by C. W. Gray
“Damn it.” Noah turned around and glared at Justin. The man ran from the room, body shaking with laughter.
Griff moved closer to Noah. “It’s just a cat, Noah.” His eyes narrowed. “I see the way you look at my brother. Are you two dating?” He signed the word for relationship. “Wait, it’s not really my business, is it?”
Noah smiled slowly, ignoring the dating question. “You’re learning sign language for me?”
Griff flushed. “Zed is trying so hard, and it got me interested. I’m doing ASL, so I can help Zed practice.”
Noah held his arms out. “You want a Wilson hug, don’t you?”
Griff shook his head furiously. “No! Keep your Wilson hugs. Justin says that’s how it all starts.”
“Too late.” Noah pulled him in and hugged him tightly.
Elijah and Grammy watched them curiously. They were sitting with Bea and the twins at the kitchen table. Snacks covered the surface, and Cooper’s face was already covered in peanut butter.
Janelle gave him an amused look from where she stood on a ladder. A new fern hung in front of one of the wide windows. “He’s been avoiding our hugs all day,” she signed.
“You’re ours now,” Noah said, squeezing the omega.
Noah let Griff go and turned around when he felt Olive’s thin arms around his waist. He picked his niece up and hugged her too, spinning her around. He felt her small body shake with her giggles.
By the time he set her down, Griff had made his escape and hid behind Elijah. Like he won’t hug you, Noah thought, shaking his head. Zed stared around the room, baffled, with a cat cradled in his arms.
Movement caught his eye, and Noah noticed Griff’s cat, a sleek calico, jump onto the window sill to sniff at a row of succulents.
Noah rushed over, waving his arms. “Back, demon cat. Back!”
The cat looked at him, unimpressed, then pushed one of the small pots off the sill with its paw.
Noah winced and turned to Zed, giving him a sympathetic look.
Zed didn’t seem concerned about the broken pot. He watched Noah and smiled that damn crooked smile of his. Noah barely noticed Griff hustling to the window to scoop up the cat while Grammy grabbed a broom to sweep up the mess.
He finally pulled his gaze away from Zed and noticed Gramps in the kitchen doorway. His grandfather’s eyes watered as he looked between Noah and Zed.
Noah tilted his head, confused.
Gramps just smiled widely and signed, “I love you,” before turning to grab a small box from Marco.
Noah shrugged and picked up the poor succulent. “I think we can repot it.”
Zed bumped their shoulders together. “Yeah. Hold this.” He handed Noah the cat as if he was passing him a delicate infant.
Noah looked at the cat. “You better be nicer to the plants, furball.”
The cat’s intense stare was a little disconcerting.
A few hours later, Noah downed a bottle of water on the porch. Everything was moved in and most of it was unpacked. Wilsons were everywhere, and he needed a bit of peace.
He pulled his jacket close, blocking out the chilly wind. It was still snowing a bit, but it looked like the storm had finally passed. He startled when Marco sat beside him.
His uncle smiled and signed “I like Zed.”
Noah tugged on the collar of his flannel shirt, then signed back. “I do too. He’s a wonderful person.”
Marco didn’t say anything for a long moment, then signed, “How long have you been in love with him?”
Noah yelped. “What? I don’t love him. We’ve been together one time. One time!”
“I’m happy for you, son.” Marco paused and gave him a one-armed hug, then leaned back again. “I see the way you look at him. You’ll figure it out soon enough, but it’s okay to take your time.”
“He’s an alpha.”
Marco blinked. “So?”
“He’s not an omega.” Noah bit his lip.
Marco looked baffled. “What’s your point?”
“We can’t have kids.”
“You’ve been together one time, Noah,” Marco repeated, adding emphasis to his signs before grinning. “Besides, there is more than one way to have children. If you even want to have children. We just want you to be happy. How you get there is up to you.”
Noah leaned his head back. “I knew you would say that.”
Marco arched a brow. “Then why are you afraid?”
Noah gave him an uncertain look. “What if he gets tired of dealing with me?”
“Then he isn’t the man we think he is,” Marco said. “I have a shovel, and Dad knows all the best places in the woods. Grammy will drive.”
Noah shook his head. “That shouldn’t make me feel better. Does Gramps have a lot of buried bodies out in the woods?”
Marco hugged him again before leaning back. “You need to trust your heart, Noah. Sometimes you overthink things.” He tilted his head. “Take your time, but give him a chance.”
“You didn’t answer my question about Gramps.”
“I’m not stupid.” Marco grinned. “I don’t think Zed will end up in the woods.”
Noah smiled. “He’s special, Uncle Marco. He’s like this larger-than-life, fussy mama bear. He loves taking care of everyone around him. I like being able to take care of him too. When we’re together, it’s easy and calm, except when it’s sexy and hot.”
Marco laughed. “I understand.”
“I just really don’t want to lose him,” Noah finished, sighing. “I’d rather just be his friend, then lose him altogether.”
Marco shook his head. “If you care about him, be brave enough to be with him. Otherwise, you’ll have to watch someone else step up and take your place.”
Noah growled. “I don’t like that idea.”
Marco patted his knee. “Good. Let’s go in and grab lunch. Bennett made your favorite chicken salad.”
They stood and Noah hugged his uncle. “Thank you.”
Marco squeezed him tight. “I love you, Noah. When you decide Zed is yours, let us know, alright?”
“I will.”
A few moments later, Noah grabbed a plate of food and sat beside Zed. His alpha laughed with Janelle about something, then turned, making sure Noah could see his face as they spoke.
Noah hid a smile. It’s not a big deal. Really. I’m not falling in love with him.
Elijah pushed in on Noah’s other side and watched him with hearts in his eyes. Shit, my face is giving all my insides away. It wouldn’t be long until all of Noah’s family knew he cared about Zed.
Noah settled his head on Elijah’s shoulder, breathing in his familiar smell. Elijah was safety and love. He always would be.
One day, Zed’s scent will be as familiar to me as Elijah’s, he thought. Noah didn’t know if that excited him or scared him.
Later that night, Noah sat in one of the overstuffed leather chairs in his living room with Bea and a book in his lap while Olive and Zed played Candy Land on the floor in front of the television. The twins sat near his chair, coloring.
A couple of Zed’s potted plants sat on his windowsill, and Maude and Eugenia hung in front of the largest window in the room. The fluffy, grey and white cat, Tuffy, lay across the back of his couch, sleeping. The cat had zero interest in potted plants. The only things she seemed to like to do were eat, nap, and love on either Noah or Zed.
Bea tapped his arm and pointed at the page.
Noah cleared his throat and went back to reading the kid’s book in front of him. Olive and the twins often stayed the night with him, but having Zed and Bea there made things even better.
His phone vibrated in his pocket, and he pulled it out, smiling at the text message.
Elijah: The house is QUIET! Enjoy being the best uncle in the world. I’m stalking my alpha for a little fun of our own.
Noah chuckled, then set the phone on the side table next to the chair. Time to read a little girl her bedtime story.
Chapte
r 10
A week later, the humming vibration of Noah’s phone woke Zed. So far, he’d spent every night at Noah’s house. It wasn’t that he didn’t like living with Griff and Bea. He loved them both. It was more that he couldn’t get enough of his sweet alpha.
Griff thought it was the most entertaining thing he’d ever seen but had agreed to hold off on telling Justin until Zed and Noah were a little more settled.
He yawned and looked around the room before sitting up to grab Noah’s pants from the floor.
He pulled the cellphone out, then cursed when he saw a partial text on the screen. You stupid son of a –
Noah mumbled something and curled against him. Zed hated to wake him up but knew this was important. He shook Noah’s shoulder.
Noah blinked a few times, then smiled sweetly. “Hey.”
Zed kissed him, then handed him the phone. “I think your dad texted you.”
All the sleepy happiness drained from Noah’s eyes, and he sat up quickly, unlocking his phone. Zed looked over his shoulder.
You stupid son of a bitch! After everything I’ve done for you, how could you do this to me? I needed that money. Send me five thousand dollars by TOMORROW, or you’ll regret the day you were born. That dirty omega whore may be useless, but I know Dad gave you money. I swear if you try anything, I’ll come to Hobson Hills and burn that pretty little ranch of yours to the ground.
Noah paled. “He’ll do it. Shit, I don’t have five thousand dollars lying around. I put everything I get into the ranch, even what Gramps gave me. Horses are expensive, especially the rescue horses, and I’m hiring a full-time ranch hand soon.”
Zed shook his head. “You’re not giving that bastard anything. We’ll call the sheriff, and you’ll get a new restraining order.”
Noah’s hands shook, and he looked confused. “Restraining order. I can do that. At least he’s not targeting Elijah.”
Noah’s phone buzzed again, and he winced before looking at the screen. Zed leaned over and read the text.
Ray: Juan’s dad passed last night. He needs us.
Noah looked up, dazed. “Fuck, I need to go to Arizona. Juan needs me, and he’s always been there for me. I need to be there for him. What am I going to do? Damn it.”
Zed leaned in and kissed him. “I’ll call the sheriff while you pack. I’ll stay here while you’re gone and keep an eye on the ranch.”
Noah shook his head. “Can you repeat the second part?”
Zed smiled softly. “I’ll stay here while you’re gone. I won’t let anything happen to your ranch.”
Noah gave him a pained look. “You won’t forget me while I’m gone?”
He laughed. “That’s impossible.”
“We should be exploring this,” Noah said, waving a hand between them. “I shouldn’t run off so soon after –”
“You’re not running off, Noah. You need to help a friend.” Zed sat up and reached for his own cell phone. This was what Zed was good at, and he couldn’t help but be a little happy to have the chance to show Noah he could be useful. “You can count on me. This is what being in a relationship is about.”
Noah nodded, face full of uncertainty. “I’ll call Dean and ask him to do the chores and help Diane with the appointments for the next few days. Doc is coming by to look at Otis’s teeth.”
Zed leaned forward and kissed him. “We’ll take care of it.”
He would protect Noah’s home and the horses, and damn, he hoped Steven fucking Wilson decided to show up. He’d love to have a talk with the fucker.
Zed laughed and snapped a picture to send Noah. Noah’s cousin Tali and Jake were pampering Carrot while Noah was gone. The two were each kissing one of the horse’s cheeks. The poor horse missed Noah, and Zed’s man had only been gone a day.
You’re not the only one, Carrot. Zed should have slept just fine without Noah by his side, but that wasn’t the case.
Tuffy meowed softly from Butter’s back. The miniature gelding was the most placid of the Sandwich club, and Tuffy had taken a liking to him. She curled up on his back, yawning wide before settling into a nap. The cat didn’t even seem to mind the red Christmas sweater Ernie had knitted for her.
Zed took a quick picture of them and sent it to Noah too.
“Back to work.” Zed quickly went back to feeding the horses while Jake and Tali laughed and joked as they brushed them down. Carrot and the three miniatures strolled behind him in the hallway. Each time he stopped, they’d take a minute to say hello to the horse he fed.
“I can’t wait for Papa to see you with the sandwich club.” Jake snickered. “Even Noah doesn’t let them all follow him around.”
Diane and Dean were with a new patient in the other barn, and Zed was glad it was Dean and not him. The patient had wrinkled her nose as soon as she set foot in the barn and complained about the smell.
Tali shot him looks as she braided a red ribbon through Jelly’s black mane. “You and Noah, huh?”
“How did you know that?” Zed gave her a curious look. He wasn’t trying to hide his feelings for Noah, but he hadn’t thought they were being obvious.
Tali gave him a flat look. “I’ve seen the way you talk about him. I can only imagine how adorkable you two are together.”
“They’re horrible,” Jake said, laughing. “Noah gets all flirty, and you do not want to hear his pickup lines. Then Zed here gets all gooey and overprotective.”
Zed grinned. “Yeah. That’s us.”
“Well, isn’t that interesting?” Gramps said from behind him.
Zed spun around, almost dropping the cannister of feed he carried. “Uh, hello, sir.” How the hell did he get in here without me hearing?
Noah’s grandfather leaned against an empty stall. Peanut pranced over and whinnied, demanding the man give her the attention she deserved. Gramps gave her some pats, then turned back to him.
The older man’s eyes sparkled, but he kept his face stern. “I hear you’re messing around with my grandson. You and me should have a little talk.”
Tali snickered and pulled Jake with her toward the door. “We’ll work on feeding in the other barn.”
Zed stood straight. He had nothing to be ashamed of, and he’d served under scarier men. I was a Marine, damn it! Gramps narrowed his eyes, and Zed seriously thought of running for the door. The thought of Noah’s smile and laugh kept him steady. Being with Noah is worth a little awkward conversation.
“You know my Noah is a very special person, right?” Gramps asked, expression making it clear that there was only one correct answer.
“Yes, sir,” Zed said, getting the sudden urge to salute. “He’s a good man, and I would be lucky to have him.”
Jelly pressed against his side, almost knocking him over. He patted her back and checked to make sure Butter and Carrot weren’t trying to eat the other horses’ food. They were nosing around Snickerdoodle’s stall.
Gramps chuckled and patted Peanut again. “Relax, son. You don’t have to worry about me. If Noah wants you, then I’m happy. All you have to do is treat him well. I know Justin and Griff pretty well now, and they think the world of you.”
Zed let some of the tension drain from his shoulders. “I care a lot about Noah. I’ll do my best by him.”
Gramps patted his back. “Good. Now, I really came by to help out since Noah’s with Juan. What can I do?”
“If you can finish feeding them, I’ll put the motion sensors I bought up. The horses’ diets are on the card pinned to the stall.”
“Motion sensors?” Gramps gave him a worried look. “Please tell me you’re just being an overprotective former Marine.”
Zed rubbed his hands through his short hair. “I really wish Noah was here to tell you this.”
“Just spit it out, son.” Gramps stroked Peanut’s ears. “I can handle it.”
“Steven texted Noah right before he left. He threatened to burn down the stables if Noah didn’t send him money.”
“Damn it.” Gramps squeeze
d his eyes shut. “Where did I go wrong with that boy? He’s been a greedy, self-centered, little shit since he could walk.”
Zed leaned against the stall beside him. “The only person responsible for Steven Wilson’s behavior is Steven Wilson. Sometimes people are just shit.”
Gramps opened his eyes and gave Zed a sad look. “Sometimes good kids are born from shit people too.”
Zed flushed. “You’re talking about my dad, right?”
Gramps nodded. “You and me have a lot in common. I think we both need to remember that blood is one part of a body. I didn’t realize Stevie was as bad as he was until he was in high school. He has a way of making you see what you want to see. I gave him every chance I could, but I won’t let him hurt my family.”
Zed chewed on his lip for a moment. “I worry sometimes that I’ll be like him. Griff is kind and giving, but I can be hard sometimes. I don’t want to hurt Noah the way Joshua Ames hurt my mom.” He couldn’t bring himself to call him dad right then.
“I think you worrying about it makes you different,” Gramps said, giving him a kind look. “Then there’s the way you care for Griff, Justin, and your nieces. You’re a decent person, Zed. I don’t see you abandoning a family or two because things get hard.”
Snickerdoodle whinnied and stomped her foot.
Zed laughed. “I think she wants her breakfast.”
“On it.” Gramps went to the back and started putting together the horse’s breakfast.
Zed breathed a sigh of relief. Gramps Wilson was a good guy, so Zed really didn’t understand why he was so nervous about being around him. Probably because Noah loves him so much.
“How do you like working at Abel’s place?” Gramps asked from the first stall.
“I like it quite a bit actually.”
“Why do you sound so surprised?” Gramps gave him a curious look.
“Gardening has always been a hobby, but I never tried farming.” Zed shrugged. “Hell, I was a sniper. It feels strange going from a combat career to farming and brewing. I knew almost nothing about it.” He smiled softly and patted Snickerdoodle’s neck. The Palomino was a bit standoffish until she got to know you. “Abel and Janelle have been real patient with me.”