Page 40 of Untamed

Her steps falter when we reach the ranch. Wide, open skies filled with early morning light shine down on rolling fields of cattle pastures. The paddock containing the three milk cows for the farm is just ahead of us. Helga, a black and white Jersey cow Rhet imported from the States last year, is standing at the fence line, chewing her cud, big brown eyes watching us with placid calm.

"A cow,Qitsuk."

I earn a dirty look for that. I hide my grin. She was startled by the lights in the cottage. The toilet was a source of fascination for a good ten minutes. The truck stunned her. She hasn't seen much of this life, and although she hides her emotions well, I can see her wonder and amazement whenever she encounters something new.

Can I be blamed if I thought she wouldn't know what a cow is?

Our feet slow down even more as she tugs us closer to the fence, her golden eyes fixed on Helga. The bells on her waist are nearly silent as she reaches the fence, her right hand still tightly entwined with my left.

Reaching out, she presses her free hand to Helga's forehead. The cow moos softly, a sound of contentment, as my mate pets her. Helga blinks her eyes, the two females staring at each other for what feels like a good fifteen minutes before I hear my cat's stomach growl.

"Let's keep going,Qitsuk."

We move away from the fence as Helga moos again, then slowly walks back toward the milking barn.

"The ranch has about two hundred and fifty head of cattle. We slaughter around sixty animals a year. Most years, we hire out for the job. The meat is supplemental for the pack. Keeps everyone fed well, and we can concentrate on other expenses."

My cat is watching me with wide eyes as I explain everything.

Her eyes wander to Helga's retreating form.

"Helga is for milk," I explain. Golden eyes blink up at me, uncomprehending. I grow a little worried. I should have Roberta examine her at the clinic. If her diet wasn't the best, she might be susceptible to getting sick.

My wolf keeps nosing at the bond, trying to get a sense of how healthy she is. She's so wild; without a Mark it's hard to tell. No smell of medicine or illness exists in her body. She sure as hell won't have any vaccinations, but she shouldn't need any as a shifted female. It's still nerve-racking to think of her as a young pup with no protection against disease.

"We don't kill the milk cows," I explain further, forcing thoughts of a vulnerable blond little cherub out of my mind.

Her eyes lighten in happiness, and I almost walk into a fence. Turning my head, I pull her along, hiding my embarrassment.

When the ranch house comes into view, I can practically hear my mate's heartbeat quicken. Her breathing slows, becomes the steady breathe of a huntress, readying herself. She's alert, preparing herself for danger, but her feet don't falter.

"So, our Luna, Lyri, has three mates. My brothers, they adopted me, Sarj and me," I clarify. "All of them are old. Older than us," I amend. "Rhet and Thjis are the ones that were at the Post. Ezra is with Lyri, visiting one of our allies in the south. Sarj is my younger brother. He's almost fifteen, surly, and annoying."

Golden eyes look at me sideways. I grin at her. "It's true."

Her mouth softens. It's not a smile, but it's close.

I keep her close to my side as we walk to the kitchen door. I remember coming here eight years ago, so confused at first with all the crap these RustClaw wolves surround themselves with. I glance at my golden beauty. I've grown used to luxury, but it's all new and exciting with my mate. I'm happy to show her everything I can.

"In!" Rhet comes to the door, smiling in welcome.

I hearQitsukinhale. Her body stills, the bells falling silent.

"Little Luna," Rhet greets my mate with a gentle voice.

She doesn't answer, but when I pull her deeper into the house, she doesn't hesitate to follow me.

"Breakfast is ready in the kitchen. I have to warn you, the ElderCoterieis on the prowl. Apparently, they are 'taken' with our Little Luna."

I suppress the moan. Goddess, all I need are the elder females of the pack descending on the ranch house to swarm all over my mate.

"We'll need them," Rhet continues casually. "We have some interrogating to do today."

I nod, grim. The fucking FeraxMaw trespassers. Even though they've been here for four days, no one has been able to get a straight answer from them.

I feel her golden gaze on the side of my face and force myself to appear relaxed. She pulls her hand out of mine, anyway.My fingers twitch, wanting to grasp her to me again. My wolf and I are torn between staying with our new mate or rushing out to protect the pack.

Breakfast is already set out on the table. I help my mate sit first before sitting next to her. Her eyes fall to the food, then flit around the kitchen, and finally to Rhet and Thjis.

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