“What use is education when our kind is being hunted down like prey?”
“The Shifter Patrol has stayed east of the Mississippi River. This country is too big for them to search every nook and cranny. Besides, here in the west there are many places to hide, and at the ranch, our kind is safe.”
A harsh laugh was heard, and then the gruff voice said, “For now, maybe, but that will change. Education won’t be of much use when our kind is all dead.”
“I wish you well, Raphael. It would be good if you gather together to protect the shifters in your sector. Binding together would assure all of you safety and protection.”
Raphael choked out a chuckle. “That might work in Wyoming, but not here. We’ll hold off the patrol the best we can, but know this: your life at the ranch will come to an end, eventually. Once the Shifter Patrol has murdered all of our brothers and sisters to the east, they’ll most certainly come for us here ... all of us west of the Mississippi.
* * *
Katlyn breathed heavily now, hugging Tessa close to her. She had no idea what Angus was talking about with those men, but she felt a chill all the way to her toes. “I’m so sorry, Tessa, for dragging you down with me.”
“D-Don’t worry so or I’ll worry, too. I’m not sure what will happen when we get to Wyoming, but my bet is that it will be better than from where we came.”
“It seems like a bad dream. All I wanted was a little excitement.”
“Well, it’s exciting now. Let’s just hope that we fare well in Wyoming.”
Angus jumped back in the truck and slowly drove past the men. It was some time before Katlyn was able to relax. She half expected those men to not allow them to pass.
Angus cleared his throat. “Are you okay?”
Katlyn rubbed her brow. “No. I’m not. I have so many questions that I’d like answers to. Who were those men back there?”
“Don’t worry about them. Where we’re going is safe and whatever you’re hiding from back east, forget about it. You’ll be safe. I’ll make sure of it.”
Katlyn fell silent. All she wanted was to go somewhere safe. A place where she could forget about what happened and how she saw men and women murdered in the Wilted Petal. Had it not been for Brendan and Chase, she’d have been among them. How was it possible for the government to sanction such a thing? Surely they had their own interests, but to murder citizens that had done nothing to deserve it other than go to a club … it didn’t make sense. There was nothing new about deviants, swingers, or those seeking S&M in small, dimly-lit clubs. Society these days was always so open about it, even though churches preach against of the sins of the flesh. Had someone told her that shape shifters really existed outside of novels, Katlyn would have proclaimed them insane, or mad. She still couldn’t believe she had walked into a club where shifters came to seek out the company of humans.
The life of a teacher was great, professionally speaking. Katlyn loved children, but she had that wild streak in her that not even a one-night stand could quell. That’s what had brought her to the Wilted Petal that night. She craved to do something both wild and on a whim. Getting down and nasty with two hot men appealed to her. Katlyn knew that nobody would guess just how hot their children’s teacher’s blood boiled.
Brendan and Chase had held so much promise for her. She had been shocked momentarily when she found out who they really were, or what they were, but that was all before her body responded to them, the taste of their kisses, the feel of their caresses. Oh, God, Brendan’s finger thrusting deep inside her. It was one orgasm and then it was gone, over in the blink of an eye. These men, or shifters, she’d never see again, but she hoped that they were able to escape. She never had the chance to thank them for saving her and she couldn’t allow herself to think of them dead at the hands of the patrol. She didn’t know where they came from or where they’d gone, but she felt that somehow they had survived. How would the patrol be able to hunt them down like they had her?
Katlyn vowed to forget her past, both the good and the bad. She had to; there simply wasn’t any other choice.
Chapter Four
Days later and past exhausted, Katlyn longed to be anywhere other than this God-forsaken truck. Angus was very kind to both of them, and for that she’d be eternally grateful. Tessa even seem a little taken by the man. What wasn’t to like? He wore denim, cowboy boots and a hat. Katlyn wasn’t sure if every man out west dressed like this, but she certainly hoped so. She sure would love to meet a cowboy all her own, or hopefully two.
Katlyn smiled when they drove under a huge metal sign that read, Shadow Creek. “We’re finally here?”
“Sure are,” Angus said with a hint of a smile. “I’m sure going to miss you ladies. It’s been a real pleasure.”
“What?” Tessa asked. “We won’t be seeing you around?”
“Not likely. I keep pretty busy out in the back fields. Scaring off varmints is hard work.”
Katlyn’s brow shot up. “You mean like wolves?”
“Wolves? They know better than to go near the herd. I meant rustlers. The price of beef has really gone down, too much to want to lose even one head.”
Angus passed the big house that looked to be quite the spread, a ranch style house with a tower and a bell attached. Out back was a barn and outbuildings; the smell of manure wafted over to them as they drew closer. He pulled alongside a cabin that stood amongst a group of four, this being the largest of them. It was a real log cabin, like Katlyn had seen only in books.
Katlyn was overwhelmed with emotion when they piled out of the truck and the smell of manure no longer overwhelmed her. The sight of the mountains not far off was one of the most breathtaking sights she had ever seen before. Why, she even heard a stream raging past nearby.
“Is this Paige’s house?” Katlyn asked in awe.
“Nope. This is where you ladies will be staying for the duration of your stay.”
Katlyn and Tessa stared at each other, smiles overtaking their faces. “You can’t be serious,” Katlyn said.
“What did you expect?” Angus asked as he walked into the cabin.
“Not this,” Katlyn responded as she admired the interior that was all log beams and leather furniture. She waltzed into the kitchen, running her hands along the granite countertop. Built into the cabinets was a microwave, double oven and stove top. This place was too beautiful for her and Tessa. It was so surreal that she just had to pinch herself.
When Katlyn walked into the living room, she couldn’t stop the happy tears from escaping.
“What’s the matter, Kat?” Tessa asked.
“It’s a little overwhelming is what. I must have died and gone to heaven.”
“I’m happy that you like your housing,” a woman said as she entered. She was about Katlyn’s age with strawberry blonde hair under the cowboy hat she wore. She was dressed in all denim, her jeans tucked into knee-high boots. She took off her hat and held it tightly in her hand. “We’re so happy to finally have a teacher. I’m Paige.”
Katlyn extended her arm and shook Paige’s hand. “It’s so nice to meet you at last.”
“Didn’t you bring their luggage in, Angus?” Paige asked. “Wherever are you manners?”
Katlyn fidgeted. “Well, we don’t exactly have any. Is there any chance I could get an advance so we can buy suitable clothing?”
Paige nodded thoughtfully. “I see. Not to worry. I’ll have one of the men take you into town tomorrow. As for now, I might have something that might fit you both. I’ll have Angus bring you down for supper. That way, you’ll get the chance to meet everyone.”
“I really would hate for anyone to see me looking like this,” Katlyn said. “Once I have something else to wear, my clothes are going straight into the trash.”
“That bad, eh? That’s understandable.”
“Angus will bring you the clothing. I’d hate to make the new schoolteacher feel out of sorts. Appearances are important. Is this your friend you spoke about in you
r emails? Tessa, right?”
“Yes,” Tessa said as she shook Paige’s hand. “Thanks for allowing me to come, too.”
“I’ll see you ladies in a few hours, then.” With that, Paige left.
Katlyn sunk into a chair. “She seems so nice.”
“She is. In many ways, she’s the lady of ranch. The owners aren’t married.”
“So is everyone here family, then?”
Angus rubbed his neck. “You know I’m a bit uncomfortable talking about the owners or who live at the ranch. It might be a good idea to ask Paige those questions. I’m a go-an-fetch man, and I guess I’ll be fetching you for dinner in a few hours.” He turned and left and that made Katlyn all the more curious.
Tessa sat opposite Katlyn. “I really can’t believe this place. We’ll have to be on our best behavior so we can continue to live here. We might even get lucky and meet a cowboy or two. I must admit that Angus really made an impression on me.”
Katlyn nodded. “Go for it, girl, but Angus said he keeps busy looking after the cattle. The strange thing is that I couldn’t help but notice that we passed mostly sheep ranches. I didn’t think cattle ranches and sheep herds went together.”
“Me, either. We’ll have to ask about that after dinner. I sure hope we have steak for dinner. I mean, if they raise cattle, there’s nothing wrong with a little dreaming, is there?”
“I sure could go for old fashioned steak and potatoes,” Katlyn agreed. “I’m going to take a little nap. Let’s check out the upstairs.”
They made their way up the staircase that led to the second floor, or loft, where there were two rooms on either side of a short hallway. Katlyn admired the quilted bedspread and collapsed on the bed and was out like a light.
* * *
“Wake up, Katyln. It’s time for dinner,” Tessa said as she jumped on her bed.
Katlyn buried her head under her pillow. “Go away. I’m not hungry. Besides, I just can’t let anyone see me in my tattered clothing.”
“Angus brought us clothes while you were sleeping.”
Katlyn sat up and examined the clothes Tessa handed to her. She quickly changed, donning the jeans and button-up plaid shirt, which surprisingly fit. “It feels great to have fresh clothing on for a change. I must admit, I’m hungry.”
Tessa led the way downstairs just as there was a knock at the door. Angus strode through the door, ladened with grocery bags. He lugged them to the kitchen, unpacking and putting items away. Katlyn grabbed a package of cookies and ripped it open, shoving a chocolate cookie with a cream center in her mouth. Her eyes rolled back as her taste buds exploded in pleasure.
Tessa made her way into the room and began gorging on the cookies, too. “You two might want to save room for dinner, unless you don’t like steak.”
Katlyn and Tessa dropped the cookies and smiled. “And dinner is when?” Katlyn asked.
“I was sent to bring you to the main house, but decided to buy you some groceries to fill your pantry first. We can’t have the new teacher starving.”
Katlyn smiled. “Where is the schoolhouse? I had hoped to take a look at it before I began teaching. I’d like to assure myself that it has everything I need before the students arrive.”
“I’ll do that, after dinner. Miss Paige won’t like it if we’re late, which we are already.” Angus laughed.
Angus led Katlyn and Tessa to the house. It was a beautiful day, full of promise. Two cowboys were in the distance, saddling up on two stallions. The strange thing was how the horses behaved. They nervously backed up until a third cowboy appeared and cooed to them. The hairs rose on the back of Katlyn’s neck, but she quickly dismissed it as nerves. After all, this was a strange place, one that would take time to get used to.
When they made it to the front door, Katlyn admired the double doors with frosted, etched glass, displaying two rearing stallions. The doors swung open by Paige, who was elegantly dressed in a lace dress that came to mid-thigh, with knee high black boots on her feet. Her dark hair flowed down her back, shining like it had been dusted with glitter. She smiled. “It’s about time. The steaks were just pulled off the grill.”
The interior of the house was a custom log home with a huge fireplace in the large living room. What surprised Katlyn the most was that there were no trophies hanging over the mantle. When she asked Angus about this, he said, “The lords don’t hunt for trophies, only food.”
“The lords?”
“It’s a term meant as respect. In many ways, B—”
Paige stomped her foot, not in a pouty way, but more of commanding way. “Come now. I said dinner is ready.”
Katyly and Tessa sat at the table that was set for four, with two empty chairs. “Is Angus joining us?”
“No. He takes his meals with the other ranch hands. I assure you, all the men who work here are well paid and cared for.”
“I have no doubt, Paige, and I meant no disrespect. I was just wondering if anyone was joining us since there were two empty chairs.”
“Well, I had hoped they’d be back for dinner, but there’s a fence down on the north side of the ranch and they were determined to fix it themselves.”
“Oh, the lords that Angus mentioned. Do they have names?”
“You’ll find out when you meet them, which won’t be until tomorrow sometime.” Plates were set down, loaded with undercooked steak and baked potatoes and corn on the cob.
Katlyn’s eye must have betrayed her when Paige asked, “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, it’s just that I prefer my food not still alive when I eat it.”
“I see.” Paige motioned the woman back who had served them and told them to cook their steaks well done.
“My apologies.”
“No need to apologize, Katlyn. I should have asked how you preferred your steak cooked. I prefer mine merely seared on both sides.”
“Angus promised I’d be able to see the schoolhouse after dinner.”
“Oh, yes. He can take you there, but it will need supplies and tidying up. Just make a list of what you need and I’ll be sure that you have it. Education is important.”
“Who will I be teaching, exactly, age-wise?”
“We have only one schoolhouse and there will be five children of a variety of ages. Reading and writing is most important. Once they have learned that, you can design your own curriculum for each child, as they might differ.”
“I’m very excited to get back in the classroom and about meeting the children.”
The steaks were brought back and Katlyn and Tessa dug in, eating more quickly than they thought, until Paige said, “Slow down ladies. I promise I won’t steal your plates away. How long has it been since you’ve eaten a decent meal?”
Katlyn took a sip of wine, and swallowed her mouthful hard. “It’s been over two weeks. I could hardly call the food we’ve eaten on the road in greasy spoons food, but even that is much better than what we’d eaten before. Angus always made sure we ate, at least. He’s been very kind to us on the road. Is there anyway you’d allow him to help us with the schoolhouse?”
“Of course he can help you, but please know that his main job here is to protect the cattle.”
Tessa found her voice now. “We’ve passed sheep in pastures on the way here. So you only have cattle?”
“That’s a touchy subject. Cattle and sheep ranchers haven’t always seen eye to eye, but we make our peace here. I hope that we can all be friends and perhaps one day you can tell me what you’re running from.”
Katlyn shoved in a mouthful, carefully averting her eyes. The last thing Katlyn was willing to do was tell Paige what had happened back home. She vowed to keep that in the past.
Paige’s blue eyes were masked by her hooded eyelids. She wasn’t smiling. It was apparent she was surveying Katlyn like an animal would their prey. Whatever she was thinking had to be very deep, and Katlyn wished she could say something to lighten the mood. “I came to Wyoming to make a fresh start is all I can say.”
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She smiled then. “I didn’t mean to pry. It’s just that I know so little about you.”
“I went to school for teaching and taught the last few years. There’s not much else to say.”
“Do you also have a boyfriend back home?”
“I have no home, but I hope to make this one.”
“I’m sure you’ve run a background check on Katlyn by now,” Tessa said.
Paige folded her hands. “No, I haven’t. I like to get a feel for how someone is when I meet them. Listen, I don’t mean to offend you, Katlyn. I just hope that whatever drove you to search for a job out west that that’s all there is to it. You simply wanted to move out west for a teaching job, and that you’re not running from the law or anyone else that might show up one day, asking question at the ranch.”
“What about the ranch? Why is there a schoolhouse here instead of the children attending a local school? It’s not normal to see that kind of thing these days.”
Paige motioned a woman over who removed their plates, bringing back a bowl of strawberry shortcake with ice cream for each of them. Once she set them down and went back into the kitchen, Paige said, “Home-schooling children is quite common these days. The buses don’t run this far, and the children’s parents hardly have the time to run the children to school each day. Children that live on this ranch are very special and unique. I highly doubt that any public school would be able to take care of their needs. That’s one of the reasons the ad stated that the teacher we’re looking for needs to be discreet.
“Discreet?” Tessa asked. “In what way?”
“Simply that neither of you are to answer questions about who the children are or how many receive schooling at this ranch. It would be in the best interest of both of you that whatever happens on the ranch, stays on the ranch.”
“Just like Vegas,” Tessa said with a laugh.
“Exactly. Dig in, ladies, before your ice cream melts.”
Katlyn and Tessa finished their dessert and excused themselves since they had planned to meet up with Angus so he could take them to check out the schoolhouse as he planned. She was glad they had left, too. Katlyn felt uncomfortable with Paige’s questions about her past. She was curious about the children now. What had Paige really meant about who the children were? All sorts of images forced their way into Katlyn’s head. They must be shifters. It went without saying that Katlyn would teach the children to the best of her abilities, and protect them when they were with her.
Katlyn (M/F/M red-hot menage shifter romance) Standalone (Shadow Creek Shifters Book 1) Page 3
