Sawyer's Mate (Shifter Nation: Werebears Of Big Bend)

by Meg Ripley

  I could picture him wearing boots and a cowboy hat. Even in his Ranger uniform, he was hot. Pulling off looking that good while wearing dark green pants and a gray button-down shirt was not easy, but Sawyer’s muscular arms and chest formed bulges against the crisp, pressed lines. On his head sat a sun-bleached brimmed hat that didn’t seem to go with the uniform, since it was leather. But it sat just right on his head so that his eyes were in the shade and little tufts of dark hair stuck out from under it.

  “I suppose this is the point where I turn it over to you,” Sawyer said. “You’re the paleontologists.”

  “Almost,” I pointed out as I smiled at him, and he returned the gesture. I wanted to say something else to keep him talking. Every word he said with that slow Texan drawl sent chills through me.

  “What is it you’re hoping to find here, anyway?” he asked.

  “I want a dinosaur,” Julian jumped in. “That’s how you make the big news and get known. I’d like to stand on my own fame and not ride on my family’s forever.”

  “I’ll just be happy to find anything of interest,” I said. “I don’t need fame; I don’t think I even want it. But I do need something to research for my thesis.”

  Julian scoffed. “Thesis. Mine’s practically finished already.”

  I wanted to cry. Practically finished? I’d hardly even started. I’d selected a topic, discussed it and gotten approval from my advisor, and created the rough outline. But it wasn’t final. I wasn’t even finished with my outline, and his whole thesis was almost complete? How?

  “My family can afford the best tutors around, so I’ve had fabulous instructors my whole life. I guess you could say I was preparing for Harvard, even as a toddler.”

  I nodded slowly and glanced to Sawyer. The second I did, my mouth broke into an instant grin that I had to quickly pull back. I didn’t want Julian to think I was laughing at him, even if what he said was ludicrous. He kept bragging about his family’s money and status. Was it meant to impress me? All it did was prove that he had no real integrity, no sense of boundaries, and had hardly any personality at all.

  “I guess we should walk around,” Sawyer suggested. “Why don’t y’all see if there’s anything you need me to excavate with the back hoe.”

  “That sounds good. I want to get a feel for the space,” I said.

  We walked around under the large canopy first—mostly because Julian didn’t want to leave the shade. But when Sawyer and I stepped into the hot sun and meandered off together, he suddenly showed up. As I continued onward, though, I couldn’t get over how hot Sawyer was. Following him from behind gave me an even better view. If nothing else, I’ll have something nice to look at. But there was something about him that made me nervous. I wasn’t merely attracted to him; I felt pulled to him by some force overriding my will.

  A force that wanted us to be together.

  That was crazy, of course. Fate wasn’t real. And if it were, it wouldn’t have messed with me like that, would it? Bring the perfect man into my life at exactly the wrong time? Fate was supposed to be all kismet and serendipity, where everything fell into place perfectly. No, it’s only hormones, I had to remind myself. I’d been single for a long time. That was all. My body wanted its needs met. It was that simple. I’d have to either get over it or have some kind of one-night stand. And I didn’t do the one-night stand thing.

  “This whole section here is rock,” Sawyer informed us. He pointed out the hard ground in the area and I could see it would be difficult to do much there.

  “How far down do you think the rock bed goes?” I asked him.

  “At least two to three feet,” Julian piped up. “You see the cliff face there?” He pointed. “Look at its layers.”

  The top of the rocky cliff was a grayer, lighter color. The second layer, which looked to be about two to three feet down, was brown and darker. From the research I’d done on the area, I knew that all the ground in Big Bend was very rocky. Even the soil was more like gravel in most places. Hopefully, that meant we wouldn’t run into hard clay.

  I hated to boost Julian at all by telling him he was right, but he was. “I see what you mean.”

  “We need to excavate all around here.” Julian again pointed out the area. “We can start there, move in this direction, and keep going this way if we need to.”

  So glad he had it all figured out. I gritted my teeth.

  “Is that what you’d like to do as well?” Sawyer asked me.

  Was it worth arguing? The area Julian had indicated would be fine. “Sure. As long as there’s dirt, I’m happy.”

  “My kind of girl,” Sawyer said.

  I felt my pulse race after my heart skipped a few beats. I could swoon right there and fall into his arms. Would it be too obvious if I pretended to faint from heat stroke? No! What am I saying? No, Madelyn. You cannot get into a relationship right now!

  “Are you a paleontologist like us?” Julian asked.

  I narrowed my eyes at him. Obviously, he wasn’t. And Julian was well aware of that.

  “I’m sure he just meant about the dirt part,” I said. “There’s nothing but dust and dirt and rocks here.”

  Was I going to have to keep doing that? Jumping in so that Julian didn’t make us out to be fools? I hoped Sawyer could see that I was nothing like Julian. He must have been able to, the way he kept looking at me. And those dark eyes of his when he flirted… They glittered with what looked like as much attraction as I had for him.

  “I was only pointing out,” Julian said, “that seeing how we’re both studying to be paleontologists and both attend Harvard, you’re more of my type of girl. Or woman, really. You’re certainly no girl.”

  I looked down and didn’t know what to say, but immediately felt tension flood the air.

  “I suggest you give Ms. Sutton the respect she deserves,” Sawyer said, his jaw set. “Now, let’s keep going, shall we?”

  We kept walking, and, mercifully, Julian was too hot to talk much. When we’d gone around the whole area, deciding where we would dig and where we would excavate, we headed back to the trailer. As we neared it, I slowed my steps. I let Julian go ahead of me into the trailer and Sawyer walked in the opposite direction. I turned and followed Sawyer, now that Julian was closed inside the trailer.

  “So, what’s your job here at the park?” I asked, catching up with Sawyer in a few big steps.

  “I’m a Ranger, of course.”

  I chuckled. “No, I know that. But I’m not sure what a Ranger does, really.”

  “Oh, well, everything from guiding tours to rescuing people and wildlife. Some of us are in law enforcement, while others specialize in search and rescue. We’re sort of a fire department, police department, and EMT crew all in one. And, I guess we’re also historians, nature buffs—and apparently, heavy equipment users.” He laughed. “I have to admit, I didn’t think I’d ever drive a back hoe in the park.”

  “Have you driven one before?”

  “Oh sure. My family has a ranch, so we had to do all sorts of upkeep on it. Good thing, because I don’t think many Rangers know how to use one. But I’ll be able to move things around however you need. I figure I’ll get started on that so I’m not in your way later.”

  “Oh, okay. That would be good. Thanks.”

  He dipped his head and lifted his hat to me. I turned and didn’t hold back my beaming grin as I made my way to the trailer. I sat inside, where it was nice to escape the heat for a time, and Julian and I marked up a map with our plan.

  “Let’s get started, then.” I clapped my hands together and stood up from the small table.

  “So soon? I haven’t cooled off enough yet. We can sit in here for a while longer, just the two of us.” The mischievous glint in his eye made me remain on my feet.

  “Stay as long as you need to. I’m going to go over the map with Sawyer.”

  I left the trailer and watched Sawyer dig for a few minutes. When he’d completed the area he’d been excavating, he drove th
e back hoe toward me, looking as comfortable in it as he did in everything. He was the type of man that could work any piece of machinery within minutes of first laying eyes on it. Just like my dad. I’d always admired that about Dad, and I admired it no less in Sawyer. It made me associate the two of them together, which only increased the warmth in my heart.

  He held up a hand to wave when he saw me, then parked and shut off the engine. In one sleek move, he jumped down from the seat, landing with a puff of dust from the dirt below. Lifting his hat, he swept his arm across his forehead. Just one of his shoulders touched the back hoe as he leaned against it, and one leg crossed loosely in front of the other. He was 100% man, and I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

  “Thanks for all your hard work. That was fast.”

  “No problem. I’m here to be of service. Whatever you need.”

  I thought of plenty I needed him to do for me. Actually, maybe that’s exactly what he wanted me to say.

  “I thought we could go over the map.” I held up the folded paper.

  “Sure thing.”

  I spread the map out on a table under the canopy and pointed out the different sections and where we would start. We’d already discussed it, but we had to submit an official map of our plans to the park.

  “This looks great,” Sawyer said as he folded the map again. “I’ll get this in right away for you.”

  “Thank you, I appreciate that. Are there a lot of Rangers in your station?”

  “Not many. I manage about six, but the specialized teams all have their own stations.”

  “You’re a manager, then?”

  “I am,” he said. “Which generally means I’m the one who gets the most interesting jobs. Like this one. I’m not distraught over not being able to find someone else. It’s a nice change of pace for me.”

  “I’m glad you couldn’t find anyone. That means I get to know you instead.”

  “And I’m mighty glad for that as well.”

  Julian walked out of the trailer then. I groaned quietly and heard Sawyer snicker.

  “Are we all set with the map?” Julian put his hands together and looked at us as if he were the one in charge.

  “Yup,” I said.

  Sawyer held up the map.

  “Good,” Julian continued, “I think we should get started, then.”

  “Now?” The day had grown into afternoon and my stomach rumbled. Lunch called to me almost as strongly as my attraction to Sawyer did. “How about after we get a bite to eat?”

  “I’m fine,” Julian said. “But you go eat. I’ll go ahead and get the equipment all set up so it’s ready for you when you’re done.”

  “Thanks.” I didn’t like the idea of that, but the following day, I would make sure I had the tools I wanted laid out so I could find everything easily. I didn’t want to follow everything Julian said and take orders from him. If anyone was in charge, it was Sawyer.

  I went inside the trailer and watched out the window as Julian rummaged through the shed. I didn’t see Sawyer, though; I wasn’t sure where he might have gone. After eating my sandwich and carrots, I quickly got back out there.

  Julian hadn’t gotten too far ahead of me. I looked at the tools he had laid out and went to the shed to look for myself. There were at least two of everything we’d need, so I had nothing to worry about. Collecting my tools, I carried them in an awkward armful to one of the tables.

  “That’s far too much for a lady like you to handle.” Julian rushed over to me and held out his arms. “Let me help you with that.”

  “I’m okay, thanks.”

  The tools fell to the table in a clatter, but I didn’t care. Methodically, I organized them so they sat near other implements that would perform similar tasks. I’d learned that starting with a proper setup made the work much easier when things got started. I’d bring my canvas mat organizer the following day and would then have a way to transport the tools more easily and keep them close as I worked.

  Julian stood beside me as he leaned against the table—not looking half as good as Sawyer’s lean had. “You know, you don’t have to try to show off with me. Aside from being a beautiful woman, I think you’re a brilliant paleontologist. You don’t have to put on the tough act.”

  “There’s no tough act. I just didn’t need your help.”

  “Would you have taken Sawyer’s help?” he challenged.

  “I’m more than capable of retrieving and laying out my own tools.”

  “You’re right. I think I’ve just been looking for any excuse to be near you or to help you.”

  “Julian, please. I’m really not a fan of the flirting. I’m focusing on school right now and can’t have any sort of distraction.”

  “Except Sawyer?”

  “No distractions. He’s here to work, and that’s all. He’s not distracting me.”

  Julian looked up then. “Speak of the devil.”

  “Devil?” Luckily, Sawyer hadn’t heard him say that.

  “And you’re the angel.” Julian touched my chin lightly with two fingers.

  I stepped back, seething. Had I not just told him to give it up already?

  “How’s everything going?” Sawyer asked.

  “We’re ready to get started,” Julian boasted. “It’ll be just the two of us, a few tons of dirt, and whatever fun we can dig up. I know I’m looking forward to working with Madelyn so intimately.” He winked at me.

  I narrowed my eyes.

  “You know, Julian,” Sawyer said, “I get the impression that Madelyn doesn’t much appreciate being hit on repeatedly.”

  “Maybe not by the likes of you.” Julian looked him up and down. “But by someone with my family history? She’d be a fool not to.”

  “Your family?” Sawyer jumped in before I could respond. “The rich family you keep talking about?”

  Julian gave a proud smile and nodded.

  “Seems to me you’re just a spoiled trust fund brat. I reckon if they could see your behavior right now, they’d be mortified.”

  I barely held back my laugh. Julian glared at him, and for a moment, I thought he was going to punch him. But that would be like suicide for Julian, who looked like he didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell against Sawyer. No, maybe that’s not true. Sawyer probably wouldn’t fight him in the first place. But if they did throw fists, there was no doubt who’d be walking away unscathed.

  “I just think you ought to do your fancy family right and be more of a gentleman,” Sawyer finished.

  “Well, I’ll kindly ask you to do the same. The lady has said she wants no distractions. From anyone. Will you respect that?”

  Sawyer raised his eyebrows. “I’m not trying to be any kind of distraction, so I don’t know what you’re getting at.”

  Julian stepped closer to Sawyer. All Sawyer had to do was straighten up to be taller than him.

  “You think I don’t know what you’re up to?” Julian accused. “I see the way you look at her. You’re doing the same thing I’m doing. Only I’m not afraid to admit it.”

  “I have nothing to admit.” Sawyer put his hands in his pockets and shifted his weight.

  Apparently, Julian had nothing to say back to that. He stormed off toward the dig.

  I gave Sawyer a conspiratorial smile. “Thank you for that.”

  “Any time.” He dipped his head to me. “I just think a lady ought to be treated as such. This is a long project, and I wanted to set proper boundaries now. I won’t have him harassing you for months. I’ll call over there to Harvard myself and tell them to come get him.”

  I chuckled. “That would a dream come true.”

  He laughed. “Well, I don’t want to hold you up. If you need to get over there…”

  “I guess I should.” I sighed.

  “I figured walkies would be the best way to get in touch. Won’t find much cell service out in these parts.” He held out a black walkie talkie to me.

  “That’s for sure. I had to get to my hotel and use the
Wi-Fi before I could send any texts or make any calls.”

  “We’re kind of stuck in the old days around here without cell phones. I don’t even have one.”

  “You don’t?”

  He shook his head. “What would be the point? Most people I’m in contact with either don’t have one or don’t live in an area with coverage.”

  “Weird.”

  He laughed. “I’m just a cowboy at heart.”

  “You’ll have to tell me more about that family ranch of yours one day.”

  “I look forward to it.”

  4

  Sawyer

  I watched Madelyn walk away and could not take my eyes off her. But when she left me, I felt like something was missing. What in the world was going on with me? I couldn’t wait to shift later that night and discuss it with my clan. What I hadn’t been able to tell Madelyn when we’d talked about cell phones was that I could communicate with my clan of fellow bear shifters through the mental link we shared when in bear form. All I had to do was think and they heard me; no cell signal required. And since all my family and friends were in my clan, I didn’t have the need to communicate with anyone else.

  I needed to figure out what was going on with Madelyn, and right quick. I thought she’d only told Julian she didn’t want any distractions to keep him away. I would have to ask, though; I just had to know for certain. But I wouldn’t stoop to the level of what Julian had done. If she truly meant she didn’t want a relationship, then okay; I’d be sad, but so be it.

  When the day had finally ended for them, we all drove back to the Ranger station. There, we had a journal on the computers where they’d have to write up a report after each day’s work, saying where they dug, what they found, if anything, and the soil condition.

  I took them inside and set up their new logins for the system. As they sat side-by-side at the computer, Madelyn kept sneaking glances at me. I knew because I kept sneaking glances at her. Several times, we both broke out into smiles and looked away quickly. And this was only day one? How would I survive months of this?

  “All set,” Madelyn announced and stood from her seat. She returned the chair to the computer beside it.