Page 38 of Lost Mate

I’ll protect you, Dylan.

Dylan forced a smile. I know you will.

“And Dylan isn’t going anywhere until the shifter doc has seen him. We’re not taking any chances with him,” Niles said.

Dylan’s expression eased a fraction. “Thanks.”

Niles shrugged. “That’s what I’m here for. And by the way, Milo’s already gotten a copy of the photo.”

“When were you going to tell me this?” Ross demanded.

“Now.” Niles smirked at him. “I wanted to see if you’d think of it yourself.”

Ross stared down into his cup. He was really looking forward to the road trip with just him and Dylan.

Chapter Eleven

Niles vanished after breakfast, cackling as he declined an invitation to help them. After a long day looking for any information on the internet, Ross understood why. They were tired, bored, and frustrated and hadn’t found any trace of Dylan’s life.

“I need a break,” Ross declared, getting to his feet and rolling his shoulders. “Drink?”

“Please.” Dylan was still focused on the screen.

Ross opened the office refrigerator and took out a large jug of Cal’s homemade iced tea. He poured two glasses and returned the jug to the fridge.

Dylan groaned and rubbed his eyes. “I think my eyes are full of grit. How can it be so difficult to find me? And don’t say I was undercover. I know that.”

Ross handed him a glass. “Okay, I won’t say it then.” He wasn’t feeling much better. He was used to standing on his feet all day, not sitting behind a desk.

“Are we done? Please say we’re done,” Dylan begged before he took a long swallow of tea. “This is good.” He took another swallow before he said, “I’m not cut out for staring at a computer. I’ll do anything except more of this.”

“I have an idea.” Ross pulled out his phone and scrolled down until he found Joe’s number.

“Everything okay?” Joe asked by way of greeting. He sounded as if he was ready to tear his hair out.

“We’re ready to climb the walls. Do you need any help with the animals?”

The sigh in his ear was heartfelt. “You mean it? I’ve spent all day trying to help my replacement and they’re driving me nuts. And Cal is cooking up a storm to get away from me cursing.”

Joe was a college professor as he pointed out to anyone who would listen, even if his sabbatical had turned into a permanent break. He wasn’t impressed with his replacement who seemed to need their hand held every five minutes. Ross wondered just how much Joe would love to run back to his old life.

“Where’s your dad?” Ross asked. “Isn’t he supposed to be taking over the ranch?”

“Vanished with Peter revisiting old haunts together.”

Joe Senior had made a huge song and dance about coming back to his ranch, his home, but to Ross’s mind, was more wrapped up in Peter, their old life as teens back in the day, and his new life as a wolf. It was as if he was enjoying a second run at his teenage years, but this time he and Peter could be honest about their feelings for each other. Ross had a feeling Joe Senior had moved on from the ranch, he just didn’t want to admit it.

“You know I’ll always take care of the animals,” Ross pointed out.

“Yeah.” Joe sounded weary. “I know that. After the road trip let’s have a long discussion about the future. I have ideas and I’m sure you do too.”

“I’ve thought about buying my own farm,” Ross admitted.

“Or we build you a farm and you take care of the ranch animals,” Joe countered. “You know I don’t have the time and they’re being neglected. This hunter business isn’t likely to die down any time soon.”

“You want me to resign from the Cavalry?”

“I want you to be happy, like I want every member of the pack to be happy.”

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