Page 39 of Destined Prey
“You never forget how to be a rancher, bro. You can do it.” Rhett flopped on the couch. “Fuuuuuuck. I am too old for this shit.”
“You think Aldan will stay away?”
“I think he’d better.” Rhett closed his eyes and leaned his head back. “Kinda worrisome, him asking about the coywolves. You might need to let Ben know about that.”
“I will. I’ll stop by the shop when I’m in town, or if it’s closed by then, I’ll call him tonight.” Jack found an ice pack in the freezer and took it out. He brought it to Rhett. “Where do you want the ice pack?”
Rhett huffed. “Shit. Ow. All of me. He got me good in the ribs, but my jaw hurts more than anything else.”
Jack winced in sympathy. Seeing his big brother—always the unshakable one—wincing and slumped on the couch rattled him in a way the fight itself hadn’t.
“Okay. Let me put it there.” He carefully placed the pack on Rhett’s jaw. “I’ll be right back with water and ibuprofen.”
“I’m still calling Alex,” Rhett mumbled. “Iam, just as soon as the ice and ibuprofen do their thing. Don’t think I forgot.”
“He can wait,” Jack said.
“No, I want him to stop having anything to do with you.”
Jack didn’t argue. He fetched the ibuprofen and a glass of water and brought both to Rhett.
Rhett downed the pills and drank half the water. “Can you grab my phone? I left it on my dresser, I think. Or maybe in the bathroom, by the sink.”
“Yeah, I’ll be right back, then you tell me what needs doing today, and I’ll get started.” Jack was kind of excited, which surprised him. He had wanted to get away from the ranch so badly when he’d been a teenager, but now he wanted to be there and be a part of it more than he’d ever imagined.
He’d come home and, in doing so, had found a part of himself he hadn’t known he’d been missing.
And he’d found magic. Added to that, given a little more time, he’d be in love. He knew he could love Ben,wouldlove him, eventually.
Jack wasn’t scared. He looked forward to falling, to the rush and thrill of the ride, then the comfort and security of the bond they’d have between them.
The stronger bond, not just this destined mates thing. That’s cool, but it’s not the most important part of loving someone.
Feeling more optimistic than he had in a long time, Jack whistled as he searched for Rhett’s phone. It felt like he was starting his life all over again, and it was scary, but for the most part, it was right, and that was what he focused on. Not the fear of failure, or of Aldan causing problems. He wouldn’t fail, not with his brother and Ben supporting him, and Aldan… Aldan would stay away. He was just a hateful man who was looking for any excuse to cause trouble, but he wasn’t stupid. He had to know Rhett had meant every word he’d said.
And Alex. Rhett’s handling that. Everything is finally coming together in my life.He prayed that he hadn’t just jinxed himself with that bit of optimism, then Jack shelved everything but his determination to do an honest day’s work. He found Rhett’s phone in the bathroom and took it to his brother, excited about being able to help.
Chapter Nineteen
When Ben slid out from under Mr. Evans’ truck, he sat up and saw Robin—and Jack. Ben grinned and rolled to his feet. He’d not had anything scheduled until Mrs. Lewis’ oil and tires tomorrow, so he’d been glad when Mr. Evans had showed up. The job had helped to pass time.
And now, Jack was here, and Ben wanted to just drag him into the office and have his way with him.Not even twelve hours apart and I ache like I hadn’t just had him this morning.
It startled him sometimes, the intensity of it. Ben had dated before, fucked around plenty, but none of those flings lingered in his chest the way Jack did. It wasn’t just lust; it was gravity, pulling him steady when he hadn’t realized how restless he’d been.
“Jack. Let me just wash my hands.” Ben held them up, showing the oil and grunge on them.
Jack glanced at Robin, then headed toward Ben. “I’ll come with you. It was nice meeting you, Robin.”
“Same,” Robin replied, sounding much friendlier than normal. “But don’t be surprised if the rest of the family is here in under five minutes.”
Ben groaned. “What’d you do, call them?”
Robin shook his head. “Nah. I was on the phone with Lacey when your loverboy walked in. I asked who he was, and she heard him. Presto. Family gossip line activated. Although, I knew who you were.” He winked at Jack. “Besides smelling like my brother, I’ve seen you at the ranch. I’ll leave you two alone.”
Jack flushed at the casual claim, a flicker of nerves in his belly. Meeting someone’s siblings felt like a line being crossed, the private suddenly becoming public. But the way Robin’s eyes softened around the edges kept him from bolting.
“I can’t stay long,” Jack warned. “I just needed to see you, at least for a few minutes, for me, or us, but also, because Aldan showed up at the ranch today. Ernesto caught him out by the north pasture. There was a fight and—”
