Page 4 of Wild Reckoning

Stewart hesitated before popping open the lid and glancing inside, unsure if Ethan could eat anything besides the sandwich. Everything else could be a choking hazard.

“Thank you,” he said gratefully.

“I promise, my paws were clean when I made it,” Ryker joked with a chuckle while Stewart struggled to hold back tears.

The intimidating men had turned out to be the nicest people he had ever met, while his ex-boyfriend, who always seemed put together in his designer clothes—thanks to Stewart’s money—revealed himself to be the cruelest.

The past two weeks had taken an immense toll on Stewart, both physically and emotionally. These men had no idea just how much he had needed their simple act of kindness.

Stewart tore off a bite-sized piece of the sandwich and handed it to his ravenous nephew, who quickly devoured it and looked up at him for more.

“Your cub sure has a big appetite,” Killian remarked with a grin.

Once the sandwich was finished, Stewart closed the container and handed it back to Killian.

“I’m not trying to tell you how to be a parent, but the little guy is still hungry,” Killian said with a concerned expression. “He can have it all, hon.”

“I’m afraid he might choke on it,” Stewart answered honestly, wishing they had at least made it to town before the car died. The guilt weighed on him as he saw Ethan hungrily eyeing the container.

“May I?” Killian held out his hand.

“But he might choke,” Stewart argued.

“Ryker, bring me a few napkins,” Killian called out.

When the guy brought them over, Killian opened the container and used a napkin to smash the grapes. “Is it okay if he eats them now?”

Stewart’s gaze flicked from Killian to Ethan, who stared eagerly at the napkin. “Yes.”

“Do you mind if we switch spots?”

Stewart moved aside, still wary, and watched as Killian crouched and held open the napkin. Ethan reached with tiny fingers, grabbing the smashed grapes, eagerly shoving them into his mouth.

“Whoa, buddy. You gotta chew them first.” Killian tapped him on his nose, Ethan giggling in response. “I just told your dad these were safe. Don’t make me out to be a liar.”

“Uncuh Stewalulu.” The juices from the grapes dribbled down Ethan’s chin. Killian wiped up the mess with another napkin.

“Dad or uncle, let’s not make me out to be a liar, okay?” Killian smashed more grapes then held the napkin out for Ethan, who quickly grabbed them.

It was the happiest Ethan had been since Stewart gained custody of him. As Killian fed the toddler, he made goofy faces and was rewarded with high-pitched squeals.

Life in Pennsylvania hadn’t been good, even before Ethan had come into the picture. Stewart wasn’t even sure why he’d stayed with such a horrible person, but things had become so much worse when Clive found out Stewart had gotten custody of Ethan.

That had been Stewart’s tipping point. He refused to bring Ethan into such a toxic environment, so he’d set things in motion—transferring to Midnight Falls General, making arrangements for a rental home, then packing his and Ethan’s bags before hitting the road.

But he hadn’t left soon enough. Ethan had seen the violence Clive was capable of. That’s why Stewart was shocked his nephew was laughing and playing with Killian.

A muscular man just like Clive. Stewart glanced around and noticed everyone watching Killian, though he wasn’t sure why. Even the guy’s father had popped his head around the hood a few times to glance at them, always with a strange sort of expression.

Just then, Quinton—Ha! Stewart suddenly remembered his name—approached, wiping his hands on a rag and shook his head. “I’m afraid the car’s going to need more work than I can do out here. It’s gotta be towed to town, and the repair shop can take a proper look at it from there.”

“Thanks for trying.” Stewart’s life was chaos, and this was just another unexpected expense. He hoped his savings would be enough to cover the repairs.

“I’ll get a tow truck out here.” Quinton pulled his phone from his pocket and walked a short distance away to make the call.

Stewart watched as Killian helped Ethan munch on more of the smashed grapes. There was something unexpectedly tender in the way Killian interacted with the toddler. It was such a contrast to Clive’s harshness, and seeing it stirred a strange mix of emotions in Stewart’s chest. He didn’t know this man at all, yet there was a gentle familiarity that was impossible to ignore.

Even so, he questioned the strange stirring inside of him. Why did he feel anything at all for someone he’d just met? After everything Clive had put him through, shouldn’t Stewart be wary? Yet, there was something about Killian that seemed genuine, something about the kindness in his gray eyes and the warmth of his voice that made Stewart feel at ease around him.

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