Page 20 of Rhett

Bonnie continued. “Or you don’t care because you found your happily-ever-after and couldn’t give a shit about all the other unmated males in this town who are going feral without a mate?”

“That’s a fucked-up thing to say, Bonnie,” Quinn exploded. “I care about the well-being of everyone in Black Forest.”

“Then stand firm on the law making all hybrids residents of Black Forest,” Bonnie demanded.

“I agree,” Imani said. “We can’t start picking and choosing which hybrids are welcomed with open arms. That’s not the kind of town I want to live in. None of us is perfect. We all come with baggage. Things we’ve done that weren’t perfect. Family that we’d rather not fuck with. I consider every hybrid who comes into this town my sister, and I’ll treat her as such.” She clutched Quinn’s hand. “We’ve overcome so much, baby, but we have to keep on fighting for equality in the Ridge.”

Quinn sighed heavily. “You’re right.” He touched her cheek. “But I’m worried that the Nova backlash will come for you.”

“Let them come,” Imani gritted out. “I’m the alpha female of this town, and I’m ready to battle for what’s right.”

“Damn, that’s hot, mate,” Quinn said, nipping her bottom lip. “I love you.”

“And I love you,” Imani replied.

I cleared my throat loudly. “Hate to interrupt your Quinn-loves-Imani moment, but we have a big problem here.” I nodded over at Nova. “She’ll need protection until residents get used to her presence.”

Bonnie nodded. “I agree. That’s why she’s staying at my house.”

I snorted. “From the last census count, we’ve got about 773 Ridge residents. And you think you can take them all on if they decide to launch a mob attack on your house?”

“If they fuck with my granddaughter, I’ll kill them,” Bonnie said simply.

“One against many are not good odds,” I countered.

“Agreed,” Bonnie answered. “So if you feel that she needs additional protection, you’re more than welcome to stake out in front of my place.” She glanced over at Nova. “I think we’re done here. It’s getting late. I’m taking my granddaughter to my home.”

As Bonnie guided Nova out of my office, I said, “I’ll be seeing you, Nova.”

“Not if I see you first, Sheriff Stick-Up-Your-Ass.”

When my inner jaguar sensed her absence, he tore up my insides in a fit of rage.

Why did you let her go?my beast growled.

Why do you care?I snapped.

She’s our fated mate.

I can’t claim her,I retorted.

Rage raced through my veins after a lifetime of waiting for my other half. Why in the hell had Luna, the moon goddess, saddled me with the one thing I despised? A Hunter, for my soul mate.

Imani walked up and punched me in the arm. “What the fuck, Rhett?”

“Ouch!” I rubbed my arm. “What’s that for?”

“The way you talked to and about Nova,” she hissed. “That was cruel, even for you.”

“I’m trying to protect her.”

“By being rude?” Imani asked incredulously.

Quinn walked up to Imani, hugging her from behind. “Calm down, Imani.” He kissed the top of her head.

“I won’t calm down, Quinn,” Imani cried. “For fuck’s sake, I could smell the hurt, confusion, and anger all over Nova. Do you realize what a churning mess her mind and her emotions must be right now?”

“I’m doing my job as a Protector, Imani,” I replied. “She could have a dark, hidden agenda.”