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“Thanks,” Sam replied with a grin upon hearing the compliment. “We have a couple of mechanics in the group who keep them in tip-top shape.”
Nathan tipped his head in acknowledgment before continuing. “Anyway, I recalled that owning wolves required a permit, and when I asked, there seemed to be some confusion on the matter.”
“Ah, okay,” Sheriff Holsteen stated. “Well, Kontra did bring some paperwork with him.” He stated the lie smoothly. “Let me take a quick look to see that everything is in order.”
Nathan’s brows furrowed, and his scent took on just a bit of disbelief. Obviously, his mate was astute. Of course, he would have to be for him to do his job effectively.
“Yup. Have no fear, Deputy Nathan. The guys are good to have their wolf.” Sheriff Holsteen’s voice sounded warm through the line even as a rustle of papers could be heard, too. Khan wondered if the man had grabbed some random pieces of paper and shook them just to make it sound good. Then the sheriff added, “I appreciate you coming in to see me, Kontra, and letting me know you and your guys would be in the area.” With a chuckle, he added, “It’ll make it easier to alleviate the townsfolk’s fears, just in case anyone asks.” Sheriff Holsteen sounded resigned when he said, “I have a motorcycle myself and enjoy riding it often. Used to do a lot of traveling, and I know the stigma others can paint us with.”
Is he rambling just to make Nathan feel better?
“People can feel that way about us,” Kontra rumbled in agreement. “Especially when it’s a group my size.”
“I’m sure I’ll see you around,” Sheriff Holsteen claimed. “Maybe I’ll even take a ride with you.” A little louder, he asked, “You good now, Deputy Nathan?”
“I’m good, sheriff,” Nathan responded, although his scent told a different story. “I appreciate the confirmation.”
“Certainly.” Khan thought that would be it, but the sheriff wasn’t done. “You know, my deputy enjoys motorcycle rides, too. He’s been here all his life, so if you want to know about anything, Nathan can direct you.”
“Thank you,” Kontra responded. “Sam, we good?”
“Yes, sir,” Sam replied, his gaze still on Nathan. “Thank you, sir. See you soon.” Then he disconnected the call and shoved his phone into his pocket. With a small smile, he dipped his chin in a nod. “Sorry for the confusion, Deputy Nathan.”
Deputy Nathan nodded slowly, his gaze falling back to Khan. “So, uh, you gonna give me back my foot, Khan?”
To Khan’s pleasure, Nathan scratched his ears some more. Tingles of heat and need spread from where his mate touched him, and for the first time in Khan’s life, he had to fight back getting a boner in wolf form. Then he processed what Nathan had actually asked him.
Khan’s butt was still firmly, protectively, planted on Nathan’s foot.
Peering up at Nathan, Khan took in Nathan’s amused smile. He couldn’t help himself. Seeing that smile, he tucked his nose into Nathan’s groin and snuffled, relishing his mate’s intense, masculine scent.
Gods, but my human smells good.
Even as Khan heard Payson snicker, Nathan muttered, “Okay, okay. That’s a little too friendly,” as he pushed at Khan’s head.
As much as Khan didn’t want to, he gave in to Nathan’s urging and put a little distance between them.
“So, Khan,” Sam rumbled, gaining his attention. A small smirk curled the side of his mouth, while Khan heard Payson snicker again, and even Draven let out a quiet chuckle. “Your mate, I take it?”
Khan rumbled softly in the back of his throat as he dipped his muzzle in a nod.
Sam hummed, eyeing Nathan speculatively. “All right.” With a cock of his head, he stated, “So, you ride, huh?”
Nathan was giving Khan an odd look, but at Sam’s question, he focused on the big shifter. “I do,” he confirmed. “Got aHarley Street Glideat home.”
“Nice,” Draven cut in. “You’ll have to come out and ride with us some time. You can show us some nice windy roads around here.”
Nodding slowly, Nathan commented, “Kontra said you were staying in the area for a while?”
Sam jerked a small nod. “We’re meeting up with Declan and his husband, Lark.” With a roll of one large shoulder, he admitted, “Our doc is collaborating on a... side project with Lark.” Sam smiled as he glanced toward the diner where most of the gang who’d stopped had entered. “And Ishmael, he’s one of our guys, has a brother who lives around here, too, so they’re gonna catch up.”
“You have a mechanic and a doctor in your group?” Nathan sounded surprised.
“Yep. We’re semi-nomadic, so a number of the guys are skilled in different areas to keep us all safe and healthy,” Draven told him, glancing toward Vail, who’d exited the bar and was heading their way. “Got a few bases here and there.” As soon as his beloved was close enough, Draven slipped his arm around the other wolf shifter’s waist and drew him close. “We’re not sure how long we’ll be here, but Declan told us about a large farm house out his way that we could rent.”
“Food’s ordered,” Vail murmured, tipping his head and pressing a kiss to Draven’s clean-shaven jaw. “Got you a bacon cheeseburger.”
“Mmmm, thanks, love,” Draven responded, turning his head and pecking a kiss to his lips. “Sounds perfect.”
