Page 29 of Wild Reckoning

“You don’t have time,” Tetlow shot back. “You’ve got until tomorrow. If you don’t have it by then, don’t bother showing your face. Because I swear to god, I’ll turn you over to him myself.”

The line went dead, and Alonso stared at his phone, his chest heaving. He flipped his middle finger at the dark screen before shoving the device into his pocket. Turning back to the house, his mind raced.

He had one day, one day to find a solution, or he would be a dead man.

Chapter Seven

Killian zipped up Ethan’s thick jacket. It wasn’t as cold in the afternoon, and he wanted his fellas to get some fresh air. His family had left, though Killian thought he might have to eject his father out the front door. Quinton had so much fun with Ethan that he hadn’t wanted to leave.

Straightening, he checked Stewart’s coat as well, smirking when his mate batted his hands away.

“I can make sure my own jacket is zipped,” Stewart grumbled, but the sweet blush said he enjoyed the attention.

Killian just grinned, leaning in and brushing a quick kiss against his mate’s lips, savoring the warmth before stepping back. “You say that, but I’m not taking any chances. Gotta make sure my mate stays warm and cozy.”

Stewart rolled his eyes, but the corners of his lips twitched upward, betraying his amusement. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“It’s part of my charm,” Killian shot back, scooping Ethan into his arms.

The little guy squealed, his tiny, gloved hands wrapping around Killian’s neck as they headed outside. The scent of pine lingered in the crisp air, mixing with the earthy aroma of fallen leaves.

The brisk chill nipping at Killian’s cheeks made the world feel alive. As Stewart walked beside him, their arms brushed every few steps. Each touch, however fleeting, sent warmth through Killian’s chest that had nothing to do with the jacket he wore.

“Where are we even going?” Stewart asked, his tone curious, though there was a hint of exasperation too. “Not that I’m complaining, but we’re just kind of wandering.”

Killian shrugged, the soft crackle of leaves punctuating the movement. “Figured we could let the cub lead the way. Right, buddy?” He looked at Ethan, who gave an excited nod.

“Pwaygwon,” the kid said with all the authority of a toddler on a mission. Ethan-speak for playground.

It was actually Frank who’d told Killian about the tiny playground a little farther behind the house. The owner had installed it when his children were little and had kept it maintained throughout the years until he’d moved into town.

Now Killian wasn’t sure who was more excited, the kid or himself.

“You heard him.” He turned to Stewart with a raised eyebrow. “The boss has spoken.”

Stewart laughed, a sound that was rich and free in the open air. “Well, who am I to argue with that?” He reached over, ruffling Ethan’s hair. “Lead on, oh fearless one.”

The playground wasn’t far, just as Frank had said. It was a small, quaint area with a set of swings, a slide, and a couple of seesaws. The metal structures were slightly rusted, but that didn’t stop Ethan from wiggling in Killian’s grasp, wanting to get down.

“Easy there, buddy,” he said as he lowered Ethan to the ground, the toddler immediately making a beeline for the swings. The chains rattled slightly as Ethan struggled to climb into one of the seats. Killian quickly stepped in to help, his big hands gently lifting Ethan into the bucket swing for toddlers.

Stewart leaned against the support bar of the swing set, watching them. “You look like you’ve done this before.” His gaze softened as he watched Killian give Ethan a gentle push.

“Nah, first time,” he admitted, his voice light. “Just comes naturally, I guess.” He caught the swing, giving it another push.

The air was filled with Ethan’s delighted giggles, causing Killian to chuckle. This right here? It was so much better than hearing the toddler cry.

Moving closer, Stewart nudged Killian’s side with his elbow. “You’re pretty good at this...you know, uncle stuff.” His voice was softer, almost hesitant.

When Killian turned his head, their gazes met. His mate’s green eyes were filled with a quiet tenderness, making Killian want to wrap his arms around Stewart and never let go. He gave a lopsided grin instead. “Think so, huh? Well, I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“It was meant as one.” Stewart’s blush returned, coloring his cheeks in the cold. He looked down, kicking at a stray leaf. “I just…I never thought I’d see Ethan so happy, not after everything that’s happened.”

For a moment, Killian stopped pushing the swing, letting it sway on its own as he stepped closer to Stewart, his voice dropping. “He’s got you. And now, he’s got me too. We’re a team, right?”

Stewart’s gaze lifted, meeting his, and for a moment, they just gazed at each other, the world around them falling away. “I still need more time,” he said finally, his voice cracking slightly.

Unable to resist, Killian leaned in, brushing his lips against Stewart’s. It was quick, fleeting, but the warmth lingered. He pulled back just enough to see Stewart’s eyes were still closed, his lips parted slightly.

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