Page 34 of Wild Reckoning

“Uncuh Ton-Ton.” Ethan’s sleepy voice was adorable.

Ryker believed in protecting those who couldn’t do it for themselves, and children were the most vulnerable. The boy was now his nephew, and he would lay down his life in order to ensure Ethan’s safety, just as he would for anyone he cared about.

Quinton immediately crouched beside the bear, his large hands gentle as he rubbed Ethan’s back. “Hey, little man,” he said, his voice low. “Bear’s sleepy, huh?”

Ethan yawned, nodding. “Bear seepy. Pay?”

Quinton chuckled, scooping Ethan into his arms. “Sure, buddy. We can go play downstairs. I’ve got a new trick to show you.”

Ethan’s eyes widened, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. “Twick?”

“Yep. But it’s a secret. Only for you and me, okay?” Quinton winked, his grin wide as Ethan nodded seriously.

Ryker watched them go, his dad carrying the cub out of the room with that same confidence he always had when it came to family. Ryker let out a breath, glad everyone was okay.

Hyett stepped into the room, his eyes on Killian’s bear form. “I told him he snores while he’s a bear, but he called me a liar.”

“Where in this room do you hear a snore?” Ryker argued.

“Open your ears and listen.” Hyett gestured toward Killian.

Frowning, Ryker strained to hear it. “He’s heavy breathing. You would, too, if you were that size.”

“Heavy breathing is snoring, dumbass,” Hyett scowled.

“Bro, leave the drugs alone.” He shook his head. The guy was high if he thought the two were the same. “So, you’re telling me that after sex, when you’re all sweaty and struggling to breathe, you’re actually snoring?”

Ryker winced when it struck him that Stewart was still in the room.

“Smooth,” Hyett tsked. “I’ll go tell Dad he has one less son to worry about. Killian is going to kill you.”

“For what?” Stewart asked, his voice sounding more even.

“Nonhumans are very possessive of their mates. And Killian would kill me, especially if you two haven’t—”

Hyett whapped him on the back of the head. “You really are trying to die, aren’t you?”

“Killian told me about the possessive thing.” Stewart nodded, his brows knitted. “But would he really become that upset if you two were talking about sex in front of me?”

“Not me. No-ho-ho.” Hyett waved his hands, palms up. “Don’t even put me in this shit. That was bonehead over here.”

“I still can’t see him in a serious role.” Ryker chewed his lower lip, hoping desperately to change the subject so he could ease his foot out of his mouth. “He’s such a goofball.”

“Understatement,” Hyett muttered. “Nice try, though. He’s still going to kill you, bro.”

“I’m going to head downstairs.” Ryker stepped toward the door then looked at Stewart. “You good?”

“Not an appropriate question after you embarrassed the guy,” Hyett snarled.

“Who said I was embarrassed?” Stewart asked. “I’m a doctor, so I know all about the birds and the bears.”

“Nice.” Ryker chuckled.

“Seriously, you’re a doctor?” Hyett sounded impressed. Ryker was too.

“No, I only play one on television.” Stewart sat on the bed, rubbing his temples.

“I’m digging this guy.” Ryker liked the human’s sense of humor, and thankfully, this mate wasn’t running from someone.

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