Page 6 of Coral Rustling

Lamar’s lips pursed, as if he’d bitten into a lemon, and Ulkna would just bet that a rafting trip was in the guy’s future.

Poor sucker.

Then Ulkna looked down at the horse he rode, his fated mate.He’d never actually thought much about what his mate would be like or even what itwould be liketo find him or her.What would he do for this guy that he’d never met but was destined to spend the rest of his life with?

Ulkna really had no idea.

*

Walking away afterthe ride was one of the hardest things, if notthehardest thing, Ulkna had ever had to do.Even accepting his life as a captive to the witches hadn’t been as difficult.He’d lived each day in resignation.

At least this time I actually have hope.

I’ll see my mate again.

I know where he is.

With those thoughts in mind, Ulkna also reminded himself that Yuma and Hunter had pumped the wranglers for information about their operation.They knew when the last tour was, the general direction of where their overnight barns and paddocks were, and when the horses would be put up with their evening meal.

Ulkna had every intention of being there, waiting for his mate.

Fortunately, the guys were more than happy to assist him with his plan.

When they roared out of the parking lot, the group split up.Lamar—who Ulkna road behind—headed left in the direction of the indicated barn.Along with him was Rueben, Yuma, Hunter, Sam, and his human mate, Ryan, as well as Payson and Land.Ulkna knew they were watching for a place they could set up a picnic to hang out at so Ulkna and a couple of others could search out the barn’s exact location.

The rest of the guys, led by head enforcer Mutegi—who had driven his mate, Ben, to the ride but had stayed behind with the bikes—were heading back to the small town they had rooms at to report back to Kontra.

Ulkna knew the alpha needed to be kept in the loop, but he wondered just how hands-on the big grizzly shifter would be.He’d seen the guy help many of the others when they located their fated mate.Certainly, the fact that his mate was working as a trail mount, with no herd or shifter affiliation, should make it easy for them to liberate him.

Right?

He sure hoped so.

“This looks like a good spot.”Rueben’s voice came through Ulkna’s helmet microphone as he pointed to the left.“Trees for shade and plenty of dirt parking.”

Peering around the area, Ulkna had to agree.

There was plenty of dirt and gravel space on the side of the road.Even logs were lined up, making certain that people didn’t drive into the small meadow beyond.Trees lined the left side, and off to the right was a path leading to a scenic view area of the Grand Canyon, not too far in the distance.There was even a couple of information boards, so obviously the place was maintained.

Curiosity itched at Ulkna, and he looked forward to reading whatever was on the signs.

After dismounting Lamar’sGoldwing, Ulkna took off his helmet and peered through the trees to the left.That direction lay the trail ride staging area...and supposedly, the barn and paddocks.His skin prickled with the desire to shift and go find it.

“Eat and hydrate before you head out,” Sam ordered, appearing next to him.“You have plenty of time.”He rested a hand on Ulkna’s shoulder and squeezed lightly.“After that, Payson and Land will go with you, in human form, with clothes for you both.”

Ulkna couldn’t help his grimace.He hated waiting but knew the necessity of it.His mate wouldn’t be there, yet, even if he found it right that minute.

Plus, really?Payson?Why him?

Sam chuckled softly, his lips curving into a wry smile.“I know what you’re thinking.I’ve traveled with the man for decades, so I understand people’s initial reaction to his personality.”The big beta’s expression grew serious as he continued, “But Payson has proven worthy of Kontra’s faith in him time and time again, even if he can be a little...”

When Sam trailed off, Ulkna snorted.“Crazy?”

Grinning broadly, Sam nodded.“Yep.Crazy.”With a wink, he stated, “The man definitely has a singular mind, but he knows what Kontra will accept, will back, and willnotallow.”He squeezed Ulkna’s nape and began guiding him to where Yuma was setting up their impromptu picnic beneath the tree line.“Come and relax.Fuel your snake.Then we’ll find their evening holding paddocks.”

Ulkna’s stomach growled, telling him that Sam’s order was a wise one.

After grabbing a pre-made turkey hoagie, a bag of chips, and a bottle of beer, Ulkna settled with his back against a tree.He unwrapped the plastic around the sandwich, dropping the packets of mustard and mayo onto the grass.Ulkna placed the plastic on the ground, sandwich on top of it, and picked up the mayo.After opening the packet, he slathered it all over one side of the roll before flicking it onto the plastic.

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