To Save His Mate (4 page)

Lacy damn near bit her tongue off when she snapped her jabberty-jaws shut.
Shit!

“Partner?”

“Um, yeah, you know, like you’re my partner for this shoot?” She could only pray that he accepted her lame-ass attempt to cover her slip. “I guess I could call you my co-model. Most models don’t befriend other models due to the competition over jobs,” she explained.

“Yet you ride with one?”

“Or public transportation,” she shrugged.

“So what led you to modeling?” he asked.

So he wanted to change the subject? Perfect, Lacy could handle small talk. At least, she hoped she could. Something about this man completely disarmed her. She’d never slipped up like that before, but it felt
right
that he know the truth. For some reason, she found herself wanting to tell him everything.

Unfortunately, that couldn’t be allowed. “I was approached by an agent while I was in my first semester of college. She gave me a brief rundown of what to expect and even an average payment for a shoot. Let me tell you, to a struggling college student, that kind of money is a real motivator. I was able to take weekend jobs and still make my classes, pay my tuition in full and get an apartment with a friend.”

“I thought models didn’t have friends,” Ethan teased.

“A
college
friend. She’s a damn fine lawyer now, too.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. So what were you studying?”

“Law mostly. I loved the forensics part of the classes. It’s like a puzzle. You put all the pieces together and
Bam!
you’ve solved the case.”

Ethan laughed, shaking his head as he drove. “You should have been a detective then. Maybe even a private detective. It’s not like you’re going to get anything like that from modeling.”

If only you knew
, Lacy mused. “It’s definitely in the cards, but tell me a little about you.”

Anything to get us away from this topic.

“Well, I’m a simple guy, really. I’ve lived here my whole life. I have three brothers, two sisters-in-law, and I’m single. I’m also a full-time forest ranger and a volunteer fireman.”

Lacy let out a low whistle. “You’ve got a mighty full plate there.”

“I like to keep busy.”

“Obviously.”

Ethan eased to the side of the road, and Lacy realized they’d arrived.

The diner was just as quaint as the rest of the town. Red and white checkered curtains hung in the windows, a hand-painted sign hung above the door, bicycles rested against the red-brick wall, and a few servers could be seen through the windows bustling around the tables in their aprons. It was straight out of an old
Andy Griffith
re-run.

Ethan held the door for her, and Lacy found his manners refreshing. Too many times she’d thought about meeting a true gentleman, and it appeared she finally had. “Thank you.”

“Any time,” he replied. “Just pick a table. It’s self-seating here.”

“Okay. Let’s grab that booth by the window.” Lacy led the way, ignoring the open stares of the locals. “This town must not get many visitors,” she commented as she slid into the booth.

Ethan took his seat across from her, resting his arms on the smooth wood table and returning a few nods of hello. “They’re probably just surprised to see you here with me.”

“Why?” Had he never brought a girl out for lunch?

“I’m usually eating lunch with Stephanie whenever I come in,” he answered, handing her a menu. “She works at the clinic across the street, but she’s off for her honeymoon.”

“Oh, that’s sweet. Where did they go?” Lacy didn’t want to explore that little green monster she saw peeking out. For crying out loud, there was no reason to be jealous. She had no claim on this man. Though the thought did have merit.

For some reason, Lacy was reacting to this guy, more so than she ever had with another, and she didn’t like the idea of any other woman, married or not. It was a little disturbing actually. The other detectives often referred to her as the Ice Queen, since she always acted so cold to their advances.

A young lady stopped at their table before Ethan could reply and set down two glasses of ice water. “What can I get for you today?”

Ethan smiled at the waitress, and the poor girl nearly dropped her pen. Perhaps, Lacy wasn’t the only woman affected by Ethan’s charm. “Give us a sec, Tracy. She’s never been here before.”

“You got it,” she chirped before heading to the next table.

“So,” Lacy began, “where did they go for their honeymoon?”

Ethan gave her a wicked smile. “They’re hiding out at Abraham’s place. Stephanie wanted to be close in case she was needed at the clinic, and Abraham didn’t care where they ended up as long as there was a bed.”

He snickered, and when Lacy felt her cheeks flush, she decided that it was time to change the topic. “Do you know what you’re having? I’m going for the clogged artery deluxe.”

Ethan barked out a laugh, startling a few of the closer tables. “Well, all right then,” he chuckled. “I’ve never seen that particular item on the menu though.”

With a big smile, Tracy came back over to take their order, and of course, Ethan gestured for Lacy to go first.

“I’d like the double bacon cheeseburger, loaded, with fries and a large chocolate shake.” Lacy watched as Tracy looked at her again, did a wide-eyed impersonation of an owl then quickly wrote down the order. Clearly, she’d assumed Lacy would order a salad instead of the yummy plate of fried goodness.

Damn, she was ready for that burger.

“And for you, Mr. Wolfe?” Tracy asked.

“I’ll do the same, thank you.” The young girl darted off to the kitchen, and Ethan turned back. “Well, it’s good to see you have a hearty appetite.”

“I have a love-love relationship with food that is bound to catch up with me in a few years, but I’ll enjoy it while I can. I’ve always had a higher metabolism than most people, so I am forced to eat more often, though not big meals, or else my sugar drops quickly. It was a real pain in school. With all this extra energy, I used to get into trouble a lot.” Lacy was used to people being surprised at her diet. Most women half-starved themselves to get a figure like hers, but she was able to maintain her shape with ease. She wasn’t model skinny by today’s standards in the least, but her curves were proportionate to her height and body style. At least, that’s what the other models kept telling her anyway, not that it would get her to change how she ate.

“Has that always been a problem? Your low blood sugar, I mean.”

“Only if I forget to eat. They had us so busy this morning that I didn’t even think about it until I felt it dropping.” Lacy shook her head in self-disgust. “I haven’t had an episode that bad in a long time.”

“You should keep some of those tablets on you like Allie had. I’d hate to think what would have happened if you’d been alone when that occurred.”

“Me, too.” It was actually one of her major fears.

Their food arrived, and Lacy inhaled the delicious aroma of grilled beef, bacon and fries. If it tasted half as good as it smelled, then she would be a loyal customer during her stay.

The thick, juicy patty she bit into didn’t taste as good as it smelled though. It was so much better. Everything tasted so fresh!

“This is absolutely amazing,” she groaned around a mouthful of bliss.

“Told you they had the best burgers.

“I’ll never doubt you again.”

Chapter Five

Ethan hoped like hell Lacy held to that promise because he was positive she was hiding something. There wasn’t much for him to go on, but he knew there was a secret there.

Perhaps she had a man back home? His wolf snarled in his head, refusing to accept the possibility.

Maybe, she preferred women. No, he’d scented her arousal just hours before, so she was one hundred percent straight.

A virgin then? Surely not in this day and age.

Regardless of what she hid, Ethan was certain he could figure it out. He loved a good puzzle, too.

They were nearly done eating when his cell began to buzz in his belt clip. “It’s my brother,” he explained. “Yeah, Adam, what’s going on?”

“Listen, man, you’re not going to believe this, but someone let bees loose in the men’s tent.” Adam paused. “It’s pretty bad. One of the guys is allergic, and he was stung so many times they’re still counting.”

“How is he?”

“Well, he’s a little groggy. Luckily, he had one of those epi-pen things, so that helped a little. The guy’s blown up like a blimp though, swelling all over, and he’s still wheezing. It’s kinda freaking me out. I mean, what are we supposed to do when his throat closes? I’m not a damn nurse man, and Stephanie isn’t here yet!”

“Just stay calm and try to keep him as comfortable as possible,” Ethan instructed, knowing Lacy was listening in at his side and he needed to be careful not to say anything that may frighten her.

“He’s seizing now, Ethan. It’s like the poor bastard is a fish flopping on dry land, and his eyes are rolled so far back in his head I can’t see anything but white. I don’t know what sort of sick fuck would do this, but I sure as shit don’t want to meet them.”

“No kidding. Listen, we’re at the diner, so it’ll take us about twenty minutes or so to get back there. Is Gus on the way?”

“Yeah, he’s been called. Do me a favor, and stop by my place for Storm and Lightning. I’ll take them for a walk.”

“Sure thing.” Ethan knew just what kind of “walk” the wolves would be going on. With any luck, they’d find a prize.

He shifted his attention back to a very alert Lacy. She was totally focused on him, almost as if she’d been expecting something.

“We need to go. I need to get back to the shoot and check a few things.”

“What happened?” When he shook his head, not wanting her to worry, she surprised him again. “Damn it, Ethan, I know something happened. Now tell me.”

“It’s nothing for you to worry about. Adam and I will take care of things, but the shoot is closing for the day.”

“Ethan, I
need
to know what happened,” she insisted. “If it involves my job, then I have a right to know.”

She was a demanding little thing, he’d give her that. “It’s my and Adam’s job to ensure the safety of those involved in this shoot. We’ll check out everything and be back on schedule before you know it.”

Lacy still looked pissed, but there was nothing he could do about it right now. Not when he likely had a panicked photographer and a group of equally frantic models out on his property.

Ethan quickly placed the money for their bill on the table and stood to leave. “I’ve got to grab our trackers to see if we can get a trail on the person who did this. You don’t have a problem with canines do you?”

“Dogs?” Her brows puckered at his question. “No, I have no problem with dogs.”

“Great. How about wolves?” he asked, holding the diner door for her.

“Depends. Are they tame?”

“Yes. Adam found them when they were pups and raised them himself. They’re well trained, but some people are just a little freaked out by the sight of wolves. They’ve both taken to my sisters-in-law already.”

“Then I’d love to meet them.” She hopped into his SUV and added, “After all, I’ll be at the shoot site with you, so it would be better if they knew me.”

“Yes, you will be at the site, but you’ll be staying in the car,” he replied patiently.

“Yeah, right,” she grumbled.

Sighing, Ethan tried to explain. “Lacy, I need to look around the area. I can’t do that if you’re doing the same. You may inadvertently destroy evidence.”

“Fine. Whatever.”

Two words that you never want to hear come from a woman’s mouth during an argument, and he’d managed both. “Sulk all you like, but I’d feel better knowing you’re somewhere safe if the person is still lurking about.”

“Trust me, he’s long gone by now. Let’s go.”

And just why did she sound so certain of that?

Ethan drew in her scent. He could smell her frustration, her anger, and even a hint of anxiety, but no fear. So she wasn’t afraid of an attacker?

Yet another piece to add to the Lacy puzzle.

* * * *

As Ethan drove, Lacy sat next to him and fumed. There was no way she could just sit back. She was here to solve this! But there was also no way her noble park ranger would allow her anywhere near the scene.

She needed to talk to Murphy soon, or this investigation would be a bust. Especially when she had no valid reason to be present on the scene except for her detective status—the main thing she had to keep under wraps.

They drove in silence through the residential side of town before turning and heading away from Hastings.

“Where are we going?”

“My brothers and I enjoy our privacy. None of us live in town, but our homes actually surround it, as does our property.”

“I see.” He wasn’t even glancing her way, so Lacy figured he was annoyed. Well tough nuts because she had a job to do. With any luck, this would be her last case, and she wanted to end this part of her career on a high note.

A few minutes later, they turned down a private drive that led to a beautiful log cabin upon a small hill.

“I’ll be just a minute. I’ve got to find their harnesses and leashes.” Ethan didn’t wait for a response, having basically told her to stay put. He was out of the car and in the house quickly, giving Lacy the privacy she needed.

Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed her chief. He was at the hospital, but she was immediately patched through to his cell.

“Murphy,” came his gruff answer.

“I have a problem.”

“Lacy?”

“Yeah. Listen, there’s this forest ranger who got tapped to model, and now, I can’t get into the shoot area. One of the males was attacked on the site, but I’m being shut out because they see me as a civilian,” Lacy hastily explained. She really didn’t want to be on the phone when Ethan came back out. “I need to know how you want me to proceed.”

“Can he be trusted?” Murphy asked. “It may be better to bring him in than to send a male officer since he’s already established.”