CJ removed his deputy cowboy-style gray hat. He was wearing a denim jacket and cowboy boots, and had a badge affixed to his belt. His hair was as dark brown as Sarandon’s, but less wavy. His eyes were a lighter brown, but there was an obvious similarity between the two brothers. And Jake and Darien, for that matter.
Like Darien, CJ was unsmiling, but unlike the pack leader, CJ didn’t offer to shake Jenna’s hand. She suspected CJ was looking out for his older brother, and as far as the deputy was concerned, she was the enemy wolf, ready to arrest Sarandon. CJ wasn’t going to pretend friendship, which she appreciated. She much preferred meeting everyone at face value. Otherwise, she felt like she’d stepped into a Stepford Wolves town.
Alicia hurried into the living room wearing jeans and a T-shirt and sandals. She had dark-brown curls hanging to her shoulders , and her dark-brown eyes widened when she saw Jenna. “Sorry, I had to take a call from the sitter. It’s so good to see you again, Jenna. I’m Alicia, now Jake’s mate.”
“And a wolf.” Jenna didn’t know Alicia well, although she’d heard rumors the bounty hunter was going after a mob boss single-handedly. Jenna’s family had talked about how they’d never take on a mob boss. They’d thought Alicia was either the bravest woman in the business, or a little bit crazy. Jenna had met her at the El Paso County Jail and Criminal Justice Center in Colorado Springs when they were bringing in a couple of bail jumpers, but Alicia had been human then.
“Yeah, big changes in my life. I never suspected you were a wolf either.”
“I was born a wolf.” Jenna couldn’t imagine how difficult it would be to not only have the issues with shifting while raising kids, but also those related to working a job. She could see the benefits of living in a wolf-run town if the wolf was newly turned.
“Don’t you find that makes you see someone differently? When you learn the person you’re talking to is a wolf and not just human? Like you have a secret you can share with him that you can’t with others?” Alicia asked.
Jenna glanced at Sarandon. He smiled a little. “Yeah, but not as far as doing my job.” She returned his smile.
His smile only grew. He was so cocky.
In truth, Alicia was right. Knowing he was a wolf made a lot of difference—but only because of the way he’d pinned her down and the physical interest they’d shown in each other. She was beginning to think he was innocent, and that meant she was even more intrigued with him.
“Honey, what would you like to drink?” Jake asked his mate.
“I’ll have what Lelandi’s drinking,” Alicia said.
“I’m good,” CJ said to Jake as he brought in the other drinks.
“Sarandon?”
“A beer.”
Jake smiled at Sarandon. “Yeah, me too.”
After Jake finished getting drinks for everyone, they all took their seats, except for CJ. He stood near the fireplace, arms folded across his chest, looking like he was ready to arrest her! He towered over everyone who was sitting, making him king of the forum. It was an act of intimidation any good deputy sheriff would use to ensure he had the upper hand. If he’d wanted to give the impression he was treating Jenna as an equal, he would have joined them on one of the couches.
From what she could tell, Lelandi was the easygoing pack leader, and Darien played the role of the tough pack leader.
She wondered if Lelandi was a family physician, since she had canceled on her patients. Jenna guessed none of the cases needed immediate care, or Lelandi would have taken care of them. It went to show how important Sarandon was to her. Jenna couldn’t help but admire the pack for that.
“Okay, so what makes you think Sarandon has committed any crime?” Darien asked, getting the matter on the table.
To CJ’s credit, he pulled out a notepad and began taking notes. Jenna had thought he might be totally arrogant and dismiss her concern completely, as if she had no say in any of it and they would take care of it.
She pulled her phone from her jacket pocket and began listing all the acts of fraud the perp had committed.
“So, let me get this straight,” CJ said.
She knew he was going to be a hard-ass. Mostly because he was Sarandon’s brother, but also because he was the law. And this was his jurisdiction. “Ask away.”
“An identity thief uses one of the identities he has on him, and everyone believes that’s his true identity. Why?”