Page 34 of In Plain Sight

I raised my arms out to my sides in an exaggerated shrug.

“Sorry. One more time through and then I’ll have you square off against each other. Slowly,” he added.

I rolled my eyes as Pey and I walked through the kata one last time. My muscles were warmed up now and no longer rebelling against each motion.

Our audience continued to grow, and Lily walked in to join Lizzy and Cole. Bran gave his instructions clearly. Truth was, he was an excellent instructor, and I didn’t want to ask how he knew some of the things he was teaching me. Something told me the answers would terrify me.

While my mate was loving and caring, there was also an edge to him, a darkness. Sometimes he looked sad, like the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. I really could not care less about whether I learned to fight. There were people in our Pack already assigned to such duties, and I didn’t live in fear over the things that had happened to my sisters the way that Peyton apparently did.

I had always taken pride in being able to fend for myself and stand up for myself, but truth was, no one had ever pushed me to the point of actually fighting. My quick wit and sharp tongue were enough to put anyone in their place, and I had learned that lesson at a young age and always used it for my personal benefit.

Bran had Peyton and me square off with each other. He had me start the kata at the midway point and Peyton from the beginning as we faced one another. I laughed at first, thinking it would be sheer chaos and we’d just run into each other. Instead, it was a perfect orchestration. Her advances met my blocks in a synchronized pattern that astonished me.

When I reached the end, he told me to keep going for another round, and my moves flawlessly met Peyton’s movements as we switched to her blocking and me attacking.

“That was so cool,” Pey squealed when we had completed two full passes. “How did you do that?”

My wolf awoke on edge. My sister was gushing over my mate, and even though I knew it was only in her excitement over the drill, I didn’t seem to be able to convince my wolf of that.

Lizzy stepped forward and wrapped a protective arm around my shoulders. “Deep breaths. You got this. Just keep your cool and remember, you’re in charge, Ruby. Breathe in, breathe out. Unfortunately, I know that look all too well,” she said.

“What look?” I demanded, still feeling far too aggressive.

She smiled knowingly with a patience that I wanted to knock off of her smug face.

“The look of someone about to lose their shit for no reason. You know Peyton isn’t even flirting with Bran, Ruby. You know this, but that look says you’re about to attack her and for real this time.”

I shook my head, trying to deny it, but blood was coursing through my veins and my vision was clouding as my wolf surged to gain control.

Bran saw what was happening and joined us. “I got you,” he said confidently, wrapping his arms around my waist.

I turned and buried my face in his chest, breathing in his scent. That smell combined with his touch instantly soothed my wolf.

“Are you okay?” Peyton asked.

I turned my head, a little embarrassed, and smiled. “I’m fine.”

As soon as Bran loosened his hold on me, Lily grabbed me and pulled me into a hug. “It sucks sometimes, right?”

We both laughed. I equally hated and loved that my mated sisters understood what I was going through. I knew now that I definitely didn’t get it when I jumped in and tried to give advice and tell them they were crazy for mating so quickly. Karma could be a bitch and I was just grateful my sisters were more gracious than I had ever been.

Gage poked his head into the room. “Ruby, everyone, Clara just called Doc back, Mellie’s progressing.”

There was a celebratory feeling in the room as we headed back into the stables and watched and waited. Mellie wasn’t just restless now; a yellowish-colored sac was bulging from her, a clear sign she was close to delivery. Doc and Clara had asked that we keep to the blanketed areas and not approach the mother cow. I wanted to be there with her, but even more than that I wanted what was best for Mellie.

Davidson, our usual veterinarian, arrived with a small team of staff that would tend to the young calves immediately following birth. Davidson, Doc, and Clara patiently waited, assisting when needed until we saw two feet protruding. Soon a little nose poked out.

The miracle of a new birth never ceased to amaze me, and I didn’t even try to hold back the tears that flowed as a new life entered the world. Bran held me close, in awe of what he was witnessing for the first time. No one said a word as we all watched in wonder.

I wanted to cheer when the little one dropped, hitting the ground and collapsing. Normally we would leave the babe there to stumble around until it could stand on its own, but since a second was on the way, the vet team swooped in and pulled it away, but still in sight of Mellie so not to stress her any more than necessary.

“It’s a boy!” someone announced, and we quietly cheered. I was hoping for two new heifers, but as long as they were both healthy, I didn’t really care.

Clara shushed us all as the second baby started to make an appearance. I noticed immediately that its feet were pointed in the wrong direction. I gasped and gripped Bran’s hand.

“We have a breach,” Clara confirmed seconds later.

“That’s what I was afraid of,” Davidson calmly said. “Don’t worry, Ruby girl, we’ll have another healthy baby for you to dote over soon. This isn’t our first breach.”

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