by C. W. Gray
Noah pulled his wallet out and handed Steven all his cash. “I’ll transfer two thousand to that account you gave me. That’s all I have.”
It would make the next three months hard, and he would have to hold off on hiring someone new, but if it got his dad to leave them all alone, it was worth it.
Steven hugged him, then leaned back and smiled. “Good boy.”
Zed yawned on the way home from Justin’s house. Bea had been a ball of energy all day, but he had loved spending time with his brothers and the girls on Christmas.
He grinned. He had especially enjoyed explaining his relationship with Noah. Finally.
His lights flashed on a familiar looking car driving away from the ranch. “Oh, the fuck he didn’t.”
Zed pressed the gas and sped into the ranch’s driveway. He drove straight to the barns. He could see the door on the rescue barn cracked open.
He left the car running and hurried inside, looking around frantically. “Noah?” He shook his head. Noah wouldn’t hear him.
The lights were dimmed, but he saw Noah’s hat on top of the gate leading to the stall next to Peanut. He peeked over and let out a breath of relief.
Noah sat cross-legged in a pile of hay. A tiny pygmy goat sat in his lap, drinking from a bottle of milk.
Zed sat in front of him and waited.
Noah looked up, eyes wet. “My dad was here.”
“I saw his car leaving,” Zed said, face taut with anger.
“I gave him money.”
Zed sighed. “Noah.”
“I just wanted him to go away.” Noah looked at the goat. “I was so happy today, then he came by and ruined it.”
Zed scooted in closer and tilted Noah’s face up. “It will be okay.”
Noah pulled away. “Why do you even want me, Z? He’ll come back now that he thinks I have money. You didn’t ask for all of this.” He waved a hand around his ear. “Maybe you should find an omega without all my baggage. That would be better for you.”
Zed narrowed his eyes. “There is nothing wrong with you, Noah.” He made the sign for deaf and then family. “Deaf is just one part of who you are. Your shitty parents are just one piece of your past. I want every single bit of you. I want to be your alpha, but you need to let me in.”
Noah watched him, and Zed could see the struggle to trust in his eyes. “I want to believe you. I want to be your alpha too.”
“Then that’s what we’ll be,” Zed said. “Now, where the hell did the goat come from?”
Chapter 12
April
“Okay, so that’s another six kegs sent to the Irish Rose,” Abel said and groaned. “Where are all these tourists coming from?” He rocked Emma in his arms as he watched Zed help load the delivery truck. “Damn, Zed, you’re my favorite person. You can never leave, okay? You’ll have to stay here forever.”
Zed smirked. “I’m okay with that.”
He had lived with Noah for months now, and he had never been happier in his life. Being with Noah felt right somehow. He felt like home to Zed.
Abel laughed. “I bet you are. You better keep treating my little cousin well too.”
Zed smiled and rolled the dolly back into the brewery. “Oh, I will. Are we going to start another round of A&J?”
“I’ll handle it. Go get some lunch.” Abel followed behind him. “Janelle will be here in an hour, so you two can check over the farm. Emma and I will get things started while you’re gone.”
Zed frowned. “Are you sure? I don’t mind staying.”
Abel pointed to the door. “Go.”
“Yes, boss.” Zed laughed and grabbed his rain coat. It had started raining at the beginning of the month and had yet to stop.
He paused a moment to look over the fields nearest the brewery and felt a surge of satisfaction. For the past two months, he’d been busy nonstop with the farm and brewery, but there was something intensely satisfying about seeing his hard work coming to fruition.
The hops plants were starting to sprout up from the half-frozen ground, and he had already harvested a load of hop shoots at Janelle’s direction, so she could sell them to a restaurant in Bangor. Abel and he hadn’t even known a person could eat them, but the hops had needed to be thinned out anyway.
He parked in front of Griff’s house and hurried to the porch through the rain. Griff met him at the door, a scowl on his face.
“Did you eat breakfast?” Zed asked, pushing past him. “How about I make you some lunch while you rest your feet?”
“I’m not helpless, Zed.” Griff shoved him, then led him to the kitchen. “I’d like a grilled cheese though. No one makes them like you do.”
Zed hugged his brother, then pointed at the padded rocker and ottoman in front of the window. “Prop those ankles up, and I’ll get you fed. Where’s Bea?”
Griff groaned as he lowered himself into the rocker. “Ray came and picked her up this morning. She’s having a playdate with Min and Jun.”
Zed helped him get his legs up on the ottoman. “She really likes Min, doesn’t she?”
Griff smiled widely. “They adore each other. I love that she has such a good friend, and she’s not even in preschool yet.”
“Me too.” Zed got the butter and cheese from the fridge. “I met Luke for lunch a couple of days ago.”
Griff snorted. “I know. I called him afterward for a wellness check.”
Zed grunted and focused on the frying pan. “He’s not horrible.”
“Aww, you’re so sweet.” Griff propped his hands on his belly. “How’s Noah?” Zed couldn’t help but smile, and his brother laughed at him. “You two are so cute together. I worry that you still have time to coddle me though. Do you need a pet?”
Zed gave him a flat look. “I have plenty of pets.”
Griff waved a hand. “Those are all Noah’s. You need a puppy or something to distract you.”
“Captain Hoof lives in the house. We had to put window shelves in so my plants would be out of reach.” Zed scowled when he thought of the pygmy goat. The little guy had made it clear he belonged at Noah’s side all the time. Even the sandwich club wasn’t so bad, and they followed Noah around like big puppies when he worked.
“Hmm, I’m not convinced.” The corner of Griff’s mouth ticked up. “Happiness looks good on you, big brother.”
Zed turned the stove off, then stuffed lettuce and a slice of tomato on the grilled cheese before bringing it to Griff. He lifted Griff’s feet into his lap, sat on the ottoman, and started massaging his brother’s swollen ankles.
Griff leaned back and ate his sandwich. “You’re the best brother in the whole world.”
“I’m telling Justin that.”
“Wait,” Griff said, eyes widening in panic. “He’s cooking me dinner tonight, and he gives the best back rubs.”
Zed chuckled. “So, I kinda did something last weekend.”
Griff waggled his brows. “What did you and Noah do?”
Zed rolled his eyes. “Not that, you perv. Noah and his buddies had a Bigfoot hunting trip, so I went to the town over. You know, the one with the mall?”
Griff swallowed another bit of his sandwich. “Okay?”
Zed released the breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “I bought a ring.”
Griff’s mouth fell open.
Zed dug in his pocket and pulled out the small box.
Griff practically tossed his empty plate at Zed and grabbed the box. Inside were two plain gold bands.
“His is engraved.” Zed fought his nervousness. “What do you think?”
Griff looked inside Noah’s ring. “‘Forever and always’.” He looked up, eyes watering. “Are you sure, Zed? You haven’t even told him you love him.”
Zed snorted. “I was waiting for him to say it first. I know he loves me, but he’s damn stubborn.”
Griff laughed. “You both are. When are you going to ask him?”
“Tonight.” Zed put the box back in his pocket and stood. He went to
the sink and washed his hands and Griff’s plate. “I’m getting home a little early, so I can cook his favorite meal. Then, I’m just going to ask him.”
“Tell him you love him first,” Griff said, eyes narrowed. “I know it’s scary, but he deserves it. Then, if he doesn’t love you, I’ll skin him alive. I don’t even care if Gramps hides my body in the woods.”
Zed grinned. “He loves me, Griff. I don’t know if he’ll ever admit it, but he does.”
Later that night, Zed tried to remind himself that Noah really did love him. His alpha hadn’t had the greatest day. Noah had dealt with bad dreams the last two nights, so he was exhausted. He was also irritable and worried.
Zed knew it would be a voice-off night so Noah could relax. He was still learning ASL, probably would always be learning it, but he could hold a conversation with Noah now.
“Stinkbug will be okay,” he signed. “Doc said the surgery went well.”
Noah scowled, and his hands shook with emotion as he signed. “I shouldn’t have let him get hurt. I knew that fence needed patching.”
Zed cut Noah a piece of apple pie and put it in front of him, before sitting back down. “You were set to fix it tomorrow, and you just found it last night.”
Noah stabbed the pie with his fork and glared at Zed as he chewed.
It shouldn’t make Zed want to smile, and he sure as hell wasn’t amused. He hated that Noah was upset.
Captain Hoof bleated from under the table.
Noah grabbed a treat from the bowl to his right and fed it to him. “Today’s been a shit day. I’m sorry I’m in a foul mood.”
Zed shrugged. “They happen.” He thought about the ring in his pocket. He knew now wasn’t the best time. Noah needed a nice and easy night.
“Dinner was really good.” Noah gave him a forced smile. “Thank you.”
Zed leaned over and kissed him. “I’ll do dishes. Go snuggle with Tuffy.” He stood and grabbed their empty plates, then started running the dish water.
Noah’s arms wrapped around him from behind, and the younger alpha stood on his tiptoes to kiss the back of Zed’s neck.
Zed closed his eyes, smiling as he leaned back into Noah’s arms.
Noah’s hands slid under his shirt and tweaked his nipples before slowly sliding down his sides to his hips. Noah’s hard dick pressed against him, and Zed’s own dick stirred.
Noah froze when one of his hands glided over the box in Zed’s pocket. “What’s that?” he asked aloud.
“Fuck,” Zed said under his breath, quickly turning around. “Nothing.”
Noah’s eyes narrowed. “Why are you acting so strange?” he signed.
“I’m not.” Zed looked away, wincing.
Noah shook his head. “I gave you a chance to come clean,” he signed. “Captain Hoof,” he called out loudly. “Attack!”
“Damn it.” Zed darted around Noah and ran for the stairs. He had already lost several good shirts to Noah’s goat.
Captain Hoof bleated loudly and ran after him, absolutely sure that he would get more treats if he managed to get Zed on the ground.
Noah laughed hard when the goat headbutted Zed in the back of the knees, making him stumble.
Zed swore and caught the goat when he jumped toward him. Captain Hoof instantly latched onto the shoulder of his flannel shirt and started chewing. He turned around and glared at Noah.
Noah leaned against the wall, Tuffy held close to his chest as he laughed, tears pouring down his cheeks. Zed loved it. Maybe tonight’s not the wrong night.
He carried the goat to Noah and kicked his man’s shin, getting his attention.
Noah wiped his eyes on the arm of his shirt. “Good goat.”
Zed set Captain Hoof down and signed the words he’d been practicing for months now. “From the first day I met you, I knew you were someone I wanted in my life. I didn’t realize at the time that you would become everything to me. I love you, Noah Wilson. Will you marry me?”
He kept his eyes down as he dug the box out of his pocket and opened it. Now that he’d said all of that, he didn’t want to see Noah’s reaction.
He saw Tuffy settle on the floor when Noah put him down, then he felt Noah’s hands cupping his face. When his eyes met Noah’s, he cursed at the tears he’d caused. He hadn’t wanted to upset Noah.
Noah signed, “I love you too,” then leaned up and kissed him.
Zed’s mouth moved over Noah’s as he lost himself in his alpha’s taste. He didn’t even notice they were moving until he was half naked and bent over the table.
Noah licked and nibbled his way up Zed’s spine until he got to his neck and bit down. Moments later, he was buried in Zed’s stretched hole.
Zed gripped the edge of the table and shuddered as Noah pounded into him. Neither of them lasted long. Noah’s hoarse cry signaled his release, and Zed felt him come inside him. Zed splattered his own cum on the table beneath him.
Noah panted as he leaned over and pressed his mouth to Zed’s ear. “Yes.”
It took far too long for Zed to figure out what he meant, but when he did, he grinned and pressed his flushed face to the table. We’re getting married.
“Shit! Captain Hoof, don’t eat that.” Noah pushed up and fell back on his ass when he tripped over his pants.
Zed stood and turned around slowly, pulling up his own pants as he did. Captain Hoof had their ring box in his mouth and darted into the living room. Zed laughed and watched Noah stumble around the kitchen, dick hanging out, as he chased their goat.
Chapter 13
The next morning, nothing could ruin Noah’s mood. His dad texted asking for more money? Fuck him. Noah had gotten good at ignoring them. Stinkbug needed more stitches? Doc Grover was a good vet, and Noah would take care of him. The new patient hated horses? That was okay because Noah had plenty of business anyway. Tuffy brought him a half-dead rat? That was fine because Noah had Dean to deal with it while he lost his shit.
Noah shuddered when Dean walked past him with the creature. “I hate rats.”
“Jules wants a pet rat. They’re kind of cute.”
Noah shuddered again, and Dean laughed and shook his head before heading toward one of the empty pastures. Tuffy batted at his boot before hopping onto Butter’s back.
“Don’t try acting cute now.” He frowned at the cat before turning the water pump on and topping off the trough next to the gate. Carrot, Stinkbug, and the miniatures had their own pasture to play in. It was muddy as hell, but the horses were enjoying the rare morning sunshine.
Noah lifted his face up, soaking in the slight heat. The fresh air was a godsend after being cooped up in the house or barns for months. Of course, having Zed with him made it more bearable than usual.
He turned around and stumbled over Captain Hoof. The pygmy goat jumped around his feet, tail flitting back and forth. The little guy wore the blue and green plaid sweater that Ernie had knitted him, and his tags shook on the dark blue collar Zed had bought him. Noah flashed back to when he was a kid.
It was when they lived in an apartment in Vegas, and their neighbor had a tiny shih tzu. He had always known the dog was coming when he heard his tags jingling. He had wanted a dog so badly, but his parents were constantly on the move, so it had been impossible.
He caught Captain Hoof in his arms when he jumped high enough. Now I have my goat. His pocket buzzed, and he set his goat down to read the text.
Ray: We need to talk. Can I bring you lunch?
Noah winced. That sounded ominous. He texted back, then put his phone up. Ray had been watching Noah’s mom and dad for a while now and kept him updated on their whereabouts. So far, all his dad had done was text him. He hadn’t heard from his mother at all. Not that he was upset about it.
He took pictures of their pets and sent them to Zed and got a picture of Abel and his kids in return. After that, the morning went fast. He had a personal session with Diane after her patient left and told her about the proposal. She had danced around his offic
e for a solid ten minutes.
Ray brought him a roast beef sandwich and some sliced pickles. They sat on Noah’s tailgate next to the sandwich club’s pasture.
Noah ate a bite and waited for Ray to gather his thoughts. His friend looked troubled.
Ray put his sandwich down and signed. “I keep looking into your mother’s relationship with her new husband. Ted Renard is eighty-nine years old, was recently diagnosed with dementia, and is a millionaire.”
Noah tilted his head and set his sandwich down so he could sign. “Alright. That’s not good news, but what’s the problem?”
“Right after they married, your mom got a conservatorship over him. She’s legally his guardian.”
Noah scowled. “That sounds like her. She married him for his money.”
“Their housekeeper is worried about him,” Ray signed. “Your mom dismissed his home nurse, and Renard is getting worse. There have been accidents. Suspicious accidents.”
Noah shifted, uncomfortable with the realization of what was happening. “She’s trying to kill him, isn’t she?”
“That’s what we suspect.” Ray rubbed his hands over his head. “I don’t know what to do with this information. I have nothing but suspicions.”
“Does Renard have any other family?” Noah asked.
A look of consternation crossed Ray’s face. “A son, a daughter, several grandchildren, and a few great-grandchildren. All live out-of-state.”
Noah chewed on his lip. Legally, there was very little they could do unless she was caught hurting the man. If Gramps was in that position though, Noah would want to know. He’d also want to take care of the problem.
“Send everything you have to his kids,” Noah signed. “Do you think they know about Mom’s past?”
“As far as I can tell, they don’t,” Ray signed. “I’ll send them everything and put the housekeeper in touch with them too.”
Noah crossed his arms and nodded. “Make it so,” he said aloud.
Ray laughed. “Are Olive and Elijah making you watch Star Trek reruns?”