Cowboy leaned against the grill of his pickup outside the cell phone store and waited on Miley. He could see her through the clear glass of the storefront as she spoke with a sales representative. He kept her in his view, making sure she was safe but at the same time, gave her room and privacy. He had his cell phone pressed against his ear as he talked with Rissa at the hospital three blocks away. He briefly explained how he had come across Miley stranded on the side of the road and was helping her out.

"Look, we have this. The orderlies will help us get him into the car, and Jim and the other hands are at the ranch when we get home. If you aren't there yet, we'll get him settled. Take care of Miley, please. She has been under a lot of stress lately. I've been worried sick about her."

Cowboy didn't tell Rissa what was going on. The less she knew, the safer she was. Instead of agreeing with his sister about Miley's stress levels, he said his goodbyes. Hanging up, he tucked his cell into his pocket and leaned back against the truck with his arms crossed over his chest as he watched her through the glass. He knew she had been under some pressure, but he hadn't thought it had been so dire. Cowboy remembered the way she clung to him on Saturday night and again today. He felt her melt into his arms and damned if it didn't make him feel about a hundred feet tall and bulletproof. He contemplated what she had told him. Maybe any other person would doubt what she said about the so-called upstanding owner of the Double H Ranch, but he knew from experience that people could rarely be taken at face value. He'd seen the kind of monster a man could be first hand. His job including going after the worst of them and doing what he could to protect those weaker. His resolve solidified. He was going to do the same for Miley. He chuckled wryly to himself. Miley Ellison was many things, but weak wasn't one of them. He knew without a shadow of a doubt she would do whatever it took to rectify this situation - as soon as she could figure out how to do that.

His eyes swept over her form as she talked animatedly with the salesperson. Cowboy was drawn to her from the first moment his eyes had landed on her. He wanted to get to know her, learn her secrets and watch her face light up because of something he said or did. He had pried gently but been shut down at every turn. He hadn't pushed. Unlike Toad, he did know how to take no for an answer.

Several minutes passed until she finished. Exiting the store with a white bag in her hand, she smiled brightly as she waved it at him. "Got it," she said in a relieved sigh. "And I got one of those super tough cases with the lifetime warranty - in case it accidentally gets crushed maliciously on purpose."

"Smart," he commented as he ushered her to the passenger side of his truck. Opening the door, he watched her climb into the cab and settled in. As he closed the door, she pulled out her new cell and began to fiddle with it.

"I also got a disposable to put in my go bag in case of emergency. I don't ever want to be in the situation I was this morning."

"Good idea, Miley. I don't like the idea of you being unable to call for help if you need it."

The ride to the tire store was silent as Miley became familiar with her new device. Cowboy glanced over to see her staring intently at the screen as her thumbs raced over the keys. As he pulled into the second stop, she gasped.

Instantly, he was on alert. Glancing around, he sought out the source of her surprise but raised an eyebrow when he realized it was something on her cell.

She grinned. "I forgot I had set up my old phone for photo storage directly to a micro SD card. I did that because I took so many videos and photographs of my detecting finds. When whoever slashed my tires this morning left my smashed phone as a warning, they gave me back the pictures." She turned the phone around and showed him. "This is the dumping site."

He took the phone and scrolled through the photographs. With each one that rolled by, the anger in his gut boiled a little hotter. By the time he reached the last one, each breath had come in a hiss. This was his home, his family that these assholes were messing with. "Unfortunately, even with these pictures, it's not proof. However, it should be enough to get some attention and raise some questions." His fingers flew over the screen for several minutes. When he finished, he handed her cell back to her. "I sent those pictures to a friend who can get them into the right hands. Tex knows people who are above reproach. If there's anyone who can get the ball rolling, he can." He hesitated a moment. "Maybe Tariq has people on the take, maybe he doesn't. For all we know, he could have been bluffing. Even if he was, it doesn't make him any less dangerous. Until we know what exactly is going on, we're going to take it slow and careful and do things right."

"What am I going to do, Alcide? They're going to get away with this."

Miley's voice trembled slightly and he felt his gut clench. She was the strongest woman he knew, and he didn't like her being scared like this. It made something deep inside want to grab her up and take her somewhere the world would never find her. His instincts to protect her ran deep, and he needed to keep her with him, safe, until the threat was over. The only problem was one tiny fact. Forty-eight hours from now, he would be on an airplane going back to California. How was he going to keep her safe when they were over a thousand miles apart? He would find a way. Somehow.

Cowboy's jaw clenched. Turning to her, he shook his head. "No. No, they are not going to get away with this." He gently clutched her arms in his hands and stared her in the eyes. "I swear to you; we're going to fix this. Tell me you believe me, Miley."

She searched his eyes before nodding. "I believe you," she whispered.

She was so vulnerable, sitting there watching him with trust shining in those too-big grey eyes and that plump bottom lip trembling slightly. He'd been attracted to her since meeting her back in the summer when he first came home to check on his father. He admired her spunk and loved her attitude. She was fresh and different. Maybe it was the unfamiliar uncertainty plaguing her now that pulled to him. He wanted to protect her, help her. Damned if he didn't want to slay her dragons just like the knight in shining armor she called him. However, there was more than just protective instincts at play here. He wanted her.

Miley's tongue darted out and swiped her lips, moistening them, and all his blood rushed south causing his pants to become tight. He swore softly. He had to taste her, feel her lips on his. The distance between them disappeared as he pulled her forward. Her breaths became little gasps as she leaned in. When less than an inch separated them, he whispered, "I'm going to kiss you, Miley. If you don't want it, tell me now. Tell me, honey, because I can't stop otherwise."

He watched the play of emotions on her face. She was conflicted, warring with herself. He brushed his thumb over her cheek, waiting. As much as he needed to kiss her, he would never press the issue. She had to allow it.

Resolution solidified on her face. Swallowing, she gave a slight nod. "Please, Alcide," she begged as her eyes fluttered closed. "I want it."

Sweet Jesus, her lips against his was the most delicious fire imaginable. It branded Cowboy inside and out, sinking into his blood and making it boil. He slid his hand around to the nape of her neck, holding her gently as he flicked his tongue over the soft seam of her mouth. Immediately, her lips parted, and he plunged inside, deepening the kiss, stealing her breath as he ravaged her mouth. Her fingers clutched at his arms, sinking her nails into his biceps. He let her arm go and cupped her cheek with his palm. Rubbing his thumb over her jaw, he reluctantly released her lips and opened his eyes. Leaning in, he touched his forehead with hers and let out a breath. "Two damn weeks," he muttered.

Her brow wrinkled, and she pulled back, but not enough to break the tender hold he had on her. "What do you mean, two damn weeks?"

The swear word coming from her sweet lips made him grin. "You just said 'damn.'"

"I was repeating you. What did you mean by it?"

"I mean, I've been home for two weeks, and now that I'm about to go back to Cali, I finally get to taste you. Why didn't I kiss you before now?"

Miley chuckled and pulled out of his grasp. He mourned the loss of her soft skin under his hand. "Mostly because I would have kicked your butt if you'd tried."

"There is that," he agreed with a chuckle.

"So, back to my original question, what am I going to do? I'm supposed to go out to the Double H tomorrow, and I'm terrified what's going to happen."

Cowboy shook his head. "Nothing is going to happen because I'm going with you. You told Loran I was your boyfriend. Don't shake your head at me, Miley. I'm not about to let you go alone. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I let my girlfriend run around after her tires were mysteriously slashed and her window broken?"

"I can't let you do that. What about Rissa and your parents? If I bring you with me, it will put them in the crosshairs as well."

"You let me handle that." He got out of the truck and pulled the tire out of the bed. Handing it off to one of the workers he explained what he wanted and then turned to find her standing beside him. She had her arms crossed, and her eyes shot fire. Cowboy grinned.

"Tone it down, firecracker." He tugged her against his side. She fit perfectly against him even though her head only came to the bottom of his shoulder.

"What are you doing?" she hissed as she tried to move away.

"Better get used to it, honey. I'm not letting you out of my sight. As your stated boyfriend, I'm going to be stuck on you like water on a frog's ass."

Miley snorted. "Something tells me I've created a monster."

Leaning down, Cowboy inhaled the fresh fragrance of her hair as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. She smelled like clean linen and sunshine, and it became one of his most favorite scents ever. "Besides, it's best if it looks believable. You know, just in case someone is watching."

She glanced around wildly but pressed a little closer to him. "Do you think anyone is?" she whispered to him.

He grinned as he curled his arm around her shoulders and held her close to him. He enjoyed teasing her. "Nah. But practice makes perfect."

After her tire was ready and before they got back onto the road, Cowboy treated her to lunch at a local greasy spoon. They talked pleasantly about nothing in particular, but he could tell she still carried the weight of her worries on her shoulders. He wanted to do something, but he wasn't sure exactly what. It was time to bring in the reinforcements.

Cowboy navigated through Cody and turned back toward Greybull. Once they passed the city limits, he pulled out his cell. Handing it to her, he told her to find Bruiser in the contacts then call and put it on speaker. She did as he asked.

"Hey Cowboy. How's your dad?"

"Hey, Bruise. He's good. Went home today."

"That's fantastic. I know you're relieved."

"I am." Cowboy glanced over at the confused frown on Miley's face then dove in. "Listen, Bruise; I have a situation here. One that is going to take some special help."

"Alcide, no. I don't want..." she began, but he cut her off with a look.

Bruiser's voice became businesslike. "You got it. Want me to pull in the team?"

"Yeah, get them. We'll hold."

"Alcide," Miley whispered as her hand grasped the phone tightly. "If something happens to one of your friends, I don't know how I could live with myself."

He pulled over to the edge of the road and put the truck in park. Turning toward her, he plucked the telephone from her hands and rubbed his thumb across her palm. "Look, my team is as close to me as my own family. Sometimes, I think they're closer. I'm going to need some help getting this taken care of. And, yes, I'm going to get it taken care of. I'm not about to leave you here in a few days with this shit hanging over your head. Now, let me do what I'm trained to do, okay?"

She sighed but nodded.

"Good girl."

The sound of shuffling erupted from the cell speaker followed by several low voices. After a few seconds, Bruiser came back on the line. "Okay, Cowboy, we're here."

"Turn on your video call program. I have someone I want you to meet." The screen was filled with five faces staring intently. "Hey, guys. This is Miley. Miley this is my SEAL team. Bruiser is the team lead, then Railroad, Hick, Finch and on end is Toad."

"Dayum, Cowboy, you do not deserve a woman as fine as that," Toad piped up. "She's way too hot for a guy that plays with horses and smells like hay."

Miley smiled tightly. "I'm a veterinarian. I like horses and hay is one of my favorite scents."

Beside Toad, Finch slapped him on the back of the head. "Sorry about that, Miley. We don't normally let him out without a muzzle. It's nice to meet you."

Miley nodded. "Nice to meet you too. Wow, I'm guessing those are all nicknames?"

"They are," Hick nodded.

"That's a story I'll want to hear someday."

"You will." Cowboy was glad to see her relax if only for a bit.

With the lull in the conversation, Bruiser turned the screen slightly. "What's going on?"

As quickly as he could, he outlined the situation with Hoxha and the illegal dumping. When he informed them of the threats against Miley and her family, the team's eyes darkened. Cowboy knew their protective instincts were rearing up.

"I don't think she should go there tomorrow," Finch almost growled the words. "It's not safe."

"I don't want to go, but they made it pretty clear if I don't, they will do something drastic to Pop-pop or Jessie. I have to go."

"And I'm going with her," Cowboy added.

Bruiser rubbed his hand over his face. "I don't like this. I know you have your training, Cowboy, but those are some pretty shitty odds. One against a dozen of potentially armed men."

"If she doesn't show up..."

"Yeah, I know." Bruiser cut him off. "But I still don't like it. Are you sure the local police are in their pockets?"

Miley thought about the way the two officers had behaved. Both had watched for signals from Hoxha. "Maybe? I think a couple are, but I don't know who all else."

"So basically we're looking at corruption that could potentially go pretty deep into local, state and federal agencies. Damn, Cowboy, and I thought life on the farm was supposed to be laid back and easy."

"Normally, it is, Finch." He glanced over at Miley and smiled at her.

"Have you talked to Digger?" Railroad asked. "Sounds like this will affect his family as well."

"He means Ryker McMillan," Cowboy told a confused Miley. Turning back to the screen, he shook his head. "Not yet. Miley just told me about this today, and I called you. We haven't even made it back to her truck yet. I waited to call you until we were alone. We don't know who may be following or watching."

"Good thinking. Do you need more time off?"

Cowboy sighed and thrust his fingers into his hair. "I can't. I've taken all I have now, and besides, if the team gets called out, I need to be there. You can't keep borrowing another EOD from other teams."

"We only did that once, and Dude was fine with it. I can talk to Dixon about squeezing a few days more. There's no way to get everything in place before you have to report on Thursday. I don't like leaving Miley there alone to deal with this. There're too many unknown variables."

"I'll go. I have a ton of time I haven't taken," Railroad volunteered. "I can keep watch over them."

"Count me in," Toad added. "I've never been to Montana."

"Wyoming," Cowboy and Miley said in unison.

"Potato, potahto," Toad said with a shrug. "As long as the babes are as fine as Miley, I won't care if it were Possumneck, Mississippi. That's a real place, by the way. I dated a woman who lived there a few years ago. She had the sweetest Southern twang you ever heard. Drew out every syllable until it was like a song." His eyes took on a far-off look, and he smirked. "Her name was Betty Anne or maybe Barbara Anne. It could have been something with Sue in it. Man, the way she could kiss... I may not remember her name, but those lips were unforgettable."

"Jesus," Bruiser muttered and shook his head. "Can it, Toad." He turned to the screen. "What do you think about a couple of the guys coming up there to keep an eye on things? I know it's not optimum, but you know next to you being there with her, she'll be the safest possible."

The thought of Toad even within a mile of Miley made his teeth clench. Yeah, no. He wasn't about to let that horndog anywhere near her. "I don't think that will work. If a couple of new people suddenly show up and hang out on my ranch, it may tip them off that she talked."

"Then we need to get her out of there. In a way that doesn't raise suspicion."

"Yeah, about that." Cowboy glanced over at Miley. He knew she wasn't going to be happy with what he was about to say, so he just plowed through. "I have a couple of ideas, actually. I want to bring Miley with me back to San Diego. She told Hoxha's brother that we were dating. She's been under a lot of stress lately and who's to say she doesn't need a little break."

"Still risky," Railroad chimed in. "The two of you disappearing at the same time right after they threatened her. They may go after your family, Cowboy. Your Pops doesn't need that kind of aggravation while he's still recovering. And don't forget her grandfather as well."

"No." Miley shook her head vigorously. "I'm not going to leave my grandfather and the clinic here. If I leave now they may think I talked to someone. I won't have others harmed because of my actions. I mean, crap, they think you're my boyfriend. Your family will be in danger as well."

Alcide reached over and lightly gripped her chin in his fingers, turning her face toward him. Once he was sure he had her complete attention, he told her, "Then we'll have to get them before they can get us."