Page 23 of Alder Woodacre and the Acorns of Affection (Amaranthine Interludes #3)

Kip looked miserable. “But … I was just driving him yesterday.”

“Yeah. I know.”

Joe asked, “You can’t find parts?”

“But … we’ve always driven in together.”

Joe could tell how hard this was for Kip. The ride to and from Landmark Elementary was one of the few times that he had Ash all to himself. It was probably something he treasured.

“And … we like an early start,” Kip added.

“So does Tami. She won’t mind leaving a little earlier if we ask.” Then Ash’s gaze sought Joe’s. “What sort of vehicle do you like?”

Kip’s flinch was a soul-deep recoil.

It was hard for Joe to sort out the stew of attendant emotions.

Guilt was part of the mix, but also … hurt.

Ash’s question was pointed. Had he intended to put Kip in his place?

Or maybe he was reminding Kip that he had a different place now.

Maybe Ash wanted to shake up their old routine.

For good reasons. Possibly even for Joe’s sake.

So Joe faced Ash’s question squarely. “Aside from the tractor? Trucks, I guess. Though the wolves take care of most of the things I need to move. They’re always here, always glad to help.”

Another deep-seated flinch from Kip.

Joe hadn’t meant that as a criticism. It was just how things were with the day-to-day running of the farm. Kip had his own job, an important one. Was he only now bothered by the idea that other people were taking care of his bondmate’s needs?

Before Joe could think of a way to reassure Kip, Kurloo jogged up to them, his eyes wide. “There’s someone at the gate,” he relayed in an urgent undertone.

“Umm … again?” Joe looked off that way. He didn’t sense anything out of the ordinary.

“Yes, again . And … again, he doesn’t want to cross our boundaries without permission.”

“Amaranthine, then,” said Kip.

“Yes.” Kurloo’s gaze was darting every which way, like he didn’t know where to look. Finally, he settled on a downcast gaze.

“Any angels this time?” checked Ash.

“Not … as such.”

“Just one person?” quizzed Kip, who let Coach’s hood drop shut.

“Yes. One person.”

Kip bluntly asked, “What’s tucked your tail?”

Kurloo’s posture shifted into something so pointedly neutral, it was clear he didn’t want to answer. Joe simply started walking toward the entrance. Ash fell in step, and Kip walked behind with Kurloo, still pestering for answers.

“A stranger, obviously. What clan?”

“I really couldn’t say,” hedged Kurloo. “But … he’s avian. And he’s asking for Ash.”