Page 41 of Lost Mate

“Ross.”

“The shifter doctor is here,” Eli said. “Get over here.”

And just like that, the tension slammed back into his mate. Dylan had clearly heard Eli’s order.

Ross ran a soothing hand down Dylan’s back. “We’ll be there soon.”

“Zeke is on his way to collect you, and Cal’s made breakfast.” Then Eli disconnected the phone.

In other words, Ross couldn’t find any reason to delay their journey over to the ranch house.

“If he expects me to make a run for it, he should remember I’ve got four paws,” Dylan grumbled, untangling himself and sitting up.

“He knows. He’s just making a point.”

Ross flopped back on the pillows and stared up at the ceiling. He wasn’t sure how nervous he was about this doctor arriving on the ranch. It was more than just his mate. The doc was part of Wild Creek pack, Cal and Owen’s former pack, and as Owen had been exiled, the new alpha of Wild Creek was always pontificating some pack rule bullshit about Owen being killed for showing his face again. Joe had told them to take that rule and stuff it where the sun don’t shine more than once, but it still rumbled on.

Dylan raised an eyebrow. “Pontificating?”

“Seriously? You heard that?” Ross had just been musing.

“I did.”

“We’re going to have to talk about this. I have private thoughts too.”

Dylan pursed his lips. “You’re right. But you’re so loud in my head. Maybe we could ask the doc about that.” He grinned as Ross huffed. “Never mind, little cub.”

Ross growled and flipped Dylan so that he was the one on the mattress and Ross straddled him.

“Nice move,” Dylan said, somewhat breathlessly, his eyes wide.

To be honest, Ross hadn’t been sure that would work. He knew Dylan was stronger than him. All the wolves were stronger than their human partners.

“Except for Joe Senior and Peter.”

“Peter’s not human,” Ross pointed out.

“That wolf is the strongest wolf I’ve ever met,” Dylan agreed. “Why didn’t he form his own pack?”

“Not everyone wants to take over the world.”

“Ross? Dylan?”

Ross grimaced as Zeke interrupted them. He thought they’d have longer than five minutes.

Dylan’s mouth curved into a rueful smile. “Time to face the world, my mate.”

“Kinda jealous I don’t have four paws of my own to run away,” Ross said. “Coming, Zeke. Did you bring coffee?”

“I’ll make it. Get moving or Eli will send in the Cavalry.”

“Ha ha.” Ross sighed and sat up. “You can’t have baby wolves, can you?”

Dylan froze, halfway out of the bed. He turned to stare at Ross. “What?”

“Don’t worry about it. It was just a dream. You told me all the baby wolves were my children.”

“I don’t think biology has changed that much, Ross. Even for shifters,” Dylan said dryly.