"Thanks for the heads-up." Sparrow hung up the phone and tapped his finger on the receiver. He picked the phone up and called T-Rex.

"Why do I have a bad feeling about this call?" T-Rex asked.

"I just got word that the Blue Angels were spotted just outside Junction City."

"That's only a few hours from here."

"I know."

"You think they're heading our way?" T-Rex asked. Sparrow could hear the tightness in the sheriff's voice. "Did your call say how many were coming?"

"At least a dozen." Sparrow rubbed his jaw. "I'm not sure if they're heading our way, but it's been a week since Nelson was killed. Word must have reached the biker club by now."

"I'm sending Shott to scout things. I don't want them rolling in here and catching us off guard."

"Good plan," Sparrow said. "I'm going to request extra officers from the next county over."

This wasn't going to be pleasant if the Blue Angels showed up. Sparrow had never run into any of them, except Nelson and his brother. And if those two were anything to go by, this could become a bloody mess. He needed to send Josh and Kane away until this matter was over. Maybe they could stay with Clayton's parents, who had been complaining about not seeing their grandson enough.

"I would suggest you send Legend, Gabe, and Sofia to visit Gabe's father. Get them out of town. The same with Colton and his family."

"Already on it," T-Rex said. "Legend left yesterday with his mate and child. Colton left two days ago. The Triple-B is going on vacation as well. I cleared them out and made sure they made it safely to the airport."

Sparrow still had innocent people in town. He was going to have to be vigilant. As he talked with T-Rex, Sparrow texted Clayton. He typed just two words.

Take flight.

He'd already discussed with his mates the possibility of having to take off because of the potential backlash of Nelson's death.

Clayton texted back.

Loading car now.

Sparrow breathed a sigh of relief. It would kill him to be away from his mates, but he wasn't taking any chances with their lives. "Keep me informed on what Shott relays."

"Will do." T-Rex hung up.

Sparrow walked out of his office and called a meeting with his deputies.

Rowdy moved toward Sam when he saw the owners of the ranch gathered on the back porch. They were all acting like someone had died. Their features were collectively pinched and serious, some deadly serious. Rowdy caught snatches of the conversation as he walked toward the men. His hearing was superior to humans' and he could hear even the lowest of whispers.

"I want Sam to scout. Shott, you check weapons and make sure they're locked and loaded. Stripper, lay the ground work around town. I want eyes and ears everywhere." T-Rex turned to Rowdy as he approached. "Since I know you heard me, give your guys a week's paid vacation."

"What's going on?" Rowdy asked.

"Possible trouble," T-Rex answered.

Rowdy instantly thought of Cameron. "What kind of trouble?"

"Just a dozen or so bikers bent on making Sparrow pay for killing one of their own," Stripper answered as if this were an everyday occurrence. "No sweat."

Rowdy wasn't sure if Stripper was serious or being sarcastic. Either way he wanted to go to Cameron and...what? Did Cameron have some place to go? Would those bikers come into the drugstore and cause Cameron another breakdown? Rowdy had to think of a way to get Cameron onto the ranch but he wasn't sure how. Cameron didn't exactly have warm feelings toward him.

Though Rowdy couldn't stop thinking about what he walked in on a few days ago. He'd jacked off at least a half dozen times since that morning to the image of Cameron pleasuring himself. It had taken every cell in his body not to help Cameron, not to drop to his knees and suck the human's cock into his mouth.

Rowdy shivered as he pulled himself from that image. He wasn't right for Cameron, had too much baggage, yet Rowdy found it difficult to stay away. Rowdy had managed to keep his distance but since that night at the drugstore, he had been worried about his mate. Cameron had looked exhausted when Rowdy ran into him the other morning. There was also something different about Cameron. Rowdy swore he'd seen loneliness in the man's eyes.

More than anything, Rowdy wanted to be the man Cameron needed. He just didn't know how to let his anger go and love again. His thoughts turned to Edward. The man hadn't been Rowdy's mate, but Rowdy had loved him regardless. It wasn't long after they'd started dating that Rowdy had discovered Edward's secret. Back then, Rowdy wasn't what one would consider an honorable man. He was ashamed of who he'd been ten years ago.

Frightened at Edward's gift, Rowdy had abandoned the man to those who were hunting Edward. He'd never met anyone who could read minds, who could delve into his very soul. It had terrified him.

But by the time he'd come to his senses, the damage had already been done. A dozen men had hunted Edward down, shoving their vile and wicked thoughts into Edward until the man's mind fractured. Edward had never learned how to buffer the thoughts assailing him. The man had been as open and raw as a wound and had suffered until he had taken his own life in order to escape.

Rowdy turned from the men standing on the back porch and walked away. He would never forgive himself for his betrayal. He would always lash himself over the back for leaving Edward to those men. There was no way he could ask for forgiveness and he wouldn't dare if he could. What he'd done was reprehensible and Rowdy would never let himself forget.

That was why he could never love Cameron. Rowdy didn't deserve to be happy. He didn't deserve to have someone love him. He was a worthless piece of shit no matter how much he tried to atone for what he'd done. Cameron deserved someone who hadn't acted like a coward.

"Hey, Rowdy." Stripper caught up to him as Rowdy headed toward the bunkhouse. "You all right?"

Rowdy had to clear his throat before he answered. There was a thick lump resting there, squeezing the very air from his lungs. "I'm fine."

The man didn't look convinced at Rowdy's answer but left it alone. "Can you make your men leave?" Stripper asked.

"You can't make the hands leave. You have two hundred head of cattle that need to be tended to daily. There are other chores as well that can't be left for a week. It's impossible."

"We can handle it," Stripper said.

"No"-Rowdy shook his head-"you can't. Are you going to tend to the ranch and watch out for the bikers at the same time? Besides, there are only four of you. It'll take more than that to run this place."

Stripper stopped walking and gazed over the property as if assessing things in his mind. Tommy and the others were hard at work, oblivious to the coming threat. Rowdy would have to warn them. His crew was a hard-working bunch and he had no doubt they could handle themselves. They weren't going to tuck tail and run. Out of the dozen ranch hands employed on the Big Bear Ranch, nine were bear shifters. Rowdy was more than confident they could take on some bikers while protecting the three ranch hands who were human.

Mason, one of the ranch hands, was the biggest man Rowdy had ever seen. He had no doubt that Mason would maul those bikers to death if they dared stepped foot on this property. "They can handle themselves," Rowdy said to Stripper. "You guys focus on what you need to do and leave the ranch hands to me."

Stripper chuckled as he slapped Rowdy on his shoulder. "You're turning out to be a keeper."

"Just keep your clothes on around me and we'll get along just fine." Rowdy knew that Stripper walked around the house naked any chance he could get. With mates and children in the house, Stripper was confined to being naked in the communications room-a room Rowdy always avoided. Stripper was a free spirit and Rowdy didn't think badly of the man, but Rowdy sure as hell was thankful he lived in the bunkhouse.

"I need to run into town so I'm leaving Tommy in charge while I'm gone." Rowdy needed to figure some way to convince Cameron to come to the ranch. He wasn't sure how he was going to accomplish that, but he'd work out the details on his way into town.

"Whatever you need to do," Stripper said. "Just watch your back."

Rowdy left Stripper to go talk to Tommy. He told the man of the coming threat and asked him to pass on the news to the others. "I'll be back soon. But if you need me, just call my cell."

Tommy gave a low whistle. "Sounds like things are about to get funky around here. I'll have the ranch hands carry a shotgun with them at all times."

That wasn't a bad idea. Bear shifters tried their hardest not to shift in front of people-especially if they weren't going to kill. The fewer who knew about them, the better. A mass slaughtering wouldn't take place unless the bikers forced their hand. Rowdy was hoping the situation would be resolved before it came to that.

Pulling his keys from his pocket, Rowdy headed toward his truck. He was a bit surprised to see Taylor standing there. Why hadn't Sam gotten Taylor out of town? The human had a look on his face that said he knew where Rowdy was heading.

"I'm coming with you."

Rowdy shook his head. "No, you're staying here where it's safe." The last thing he needed was to get Sam's mate hurt.

"Cameron won't listen to you," Taylor said as he crossed his arms over his chest. He was wearing a thick coat that ended at his waist and gloves on his hands. The man's piercing blue eyes said he wasn't taking no for an answer.

Rowdy smiled whenever he saw Taylor. The guy was goth through and through, reminding him of the guy who worked in the drugstore. Since moving to the ranch, Taylor seemed to blossom. He wore his makeup and his hair up in spikes. He didn't hide who he was and Rowdy respected the guy for that.

Taylor laid a gloved hand on Rowdy's arm. "Let me talk to him, convince him to come here."

"How do you even know I'm going that way?" Rowdy asked.

The man smiled. "When you called about filling out his chart, I could hear how nervous and scared you were."

"I wasn't scared," Rowdy defended. "Just concerned."

"Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night. But I'm coming." Taylor moved to the passenger side of the truck and got in. Rowdy cursed. This was not what he needed right now. But if Taylor could convince Cameron to come here, then he'd let the guy tag along.

"I didn't say you could come," Rowdy said as he climbed into his truck and started it.

"But you didn't say no either," Taylor pointed out. "You'll need me to calm the waters. Cameron can be a bit intense when he doesn't want to do something."

No shit. Rowdy had experienced that first-hand. He pulled the truck from the drive and hoped Taylor could talk Cameron into leaving his apartment. If not, then Rowdy was going to have to camp out on the man's doorstep.

Chapter Six.

Cameron pulled two cans of Sprite from the fridge and handed one to Simon. "So, what do you think?" He wasn't sure why he was nervous. It wasn't like Cameron was on a job interview or anything. He was the one interviewing for a new roommate. Nonetheless, his nerves were stretched tight as he waited for Simon to reply.

Cameron's coworker and, hopefully, soon-to-be roommate pulled the tab back on the can and took a long sip. He could see the guy's eyes darting around nervously. Cameron wasn't sure what that was about, but he wasn't getting a good feeling. His place was kinda small but had fit his and Taylor's budget at the time.

"We could always talk to the manager about getting a larger apartment," Cameron found himself saying. Why was he trying to curry favor from Simon? He didn't want a bigger apartment. The ones on the top floor were more expensive and Cameron would be right back where he started. Broke. Only he would have a roommate this time.

"Maybe you should take another look around." Cameron guzzled half the contents of his can as he waited for the guy to say something.

Simon nodded as he set his can on the worn counter. Cameron had made sure to scrub the apartment down before Simon had shown up. The kitchen gleamed even if it wasn't brand new. The heavy scent of Pine-Sol was in the air. Camera might've used too much because his nose itched a little.

Simon wandered from the kitchen and down the hallway. Cameron let go of a deep breath and slumped against the counter. A low, humorless laugh escaped as he wiped a hand over his face. He couldn't believe how nervous he was. But Simon's answer had the potential to make or break Cameron.

Cameron didn't fancy sleeping in a cardboard box. And that would happen if he didn't get caught up on his bills. He was rubbing his temples when someone knocked on the door. His brows crinkled as he stood up straight. He wasn't expecting anyone.

When he walked into the living room, he glanced down the hallway. Simon still hadn't emerged. The guy was taking his time and Cameron could only hope that was a good thing.

After setting his Sprite can on the coffee table, he crossed the room and opened the door. It only opened as much as the chain would allow. Standing on the other side was Taylor and Rowdy.

"Can we come in?" Rowdy asked.

Cameron's heart began to beat harder in his chest at the cowboy's deep, masculine tone. He tried to slow his pulse. But with Rowdy so close, Cameron was having a hard time calming his reaction. All he could see at the moment was Rowdy standing in his living room as Cameron jerked off to the image of the kiss they had shared.

Cameron could feel the skin on his face heating as he closed the door and released the chain. He took a fortifying breath, fingers curling on the knob before he opened the door again. His smile was wide and fake as he waved the two men in. "This isn't a good time."

The two entered his apartment and stopped just inside the door. Cameron had to move Taylor aside to close the door. Just then Simon came out of one of the bedrooms. He knew how it looked. Simon was smiling and Cameron could hear a low growl coming from Rowdy.

"A really bad time," Taylor said with a smile. He had a knowing look in his eyes and Cameron didn't correct the man. Let the two think what they wanted.

"Can you wait in the kitchen?" Cameron asked Simon. He made his voice a little friendlier than it should have been. Rowdy's frown deepened as Taylor's smile widened.

"Isn't that the guy from your job?" Rowdy's question was clipped and full of venom. Cameron wasn't sure why he was letting the two believe that he and Simon were lovers. But Rowdy's reaction was quite interesting.

"He's not your concern," Cameron said as a placed both hands on his hips. "Why are you here?"

If Cameron didn't know any better, he would've sworn that Rowdy's eyes seemed to glow. Could bear shifters' eyes glow? He wasn't sure.

"We need to talk to you," Taylor said as he walked over to the couch and dropped down on the deep cushions.

Cameron's eyes locked with Rowdy's and he could see the aggression in them. He had an urge to take a step back. But Cameron stood his ground and gave Rowdy a defiant glare. "Then you'll have to come back later. I'm busy at the moment."

Rowdy's eyes dropped to Cameron's groin and Cameron could feel the heat flaring under his skin. Damn the man. What was the cowboy trying to prove by silently reminding Cameron about the other morning? Rowdy had walked away, not him. There shouldn't be anything to feel guilty about.

Cameron could hear Simon in the kitchen and had no clue what the guy was doing. He didn't want the guy waiting around though. That might give Simon time to change his mind. "Let yourselves out."

Turning on his heel, Cameron headed into the kitchen. Simon was sitting at the kitchen table, twirling some keys in his hand. "If you need me to go-"

"No," Cameron said quickly. "You're fine." The devilish wheels in his mind started turning as he looked back at the kitchen doorway. He knew Rowdy and Taylor would be able to hear him. "I had a great time." Cameron winked at Simon and hoped like hell the man had a sense of humor.

"Jealous boyfriend?" Simon mouthed to him.

Cameron shook his head. "I wish," he mouthed back. Cameron wasn't even sure why he'd said that. Today seemed to be a day of revelations. He had told himself that he wasn't going to bother with Rowdy. The man was too hard to figure out. Cameron wasn't going to waste his time on a guy like that. Yet, here he stood, trying to make the cowboy jealous.

Simon gave him a mischievous smile as if he understood what Cameron was doing. The guy stood and moved close, but didn't touch. Their eyes locked and Cameron had an insane urge to laugh. He liked Simon. The guy seemed like he would be cool to hang out with. Simon wasn't much of a talker at work, but it seemed in his private life he was an okay guy.

"Call me whenever you want to get together again," Simon said in a normal tone but Cameron knew the man's voice had carried to the other room. And then Simon added silently, "I'll take the place."

Cameron nodded, his grin growing wider. He turned to walk out of the kitchen but Simon grabbed his hand. It was Simon's turn to wink at Cameron as the two strolled out of the room hand in hand. Cameron walked Simon to the door and then out into the hallway. Rowdy's eyes stayed glued to him the entire time.

When they were alone in the hallway, Simon shook Cameron's hand. The man's smile was genuine and his eyes sparkled as he slapped a hand over his mouth to stop himself from laughing. Cameron gave Simon a thumbs-up before the guy jogged down the steps.