Smart

STAN POV

My legs are dead. I haven't run that much in years. Even my wolf is out of shape and wanted to stop before our patrol was over.

The shifters of old would be proud.

I groan as I stretch my back and tug on the warm clothes I left in the barn. I am eager to go eat and climb into bed next to my mate. I haven't heard my family's heartbeats in six hours. I missed them.

"Stan," a sharp voice snaps and I spin around in surprise.

I search the dark wall behind me as my heart tries to jump out of my chest.

"Hell, Mariah! You scared the crap out of me," I gasp as I spot the petite brunette hidden against the wall.

"And that's how easily a skilled assassin would have killed you," she says, and I stiffen.

I look over her appearance in shock. She made sure I wouldn't see her when I came in by rubbing manure and muck all over her body. Her scent isn't detectable and she doesn't have an inch of skin visible. The brown texture matches her hair and eyes perfectly. If she hadn't