Page 30 of Wild Reckoning

“You know,” Killian said, keeping his voice low, “if you keep looking at me like that, we’re gonna have to find a more private place.”

His mate’s eyes popped open, widening in shock before narrowing with a mock glare. “You’re impossible,” he muttered, but there was a smile tugging at his lips.

“Already told you, it’s part of my charm.” Killian gave him a playful wink before turning back to Ethan. “All right, little guy, hold on tight!”

With a whoop, Killian gave the swing a push, sending Ethan flying just a little higher than before, the toddler’s laughter echoing through the clearing. Stewart stepped closer, and Killian felt their connection that only seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment.

He glanced at Stewart out of the corner of his eye, catching the way his mate looked at Ethan then at him. There was a softness there that made Killian’s heart do a weird little flip. It wasn’t just about their bond. This was about building something real with Stewart, a family, something Killian had never imagined he’d have of his own.

“Bad man,” Ethan whispered ominously when the swing came back down, but Killian had heard the cub.

Unsure what Ethan was talking about, Killian scanned the area. A movement past Stewart grabbed his attention, but it disappeared too quickly for Killian to get a good look. His bear stood up and took notice, snarling at the possible threat.

Killian leaned over to Stewart, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Take Ethan back inside, now.”

His mate’s brows furrowed, the confusion plain in his eyes. “What—”

“Now.” Killian’s voice left no room for argument as he unbuckled the swing and handed the toddler off to Stewart while still scanning the tree line. “Go. Lock the door behind you.”

Without another word, Stewart turned, hustling toward the back of the house with Ethan clutched tightly against him. The toddler looked over Stewart’s shoulder at Killian, his eyes wide with fear.

That look alone made Killian want to rip out the heart of whoever or whatever had ruined their family time together.

He watched them until they disappeared through the back door, and only then did he allow his focus to return to the woods. He moved with measured steps, scenting the air as he walked. It had gotten colder in the short amount of time since they’d come out. The slight breeze bit at his skin, but he ignored it, focusing instead on the other sensations—the subtle rustle of leaves, the creaking branches swaying in the wind, the faint crunch of footsteps that weren’t his.

How had Ethan known when the intruder was hiding deep in the woods? Had the toddler caught a glimpse?

His bear snarled to get out, eager to deal with any threat to their mate and cub. Killian inhaled deeply, trying to catch a scent, but the wind shifted, carrying his hint to whatever was out here away from him.

He kept his back to the house, looking around, his gaze searching every bush and shadow that moved with the breeze. His pulse quickened, adrenaline flooding his veins as he crept closer to the tree line.

A flash of movement, a dark shape darting between two trees. Killian jerked his head toward it, his eyes narrowing, but he couldn’t see where they’d gone. He took a step, his boot crunching on a stray branch, the sound muffled by the wind.

Whoever was out here was staying downwind, making it impossible to catch their scent to track them.

A sharp sound from the direction of the house grabbed his attention. His head whipped around, his heart lurching.

Stewart.

Killian took off, feet pounding over the leaf-strewn ground as he raced toward the house. Reaching the back door, he shoved it open, causing it to slam against the wall with a resounding thud.

The kitchen was empty.

The house settled, the soft creak of old wood blending with the pounding of his pulse.

Killian moved, his steps controlled, despite the rage that threatened to boil over. When he reached the stairs, he ascended them slowly, each step careful, his weight distributed to keep from making any noise.

The baby gate hung wide open. There was no way Stewart would forget to close it. His mate was too paranoid with Ethan’s safety.

Killian walked through the opening, his eyes locked on the hallway.

Then he heard it. Breathing, heavy and panicked, coming from Ethan’s room.

Killian fisted his hands, his jaw clenching as he approached the closed door. He could hear it more clearly now, the rapid breathing of someone afraid, Ethan’s soft whimper, and the rustle of movement as whoever was inside tried to stay quiet.

“I know you’re out there,” a man said, his voice shaky.

The old hinges groaned slightly as Killian pushed open the door. His eyes locked on the man standing in the middle of the room, holding Stewart in front of him like a human shield.

---