Page 31 of Rhett

“Nothing’s wrong.” I slammed my cup down. “I just think we need to focus on protecting her instead of gossiping about her like girls, that’s all.”

“Uh-huh,” Mack replied, eyeing me suspiciously.

“Whether I claim her or not is none of anyone’s business,” I fumed. “I’ll still do my fucking job protecting her.”

“Wowee,” Emmett exclaimed. “What flew up your ass this morning?”

Brody nudged Mack with an elbow. “It seems like the sheriff wants to throw his hat into the ring for Nova.”

“Yup.” Mack leaned back in his chair with steepled fingers.

I scowled. “I’m not claiming her.”

“He doth protest too much,” Jasper observed.

“Maybe I should give her a call,” Brody said. “To find out how she’s doing and see if she’s interested in crying on my shoulder.” Brody gave me a devilish smile.

Jasper and Brody eyed me and laughed.

Fuckers.

Quinn’s face was grim when he said, “Okay, guys. Enough. Nova will most likely come into Main Square with Bonnie today. So we need to keep sharp and ready to squash any attempts to cause trouble or hurt Nova.”

“If they do, I’ll throw their ass in jail,” I said. “The law is on our side since the council voted to make all hybrids official residents of Black Forest. They’re entitled to the same protection rights as all residents.”

“Exactly,” Quinn said. “I’m not putting up with any shit. The law is clear. A resident who perpetrates an unprovoked attack against another gets thrown in jail. They’re entitled to a trial before me and the council, but if found guilty, sentencing is up to me.”

“Sure as hell makes our job easier,” Mack said.

“Well, I’m out.” Emmett stood up. “Don’t want to be late for my meeting with Nova.” He walked over to the dishwasher, loading in his plate, cup, and utensils and saluting before striding out with a little too much swagger.

My eyes narrowed. “Are those new jeans Emmett’s wearing?”

“Yup,” Jasper answered. “He’s pulling out the big guns for his new BFF.”

Fuck.There was no way in hell I was going to let that happen. “See you at the station, Mack,” I said, getting to my feet and heading out.

CHAPTER8

NOVA

Sultriness lingered in the air as I hustled alongside Bonnie while we headed for her vehicle.

Lifting my hair away from my neck, I complained, “Why is it so hot? It’s April.”

“The Ridge has its own ecosystem,” Bonnie explained. “It does what it wants, when it wants. It can be hot as hell in the morning, then snow like crazy at night.”

I hopped inside her SUV, buckling up. “Well, sweat trickling between my breasts is not sexy.”

After I had a restful night’s sleep and a long, hot shower in the morning, Bonnie convinced me to wear her designer sundress that was so new it still had the price tag on it. Combined with my sneakers, I looked casual yet sexy.

She grinned at me after sliding behind the wheel. “That’s why I told you that a dress would be cooler than your T-shirt and jeans.” She pulled away from her house.

I took my cell from my handbag. “Still no signal,” I grumbled.

“That’s because the Ridge has its own private network.” Bonnie rattled off the password and her cell number.

“Yes!” I exclaimed. “My cell is back and in effect.”