Page 10 of Wild Reckoning

Killian burst out laughing, thoroughly enjoying his mate’s company. “I used the same substitute!”

“Badass!” Ethan joined in the laughter, waving his tiny fists around.

Killian and Stewart groaned in unison.

* * * *

“Thanks once again for everything.” Stewart felt like he was saying that way too often to Killian. But he really was appreciative of all his help. If it hadn’t been for Killian’s kindheartedness, he wouldn’t have stopped, and who knew how much longer Stewart would have been stuck on that back road?

What astonished Stewart the most was how fast Ethan had taken to Killian. It was as if the two were close buddies now.

“Once again, you’re very welcome.” Killian jumped out and unbuckled Ethan’s car seat from the back then pulled it out and walked to the door of Stewart’s rental house.

The guy was also a back saver. Stewart thought he would throw his out trying to get the car seat with his nephew loaded into it from his car when the tow truck had arrived. Although he was lean with some definition to his body, he didn’t have tons of muscles like Killian.

Stewart glanced at the house. It looked just like the online picture. White with blue trim, though the color seemed a bit more faded in person. The front yard was huge, filled with dead leaves from the large, shedding tree in the center of the lawn.

Fall was Stewart’s favorite season. There was something about the crisp air that made everything feel more alive, even as nature began to wind down.

The leaves crunched underfoot, their vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow blanketing the ground, a colorful reminder of the fleeting beauty of the season.

The air was cool, with just enough bite to remind him that winter wasn’t too far away, but for now, there was comfort in the sweater-weather warmth of the sun.

The scent of wood smoke drifted faintly in the breeze, mingling with the earthy aroma of fallen leaves.

Stewart took a deep breath, letting the tranquility of the moment settle over him. This was the kind of fresh start he’d hoped for.

A place where he and Ethan could put down roots.

Using the code he’d been given, Stewart retrieved the key from the lock box then opened the front door and stepped inside. The house was cold, and the air was stagnant, carrying the faint scent of dust and neglect, as if it had been waiting for them to breathe life back into it. He flipped the light switch, and a dim light flickered on, illuminating the sparsely furnished living room. The yellow glow highlighted the few pieces of furniture—a couch, a small coffee table, and a retro television set.

The house wasn’t much, but it would do. It was a place to start over, away from Clive and the chaos of his past.

Stewart rubbed his hands together, trying to bring some warmth into his fingers. The chill sank into his bones, biting at his skin, and he realized the heat must not be on yet.

The metal base of the car seat made a soft clunk sound when Killian set it down and took Ethan out of it. The little boy immediately began exploring, his tiny feet pattering across the echoing surface of the cold floor. Stewart wrapped his arms around himself, shivering slightly. The smell of aged wood and a hint of mildew lingered in the air, making him wonder when the last time the house was rented.

“You okay?” Killian’s voice was warm and steady, and Stewart looked over at him, seeing the concern etched in his expression.

“Yeah.” Stewart gave a small smile. “Just need to figure out how to get the heat on. And, well… we don’t have any food.”

The guy nodded, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “How about we head to the grocery store?”

Killian had already done so much for them, and Stewart didn’t want to become a burden, but the idea of getting everything he needed in one trip, especially when he didn’t have a way to get around at the moment, was too tempting to pass up. “All right, that sounds like a plan.”

The grocery store was somewhat busy, the clattering of carts and murmur of conversation filling the space. The overhead lights cast a bright, sterile glow over the aisles, and the scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the crispness of refrigerated produce.

Stewart pushed the cart, while Killian walked beside it, entertaining Ethan, who was in the cart’s child seat. Killian made goofy faces, drawing giggles from Ethan that echoed through the store. The boy’s laughter was infectious, a bright sound that cut through Stewart’s wariness and brought a smile to his face.

As they moved down the aisles, Stewart felt a mix of emotions. He was grateful for Killian’s help, for his kindness, but a part of him was wary of getting too comfortable, too trusting. He had just escaped an abusive relationship, and the scars of that were still fresh, still raw, like a wound that hadn’t quite scabbed over. He wanted to trust Killian, but it wasn’t easy to let his guard down.

“So, what are you thinking for dinner tonight?” Killian asked, his voice light and teasing as he picked up a box of mac and cheese and waved it in front of Stewart. “Something gourmet, perhaps?”

Stewart laughed, shaking his head. “I think Ethan would approve of that choice. I’ll keep it simple for now.”

With a grin, Killian tossed the box into the cart. “Mac and cheese it is, then. Can’t go wrong with the classics.”

They continued down the aisle, and Stewart noticed the way Killian’s shoulder brushed against his arm every so often, a light, almost casual touch that sent warmth spreading through him. Killian was flirting, and Stewart knew it. It was subtle, but it was there—the lingering glances, the playful comments, and the way he seemed to be completely focused on Stewart and Ethan.

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