Page 11 of Stealing His Human

When Nedrick arrived at the trailhead, he spotted several motorcycles, Brett’sEnvoy, and Preall’s SUV. He also noticed Paolo and Jamie lounging on the grass in the shade near the motorcycles. After parking, Nedrick leaped from hisJeepand headed toward them.

The guys were on their feet instantly, moving toward him, too. While Paolo appeared as amused as hell, Jamie’s expression screamed of concern. Then the very dominant rat shifter tugged the submissive wolf shifter against his side, holding him close, and Jamie practically sagged into his mate as they came to a stop.

“Hey, Ned.” Paolo grinned up at him. “Congratulations, man.”

While Paolo’s shorter stature of five-foot-seven didn’t seem like much, he had broad shoulders and thick muscles. His attitude also screamed dominant. The guy considered caring for his mate, a more reserved five-foot-nine wolf shifter, of the utmost importance.

As it should be.

“Hi, Paolo,” Nedrick greeted. “Jamie.” After glancing between them and getting a sweet smile from the small wolf shifter, he peered toward the trailhead. “I’m guessing they’re already on their way.”

“Yep,” Paolo agreed amicably, turning in that direction. “Jamie, love.” He pecked a kiss to his mate’s cheek. “Grab our backpacks with our picnic shit. Would you please?”

“Yes, sir,” Jamie immediately responded before bounding toward the motorcycles.

Paolo started strolling toward the trailhead slowly, obviously giving his mate time to grab their stuff, and Nedrick fell into step beside him. “You’re right,” Paolo offered as they walked, shaking his head. “That Karissa is a piece of work. Homophobic with a possessive streak a mile wide.” Paolo’s grin turned maniacal as he cackled a little. “But don’t worry. The guys and I got your back.” With a wink, he turned around and started walking backward so he could keep an eye on his mate. “We’re already paving the way for getting Brett used to the idea of men together while showcasing just how bitchy his date is.”

Nedrick wondered just what Paolo meant by that, but he held his tongue as a middle-aged man and woman dressed in outdoor apparel appeared around the bend before them. The pair smiled at them, and they exchanged greetings andhave a good hikepleasantries. They’d just disappeared from sight when Jamie jogged up with a backpack slung over each shoulder. Paolo immediately took one of them and slipped it over his own back before giving the man a peck.

“Thanks, baby,” Paolo crooned with a heated smile. Then he grabbed his lover’s hand, threaded their fingers, and refocused on the hike. “So, we made out in front of everyone a little after agreeing to wait here for you.”

Jamie snickered. “A little?” The wolf shifter smirked as he hip-checked Paolo. “That was more than a little, my mate.”

“Indeed, it was,” Paolo rumbled. With a leer at Jamie, he added, “And making out with you is never a hardship.” Then he returned his attention to Nedrick and told him, “Karissa’s definitely a bigot, just like Preall warned. We overheard some not-so-nice stuff she whispered.”

Jamie lifted his free hand and tapped the side of his head. “Shifter hearing.”

Nedrick nodded, understanding. Shifter hearing could easily pick up comments that humans had thought they’d whispered. Plus, considering his own interaction with her, he didn’t think she was all that subtle. Hell, she’d probably barely even whispered.

Pushing those thoughts away, Nedrick glanced between the mated pair. “Anything else I should be ready for?”

Paolo shrugged. “Luther said he and Deke were going to try to engage your mate.” He smirked and winked. “Do their best to try to keep his attention on them as opposed to Karissa. That sort of thing.”

Nedrick nodded, contemplating that. Considering the self-centered, needy way she’d been acting at the campground, he could see how that would be effective. She was all about keeping Brett’s attention on herself. Having to share him would piss her off.

Gods, I do love my pack.

“Perfect,” Nedrick murmured. “Let’s pick up the pace.”

Paolo and Jamie laughed, but they were happy to oblige. When Nedrick broke into a jog, the other shifters easily kept up.

*

Nedrick heard the group before he spotted them. Having hiked the trail about a million times, he knew there was an arcing bend just before the meadow and stream came into view. He slowed down to a stroll and took a few deep, measured breaths.

All that did was allow him to pick up the lingering hints of Brett’s unique and exotic scent.

His prick twitched as his blood heated.

Great.

Dismissing that, Nedrick paused, doing his best to ignore his wolf’s urging to keep moving. He lifted his arms over his head and stretched. Then he bent at the waist and arched his back.

After straightening, Nedrick glanced at the pair with him. He rolled his eyes upon seeing their matching grins. With a shake of his head, he started forward again, making certain he kept at a leisurely pace.

“You got this, Ned,” Jamie murmured encouragingly.

“You really do, man,” Paolo seconded. “And we got your back.”

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