Page 15 of The Mating Need
Their gazes curious, but not mistrustful, the two males said nothing. Troy shouldered his rucksack, directing his attention to the Lupine he sensed held moreauthority.
“I’m Troy Gilbert, Zoe’sfriend.”
At mention of Zoe, black Stetson relaxed, but the other, the Native American, stiffened. Troycontinued.
“I’m looking for a job. Don’t know if you’re hiring, but I’m a hard worker, and don’t mind scut work. Been in the road a long time and looking for a decent pack. All I ask is food and board inreturn.”
The Lupine in the black Stetson removed his hat, ran a thumb along the brim. “Can’t say that we’re hiring. Or that we aren’t. How’d you findus?”
That hard look in his eye warned this Lupine wouldn’t take lies for truth. He’d find out soonenough.
Honesty up front prevented trouble down the line, especially since Jenny still lingered on theirland.
“Camped out in your forest, saw the ranch, liked what Isaw.”
A growl from the other Lupine, but black hat stilled him with ahand.
“Goon.”
Troy liked this Lupine, his calm demeanor. Maybe another less experienced Lupine would think black hat was a pushover, but he knewbetter.
Black hat wouldn’t hesitate to carve him to shreds if he sensed Troy were a threat. Encouraged by the foot he’d shoved into the door, Troy wenton.
“Didn’t know it was yours. Couldn’t catch any scent markers and there sure as hell wasn’t a fence. Land seemed wild and free, with game we needed forfood.”
He locked gazes with the male, let him know he wasn’t a pushover. Respect would be given, but he demanded thesame.
“We?” Black hat tilted hishead.
Troy cursed inwardly. Hell, he’d played the game enough never to let others know his full hand. But he’d grown slack, used to thinking of himself and Jenny as a realcouple.
At Troy’s silence, the other leaned forward. “I asked you aquestion.”
“And I’ll give you the answer, when I reckon I’mready.”
Maybe he was wrong, his instinct off and this wasn’t the pack he’d figured worth their salt. Too insular and suspicious ofoutsiders.
Even outsiders ready to becomeinsiders.
Then black hat gave the briefest ofnods.
“True enough.” The male pushed to his feet. “You looking for wranglingwork?”
Troy kept a blank expression, not letting the kick of relief show. “I can ride, but it’s not myspecialty.”
“Uh huh. What is your specialty,wolf?”
Troy smiled and extended his hand, letting his claws emerge. “Hunting, tracking and enforcing. Just point out what you need and I’m yourwolf.”
The other male smiled, a slow kind of smile Troy liked. “Good. I can use a wolf like you. Name’s Dale. I’m the head enforcerhere.”
Retracting his claws, Troy stuck out his hand and climbed the steps to shake hands. “TroyGilbert.”
“Welcome to Mitchell Ranch.” Dale jerked a thumb at the other male, who stood and nodded, but did not offer hishand.
“Snake,” the Native American Lupinedrawled.
Troy’s mouth crooked. “Interesting name. Nickname for something or is your first nameRattle?”
