Page 52 of Sawyer

As the conversation continued, more people came up to talk to Sawyer. Gradually, the crowd thinned out, and eventually, everyone started heading home after the meeting.

It was just the two of us now, walking through the parking lot, the cool night air settling around us.

As we headed toward his truck, Sawyer glanced over at me, a teasing glint in his eyes. "You know you owe me for this, right?"

I raised a brow. "Isn’t keeping quiet about the frogs enough?"

"Not even close."

I stopped walking, crossing my arms and pretending to be annoyed, though I couldn’t hide the smile tugging at my lips. "Fine. What do you want?"

Sawyer stepped closer, sliding his arms around my waist. "I’m not sure yet," he said. "But I kinda like the idea of you owing me something."

I rolled my eyes, but the warmth spreading through my chest betrayed me. "You’re ridiculous."

Sawyer grinned, leaning in until our foreheads nearly touched, his breath warm against my skin.

"Yeah, but you like it." His eyes glinted with that familiar teasing energy, and without warning, he closed the distance, brushing his lips against mine.

It was slow and gentle, but there was just enough playfulness to remind me who was in charge of this little game.

I let out a soft laugh as he pulled back. "Alright, alright—you win. I owe you."

"That’s what I thought," he said with a grin as we walked the rest of the way to his truck, hand in hand.

Chapter 14

Sawyer

Cooper’s office smelled like cedar wood and old leather, a scent I’d come to associate with my lead alpha.

I sat across from him, watching as he tapped away at his laptop, then leaned back in his chair and slid a stack of papers across the desk.

“What do you think of the new patrolling schedule?” Cooper asked.

I picked up the computer printout and immediately grimaced. Garth. Again.

My name was right next to his for the upcoming patrols.

“Seriously?” I sighed, holding the sheet up so Cooper could see. “You’ve paired me with Garth for another week?”

Cooper gave me an apologetic look, rubbing the back of his neck.

“You’re the only one who can handle him,” Cooper pointed out.

I set the paper down with a soft thud.

“Handle him? I’m doing more than handling him—I’m babysitting him. Garth’s been getting worse, Cooper. He’s a liability,” I pointed out.

Cooper’s gaze softened. “I’ve had a talk with him. He seemed repentant,” Cooper said.

I let out a dry laugh, shaking my head.

“Repentant? That guy is a professional actor. He’ll say whatever he needs to stay in the pack, but you and I both know he hasn’t changed. He’s still trying to stir up trouble,” I pointed out.

Cooper sighed and leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing slightly.

“I get it, Sawyer. I do. But you’ve got to trust me. Garth promised to shape up, and I believe in giving people second chances,” Cooper said.