Read Under the Alpha's Protection (Steamy Werewolf Shifter Menage Romance) for Free Online Page B

out there to handle it all myself.”
     
    “No, I’ve got it,” I reassured him. “I’m here to help, after all.”
     
    He patted my head again, a strong smile across his lips. “That’s my little niece. Now then, about the inside…”
     
    He explained his expectations about the cleanliness of the house, which I found fairly reasonable. It helped, as I said, that he had already maintained it pretty well. But he wanted more attention paid to the mud room, where he’d kick off his muddy boots and throw down whatever filth had accumulated during his work. He also wanted his boots polished while he relaxed after a hard day, and showed me the proper way to scrub them clean before whipping out the polish. Uncle Jack went through everything once for me, quizzing me briefly afterwards. Apparently satisfied, he asked me about dinner.
     
    “A surprise,” I told him.
     
    “Is it always gonna be a surprise?”
     
    “Damn straight.”
     
    “Keep ‘em guessin’,” he chuckled to himself.
     
    Leaving me to resume my duties, he snatched up a coiled whip and saddled up outside, then galloped off into the trees. I had already begun mentally preparing dinner as I started scrubbing down the floors, but I wondered to myself what it would be like to be out there with him, riding horseback and tending the land…
     
    *              *              *              *
     
    The ranch hands he had mentioned showed up around mid-day on Thursday. Uncle Jack hadn’t done them nearly any justice with his vague descriptions — they looked to be every ounce of man that he was, with their firm builds, broad shoulders, and chiseled jawlines. They were built taller and larger than my uncle, somehow seeming to draw the man who already imposed above my father. With dusty hair, glimmering green eyes, and charming demeanors, the ranch hands politely introduced themselves to me.
     
    “Brad, ma’am,” the first told me, doing a little bow as he lifted my knuckles to his lips. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
     
    “Caiden,” the second offered, doing the same as he kept his confident eyes on mine.
     
    “And I’m Petro, at your service,” the final one explained with a sly smile.
     
    “The pleasure’s mine,” I answered them collectively. As much as I wished to maintain my composure, I could feel the blush rushing to my cheeks at the sight of these three incredibly hot, well-mannered country boys.
     
    “Well, come along, then!” Uncle Jack motioned, waving them inside. “You’ve had a long gallivant on the way here, haven’t ya? Time to rest those boots and take a load off…you can wait until tomorrow to get started.”
     
    “Oh, unless it’s any problem, we’re fine getting started right now,” Brad offered with a wink my way.
     
    “You lot and your stamina. Well, suit yourselves!” My uncle smiled, clapping them on the back. “Darlin’, you’re gonna be cookin’ for a few more tonight. See to it that our esteemed company is well fed, wouldn’t ya?”
     
    “She cooks?” Caiden asked, looking at me with renewed interest.
     
    “You’re damned right she does. Fantastic grub all around,” Uncle Jack answered. “You’ll not want to leave!”
     
    “No, I think perhaps not,” Brad smirked, his electric eyes focused on mine. For a brief moment, I thought I sensed something deeper to his words, as if he were telling me something. Licking my lips slightly, I became very aware of my breathing…
     
    “Well, I’m convinced!” Pedro chuckled. “As long as it isn’t your fried mystery meals, I don’t give a rat’s ass if she serves us rat’s ass!”
     
    The men roared with laughter as they clamored outside, heading towards the stables. Thoughtfully, I watched them all ride off a few minutes later, although I noticed Brad turn straight towards the window and tip his ten-gallon hat as they went on their way.
     
    *