Bonus Content: Fierce
LEVI
The room exploded into cheers. Charlie threw her arms around my neck and I picked her up and spun her around. I lowered her to her feet and tried to kiss her but Boyd and Colton interrupted, thumping me on the back. Then Johnny and Rob. Clint shook my hand. Willow and Marina offered hugs, then Tom and Janet, Clint’s parents, then Pops, Charlie’s grandfather.
The whole pack joined me at City Hall to wait with me for the election results. It wasn’t as if Cooper Valley was a huge city, but the people of the county took their civil duties seriously and voted.
“You have more people here than the new mayor,” a reporter remarked, smiling at all my enthusiastic supporters.
The Barn Cats struck up a ridiculous rendition of “Hail to the Chief” right there in the lobby.
I laughed, stunned by all the support. When I decided I’d put my name on the ballot for sheriff it was because Rob asked me. But it turned out, I actually enjoyed the role and felt useful in a way I hadn’t before. I felt like I could help those around me in need. Human or shifter.
That was where I’d changed. I’d originally said yes to the temporary role because it would help the shifter community. But with Charlie by my side, I’d begun to think differently of humans. That they weren’t all like my grandparents. Who were accepting of people regardless of being different. In any way.
“I’m sheriff, not president,” I told the woman.
“Speech, speech, speech!” Johnny—the idiot—hollered.
I rolled my eyes, but raised my arms over my head and waved them about, if only to stop the Barn Cats from mocking me.
I didn’t need a microphone, for everyone was silent and I knew my voice would bounce off the stone floor. “Thank you all. It’s a huge honor to be responsible for justice in Cooper Valley. It’s not a position I take lightly. I want you to know I will do my best to uphold the constitution and protect the people of this town—all of them.”
I spoke in code, but all the pack members knew what I meant. I would use my role to protect our kind from humans, in addition to protecting the humans from themselves. I meant every word. Charlie squeezed my arm and smiled up at me.
I lifted my cowboy hat and dropped it back on my head. “Now, I sure appreciate you all hanging around here late to get the election results, but don’t think you need to stay and make a party now. Go home to your families.”
Everyone laughed but over the next few minutes, did leave.
Pops went with Johnny so it was only me and Charlie remaining.
“I’m proud of you,” she said.
I leaned down, kissed her. I always felt that need, the connection to be reestablished. “I told everyone they didn’t need to have a party, but I was thinking more along the lines of a party of two.”
She arched a brow and a smile turned up her lips. “Oh? What did you have in mind?”
I leaned down, nuzzled her neck. “You. Me. Tom’s and Janet’s house in town where you don’t have to be quiet.”
“Mmm,” she said, angling her head for me. “I like that idea. One thing though.”
“What’s that?”
“Don’t forget the handcuffs.”
My dick got hard at restraining her to the bed. “Let’s go.”
I wrapped my arm around the shoulder and led her out into the cold night. She shivered, but I didn’t worry. I’d have her hot and bothered soon enough.