21. Rami
Rami
Our guide, Harry, met us at the cottage. He greeted Ethan first, shaking his hand with such enthusiasm that his glasses slid down his nose. “I’m the estate’s ecologist. You’ve picked a great time of year to visit.”
I shook his hand next. “We ended up here quite by accident, but we’re looking forward to exploring.”
“Oh, how fun!” Harry clapped his hands, bouncing on his toes. “Spontaneous trips are my favourites. Is there anything in particular that you’re interested in or would like to see?”
“Ethan’s a photographer,” I said, making him blush. “I’m sure he’d like to get some shots of any wildlife.”
“I don’t have my camera, just my phone,” Ethan admitted, shifting on his feet. “But I would love that.”
I had considered flying back to his house this morning to grab it, but there was no way I would’ve been able to explain how I’d managed to get there and back so fast. Also, getting into the house would have been an issue, given the wards.
That was before even considering the man inside, who I probably wouldn’t have been able to refrain from murdering for making Ethan sad.
When I’d checked in with Micah last night, after Ethan had gone to his own room, he’d informed me that they were no closer to tracking Damien Gaunt down. But Micah had flown here while I popped to the supermarket, adding his own wards while also keeping my mate safe until I returned.
With both mine and Micah’s wards surrounding the cottage, Ethan was as safe here as at the compound. Safer, even, because by staying here, there was no chance of Gloria accusing us of betraying our secrets.
“I can totally show you those spots,” Harry was saying as he led us down the path towards a waiting Range Rover. “There are plenty—whoa!”
He threw a hand out to make us stop. I immediately stepped closer to Ethan, my arm going around his shoulders and tucking him into my side. My power thrummed under my skin, ready to protect my mate.
But all that happened was our guide dropping to his knees. “Uh-oh, how’d you get out here, little guy? Come on, let’s get you home.”
My lips twitched in amusement as Harry gently scooped an earthworm into his palm. He carried it over to the grass, cooing to it as he gently nudged it off his hand.
“Sorry about that,” he chirped as he sprang back up. “Earthworms are a vital part of our ecosystem. I don’t want him getting trodden on.”
With that, he spun around and continued to the car. Ethan watched him go with an almost wistful smile on his face.
“Are you okay?” I whispered. My arm was still around him, so I gave his shoulders a little squeeze.
“Yeah,” he replied, his eyes still on our guide. “He’s like sunshine, you know? Reminds me of someone I used to be close friends with.”
My heart twisted. I suspected I knew exactly who he meant. Would bringing Matty back into Ethan’s life make him happy? Or would it cause more guilt and shame?
“Ready when you are,” Harry called cheerfully from the Range Rover.
Ethan bustled out from under my arm and jumped into the front seat beside Harry.
The two of them started chatting away. Evidently, Harry was driving us to another spot to start the hike.
A constant stream of chatter left his lips as he pointed out various flora and fauna we passed, taking each hairpin turn at breakneck speed.
I knew Ethan would be fine in the event of a crash, but Harry wouldn’t. I threw up a shield that covered the two of them, thankful I’d be able to heal any injuries Harry might sustain.
“Oh!” Harry said suddenly, cutting himself off mid-sentence. He slammed on the brakes, the tyres screeching as we came to a sudden halt. Thanks to my reflexes, I was able to grab Ethan’s shoulders so that he didn’t move even an inch.
He shot me a grateful look over his shoulder. He widened his eyes at me as if to say, ‘we might die here today.’ I chuckled and shot him a wink. Little did Ethan know he’d never been safer than he was right now.
“Up there,” Harry said excitedly, shoving a pair of binoculars at each of us. “There’s a woodpecker. Can you see it?”
I made a mental note to bring Benji here. Birds had been a hyperfixation of his a decade or so ago, and he’d like nothing more than to pick Harry’s brain.
“I see it,” Ethan said, excitement creeping into his voice as he peered through the binoculars out the windscreen. “Oh, I wish I had my camera with the long lens with me.”
I rubbed his shoulders before letting my hands fall away. “Tell you what, we’ll come back here one day. Harry, what’s the best season to visit?”
That sent Harry off on another tangent as he threw the car into gear and took off at speed. Ethan’s eyes met mine in the rearview mirror. They lingered, the quiet want and hope in them speaking volumes.
I really shouldn’t have booked us in for quite so many activities.
Harry talked non-stop, but I couldn’t say I took any of it in. I was too busy watching Ethan. How his eyes lit up whenever he spotted what Harry was pointing out. The silent way he approached the wildlife, getting as close as he dared. The concentration on his face as he lined up the shot.
The satisfied smile as he checked the photo. That was my favourite.
He did stumble a few times, his feet unerringly finding every root sticking up out of the ground, but I was always there to steady him. The way he blushed every time I did so was also becoming another of my favourite things to witness.
Safe to say, Ethan was enjoying himself.
He asked Harry lots of follow-up questions, settling into easy conversation with our guide as we hiked through woodland and fields.
Whenever he stopped to show me a picture he’d snapped, I was blown away by his talent.
“And to think, you were worried about not having your camera with you.”
“Puh-lease,” Ethan scoffed. “If I had my equipment, they’d be a million times better.”
“You’ll have to prove it to me the next time we come here.”
He blushed but didn’t contradict me, which gave me more hope than I had any right to be feeling.
When our hike was over, Harry led us to our next activity.
He talked right up until a small hut came into view.
In the shade of the towering oak beside it, there was a small area that had been set up for axe throwing.
There was a target, several axes with varying handles on the floor, and a hamper filled with snacks.
None of those things seemed to be what had caused Harry’s sudden silence.
From how his gaze was fixed on the burly figure leaning against the tree, I was willing to bet that the ranger awaiting our arrival was the reason.
Ethan nudged my side, cocking his head in the man’s direction and glancing pointedly between him and Harry.
I winked to show him I’d spotted the same thing and was rewarded with his cheeky grin.
Was this how the other Seraphim felt with their mates? Able to understand each other with nothing more than a simple glance?
I hoped so, because this feeling? It was pretty fucking awesome.
As we drew nearer, the ranger shoved off the tree and strode towards us.
He was tall; not as tall as me, but he towered over Harry.
A short beard covered his jaw, and tattoos peeked from under his sleeves.
If I had to describe the kind of bloke who’d be leading an axe throwing session, it would be this man right here.
An easy grin curved his lips as he extended a hand to each of us in turn. “Afternoon. The name’s Owen.”
My supernatural ears picked up a tiny whimper from Harry’s direction. I glanced over to see he was almost beetroot, staring down at the grass like an earthworm might appear and give him an excuse to escape.
“Rami,” I said, shaking his hand after Ethan introduced himself. “Nice to meet you.”
“Trust the two of you have enjoyed your hike?” Owen said, stepping up beside Harry and throwing an arm around his shoulders. “Harry here’s our best ranger. You got very lucky to have him as your guide. Did you know, he’s the ecologist for the entire site?”
Harry turned such a deep red that I quietly drew up my power. I might not be able to stop him fainting under this man’s praise, but at least I could give him a soft landing.
“He was excellent,” Ethan said quickly. “The best. We had a great time.”
“That’s what I like to hear,” Owen said. He unwrapped his arm from Harry’s shoulders and gave him a thump on the back. His strength sent Harry stumbling forwards a step before he caught himself. “See, Harry? You need to have more confidence in yourself. I keep telling you we’re lucky to have you.”
“I know.” The smile Harry gave the other ranger was almost pained. “Thank you, Owen.”
“Are you going to stay and watch the session?”
Harry’s eyes swept over Owen’s arms, lingering for a second on how the material of his shirt stretched across his biceps. When he spoke, his voice was very high. “No, I’m good. I mean, I have another tour. Thank you though!”
Ethan and I exchanged another knowing look.
If I had to guess, Owen was straight and completely oblivious to poor Harry’s feelings.
God, I knew how that felt. I’d been in his position enough times to want to give the ranger a hug and reassure him that it’d all get better.
That one day, he’d find the person meant for him.
But there was no guarantee of that. I’d had the luck of the angels on my side. Fate, whoever they were, had chosen Ethan for me.
And they couldn’t have chosen better.
We thanked Harry for the tour and he bustled off back in the direction we’d come from. Owen watched him go with a furrow in his brow.
“Sorry,” he said sheepishly when he turned to face me and Ethan. “I think I scare the poor lad. Can barely get three words out of him.”
He leaned down to pick up some axes, and Ethan took the opportunity to raise his brows at me and mouth, Oh my god.
I know, I mouthed back, and we shared a conspiratorial grin. Something told me we’d be dissecting this after the session. Together. Like a couple. Which we weren’t, of course. I knew that.
But I was starting to believe we would be.
“Right,” Owen said cheerfully, holding a short-handled axe in each hand. “Who’s going first?”
Ethan winced, taking a step back. “I think Rami should.”
My senses went on high alert. “Why? What’s wrong?”
“It’s just…well, you know how clumsy I am.” He gave a small shiver. “I’m half-convinced I’m going to take out your leg. Or Owen’s.”
I reached out to grab his hand, tugging him closer to me. “Don’t worry, I’ve got speedy reflexes.”
So speedy I’d be able to stop an axe flying in Owen’s direction too.
“You’ll be fine,” Owen told him. “If it helps, most people hit the ground during their first session, and I’ve never had an injury yet.”
Ethan swayed, unconvinced. Irritation bubbled under my skin at the secret I was hiding from him. If he knew who I was, what I was capable of, this wouldn’t be an issue.
But until I was sure he was ready to accept a mating bond, this was how it had to be.
“I’ll go first,” I said, shooting a smile in Ethan’s direction. “Maybe that’ll help you feel better.”
His eyes trailed down my arms, much like Harry’s had done with Owen’s earlier. “Yeah, I think watching you throw axes will definitely make me feel better.”
I made sure I appeared as though I was listening as Owen walked me through the correct stance and throwing technique. In reality, my mind was completely occupied by the man who stood six feet away, hungrily eyeing me like he too was regretting this activity choice.
Or maybe that was just my wishful thinking.
“Okay, I think you’re ready.”
I jerked my attention back to Owen, who was looking at me expectantly. Right. Axe throwing.
The problem didn’t occur to me until I lifted the weapon. I had no issue throwing this and hitting the target. The issue was how close it was…and how hard I’d likely hit it. Bollocks.
Holding back as much of my strength as possible, I let the axe fly through the air. It hit the centre of the target.
And immediately knocked the whole thing to the ground.
Fuck.
“Whoa.” Owen chuckled. “Guess those muscles aren’t just for show.”
I gave him a thin smile. “Guess not.”
“Holy fuck,” Ethan whispered under his breath. He probably thought he was safe from my ears, but he wasn’t. I heard every word. “That’s so damn hot.”
Grinning widely at Owen, I gestured at the pile of axes. “Can I have a go with a pair of tomahawks?”
If Ethan was enjoying the show, I was going to give him the best performance I was capable of.