My cougar backed off at the undercurrent of determination in his tone.
I clapped him on the shoulder. “Thank you.”
“No thanks needed,” he insisted. “We both know you’d do the same for me if I was the one who had found my fated mate while danger was near.”
“Damn straight,” I growled with a nod.
Knowing Elodie had extra protection made the weight in my chest ease just enough to let me breathe a little more easily as I climbed into my car. My truck would be more recognizable to whoever Holt & Crane had sent to fuck with my project since I’d been driving it to the site.
Now it was time to find out who thought they were brave—or stupid—enough to test me. And I didn’t want them to be forewarned when I showed up.
My plan worked because there was a stranger on the site when I pulled up. I knew he didn’t belong the second I spotted him.
He was standing near the new equipment delivery. One hand rested on a crate like he had the right to touch my shit, and the other was tucked into his jacket pocket.
I cut the engine and stepped out of the car.
He startled when he saw me, his shoulders stiffening before he forced a smile. “Hey, I didn’t expect anyone back yet.”
“That makes two of us,” I replied, closing the distance at an unhurried pace. “Who are you?”
The man straightened. He was mid-thirties, with hard eyes and the kind of build that made him look like hired muscle. “Name’s Colin. I was told I could check the site. Just doing a quick look-over.”
“By who?” I asked.
He hesitated half a second too long. “Someone from the main office.”
“That’s interesting.” I planted my fists on my hips. “This is my site, and I haven’t even let a single one of my crew back on it yet. Guys I’ve worked with for years. Men I trust.”
His jaw tightened. “Look, I don’t want trouble. I just?—”
“Too late,” I cut in.
The cougar rose beneath my skin, pressing hard, demanding I end this now. I held him back with iron control, letting only the edge of danger bleed through. I didn’t need to bare my teeth to make the point. Humans who had no idea shifters existed were able to sense the power within us, even if they didn’t know where it came from.
The man shifted his weight, his eyes flicking past me toward the tree line. Then he smirked, like he thought he’d found leverage.
“You didn’t bring the girl out here again. Guess you learned your lesson.”
Everything in me went still, and the air seemed to thicken.
My fury was obvious as I growled, “Say that again.”
His smile faltered. “I just meant?—”
“I heard you.” I took a step closer. “And now you’re going to listen very carefully.”
He swallowed.
“This land is protected. Professionally. Legally. And in ways you wouldn’t understand.” My gaze remained locked on his. “And the woman you just mentioned? She is completely off-limits.”
A flicker of fear finally cracked through his bravado.
“You don’t want to find out what happens if she gets hurt,” I warned, holding his stare until he nodded jerkily. “Now tell me what you know about Holt & Crane.”
His muscles must’ve been more for show because he didn’t hesitate for more than fifteen seconds to give me what I demanded. “They bring me in when they want to convince someone to sell. Or fuck up a deal because they lost the bid but want the land.”
“How many times have you done shit like this for them?”
