Page 37 of Wolf Bound

Then Dan Steinacker introduced himself as the sheriff, and his deputies: Chase Buchanan, Hal Haverton, Stryker Hill, and Ricky Jones. “And Stryker’s twin brother, Leyton Hill, is a special agent with the CSF, Cougar Special Forces. From the sounds of it, their organization is similar to your United Shifter Force, though we concentrate on cougar issues. But I like the idea of a joint shifter force.”

Kira could see the resemblance between Stryker and Leyton—both dark haired, same high cheekbones and strong noses. “We have jaguars and wolves who serve as special agents, but we’re definitely open to other shifter types who are qualified to join us.” She explained the situation with the kidnappers and how they had to be taken down dead or alive. “Fisher and I know their scent. So do some of the men with us.” She told them about the kidnappers’ SUV.

“Hell, I’m sure I sighted the Suburban out by Pinyon Pines Resort,” Chase said. “Shannon and my resort is closed for the winter so we don’t get a lot of traffic out there at this time of year.”

“Okay, Kira is in charge of this operation,” Dan said, “since this is her case. What do you want us to do?”

“If you and your men can look for that Suburban, maybe we can catch them. Two of our agents are sitting at the motel in case they show up back there.”

“You don’t think they’re planning to try and kidnap one of our kids, do you?” Hal asked.

“Yeah, that’s just what we figure. They’re looking for somewhere they’ve never been, but like us, they probably didn’t know the town was populated by cougar shifters. I’m sure they wouldn’t dare take one of your children, if they realize you’re all shifters. That would be way too risky,” Kira said.

“Just call on me if you need my help,” Mrs. Fitzgerald said.

“Will do. Alright, let’s go,” Dan said. “During this operation, we’ll remain undercover so we don’t spook them.”

Mrs. Fitzgerald brought them takeout coffee for their mission, knowing what they all wanted to drink.

And then they left the bakery to begin their search.

Fisher coordinated with Dan about where they were traveling so that they could be part of a grid search.

“Hey, just to let you know, everyone in Yuma Town is on high alert, not just those of us in law enforcement. So if anyone sees that SUV or three wolf shifters who don’t belong who are acting suspiciously,” Dan said, “they’ll report back to me.”

“That’s great,” Fisher said.

Kira wished she lived in a town like this where shifters ran everything. Nothing would get past them then.

“It really helps that we have the assistance of people who live here since we don’t know the lay of the land,” Fisher said.

“Absolutely.” She drove down another street and Fisher kept everyone informed of where they were.

They also told Tanner and Everett and Demetria what they were doing and where they were now.

But no one saw anything. No sign of the Suburban. No sign of anyone behaving in a suspicious manner.

That night, several families in Yuma Town offered to have the teams over for dinner, but they had to stay at the motel in case the kidnappers returned.

Tanner and the others were in two rooms, keeping surveillance.

Demetria and Everett were in their own room.

“Well, I never expected to be sleeping with you in a hotel room while on a mission,” Kira said to Fisher. “But it’s a welcome prospect.”

“For me too.”

They took their bags into the room and Fisher shut the door. They ordered food from the bakery—because Mrs. Fitzgerald insisted on it. She even delivered the sandwiches to all their rooms.

Kira thought she was cute because she wanted to be part of this whole operation.

After she left, Fisher took first watch, careful not to be seen. “We’ll take turns sleeping. I sure hope that they didn’t already take off.”

“I know. I was thinking the same thing. If they were scoping out the area, but realized they were in cougar shifter territory, they might have decided staying here might be too risky. I’m going to lie down for a while. Wake me at two and I’ll take over.” She took a shower and dressed in pajamas and left the bathroom, glad Fisher was staying with her. “How are you feeling? I should have asked that first.”

“Where I was shot, I feel a twinge of pain every once in a while, but otherwise I’m fine.”

“You let me know if you feel worse.”

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