37

Ranger

Blood splattered against the rich earth as I shook off the brass knuckles on my fist. Claws were easier to clean and handle, but I sort of liked the theatrical effect when their eyes widened at seeing the antique device.

“We didn’t have to do this the hard way.” I squatted down so I was eye level with the tiger shifter who was struggling to right himself against the pine tree. “But you wanted to play games. I don’t like to play games. So I’ll try this one more time and then I’m done playing. The cheetah does not owe you another dime. His debt is paid in full. You and your boss can crawl back to the litterbox you came from.”

The tiger shifter squinted up at me through a swollen eye. I waited. He finally nodded.

“That wasn’t so hard.” I helped him to his feet and even brushed off his suit jacket.

He wasted no time in running back to the resort parking lot where Beau and Foster would be watching to ensure he met no one else before heading down the mountain.

Mattox stood with his arms crossed, leaning against a tree. “Since when do you play with cats?”

“Since my mate picked up a stray with a gambling problem.” I cleaned the brass knuckles on the dirt and tossed them over for Mattox to catch. “Everything set up?”

“We’re running a perimeter sweep now, but we’re not the only team in these woods. I told you we should have gotten here sooner.” Mattox pocketed the knuckles into his jeans.

I grabbed his shoulder, giving him a little affectionate shake. “It’s good to see you too.”

“Admit it. You missed us.” He punched my arm as his goofy face split into a grin.

I did miss them. My gaze traveled around the small campsite with some of my roughest members the pack could spare. Having their scents around me soothed some of the tension from my beast, letting him know that there were more of us to protect Aspen if needed.

And I had no doubt it would be needed.

I turned back to the resort. “Did you decipher the handwriting yet?”

“We’ve got Reagan working on it.” Mattox fell in step beside me. “But it might be a few days. We’re going off checkmarks instead of actual writing. It’s going to be hard to prove the vote.”

“Give me your closest guess.” I pulled out my phone as it buzzed in my pocket. Ivan had wanted to talk to me about what went on in the conference room between Molly and Aspen yesterday, but we didn’t have a chance to sit down yet.

And now he was escorting her off the resort grounds. I didn’t like it. But I had my own team following the security the show assigned and I was needed here to reassure my pack that I hadn’t lost my damn mind. Which was debatable.

It wasn’t Ivan texting me though.

PITA: What about these?

An image popped up of some skimpy little bathing suits and I growled.

Ranger: If she wants them, buy them. But she isn’t wearing them here. Also, she needs some new shoes. The ones at the ball were killing her feet.

PITA: Okay… What about these?

I stared at the shoes, debating on if I should get Fallon involved or hire an outside opinion. They looked nice, but I worried the heels were too high.

“What do you think of these?” I showed Mattox.

“They’re shoes?” He blinked.

I think she needs boots. My wolf sighed.

You’re probably right. I started scrolling, looking for some the cat could order.

“Hey boss.” Mattox scratched his beard. “Are you sure you’re okay?”