Page 26 of Coral Rustling

Detective Reyes grinned and pointed at Trey.“Why don’t you guys find a nice secluded place to...restwhile the other cops finish up?”

More than on board with that, Ulkna nodded.“Thank you, Detective.”

After tipping his hat, the detective turned and headed back to where his fellow officers were clustered around the tent, finishing up...whatever needed doing.

Ulkna was more than happy to get away.He grabbed Trey’s lead rope, and they hurried around a bend in the trail.Once a fair distance away, Ulkna removed the halter and stepped back.

His mate immediately began to shift.

* * * *

Trey took the sweatpantsand shirt Ulkna handed him, tugging them on quickly.Then he slipped his feet into the hiking boots his mate placed before him.After that, Trey sagged into Ulkna’s embrace, resting his forehead on his lover’s shoulder and enjoying the feel of his strong arms around him.

Ulkna nuzzled his lips against Trey’s temple, holding him close.“After we get all this shit taken care of with the horse rustling and attempted archaeology thefts, we’ll have to talk about making definite plans for our future.”Upon hearing those words, Trey tensed, but Ulkna just squeezed him tighter and whispered, “But there’s one thing I want to say now.”

After taking a fortifying breath, Trey lifted his head and met Ulkna’s gaze.“What’s that?”He felt grateful he managed to get his voice to remain steady.

Smiling warmly up at him, Ulkna stated, “I figure that soon, there’ll be a wrangler position opening up at your trail riding place.”His hazel eyes twinkled as he asked, “Think Reagan will put in a good word for me?I’m sure the guys can forge whatever past I need to make me look awesomely qualified.”

For a second, Trey wasn’t certain he’d heard the words correctly.“Y-You want to get a job as a...a wrangler?”

Ulkna smiled and nodded once.“How about it?”

“Y-You’re willing to stay here?”Trey barely managed to whisper the words, and his heart pounded so fast as hope slammed into him.“Near my family?”

Threading his fingers through Trey’s hair, Ulkna continued to smile at him.“After the guys helped me, I didn’t have a reason to think about doing something other than travel with them.”He teased his thumb along Trey’s jaw as he continued to hold him with his intense gaze.“Now, however, I definitely have a reason...and that’s you.I want to make you happy, and I know staying here, with these horses and your family, will make you happy.”

“I want to make you happy, too.”

“I know,” Ulkna assured.“You and me, together, no matter where, will always make me happy.”

Anticipation for their future swelled through Trey.His mate was offering him everything he could ever dream of—his family, his job, and his mate.

Grinning, Trey claimed, “Yep, I know for sure my nephew will give you a glowing review.”

“Excellent.”Ulkna tightened his hold on Trey’s hair, pulling his head closer.Just before their lips touched, his mate murmured, “After all this time, I have everything I could possibly desire.”

Trey silently agreed as he accepted Ulkna’s kiss, sealing their plans for the future—theirfuture...together.

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