Page 29 of Beckett's Fate
Beck felt his wolf stir, a low growl rumbling in the back of his mind. He glanced at Irene. Her face was a careful mask, but the stiffness in her shoulders spoke volumes. She smelled them, too. Knew exactly who they were—and so did Beck.
Beck slid out of the booth and rose to his full height, his imposing frame drawing the hunters’ attention almost immediately. He strode toward them, his steps measured and deliberate. The two men exchanged a glance, their conversation halting as they turned to face him.
“I’m Sheriff Grey. Can I help you gentlemen?”
The taller of the two, a man with a scruffy beard and hard eyes, gave him a once-over. His lips curved into a thin, humorless smile. “Just grabbing something to eat,” he said, his tone casual but guarded.
Beck crossed his arms, his sharp gaze flicking between them. “You boys aren’t from around here. I don’t think I’ve seen you here in town,” he observed. “Where you boys coming from?”
The second man, stockier and younger, shifted uncomfortably under Beck’s scrutiny. “Just passing through,” he muttered.
Beck’s wolf bristled, sensing the lie. He stepped closer, his presence filling the small space between them. “Passing through, huh? That’s interesting. Not many folks ‘passing through’ this area make it this far into the valley. Silver Falls tends to be a destination spot because it ain’t on the way to anywhere.”
The taller man’s smile faltered, his hand twitching toward the strap of the bag slung over his shoulder. Beck’s sharp eyes didn’t miss the motion.
“Careful,” Beck said, his voice dropping into a warning growl. “I react badly to surprises, as do my friends and my deputy, who’s right across the street.”
The man hesitated, his jaw tightening. “You always harass customers like this?”
Beck’s lips curved into a faint smile, but there was no humor in it. “You’re not my customers. And when someone comes in stinking of trouble, I try to let them know I can visit a whole lot more trouble on them than they can on me and mine.”
The stocky man glanced nervously at his companion. “We’re just here for some food,” he said quickly. “Ain’t looking for any trouble.”
Beck’s gaze didn’t waver. “Good. Because you won’t find much patience for your bullshit here. Best take what you came for and leave.”
The taller man held Beck’s gaze for a beat too long before finally looking away. “We’ll grab something to go,” he said, his tone clipped.
Beck didn’t move as they walked to the refrigerated case near the counter, their movements tense and deliberate. He could feel Irene’s eyes on him, her presence steady and grounding even as his wolf growled with the urge to do more than just talk.
The hunters grabbed a few pre-packaged sandwiches and drinks, shoving them into their bag with hurried motions. As they turned to leave, Beck stepped into their path, his arms still crossed.
“Not so fast,” he said, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. “You forgot to pay. I wouldn’t want to have to arrest you for shoplifting.”
The stocky man fumbled for his wallet, his hands trembling slightly as he pulled out a few bills and tossed them onto the counter. The taller man’s jaw clenched, but he followed suit, his glare promising retribution he wasn’t bold enough to voice.
“Thanks,” Beck said, his tone sharp and dismissive. “Now, if you’re smart, you’ll keep moving. Don’t let me catch you wandering around where you don’t belong. We take trespassing seriously around here.”
The taller man opened his mouth, but his companion grabbed his arm, muttering something under his breath. With a final glance at Beck—and a quick, nervous one at Irene—they pushed through the door and disappeared into the night.
Beck stood still, listening to their retreating footsteps fade into the distance before removing his cell phone from his pocket. “Trap, two guys just left the Rusty Fork. Keep your eye on them until my people get to you; then head back to the office.” Turning back to the booth, he saw Irene watching him, her expression unreadable.
“They’re not just passing through,” she said quietly.
“No,” Beck agreed, sliding back into the booth across from her. “They’re looking for something.”
“And you think it’s me?”
Beck nodded. “I think it might be. But it could also be the treasure—or both. Either way, they’re not done. And neither am I.”
Irene’s breath seemed to catch, the charged silence between them stretching as she struggled to hold his gaze. Beck leaned forward, his voice low and firm.
“Whatever you’re hiding, Irene, it’s drawing them here. We’ve had hunters here before and they always move on. These guys look like they’re settling in. I’m not about to let them put you—or this town—in danger.”
Her whole body stiffened, but she didn’t look away. “I didn’t ask for them to target me, nor did I ask for your help, Beck.”
“Tough,” he said, his voice a quiet growl. “You’re getting my help whether you like it or not.”
The storm brewing in his eyes sent a shiver racing down her spine. Irene’s hands tightened into fists on the top of the table, the vein in her neck pounding as she fought to find her voice.