Page 12 of Meant for Her

“I know. When I told David, he said the same thing.”

“You said she didn’t know the men. I’m sure she’ll come around once she realizes they aren’t like their dad.”

“Let’s hope they aren’t. Who knows what Fate has in mind for me. I’m more worried about Mom and Dad. Even if Mom accepts Luke and Ryan, my dad won’t. He’s been talking about me being with a doctor for as long as I can remember.”

Tawny shook her head. “You can’t pick your mate, and your dad knows it. It’s called Fate for a reason.”

“So, what should I do? Give them a few days to work on finding their cows and then drop by and say I wanted to see how they are healing?”

“They’ll see through that ploy. Nurses don’t make house calls like that.”

“That’s usually true, though I have done it before.”

“True, but in this case, their inner werewolf will heal them just fine,” Tawny said.

“Maybe I can ask Dad if he’s heard of any group of cattle rustlers.”

“Did the men say if their cows were branded? That would make it harder for the thieves to sell them.”

“They didn’t mention whether they were or weren’t. I remember a long time ago, Dad lost a few bulls to thieves even though they were branded. This was before he employed only werewolves. Anyway, he went to every auction and eventually found the cattle. The Double G brand is hard to alter, but the thieves managed to change it. Thankfully for us, they did a bad job, and Dad was able to prove the bulls were his. As a result, the men were arrested.”

Tawny sipped her coffee. “I like the happy ending. I would suggest speaking with your dad, but don’t act interested in the men in any way. If he gives you a lead, then you can go to Ryan and Luke and tell them the information.”

Relief washed through her. “That’s a good idea.” Malia leaned forward. “There is one other issue.”

“Don’t tell me you kissed them already?”

“Of course not. I was in shock over the fact I was so attracted to them.”

“What’s this other issue?” Tawny asked.

“Luke can’t stand me. The thing is that I feel the same toward both men.”

“Malia. You said the man just lost part of his herd. He might have been preoccupied.”

That made sense. “Okay. I’ll do a little research on the thieves and then talk with the men.”

“Perfect.” Tawny stood and came around the desk and hugged her. “I’m so happy for you. There is nothing more amazing that being with two men who love you and who you love.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I thought I saw Ryan’s eyes change color, which would imply there’s something there, but Luke wouldn’t look at me.”

Her eyebrows rose. “That could be telling.”

Malia chuckled. “I’ll keep you informed.”

“Please do.”

Once she left, Malia headed to her parents’ ranch. Her twin brothers, Seth and Trevor, would be working, most likely checking on their pregnant cows, as it was the season for giving birth.

Of all of her family members, she believed the twins would be more in touch with what went on with other ranches than anyone. Dad wasn’t the type to visit a bar to hear the latest gossip, even if the bar belonged to Will, her twin.

She drove under the Double G Ranch sign and headed down the long unpaved drive. She always thought this dirt road needed a lot of work, but it was smooth compared to Luke and Ryan’s.

Darn. She needed to stop comparing the two men to her family. Luke and Ryan were not brought up the same way she was. Malia was unbelievably lucky to have had such a supportive family. Not only that, her parents were alive, and as far as she knew, her dad had never gambled.

Once she parked, she went inside even though she’d rather find her brothers. Her mom would never forgive her if Malia stopped by the ranch but didn’t say hi. Being a lot more social than her dad, her mom might have heard a thing or two from the wives of the other nearby ranchers about any thefts.

“Malia, is that you?” her mom called from the kitchen in back.

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