Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
Todd
Dawn
That night, I get the best sleep I think I’ve had in a couple of months. When I awaken the next morning before my alarm I start getting ready for work when I remember one important fact—
Mal.
A trill of excitement ripples through me. I won’t be a dick and hit on him.
I mean, not seriously. I’ll see how he reacts to a little playful teasing. I don’t want him feeling pressured or indebted to me. He is a cutie, though.
Shawn will definitely be getting a fricking workout from me.
Daily.
Meaning Shawn will be too tired to worry about Sterling coming after Mal and threatening our pack. Which I damned well know is part of Jax’s plan. Because Shawn has a habit of worrying.
About everything.
Even stuff he shouldn’t be worrying about.
Jax doesn’t want Shawn to have too much time to consider the ramifications of us giving refuge to the son of Randolph Sterling.
I mean, not that it’s a sure thing. Under the circumstances, multiple people might validly object to Mal joining, or Jax might end up passing him off to another pack to put distance between the kid and Atlanta.
Or, Jax might opt to hand the kid pocket money, buy him a ticket to anywhere, and drive him to the appropriate transportation station.
I love to cook, but normally I don’t make breakfast unless it’s a special occasion or I have guests. By the time Mal knocks on the back door ten minutes early, I’ve got bacon and scrambled eggs ready, and the pancakes are just about ready.
“Come on in.”
Mal’s wearing jeans and a T-shirt, and sneakers. I mentally run through the extra supplies I have on hand to remember if I have work boots in his approximate size. I think I do.
“Good morning,” I say, offering him a smile.
Mal dips his head and gives me a faint smile. “Good morning.”
I point at the coffee maker on the counter, where I’ve already set everything he might need—mug, spoon, creamer, sugar. “Help yourself.”
“Thank you.”
“When you’re ready, grab a plate and start shoveling it in.”
That earns me a full smile.
Damn. He’s adorable.
“I wasn’t expecting this,” he says. “I really appreciate it.”
“It’s okay. I don’t normally cook breakfast, but for your first day, I wanted to make sure you don’t keel over from hunger before lunch. Which I also provide for my guys.”
“What’s first on the agenda?” he asks.
With that, I start telling him as I deal with the last batch of pancakes. By the time we’ve finished breakfast and he helps me clean up and load the dishwasher, I’m feeling even better about the kid. He’s definitely worked for a living and I expect he’ll be a fast learner.
We head out to the overhang on the back side of the house, where I park one of the ATVs I use for getting around the ranch when I don’t need my truck.
“We need to take you shopping for work clothes this week,” I say.
“If you want to stay here, that is. Don’t want you ruining your clothes.
I’ll even spot you if you can’t afford it. ”
“Thank you,” he says. “I have a little money, so if I take it easy, I can pay for them.”
“Good for you.” We drive out to the main barn where three of my guys are working. I introduce Mal around, then lead him to the equipment room where, yes, there’s both a used but clean jumpsuit and a serviceable pair of work boots in his size.
Then I leave him to his work and head out to start my own chores.
All of my employees are either shifters or otherwise part of the pack—mates or kids or relations.
Easier that way for everyone to only employ packmates.
But as a small dairy farm, I’ve found my niche locally, providing organic dairy products to stores and restaurants, and we sell premium small-batch ice cream.
When someone like Mal comes to work for me, it’s not unusual for the pack to kick me a stipend.
We take care of our own in this pack. Always have, always will.
I’m riding the fence line in the ATV when my phone buzzes with a text.
Jax.
How’s the pup?
I’m tempted to text back “unfucked” but that would be crude. Right?
I opt for the basics.
He’s working with my guys and learning the job. Seemed eager to get started this morning.
I wonder how long it’ll be before Shawn starts introducing him around, and before I can even ask that, my question is answered.
We’ll give him a couple of days to settle in. Give me your impression of him. Shawn will be in touch in a day or so to coordinate.
Well, darn.
I look down at my lap. “Guess you’re out of luck tonight, buddy.”
But since I’m not an asshole, I text Jax a thumbs-up in reply.
And that means I can take the pup shopping after work so he can get what he needs. If he’s still willing to work here.
I hope he is.
Mal isn’t the first wayward one I’ve hosted, but there’s just…something about him. I’d like to spend more time alone with him to get to know him better. Find out what makes him tick.
Watch it be just my luck some guy in the pack pings on him with a mate bond.
Then the rational part of my brain kicks in and takes over.
The last thing that pup needs right now is trying to figure out a relationship. He’s got a bunch of emotional shit to work through.
Trying to shove that out of my brain, I slide my phone into my pocket and resume my task.