Page 1 of Rhett

CHAPTER1

RHETT

“Sheriff Ward, can’t you do something about Sam?” Dean—a skunk-shifter—demanded as he sat in the chair across my desk from me. “Ever since I kicked Sam out of the Sleepy Skunk Motel, he keeps showing up at my place at random times of the week, making threats against me and my mate, Agnes.”

I rubbed the bridge of my nose, trying to ignore the loud snoring sounds in my head coming from my inner jaguar.

“Dean, we’ve staked out your place several times, but he’s not going to show up if he smells us there. He’s not that stupid. He’s an elusive motherfucker who can’t be found until he pops his head out of whatever hidey-hole he’s taking refuge in now.”

Sam was always causing trouble. His last attempt had been last year when he’d riled up the townsfolk after Imani, our town and pack alpha female, arrived inside the Ridge.

“Well, something’s got to give,” Dean complained. “Last time he showed up, he threatened to kill my mate if I didn’t give him a room.” He rubbed his eyes. “I think something’s wrong with him. He’s acting pretty crazy.”

I scoffed. “Sam was born crazy.”

Dean shook his head. “No. This is different. I’ve seen this kind of thing before. You know, when a shifter has the feral sickness.”

I leaned forward in my chair, eyeing Dean. “Feral sickness?”

It wasn’t unusual for unmated male shifters to turn violent and lose touch with their human side, slowly going feral because they couldn’t find their fated mate.

“Yes, Protector. I’ve seen the signs—glossy, wild eyes, talking gibberish—of going feral in some of my kin.” Dean gave me a bleak look. “Before they ran deep into the forest, never to be seen again.”

Dean’s new perspective on the Sam situation gave me food for thought.Is Sam’s erratic behavior escalating because he’s going feral?

“Sam will show up in Main Square sooner rather than later,” I promised. My extensive military training taught me that patience was a virtue. “He loves attention and stirring the pot.”

And when he shows his ass in town, I’m going to lock him up and throw away the key.

“I know that you’re stretched thin with just you and Mack, but can you continue checking on my place?” His mouth worked. “I’m terrified Sam’s going to do something to hurt Agnes and me.”

“When I took this job as the Protector of the Ridge, I swore to serve and protect all the residents of this town regardless of who they are and what they’ve done. And I’m going to continue doing just that.”

“Thanks, Protector. I’ll let Agnes know not to worry.”

I rose to my feet, and so did Dean.

“Good. You do that,” I finished as we shook hands.

Dean turned, shuffling out of my office.

Plopping down in my chair, I propped my booted feet on the edge of my desk, running a hand through my hair.

Even over six years after relocating here, I still felt like an outsider, and getting the residents to trust and confide in me was a work in progress. But I loved my job as the sheriff—aka Protector—even if it was a major change in lifestyle after spending years traveling all over the world while serving in an elite military unit with my band of brothers—Quinn, Mack, Emmett, Jasper, and Brody.

Taking a swig of my now-cold coffee, I nearly choked when my beast snored even louder in my head.

Get the hell up.I verbally nudged him.We’re on duty.

I’m bored,he complained.Nothing ever happens here.

As it should be,I snapped.

Except for the clusterfuck Sam had started when Imani had arrived, things in Black Forest had been calm and quiet, and that was how I liked it.

Wake me up when it’s time for dinner,my inner animal demanded, then went silent.

I sighed heavily. The relationship between my inner beast and me was tense. He was pissed off because—his words, not mine—You’re a lazy ass for giving up the search for our fated mate.