Savvy looked around, enjoying the peace of the ranch. She had moved to Angel’s Creek, New Mexico to be with her friends. There was nothing left for her in Cheyenne.

“There is something special about this area. I have found a sense of serenity that I never had in Wyoming.”

“It could have something to do with the fact that you left your mother behind there. Plus, Gabe was killed in Cheyenne. It had to be hard seeing that intersection every time you went to town.”

“Maybe so. There is also something magical here.”

“I agree,” Beth said. “I need to start dinner. You helping?”

“You really want me to help you cook?”

“Okay, let me amend that statement. You going to keep me company while I cook?”

That evening at dinner, Conner asked, “Didn’t you get a degree in early childhood education?”

“Yes?” Savvy replied. “I was working at a preschool when Gabe died and I lost it for a while. That’s why I was bartending for the last few years.”

“My friend, Rory, needs a nanny. He can’t seem to keep them.”

“That doesn’t sound like a very good recommendation.” Savvy laughed.

“He’s just very protective over his kids and wants someone who will take good care of them. He will give you room and board, plus a decent salary,” Conner said.

“Ah, I see now.” Savvy smiled. “You’re just trying to get rid of me.”

Conner rolled his eyes and shook his head. “No, but you have been looking for a job. Rory is a good guy. He’s a member of our pack.”

“It couldn’t hurt to meet him,” Savvy said.

The next evening, Conner, Savvy, Beth, and Taryn went to eat at Howlers’ Bar and Grill. It mostly catered to shifters and bikers, although no one was turned away. Sean McCullum owned the place. He was a laid-back member of the same wolf shifter pack that Conner belonged to. Sean was also extremely protective and loyal and would fight to the death to protect those who needed it.

Jade, the bar’s manager and a member of Conner’s pack, smiled and rushed over to hug them when they came in.

“Girl, have you gotten taller since the last time I saw you?” she asked Taryn.

Taryn grinned and shook her head. “I don’t think so. Maybe you got shorter.”

“Like Mork from Ork,” Jade said, referring to the popular show, Mork and Mindy.

“Who?” Taryn replied.

Jade, Conner, Beth, and Savvy giggled as they found a table.

There was an island bar in the center of Howlers’. Members of the motorcycle club, The Griffins were lined up there. It was their usual hang-out place.

“See that really big guy with the black hair at the end of the bar?” Conner asked.

“Yup. How could I miss him?” Savvy asked.

“That’s Rory. He’s the leader of the Griffins.”

“Oh,” Savvy said, a little shocked.

The tall man was at once intimidating and intriguing. He was incredibly hot and his arms were thick. He had a broad chest that was evident through his T-shirt.

“Quit drooling,” Conner teased.

A young, pretty waitress dropped off some beer for the bikers. One of the bikers slapped her ass. Immediately. Rory stood up, grabbed the man by the back of his shirt, and literally lifted him off the ground. The man was big, but Rory carried him as though he weighed no more than a small child.