Free Dual Threat by Wendi Zwaduk Page A

for what most people would call a hobby.
    Ian pressed the keys to send a return message. Proud of you. Another one this month and you’ll break 10k in sales. Awesome. Need a ride to the Glass Martini? Within seconds the reply message popped onto the screen. You bet .
    Good enough for Ian. He opened the laptop long enough to shut the device down and then gathered his papers and phone. He’d work on more inventory shit later. Purplish light highlighted the tree line behind Davis Electronics. He breathed in the scent of barbeque from the Jerky House restaurant down the street. His stomach gurgled and his tiger moaned. When had he eaten last? He couldn’t remember. Damned work anyway.
    He climbed into his truck and sped across town. The buildings lining Belden Valley’s main drag loomed in the blue twilight. He knew the streets by heart. Growing up in a mid-sized city offered the comfort of knowing most everyone around, while also being diverse. The neon lights of the Gladstone Gallery reflected off his hood when he pulled into one of the parking spots. The gallery once served as the theater in town. When the strip malls had sprung up on the outskirts of town, the movie theater followed. Thankfully, the Gladstone Group, a hodgepodge of local artists and crafters, worked to save the intricate building.
    “Thought maybe you fell asleep at the store.” Evan yanked the truck door open and then plopped onto the seat beside his brother. “Did you like that text?” His grin spread from ear to ear.
    “I did and I’m proud of you.” Ian clapped his brother on the shoulder. “You’re making progress. A couple more sales of your work, and I’ll have to get tickets to visit you, you’ll be so famous.” He pulled away from the curb and sped toward the Glass Martini.
    “Nah.” Evan raked his fingers through his hair. “Sonya called, then Kaia texted. Seems you and I might want to be at the Glass Martini tonight for more than to just watch the dances.”
    Ian’s heart skipped a beat and his tiger perked. “Oh yeah?”
    “I don’t know what Kaia’s news is, but she says she’s got some, and according to our sister, it’s really big news.” Evan drummed his fingers on the open window frame of the truck. “You don’t suppose she dumped Dade, do you? My tiger’s been on edge for the last six months.”
    “My tiger’s been watching her too.” Ian settled into his seat as they drove past the massive Belden High School and the Greater Federal Bank building. He’d wanted to say something to Evan before, but never found the right time. No more waiting. “It’s hard to watch her, isn’t it? I want to comfort her, but I don’t think it’s time yet.”
    He waited a heartbeat for Evan’s response. Their true mate would call to both of them, not just one of them. The tigers would know, but was she the mate they needed?
    “Besides the fact Dade is an asshole and I thought she could do better than to even look at him, yeah. My tiger goes ape shit when she’s around. It’s been hard as fuck not to touch her or say something about wanting her. I’m trying to be her friend, but lately I want more. You?”
    Relief washed through Ian. He’d never been one to show his feelings, but with Evan things were different. They understood each other beyond even a twin level. “My tiger wants her too.”
    He pulled to a stop in the parking lot in front of the Glass Martini and measured his words. “We’ve got a problem.”
    “We’re tigers and that scares most women off.” Evan turned in his seat, facing Ian. “Top that off with the both of us wanting her, and yeah, we’ve got a snowball’s chance in hell that Kaia will want us.” He folded his arms. “I say let her choose. If she picks you, then cool. I know she’ll be treated with dignity. Really, I hope she chooses the both of us.”
    Not exactly what he expected his brother to say. Ian frowned, despite his tiger purring in his chest. “I’m guessing she’ll want