Cole’s Redemption by J.D. Tyler

what her mate or any of his friends thought.
     They weren’t there.
    When they arrived in town, Selene directed him to the cheap motel where she’d been
     staying. As soon as they pulled in to the parking lot, Zan wrinkled his nose in disgust.
    “After seeing this fleabag, I’m glad we’re getting you out of here.”
    “Aww, I was going to invite you to stay here with me instead of the compound.”
    From her smile, he knew she was kidding. “In a place where the cockroaches are the
     size of Doberman pinschers? I’ll pass, thanks.”
    Truthfully, she was eager to see this place at her back as well. Inside her stark,
     musty little room, she gathered her few things, stuffing jeans, T-shirts, and underthings
     into her duffel bag. A few toiletries and her mini tablet were last, and she was done.
    “That’s it?” He frowned.
    “I travel light.”
    Before she could protest, he plucked the duffel from the bed and led her out. Then
     he tossed it into the back seat of the double cab and they were on their way.
    “Feel like a drink?”
    For some reason, the simple invitation warmed her. “Sure. I found this place called
     the Cross-eyed Grizzly if you want to go there.”
    “Oh, we’ve been there a time or three.”
    “So I’ve heard.”
    God, the man’s smile was devastating. She was willing to bet he could get women to
     do whatever he wanted by flashing them a smile like that. Good thing he didn’t seem
     to be the type to take advantage.
    It was still early in the afternoon, and the Grizzly wasn’t too busy. Zan parked the
     big truck at the back of the lot and ushered her inside, his hand lingering at the
     small of her back in a proprietary manner. That warmed her, too.
    They found a booth next to the wall sort of out of the way and slid in, taking seats
     opposite each other. As luck would have it, Jacee came out from behind the bar to
     take their orders. The woman shot Selene a wary glance, and she didn’t blame her.
     Though she liked the bartender, Selene had been a bit . . . forceful, last time she
     was in here.
    “What can I get you guys?” Jacee piped up.
    “Beer for me,” Zan said.
    “Make that two.”
    “You’ve got it.” She moved off, leaving them alone for a few moments.
    A sudden attack of conscience hit Selene, and she regarded her new mate steadily across
     the table. “I feel I have to warn you that Jacee there, she knows about the Alpha
     Pack.”
    That shocked him. His eyes widened. “What? How?”
    “Jacee is the one who told me you guys hang out here. She keeps her eyes and ears
     open. And she’s not human, herself.”
    “Shit.” He glanced toward the bar, where the woman in question was drawing their beers.
     “What is she?”
    “Coyote.”
    “Damn, I never scented a thing!”
    “That’s because she keeps her scent masked. In my world, coyotes are akin to parasites.
     Not that I feel that way about Jacee, because I don’t,” she said quickly. “She’s nice
     enough. In fact, I don’t believe in putting someone down because of their breed.”
    “I’m happy to hear you say that, because I feel the same way. Our world has enough
     prejudice in it without shifters adding to it.”
    “True.”
    The object of their discussion returned with their beers and set them down. “Anything
     else?”
    “Nothing for me right now,” Selene said.
    Zan shook his head. “Maybe later.” After the bartender had gone, Zan spoke quietly.
     “By the way, Jacee used to hook up with my best friend, Jax. So, when you meet Jax
     and his mate, Kira, you might not want to mention Jacee.”
    “That could be awkward. Don’t worry. Mum’s the word.”
    “Thanks.” He took a draw of his brew.
    She did the same and then waved a hand at him. “So, I answered your question about
     being a born shifter. You were turned, right?”
    “Yes, along with almost all the rest of the team I’m with now. We were Navy SEALs
     in Afghanistan when we were attacked by rogue