Page 14 of Spiritwarrior

After Greer’s stroke, Silas’ soul mate’s star had moved further away. Silas had said it was his punishment for using his gift to warn Matthew’s wife that she was in danger and prevented her from being killed by a man who had tormented her since childhood.

“I didn’t make the best first impression,” Jody admitted to his brothers.

Jacob looked as if he wasn’t surprised. “What happened?”

“I took Baylin to the diner to have breakfast and had to end up telling her I wasn’t going to see her anymore. I didn’t break it to her gently. Baylin was making out like we were a couple. I got angry,” he explained curtly. “The waitress had a first-row seat.”

Jacob and Isaac grimaced, Matthew broke into laughter, while Silas remained stoic.

“I told you Treepoint was too small of a town to cat around in,” Matthew rubbed it in like salt in a wound.

Jody glared at Matthew. “The last thing I want to hear right now isI told you so.”

Matthew arched his brows at him. “You didn’t have a problem making fun of me for staying home when you and Isaac went out.”

Jody knew it would be a total waste of time to continue arguing with Matthew. Instead, he looked at Silas for guidance. “How can I fix it?”

“You’re on your own where that’s concerned. My main concern is that she stays in town. If she closes the diner down and leaves town, that’s going to put us out of order for our soul mates.” His expression turned disconsolate.

Jamming his hands into his pockets, Jody felt terrible about how Silas’ soul mate had moved farther away from him. His brother had sacrificed his own happiness more than once to benefit their family. He deserved his own family rather than making sure they were taken care of. They were all grown men except for Fynn; it was time they stopped relying so heavily on Silas.

“I’m sorry, bro.” Jody placed a hand on Silas’ shoulder. “I fucked up. You warned me, and I didn’t listen. This morning, I acted like an ass to you because, deep down, I knew who she was, and I didn’t want to admit it because it was easier to not acknowledge what I was feeling rather than admitting I had screwed up. I’ll fix it. I swear.”

Changing his solemn tone to one more cheerful, he gazed toward his brothers, whose expressions had turned serious when Silas had said Jody’s soul mate leaving would affect their own soul mates.

“I might have fucked up, but that doesn’t mean I’m down for the count. I’m not afraid of a challenge.” At this point, he didn’tknow if he was trying to ease his brothers’ worries or his own, but he went all-in. “Once I turn my charm on her, she’ll fall in love with me like that.” Jody snapped his fingers confidently.

All of his brothers stared at him doubtfully.

“We’re so fucked,” Isaac muttered under his breath.

Jody didn’t appreciate Isaac’s lack of confidence, especially since his older brother wasn’t so innocent himself.

“You all go on to the housing development. I’ve got this,” he assured them, giving Isaac a glare, which dared him to say anything else. “I’ll let you know when the wedding is,” he told them overconfidently.

His brothers shrugged despite their dubious expressions. Disbanding, they went into Matthew and Isaac’s workshop before coming back out to load their trucks with the iron fencing.

“If you change your mind, call, and we’ll come over,” Silas told him, remaining by his side.

“You worry too much.” Jody gave Silas a brotherly smack on his back before turning to go back to his trailer.

“Where are you going? I thought you were going to the diner?”

“I have to change first. I’m not going to nab the girl wearing this get-up. I have to make a better impression.”

Jody couldn’t make out what Silas muttered under his breath. “What did you say?”

“I said, I’m going to die a bachelor.”

Chapter Six

Jody was about to open the door to the diner when it was opened from the inside. Moving aside to let Moon and Train pass, he noticed neither of The Last Riders looked happy.

“Moon, Train,” he greeted the Last Riders.

“If you’re going in to eat, save your money. We sent our food back three times, and she still couldn’t get it right,” Moon complained.

“They’re probably just having a bad day.”

---