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Behind her, Malia sensed that Ellie and Maggie were hanging on every word.
“Lucas has a clean record. And he’s a good family man,” she shot back. “Even if heisa bit rough around the edges.”
Great Uncle Bill just stared at her. Yup, he was definitely unhappy about her involvement with Lucas.
Malia fought the urge to challenge him with a return stare.
With an effort, she dropped her gaze. Hewasher alpha, after all. And she was one of the youngest, and therefore lowest-ranked, adults in the Bearpaw Ridge Pack.
But she couldn’t help feeling defensive about the silent judgment he was heaping on her.
On impulse, she blurted, “Besides, I’m hanging out with Lucasbecausehe’s been seen with Bickham and his buddy Silvers. I’m convinced those two were the ones who attacked Rob, but I need proof.”
She felt bad about telling her alpha a half-truth.
But if I continue to see Lucas, she thought defiantly,who knows what I might find out about Bickham’s activities?
Great Uncle Bill looked simultaneously relieved and concerned by her statement. “Well, I’m happy to hear that you aren’t seriously courting a man of such…questionable…character.”
Malia felt a stab of mingled shame and anger. She’d known that her pack would disapprove of Lucas. And it made her mad that she cared so much about what they thought.
But in her heart and soul, she was a wolf, and the pack was everything. Or at least it should be.
Great Uncle Bill continued, “Mary told me that she’d assigned you to investigate Rob’s shooting. Perhaps you should consider letting one of the more experienced members of the department handle this investigation. Roy, maybe? Or Kenny, when he returns from that conference.”
His condescending tone ignited an unaccustomed streak of rebelliousness inside her. She was so damned sick of everyone treating her like a little girl, even though she was an adult now,anda full-fledged police officer.
He’s my alpha, she reminded herself.He only wants what’s best for everyone.
With an effort, she swallowed her anger, and nodded. “I’ll take that under consideration, Uncle Bill.”
He chuckled, letting her know that her noncommittal response didn’t fool him.
In a gentler tone, he added, “Please be careful around this Lucas character, Malia. I’ve seen Bickham’s record, and he’s dangerous. You should treat his associates, especially one who’s a shifter, with extreme caution.”
* * *
Text message from Winter, Lucas:Hi, Malia. This is Lucas. There’s something I want to tell you.
Text message from Malia J-S:Hi, Lucas! Great timing. Glad to see you kept my number!
Text message from Malia J-S:Hey, I’m at the grocery store right now. I’m planning to make spaghetti Bolognese tonight, with garlic bread and salad. We can talk over dinner. What time do you think you’ll be back at your cabin?
Text Message from Winter, Lucas:I’m sorry, but I have other plans for tonight. Won’t return until late. Thanks for the offer, though.
Text Message from Winter, Lucas:That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about. I had a great time last night, but I don’t think we should get together again. You’re a wonderful woman, and I’m not good enough for you. Sorry.
Chapter 11
Wednesday, August 11
It was way too fucking early. The sky above the eastern mountains was lightening to silver with just the faintest tinge of pink as Lucas sat in his car in The Hair of the Dog’s parking lot. He gulped down strong, scalding coffee and stuffed one of those amazing cinnamon rolls in his mouth.
He desperately needed the hit of caffeine and carbs before Bickham and Silvers showed up for today’s hunting foray.
Lucas was fucking exhausted, and it was all his stupid cat’s fault. He’d only slept a couple of hours last night because his beast had been pacing angrily back and forth inside his head. It wanted more of Malia, and Lucas’s decision not to continue their…whatever it had been…had enraged it.
Bad enough he’d turned her down for dinner. But when Lucas texted that he didn’t intend to see her again, his inner cougar’s temper tantrum went into overdrive. For hours.
