“Like I said,” Ryan continued, “do I have promises of secrecy from all of you?”
He saw the parents exchange glances first with each other, then with their son.
Even if they agreed, could he trust them? Probably, since they, too, were shifters. But somehow he felt that the promise he had obtained from Maya would be worth even more.
Was that just because of what they’d shared? He didn’t think so. He trusted her and her love of wildlife—of all kinds.
But these people, if they agreed to stay quiet, would have more at stake if they didn’t.
“Yes,” Pete finally said first. “I promise to keep it secret.”
“Me, too,” said Kathie.
“I will, too,” Burt finally added.
Ryan traded glances with Piers, whose smile looked wry yet genuine. “Go ahead,” his aide said.
“Okay.” Ryan grinned broadly at each of them, then continued, “We, my friends, are members of a very special covert US military unit, Alpha Force.”
For the next few minutes, Ryan explained a bit of what Alpha Force was about—how it had been started, how it continued with shifters and cover animals and aides, and some of the amazing and productive goals it had achieved to help the United States. All was done undercover and achieving only the kudos of the few members of the government trusted with knowing what they were about.
“We’re always checking into the potential existence of other shifters,” Ryan said, “and looking to recruit additional qualified members.” They’d all regained their earlier positions by then, but he rose once more to face Pete directly. “That,” he said, “might include you.”
“Really?” Pete sounded like an excited child told he was about to meet Santa Claus.
Swallowing a chuckle, Ryan said quite seriously, “Really. I’ll want to talk to you more about your qualifications. And I’d also like you to interview and audition for us, starting tonight if possible.”
The young man had the decency to look once more at his parents, although his excitement remained written on his face. “I don’t want to do anything to make things harder for you, Mom and Dad,” he said to them.
“And we want the best for you,” Kathie said. “Keep us in the loop, okay? But go ahead and do your interview and all, if it’s what you want.”
“Thanks!” He bent to give each of his parents a kiss, then he looked back up, first at Rocky and Piers, then at Ryan. “And is Alpha Force the best?”
“The absolute best,” Ryan said with a smile of his own.
Chapter 21
Ryan could almost hear what Kathie and Burt Sharan weren’t saying as their brief meeting closed and they all shook hands and headed back into the store. Pete’s parents kept looking at each other, and at their son, and back again.
Were they concerned about how the store would do with just them around to run it? Maybe, but they had already taken on help. Ryan was curious whether any of the clerks were also shifters. He hoped to find that out.
In any event, he figured the Sharans were worried about how their son would potentially do far from here, in a military unit no one was permitted to talk about much. Would he be in danger? Possibly, but he might be in danger here as well, where some people were pleased to have wolves around…and others weren’t.
Perhaps the unknown aspects of the situation were also worrying them. He could understand that. But if Pete’s testing went well, and if the young man remained interested, Ryan would invite them to come along when he took Pete to introduce him to the other unit members. If Pete was then recruited, Ryan himself would reassure the Sharans about how wonderful that was and make sure they had his contact information. After that, they, as shifters, could come visit the Alpha Force headquarters in Mary Glen, Maryland, as often as they wanted to talk to others in the unit, as well.
Yet they were parents—apparently caring ones. He had wondered now and then how his parents had coped, living in a remote part of Wyoming that nevertheless contained not only shifters but regular humans, as well. He still had a loving family, and Ryan knew his mom and dad and grandparents worried about him, but they clearly were proud of what he now was doing.
Would he ever marry and have kids—presumably shifters? How would he feel if they integrated into partially nonshifter society, as he had?
And who would he marry? Maya’s face popped into his mind even as he placed himself in the main grocery store aisle to say goodbye. He immediately erased the image. Sure, they’d shared wonderful sex, but that was all.
That had to be all, considering the many differences between them.
“So,” he said softly to Pete, who had stayed beside him. The store was more crowded now, filled with an undercurrent of voices though fewer tempting aromas. “I’ll come by around nine tonight and we’ll go have a…drink. And I’ll interview you.” He got even closer so he could whisper into the young man’s ear. “The formula you’ve developed to…well, you know. Please bring it for a demo, okay?”
“Fine.” Pete smiled, even as Ryan turned to leave—and stopped.
Just entering the store were the Frittses, both of them. Morton and Vinnie had come through the door and were now side by side, looking around.
Vinnie’s eyes lit on Ryan first. He could still see the healing scratches on her face, and she was bent over as if it remained difficult to walk.
For Morton, too, although his healing scabs were now turning into scars.
Both glowered at Ryan, then at Piers, who was now beside him—and, of course, at Rocky, who resembled a wolf. Then they started walking toward Ryan.
“Hello,” he said, painting a big, caring smile on his face. “You look better, both of you. I assume you’re healing well, or at least I hope so.” He gestured around the store. “I just came in for some snacks. You?”
“Yeah. Snacks. And more.” Morton looked as if someone had attempted to shove crispy graham crackers down his throat. “I don’t suppose you feds have come to see the light and have decided to round up the wolves?”
“I don’t suppose so.” Ryan kept his voice as friendly as possible. He wanted to shout out, ask these injured people again just how they’d both happened upon wolves in the middle of the night—shifters or not—and put themselves into positions to be attacked.
He still suspected they’d somehow done it on purpose so they could wind up looking this damaged and pitiful. But if so, why did they hate wolves that much?
If it truly had been two separate and unfortunate confrontations…well, again, how and why?
And surely Pete Sharan hadn’t been involved either time…
“Well, we really just need some stuff for dinner tonight, that’s why we’re here.” Turning so his gaze no longer met Ryan’s, Morton maneuvered his way around him in the aisle, still coming close enough to bump into him as if asserting nonverbally who was in charge.
Which might have made Ryan laugh if the circumstances here weren’t so challenging. He wouldn’t be surprised if the Frittses knew, or suspected, that there were shifters around.
Either way, they clearly weren’t thrilled. Or at least there was no indication they’d be more accepting if the wolves were genuine wildlife. Or if, perhaps, they preferred shifters, after all.
As both Frittses meandered farther from him, Ryan looked at Piers and nodded toward the door, essentially telling his aide it was time for Rocky and him to leave.
And Ryan? He decided he was in desperate need of some supplies to bring back to the hotel. At least he wanted it to appear that way. He hurried to the entry, got a plastic basket to drape over his arm, then began wandering after picking up a loaf of bread so it appeared he actually was shopping.
But what he really was doing was attempting to subtly observe the Frittses.
What kind of game were they playing? He knew what kind of game he was playing: watching this unfathomable couple and how they appeared to interact with others who were shifters, the Sharans.
Did they know or suspect that, or
was their visit to this store completely innocent?
Ryan was interested when the Frittses both approached Pete, who appeared to be restocking a refrigerator case with red meats. Ryan inhaled the enticing aroma and figured that Pete was doing so, too.
“Is there any fresh meat in this store?” Vinnie asked, her expression sardonic. “Like, anything we should carry so we can throw it far from us if a wolf approaches to get it away from us?” She didn’t move her gaze from Pete’s face, and the young man appeared amused—though not without some effort.
“I’d suggest you just stay inside at night, far away from where any wolves might be. You were attacked at night, both of you, right?”
“That’s right. And do you have any other advice?” That was Morton talking, and both the Frittses took further steps toward Pete as if attempting to back him into a corner.
Which Ryan didn’t like at all. He maneuvered toward them and pushed between the two Frittses, bending over the refrigerated counter. “Hey, this stuff looks good. I think I’ll buy some for tonight.” He turned slightly to face Vinnie. “Maybe that’s what you should do, too. Cook at home to let yourself heal better, go to bed early and all that. And so far everything I’ve bought here is good, so load up now.” Ryan picked up a package of raw T-bone steak figuring he wouldn’t have anyplace to cook it at the hotel, but its cost, even if he just left it in his room’s refrigerator, would be worth it to calm this situation.
“Mind your own business, Mr. Fish and Wildlife,” Morton growled.
“Oh,” said Ryan, “I am.” He slipped the steak into the basket he held and continued to stand there, moving his gaze from one of the Frittses to the other until they apparently grew uncomfortable enough to move.
“Here.” Vinnie shoved the basket she held at Pete. “Put this stuff away. I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to buy anything in this filthy, nasty store.” She grabbed Morton’s hand, and they both stomped out of the place.
“Thanks, I think,” Pete said softly. “I already wondered if they thought…knew…you know.”
“They clearly aren’t fans of wildlife,” Ryan agreed. “And I think it would be best if all of us who are wolf aficionados stayed out of their way.”
He soon paid for his steak and other stuff, then, bags in hand, once more sought out Pete. “We’re on for tonight still, right?”
“Can’t wait,” Pete replied.
*
Why was it, Maya wondered, that she felt certain Ryan and Piers, and maybe even Rocky, had a very different agenda from hers that day?
She’d been a bit surprised when Trev had caught up with her during her walk back to her hotel, but fortunately he had mostly just said hi, asked how she—and WHaM—were doing that day and mentioned not hearing any wolves last night.
Not a surprise to Maya. She hadn’t heard any, either.
But she had certainly had a wonderful time with one of those entities who could have been on the hillside howling…in a different form and under different circumstances.
Trev had seemed a bit pushier about the wolves, giving her his phone number and asking her to call if she heard them again. But then, fortunately, he had left her, crossing the street as she reached the hotel.
Now, sitting on her hotel room bed with her computer open on the coverlet in front of her, she’d started to work practically the instant she had returned after breakfast. It was all essential stuff, and she was glad to work on it.
Even as her mind floated off now and then to wonder where Ryan and his gang were, and what they were doing.
Oh, she knew she had a unique assignment, speaking with her fellow WHaM executive Cheryl Jaker on the phone, then working with her on the group’s remote assessment of the origin of the wolves now in Fritts Corner and where she might be able to observe some more. She was the only WHaM representative in the area, sure, but her organization had developed a computer program that helped to predict where wolves that had been seen and listed in their census had come from and where they might roam in the next weeks.
Always accurate? No. And Maya figured that its accuracy would be even less when it came to predicting where shifters might go.
On the other hand, shapeshifters would most likely remain in the areas where their human selves had set up their homes.
While talking on the phone with Cheryl, Maya thought that, if nothing else, demonstrating what she was seeing online might be a good reason to approach Ryan and all, in case they were interested.
It at least gave her a good excuse to contact Ryan.
But first, she had additional administrative items to attend to despite her distance from headquarters, and so she dug into that. And eventually realized it was midafternoon.
She had pretty well finished all she needed to do—for WHaM. But what about for herself? Or the local wolves?
She made a few other small entries into the computer, placed another brief call to Cheryl to substantiate some items she had seen and wanted to confirm, then decided to call it a day, at least with reference to her professional association.
It was nearly four o’clock, late enough to consider plans for the evening.
Not that tonight would be anything like last night—although she could dream, couldn’t she?
No. Last night’s experience with Ryan was a once-in-a-lifetime event. Now, she had to get back to being totally professional with him.
Work with him in preserving the wolves that had shown up around here.
Maybe even get him to reveal which were like him. If so—well, she’d have to work with him, and maybe his Alpha Force to some extent—to determine the best way for WHaM to ensure the wildlife’s ongoing existence without violating her promise of secrecy.
Alpha Force. What an amazing-sounding military unit. She hoped to learn more about them. A lot more.
But not right now.
Closing her computer, she got off the bed. She’d sat there most of the time during the last few hours, so she was stiff. She walked around for a minute or two, then hurried back to the bed where she had left her phone.
She called Ryan, and he answered right away—a good sign. “Hey,” she said, “I’ve been working all day and need a break this evening. Are you free for dinner? All of you, if you’d like.”
He didn’t answer immediately, which troubled her. If he was as enthusiastic as she was, surely he’d jump right on her invitation and agree. But his answer, only a few seconds later, was positive. “Sure,” he said. “But we’ll need to eat early. And, just so you know, we’ve got some other plans later tonight so it’ll have to be a relatively quick meal.”
“That’s fine,” she said, maybe a little too brightly. He was trying to be kind while pulling away from her.
Or maybe they really did have other plans for that night. If so, what were they?
Hopefully she would find out at dinner.
But dinner turned out to be a lot earlier, and a lot quicker, than Maya had hoped for. Plus, Piers and Rocky were with them. That was no surprise. She had included them in her invitation.
Even so—well, she felt irrationally, or perhaps rationally, disappointed when all three of them met up in the hotel lobby not long after she’d spoken with Ryan and walked to the House of Steak together. It didn’t help that she got to walk Rocky there. Not that she didn’t enjoy holding the wolf-dog’s leash and teasing him, and the men, as they hurried along. After all, they all had their own relationships with wolves, whether or not they could talk about it.
But right or wrong, she really wanted to be with Ryan.
It was early enough that the restaurant wasn’t overly crowded. “I’ll bet you’re in the mood for a nice, big, rare steak,” Maya gibed at Ryan after they’d been seated inside but near the patio door.
“Maybe I’ll have a chicken sandwich tonight,” he countered, his raised brows suggesting the picture of innocence on his utterly handsome face. But then he smiled. “Or not.”
They ordered. Maya decided on a steak, though a smal
ler one than either of the men. None of them asked for wine or any other drink.
Maya again wondered what they were up to this evening, and whether that had anything to do with the guys choosing not to have alcohol.
Her curiosity led her to avoid any, too. Could she get them to reveal what was going on?
Could she find out some other way? Maybe she was reading things all wrong, but her curiosity was stoked.
She couldn’t help wondering whether whatever it was involved Ryan shifting that night…
“Don’t know what you three did today, but here’s what I was up to.” Maya began describing the wolf-tracking and prediction program used by WHaM.
“Really? Does it actually work?” Piers in particular looked impressed.
“Somewhat, though it’s not perfect.” Maya told them how well it had appeared to work in another location, in Alaska, when it was being tested, and in some Colorado locations, as well. “And there are some factors about…well, certain wolf characteristics that haven’t yet been programmed in, and probably will never be.”
She caught Ryan’s eye as if to assure him she was talking about shifters, and that she’d never reveal anything, as promised.
Soon, dinner was served, and they all enjoyed their meals, even Rocky—or at least the dog received samples from each of the humans.
And eventually it was over. As always, Maya attempted to pay her share, which seldom worked, and she was almost never permitted to treat the others. This time, Piers insisted, and Ryan backed him up.
They walked back to the hotel together. Maya was able to maneuver things so that Ryan and she followed Piers, who had Rocky on his leash.
“This was a very pleasant evening,” she told Ryan, smiling at him with just a hint of suggestion in her smile to see his reaction.
“It was. Sorry it has to end this early, but as I said we have some plans that can’t be changed.”
“Oh.” Maya hesitated, then said, “Don’t suppose I could tag along, could I?”
“Sorry. Not tonight.” He actually did appear somewhat sorry, as his mouth curved into a grimace. “Hopefully we’ll get more time together soon—to talk more about that program, for one thing.”
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