Page 87 of A Farmer’s Guide To Gamers

“Here.” Aiden’s voice was closer than I expected and I jumped a bit as I looked up to see him holding out a small stuffed otter. It was clearly well loved from the worn face but so cute.

“What is this?” I asked.

“My plush. I’ve had it since I was a kid,” he explained. Instead of letting me resist, he put it in my arms and sat next to me again, pulling me into his lap. I buried my face in its soft fur and relaxed a little as I was hit with a large dose of Aiden’s scent. The green tea, honey, and almond were so embedded in the fur I knew this was special to him. My chest warmed and I fought tears that he’d share something so significant with me.

“When did you get it?”

His fingers teased through my hair slowly as he spoke, his quiet voice so soothing I let my eyes close as I relaxed into the story.

“When I was ten. The whole family went to the zoo, and it was so crazy that day. There was some big event and so many families attended it was insanity. They had face painting and booths set up for all kinds of family activities. I’d just been diagnosed with autism, so my family recognized the warning signs of me getting overwhelmed. My mom Salem whisked me away to the aquarium side of the zoo. It was mainly empty and quiet in there. We spent hours watching the water reflect on the ground and the animals swimming. There was this amazing archway that went overhead where they could swim free.”

“That sounds amazing,” I whispered.

“It was. Then I found the otters. They were floating around and I just remember thinking how peaceful they were. I always felt like everything was so loud and hectic around me that I wished I could be like them. My mom bought me an otter toy when it was time to go. I’ve had it ever since.”

“Thanks for sharing him with me,” I said as I snuggled into it. He hummed quietly, his hands continuing to brush back my hair while Kai sat at my feet. His hands rested there, warm and heavy, keeping me grounded.

I was finally starting to come back to myself after that and the anger was starting to sink in. He’d even taken this amazing date and my safe space, and ruined it.

“I think it’s time we talked about some security,” Dean stated firmly, pulling my attention from my growing anger to him as he and Jack came to stand in front of us. “Given the fact he was bold enough to come here while we were all asleep, I think we can all agree something has to be done.”

“What did you have in mind?” I asked, clearing my throat when my voice came out hoarse. “I want my animals protected, too.”

“That’s definitely part of the plan,” Jack agreed, nodding as he pushed up his glasses.

“Security cameras are a must,” Dean said firmly, his arms crossed in front of his chest as if he expected an argument. “We can add some to the barn and other areas, along with the outside of the house.”

“Maybe motion sensor flood lights for nighttime,” Kai suggested.

“Great idea,” Jack said, opening his phone and probably typing everything in an app.

“And I think you should hire some farm help,” Dean said firmly, his gaze locked on mine as I opened my mouth to protest. “It doesn’t have to be something crazy and you could even just look for volunteers. But people physically here to watch out for the animals, Tillie. You can’t be here all the time and this will probably make you feel better. You can instantly check in with them if you have any concerns.”

I narrowed my eyes at my alpha, knowing that he was right but also not quite liking how bossy he was being about all of this.

It almost sounded like orders and not just requests.

“That could be reasonable,” I started, pursing my lips. “I agree about the cameras and lights. Those are really smart ideas.”

“And hiring help?” Aiden asked behind me, his fingers still brushing through my hair. “You could help out high schoolers or college kids with volunteer hours. Maybe have one person be hired on to help you?”

“You’re so smart, Aiden,” I smiled, turning to press a soft kiss on his lips.

“That was my idea!” Dean protested, a teasing note in his voice told me he knew exactly what was going on.

“Yeah, but he’s much better at suggesting things, alpha. You’re just being bossy,” I teased, desperately needing a distraction from this violation.

“Do your parents know anyone that might do security?” Jack asked, looking up from his phone. “Maybe a word from them will help get the cameras installed sooner rather than later. I think that would make us all feel better.”

“We could put a sign up on your farm’s website,” Kai said, turning to look at me. A warm smile on his face at being able to offer something to help. “Post around a few places on social media and get some sign ups. Maybe get some feelers out for one hire?”

I bit my lip and tried to contain my laughter.

“Beta, I know this may come as a shock…”

“Don’t say it,” Kai said, putting his head on my knees. “Tillie…”

“I don’t have a website and I couldn’t even begin to tell you how to put one together.”