Page 66 of Lost Mate

“We’re a pack of gay men,” Joe said. “It’s a dynamic that works for us. I’m not sure whether changing that will be good for us.”

Ross was used to working in a male environment and to be honest, he liked being around guys like him. He didn’t have to watch what he said. On the other hand, their pack would be short-lived if they didn’t bring in breeding couples.

“You have enough land to support two packs,” the doc said. “Or more. I’m not surprised Wild Creek wanted to take over your pack.”

“You are part of Wild Creek,” Eli said pointedly.

“We’ve been talking about that,” Cal said, joining them at the table. “The doc wants to join us.”

The doc shrugged. “I’m gay. Being here has been a relief. Wild Creek will put up a fuss, but they can’t force me to stay.”

Ross tugged Dylan away from the conversation. He didn’t care who joined the pack if they fitted and checked out. The doc seemed like a nice guy…as long as he kept his hands off Dylan.

Dylan chuckled through their link. He’s a doctor. He’s supposed to examine us.

Ross couldn’t help the growl that escaped him. It still made his hackles rise to have an unmated wolf with his hands on his mate.

You’d never cope if I went undercover again in the human world. Humans don’t know any of the rules.

They hadn’t talked about Dylan’s future. Ross knew his time with the Cavalry was over. He was going to take care of the critters. But what did Dylan want to do? Ross didn’t want to hold him back if he loved working undercover. But Dylan was shaking his head before Ross could say anything.

I don’t want to work away from you. Owen and I have been talking with Milo. We have an idea to help shifters, with the backing of the Cavalry.

You have? Ross hadn’t been aware of any discussion.

We talked last night. Milo and Eli are moving onto one of the old farms and converting one of the buildings into an office for the shifters. It’ll work for us to be away from the Cavalry. Niles and Eli need to focus on their jobs and leave the shifters alone.

Ross smirked at Dylan’s wolfy grin. But one thing bothered him. He furrowed his brow. “You talked to them before you discussed it with me?”

“You were about to leave me,” Dylan pointed out. “I needed to know I wouldn’t be thrown out of the pack while you got your head straight.”

“Go easy on the human,” Cal called over. “It’s not their fault they don’t understand.”

All the wolves in the kitchen smirked and Ross swore he heard chuckles from Owen, Peter, and Joe Senior over the pack link. Damn wolves and their excellent hearing.

Ross sighed. “Okay. You work for Shifter Cavalry. I work for Joe. We stay on Sapphire Ranch. I guess you and me are sorted.”

Dylan leaned against him, slipping his arms around Ross’s waist and reaching up for a kiss before he said, “I guess we are.”

“We need to get the houses built fast if the whole pack are going to live here,” Joe said. “I’ve found a building company owned by shifters. I thought it was easier not to have to explain ourselves to humans. They’re willing to give us a quote. They know who we are and what we’ve done for shifters.”

Milo nodded. “I…uh…know a guy who runs a car dealership who is willing to help us with vehicles.”

Ross raised an eyebrow. “Barry Dilks’s dad?”

Dylan squinted at him. “Who is Barry? Another shifter?”

“A gay kid with issues,” Eli said. “Milo put him straight.”

Milo snorted. “Or not. But whatever, Barry has quit drink driving and stealing cars, and is now planning to go to college. His dad is thrilled and promised to help me. I think he might know about shifters. I don’t know how.”

“We’ll worry about that later,” Eli said. “The other pack alpha has turned off the highway.”

Cavalry men were still providing security at key points after the hunter’s attempt to kidnap Cal. At least that’s what Eli had said. Ross thought it more likely the other pack had had a tail on their ass since they left their pack. He knew Eli.

Dylan stiffened, but Ross held him tight.

“I’ve got you,” he murmured in Dylan’s ear.

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