Ethan
Despite knowing Hannah’s words weren’t a rejection, just a plea for time, I still couldn’t sleep. It didn’t help that I knew I could have handled the situation better. Putting her on the spot in front of Chloe and Gabriel was less than ideal. And she was already struggling to deal with her grief around her sister’s death.
My head was full ofshould haves, andif onlys. I should have waited. I should have gotten to know her first. If only I had explained myself better. If only…I could go around like this all night long.
My bear was restless, wanting his mate. He couldn’t understand why we needed to give her time alone to think. For him, it was as simple as finding his mate and having his mate. And if Hannah were a shifter, it would be that way. But she wasn’t.
After we left the cabin, Chloe told me she had previously explained mates to Hannah, so she wasn’t completely in the dark about what it meant. Still, I would have preferred to explain it myself. Then I could answer any questions she had. Instead, she only knew what Chloe had told her.
I rolled out of bed and jammed my fingers in my hair. Between the carousel of thoughts and the itch of my bear beneath my skin, sleep wasn’t happening. I slipped out of my bedroom and snuck downstairs, trying not to wake anyone. I couldn’t take more of the looks everyone kept shooting my way through dinner. No one brought up my blunder with my mate, but I knew it was on everyone’s mind.
As soon as I hit the back porch, I let my shift come. The familiar sting of the muscles stretching and reforming around me as my bones lengthened and changed shape always grounded me in the moment. The boards beneath my paws made way to dirt as I took the well-worn path leading to the barn. I circled the structure and headed to the nearest empty pasture. We always tried to avoid shifting around the cattle, as we were all predator animals, and our shifted forms could cause them to panic.
I maintained control over my bear until we were well away from Hannah’s cabin. As soon as I released my hold on him, he turned and raced toward his mate. I let him run until we were almost at the cabin, then I wrestled back control. We repeated this dance until my bear was too tired to run anymore, and the sun was peeking over the horizon.
I finally thought I could sleep, but now it was time to work. I stopped at the barn to grab a set of the spare clothes we kept there. The sounds of the ranch waking up greeted me when I entered the kitchen. Mae was already cooking breakfast at the stove, and Declan and Mason were sipping coffee at the table.
No one commented on my entrance from outside. Everyone on the ranch understood sometimes the need to shift was too strong to schedule it. Mae poured me a cup of coffee and I joined my eldest brothers.
“The building is coming along. They expect to be finished with two more cabins today.” Declan leaned back in his chair.“We might want to think about how to handle the old shed. After the cabins are all done, we really should address it.”
“We could just tear it down. We haven’t used it in years.” Mason sipped his coffee. “I’d hate for a guest to wander in and get hurt.”
I rested my elbows on the table. “It’s in rough shape, but the structure is sound. Why tear down what we can fix? We might find another use for it down the road.”
“We need to secure it if we decide to keep it—especially now that Jonah’s on the ranch. An abandoned building can be a temptation, and it’s hard to stop a young kid from slipping away and getting into trouble.” Declan pushed back from the table to refill his mug. “Speaking of, Chloe asked me to teach Jonah to ride, but we talked last night, and considering everything, thought that might be a better job for you, Ethan.”
A jolt ran through me. Dad had taught us to ride. The ranch had kept him busy, but he’d taken time one-on-one with each of us. It was one of my best memories of him. He hadn’t just taught me riding; he’d helped connect me to the ranch and family in a way I hadn’t thought possible. That was the first day I’d called him Dad.
And now it was my turn to pass that experience on to the boy I intended to help raise. A lump rose in my throat as the gravity of what Declan was offering me took root. I gave him a quick nod but was saved from having to find words as the rest of my brothers piled into the kitchen, followed by Chloe.
Mae started plating up food for everyone. She smiled over my head as the back door creaked open. “Hannah, Jonah. You’re just in time for breakfast.”
I couldn’t resist sneaking a glance at my mate. She looked like she hadn’t slept much either, but her beauty still took my breath away. Dimples flashed as she returned Mae’s smile. Jonah dragged his feet toward the chair Mae held out for him.That left the only empty seat for Hannah next to me. She slowly lowered herself into it, careful not to look my way.
“Hannah, I hope you don’t mind doing the baking today.” Mae slid plates in front of her and Jonah. “I need to run to town for an appointment.”
“Not at all. I’m happy to be put to work.” Hannah spread jam on her toast. “Is it okay if Jonah hangs out with me while I do it? I’m not comfortable with him roaming on his own just yet.”
Jonah scowled. I was sure he’d rather do anything other than sit in the kitchen all day watching his aunt bake.
Before I could second guess myself, I said, “I’m working in the barn most of the morning. He’s welcome to help me. First step in learning to ride is learning how to care for the horses.”
Jonah nearly vibrated with excitement, but I could see he was trying to play it cool. “I could do that.”
Hannah met my gaze for the first time today, her hesitation clear. “I don’t know. He might get in your way.”
“That’s what boys do.” I grinned at her. “I was one myself once. I can handle it.”
“I’ll be good, Aunt Hannah.” Jonah’s pleading eyes worked their magic on her, and she sighed as she agreed.
I held my palm out for him to give me a high five. His little hand slapped mine with enthusiasm. I suspected he would be easier to win over than his aunt, but I had to start somewhere.
Hannah
I stood at the back door, watching Ethan and Jonah walk toward the barn. Jonah was bouncing on his toes, eager to see the horses, and Ethan was grinning at him. He leaned down and pointed to something ahead of them. Jonah’s head nodded, andhe took off running. Ethan jogged after him, letting my nephew beat him to the barn.
“You don’t have to worry.” Chloe came to stand next to me. “Ethan’s a good guy. Jonah’s safe with him.”
