His voice is heavy with emotion when he continues.
“I've been through some massive changes as well and suffered losses that nearly broke me. I've also gained a futurethat I didn't think possible and I'm grateful for that, but it doesn't make me miss the old life I had any less. I just try to look forward because when there's been a whole load of bad there's sure to come a lot of good. It'll always balance itself out somehow.”
“You're right.” I lean back and gaze at the sky. “You're very insightful.”
“It's one of my many virtues.” He gives me a cheeky side glance and I catch him checking me out as I lounge in the sun in just a bikini.
“And what are your other virtues?”
“You mean aside from my sage advice, good looks and amazing body?”
“Full of yourself much?” I tease.
“I caught you admiring the view when I arrived.”
“And I see you admiring the view right now.”
“Now who's full of themselves.” He chuckles. “But you're not wrong. It's the best view I've seen in a long time. Definitely top 10.”
I feel my cheeks flush under his admiring gaze. A tension rises between us that fills me with warmth and excitement.
“And what are the other top 9?”
“A few of them are around here. Number 1 is the view from the top of the volcano. I'll take you up there some time.”
“I look forward to it. But only if you're wearing more than just a towel.”
“I can't make any promises.” He jests. “Clothes and shifting forms doesn't end well.”
“So what? You carry a bag in your mouth? Have boxes of supplies stashed around the place?”
“Exactly. Not that there's many other people around here so clothes aren't usually needed that much when we're away from the ranch.”
“So you are a bunch of nudists?” I laugh.
“What can I say It's liberating!” His laugh is low with an uplifting lilt.
Talking to him comes so easy and his positive outlook on life despite what he's been through is inspiring. After a while he catches me looking at his tattoo. Up close it's easier to see the smaller details. The different trees and animals. Small splashes of colour in flashes of wings or the sparkle of eyes in the moonlight. The wolf looks similar to him but with a slightly aged look.
“It's my Dad. The wolf on my chest.” His expression is full of pride and love but also sadness and grief. “Carter did it a few weeks before the attack. He said it'll remind me to listen to my dad more. So now I'll always have him howling in my ear. I just wish I could actually hear it.” He chuckles.
“My dad did that? I didn't know he was so talented or knew how to tattoo!” I exclaim. “It's a stunning piece.”
“He's been around a long time. You pick up a few things. He's done work on most of us to be honest. You give him an idea and where you want it and he'll turn it into something incredible.”
“Maybe I should give that some thought. I've always wanted a tattoo but I change my mind to often to commit to one.”
“That's why it's hard to stick to just one! I already have some ideas for a leg piece.”
We chat for a while longer and before we know it the sun starts to set.
Chapter 16
The days and weeks that go by turn into months. The grips of winter never made it past March and April brings with it an abundance of wildlife and flowers. We’ve all been working hard to get the entire ranch back to its former glory and for the most part it is. Even the barn and paddocks have livestock occupying them now. Goats, Chickens and a few horses. Although we all pitch in with the chores, we all have particular ones we prefer. Mine is taking care of the animals. I rise with the sun and get them all mucked out, fed and watered before lunch time then every chance I get I go riding.
I’ve always loved animals and now with my nymph powers I have a bond with them that is nothing I've ever experienced. I can feel their moods and tap into their minds to a degree to communicate. I understand them and they understand me. I try not to have favourites, but my bond with Daphne, a black, silver haired mare is quite special. She’s as swift as the wind with incredible sure-footedness. She scares at next to nothing and is tender and patient. Another horse is a young stallion I’ve named Apollo. He’s sandy brown with a black maneand tail. He can be silly and stubborn but with a lot of patience he’s getting better. I’m sure if Daphne could roll her eyes at him, she would. She’s the first to tell him off if he gets carried away.
As for Alistair, thankfully I’ve not heard a peep from him. Mum said that the only way he can get in my head is if I let him, so I’ve purposely been forcing down any emotion I feel for him. It seems to have done the trick in any case. With the ranch keeping me busy it’s been pretty easy to keep my mind far from him. I know I’m acting like an ostrich with my head in the sand but I don’t know how else to handle that situation. Ignoring it for as long as possible seems to be working for now.
