Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 62782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
He’s not showing any physical signs that he might shapeshift, but there’s a definite energy coming from him that I feel from my own wolf. It means keeping an even better eye on him if that’s even possible.
“Time to go,” I bark out, no longer interested in sharing such close quarters with these two humans. “Now, Remy.”
He shoots me a nasty glare before signing a thank you to Cato.
“You’re welcome, hot stuff,” Cato says with a flirty grin. “Here. Call me if you ever need a…friend.” He winks at Remy as he holds out a business card.
I reach for it, but Remy is quicker, snatching it and pocketing it before I can grab it. White-hot bolts of rage electrify me. I’m quickly losing control, and it won’t be pretty when I do. Grabbing hold of Remy, I yank him to his feet, my fingers biting into his slightly muscular arm. He tries to shake me off, but that only makes me tighten my grip. Jax shoots me a look of disapproval.
Mind your own business, Sheriff.
“We’ll be in touch,” I grind out to Jax. And then, to Remy, I sign, Time to go, kid.
The calm that washes over me the further we get from town is overwhelming. I’m nearly thrumming from leftover adrenaline. Remy has completely closed himself off to me, choosing to glower out the window instead. I sense the others questioning what’s wrong, but eventually they back off once they realize no one’s hurt or dying.
Ignoring Remy’s attitude problem, I turn on Quagmire Road off Old Highway 946 toward my post. The building is small but houses myself, another part-time ranger, my forest technician, and our assistant. It’s well-kept and nestled deep in the woods. This post is my home away from home. I’m a little surprised to see Ewan’s car parked out front with the others.
Remy signs rapidly at me. Why’s he here?
It’s not unheard of for Ewan to show up. His job, an environmental scientist for the State of Maine, requires a lot of field work. Sometimes, depending what he’s researching, it leads him to us, especially if what he’s studying affects the national forest.
My first instinct is to tell Remy not to worry about it. But I did decide to give him a job. He’ll need to learn all the ins and outs of forestry and all that entails.
“He’s probably here to discuss an animal or insect or plant he wants to study,” I explain. “If it’s endangered or located in a dangerous area, he has to get special permission and a guide to accompany him.”
Remy nods, satisfied with that answer, and we climb out. I can’t help but rake my gaze over Remy’s form. The new haircut and style isn’t like his usual one. I’m used to his hair flopping over one eye, hiding at least half of his irritation from me. Cato spiked it up and gelled it. It grates on my nerves how much older he looks right now. As though he’s ready to go off on a fucking date or something.
Over my dead body.
I’m not unaware of the fact Remy’s gay. Somehow that makes it worse. Rather than fearing he’ll get some girl pregnant—like the one at the diner who was making eyes at him—I’m more worried about some older, impressionable man like Jax or the neighbor we saw drinking his coffee swooping in and yanking him from my grip. Jax may clearly be mated, but I still don’t trust anyone around Remy. No one but the packmates. And Finnick is questionable most days with his flirty, teasing nature.
We step inside and are greeted by Harrison, my assistant, who’s perched on the table in front of Ewan. Harrison’s a respectable guy. Fresh out of college but eager and good at what he does. It’s the forest tech, Bradley, who needs to go back and learn how to do his job. The part-time ranger, Gary, isn’t here today based on his darkened office.
“Ewan,” I say in greeting. “You didn’t mention you’d be in today.”
He runs his fingers through his golden-blond shaggy hair and shoots me a knowing look. “Something came from the top. They want me checking out possible migration of wolf activity in the area. Just wanted to get my permit and the okay before I set up shop in the forest.”
Ahh, yes. Ewan’s way of searching for this killer and not raising suspicions.
Harrison perks up, interest highlighting his expression. “Wolf migration? We haven’t had wolves in Maine in decades. If you need anything, Ewan, I’d be happy to assist.”
My packmate barely notices the way Harrison openly stares at him. Remy stifles a grin from beside me and through the bond, I feel Finnick’s unmistakable teasing. Judd, however, is not amused, and his agitation makes my hairs stand on end.
“I’ll sign off—” My words are cut short by the sound of tires on gravel.