Page 5 of In Plain Sight

“No,” I said. “You can come back to my place.”

“You have a house nearby?” he asked.

“Of course I do. You know you’re in Collier territory, right?”

“Yes. I am hoping to speak with the Alpha tomorrow. Are you aware there is another pack nearby? I had a run in with a few of them and was forced onto Collier land. They messed up my knee pretty good, but it should heal. I’m hoping it doesn’t hinder me finding work here for the season,” he explained.

I rolled my eyes. “That’s the Larken wolves. Sorry about that. Their Alpha was killed recently, and Luke is still struggling to control them. Many are resistant to their new Alpha’s wishes and causing trouble. In some ways it’s even worse now than when Jedidiah was alive,” I told him.

“It would probably be best if I stayed here tonight and gave my knee more time to heal,” he said regretfully.

I rolled my eyes. “I just found you. Don’t think you’ll get away that easily.”

“There’s nothing in this general area but open fields. I tried scouting ahead and this place seemed like the safest, with best coverage around.”

“It’s only a little over a mile back to the barns, and I have my horse. I don’t just let anyone ride Cinnamon, but for you, I’ll make an exception. This time,” I added.

I was downplaying it. No one rode Cinnamon except me, especially since he was getting on in years now. Bran couldn’t possibly understand what a big deal this was for me.

“If that will make you happy. It has been awhile since I had a real bed to sleep in.”

That comment filled me with a thousand questions, but I didn’t think it was the time or place to ask him. I’d take him home, maybe ask Clara to come over and check out his knee, just to be sure there was nothing wrong with it. I could use a hot shower myself and if Bran had been living off the land for several days, I was certain he could, too.

“Come on, let’s get home,” I told him, moving to sit up and begin gathering my clothes together.

Bran sat up next to me, kissing my shoulder. The feelings he invoked in me were indescribable. I may not know anything at all about the man, but it really didn’t matter, because I would do anything to feel this sense of belonging, happiness, and need every day of my life. I pushed up to stand and quickly dressed. He did the same and gathered the few belongings he had and stuffed them into a backpack.

“That’s it?” I asked.

He gave me a wry look. “I’m afraid so,” he said, hesitantly. “My entire life in one bag.”

“Probably a good thing,” I teased, trying to lighten the melancholy that seemed to set in. “I’m high maintenance enough for the both of us.”

He let out a deep full belly laugh that rumbled through his body and slammed lust back into mine. Damn, he had a sexy laugh.

I led the way out of the tree cover to where I had tied up Cinnamon. He mounted the horse first with ease. I knew I was gawking at his backside, but I doubt he minded any. I had a drop-dead gorgeous mate and I’d look all I wanted for the rest of my life.

I sat just behind the saddle, riding bareback. I knew Cinnamon wouldn’t mind it much. Just before we took off, though, I heard the whine of another horse. I looked around but didn’t see anything. I turned my horse to the noise to investigate. It didn’t take long to identify it—Cochise.

I slowed us and slid off Cinnamon. “Cochise, where have you been, boy? Everyone’s been so worried and out looking for you.”

The horse whinnied and stomped his feet at my approach.

“Don’t you give me that attitude, mister.” I reached out and lovingly stroked his mane, and he nuzzled into my touch. “That’s my good boy.” I never took my eyes off Cochise, and kept the same soothing voice when I spoke to Bran. It was clear something had spooked the horse and I didn’t want him to run from me. “Bran, are you okay riding solo? I’ve got a team out looking for this guy right now. He didn’t come home last night. I can ride him back if you can manage Cinnamon okay.”

“I know how to ride a horse, mate,” he said sounding amused.

As I felt Cochise begin to settle, I quickly mounted him. He tried to take off on me and without a saddle I had to grab hold of his mane to keep from falling over. He then remembered just who was in charge and calmed down enough for me to get him moving.

“Well, come on then,” I hollered over my shoulder. “And Cinnamon is not just some horse. He’s my best friend in the entire world, so be gentle with him.”

As he easily caught up to me, I glanced over and noticed he was smiling happily. Some of the edge to him seemed to have melted away, but then, Cinnamon had that effect on me, too.

We rode in silence and half an hour later the barns slowly came into view.

“Wow,” Bran commented. “It’s bigger than I expected.”

“What is?” I asked.

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