She started the ATV and headed toward Havoc’s pen before veering off. We were going the same direction she went on her first morning here. Sure enough, she stopped at the base of the rock formation and slid off the ATV. She opened her camera bag and pulled out two head lamps, putting on one and handing me the other.
“I should have asked. Is your shoulder up to a climb?” She bit her lip, looking from me to the rocks. “We can do this another day if it’s not.”
“All good.” I swung my arm in circles. It was still sore but strong enough to handle the familiar climb. “If this is what youwanted to show me, I’ve been up there plenty of times. We climbed it all the time growing up.”
“It’ll be worth it. Trust me.”
“Always.” I dropped a kiss on her upturned face. “Lead the way.”
I let her climb first so I could catch her if she slipped, but she scaled the rock with ease. I pulled myself up after her and saw her setting up her equipment. “I thought your camera was destroyed.”
“I’m a professional photographer. I have many cameras.” She lay on her stomach, camera in front of her on a tripod, and patted the rock next to her. “Join me. It’s almost time.”
“For what?”
“Magic hour.” She refused to say anything else, just told me to watch.
We lay there in silence, the air cool around us. As we waited, I started to hear the sounds of the land. The wind blowing through the grass, cattle calling to each other, birds waking up. And then the sun peeked over the edge of the earth.
The light turned from purples and deep blues to a warm gold with oranges and reds. The shadows were long and stretched out over the ranch. Our view from the top of the rock formation was perfect. Chloe’s camera clicked and whirred next to me, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the sight in front of me.
This was my home. I was born here, in the master bedroom of the farmhouse where I still lived. I spent all my days tending the land and the animals. But I’d never seen it like this. Until Chloe.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Her voice was barely a whisper, as if loathe to disturb the magic of the moment.
I turned my head and watched her. The golden light cast a soft illumination over my mate. Her red curls looked burnished, and her skin glowed. “Gorgeous.”
She shoved me lightly. “I meant the sunrise.”
“It’s nice too. But it definitely comes in second place.” I held her gaze with mine. “Thank you. For sharing this with me.”
“There’s no one else I’d rather be here with.” She pulled herself onto her knees and packed up her equipment. “I’d like to come back one night, for sunset. You can see all the way to the farmhouse and barn in the other direction.”
I followed her gesture. “I’ll come with you.”
She was silent, and I realized she may have misunderstood. “Not because you can’t come alone. Because I’d like to see it.”
A small smile played with her lips. “I’d love that.”
We made our way back to the house, entering the back door into the kitchen, where my brothers ate breakfast and made plans for the day. Mae stood at the sink, washing dishes. There were two empty spots, and Mae motioned for us to sit. “I’ve got food warming in the oven. Wasn’t sure if you’d be down or not.”
“Thanks, Mae.” I pulled back a chair for Chloe, waiting for her before taking my seat. “We got up early to catch the sunrise.”
“Chloe, you’re a miracle worker.” Ethan spread jam on his toast. “This guy is almost never late, but he’s definitely never early. How much coffee did it take?”
“None.” She stole a piece of bacon off his plate and winked at me. “I have other methods of motivation.”
“What did I say about flirty talk in front of us poor mateless shifters?” Ethan pointed his finger at her, narrowing his eyes. The twitching of his lips ruined his attempt at a stern expression.
She tapped her finger against her chin. “Do it often and be obvious about it?”
Austin snorted. “Hey, Mae. How long does the shifter honeymoon period last?”
Mae slid our plates in front of us. “The first year after marking is the most intense. But truthfully, it never ends.” She turned and grabbed the pot of coffee. After filling our mugs, sheleveled my brothers with a knowing look. “Best to find your own mates soon. Then you’ll have your own honeymoon periods.”
“I can’t wait.” Ethan folded his hands in a praying position before shooting a sly gaze at his brothers. “I’m going to be so affectionate with my mate, it’ll be sickening.”
Austin tossed a piece of toast at Ethan, hitting him in the forehead. Chloe giggled next to me as Ethan retaliated and Mae scolded them. I put my arm across the back of Chloe’s chair, relaxing in my seat. Instead of fighting it, I let my smile come. This was my family. My home. And with my mate beside me, I would allow myself to enjoy all the moments, small and large.
