Page 17 of His True Mate

“You’re an asshole, Thomas.”

“You mean Alpha.”

“Sorry, you’re an asshole, Alpha,” I muttered.

“Damn right. So enjoy the rest of your stay. Job well done, Clay. Seriously.”

I shook my head as I hung up the call. I couldn’t be too pissed about a little break. Aside from some questionable rides they dragged me on, I’d had a good time hanging with these guys. The rodeo tonight sounded like fun and really another night away wasn’t going to hurt things.

I groaned thinking of how much Cruz and Brady were already rubbing off on me. The truth was I knew them both to be solid hard workers when they were on the clock and so I really couldn’t even complain about that.

A knock at my hotel door told me the guys were ready to head back out.

“What were you two slackers up to today?” I asked as I greeted them.

“The circus was dumb. I don’t get it. Making those poor animals jump through hoops and parade around for cheers. It just didn’t sit well with me,” Cruz said.

Brody shrugged. “The half-naked lady on the trapeze made it worthwhile for me.”

“You’re a pig,” Cruz challenged.

“That’s rich coming from you.”

I sighed. “Must you two always make it feel like I’m babysitting?”

Cruz snorted. “Well come on, let’s go see what atrocities they put these bulls and broncos through.”

I rolled my eyes as I grabbed my stuff and shooed them out.

We chose to walk once again.

“Hey, I need to swing by the stables and make sure our girls are all sorted. I don’t want to leave anything to chance.”

“Sure thing, boss,” Brady said.

I walked quietly while listening to them recount their adventures of the day. They were having the time of their lives and it made me a little less irritated at having been put in this position. At least something good was coming of it.

Cruz and Brady wandered off as I spoke to the transport team already onsite to get my new gals. Once that was squared away and I saw them successfully off and on their way to Collier, I went looking for the guys.

I found them talking to a couple of the rodeo hands.

When I walked over to join them the hair on my arms stood up.

I sniffed the air.Shifters.

One of the men rose and glared at me as he snarled.

I let out a low menacing growl of warning that had both men rising to their feet.

Cruz jumped between us. “Whoa. He’s with us.”

Brady moved to shield my other side.

“We don’t want any trouble,” Brady insisted.

“Then you best be on your way,” one of them said.

“We’re going,” Cruz said smacking my arm to get my attention.