Page 2 of Austin’s Answer (Shifter Ranch Mates #4)

TWO

Austin

My first reaction when I saw Emily stepping out of her vehicle was panic. She couldn’t be here. Just the sight of her from a distance had my heart racing, telling me the years apart had done nothing to change my feelings for her.

The girl I knew was now all woman. Her dark brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and her once slender figure had filled out.

She had delicious curves, and I wondered what she would feel like in my arms. She’d always been beautiful, but her features had matured, turning her into a breath-stopper.

My mouth was dry as I started toward her again. If eight years apart hadn’t changed my feelings, what would? The way my heart pounded and ached at seeing her, I doubted even finding my fated mate could compare to Emily.

My tiger perked up inside as I caught my first whiff of her scent. She smelled of prairie rose, with a hint of vanilla. The fragrance filled my senses, driving me forward to meet her. It took me a moment to realize what it meant.

Emily was my mate.

I stood behind her as she pulled a bag from the back of her vehicle. She turned to face me, and I took in every inch of her. “Em. It’s great to see you.”

Her expression was blank. “Where are the horses?”

“Em?”

“The sick horses. Doc Johnson asked me to come by.” She walked past me, leaving a good few feet between us. “This way, I assume?”

“Yes.” I hurried to catch up. When I moved next to her, she stepped farther away. My throat tightened. Did she not notice our connection? Sure, she was human, but she should still experience a tug toward me. “Em, slow down. It’s been years since I’ve seen you.”

Her jaw tightened, and she stopped, facing me with arms crossed. “We’re not long-lost friends catching up on old times, Austin. You made it clear where we stood years ago. What was it you said? Oh, right. We’re not friends. I’m just some girl who couldn’t take a hint.”

My heart thudded, racing under the weight of her stare as the words I spoke that day crashed over me like a freezing wave. I’d been harsh with her, needing to put a distance between us that she wouldn’t try to breach. Because I knew if she did, I might fold. My feelings for her were that strong.

Now, the actions I’d believed were right were proving to be a big mistake.

If only I’d waited a few months. Shifters only recognize our mates when both are over eighteen.

After my birthday, I got restless, thinking about my fated mate.

I was certain I would meet her soon. And with the way I yearned for Emily, I worried it would cause problems. So I broke both our hearts and ran away for the rodeo while Emily was still seventeen.

“About that?—”

She shook her head. “No. I don’t want to talk about it. Just like you refused to talk about it then.”

Emily reached for the barn door, but I grabbed it first, sliding it open for her. She crossed over to the first stall, slipping in to examine Molly.

I shoved my hands into my pockets. I wanted to reach for her. Pull her into my arms and explain everything. Ask her forgiveness. But she was stubborn, and I knew she wouldn’t be receptive. I only hoped that at some point she would soften.

She asked me a few questions about Molly’s history before moving on to the next horse. As she made her way through the barn, I watched. Her every move screamed confidence. She had always wanted to become a veterinarian, and she wore the role well.

I almost asked her when she finished school but stopped myself. She didn’t want small talk with me right now, and I needed to show I respected her wishes. “The horses in the main barn are all fine. It’s only these six,” I said instead.

“When were they separated?”

“Since they arrived last week. I need to work with them before they’re ready for guests.”

Emily frowned as she finished her examinations. She exited the stall, brushing her palms against her jeans. “Is the food supply for these horses separate?”

“Yes.”

“Everything I’m seeing suggests botulism.

” She blew out a breath. “Testing takes too long and isn’t always conclusive.

I should have enough antitoxin with me for all of them, but they’ll need to be monitored.

They’re not recumbent, which is a positive sign.

If any reach that stage, we might need to consider transferring them to a hospital. ”

My mind raced as I considered her diagnosis. “The food supply should be good. I haven’t added anything new recently.”

“Let me administer the antitoxin. Then we can check out the feed.”

I followed her to her vehicle and helped her carry the supplies to the barn.

She set up IVs for the horses, moving efficiently from stall to stall.

After she finished monitoring for allergic reactions, I led her to the food storage.

We inspected the hay for any mold or damp, but it was all perfectly fine.

“Let me shift. I should be able to smell if there are any dead animals in the bales.”

“That might not be necessary.” She pointed to the hay she was inspecting. “There’s some powder here. I can have it tested.”

I stooped to examine what she’d found.

“Any reason someone might want to poison your horses?” she asked.

I cursed, a long, inventive string that had Emily’s brow raising.

“We’ve had issues with sabotage since we started converting to a dude ranch,” I explained.

“Then you might need to call the sheriff.” She reached into her bag and pulled out an empty bottle. “I’ll take a sample while you get Sheriff Danvers.”

I straightened, huffing out a breath. “He won’t want to do anything. He only gets involved when someone actually gets hurt.”

“I’d classify a barn full of horses with botulism as getting hurt.”

“I’ll try, but he’ll probably brush it off as bad feed.” I grabbed my cell while she scooped a sample of the powder into the jar. When I finally got Danvers on the line and explained the situation, he proved me correct. He had no interest in following up. I argued with him, but he remained unmoved.

Suddenly, Emily grabbed the phone from me.

“Sheriff Danvers? This is Dr. Emily Miller. I’ve taken a sample of the mystery powder present in the hay supply and will have it tested.

It is not something normally found in hay.

” She was quiet as she listened to his response.

“Well, my understanding is there’s a history of foul play on the ranch.

In my professional opinion, this warrants further investigation.

I will proceed with the testing and will provide you with a copy of the report. ”

She hung up and handed me the phone. “That was frustrating. Does he have a grudge against your family?”

“Probably doesn’t like shifters.” I kicked a hay bale and swore. “I don’t understand how this keeps happening. Mason installed security systems on all the buildings.”

Emily

Instinct almost had me reaching for Austin. The urge to comfort him was strong, but I resisted the pull, instead turning to my bag and packing up my supplies. Still, curiosity bubbled up, and I asked, “Why a dude ranch?”

Austin yanked his hat off, smacking it against his leg. “After Mom and Dad died, we discovered the ranch was struggling financially. A dude ranch was the solution we came up with.”

A sharp gasp escaped me, and this time I didn’t stop myself from laying a hand on his arm. “I didn’t know about your parents. I’m so sorry.”

His hand covered mine. His palm was warm, strong, and work-roughened. My heart raced as my body reacted to his touch before I pulled away again. I’d always experienced a little zing when we touched, but it was nothing compared to now. He moved closer.

“I’m sorry about your dad,” he said. “I heard he had a stroke.”

My lips tightened. “Apparently. Not that anyone told me when it happened.”

Austin frowned. “That’s not right.”

“I agree. Vince doesn’t.” I shook my head. “I don’t want to get into it.”

“If you want someone to listen, I’m here.” He reached out and squeezed my hand before releasing me and changing the subject. “What’s next with the horses?”

“I’ll call Doc Johnson to arrange for follow-up care. He’ll need to come out regularly to check on them.”

“Why not you?” Austin opened the liftgate for me, and I slid my bag in.

“I have no desire to spend more time here than I need to. I’d say no offense, but it wouldn’t be true.”

His wince had my gut twinging. I wasn’t normally cruel, but I was far too vulnerable to him. He’d shattered me once. I wouldn’t let him do it again.

“Em, we really need to talk. I swear I can explain everything.” His eyes pleaded with me and almost had me caving, but then I remembered the nights I’d spent crying over his words.

I turned away from him, ignoring him as I called Doc and explained the situation with the horses. “I’ll drop the sample at the clinic for testing, but the horses will need to be checked regularly.”

“You’ll have to handle that.”

“But—”

Doc stopped my protest. “I just got a call. My daughter’s in the hospital. I’m on my way there now and have no idea how serious it is. I’ll clear the schedule so you can focus on Shifter Ranch.”

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “Of course. I hope your daughter is okay.” I hung up and slowly turned back to Austin. “Looks like it’ll be me after all.”

He flashed me a slow grin that threatened to melt me into a puddle. “Just tell me what you need.”

Desire pooled in my belly as my body betrayed me.

I steeled my spine. My body may want him, but my brain knew I needed distance.

“First, I need to take this sample to the lab. Then I’ll grab supplies for tube feeding and IV fluids.

” I made a mental list in my head as I ran through the steps.

“I’ll need to come by several times throughout the day and night to monitor the horses.

We want to get control of this before it worsens. ”

“We have room in the house. You can stay here.”

“Not a chance.” I yanked open the driver’s door and slid behind the wheel.

Austin grabbed the door, preventing me from closing it.

He leaned down, his forearm against the top of the door frame.

His scent surrounded me. The smell of hay and leather and sweat mixed with his own unique musk in a dizzying combination that clouded my head.

“Your ranch is close but not that close. If you need to drive out here every night, why not just stay here? We’ve got four empty bedrooms in the house you can choose from. ”

I fought through the urge to lean closer to him. “Why so much space?”

“Declan and his mate are in the master now. Ethan and Gabriel are in cabins with their mates, and Mason’s in a cabin by his workshop.”

“Mates?”

“Like I said, we really need to talk.” He studied my face before stepping back. “But you’re not ready. Consider staying here, Em. I promise not to push you.”

I held his eyes for a moment. I couldn’t help it.

Austin’s offer made sense. With no other vets to help me, I’d be covering both day and night checks on the horses.

It would be much easier to stay here. But I was already worried about how much I’d be seeing him.

Staying overnight? Eating meals together?

Could I continue to keep up my walls with him so close?

“I need to go.” I pulled my gaze away, slammed the door, and put the car into drive.

After eight years, I should have been over him.

It wasn’t like I hadn’t dated while away at school, but no one ever made me feel anything like Austin did.

It wasn’t just the butterflies in the stomach.

He listened to me. It had been tough growing up with just my dad and Vince.

Neither of them were great communicators.

But Austin let me share everything and never made me think he was bored.

He also helped me relax. I’d always been dedicated to becoming a large animal vet, and it would have been easy to lose myself in studying.

He hadn’t let that happen. He’d made sure I enjoyed life, and I’d taken that balance with me to college.

Many of my classmates had ended up so stressed about exams they would lose sleep, or they would overcorrect and spend all their time partying.

But I already knew how to find joy in a moment and how to let that moment sustain me when things got tough.

After a brief stop at the clinic, I drove home, mind still churning over Austin’s offer. If I stayed at Shifter Ranch, I would be close enough to visit Dad every day. It definitely made more sense to only make the drive once, versus the multiple trips it would take if I stayed at home.

I peeked into Dad’s bedroom when I got back, but he was sleeping. The nurse said he probably wouldn’t wake for a few hours. I made a mental note to talk to Dad’s doctor soon about why his recovery was so slow and what he expected the timeline to look like.

Then I packed a small bag from the suitcases I had yet to unpack, and prayed I wasn’t making a mistake.