"You too."
He got his load dropped off and parked the cab where it belonged, then headed to where his truck was parked. He was anxious to get to the tavern to see his mate.
Yaeger sauntered into the Tasty Skull in time to see some asshole grab Frankie's wrist and he saw red. He made his way to the bar as she was trying to get the guy to let go.
"Is that your hand on my girl? I suggest you let go before I break it," he growled threateningly.
"Mind your own business," the guy said, but his eyes widened when he got a good look at Yaeger. He let go and backed up.
"You owe the lady an apology."
"Sorry, ma'am," he mumbled.
"Now get the fuck out of here before I lose my temper," Yaeger told him, and the guy fled.
"You're late. I didn't think you were coming," Frankie said in greeting.
"Aw, did you miss me, darlin'?"
"You wish, lover boy," she countered.
"We both know you did. Give me my usual and come see me on your break," he replied, taking the lager once she poured it and finding a booth to sit in. He was just finishing his meal when she joined him.
"So why were you late?" she asked, sliding into the booth.
"Had a blowout while delivering logs. Took a couple hours to get it fixed."
"Shit. I'm glad you're okay. That could have been dangerous."
"Thanks, darlin'." He watched her for a minute. "I've been thinking about something. I've been staying at the Pacific Rose B and B since I got here, and while I like it, there's not much privacy. Now that you've accepted what we are, we need that. There are cabins on the outskirts of town for rent. Some of the crew and their mates live there. I was thinking of moving into one. What do you think?"
She leaned across the table. "I think it's a good idea. That way I don't have to be quiet."
"I like the way you think, darlin'," he growled. He was suddenly hard and had to adjust himself.
"I have to get back to work," she said with a wink.
"You're a damn tease, woman."
Her laughter as she went back to work had him grinning like a fool.
An hour before closing, he noticed someone approach her with a vase of white lilies and frowned. Who was sending her flowers? He watched as she read the card and then her face paled. Something was wrong. He got up and crossed the room.
"What is it? What's wrong? Talk to me, darlin'." Now that he was close to her, he could see that she was shaking.
Instead of responding, she handed him the note which read'Another one who needs to be taught a lesson'.
"I don't get it. What does it mean?"
"Do you remember that asshole who grabbed me the last time? The one who ended up dead from an animal attack? I got flowers that night, too, with a similar note. I'm scared, Yaeger."
He wanted to wrap her in his arms, but he couldn't because she was working. "The animal attack could have been a coincidence, but if not, then we have a rogue shifter in Thorne Bay."
"And what if he comes after you next?" she asked.
"Let him. He's gone after humans so far. I'm not so easy to take down," was his response.
"You're not invincible, Yaeger," she countered.
