Chapter Three

Sara juggled the pastry box and cup holder as she pushed open the door to the sheriff’s office. She was greeted with a loud holler and the box and carrier taken from her hands.

“Food!” Deputy Gibson cried.

A few years younger than her, Bobby Gibson was the newest member of the sheriff’s department. He’d grown up in town and had gone to the university to get his degree before heading back home to the job that Sheriff Webb had for him. Sara had always enjoyed Bobby’s excited and friendly personality. Bobby started toward the break table, popping open one of the boxes.

“Oh, man! Muffins!”

She laughed and her dad came out of his office, looking good in his sheriff’s uniform, grinning from ear to ear.

“Hey, baby.” He hugged her.

“Dad.” She laughed. “Do you not feed him?”

Bobby was stuffing his face, waving over the other two deputies who couldn’t move because they were laughing so hard.

Her dad shook his head. “I had to call Bobby in early and he didn’t get breakfast. Or lunch. He’s been moaning over the last two hours that he was wasting away. I was about to send him to the diner.”

“Why did you have to call him in?”

It wasn’t like they had many crimes in the small town. Every now and then, there might be a small conflict between neighbors or something like that, but since there were always two deputies on duty, they never called for backup.

Her dad patted her back. “Nothing for you to worry about.”

Sara tilted her head and scowled at her father. “I brought your favorite, a cappuccino with two raw sugars.” She waved to the carrier. “I can smell the espresso from here. It’d be a shame if I took it back.”

Her dad sighed and gave in. Just like she knew he would. He might be the big bad sheriff, but she had him wrapped around her finger, had since she was five.

“There are a lot of strangers in town. I wanted to be able to keep an eye out on what was going on,” he explained.

She nodded.

“You don’t seem surprised,” he stated, placing his hands on his hips, giving her the same scowl.

Sara was well-aware they shared that look. She explained what had taken place at the coffee shop earlier and watched his expression grow darker. Of course, she left out a few key things. He didn’t need to know about Clint’s visits or her feelings for him.

He was muttering under his breath when she finished. “You need to be careful. I got a call from the shifters and they’re coming down to speak with me, so until we know for sure what’s going on, you need to be on-guard,” he told her.

“I will,” she promised. “That’s why I stopped by. I wanted to tell you about this morning.” Sara wasn’t stupid. Word would get around eventually and her father would not be happy. Since losing her mom, Sara’s dad was very overprotective.

He smiled. “That’s my girl.” He headed over and stole a muffin from Bobby and picked up the cup of coffee with his name on it.

Sara had learned long ago that being the daughter of the town sheriff came with certain responsibilities. Others looked at her to follow the rules and her dad always worried about his job affecting her. She’d never had any issues.

“So, you want to tell me about this new man who’s been coming into your shop?” he asked as he returned to her side.

Well, damn, there really were no secrets in a small community.

“I don’t—” she hedged.

“Sara Marie,” he warned.

She blew her bangs out of her face. “There may be someone who has caught my attention,” she revealed.

“A shifter?” He didn’t seem angry or disapproving.

She nodded. “One of the new ones.”

He pressed his lips together, then shrugged. “Okay, but that’s even more of a reason for you to be careful. With the trouble, you may become a target.”

“I guess it’s a good thing you’ve been preparing me for my entire life,” she told him.

“You have to remember that I knew about all this. Of course, I made certain you could defend yourself and this town,” he said. “Especially if this shifter becomes important to you.”

“He already is,” she admitted.

“I’ll want to meet him. Give him the old ‘what are your intentions’ talk.”

Sara relaxed. Her dad was her everything, her biggest supporter, and she didn’t know what she would do if he didn’t approve of her getting involved with Clint. Because, after the night before, there was no doubt that she was already involved. She wanted to know him better. To learn all his secrets. It wasn’t only the attraction, although that was scorching hot. She just found herself comfortable with him.

The front door opened and she glanced over. She had to blink to make sure her eyes were not playing tricks on her. But, no, Clint walked in with Kurt close behind. As soon as Clint saw her, he smiled brightly before he checked around, then settled his gaze back on her, showing worry.

She glanced over at her dad and saw him watching her and Clint. Well if he hadn’t known who the mystery man was before, he certainly did now, if the smirk he wore was any sign. He was going to enjoy this. Even when she’d been in school he’d made certain all the boys knew who her daddy was. No one ever stepped out of line with her. They’d been too afraid of the sheriff.

Kurt reached them first. “Sheriff Webb,” Kurt greeted and offered his hand. “I’m Kurt Moore. I’d called you earlier.”

Clint looked surprised as he glanced at her over Kurt’s shoulder.

Kurt’s grin told Sara he’d known Clint had not been aware the sheriff was her father.

“Good to meet you, Kurt,” her dad replied. “You must be Clint. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Clint nodded and they shook hands, too. Clint peered over at her and she understood her father was no doubt making sure Clint’s handshake was firm. It would be funny, if she didn’t know Clint could probably crush her father’s hand if he wanted to. Rumor was that one of the perks of being a shifter was their added strength.

“I was hoping you’d have a few minutes for us,” Kurt said to her father.

Her dad looked over at her. “I’ll see you later in the week for dinner?”

Every week, she had dinner with him. If he was on call, they met at the diner, and if he was off, he always cooked for her, preferring to grill whenever he had the chance. Even in the winter.

“Yes, Dad,” she said and rose to her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

She passed by Clint and paused.

“You doing okay?” he asked.

She nodded. “Yes, just dropped by to bring some coffee and food to my dad and the deputies. I usually do a couple times a week.”

“So nothing else happened?” he questioned.

“No, after you left, it was quiet. A few locals, the book club and the teenagers after school. Normal.”

“Good.”

“Clint!” Kurt called. “I’m going to go talk to the sheriff. Why don’t you keep an eye out for any guests?”

“Yeah, okay,” Clint agreed and motioned to the door. “Walk you out?”

Sara was aware that they were being watched as they exited the sheriff’s office. Once outside, Clint took a deep breath but stayed close by her side. It looked as though he was trying to sense something. She watched him openly since he had his eyes closed.

“I had no idea your dad was the sheriff,” he confessed, still not looking at her.

Sara stiffened. “Is that a problem?” She’d had men not want to date her in the past because her father was sheriff. Yes, he might be a little overprotective, but he was a great guy.

“No,” Clint told her before leaning into her. He blinked, appearing to be okay with their surroundings.

She had to tilt her head back to look him in the eye, but his height and strength were a turn-on.

“It eases my mind a little, though. I’ve been worried that you’ll get caught in the middle of what’s going on because of me. But I feel better knowing the sheriff’s department will watch out for you, too.”

“Hmm,” she murmured. “And what is exactly going on?” Sara knew that the mission of the humans in town was to keep the shifters’ secrets. The shifters in return protected the humans.

Clint’s gazed moved over her shoulder. “We’re being followed. It’s not safe to discuss it here.”

She nodded. “Okay.”

“Maybe I can stop by later to see you and we could talk about it then?” he asked.

Sara fought not to grin. “I was kinda hoping I would have a visitor later, but he’s pure white and on all fours,” she teased.

Clint chuckled. “Oh, yeah? I’d like to see that.”

“Maybe you will,” she replied and stepped back. She needed to leave before she grabbed Clint and gave anyone watching a show. He was acting more respective to her so that was something to look forward to.

Clint stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jeans and rocked back on his heels. “Okay then. I’ll be seeing you.”

“Yeah.” Sara turned and knew that Clint continued to watch her as she made her way to her car. She resisted the urge to look over her shoulder at him. She would see him later and maybe get a taste of what she’d been dying to sample.

On her drive to her house, Sara couldn’t help but keep glancing in her rearview mirror. Damn, the men in her life were making her paranoid. There was no other car on the road behind her.

She wasn’t far from the compound where the shifters lived.

Only the forest separated the two properties. It made Clint’s visits in his wolf form possible, but she needed to think about other people coming through. Her block didn’t have a lot of houses. The land the houses sat on was too big. Her closest neighbor was a ten-minute walk.

Usually, she enjoyed the solitude. Sara hadn’t noticed any strangers hanging around up there. She’d have to keep a better eye out, though.

She pulled up in front of her house and let out a long breath of relief.

What had she expected? To be attacked in the middle of the road? No, Sara was letting what happened in the shop bother her.

“I’m being ridiculous,” she muttered. Sara turned off the ignition before pushing open her door. She’d take a nice, long, hot shower, then make something to eat.

* * * *

There was no sign of Perry Costa or any of his men as Clint and Kurt made the rounds about town. They went into the hardware store, post office, grocery store and finally were sitting at a booth in the back of the diner.

Kurt had filled him in on his conversation with the sheriff earlier, so he knew all the deputies were keeping an eye out for strangers, too. The presence of the deputies might have contributed to the disappearance of their stalkers.

“The sheriff found out they’re staying at the hotel, left about noon but didn’t check out. They’ll be back,” Kurt told him.

The waitress came up to the booth with a smile. “You boys know what you want?”

“Coffee and the special, please,” Clint requested.

“Same,” Kurt added.

She nodded and, snapping her gum, headed back toward the counter. “Coming up.”

Clint and Kurt shared a grin. The waitress was older and she wasn’t afraid of them. They had become regulars since they’d arrived in town. The easy acceptance they’d received from the people was one of the reasons Clint was so determined to protect everyone.

The waitress stopped back by with piping cups of coffee and set them on the table. Kurt picked his up, thanked her and took a drink.

“Not as good as your girl’s shop, but at least it’s warm,” he noted.

Clint rolled his eyes at Kurt’s obvious mention of Sara and the topic he wanted to talk about.

“So…” Kurt pressed when Clint didn’t say anything.

Clint leaned forward, bracing his arms on the table. “So?”

Kurt groaned. “Come on, man! What’s going on between you and Sara?”

Clint knew Kurt was trying to push him. It was Kurt’s way of showing he supported Clint’s interest in Sara. But since Clint hadn’t decided what to do, he didn’t know what to say.

A quick glance at Kurt’s face and he knew his friend wasn’t going to let him out of talking this time. He took a drink out of his mug, buying himself some time.

He met Kurt’s gaze and confessed his deepest concern. “She’s human.”

Kurt nodded, paused, then narrowed his eyes. “I never thought you’d be the type to ignore an attraction because the other person was human.” He rubbed his hands over his face. “That’s not right, man!”

Clint stared at his friend in shock, surprised at the outrage. Then it hit him and he started to laugh.

Kurt frowned at him.

The waitress came over and placed two plates of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans and rolls in front of them. Both men thanked her with enthusiasm as the great-looking food made their mouths water. Clint waited until she’d left again before clearing his throat.

“Jeez, Kurt.” He shook his head. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

Sure, there were some shifters who refused to get involved with humans or other shifter species. Clint didn’t agree with that way of thinking. He knew Kurt didn’t, either.

“What do you mean, then?” Kurt questioned.

“I meant that she’s human. She barely found out that shifters exist and now all of a sudden she could be in danger because of me. It would only take one person catching on that I have feelings for her and she’ll be at risk. They might have already. What if she gets hurt?”

Kurt picked up his fork and pulled his plate closer. “What if she is targeted because her dad is the sheriff? What if you leave tomorrow and they go after her to draw you back? Maybe they’ll think she’s good-looking and decide they want her to join their fucked-up group.”

Clint growled. “You’re not helping.”

Kurt took a bite before pointing his fork at Clint. “But that’s my point. You don’t know what is going to happen. You can’t guess what will happen in the future. If you want her, you need to make a move before it’s too late.”

The statement was made by a man who had learned the hard way that sometimes it was too late. Kurt had once come close to mating. He’d also just watched his first love meet and commit with another man. Kurt wouldn’t appreciate his sympathy, so Clint nodded.

“It’s easier said than done,” he bitched.

Kurt chuckled. “Oh, I know, man. But I’ve seen the way you look at her.”

“And how is that?” Clint pressed.

“The same way she looks back at you.”

Clint sighed. “I know.” He’d picked up Sara’s strong emotions every time. At least that was helpful.

They went silent as they enjoyed the pleasant meal, both lost in their own thoughts.

Clint had already decided that he needed to discuss his situation with Sara. She had a part in what was going on in town. If she wanted to back away, he would have to allow it. He wouldn’t like it, but he wanted Sara to know everything before she got involved with him.

If she decided to trust in him, then Clint would make sure she never regretted it.

“I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by her.” Kurt broke the silence a little while later.

Clint glanced up at him.

“Her dad speaks highly of her and her ability to take care of herself,” Kurt offered. “She’s strong. You need someone who can take care of themselves while being there for you.”

Clint dropped his fork and pushed his plate away, stuffed. “And when were you going to tell me that her father was the sheriff?”

“Oh, you didn’t know that?” Kurt tried to play innocent and failed by grinning.

“I’ll get you back,” Clint threatened.

He didn’t think his friend was too worried since he just winked and laughed.

Clint turned to look out the diner window. It was getting dark. He could feel the chill starting to settle over the town. He had been looking forward to winter for a while now. He remembered the snow-covered mountains in the distance and the way the entire town celebrated the holidays. Sure, he’d miss not being with his parents or brother, but he’d spent many years beside Kurt. And hopefully this year Sara wouldn’t mind if he hung around.

* * * *

Sara made a cup of hot chocolate and hummed while sipping the sweet, comforting brew. A cold front had moved in, finally turning the fall weather toward winter. With colder weather settling around her, she was in her element. Business would be good, and she loved the holidays.

Would this be the year that she would have a special someone to share the season with? She sure hoped so. No matter what happened with the shifters and the strangers who had showed in town, she was determined to get to know Clint better.

Thoughts of Clint made her look out into the yard. She hoped he would still be able to stop by. He’d said he wanted to, and she had teased him about his wolf form.

She wanted him to know that she accepted both his human and wolf side. She might have been ignorant about the shifter world before, but she had no doubt that Clint, Kurt and the other shifters in the area were good, decent people. Her father had been helping them for a lot of years. Her dad wouldn’t allow her to get involved with anyone he didn’t trust.

Movement and a flash of white caught her eye and she smiled behind her mug.

The big white wolf walked into the backyard before pausing and looking toward her through the glass, and her heart soared. She set her cup down on the counter before rushing to unlock the patio door.

She pulled the door open, and, dressed in only jeans and a sweater, felt the chill of the night hit her. She shivered, but the sight of Clint’s tender gaze warmed her. His chocolate eyes were the same no matter what form he was in.

She stepped out onto the wood deck as the wolf crept forward. God, he was so magnificent!

Sara knelt right at the edge of the deck where the wood met grass, and waited until the wolf came closer. Intelligent brown eyes gazed back at her as she held out a hand.

His fur was as soft as before and she wasted no time in burying her hands and rubbing him. He made what sounded like a cross between a whimper and a moan.

It was a sound she wouldn’t mind hearing again and again.

Still in wolf form, Clint stood back up onto four paws and nodded toward the house.

“Would you like to take this somewhere cozier?” she asked.

Sara didn’t expect to get an answer so she turned to lead the way inside. She felt movement behind her and glanced over her shoulder to see Clint in human form. He had moved so a tall plant half hid his body. Damn, she had missed it.

But holy cow! The sight of him? She could only see from his waist up but damn! He was just as muscular as he looked in clothes but so much more. His flat stomach, small waist and flawless tan skin… She about swallowed her tongue.

Clint must have seen something in her face, because he chuckled. “I didn’t know how you would feel about wolf hair in your house. I shed a lot.”

She laughed until she had to wipe her eyes. Clint grinned back at her.

“Oh, my God! You really are a wolf shifter,” she managed once she got control of herself.

He frowned. “I thought you knew that.”

“Well, yeah, but…” She shrugged. How could she explain that knowing and seeing were two different things? “I guess I hadn’t thought about you…” She waved her hand at him.

Clint took a step back. “Maybe I should leave.”

All her amusement died. Oh, no! No, she didn’t want that! “I want you to stay,” she confessed.

He nodded. “Okay,” he said. “Hang on.”

She watched his fine, naked ass—jeez, he was naked!—as he jogged back behind her gate. He was only gone a few minutes, but when he came back he was wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. His feet remained bare, though. She did her best to hide her disappointment that he wore clothes.

He smiled as he joined her back on the deck. “I came prepared.”

“I see that.” She held out her hand and Clint intertwined their fingers and followed her inside. Sara locked the kitchen door behind them and looked up into Clint’s eyes. They sparkled back at her. And her excitement rose.

Almost too suddenly, her desire for him hit her hard.

She wanted him, especially after seeing him naked, but now her passion almost swamped her. To have him inside her house… She craved his touch. She cleared her throat, trying to get a handle on herself.

They were only a few feet away from one another. She stepped forward. He did the same.

She lifted her hand to put it on his chest.

Clint placed both of his hands on her face and leaned close. “I’ve wanted to do this since the first day I saw you,” he confessed.

She waited breathlessly as he bent his head. The first brush of his lips against hers was soft. She pressed closer, offering more.

Clint accepted her gift. He sealed his mouth more firmly onto hers, and the kiss deepened. He nibbled on her bottom lip until she opened for him. He begun to make love to her mouth. That was the only way to describe kissing Clint. His tongue massaged hers. and his lips moved softly. If this was what was in store for the rest of the night? Oh, God! She might not survive it.

She had to grab hold of Clint’s shoulders as he swept her up in passion and need. She was clinging to him when he pulled back.

“Just as good as I had imagined,” he told her.

Sara nodded. “Better,” she corrected before lifting up and retaking his mouth.

This time she gave as good as she got, wrapped her arms securely around him and moved their bodies closer still.

She swallowed his moan, humming back at him. Perfect. So damn perfect.

And when the kiss ended, they were both panting.

Sara smiled up at him. “That was so worth waiting for.”

He laughed and nodded. “Yeah, it was.”

“Would you like to sit in the living room?” she asked, hoping to move them to a more comfortable location. She would have been as happy to go straight to the bedroom, but she didn’t want to push him. If it had taken him this long to kiss her, she didn’t want to assume too much.

“Yes, I’d love to,” Clint said.

“Would you like a drink?”

“Water?” he requested.

She picked up her hot chocolate from earlier and a bottle of water from the fridge before leading the way into the cozy living room.

It was one of her favorite areas. The furniture was old but comfortable, consisting of a large tan leather couch and two matching chairs. The fireplace across from the couch wasn’t lit at the moment, but she still liked to sit facing it.

They sat close together and Sara placed her mug on the corner of the coffee table before turning her body toward him.

“Can I…?” She paused, not sure if Clint would appreciate her questioning him.

Clint took a long pull of his water before setting it beside Sara’s drink. “What?”

“Can I ask some questions about you?” she asked.

Clint seemed to think about it before nodding. “I’ll tell you anything that I can.”

Sara took a deep breath. Well, here goes nothing. “Do you live here now? Or are you just visiting?”

Clint relaxed back against the couch and smiled. “I have been offered a job here. Well, actually both Kurt and I have been. I am seriously thinking of accepting.”

Excitement ran down her spine and Sara leaned forward. “Yeah?”

He leaned closer, too. “Yes.”

They kissed and Sara was about to move onto his lap when he pulled back.

“My turn,” he told her.

Sara nodded. “Okay, shoot.”

“Have you lived here your whole life?” he asked.

Sara wasn’t surprised by his question. She’d guessed they would start small and get to the bigger questions as they got more comfortable.

“Most of my life, yeah. I did go to business school down south for a few years, but as soon as I could, I came back. I love this place.”

“I can tell that. And can’t argue.”

“This town… I don’t know. We’ve always lived here. Dad, as you know, is the sheriff. I have a cousin who owns the candle shop. My uncle is the mayor. My aunt runs the community center and most of my friends are still here. It’s just home. What about you? Where are you from originally?”

“Not far, actually. About three hours north of here. A small town named Gonzales. My dad worked at the compound when I was a kid. So I visited often. It made sense that when my service was over I would come back here,” he explained.

“You have been here before?” she questioned. “Maybe we’ve met.”

Clint moved the arm that was draped over the back of the couch to her shoulder and encouraged her closer. Sara leaned into him and ran a finger down his chest.

“Maybe. When we did visit, we always kept away from most of the locals. I remember the park and my mom used to take me to the library. She was friends with the woman who ran it.”

Sara smiled. No doubt Clint was talking about her mom.

“Service? Army, right?” she asked next. She slid her hand over his thigh.

He nodded. “Yeah. It’s tradition for my family. My father, uncles and both grandfathers all served.”

His voice had dropped in tone as she rubbed his leg, and she was pleased at the husky sound.

“So…” She drew the word out. “Want to see the rest of the house?”

He licked his lips. “Are those all your questions?” He seemed surprised.

“Well, I have enough information to know that I want to move onto the next stage. You won’t be taking off in the next few days, so…”

Clint laughed.

Sara frowned up at him.

He shook his head. “I expected a lot more questions. I know shifters are new for you. Most people can’t wait to ask about my ability to turn into a wolf.”

“I reserve the right to ask any questions later, but I know what I need to right now,” she assured him.

“So…” He removed his arm from her shoulder and grasped her hand. “The shifter thing? You’re okay with that?”

Sara blinked, caught off guard. She hadn’t even been concerned about that. “Oh!” she said. “I hadn’t thought about… I mean, is there something to stop us…?” She waved a hand between them. “Can you not be with someone who isn’t a shifter?” She was confused. What was Clint doing there if he couldn’t be with her? She pulled away.

A look of shock passed over his features before he started to shake his head. “No! No, I just didn’t know… I mean I’ve been with humans in the past, but they didn’t know what I was. And as taken as you were with my wolf, I didn’t even know if you would want…well, me.”

“Okay,” Sara stated. She could understand where he was coming from. “But in all honesty, I didn’t think about your, uh, animal when we were kissing. I mean, don’t get me wrong—I am enthralled with your wolf—but as to spending my night with you… It was you, as a man, that is what I want.”

The grin that spread across his face was so strikingly handsome it took her breath away. “I can’t tell you how relieved I am to hear that!”

Before Sara could even blink, Clint’s mouth was on hers and he had buried his hands in her long hair. He moved over her to lay her back on the wide couch and settled against her body.

Sara was swamped with need as their bodies pressed together.

“Oh, God!” she panted when Clint’s hands went under her shirt. That…that felt awesome.