Page 33 of Lost Mate

Ross blinked at the sudden change in subject. “I was, in high school.”

“Did you go to college on a football scholarship?”

“No, I did Biochemistry.” Ross flushed. “I was a STEM nerd too. I was good at sport, but unlike some of the guys, it wasn’t my life.”

“Wow.” Dylan looked genuinely shocked. “How did you end up working for the Cavalry?”

“After my degree I wasn’t sure what to do. I decided to take a vacation job working for a security firm in San Antonio. It was that or bartending. I’ve been here ever since. Turns out I’m good at it.”

“Your parents must be disappointed you didn’t go into STEM.”

“Maybe,” Ross allowed, “but they love me and want me to be happy, although they’re bemused by my sudden interest in farming.”

Dylan wrinkled his brow. “You’re a man of hidden talents.”

“I am. But I’m not ambitious. I’m never going to be an Eli or a Niles. Does that bother you?” He was relieved when his mate leaned forward and kissed him.

“You’re a critter-loving, football-playing, science nerd with an amnesiac wolf shifter for a mate. I think that’s enough.”

Put like that, Ross had to agree.

As much as they both wanted to, they couldn’t ignore the outside world forever. Ross’s phone buzzed three times in quick succession. He groaned when he read the messages.

“What do they want?” Dylan asked sleepily. He’d been dozing on Ross’s chest and Ross hadn’t liked to disturb him.

“Niles wants to start work first thing in the morning and Owen apologizes, he and Zeke got caught up on Wild Creek pack business.”

“We should invite them for dinner.”

Ross checked the time. “Babe, it’s nearly eleven. It’s way past dinner.”

“No wonder I’m so hungry.” Dylan yawned and sat up. “I’m so tired. Invite them for breakfast.”

Ross sent Niles a message. The response was immediate.

07:00

He groaned. “Early start tomorrow.”

He sent Owen the same message, but he didn’t respond.

“We played today. I guess we must start work sometime.”

“You played,” Ross pointed out. “I spent my day calling hospitals and talking to people who didn’t want to talk to me.”

“Poor baby.” Dylan kissed his cheek and rolled out of bed. “Feed me before I eat you.”

“You’d eat your mate?”

Dylan’s belly rumbled. “I’m really hungry.”

Ross guessed that was a yes.

Chapter Ten

Ross took one look at the dark marks under Niles’s eyes and handed him a large cup of coffee. “Did you get any sleep last night?”

Niles grunted his thanks. “None. Where’s your mate?”

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