Page 129

I nodded in his direction.

“He gets like this sometimes. He goes away for a night or sometimes a couple and comes back super pissy. It used to bother us, but we just learned that’s what happens. He’ll be fine in a couple of days.”

“Thanks. Does this happen a lot?”

He shrugged. “Not a ton. It’s actually been a while.”

“Do you know where he goes?”

“No, and we never ask. Something about the fuck off he usually has stamped across his forehead tells us what we need to know.” He chuckled.

Dresden was the quiet one of the bunch, always in the background, watching and observing. Over the last several days, I had gotten to know him pretty well because I posted myself on the couch and chatted with the men as they walked by. Even though I had gotten used to the solitary life as a huntsman, I didn’t want to come across as rude and standoffish, although they seemed to accept that with my brother.

“What’s for dinner tonight?”

“A little rabbit stew. My mother’s recipe.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve had that.”

“It’s a house favorite.”

“Can I do anything to help?”

“I feel like you’re probably a good shot. Do you want to round up some more rabbits to replenish our stock? Snow usually handles it, but she’s out and I figured you could probably use something to do.” He nodded at the stairs.

“Yea, I guess you’re right. Maybe a little separation is what we need.” Although the last several years didn’t seem to do anything but further damage our relationship.

I grabbed my bow and quiver off the wall and hesitated on the front porch.

I’m going out for a hunt if you want to go.I mindlinked Gage.

When he didn’t respond, I took off for the woods.

I grabbed an arrow out of my quiver and threaded it through the bow so I’d be ready. I moved deeper and deeper into the forest, thankful for this distraction.

It felt good to hunt again.

I was worried about the dark Queen coming after me, but reconciled I probably wasn’t even on her radar right now with Snow out walking around.

Speaking of…

It was getting late out and I had expected the boys and her would have been home by now. Part of me was tempted to go check on them, but the other part didn’t want to get that involved. Although, that part was lying to himself if he thought he wasn’t involved.

We were involved and we would fight whomever or whatever to protect her. She seemed to have a way that made you want to do anything for her.

I couldn’t help but think back to the time when she was younger and laying on her back shooting arrows straight up in the apple tree with no fear. If she missed the apple, her arrow would come back down on her, but that didn’t stop her. It was then, I decided to take her under my wing and guide and teach her. I had never wanted to do that with anyone before, and didn’t want to do it after. It was just something about her.

I was startled by breaking twigs behind me. I froze in my tracks, not moving and barely breathing.

The creature stopped.

I took another step forward and paused, and so did it.

Whatever it was, it wasn’t very large.

I slowly glanced over my shoulder and saw a miniature horse. I turned all the way around to face it, dropping my bow. There was something familiar about it and the way it looked at me.

“Here boy.” I cautiously walked over to it with my hand extended. “How about you come home with me?”