Ethan and Gabriel loaded him into the backseat of Sheriff Danvers’s truck to get him home, and I rode with them. I wouldn’t let him out of my sight until I knew he was okay. A deputy took away the man we’d captured.
Sheriff Danvers insisted on taking my statement as soon as we got Declan in his bed. I, in turn, insisted he take it there, because I wasn’t leaving Declan. The Sheriff didn’t look impressed with me but reluctantly agreed.
I told him everything that had happened and used the laptop Ethan grabbed for me to log into my cloud storage for the pictures I took of the men, all while Mason properly cleaned and dressed Declan’s wound. The Sheriff took a few notes and had me send the pictures to him.
After he left, Mason checked my injuries. He wanted me to go to the hospital to see if I had a concussion, but I insisted I was fine. We settled on him checking on me every few hours to make sure my symptoms didn’t worsen.
I lay on the bed next to Declan, resting my head on his uninjured shoulder. I must have dozed off, because when I opened my eyes again, Declan was awake and watching me. He tightened his arm around me when I moved to sit up and rolled to his side, facing me. “Where are you going?”
“To get Mason. He should check your shoulder now that you’re awake.”
“My shoulder’s fine.” He circled his arm, only wincing slightly. “A little tight, but that’s expected. I told you, shifters heal fast.”
“I was scared I’d lose you.”
“I know the feeling. When I found out someone tampered with the bullpen, my first thought was that you were out there all alone. In danger.” He brushed my hair back, tucking it behind my ear. “And when I heard those men talking in the cabin, I almost lost control.”
I rested my cheek against his chest, the steady beating of his heart soothing me. “I shouldn’t have gone off on my own. You were right. It wasn’t safe.”
“It should have been. Under normal circumstances, it would have been.” He blew out a breath. “I was being overprotective.”
He sat up, pulling me with him, and took hold of my hands. “Chloe, I never want to hold you back from living your life. I just want to be with you for it. If you’ll let me.”
Tears pricked at my eyes. I blinked them away and squeezed his hands. “Always.”
We leaned closer, but just as our lips brushed, the door burst open and we sprang apart. Ethan skidded to a stop, fighting a grin. “Oops. Didn’t mean to interrupt.”
Mason followed him into the bedroom, moving Ethan aside to get to Declan. “Let me check that shoulder.” He peeled back the bandage and held Declan’s arm out to the side as he rotated the joint. “Looking good. Might leave a scar, though.”
“Scars are sexy.” I winked at my mate. He graced me with one of his rare smiles, accompanied by a slight pink tinge in his cheeks.
“Save the flirting for when the mateless aren’t around.” Ethan gave an exaggerated pout. “You’ll make us jealous.”
I laughed, as he’d intended, but I thought I saw longing hiding in his eyes. I guessed the brothers didn’t have many opportunities to meet their mates—something I might need to change. I wanted them all to have the chance. And it would be nice to have more women around. Mae and I were outnumbered.
Declan sat up straighter, his voice taking on a serious tone. “We need to move the cattle from the west pasture. And get the water in the tank tested. Then we?—”
“It’s under control, brother.” Mason crossed his arms. “Cattle are in the east pasture, and I called about the water. We won’t use that tank until we know it’s safe.”
“The Sheriff also let us know the second man was found at a motel on the outskirts of town. He was packing up and getting ready to run.” Ethan leaned against the dresser. “They found nothing about who hired them, and both men clammed up, except to ask for lawyers.”
“Sheriff’s not convinced there was a boss.” Mason’s lips twisted. “He thinks Chloe misheard.”
“I did not.” Outrage sparked through me. “Besides, the one guy admitted it when Declan questioned him.”
“I wouldn’t push that too hard. Sheriff Danvers said something about undue influence. That any confession made while being roughed up doesn’t count.” Ethan scoffed. “Said Declan was lucky not to face charges, too.”
Now I was outraged on my mate’s behalf. “That’s ridiculous. He barely touched the guy.”
“He also mentioned the possibility of trespassing charges.” Mason shook his head at Declan’s questioning look. “Vince declined to pursue those.”
“What did he have to say about his cabin being used?” Declan stroked his palm down my back, gradually loosening my stiff muscles.
“They haven’t had cattle in that pasture for months. And the last time anyone checked the cabin was weeks ago.” Mason held a hand up when Declan opened his mouth. “It’s not Vince. His beef is with me, not any of you.”
“Care to elaborate?” Ethan raised a brow.
“No.” His response was clipped. “But I know him. He wouldn’t put anyone at risk. Whoever is behind this doesn’t care if people get hurt.”
