Page 2 of Coral Rustling

Instead, Ulkna simply stated, “Yes, I shifted.”Then he turned his attention to Lamar and held out his hand.“You may call me Ulkna, and I would very much like to join you on your Grand Canyon ride.”When Lamar reached out and took his hand—probably due to rote instinct more than anything else—Ulkna shared, “Many years ago, I was a horse trainer.I would very much like to enjoy time with them again.”

Ulkna was downplaying it a little.Before his capture by the witches, he’d worked with horses in one capacity or another for over one hundred and fifty years.He’d done everything from being a cowboy to training Civil War cavalry mounts to trick riding.There wasn’t much Ulkna couldn’t get the average horse to learn.

Just have to figure out each animal’s personality and work with it.

“Of course,” Lamar responded, sounding formal, which didn’t surprise Ulkna.While in snake form, he’d had plenty of time to observe everyone in the gang, and they all had their quirks.“I’ll make certain you’re included in the reservation, Ulkna.”

“Thank you,” Ulkna replied, uncertain if he was appreciating the opportunity to go or if it was the fact that Lamar had used his name.Either way—“I appreciate it and look forward to it.”

“Ulkna!”Yuma bounced off the bed and slammed into Ulkna, wrapping his arms around him in a tight hug.“It’s so good to finally meet you!”

Ulkna tensed, doing his best to keep his jaw from clenching.While he’d been handled regularly as a coral snake, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d been given a...hug.In fact, even his last, barely remembered lay, hadn’t hugged him.

After a few seconds of discomfort, Ulkna slowly lifted his arms and wrapped them loosely around the affectionate penguin shifter.“You, too, Yuma,” he forced out evenly.Ulkna even managed to awkwardly pat the guy’s upper back.

Yuma finally,finally, released him and took a step back.Even as Hunter yanked the small male onto his lap, Yuma continued to beam at Ulkna.“How long have you been able to shift?”As he snuggled into his mate’s embrace, he added, “Or is it the fact that we mentioned something that interested you that you decided to finally give it a try?”

Considering every shifter in the room would be able to scent any lies, Ulkna decided to go for honest...and blunt.“I’ve shifted a few times in private over the last six months.”He shrugged, adding, “Living as a snake is easier, but I can’t horseback ride in my snake form.”

Yeah, the horses wouldn’t be too pleased about that.

Ulkna barely repressed a snort at that thought.

“Especially since you’ve been doing it for so long,” Yuma stated, nodding as if he totally understood.“So, you love horseback riding?Or horses in general?”Then his eyes widened, and he hopped off of Hunter’s lap.“Oh, we totally need to introduce you to Kontra.”

As Yuma continued his excited chatter, Ulkna was sort of appreciative.That meant he didn’t really need to say anything.Instead, Ulkna just let the exuberant penguin shifter grab his hand and lead him out of the room and back down the stairs.

Ulkna didn’t fail to notice that Hunter and the others followed close behind.

*

Swinging off the backof Lamar’sGoldwingmotorcycle, Ulkna found his feet.He took a few steps away, tipped his head back, and inhaled deeply.The hot dry air filled his lungs, reminding him of days long past while out riding the range.

Gods, I’ve really missed this.

I guess living in snake form does have its drawbacks after all.

With a sigh, Ulkna reached up and unstrapped his helmet.He handed it to Lamar, who’d also dismounted and had opened his rear saddlebag.After the peacock shifter took it, Ulkna slipped out of his freshly purchased leather jacket and handed that over, too.

“Thank you, Lamar,” Ulkna murmured, just remembering his manners.Then he grabbed a pair of water bottles out of the saddlebag and offered one to the other shifter.“Thirsty?”

“Thanks,” Lamar replied, taking it.

Ulkna twisted off the cap and drank deeply, all the while watching as his driver closed and locked the saddlebag.By the time that was done, Rueben had joined them.The big, redheaded human offered Ulkna a wide smile even as he slung his arm around Lamar’s shoulders possessively.

As if I need reminding that Lamar is taken.

The shifter was saturated in Rueben’s scent.

Ignoring the action, Ulkna just returned Rueben’s grin with a small smile of his own.Then he turned and headed toward where the rest of the guys were gathering.As it turned out, sixteen guys had wanted to check out the tour, including himself.Ben’s mate, Mutegi, had declined, but he’d driven his human mate.From what Ulkna had heard, Mutegi intended to hang out and explore the area on foot...or in animal form.Ulkna wasn’t totally sure.

Ulkna fell into step beside the others as they followed the signs and made their way to the check-in area.

In the distance, Ulkna could make out the distinctive scent of horse hide.

Damn.I’ve missed that.

Except, as Ulkna inhaled deeply, relishing the familiar smell, he noticed something else mixed in there, too.

---