Page 48

Story: Rory

Liam shrugged. “Thanks for the coffee, bro. I’ll holler on my way back down so you know I’m safe.”

“Okay.” He hugged Liam, the action impulsive but necessary. His brother needed to know he was loved.

“Thanks, Rory.” Liam hugged him back a little gingerly, he thought, in deference to his belly. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

“Okay. Be careful. And please don’t go all the way up until the thaw.”

“Niall and Loyal won’t let me. You know that seer has radar.”

“I do. He’s wild.” Rory chuckled. “I never thought anyone could be as scary as Adrienne…” He referred to Niall’s predecessor as the pack shaman. She had been so fierce and wonderful.

“But he’s making his own name, huh?”

“He and Loyal are becoming legend, man.” Liam let him walk him outside. “Thanks for letting me vent.”

“No problem.” He watched Liam hop back on the sled. “Be careful!”

“I will.” Liam waved and roared off.

Love? Are you okay?Fen always seemed to know when he was worried.

Liam just keeps looking up the mountain.

Ah.Fen seemed to understand exactly what he meant.He’s restless. Spring is almost here. Then Jameson and Keegan will take him up.

I hope so. I know it’s weighing on him. I just don’t know what it is he wants.

Neither does he, love. Do you want me to go keep an eye on him?

No. No, Niall will stop him if he tries to go too far.That much he believed.

Do you want me to come home?

Do you mind? I’m making cookies. You can help me ice them.

I’ll be there in half an hour.

I’ll see you soon.

Rory grinned. He loved that. He loved that Fen took the time to clean and store his tools before he came home. But that he was willing to just come home in the middle of the day to be with Rory. He was the most amazing mate.

Fen arrived just as he popped the first sheet of cut cookies into the oven, and Fen came up behind him as he stood in front of the stove, hand on his lower back. “Hello, love.”

“Mmm. Hello. Are you going to help me?”

“Put me to work.” Fen rubbed his back for him. “How are you feeling?”

“Sore. A little stressed about Liam.” He leaned into Fen’s hands.

“He’ll figure it out.”

“Mmmhmm. I just don’t want him to get shot.”

Fen rumbled, then kissed his neck. “Neither do I, love. It’s not fun.”

“So I hear. Can I sit on my stool while you cut the next batch? I’ll roll them.”

“Yes. I want you to rest a little.” Fen dropped a kiss on his mouth.