Page 28 of Stealing His Human

Then Nedrick pulled up a book on his tablet and started reading.

Uhhhh... okay.

With his eyelids once again heavy, Brett decided to just go with it.

Chapter Eleven

The last three days had been some of the best days of Nedrick’s life. He’d spent them with Brett, getting to know him and sharing activities. The only way it could have been better was if Nedrick had managed to figure out how to broach the subject of the paranormal—shifters and mates, specifically.

As Nedrick walked beside Brett, strolling through the woods, he knew this would have to be the day. His wolf was clamoring to get closer to their mate, to mark him and claim him as theirs. Somehow, he would have to find a way not only to share his nature with his mate, but also to explain what his human meant to him—their connection.

To that end, Nedrick had talked Brett into taking a private hike with him to a secluded waterfall that wasn’t part of any designated hiking trail. The place was located fairly close to Alpha Declan’s home and had been used by many other shifters in the past to connect with their mate. Nedrick hoped it would bring him good luck.

The silence between them was comfortable, relaxed. Neither felt the need to fill their time with unnecessary chatter, but it didn’t feel strained at all. To Nedrick, it felt companionable, peaceful.

While walking, Nedrick thought about the last three days they’d shared.

On Monday, Nedrick and Brett had spent most of the day resting. After he’d dropped by unannounced and pretty much invited himself into the tent, he’d wiled away the day caring for his healing mate. For the most part, that meant reading while Brett slept, dozing next to him, and making certain he ate and drank enough to fuel his healing body.

At one point, Nedrick had enjoyed an afternoon siesta. When he’d woken, he’d been spooned up behind Brett, the broader man wrapped in his arms. Brett had patted his hip and asked if he was awake. When Nedrick had responded in the affirmative, he’d muttered, “Good. Wasn’t sure I could wait too much longer before needing to get up to use the john.”

That had told Nedrick that Brett had woken before him, and his mate had evidently not minded being held by him.

In Nedrick’s mind, that had been a huge step forward.

On Tuesday, Nedrick had driven to the campground on his motorcycle. He’d learned from Luther about Brett’s interest in exploring the myriad of different home styles in the area. Between him, Luther, Paolo, and Leo, they’d made a list of places to show him.

With Brett mostly sitting on the back of Nedrick’s motorcycle, his mate had had plenty of time to rest while enjoying the scenery. There’d only been the occasional walkabout of homes if the owner was pack and hadn’t minded them being there. They’d ended the day at a bar in town, meeting up with Preall, Trina, Tyler, and Tabatha, eating great food, and watching their friends play pool and darts. It became a little rowdy when Tabatha had shown off her engagement ring, and there were many who’d offered to buy them drinks. Unfortunately, due to still being on meds, Brett hadn’t been able to partake, so Nedrick had mostly held off, as well. They’d still had a fantastic time.

Wednesday, Nedrick and Preall had shown the others one of their favorite fishing holes. Trina and Tabatha had mostly sunbathed. Although they did hop up any time one of them caught a fish to wield the fishing net and help them land their catch.

Nedrick had positioned Brett in a camping chair close by him. Any time he’d managed to catch a fish, he’d encourage his mate to help him. He’d wrapped his arms around him and held the pole steady while Brett reeled it in. They’d had a delicious fish fry.

Being Thursday, Nedrick knew that Brett was only supposed to be there a few more days. His wolf was impatient for him to move things along, and he completely agreed with his animal. Hearing the waterfall in the distance, Nedrick mentally crossed his fingers.

“Hey, is that the river I hear ahead?” Brett asked, breaking the silence. “You said there was a waterfall?”

Nedrick nodded. “Yep. About a twelve-footer. Not huge, but still real scenic.” As the trees opened up, he pointed toward the aging wooden buildings half hidden by the encroaching forest. “This used to be a logging camp over a hundred years ago, but times and waterways changed, and the people moved on.”

“Oh, wow.” Brett paused and peered around at the overgrown, dilapidated buildings. “Is it safe to explore?”

Hesitating, Nedrick glanced at Brett’s already casted arm. “Uh.” Then, realizing that his mate was a grown man, and he had no cause to curb his desires—plus, the place had been explored to death by so many of his packmates—he nodded. “Yeah. It has the usual dangers of old buildings, rusted nails, broken boards, and so forth, so be careful.” With a grin, Nedrick pointed toward the lake the waterfall created. “I’ll set up our stuff over there. I’m fancying a swim after that hike. It’s hot today.”

Wiping sweat from his brow, Brett nodded. “It’s a warm one.”

“After exploring, maybe you want to join me,” Nedrick offered as he started away from Brett. He was so very tempted to lick the sweat off his mate’s brow, and while they’d shared a few brief experiences over the last couple of days, Nedrick wasn’t certain how Brett would take that action. Instead, he told him, “I brought a bag to cover your cast, just in case.” Upon seeing Brett’s hesitation, he added, “Even if you just want to wade.”

“Yeah, probably.” Brett started toward the nearest building. “I won’t be long.”

Nedrick nodded and started toward the lake. The waterfall was close enough that mist hung in the air, adding to the humidity. The light filtering through the trees and across the water gave the area an almost magical glow.

Perfect.

Dropping the backpack on the ground, Nedrick pulled the blanket off from where it’d been tied to the top. He spread it out before toeing off his boots. Bending, he yanked off his socks and placed them in his boots. Then Nedrick whipped off his shirt and tossed it to the corner of the blanket.

Out of the corner of his eye, Nedrick kept an eye on Brett, watching him poke his head into one building after another. He knelt on the blanket and pulled out several plastic tubs filled with a few items he’d learned Brett liked from their previous picnics and dinners. On top of the towels was a six-pack of soda cans, and he placed them on the blanket, too.

Nedrick had just finished setting everything out when Brett returned. He had a smudge of dirt on his face, and rising, Nedrick couldn’t help reaching out to wipe it off. There was also a cobweb in Brett’s hair, and he threaded his fingers through it to dislodge it.

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