“Are you a shifter?” Didn’t think she was, but I needed to make sure.
She shook her head.
“But you care enough about what happens to their land that you’d put yourself on a shifter dating show to stop them?” I had to understand her motivation. “I guess I still don’t get the connection.”
“These shows make me forget about my own less-than-exciting life, and I let my imagination run wild. The people who are on them seem to change their whole lives. So in addition to revenge, I was looking for some excitement. Instead, I got the kind I didn’t want.” Her gaze was once again fixed on the town passing us by. “These pack villages always have such a unique heartbeat. Is this where your clan lives?”
“No.”
Bellamy’s eyes briefly met mine via the rearview mirror. He knew why I didn’t say more. Tegan might not notice the nod he gave me before turning onto the road that led to the cabin I’d rented for us on the Channing Reserve.
It was owned by the local pack alpha. Wolves were all around us. I didn’t anticipate needing any backup, beyond what Bellamy could provide, because I planned to keep Tegan tucked away until it was safe for her to emerge.
“This is the place,” Bellamy said as he slowed to a stop. “Need help with anything?”
“Get some rest,” I said as I opened the door to the SUV. “You did good today.”
“See you later, boss.” He winked. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
I growled, more at myself than him. His bear must’ve been picking up on mine, but if my thoughts were that fucking obvious, it was only a matter of time before Tegan figured them out too.
I held out my hand to help her out of the backseat. She looked so out of place on this farmland in her lacy, ruined gown.
“What happens now?” Her eyes were wide, with her makeup smudged underneath them.
“We stay here until we figure out what we want our next move to be.”
She raised a brow. “Like you and me? Together?”
Great. She was probably on to me too.
I nodded. “You hired a bodyguard. I’m here to protect you.”
“Is this your house?”
My bear was thinking all sorts of inappropriate thoughts about bringing her home. Making the house less empty. He was out of his ever-loving mind if he thought I was ever going to do that. This was just a job.
And I needed to start acting like it.
No matter how delectable my client was. She was paying for a service, and I planned to deliver.
I can think of a few ways you could make good on your promise…
Shut up, bear.
“No. I rented it just for this job.” I punched in the code that unlocked the door.
It was a one room cabin, with a sitting area, kitchenette, and one bed.
I did not think this through.
Chapter
Five
Tegan
“So…this is it?” I asked as I walked into the tiny cabin, cringing at how ungrateful I sounded.