by C. W. Gray
Fortunately, the brewery was only open a couple of days a week in December. The hard work happened the rest of the year.
Gramps chuckled. “Abel says you’re a godsend. He’s a hard worker, but running all that while growing a daughter gets challenging. Janelle likes you too. She said you have a way with plants.”
Zed grinned. “Janelle’s my hero.”
“Really?” Gramps snorted. “Of all my grandkids, I worry about her the most.”
“You shouldn’t.” Zed went to the back, Jelly following him, and gathered the sensors he had bought and the tools he needed. “She reminds me of a honeybee, flitting from flower to flower and leaving behind something special in each place.”
Gramps blinked, mouth hanging open. “Explain.”
“She has the part-time job at the library where she gets to help people find information, entertainment, whatever they need, but that’s not enough. She goes to Abel’s and gets him situated and sitting pretty with his hops, then she goes to Farm Fresh and sells her greenhouse plants which bring the store a nice little income in the spring.” Zed laughed. “She’s always spreading her affection through her plants. She gave me Maude, and Noah says she’s always sneaking over and planting things in the fall and spring. She’s never still, but she’s always there.”
Gramps smiled slowly. “Well, I didn’t think of it like that. I worry because she doesn’t seem to want to settle.”
Zed shrugged, starting to understand why Jake had been worried about what his parents would think of him not wanting a relationship. “Does she really need to be married with three kids to be settled? She’s happy how she is.”
Gramps snorted. “Damn it, why do you have to make sense?”
The barn door opened, and Tali led their new patient inside. “Here they are, Jenna. Jelly’s my favorite.”
Noah’s newest patient wiped her eyes. “Oh my god, I didn’t think anything could be cuter than Jasmine, but look at them.”
The three miniatures knew exactly who she was talking about. Jelly left Zed’s side and went straight to Tali, and Peanut was quick to follow her. Tali started walking Jenna through how to groom the two miniatures.
Diane shut the barn door behind them and sidled over to stand next to Zed. “This was just what Jenna needed. Do you mind her playing with your horses? Tali really wanted her to see them.”
“I don’t mind at all,” Zed said, shaking his head. “I’m glad they’re helping.”
Diane smiled as she watched Jenna and Tali. “Horses can be the most gentle and honest animals. Jenna needs some of that in her life.” She turned to him. “Jake said to tell you Dean and him will handle the other barn. He seemed concerned Gramps over there was going to try to neuter you.”
Gramps laughed and patted Zed’s shoulder. “That’s only if he hurts my grandson.”
Zed winced. “I’m getting away from you both. I think I prefer the snow to this topic.”
The next evening, Janelle lined up six more small potted succulents on one of Noah’s windowsills. “You should bring all your plants over. They would like it here.”
Zed looked up from the page in the coloring book he was helping Bea fill in. “I really should. Griff’s cat hates them.”
“Dobby kitty soft and gives hugs,” Bea said, picking up a green crayon. “Loves him.”
Janelle gave Zed a knowing look. “I can see why you didn’t ask Griff to rehome him.”
Zed chuckled. “I couldn’t have done that anyway. Griff loves the cat. He loves that house too. It suits him.”
Janelle smirked. “You know the house comes with your job, no matter if you live in it or not. Maybe you should bring more of your stuff over here. Noah won’t mind a roommate.”
“Don’t give me ideas,” Zed muttered, coloring the flower a light pink. He missed Noah too much, and he had just been gone two days.
Bea laughed and colored over his flower with her crayon.
“You’re rotten.” His phone beeped loudly, and he stood quickly, grabbing it from the coffee table. He opened the app linked to his sensors.
“Shit. Something big is at the door to the rescue horse barn.” He looked up. “Will you watch Bea?”
“Yeah.” Janelle nodded. “I’m calling Sheriff McKenzie too. There shouldn’t be anything that big out there right now.”
Zed hurried to the mudroom and pulled his boots and coat on. He ran out the backdoor and almost fell on his ass when he slid across the bridge. It was covered with ice. Need to put better rails on this thing.
He saw the man through the falling snow. The outside lights were motion activated, so he was fully visible.
The man poured something from a fuel jug in front of the barn door.
Zed growled and barreled into the man, turning him around and punching his jaw. The man fell back, landing on his ass, and the gas jug went flying.
“Who the hell are you?” the man asked, holding a hand to his face. How he could possibly look offended right then, Zed didn’t understand.
“I know who you are, asshole.” Zed snarled. Steven Wilson shared his features with his sons, but they were surface similarities. Zed could see the petulant mouth and cruel eyes.
“Get out of here before I call the police.” Steven struggled to his feet. “This is my son’s ranch.”
“The son that was just granted a restraining order against you.” Zed pulled him up, body trembling. He badly wanted to hit the man again and to put his full strength behind it.
Steven smiled, face lighting up with charm. “You’re misinformed. My son and I argue sometimes, but he knows I’m here.”
Flashing blue lights cut through the snow, and Steven paled and started to struggle. “Let me go.”
Zed smiled. “I think we’ll just wait right here. Trust me, the other option isn’t pleasant for you.”
The police cruiser came to a stop next to them, and Tanner and Sheriff McKenzie both got out of the car, hands on their guns.
“You got here fast,” Zed said, eyes trained on the wiggling man he had by the throat.
“We’ve been patrolling nearby since Mr. Wilson here made his threats,” Tanner said, smiling amiably. “Zed, why don’t you let the man go, so we can take it from here.”
Zed scowled. “I don’t want to.”
Sheriff McKenzie patted his back. “I don’t blame you, but we need you to fetch the video feed from the security cameras.”
“Someone needs to collect that gasoline can too.” Tanner stood behind Steven and pulled his arms behind him. He started reading him his rights.
“I’ve done nothing wrong,” Steven protested. “I’m just here visiting my son.”
“You know there’s a restraining order against you, Mr. Wilson.” Sheriff McKenzie gave the man a flat look. “The papers were delivered yesterday, and I imagine they prompted this visit.”
Steven curled his lip. “Obviously Noah isn’t here, so it shouldn’t matter.”
“You were ordered to stay off the ranch,” Sheriff McKenzie said, then turned his back on the man. “I’ll take care of the gas, if you’ll go ahead and get that footage, Ames.”
Zed released Steven’s throat and walked away with the sheriff. “Sorry about that.”
“You managed not to kill him, so I think that’s progress.”
Zed snorted. “I really wanted to.”
Sheriff McKenzie winced. “Can you please not tell me things like that?”
Zed laughed, then went to the back of the barn for the security camera footage. Most of the horses were still sleeping, but Peanut nickered as he passed. He stopped to hug her and buried his face into her mane.
“I wanted to kill him, Peanut.” She whinnied softly, and Zed felt some of the tension drain away. “Okay. I’m going to get the footage.”
A few hours later, Zed cuddled Bea in his lap. Gramps and several other Wilsons were wandering about the house. They were shaken up about Steven’s reappearance.
“I’m staying here until he’s ch
arged,” Abel said, glaring over his huge pregnant belly. “I’ll kill the asshole if he tries to hurt Noah again. Plus, I can’t lose Zed. He’s my right hand man, damn it.”
Zed arched a brow. He kind of wanted to see Abel take on Steven Wilson. He had no doubt the pregnant omega would kick the alpha’s ass in a glorious fashion.
“Calm down, mi alma,” Mateo said, rubbing his fiancé’s back. “You don’t need to jump into danger. I’ll stay here instead. We’ll keep an eye on things.”
“Fuck that, I’m staying.” Janelle growled and paced the floor. “Noah is my favorite cousin.”
“Hey now,” Harper, another of Noah’s cousins, said. “There’s like a thousand cousins here, Janelle, so be nice. Besides, I’m a good shot. I’ll stay here.”
A young beta Zed hadn’t met yet tapped a pencil against his chin. “We could set traps and create a patrol schedule.”
“Traps? He’s not Bigfoot, Shawn. You sound as bad as Ernie.” Zoe, another cousin, rolled her eyes.
How many fucking cousins does Noah have? Zed looked around. Too many.
The door to the mudroom slammed open, and two large alphas stormed into the room. Zed recognized them from around the stables.
“Dean told us Noah’s dickhead father tried to burn the stables down,” one of the men said. “Where is the fucker? Saul and I will handle him.”
“Hi, Emmet,” Shawn said. “I’ll just put you and Saul on the patrol schedule.”
Dean nodded grimly. “All hours of the day, Shawn.”
Zed shifted in his seat. He had known Noah had a large family and plenty of friends, but the reality was a little daunting. He wanted to be the one to take care of Noah, damn it.
“I’m concerned about Rachael’s whereabouts,” Noah’s Aunt Anna said. “She’s usually hip deep in trouble, right alongside Steven.”
“I’ll text Ray and have him look into it,” Dean said, pulling out his phone.
“Wait, Dean,” Marco said. “Juan needs them all right now. Let’s hold off until they get home. The sheriff said he could at least keep Steven for a few days before he posts bail.”
“We’ll keep eyes on him after he gets out,” Zoe said, face grim. “We need to keep Noah safe. He’s gone through too much to have to deal with that dickhead now.”
Zed pushed everything away and closed his eyes. He knew Noah would be safe because he would be right here with him.
Someone nudged his shoulder, and Zed looked to his right. Elijah sat beside him on the couch, Connor on his lap. Zed smiled. Noah’s brother was one of Zed’s favorite people. He didn’t know him well, but he didn’t have to. Elijah saved Noah.
“You’ll be here, won’t you?” Elijah asked, whispering. “You’re in love with Noah.”
Zed’s mouth dropped open. “I’m not –” He thought for a moment. “Holy shit, I’m in love with him.”
He adored Noah’s calm and steady personality, the way he pampered his horses, the way he cared so deeply for his family and friends, the gap-toothed smile, and the way Noah completely gave himself to Zed. All of it was too much to resist.
Elijah giggled. “That’s how it happens in the Wilson family.” He turned serious. “Don’t worry. I won’t say anything. You all haven’t been together long, and to be honest, you’re going to have to show Noah that you two will work. He wants to be with you so much, but he’s scared. Our parents made sure he didn’t think he was worth much growing up.”
Zed blinked, brain still stuck on the fact that he loved Noah. “What do I do?”
Elijah gave him a sly look. “We all want Noah to have more protection since our dad has decided to focus all his jerkiness on him.”
“I’m staying right here with him,” Zed said, scowling. “I’ll protect him.”
Elijah’s smile was far too smug. “Exactly.”
Chapter 11
A few days later, Noah struggled to keep his eyes open in the backseat of Ray’s Jeep. Dealing with strangers was exhausting. Hell, dealing with groups of people, whether he knew them or not, was exhausting.
They were an hour away from Hobson Hills, and there was a new snowstorm coming in. He kind of missed the warmer weather in Arizona.
He didn’t pay any attention to the conversation happening around him. Ernie leaned his head on Noah’s shoulder and slept, but Ray and Carter were talking up front.
Noah leaned his head against Ernie’s. He still wasn’t exactly sure how he had managed to become part of this pack. When Carter and Elijah came to save him, Carter had taken Noah under his wing. Along with Carter came Juan and Ray and, somehow, Ernie too.
He thought about Juan. He hated that his friend was going through so much right then. His dad had passed away, and someone had surprised him with a mini Juan at his dad’s wake. Despite what the surprise woman had said, Noah didn’t believe for one moment that Juan had known about the child and abandoned him. If Juan had known about Oscar, Noah’s friend would have taken him in right away.
Juan’s too good a person for that. Just like Zed. Noah’s eyes fluttered shut, and he smiled as he thought about Zed. His alpha had sent him pictures of the horses every day. Jake and Dean had enlisted Tali to help with the chores while he was gone, and they were going overboard with the pampering. Every horse in the stables really didn’t need hair bows and daily massages.
Noah fell asleep with a smile on his face.
“Damn it, Noah, I want kids,” Zed said, frustrated. “The sex is okay, but you and me can’t be a real family.”
Noah shook his head, heart beating fast. “We can adopt kids or hire a surrogate. We can be a family. I promise.”
He reached out to touch Zed’s arm, but the other alpha shook him off. “Fine.” Zed scowled. “You want to know the truth? I’m tired of this. Every day with you exhausts me, Noah. I’ve tried. I really have, but you’re not enough for me. You’re too clingy and too much work. Can you imagine how much harder it would be if we did have kids? They’d have to deal with you too.”
Noah felt his body shake with his sobs. “Please, don’t go, Z. I love you.”
Zed shrugged. “That’s your problem.”
He woke in a panic, body jerking. “Zed, don’t leave!”
Noah panted and took in the darkened interior of Ray’s Jeep and the flickering lights of the gas station they were parked at. He slowly caught his breath, absently noting the front seat was empty. Movement caught his eye and he looked to the side.
Ernie watched Noah with wide eyes.
“Shit.” Noah groaned.
Ernie slid closer and hugged Noah’s arm. “Do you need to talk?” Noah could barely read his lips in the dim light.
Noah shook his head. “I’m okay. It was just a bad dream.”
“You like Zed?”
Noah gave him a shaky smile. “Zed’s a nice guy, but we’re just friends.”
The lie felt heavy on his tongue. Noah had fallen for the man over the past couple of months. There was no getting around that fact, even though it scared the shit out of him.
Ernie arched a brow. “Really?”
Noah shrugged. “That’s how it has to be.”
They didn’t have time to talk more because Ray and Carter came back to the car, faces grim. Ray opened Noah’s door and signed. “There was an incident while we were gone.”
Carter got into his seat and turned around to face Noah. “Your dad showed up at your ranch.”
Noah’s body jerked. “No. Did he hurt someone? Are Zed and Elijah alright?”
Ray settled a hand on his knee, drawing his attention. “Everyone is alright. Zed stopped him from damaging your ranch. He spent a couple of nights in jail before posting bond. He’ll be charged with…”
Noah couldn’t follow the rest of Ray’s explanation. It was too dark to see well, but he could figure out his dad would be back in court soon.
Zed will probably run for the hills as soon as I get home, Noah thought, heart heavy. The other alpha would wait until Noah was there to take c
are of the horses, but there was no way he’d want to try anything with Noah now. It’s probably for the best.
Ray tilted Noah’s face up to meet his kind eyes. “I’ll do some digging. The more information you have, the better.” He hugged Noah, then leaned back. “It’ll be alright. We won’t let that bastard hurt you again.”
Noah scowled. “I can take care of myself.”
Carter nodded. “You can, but why should you have to do this alone?”
Ernie shuffled in his seat and slipped his arms around him. Noah couldn’t stifle the warm feeling spreading through him. He hadn’t been alone since the day Elijah and the others had rescued him. Why should he be now?
When Zed left, it would hurt. There was no getting around that. Noah leaned back into Ernie’s embrace. He wouldn’t be alone, though, and that was something. He just wished he’d never hoped for more.
They were back on the road soon. Ray dropped Ernie off, then drove past Carter and Elijah’s house.
Noah gave him a confused look. “You forgot Carter.”
Carter turned around and said something, but Noah couldn’t see his face well enough in the dark interior of the car.
“Sorry, I can’t see your lips.”
Carter reached back and patted Noah’s leg before turning back around.
Ray parked the Jeep in front of Noah’s house, and they all piled out. He didn’t get far before the door slammed open and Elijah and Olive ran for him. Elijah grabbed Carter’s arm and pulled him to Noah so he could hug them both.
Noah ruffled Olive’s hair and hugged her and Elijah.
Movement at the door caught his eye. Zed stood in the door, Bea perched on a hip and Dean’s son Min on the other. Elijah’s twins stood on either side of him.
Noah looked away. He’ll be a good dad one day. Whatever fucking omega he ends up with had best know how lucky he is.
When Elijah finally let them go, Olive tugged Noah toward the house.
Zed tilted his head, watching Noah curiously, but stepped out of the way so they could all go inside. Noah jumped when he noticed Ray behind him. He’d assumed his friend had headed home already.
