Protector Wolf. Linda O. Johnston

even developed what she’d believed to be a relationship with him, a reporter who seemed to support her pro-wildlife position.

      But just the opposite. He had turned on her in a number of articles lambasting WHaM for not just documenting and counting an influx of wildlife but acting as advocates, too. She’d been hurt and angry and determined not to get involved with someone like that again.

      US Fish and Wildlife undoubtedly had a different agenda from WHaM, despite their few similarities.

      And Maya figured she had a different agenda from Ryan—although his suggestion about a modified topic for her next talk actually made sense.

      “So how long are you staying in town?” she asked Ryan, turning back to face him again. Maybe he was leaving today and she wouldn’t see him again.

      That should make her feel relieved, shouldn’t it? But it didn’t.

      “Not sure yet,” he replied, which did in fact give her a sense of relief. A small one.

      Being in his presence, getting to know him better—would that be a good thing?

      Possibly...but only as long as they helped each other in their quest to ensure that wolves remained welcome and safe in this area.

      And hopefully didn’t attack any more people. But neither of them could guarantee that.

      She, though, by giving another talk on staying far away from them might be able to help, at least a bit.

      But would she convince herself...?

      “How about you?” Piers asked. “How long will you be here?”

      “I’d originally thought just a couple of days,” she said. “But it sounds as if there is a lot more I can do here, both by informing people and maybe even finding out about the wolves here and how dangerous they might be. If they attack people, that’s bad for them as well as for the humans near them. It gives people an excuse—maybe even a good one—to hunt the wolves, even though they’re protected in this area.”

      “I think we’re on the same wavelength,” Ryan said, his tone decisive and his expression now not particularly warm but highly businesslike—a good thing.

      “Then let’s work together,” she said. “Find out about that attack last night and try to determine the wolves’ location. And despite the danger those wolves may present—well, I’m hoping to find a way to make sure they’re left alone.”

      “Sounds good to me,” Piers said, nodding, then looking toward Ryan.

      “Absolutely,” he agreed.