Page 9 of Claimed By the Cowboys
When Montana pulled his truck up to the large log home—with its chimneys and sheet metal roof as the stars were coming out, I felt like I was looking at a postcard for Sweetwater Springs. It practically screamedVisit Blackwood Ranch!
As soon as the truck came to a stop, two men exploded from the front screen door. Montana’s twin, Dakota, who I’d met in the store, and another man—an absolute monster with a mane of shaggy blond hair and muscular shoulders like the broad side of a barn.
Montana walked around the hood to my passenger door, opening it wide so that the boys might see me inside.
“Didn’t tell us you were picking up dinneranddessert.” The tall blond one grinned, actually licking his lips.
Dakota elbowed him in the ribs. “She’s got a name,” he protested under his breath.
“Behave,” Montana warned the giant man, taking the bag of food from my hands.
“I’m sorry, Miss.” The tall blond man stepped forward and extended one of his massive hands to me, his palms rough, presumably from life as a ranch worker. “My name is Zeke, and let me assure you—it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
I placed my hand in his, a blush spreading across my cheeks as his hand folded easily around mine, helping me down from the truck.
His eyes were so green, like the rolling hills of grass around us, that I nearly forgot I was supposed to be introducing myself. When I reached the ground, Zeke was a full foot taller than me and was totallyripped.
“Piper Collins, pleased to meet you—all of you,” I stammered. When I stepped back, his hand hesitated when letting mine go.
“Miss Piper Collins, you look even sweeter than a slice of apple pie.” Zeke beamed, playing off his joke from earlier.
“With a scoop of vanilla ice cream,” Dakota was quick to add, not wanting to be forgotten.
Before either of the other two could get ahead of themselves, Montana was quick to interject.
“Well, boys, say hello to the newest member of the payroll here at Blackwood Ranch.” Montana shouldered in front of Zeke, practically pushing him and his twin brother back from me as he announced my hire to the others. “Miss Collins has graciously agreed to fill our position for live-in nanny for Maisie and to take up the reins on kitchen duty.”
Zeke and Dakota’s eyes widened, along with their grins.
“You’re staying here with us?” Dakota confirmed as his eyes bounced from me to his twin brother and back again.
“I am, indeed,” I answered confidently before adding more sheepishly, “though I may have to impose upon you for a trip out to get a few things tomorrow.” I ran a hand back through my hair nervously. “Montana was kind enough to offer me the job when all I had was my wallet and the clothes on my back.”
All three of them eyed my sundress, then pointedly looked away.
“Don’t you worry, Miss Collins,” Zeke chimed in. “I can get you a quilt and some things to sleep in tonight, and one of us can take you to the store tomorrow. And if not one of us, then maybe Clay. You need things, and we don’t want you going without.”
“That would be great, thanks.” I stood somewhat awkwardly, trying to stuff down my embarrassment.
The twins exchanged a look that I couldn’t quite read but hurried into the house to tuck into the delicious food from Evelyn’s.
Chapter 6
Clayton
What the fuck had my pack mate done this time?
“I expected Dakota or Zeke to bring home strays, but I thought better of you,” I said, growling at my pack mate.
After me, Montana was probably the most levelheaded member of our pack. So, the fact that he thought bringing a complete stranger home was a good idea was maybe a sign he was suffering a head injury. Had his little scuffle with the bull given him brain damage?
This woman could have been anyone. Obviously, I wasn't blind. I could tell she was beautiful, and she smelled like fucking sex, but I didn’t think Montana would have fallen for a pretty face.
Zeke? Most certainly. I loved that dumbass, but he could be led around by his cock so easily.
Then again, we were all suckers for an omega in distress. We were hard-wired to care for omegas, and this one was clearly having a bad day.
Montana held his hands up in asurrendergesture, shrugging. “Miss Evelyn ambushed me! Apparently, the omega has nowhere to go, and she wanted her to be somewhere safe.She slept in the back of the diner last night. Did you really want me to say no to Evelyn after all she's done for us? How many times she's babysat Maisie in a pinch or given us food when we’ve been so busy we forgot to eat?”
