whose own people were few and scattered, the Walker’s Run Cooperative’s close-knit, family-style operation sounded like paradise.
“Yes and no,” Tristan said. “We still rely on water and power from Maico’s public utility services. And all Co-op businesses are in and around Maico.”
“Is The Stitchery one of those businesses?”
Nodding, Tristan swallowed another bite of his food, confirming what Bodie had suspected. “Why do you ask?”
“I met Ronni at Mabel’s the other day. I figured if she was a Co-op member, you would know her.”
“I know pretty much everyone in these parts. Co-op or not.”
Bodie wasn’t surprised. When he’d worked with Tristan during the fires, the man never seemed to meet a stranger.
“Word of advice,” Tristan said. “Since she’s been here, Ronni has shot down all suitors. Don’t take it personally if she gives you the cold shoulder.”
“Does she usually give out her number?”
Tristan looked up from his food. His chewing ground to a stop. “Not her personal one.”
“Oh.” Bodie hid his smile behind his burger, taking a giant bite.
“Ronni has been through a lot.” Tristan’s expression turned serious.
“Is that a warning to tread lightly?”
“What do you think?”
“I think Ronni is someone I’d like to get to know better.” Pretty in a natural way, she was comfortable in her own skin. Kind, gentle, but definitely not a pushover, considering that she had confronted him over unintentionally stealing her food. What impressed him was that once they’d figured out the mistake, Ronni didn’t stay mad at him. Even perturbed, she was still rather pleasant. Plus, she was beautiful naked. “In the time I’ve spent with her, I’ve felt a connection that I’d like to explore.”
Tristan merely looked at him. His dark brown eyes bored through Bodie but not in a menacing way.
Bodie resumed eating. “If you want me to back off, I will. I won’t like it, but I don’t think you would ask without a damn good reason.” One being that wolves didn’t get involved with non-wolves. If that was the situation, better to know now than after he’d invested time and energy into pursuing a she-wolf.
“If Ronni wants you to back off, she’ll tell you herself. If she does, respect her decision.”
“I will.” But Bodie intended to do everything possible to ensure that she didn’t want him to back off.
Cold throbbed deep inside the marrow of Ronni’s bones but it wasn’t from the chill in the night air. The video conference with the two Woelfesenat councilmen presiding over the Southeastern Wahya packs had not gone entirely in her favor.
Because Jeb had no children of his own, and Alex was his only blood relative, the council had decided not to deny visitation rights.
After the meeting, Rafe assured her that he would be present for all visitations, if she wanted him to be. And Brice explained that Jeb could only meet with Alex within the Walker’s Run territory and visits had to be arranged through Gavin.
Ronni let out her breath, a puff of steamy fog forming as it left her lips.
Twenty years ago, Jeb had been a cruel, frightening man. He didn’t care for anyone or anything, except Zeke.
Jeb could have changed in the years he’d been gone, the years she’d thought him dead and buried, fattening the insects feasting on his rotten carcass.
Maybe now all Jeb wanted was assurance that his baby brother’s family was taken care of and safe.
Jeb was now the legitimate Alpha of the Pine Ridge pack. If he violated any law, including the Woelfesenat’s current ruling, not only would he face hostilities from all the Alphas who had a treaty with his pack, he’d also face the Woelfesenat’s wrath.
Jeb was a lot of things. Stupid wasn’t one of them.
“Willow!” Seated two rows below where Ronni sat, Lucas Grayson, Alex’s best friend, jumped up and waved.
A girl at the bottom of the bleachers looked up, her uncertain eyes widening a moment before a relieved smile lightened her anxious expression. She waved and carefully climbed the steps, her father trailing behind her.
There was no uncertainty in the look he gave Ronni. Sexy, confident, predatory.
Her skin prickled and she gritted her teeth, willing him to sit anywhere except next to her. She had enough to deal with without adding her hormones into the mix.
Alex and Ella, his girlfriend of the month, scooted over to allow Willow room to sit next to Lucas. Usually the quiet, awkward one among Alex’s expanding group of friends, Lucas beamed and chattered excitedly with Willow.
Young love. The wolflings in Walker’s Run had no idea how fortunate they were.
Bodie inched past the people sitting on the same row as Ronni. Her heart raced, even though she willed it to beat at its normal pace.
“Hi.” Though a smile hung on his face, the crinkles around his eyes seemed to be more from fatigue than excitement. “I was hoping to find a friendly face in the crowd.”
“Considering the number of women’s heads turning in your direction as you climbed the bleachers, I’d say there are at least a dozen to choose from.” In her current mood, Ronni was fairly sure even a blind man would sense that she wasn’t in a friendly state.
“Didn’t notice them,” Bodie said easily. “I was focused on you.”
“You might want to adjust your sights. I’ve had a bad day and won’t be good company tonight.” Ronni watched the players rushing onto the field.
“My sights are fine. Your company will be, too.” Bodie sat closer to her than necessary since there was plenty of space on their row. “By the way, you look lovely.”
“Thanks.” She wasn’t wearing anything fancy, just a pair of dark blue jeans and a buttercream sweater that complemented her peachy complexion and the red tones in her hair. “You should’ve brought a jacket.”
With sleeves rolled to his elbows, the blue button-down shirt he wore wouldn’t keep the chill out for long. Fall would likely come early, with temperatures beginning to dip into the low sixties at night.
Bodie’s gaze fell on the blanket covering her lap. “Maybe we can make a deal. You share, I share.” He dangled a large thermos and winked.
She was sure he meant it only as a tease, still her nerves tingled and her body warmed. “What’s in it?”
“Coffee, strong and black.” He set the thermos between their feet.
“Lucky
