Page 42 of Cowboy Devil's Embrace

I was completely on board, of course. I mean I was dying to be with her. Wanted to woo her, seduce her, claim her with my bite, and make her mine.

Of course, I couldn’t do that.

Well, not yet.

Penelope was a normal human and had no idea supernatural creatures existed.

How would she react to my somewhat furry, red-skinned, winged side?

Would she be afraid? Scared I would hurt her?

My Devil sneered at the idea.

I would never hurt her.Not ever.

That dark part of me was eager to see her again. But I needed to exert control.

“Boss?”

I ran a hand over my face.

“I’m fine,” I told him, ignoring the Wolf’s inquiring looks as the others filed out.

“Sure you’re good?”

“Truth is, uh, I met my mate?—”

“Holy shit! Really?” he asked, looking stunned.

“Yeah. She’s been here apparently all the while. I mean, we owned this place, but I’ve never even visited this ranch before my Grandmother handed it to me and gave me her ultimatum.”

“Lucky you, Boss. I mean, look, all my family ever had was a single-wide and a shit ton of bills,” he joked.

“I suppose money comes with its own set of problems.”

“I really wouldn’t know. In my experience, it’s women who bring the problems. Always thought money would fix them,” Emmet said.

“Not likely. Anyway, don’t say anything to the guys. I don’t want them thinking I’m rubbing salt in any wounds.”

“Course not. You having dinner with me and the boys tonight? Dante is turning a dozen chickens on a spit behind his cabin,” Emmet told him.

“Sounds delightful, but uh, not tonight, I’m afraid. I have plans.”

“Plans, huh? With your mate?”

“Shut up, man,” I hissed.

“Okay, sheesh. But they’re far enough away now to not hear me. Anyway, just so you know that Mr. Henries of yours sent me an email. It seems your granny entered us in a little rodeo they’re holding next month.”

“A rodeo? In New Jersey?” I asked, his eyebrows going sky high.

“Yep. It’s at the county fairgrounds five miles outside of town. Seems like they do it every year.”

“Okay, well, you and the boys will do just fine,” I said, checking my watch.

“That’s the kicker.Youhave to enter too, Boss.”

“Me? Enter a rodeo?”

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