Page 29 of Another Man’s Treasure

Well, they’re grown-ass men, and they can figure it out, so I follow Erek over to the mules standing under the shelter.

We pack the breakfast gear back into one of the large packs and strap it onto the framework on the mule’s sturdy back. Erek beams at me over the top of the animal.

I reach over with my tail and slap his shoulder. “You did that on purpose, you rascal.”

He waggles his brows at me. “Y’all insisted on comin’ with me on what’s normally a perfectly happy solo trip and my only alone time away from a half dozen calves who demand constant attention. Might as well fuck with ya a little bit.”

I pull the pack’s straps tight and double-check the molly mule’s girth. It’s got a little give in it, and she twitches her ears when I tighten it. That done, I stroke her long ears. The fuzz reminds me of Ginger, who I left with Lemon and Furyon since they’ve got Bebop and a couple other hellhounds.

This cold would not be for her, but I miss her.

“You okay?” Erek frowns as he tightens the strap on his side.

“Yeah.” I shrug. “Had you heard one of the pit hells bonded to me?”

“Mighta heard something about it,” he murmurs. “What’s that like?”

I rub at my heart. “I miss her. This is the first night I’ve been apart from her since she chose me, and I guess I didn’t realize how comforting it is to have her.”

He grins. “That’s a once-in-a-lifetime bond, Oz. You’re a lucky male to have that in her and that big troll.”

Smiling, I turn to watch Wilder and Saint wrestling with the tent.

“Just set that corner down!” Wilder barks, wagging a finger at Saint. He runs a hand through his blond locks. “Better yet, why don’t you just get your mount saddled, and I’ll take care of this?”

Saint hisses, baring long fangs at Wilder, who just glares back in response.

Erek and I share a knowing look before I head for Wilder’s side. When I reach him, he looks down, frown dropping in apparent relief.

“Baby, can you take over please? I know you know how to do this the right way.” He glares at Saint’s retreating form.

Slipping my tail spade to the middle of Wilder’s back, I pat him to calm him down. It surprises me when bunched muscles relax. He rolls his big shoulders and closes his eyes for a moment.

“Feels nice,” he murmurs. “Being pet like a dog.” Opening both eyes, he smirks down at me. “Guess you really are missin’ our girl, huh?”

Rounding the tent, I grab the corner Saint dropped and start folding it toward Wilder. “Our baby girl? Oh yeah,” I say a little louder. “Can’t wait to get home and see her.”

Off behind us, Saint mutters as Erek starts barking orders at him.

“Gonna be another glorious day,” I say to Wilder as we make quick work of the tent.

Turns out it’s a long day, and I’m actually a little bit chafed from yesterday’s ride. It’s not like I forgot how to be on a horse, but you do use muscles in a way nothing else really accomplishes.

Still, by the time we’re done and Erek’s trailer’s in view at the far end of the final field, I’m a little sad. I can’t wait to see my Ginger girl, but it’s been fun riding the range with Wilder. Saint was silent all day, and that’s just as well—I don’t give a shit about anything he has to say.

But Wilder?

Him, I do find interesting. Very, very interesting.

We help Erek with the horses and Saint sticks around—doing nothing. I have no idea why but at least it’s amiable between Wilder and me. Natural, even. Once we’re done helping Erek load up his animals, Wilder turns to me with an outstretched hand.

“Ready to go get our girl? I know you’re missing her like crazy.”

Saint glares from behind Wilder’s big frame.

I beam up at my fake mate. “Absolutely, honey boo boo.”

The barest hint of smile appears on Wilder’s face as he threads his fingers through mine and pulls me close.