Page 56 of Fierce Protector
“Mm.”
“We’re going to need a bigger bed in the she-shed.”
Chapter Twelve
“You got it!” In Ledger’s excitement over the perfect shot Demi made in the wolf’s side, his whisper came out a bit too loud.
The animal slowed to a walk and then paced back and forth three times before falling over in the grass.
Over the radio they carried with them, a crackle sounded before the ranger’s voice projected through the speaker. “Well done, Demi!”
In the moonlight her features were carved of blue ice and highlighted her smile. He studied her face harder, noting the fatigue that was starting to creep over her.
Some of her exhaustion was probably due to the three orgasms he’d given her earlier. He couldn’t regret it though.
When she opened her mouth on a huge yawn, he grabbed the radio and pressed the button. “We’re done here.”
She snatched the radio out of his hand and pressed the button. “No, we’re not.”
He leveled her in a look. “You’re tired.”
“There are more wolves in the pack.”
“They won’t be coming back tonight. Not when we just put three of their ranks on the ground and carried them off to the pen in the back of Opal’s truck.”
“Um…Demi?” Opal came over radio. “You were holding in the button. And Ledger is right. You did fantastic for one night. You two make a good team.”
He offered her an arched brow, and she rolled her eyes. Before she twisted her head away, he caught her private smile.
Finished here, he jumped to his feet and reached down to give her a hand up. “I’m impressed, Doc. You’re a good shot.”
“I’m impressed that you didn’t try to take over. I know that must have been difficult for a SEAL who is probably a perfect shot.”
He took her hand, searching her eyes. “I’d say patience is another of my strong points. I’ll make one hell of a Lamaze coach.”
She sucked in a shaky breath. Tears flooded her eyes, sparkling in the moonlight.
“Demi—”
She pushed away from him. “It’s the hormones. I’m not crying because I’m touched that you even know that word, let alone thought about attending a class with me.”
With a low chuckle, he gathered her into his arms. That lasted all of two seconds. When she caught a whiff of the smell of the wolves he’d carried to the truck clinging to his clothes, she shoved him away.
He spread his arms to his sides. “Does this mean I don’t get to share the futon with you?”
She tossed a look over her shoulder. “If you don’t shower and leave those clothes outside, I won’t even let you in the she-shed with me!”
Coming up at a jog, Opal joined them. From the amused expression on her face, he guessed that she’d overheard their last exchange. He didn’t care who knew what was going on between them. Hell, he’d shout it to the world the minute Demi gave the green light.
He strode to the wolf and leaned over to check that it was unconscious.
Demi bent over it too. After she gave him a nod of clearance, he took the heavy beast by two legs and hefted it over his shoulders.
The ladies followed him to the truck, and he loaded the wolf into the open pen.
Opal locked the gate and turned to them. “I’ll take this one to the station and drop it off for the guys to process it just like the other two wolves. I’ve got to get home to my daughter.”
Ledger nodded to her. “Stop by the ranch and let us know what’s going on.”