Page 5 of Wild Reckoning

Maybe it was the stark contrast between the cruelty Stewart had experienced versus the tenderness Killian showed toward Ethan. Could it be something deeper causing this stir of emotions within him? Whatever the reason, Stewart wasn’t ready to let his guard down again, not when his trust in men had been broken.

“Tow truck should be here in about thirty minutes,” Quinton called over.

“I appreciate you guys trying to lend a hand.” He rubbed his arms, ready to get himself and his nephew out of the cold.

“No trouble at all, son.” Quinton smiled, a reassuring warmth in his eyes.

Stewart glanced at his nephew, who was now giggling at something Killian had said. The laughter was infectious, and even Stewart couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips. Despite his initial fear, these strangers were an unexpected surprise that he was grateful for.

Especially Killian. While the guy was talking to Ethan, Stewart slid his gaze over the man’s backside, appreciating the mouthwatering view. Will you stop it? Jeez.

The next thirty minutes passed quickly, with Killian and the others entertaining Ethan while Stewart stood awkwardly to the side. He couldn’t help but notice how easily Killian fit into the role of entertaining a child, like he’d done this a thousand times before. It left Stewart wondering if Killian had children of his own and if that’s what made him such a gentle giant.

The tow truck arrived, and after a brief discussion with the driver, Killian informed Stewart that he would follow the truck to the garage, while the others continued on their ride.

That was fine with Stewart since he wasn’t sure if he would need more help. For reasons he couldn’t understand, he felt better with Killian present.

Stewart made sure Ethan was snug under the blankets, then tried to pull the seat out. Good lord! With the added weight of the toddler and blankets, Stewart’s puny arms were trembling like crazy. He grunted and groaned, wondering if he could make it to the truck before he blew out his back.

“I’ll get it for you.” Killian placed a hand between Stewart’s shoulder blades, gently coaxing him aside. The unexpected way his body reacted to the touch made Stewart quickly back away, causing him to trip over his own feet.

Smooth, he was not.

“Whoa.” Killian grabbed Stewart’s arm, stopping him from landing on his ass. “Watch your step, hon.”

Stewart really wished the guy would stop touching him. Those strong hands were frying brain cells.

Feeling like an idiot for overreacting, he used sarcasm while actively ignoring the warm sensation ping-ponging through his body.

“Fine, you can do the heavy lifting.” Stewart rolled his eyes, then scowled when Killian pulled the seat out as if it weighed nothing. It probably didn’t since the guy was built like a brickhouse. He strode to the truck with Ethan then strapped him in before easing out of the way.

“Thanks again…for everything.” Stewart climbed into the tow truck before he embarrassed himself again, grateful for the heat.

Killian nodded, closing the door once Stewart was seated. “Just glad we happened by. I’ll follow you guys to the shop.”

No one was more thankful than Stewart. There was no telling what would’ve happened if Killian hadn’t decided to stop.

As the truck pulled away, Stewart rubbed his chest, puzzled over the stirring that refused to subside.

Chapter Two

Most riders didn’t jump on their motorcycles when the weather was this cold. But the first snow had yet to fall, and Killian loved breathing in the icy-cold air. It punched through his lungs and left a sweet, refreshing feeling all over his body.

But nothing could have prepared him when he’d pulled over to help a stranded motorist, only to discover he actually had a future, and it had come in a short, blond hair, green-eyed package.

With a bonus, because Killian must’ve done something right in his life for a chance to raise a cub.

And now he was following behind the two guys who had just become the most important people in his world. You couldn’t chisel the good mood off him, even with a crowbar.

At last, he’d found his mate. That simple truth had his bear purring inside him, but Killian suspected his beast just wanted to play with the cub. Stewart was his mate, and that adorable kiddo was now his nephew. The idea of raising a child, of molding a small mind, of claiming Stewart and starting a life with them, hit Killian right in his feel good.

As his Bluetooth earpiece vibrated, he tapped it to take the call, fully aware of who it would be. Sure enough, the familiar sound of his father’s voice came through, brimming with excitement and curiosity. Killian shook his head, amused. He’d nailed it.

“Is it simply attraction, or is the human your mate?”

Knowing his father, and Killian did, Quinton had been itching to ask the question during their entire time examining Stewart’s engine. The whole lot of them had been brimming with curiosity. They’d been about as subtle with their glances as a cub who was stealing a treat from the cookie jar for the first time.

Normally, Killian wasn’t overly friendly or volunteered to entertain a child. At least not that long. “Yeah, he’s my mate.”

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