Page 17 of Meant for Her

“Did the men say what the rustlers looked like or if the truck had any distinguishing marks?”

She’d been more concerned about her lustful reaction to them than playing detective. “No, but I never asked them. Once the men healed sufficiently, I drove them home.”

“Maybe it’s best if you keep your distance.”

“Excuse me?”

Noah leaned forward. “Look what happened to your brother’s mate and to your cousin Tawny when they tried to solve a crime by themselves.”

They were either kidnapped or almost killed. “I’ll be careful.”

“Your uncle would never forgive me if I gave you any more information.”

Her mind spun. “I wanted to give Luke and Ryan the information so they could follow up. They’re in Sheriff Hanson’s district. If he confronts six shifters, how do you think he’d fare?”

“They might kill him, but it’s not like your uncle and I can chase after them by ourselves either. We’ll need a lot of people to help.”

“Seth volunteered. And I bet Tawny’s mates would join in the fight.” They were the ones who trained werewolves how to effectively engage in battle.

“That’s all well and good, but we need to follow protocol. How about I call the Sheriff over in Midvale and see if he has any leads? I imagine your two men can’t walk into the department the day after they were shot and lodge a complaint.”

She hadn’t thought of that. “No, I guess not. Thank you for reminding me.”

“You bet. Is there anything else?”

She smiled sweetly. “Nope. Thanks.”

After stopping at the front to chat with Elana once more, Malia crossed the street where the Double G Bar was located. Hopefully, Will knew something. If he didn’t, she bet he’d ask around discreetly and find out.

When she went inside, the booths were only half full despite it being almost lunchtime. The ski season was winding down, and the hiking season had yet to begin.

“You looking for Will?” the bartender asked her.

“I am.”

“I’ll get him for you.”

A minute later, her twin came out of the back. When he saw her, he smiled and then sobered. He then rushed over. “Has something happened?”

“What is up with everyone today? Can’t I come to town and see my family?”

He held up a hand. “Ouch. Of course. Want to come into my office?”

“I do. Thank you.” She followed him into the back.

“What’s up?”

Once more she detailed the series of events that occurred yesterday. “I was hoping you’d heard something about other cattle rustling in the area.”

“I have heard rumblings of such a group, but I can’t remember when the thefts occurred.”

“Don’t tell me they are related to the Franklin Clan?” They’d caused undue harm to the Granger family.

“Actually, no, though I can’t say my information is accurate. I heard that Don and Les Bradley sold some rebranded cattle at an auction last week. I have no idea if they are the same people who stole the cows from your men or even if they are werewolves, but it’s worth looking into.”

Why did he call Ryan and Lukeher men? She was certain neither Seth or Tawny had told him. As for being her mates, at some point they would admit it. But first, she needed Luke to look at her.

Even if her intense reaction to them meant they were mates, she wasn’t planning to fall into bed with them right away anyway. Taking things slowly was the way she liked to do it.

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