Chapter 10
Chapter
Ten
Theo sat on the porch of the compound, rocking in one of the rocking chairs. Gael was lying on a blanket, rolling around, occupying himself, finding his foot and giggling, over and over. Liam was playing with Ryan’s dogs, running, jumping, and leaping like a puppy, and it was adorable and goofy.
Possibly a little aggravating because there was a lot to do.
But mostly adorable.
Ryan came through carrying a toolbox and caught sight of his brother. “I’m going to kill him.”
“Neat! Are you going to do it before or after supper? I need to know how much to make.” Theo really liked Liam’s brother. The kid was sharp, funny, and a hard worker, and incredibly good with the dogs. Even better, he was exceptional with Gael.
“Oh before. Let’s save resources.” Ryan winked. “You think he’ll ever be human again?”
“I want to believe so. It’s going to be really, really hard to do projects and move furniture if he stays fuzzy. It’s just really challenging, and you forget how few worries you have as a wolf, especially him. He’s the alpha.”
Ryan’s lips twisted. “So, what if I become the alpha? Would that aggravate him? Make him become human and get all chest-bumpy? Because I really need some help with some of these chores. And I don’t want the pregnant one on the ladder.”
Theo tilted his head, pondering his options. “Hmm… I could get on the ladder though. That might set him off.”
In fact, it might just get his alpha focusing, help him be a little bit more present.
Because Theo got what Ryan was saying.
Winter would be here before they knew it. Fall was already on the air. And they had so much to do, and so little actual time to do it.
“If it works, it works. Just promise me if he decides to bite me, you whack him in the head with a shovel or something. He’s got way bigger teeth than I do right now.” Ryan’s wink was pure mischief.
“Do you think you might be a wolf?”
Ryan shrugged. “I think Rory is. I think Liam is. Why not me? I don’t think I’m a dragon. Although that would be cool…”
“I bet. Imagine being able to fly.”
Ryan chuckled, the sound wry. “But then I would get sucked through to be with the dragons, and that would suck. My family is all here.”
“Point taken. So is mine. And I like being a wolf.” Theo didn’t know how to be anything else, really. “And obviously you’re fond of dogs.”
Ryan had brought half a dozen, and all of them were relatively well trained.
“I am. Is that going to be a problem?” Ryan looked super young and worried suddenly. “They like Liam’s wolf, right? And they would never hurt Gael.”
He scoffed, shaking his head. “They love Liam, and they’re going to be fabulous friends with Gael. It’s not like we’re fighting for territory or resources. They’re ours, so it’s good.”
“Okay, well, I just didn’t want it to be weird.”
“Not weird at all. I was just teasing you a little.”
Ryaa ducked his head. “I’m the youngest. At least right now. I get teased a lot.”
Theo thought maybe not in the nicest way, because siblings could be horrid. “I’m not mean, I promise.”
“I believe you.”
“In fact, I’m almost nice.” Maybe not totally nice, but almost nice? Sure.
Ryan laughed. “Rory is the nicest one of my brothers. Dean is very serious. Gage is the practical joker.”
“And Liam?” He was desperately curious.
“Liam has always been the steady one. A protector. A hard worker.” Ryan glanced at Liam, then smiled. “I guess he’s got a playful wolf side.”
Theo snorted. “Yes. He’s milking it a little.”
Liam rolled to his back, kicking his paws in the air and growling as he rubbed his spine along the dirt.
You do realize, we can’t make love with you all wolfed out? It’s a shame. I like sex.
Liam stopped dead, then turned to look at him, eyes all but glowing. No?
Nope. Only human smoochies.
Oh. Liam stood, shaking off the dirt. I guess I’ll go get some clothes on. He padded into the house, then reappeared as a dressed human about five minutes later.
Ryan blinked at his brother. “Impressive. Hey.”
“Hey.” Liam gave Theo a broad wink. “What do you need me to start on again?”
Little Gael rolled over, trying to get Liam’s attention.
“Hey, you. Are you having fun?” Liam bent to tickle Gael’s toes.
Gael’s squeal brought all the dogs running, wagging, and barking.
“Be good, guys. Not in the face.” Ryan turned to Theo. “They’re super gentle with babies. They’ve known a lot of kids.”
“I think we Calhouns reproduce by splitting cells. Boop.” Liam chuckled, “Come on, pups. One at a time. Okay, I know you need me to work now.”
“I really do. The winter is coming fast, and we have to winterize.” Ryan shrugged at him, winked. “Theo is rocking the kitchen and pantries and everything.”
Liam winced. “I feel like a dick. Shit, we still need furniture.”
“Gage and Dean are bringing up a load tomorrow. Stuff Theo picked out from the pics they sent.”
That got him a searching look. “You’re okay?”
Theo gave him a gentle grin because becoming a wolf for the first time was a big deal. “They sent pictures from the attics and the shops. I am more than okay. I promise. I chose well—both for Gael and the new baby.”
“Oh.” Liam looked a little… deflated. “Did you already get a cradle?”
He blinked a little, then glanced sideways at Ryan, who gave the barest shake of the head.
“Nope. I did get all the other stuff.” He shrugged, cheeks heating. “I mean, we do have a crib for Gael. Something warm and safe.”
“Of course. We have some good ones down at the trading post. But I’ll deal with the cradle. And I’ll make something for Gael, too.”
“Oh.” He had to smile, his cheeks still hot. “I’d love that. Very much.”
“Oh, good!” Liam came to kiss him. “Okay, Ryan, let’s get to work. I’ll work the evening shift after you quit.”
“Sounds great, brah. Let’s do this thing.” Ryan chuckled softly and stood. “You good, Theo?”
“I am, brother. Thank you.”
“Just yell if you need me, Theo.” Liam kissed him again before getting back to work.
He missed playful wolf Liam, but Ryan was right. They only had so much time before winter came. It would be fast and furious once it did.
Then they could relax and enjoy one another, really become a pack.