A Wolf's Bargain Page 9
“The big biker from Hill City?” Kathy sat forward, her hands clasped together.
“Yes. Why not?”
“He might chew Jason up and spit him out.” Skepticism filled her words as she sat back in her chair.
“Well, that wouldn’t be so bad, would it?” She arched a brow. “He’s protective to a fault. Loyal. He’s got the qualities we’d look for in any of our matches.”
When Paul returned with their meals, she paused the conversation so they could eat. She had no doubt Jason and Hombre would make a great pair. They just needed a chance…the right circumstances to bring them together.
The bar door opened, a shaft of light glaring inside. Fern dragged her attention from her food to find Graham Truesdale striding toward them. She frowned.
The last she’d heard, his little mate had passed away. “Poor thing.” She pitched her voice low to keep from drawing his attention. “Having his mate die so young.”
Kathy nodded. “Such a tragedy.”
He fist-bumped Paul when the man handed over a large paper bag. Graham had been on lunch duty for a couple of weeks now, getting Gabby and Fawn something to eat since both women were getting further along in their pregnancies. Seemed like every day, that boy was going from Los Lobos Café to Dottie’s, the diner, or The Den, grabbing something for either woman. She remembered being pregnant. Her cravings had been off the chart. The rawer and spicier, the better. She must have driven Henry crazy with the concoctions she hankered for.
Bag in hand, he walked toward the door. He’ll have to go on the list, too.
Claire shook her head and tsked. “I still can’t believe how much devesta—”
“She’s not dead.” Gee’s deep voice resounded from behind the bar.
“What?” Setting her burger down, she angled toward him. Everyone knew what happened. Had seen the aftermath of it. “What are you saying?”
The bear shifter continued wiping down the bar top. “I said, she’s not dead.”
Lonnie pushed away from the table. “Where is she? If I find out you’ve known all along, I’ll—”
“Ask your nephew.” He gestured at Kathy with his rag. “He knows all about it.”
Kathy narrowed her eyes. “Oh, he does, does he?”
Fern struggled not to grin. With her friend on the warpath, the pack enforcer didn’t stand a chance. And Ryker has no clue his aunt’s coming for him. This is going to be good.
After dabbing the corners of her mouth, Kathy tossed her napkin next to her plate, her barely contained fury palpable. Fern set her napkin down, too. Batten down the hatches. We’re at DEFCON three.
“Ladies,” Kathy said in a clipped tone, “I believe a field trip is in order. Gee, keep our lunch warm.”
He grunted. “He’s at the house with Saja. I don’t think he’ll want to be interrupted.”
“What you think and what he’s going to explain are two different things.” She smacked her palm against the table and rose from her seat. “How dare he keep this important piece of information from us.”
Fern and the other two pack matrons followed suit. DEFCON two, ladies.
The bear sighed.
Kathy, along with the other matrons, stormed Ryker’s house. Saja’s giggles and the thick scent of their mating hung in the air. She was happy for them. A new pup with enforcer genes, and more than likely a dominant streak a mile wide, warmed her heart. But when will the boy learn he has a duty to this pack? If he’s going to help someone get away from a brutal alpha, bringing them home is paramount. Angry at the situation, she was of a mind to snatch him by his ear and bring him all the way to the Truesdale homestead to explain what happened. However, she refrained. No need in causing Saja any undue stress. Banging on the door, she stepped back.
“Go the fuck away,” Ryker growled.
She pounded on the door again. “Ryker Grey, get your ass out here, and don’t you dare cuss at me.”
He cursed again, and the soft thuds of a scrambling wolf brought a smile to her face. When the door opened, his large frame filled the entryway, his hair tousled, his cheeks flushed. She’d laugh if the situation hadn’t been so serious. “What can I do for you?”
“Elle St. Claire.”
His features remained blank.
“Don’t you dare block me out.” She waggled her finger at him. “Where is she?”
He crossed his arms. “Safe.”
She snorted. “Don’t pull that with me.”
“She is. What is so important you need to know her whereabouts?”
“Boy, you’re lucky I can’t reach your ear, or else I’d snatch you out of there.”
“Hi, Kathy.” Saja stuck her head out of the doorway. “Everything okay?” Her hand went to her belly, rubbing it along the side.
“Fine, dear.” Though she softened her reply, she kept her gaze locked with Ryker.
He cracked a smile. “No, you won’t.”
She lifted her chin. “I am not leaving you alone until you bring Elle home.” The girls have my back. They’ll stay with me, however long it takes my hardheaded nephew to come to his senses.
He stared at her a moment more. After reaching into his pocket to pull out his phone, he pushed a few buttons then held it to his ear. “Shawn. We need to talk.”
Tl Reeve, A Wolf's Bargain
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