Page 6 of Hunting for Love

“I’m sure you’re not, kiddo,” Ronny says with an amused chuckle. He reaches out, ruffling JJ’s hair. “What’s your name?”

“JJ. And my Papa’s name is Zander. We were on a walk when Papa hurt his foot.”

My heart is up in my throat, hoping that JJ doesn’t say too much. The last thing I need is for these hunters to learn about John and kick us out because we’re a liability. Part of me is scared they’ll want nothing to do with us, but part of me is scared they’ll want to seek John out. I just want to be done with that chapter of my life.

“It’s nice to officially meet you, JJ,” Ronny says, holding out his hand. JJ shuffles me until his hand is holding under my front feet, holding my back against his chest as my feet dangle below. How embarrassing to be held like this by my six year old. He’s lucky he’s literally the cutest kid I know.

With his hand free, JJ reaches out and shakes Ronny’s hand. “Nice to meet you. What’s your name?”

“I’m Ronny,” Ronny says with a wide smile. “And this is my friend Carlos. The big guy you saw with us is named Martin, the guy with the glasses is Cooper and the vampires with the babies are Axel and Jeff.”

“Did you catch all that, buddy?” Carlos asks with a chuckle.

JJ nods. Then shakes his head. Then nods again. “I remember.” That makes both guys chuckle again.

“It’s okay, we’ll remind you, JJ,” Ronny says and my chest warms. The implication that we’ll be sticking around long enough to remember everyone’s name is there, just simmering under the surface.

“Let’s get you two back into the RV. Do you think your Papa can shift?”

Carlos speaks up. “I’m pretty sure he’s waiting for his paw to heal before he shifts. So it’ll probably be a couple days still.”

“That’s fine. I promise you,” Ronny says, looking me in the eye, “I’ll make sure JJ is safe and taken care of while you’re in your cat form, okay?”

My stomach flutters violently. As best as I can while quite literally dangling in my kid’s arms, I give Ronny a nod. The smile I get in return warms my entire body. Gods, he’s so handsome when he smiles like that.

The fact that Ronny knew JJ was the most important thing, that his protection and care mean more to me than getting out of this form makes me let out a grateful meow. Without knowing it, Ronny is becoming the true mate that I need in my life. Now I just need to get better so I can actuallytellhim that.

CHAPTER FIVE

RONNY

I stareat the road ahead of me, doing my best to actually focus on driving. It’s hard though when JJ is sitting in the seat next to me sleeping with hisdadlaying in his lap.

How did I accidentally pick up two shifters? What kinda luck is that?

I’ve listened to Cooper talk in depth about a deity that supernatural beings worship. Her name is Lady Fate. It’s believed that she pushes those who belong together into crossing paths, one way or another. There’s a tiny voice inside me whispering that just maybe, that’s exactly what’s happening here.

That can’t be right, can it? I’m ahuman.

Maybe it’s destiny that my place is to help these two. That must be it. Lady Fate saw two of her children were hurt and in danger and that’s why our paths crossed.

I’m really glad that I was in the right place at the right time.

Without thinking, I reach over and pet the cat’s head but immediately pull my hand back. I look over at him and give him a look of apology. “Sorry. That’s probably weird now, huh? Like you’re not just a cat. You’re a whole ass person.” My eyes dart up to JJ’s, finding him still sleeping. It seems like most kids, car rides put him to sleep. “Sorry. I mean a whole person. I’m not used to being around kids, I have to be careful what I say.”

The cat--wait, I really need to stop calling him that.Zanderlooks at me with bright green eyes, blinking slowly as I talk.

“Is it weird that I still want to chat while I drive? Do you wanna hear me ramble?”

Zander gives me a nod. He carefully stands up in JJ’s lap, stepping over his legs and getting into my lap. My chest constricts with something I’ve let remain unnamed. He gets comfortable and looks up at me expectantly.

That’s how we spend the rest of the drive, with me telling Zander about myself, about life on the road, about being a hunter. I even tell him about my video games filled with building random worlds. He lays there content, letting out the most peaceful purr I’ve ever experienced. It’s a sound that lulls me and fills my chest with warmth. I know I’ve only just met JJ and Zander, but already I wonder what life would be like going back to not having them here.

I hope I won’t have to find out anytime soon.

“So you’re really a hunter?”

I look over at JJ, giving him a tentative smile. “I am.”

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