Kujo drove his truck into town and headed straight for the little pharmacy on the corner beside the grocery store. Not only was he out of bandages and disinfectant, he needed food for supper.

Molly would probably be better off with soup or something easy to eat or drink, but after his workout, Kujo needed a hardier meal.

For the past three years, he’d spent his life as a hermit, barely going to town for much more than the bare necessities. He still wasn’t sure he was the right man for Hank’s job. Guarding people would mean he’d have to actually interact with more and more people. Thankfully, his assignment wouldn’t start for a little bit longer, which would give him time to acclimate himself back into society with all the noise and drama that accompanied so many people.

Kujo collected the medical supplies from the pharmacy then entered the grocery store to purchase enough food for the night. The cabin didn’t have electricity, thus no way to refrigerate food. He’d have to shop on a daily basis. Yes, his choice of accommodations had given him a little transition time. He’d get his peace and quiet while at the cabin. At the same time, he’d be required to be more social when he came into town every day to get enough food for the day.

Inside the grocery store, he headed straight for the butcher counter where he selected a couple of thick steaks. Then he gathered potatoes and some broccoli. He topped off his basket with canned chicken soup, aluminum foil, salt and pepper.

The woman at the checkout stand smiled. “You must be new in town. I’d remember a handsome man like you.” She held out her hand. “Mrs. Prichard. My husband and I own the grocery.”

He took her hand and shook it, feeling uncomfortable with the attention when all he wanted was to pay for his purchases and get the hell out of this little burg. “Joe. Nice to meet you...ma’am.”

“Joe? Do you have a last name, Joe?”

“Kuntz.” Joe placed his items on the counter, hoping the woman would get on with adding up his total.

The older woman tipped her head and touched a finger to her chin. “I used to know some Kuntzs who lived up near Cut Bank. Are you related?”

Kujo shook his head. “My family is from Texas.”

She brightened. “Oh, well. You never know.” Mrs. Prichard rang up the items, bagged them and waited for Kujo to count out the money from his wallet. “Are you staying long?”

“Don’t know,” he answered noncommittally.

“Working yet?”

He shook his head.

Mrs. Prichard smiled. “I hear they could use more people at the Blue Moose Tavern. If you have ranching skills, there are plenty of people in these parts who need ranch hands. All you have to do is ask around.”

“Thanks.” Kujo held out his hand for the change, gathered his bags and left the store. He almost bumped into a big burly guy dragging a skinny woman with lanky hair by the arm, outside the door.

“Damn, woman, I told you I didn’t want to be in town long. Move.” He shoved her toward the grocery store hard enough she fell to her knees, and her purse flew across the sidewalk, spewing its contents.

“Goddamn it, now look what you’ve done.” He grabbed her by her arm and jerked her to her feet. When she tried to bend back down to gather her purse and belongings, he shook her. “Leave it. It’s just a bunch of junk anyway.”

“Ray, that’s my purse. It was a gift from my mother.”

“Your old lady’s dead. She won’t know if you tossed it in the trash.” The woman pulled her arm free and dove for the purse and the items rolling across the sidewalk.

The big burly man snarled and kicked the woman in the backside, sending her flying across the concrete.

Kujo carefully set his bags on the ground then grabbed Ray by the arm and spun him around. “Leave her alone.”

“You know what? Maybe you should mind your own business.” The big guy cocked his arm and threw a hard punch straight for Kujo’s jaw.

Kujo ducked to the side, caught the man’s wrist, then twisted and pulled his arm up between his shoulder blades. “Maybe you should reconsider how you’re treating that woman,” he said, his voice low and threatening.

“Let me go, goddamnit!” Ray rolled his shoulders in an attempt to dislodge the man holding his arm.

Kujo kept his voice dead even. “I’ll let go when you promise to be nice.”

The woman laid a hand on Kujo’s arm. “Sir, please don’t.”

Kujo shot a glance at the woman whose eyes were wide and round. “No man should treat a woman like he was treating you. Are you all right?”

“Martha’s my bitch, so back off,” Ray roared.

Kujo shoved the bastard’s arm higher up his back. “Apologize to her for calling her names and abusing her.”

“The hell I will,” Ray grumbled.

“No, really, sir,” Martha pleaded. “Let go of Ray. He doesn’t mean to hurt me.” Her voice shook. Apparently, she was terrified.

Kujo shook his head. “He shouldn’t treat you that way. You don’t have to put up with it.”

“He’s my husband.”

“Yeah, but it doesn’t give him the right to hit you. He’s breaking the law.”

“No, no, it’s not like that. I wasn’t hurrying fast enough. I promise to be better next time, so he won’t be angry.”

“Seriously?” Kujo didn’t understand the woman. “He has no right to hit you or throw you around like a rag doll. You can have him arrested on assault charges.”

Ray snorted. “Tell him you love it,” he said. “Tell him you beg me to treat you that way.”

Martha shot a nervous glance toward Ray then nodded. “I do. I like it when he’s…when he’s mean to me.”

Kujo’s heart clenched when he noticed the yellowing bruise on her cheek. This woman had been abused on more than this occasion. She probably had been beaten enough to know to keep her mouth shut or she’d get it again when she reached home.

“Martha,” he said, his voice softer. “I can go with you to the sheriff’s department. You can file a complaint. They have shelters for women who are abused.”

Ray bucked beneath Kujo’s hold. “Don’t be tellin’ my woman she has to leave me. I married her fair and square. She’s my property. She belongs to me.”

“No one owns another person, asshole,” Kujo said, pushing Ray’s arm higher up his back.

The man stood on his toes, his face turning red from the effort to relieve the pain in his arm. “You might have me in a pinch now, but when you let go, I’m gonna kick your ass.”

Kujo snorted. “Big words for a man who can’t get out of a simple arm hold.”

“Hey, what’s going on here?” a deep voice called out from across the street.

Martha ran to the man crossing the street, wearing a law enforcement uniform. “Sheriff, you have to make him let go of Ray. You have to.”

“Okay, okay, break it up.” The sheriff stepped up to the two men, his hand resting on his service weapon, nestled in the holster at his hip. “Ray, have you been causing problems again?”

“I didn’t do anything wrong when this man attacked me,” Ray said.

The sheriff faced Kujo. “Sir, you’ll have to let go of him.”

Kujo didn’t move. “After his wife tells you what Ray was doing to her when I stepped in.”

Martha wrung her hands and shot glances from the sheriff to her husband “He wasn’t doin’ anything. I promise.”

The sheriff looked from Martha back to Kujo. “Mister?”

“I stopped him from kicking and shoving his wife,” Kujo said. “When I did, he took a swing at me. I merely defended myself.”

Resting his hand on his service weapon, the sheriff said, “Well, I got you covered if you’d like to let go of him now.”

Kujo gave the man a little shove before he released him, putting some distance between them in case Ray came out swinging.

Then he stepped back and turned to the sheriff while keeping an eye on Ray as the man rubbed his shoulder.

Martha slipped her hand through Ray’s arm and clung to him.

“I’m Sheriff Barron.” The sheriff held out his hand. “New in town?”

“I am.” Kujo took the sheriff’s hand in his. “Joe Kuntz. Just arrived.”

“Wanna tell me what happened?”

“Yeah, right,” Ray grumbled. “Get the story from the outsider. You should arrest him. He tried to break my arm.”

“I’ll hear both sides,” Sheriff Barron said, focusing his attention on Kujo. “Start at the beginning, Mr. Kuntz.”

Kujo told him what he’d observed and of the abuse Martha had suffered at her husband’s hands.

“Martha?” The sheriff turned to Martha.

“I don’t know what Mr. Kuntz is talking about. Ray’s been a perfect gentleman.” The woman ducked her head, refusing to look the sheriff in the eye.

“Sheriff,” came a warbling voice from behind them. Mrs. Prichard stood in the doorway to her shop. “The newcomer had it right. I saw everything from my cash register. Ray was being an ass to poor Martha. This man had the balls to stand up to him.”

Ray glared at Mrs. Prichard. “Stay out of it.”

“Like hell I will.” Mrs. Prichard planted her fists on her hips. “You’ve been badmouthing and picking on Martha since she agreed to marry your sorry ass. It’s about time someone gave you what for.”

“Is that right, Martha?” the sheriff asked.

Martha stood with her head down, tears trickling down her cheeks. “He doesn’t mean anything by it.”

“But he’s hitting you and hurting you, isn’t he?” the sheriff asked.

“Don’t answer him, Martha,” Ray warned. “You don’t have to say anything. Don’t let them put words in your mouth.”

The sheriff glared at the big bully. “Ray Diener, you’re under arrest for assault. You can come with me willingly, or we can do this the hard way.”

“You can’t arrest him,” Martha cried. “I don’t want to press charges. He didn’t hurt me.”

Mrs. Prichard slipped her arm around Martha’s shoulders. “Honey, look at your knees and hands. They’re all scraped from him shoving you to the ground and kicking you. He treats your worse than he treats his dogs.”

“No, please, don’t take him,” Martha sobbed. “He’s all I have. How will I live?”

“We’ll get you settled,” Mrs. Prichard said. “Don’t you worry. That sorry excuse of a man won’t hurt you ever again.”

“Martha, if you go with them, we’re over! You hear me?” Ray’s brows dipped low on his forehead, and his gaze burned with hatred.

He swung a hand toward her, but Kujo stopped the meaty fist from making contact by blocking his arm with his.

Martha flinched and cowered.

Mrs. Prichard pushed Martha behind her. “Does it make you feel like more of a man to abuse someone half your size? The big bad man can hit a woman. Oooo, I’m so scared.”

“You’ll regret this,” Ray warned, his gaze encompassing Mrs. Prichard, Martha and Kujo. “All of you. No one comes between me and what I own.”

“You don’t own Martha,” the sheriff stated.

“She’s wearing my ring, isn’t she?” Ray demanded.

“That doesn’t mean you own her. Everyone has a right to protection, even if it’s protection from her own husband.” The sheriff glared at Diener.

Mrs. Prichard hugged Martha. “Come on, sweetie. I know someone who can help you.” She led Martha into the grocery store.

“Ray, hold out your hands,” the sheriff said.

“This is bullshit,” Ray yelled. “You’re going to arrest me all because some outsider son-of-a bitch stuck his nose in where it doesn’t belong?”

“No, Ray, I’m arresting you for assault. You can’t beat Martha just because you’re married.”

“She’s my wife!” The man lunged at Kujo.

Kujo had expected the man to do something stupid. He stepped aside.

Ray’s momentum carried him past Kujo. He tripped on the curb and crashed to his knees, ripping his denim jeans. Stupid with anger, he staggered to his feet, spun and charged toward Kujo.

Sheriff Barron raised his hand and shot a stun gun at the big man. It hit him square in the chest, and he dropped like a bag of stones.

The sheriff shook his head, a smile curling his lips. “Always wanted to try that to see how it worked on someone besides my deputies.” He nodded. “Glad to see it’s effective.” He switched the device off and slipped it into his pocket. Then he rolled Ray onto his stomach and cuffed his wrists behind his back.

“I’ll need you to stop by the station and give your statement,” the sheriff said.

Kujo nodded. “Will do.”

A sheriff’s deputy pulled up in a large SUV and jumped out. Together, Sheriff Barron and the deputy hauled Ray into the back seat and took him away, leaving Kujo standing in front of the grocery store, tense and ready to get back to his cabin in the wilderness. A hand touched his arm, and he spun in a low crouch, his fists clenched, ready to defend himself.

“Hey, slugger.” Bear held up his hands. “It’s just me.”

Kujo dropped his hands and straightened. “Sorry, I just had a run-in with one of the locals.”

“Oh, yeah? Anyone I know?”

“Ray Diener?”

Bear held up his hand at about Ray’s height. “About this tall…dark and mean?”

“That about sums him up.” Kujo gathered his grocery bags from the ground and walked to his truck.

Bear strode beside him. “I’m glad you decided to take Hank up on his offer. He said you showed up with a German Shepherd.” Bear grinned. “I bet Six was happy to see you. How’s he doing?”

“His injuries gave him a limp, but he compensates and gets around pretty well.” Kujo shook his head, recalling how he’d gone running ahead of him and allowed Molly to pet him. “He needs refresher training, but I think he’ll respond quickly.”

Bear pounded him on the back. “Glad to hear it. I hated to think of that dog being put down because no one could handle him. He saved our butts enough times he deserves to live the rest of his life high on the hog.”

“Yes, he does. But he still has some good years left in him. And he likes to work. No use retiring him just because he has a limp.”

“Agreed.” Bear glanced across the street. “I’m meeting some of the team at the Blue Moose. Care to join us?”

“I’ll take a rain check. I have to get some things back to the cabin I’m renting and check on Six.”

Bear glanced around. “That’s right. He’s not with you. I thought you’d took him everywhere you went.”

“I do, for the most part.” Kujo didn’t want to lie to his friend, but he didn’t feel like he could tell him about the woman in his cabin. Not yet. Molly said she wanted to keep her presence a secret from everyone. As long as no one saw him carry her into his cabin, no one knew she was there. He hoped she didn’t plan on staying for days. Kujo had done his share of sleeping on the cold, hard ground. He didn’t plan on doing it for long, if he could help it. Sleeping on the ground played havoc with his bad knee. “I’ll join you another night.”

“Hank said you’re in an old hunter’s cabin until you can find a place closer to town.”

Kujo nodded.

“Is it true, no phone or electricity?”

Again, Kujo nodded.

Bear shook his head. “Better you than me. Mia wouldn’t like it much if she couldn’t blow-dry her hair in the morning.”

Kujo eased his mouth into a smile. “That’s right, you’re married now. When do I get to meet Mia?”

“We’re staying in the house her folks left to her here in town. But she’s in Hollywood for the week, meeting with her agent about one of the scripts she wrote.”

“Do you ever go with her?” Kujo asked.

“Depends on my assignments. I’m starting a new one in two days. I’ll be providing protection to a Hollywood star while he’s on vacation on his ranch in Montana.”

Kujo shook his head. From the hills and dust of Afghanistan to the fancy ranches of the rich and famous in Montana, the Delta Force soldiers had come a long way. He arched an eyebrow. “It’s a tough job.”

Bear nodded. “But someone has to do it. And what better way to make a living outside the Army?”

Bear seemed to have come to terms with his role in the civilian world. Kujo hoped he’d find peace and a sense of purpose in his new job, too.

In the meantime, he had a hungry woman waiting for him in his cabin and a dog he needed to retrain practically from scratch. He had some bad habits, like licking pretty women.

Not that the idea hadn’t slipped through his own consciousness. Molly had a beautiful body. One he’d had the pleasure of viewing as he’d stripped her out of her clothing to check her for any life-threatening wounds. “Bear, tell the others I’ll meet up with them soon. I have to get back for now.”

“I’ll tell them. And for the record, you’re welcome to stay in our house until you find a better location. You don’t have to rough it out in the woods.”

“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Kujo loaded his groceries into the back seat of his pickup and climbed in.

Bear waved, crossed the street and entered the tavern.

In the past, back when Kujo had been part of the Delta Force team, he’d been eager to join his teammates for a drink after work.

Three years away had created distance between them. Kujo wasn’t quite sure how to close that distance, or if he even wanted to. He hadn’t realized how truly lonely he’d been until Bear and Duke had shown up on his doorstep. But fitting back into the social dynamics of a team might be something he could do slowly.

He drove past the tavern and the sheriff’s office, where the sheriff and a couple of deputies struggled to move Ray from the back of the SUV and into the jailhouse.

Kujo didn’t have time to worry about the bully who treated his wife like a doormat. He needed to get back and check on Six and Molly.

As he drove out of town and through the countryside to the road leading up to the hunting cabin, he wondered if the man who’d shot at Molly could have followed them back to the cabin. Kujo had been so focused on not dropping the unconscious woman, he couldn’t be sure. He’d been moving slowly enough it wouldn’t have been hard to trail them.

The more he thought about it, the more worried he became, until he was pushing his truck to go faster and faster. By the time he reached the narrow road leading up through the woods, he was flying over the bumps and ruts. He skidded to a stop in front of the cabin and hopped out of the truck.

When he unlocked and pushed open the cabin door, he nearly collapsed with relief.

A beam of light from the setting sun trailed across the floor to the bed where Six lay on the mattress.

Kujo didn’t have the heart to be mad at the dog. Not when he moved closer to discover Molly on the other side of the big shepherd. Her eyelashes lay in dark crescents against her pale cheeks, and her full, luscious lips were parted as if in a sigh.

Six glanced up and started to move.

Kujo held up his hand in a motion to still the dog. “Stay,” he said.

Six settled again, laying his head on his paws, his gaze following his master around to the other side of the bed.

Molly was pretty when she wasn’t being a smartass. She had the face of an angel, but what had she been doing out in the mountains with a drone? And why would someone shoot down the drone, and then try to finish off the woman?

Perhaps the drone and the video footage captured by the camera would be the answer.

In the meantime, Kujo had a houseguest. A very pretty houseguest, who was full of sass. Hell, he didn’t need these kinds of complications. With a new boss and a new job, he needed the opportunity to prove himself. Instead, he was stuck babysitting a woman who’d more or less invited herself into his cabin for who knew how long. And now, she was taking up his bed. He’d be damned if he slept on the floor for very long.