Rising Storm (Westin Force #2) - Julie Trettel Page 0,46

city, and it didn’t feel intimidating. I liked the pond in the center of town and the rows of stores and restaurants lining the main street. Painter had given me a quick driving tour to show me the Alpha house, though apparently Kyle Westin didn’t live there, his parents did. He just maintained an office in the building.

We drove by Westin Foundation. It was a huge building just outside the main town. Painter explained that the Foundation funded the Force. He also told me how the Foundation and the Lodge provided work for any shifter in the pack that wanted it.

“We aren’t in the pack,” I reminded him.

“By default, we’re aligned with them though. If you wanted to get a job, I can introduce you to Elise. She’s Patrick’s mate and the Vice President of Human Resources for Westin Foundation. She also hires for the Lodge, helps vet those of us on the Force, and has her nose on every other job opening within San Marco.”

“Me? Work? I’ve never thought about it, really.” The only job I’d ever had was working for that wildlife preserve and it didn’t exactly end well.

“You don’t have to, sweetheart. I’m just letting you know you have options here. I make plenty to support us and have enough saved up that neither of us really need to work. I work because I love it.”

“You need it,” I corrected. “Maybe not for the money, but it fulfills you. You’re happier when you’re working. You’ve been getting a little grumpy these last few days.”

“You’ve noticed that, huh?”

“Hard not to.”

“Sorry.”

“Why? Your routine was disrupted. That puts life out of order and makes it harder to relax.”

He kissed me. “You really do know me better than anyone. Do you know that?”

I grinned but didn’t respond. I was growing very attached to my mate and it still scared me some. I had enough work around the apartment to keep my day occupied even after he returned to work. I had never considered taking on a human-like job. The idea intrigued me more than I’d expected.

When we pulled up to the bar, Taylor was waiting out front.

“Ready?” she asked.

I looked at Painter and shook my head. “Where’s Grant?”

“He’s inside with the guys already.”

“Let me just get him settled.”

Taylor bit back a smile. I didn’t understand what she found humorous.

Grant was easy to spot at a large table in the center of the room surrounded by many of the guys I knew and some I didn’t.

I walked right up to him as Painter took a seat.

“No more than two beers. He still has to stay off his leg for long periods of time. I’ll be with Taylor, so if he has any trouble or his pain spikes, you call her cell, and then I’ll come get him. Oh, and he doesn’t have to have his leg elevated or iced anymore.”

“I got this, Emma. I’m the doctor, remember?”

“Field medic,” I corrected. “He explained the difference.”

“I’m here too, Emma.”

I nodded at Micah. “Hello, doc. He’s doing very well. After you two clear him tomorrow he can start rehabbing that leg, but he’s back to full workouts otherwise and growing stronger.”

Micah looked amused. “You’ve done great with him. You make Grant’s and my job easier.”

Micah winked at Painter who rolled his eyes. It was frustrating because I felt like they were making fun of me, but I wasn’t sure.

“Just call if he needs anything.”

Painter caught me by the waist and pulled me into his lap. He didn’t even cringe when I hit his incision.

“I’m fine. Just relax and enjoy your evening. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“I will anyway.”

As usual, I sensed my saying that made him happy.

I kissed him, which caused Baine and Tarron to start cheering.

“Just behave. I’ll be back soon.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“She’s got you by the balls,” Baine said as I was walking away.

“It’s not her fault. He’s the dumbass that got shot before even sealing their bond,” Ben teased.

“Definitely not your smartest move,” one of the guys I didn’t know yet added, sending the table into roaring laughter.

I sighed and walked out to find Taylor.

“They’re all obnoxious idiots when they get together. Don’t let it bother you.”

“I’m not bothered. I’m just worried about my mate.”

She smiled sympathetically this time. “He’s in good hands, I promise.”

I scowled. “They let him get shot.”

She sighed. “That wasn’t anyone’s fault, you know.”

“I know. I don’t blame them. I’m just…”

“Stressed and frustrated? That probably has more to do with him being out of your sight with