like him.

Wulf! Laurel was half laughing, half shocked. He was just surprised. We should have warned him.

Or your second ought to have. They’re lovers, after all. Which shouldn’t hurt, but it did.

River and Cory? Nah. Stephen watched him carefully. They blow off steam a few times a year, but Cory doesn’t take lovers.

That’s a waste of wolf. He kept his face carefully composed, which was one of his superpowers. Scars pulled, so schooling his expression was a habit now.

I guess. Stephen shrugged. So, what’s the news with you?

Well, I’ve designed this amazing wedding gown for a very specific bride… He let the bullshit go. He was there for a celebration—his brother was alpha, he