“I imagine it’s a difficult subject.” She put her hand on my arm. “Try asking him for stories about your brother. It’s not what you’re after, but it might help soothe the ache of not knowing.”
Her head tilted, and she peered around me. “There’s Mason now. I’ll get him to join us.”
I turned in my chair and watched Mason enter the pavilion. His gait was uneven as he walked over to the buffet. I frowned. “Is he injured? I thought shifters healed quickly.”
“They do. He got hurt while away, and it never healed properly. It’s why the army discharged him.” Emily waved and called out, “Mason! Over here.”
He stopped, his gaze cutting to us. Something flashed across his expression when he saw me, but it was gone too quickly for me to read. He shifted on his feet, looking like he was going to turn away from us, but then Austin slung his arm around his shoulder and guided him to our table.
Mason and Austin sat opposite us, but I sensed Mason’s reluctance. He wanted nothing to do with me.
Pain shot through me, but it made little sense. I wasn’t here to build a relationship with him. I was here to get information. But try as I might to convince myself, I still ached at the distance from him.
“So, Mason, got any good stories about Brooke’s brother?” Emily dove right in. I was grateful to her, as speaking felt impossible right now.
Mason’s fork paused mid-air while Austin’s eyes darted between us, brows furrowed. “You know Brooke’s brother?”
“We served together.” Mason’s voice was clipped.
“Oh.” Austin sent a warning glance Emily’s way. “We should talk about something else.”
“Or we should leave them to talk alone.” Emily stood and motioned for Austin to follow her. She placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed lightly before leaving.
Mason’s shoulders were tense as he ate, gaze locked on his plate. I waited for him to finish before saying anything, my voice soft. “I’d love to hear about my brother. What he was like while deployed. I just miss him so much.”
He swallowed and fisted his free hand on the table. When he finally lifted his eyes, they were filled with regret. “I’m sorry. I have nothing to say.”
He pushed his chair away from the table and walked out of the pavilion, the dark swallowing his broad frame. I let out a shuddering breath, holding the tears at bay. Despite not knowing what to expect when coming here, I had hoped for more.
I allowed myself to wallow for a moment but then straightened my shoulders. I hadn’t come this far just to give up. If Mason thought I was done with him, he had a surprise coming.
THREE
Mason
I saddled my horse, Storm. The gray gelding tossed his head as he danced on the spot. “I know, buddy, it’s been too long since we’ve gone for a ride. I promise to make it up to you.”
“Beautiful horse.” Brooke’s voice reached me before her scent did, catching me by surprise.
I tightened the girth on Storm, buying myself time to respond. Soon there was nothing left to do, forcing me to face her. “I thought Austin and Luke were teaching the guests to ride right now.”
“They are.” Brooke walked closer, her voice low and soft as she approached Storm and held out her hand for him to sniff. “I’ve ridden before, though, so I took a pass.”
“Pretty sure they won’t take you on the trail rides without checking out your riding form first.”
“I’m not planning to go with them.” She smiled at Storm as he butted his head against her hand, urging her to pet him. “I’m sticking with you.”
My heart leaped, but I held back a smile. The longer I was around her, the harder it would be when she inevitably left, andthe harder it would be to fight my instinct to claim her. “I still have nothing to say about Aaron.”
“I don’t know if he told you, but I can be stubborn. When I have a goal, I never quit.” She lifted her head, tilting it slightly, and met my gaze squarely. The determined look in her green eyes was achingly familiar, and Aaron flashed through my head. They were incredibly similar, with the same hair color, the same eyes and basic facial structure. She was the female version of her brother.
“And you think hounding me will achieve your goal?” I forced bite into my tone, trying to drive her away. My resolve was already softening to her pleas. I reminded myself I couldn’t bear to watch the truth crush her spirit.
“Yep.” She gave me a grim smile. “I’m going to be your shadow while I’m here. So, which horse should I saddle?”
“You realize I can just mount my horse and ride away.”
“But you won’t.” She sounded confident, though I wasn’t sure why.
