He’d never seen Lucky like this before, but it was addictive.He wanted to take him to bed and eat him up.
“Teach me?”Lucky was all innocence as he handed his wolf to Chase.He looked so excited Ford couldn’t have refused if he wanted.“You can help me win something.”
Gods, he was precious.
Once the seller handed the gun to Lucky, Ford tipped his chin up, becoming the sole focus of green doe-eyes.“Turn round.I’ll show you and I’ll be right here, if you’re nervous.”Tucking the butt into Lucky’s shoulder, he guided him on hand placement and slipped his finger onto the trigger.He whispered instructions about the rhythm of the moving targets before he took aim, then removed his hands.“When you’re ready.”He lowered his hands to Lucky’s waist, relieved it wasn’t a real gun with kickback and danger.
Lucky wet his lips and…nothing.He hesitated and the targets moved.
“It’s okay.This ain’t easy.”Ford wrapped one arm around his waist to remind him he wasn’t alone.
Lucky tracked the target and took one shot.The flip sign bent back and he yelled, “I got it!”He lost his stance and control, but Ford didn’t care.He was so fucking adorable.
He kissed Lucky’s temple and glanced at Chase, who looked fucking proud.Propping his chin on Lucky’s head, Ford took a breath and blue eyes found his, sharing Lucky’s victory.
Lucky fixed his stance for a second shot.Calm and patient, he took two more shots.Pop.Pop.
Ford bit his bottom lip and willed the gun to hit every target.This meant a lot to Lucky and he wanted him to succeed.One missed, and he tried not to react.A fourth hit.The sixth shot missed, and so did the seventh.The eighth skimmed the edge and Ford winced.
Pop.Pop.The last two hit and Lucky squeaked in disbelief.“I did it.Did I do it?”He looked at Chase, then the seller, for confirmation.
“You did it,” Ford replied, stunned and relieved.It took a minute before he could let Lucky go and share his excitement.
“Did I win anything?”
The seller shook his head in obvious disbelief.He counted the targets as the turning wheel came to a stop.“You got six.Congratulations.You can choose from one of these,” he explained, indicating the middle row of prizes.
Lucky made sure to inspect everything while Chase moved to stand by Ford’s side and leaned an elbow on his shoulder.Lucky grabbed a box he didn’t let either see, and tapped the table until the seller ripped off the prize ticket.Lucky took the box to present to Ford.“For you, my wolf.”
Stunned by the gesture and nickname, Ford took the box that fit in his palm.A silver chain had a delicate charm hanging from the end.He didn’t follow until Lucky pointed to each part of the design.
“The bow and arrow represent Chase, the huntsman, the bow is carved with flowers, which represents me, and the golden crown on top is for King, for you,” he clarified, making it clear he’d thought this gift through.
“Ain’t no one?” He rolled his bottom lip between his teeth.“Should I…?”He guessed Lucky would be wearing this, as a symbol of their connection.
Lucky dipped his head, letting Ford clasp the chain around his neck.
“Looks perfect,” he approved, grazing his fingers against Lucky’s as Ford kissed his forehead in gratitude for the beautiful gift.
Chase huffed and placed the wolf safely on the counter.“Now I’ve gotta keep up with both of you.”He handed a note to the seller, took the gun and loaded it with new cartridges.
Lucky hummed and backed into Ford, hovering on the sidelines to watch.
“These were my favourite games when I was a kid.”Chase lifted the toy rifle to his shoulder, breathed calm and steady, then took a shot.
It took seconds longer than Ford had, but damn his alpha had talent.Every target went down and Lucky clapped, cheering for him.“You could be ORT with that skill.”
Chase grinned, looking pleased.“Thank you, darlin’,” he shot back, with a wink that said the nickname was his true thanks.“Baby, this is yours.Pick whatever you want.”
Lucky stepped forward and pointed to the middle shelf.The seller didn’t question Lucky, just handed over a smaller wolf teddy that Lucky presented to Chase.“For Pip.It can be my wolf’s baby wolf.”
Ford couldn’t resist any longer.He tilted Lucky’s head up for a kiss.“You’re fucking precious.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Three days later
Thursday
