Page 8 of Lost Mate

“He needs a friend. That can be me. I’ll come home tomorrow, and we can talk. But you’re his mate. You must have his back, no matter what the others say.”

“Even if it means leaving the pack and the Cavalry?” Ross wasn’t sure if that was a question or a statement.

“Yes.”

No ifs or buts. Ross’s priority had to be Dylan now. He nodded slowly. “Keep reminding me, yeah? I know I’m going to screw up and say the wrong thing.”

Owen gave him a wicked grin. “I’m real good at being the mouthy asshole, don’t you worry.”

Zeke appeared in the doorway, looking concerned until he saw Owen talking to Ross. He strode over to them and wrapped a meaty arm around Owen’s shoulders, engulfing him. The man made four of his shifter lover. “I was worried.” His tone was gentle but chiding.

Owen tilted his head to smile up at him. “I was just giving Ross the shifter facts of life.”

“You were telling him what to do.” Zeke knew his mate well.

Owen shrugged. “Someone has to, you know? The others are so busy seeing the bigger picture, they forget what it’s like for the rest of us.”

“Dylan needs Owen. I need Owen between us and Eli,” Ross admitted wryly.

“You have me too,” Zeke said, squeezing Ross’s shoulder.

“Take him to bed,” Owen said, then groaned. “I can’t believe I just said that.”

“Thanks,” Ross said to them both. “I owe you one.” He focused his attention on Owen. “Thanks for giving him a chance to decompress in your home.”

He knew what giving that up, even for a night, meant to Owen who hadn’t had a home to call his own in too long.

“You’re pack.” Owen said it like that was all that mattered.

For the first time Ross understood what that really meant, but was it enough for Dylan to be accepted by the others?

Chapter Three

Ross felt a sense of relief as he drove away from Sapphire Ranch. He wasn’t going far. Zeke and Owen had moved into a property on the land adjoining the ranch and they’d carved out a dirt road across the land to cut out the miles. But he’d been genuine in his gratitude to Owen. It was a huge deal for the young man to give up his home even for a night.

Dylan hadn’t stirred since Ross had laid him on the back seat. Ross could feel the waves of exhaustion coming from his sweet mate. It was as if he were hyperaware of every part of his wolf. How did Zeke and the other humans concentrate when they had all these emotions being flung at them 24/7? It was hard enough to deal with human emotions, but adding a shifter to the mix was ten times the strength.

He would talk to Zeke. Joe thought Cal walked on water, and anyway, the omega just wanted to help everyone. Eli’s mate, Sheriff Milo, was more human than wolf and still working his human law enforcement job until the next sheriff was elected. But Zeke was like him, he’d understand, particularly with a highly-strung, almost feral mate like Owen.

Ross drove through the night, glad of the bright moon and stars to guide his way. He felt connected to this land now. Of all the Cavalry, he was the one who’d helped Joe keep the ranch going while they dealt with the hunters until his accident. He’d missed the place like crazy while he recovered from his injuries. Maybe he should find a small parcel of land to call his own and resign from the Cavalry as he was ready to settle down. Then Ross heard what sounded like a contented purr inside his head. His mate was happy with that idea. He drove on for a while, jonesing on the dream of a little farm nearby, a ranch was probably too much to handle, with sheep and cows.

And chickens, Dylan added sleepily. I like chickens.

“You can have chickens, honey,” Ross said out loud and heard a contented noise from the back.

Ross’s smile faded as he thought about their future. Whatever happened, he knew he had to find out what had happened to his mate. He needed to be examined by a doctor, even if it was the one from Wild Creek pack.

He reached the yard in front of the two-story ranch-style house and sat for a moment, waiting to see if anything moved in the shadows. Months of fighting the hunters had taught him to be careful. But nothing moved or gleamed in the darkness.

Ross jumped out of the pick-up. He had the sense to open the door to the house and flick on the lights before he came back for Dylan.

“Where are we?” Dylan mumbled.

“Zeke and Owen’s house,” Ross reminded him as he gathered Dylan into his arms. “We’re gonna sleep here tonight.”

“I’m so tired,” Dylan admitted.

“I know, honey. Five minutes and you’ll be in bed.”

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