Page 32 of Meant for Her

Ryan explained that the sheriff had stopped by the hospital and that Malia and the doctor had covered for them. He explained what the two of them used as their cover story. “The good thing is that Dr. Weston actually had the bullets he removed from us with him at the hospital.”

“That’s great. It implies the doctor’s story is accurate, even though the details don’t exactly match the truth,” Luke said.

“The good part is that Sheriff Hanson might be able to compare our bullets to some other ones—assuming their rifles have been used in another crime.”

“If they came with metal detectors, I bet they could find a lot of evidence of the bullets in the field.”

“There is that.”

“Did you mention our plan to Malia?” Luke asked.

“Yes. In fact, she told a similar story to the sheriff.” He detailed what she said. “I was hoping she could call the sheriff tonight, so we can get on with our lives.”

“Malia is coming here tonight?” Luke wasn’t sure how he felt about that. He’d spent most of the day in lust, remembering how amazing the sex had been between them. He couldn’t recall any other time coming close to that experience. The big question was whether he would be able to keep his hands to himself if she stopped by? He’d always prided himself on his control, but damn, that woman could get under his skin faster than anyone he’d ever met.

“Yes. Since neither of us have eaten, I ordered dinner from Rancheros.”

“Good. I’m starving, but what time is Malia stopping time?”

“Just as soon as she changes. After we eat, we can figure out our plan to deal with the sheriff.”

Luke shrugged, trying to act indifferent. “Whatever.”

“I have one request,” Ryan said.

“Yeah, what’s that?”

“For once, don’t act like a dick. Malia admitted that we were mates, and I’d like to have one thing go right in my life for a change.”

“Sure thing.” Though if those two made love, the noise would travel, and that would make his wolf go wild.

A few minutes later, the doorbell rang. “It’s either the food or Malia,” Ryan said. “I’m detecting a werewolf signature, so it’s not the sheriff.”

When he opened the door, the scent of something good filled the air. The food had arrived. Ryan paid and thanked the delivery boy, who was a werewolf.

Luke stood. “You want a beer?”

“Yes, but let’s wait until Malia shows up.”

Luke sat back down. They needed her, and he understood that he had to be on his best behavior.

It wasn’t long before gravel crunched, indicating Malia was here. At least, he hoped it was her and not the sheriff. When his body reacted to her presence, he relaxed a bit.

Ryan opened the door, allowing the cold air to blow in once more. As much as Luke tried to keep from being overwhelmed by Malia’s presence, his teeth sharpened and his nails extended.Damn it.

She looked straight at him as she took off her coat. Seriously? She had on a tight pink sweater, curve-hugging jeans, and black boots with a heel. She’d pulled her blonde hair back into a ponytail, but that only accentuated her high cheekbones, large blue eyes, and luscious lips.Christ. He was a mess. At the moment, he didn’t think it wise to admit she was his mate too.

Luke stood. “Have a seat. Beer? Water? Coffee? That’s about all we have.”

She smiled, and his cock hardened even more. “Coffee would be great.”

Anxious to get away from her in order to compose himself, Luke strode into the kitchen. As soon as he put on the water for coffee, he grabbed some beers for Ryan and himself. While he waited for the water to heat, he had to figure out what to do to steel his emotions when he was around Malia.

If what Ryan claimed was true—that she was his mate too— he and his brother needed to have a serious talk. Sharing with his brother had never been a problem, but he didn’t want to share Malia. He wanted her for himself—after the rustlers were caught, that is.

If she agreed to be their pretend nurse while the sheriff was at the house, that would be great. Once Sheriff Hanson was convinced everything was on the up and up though, Luke would have to convince Malia to stay away from the ranch. Sadly, it would be harder on him than it would be on her.

The tea kettle whistled, jarring him out of his musings. He prepared the coffee and carried it out to her. “Here.”

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