S arah’s tires made a crunching sound as she rolled to a stop. Three men stood casually in front of her patrol vehicle as she turned off her SUV and radioed in. “I’ve arrived at Galen Cascade’s property.”

There was brief static before Sam replied. “He already knows you’re there.”

“I thought you wanted me to explain in person?” Sarah replied.

“I do. I didn’t call them.”

“They’re waiting for me, Sam.”

“Yeah, they always are. You don’t get near any of the Cascade homes without a welcoming party.”

“What are they doing out here that they need that type of security system?” Sarah asked while keeping her eyes on the patiently waiting men. One was ignoring the other two as they spoke to him. I guess I’m not the only one with family drama.

“Just be careful Sarah,” Sam said.

Sarah exited the vehicle with one hand on her gun. She approached the men, extending her hand to the eldest. “Good morning. Mr. Cascade.”

Galen shook her hand. “Please call me Galen. These are my sons Talen and Devon.” Talen shook her hand politely while Devon kept his hands in his pockets. While all three men were attractive, Devon gave her the impression of a sleeping cat opening one eye. She shook off the strange notion.

“My name is Sarah. Sam sent me over to speak with you about a recent cougar incident.”

Galen smiled. “Sam’s a good man. He’s been a Park Ranger in these parts for almost thirty years. Is there some reason he couldn’t make the trip himself?”

Sarah didn’t want to admit that Sam’s age was catching up to him. “He had prior commitments.”

Galen’s eyes narrowed. “What brings you here today Sarah?”

“Two weeks ago, a cougar attacked and killed a woman just outside Portland. A week ago, there were two more attacks in Lacey. Two days ago, the cougar was spotted in Yakima. An hour ago, it was spotted on your property.”

“Where?” Galen asked.

“Kelsey Lodge.”

“How do you know this is the same cougar that attacked those women?”

“The animal is maimed. It appears to have some sort of flesh-eating disease. It’s in really rough shape. I’ve been tasked with putting the animal down.”

The men appeared outwardly calm, but Sarah felt the change in their demeanor instantly. There was a hushed silence that extended to the evergreen forests that surrounded them. “If there’s a threat on my land. I will take care of it immediately.” Galen said.

“I’m sorry Mr. Cascade, but I’m not here to ask your permission to hunt on your land. I’m here to inform you I will be.”

Talen’s face hardened. Galen’s eyebrow went up while Devon had the makings of a smile. She got the impression a smile was a rare thing for the sexy Cascade sibling with a scar.

“May I have your last name, Sarah?” Devon asked in a low clear voice.

Sarah ignored the ripple of awareness that skittered over her skin. Her attention focused on Galen and Talen’s look of surprise when Devon spoke.

Sarah hated this part. She always tried to stay on a first name basis if possible. “It’s Marksmen.”

“You’re Brian Marksmen’s daughter?” Galen hissed.

Talen was mad. “The Serengeti butcher is your father?”

Devon looked furious, but remained quiet.

“Yes,” she said.

Talen stepped towards her. “And you honestly think we are going to let you poach on our land?”

“Keep your distance Talen.” Sarah’s hand tightened on her gun. She couldn’t blame them for their reaction. While her father’s mandate was to kill every large animal he could, hers was to simply do her job and stay alive.

Galen put his hand on Talen’s arm.

Devon glanced back at the log home in the distance. “Talen, you have responsibilities at home. I will escort Ms. Marksmen while on the property. If we come across the cougar, I will take care of it.”

Sarah got the impression there was a hidden meaning to his comment.

Talen and Galen looked at Devon like he’d grown a second head.

There was definitely some kind of family issue here, but she wanted no part of it.

Although she preferred to work alone, Devon knew the area better than she did, which meant she may be able to bag the animal today and be gone by nightfall.

“I’ll accept your assistance, Devon, provided you understand I’m in charge.

If you fail to heed my instructions , I’ll arrest you. ”

Devon shrugged. “I can assure you there will be no need for cuffs... at least not today.” His eyes held a heat she found uncomfortable.

It wasn’t clear if Devon was joking or flirting, although, she was sure his brother and father thought he was insane. Galen shook his head, cutting off Talen. “Just get in the truck,” she ordered.

* * *

Sarah didn’t want anyone’s help, but she had only been in the area a couple years and Devon had grown up in the Cascade mountains. She started the truck. “Your last name is Cascade. Were you related to the original settlers here?”

“Something like that,” Devon replied.

So, he wasn’t the talkative type. That worked for her. She wanted to get into the bush, bag the cat, and start watching B-movies with her roommate by nightfall. “Where should we start?”

“My place,” Devon said.

Sarah tried to keep her voice even, not wanting to explain why an armed officer would feel uncomfortable stopping by the man’s house. “Why? I have all the gear we need.”

“I need to feed my dog.”

She couldn’t explain why she found it strange that he had a dog.

It must be his tough exterior. He appeared all hard edges and masculine lines.

A pet seemed too humane for him. They drove to his house in silence.

He led her up the patio stairs of an immaculate log cabin.

A small black dog rushed out as soon as the door cracked open.

“Sasha.” Devon’s voice was low, but commanding. The dog sat immediately, but her bottom wiggled on the floor.

“I’ve never seen a Rottweiler with a tail before,” Sarah said.

“Sasha is simply a pet. No-one here will disapprove of her appearance.” His tone gave Sarah the impression he assumed she was judging him for his decision not to crop the dog’s tail.

She crouched down. Sasha immediately went to her, pushing her tiny muzzle against Sarah’s hand, looking for attention. “She’s adorable. What is she, about ten weeks old?” The puppy’s presence made her feel more comfortable.

Devon nodded. “Yes. She likes to play-fight so watch out for her teeth.”

Sarah smiled. “That’s okay. I usually only meet an animal when it’s at its worst and needs to be put down.

This is a nice change.” She hadn’t meant the bitterness in her voice to be so apparent.

Her last name preceded her. Her hunting skills were as good as her father’s.

The difference was, she didn’t enjoy killing. She was just good at it.

He kneeled down, petting the dog. Sasha was so excited that Sarah had to block her tail from hitting her in the face. “Many people assume, due to her breed, she’ll be aggressive, bad-tempered, maybe even a killer.”

Sarah froze. Is he referring to me or the dog? “Animals learn what they live. If you are good to them. They are good to you.”

“Is that true of all species?” His voice was low, forcing her to lean forward.

She faced him, looking directly into his deep green eyes.

The jagged scar on his temple enhanced his dominant good looks.

She found herself tempted to run her fingers over the old injury, curious as to its origin.

Her lips parted slightly as her tongue ran slowly over her top lip.

I’m attracted to him! She stood quickly.

She’d always assumed she would marry Gerry.

He was gorgeous and more importantly, her friend.

Devon stood too. “Are you alright Sarah?”

“Fine. We should get going. I’ll wait here while you feed Sasha.

” Devon picked up the wiggly pup and went inside the cabin.

Sarah’s eyes watched his ass as he walked away.

Damn it! Why did his butt have to be so damn perfect?

The way his jeans hugged his thighs as he walked made her look away in embarrassment.

She didn’t like the warm feeling flooding her body.

And she had to spend the whole day with him.

Devon appeared wearing a light jacket, and a backpack slung over one arm. He closed the door. “You ready?”

Sarah watched his shaggy brown hair brush his shoulders. It looked uneven as if he’d cut it himself. She raised her hand to touch it, but Devon grabbed her arm. She startled, pulling her arm away quickly. He stepped closer. She felt his body heat, without them actually touching.

“Are you afraid of me Sarah?”

“No. I’m armed and I won’t hesitate to arrest you if you step out of line.” She wasn’t afraid. She was concerned about her reaction to him. For the first time in her life, she didn’t want to tell Gerry something. For a moment she was sure Devon’s eyes glinted amber, then it was gone.

“Shall we go?” He asked.

She hesitated. His body continued to warm hers as his sandalwood scent tantalized her. She looked back at the truck, avoiding his gaze and pulled on her cap. “Yeah, let’s motor.”

* * *

As they drove, Devon was sure his chaotic emotions didn’t show. He’d had a long time to perfect his stony exterior, but like so many things in his life, it was a lie. He was burning for her.