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The Gray Ranch 1
FINLEY POV The gentle neighs from the horses around me filter through my sensitive ears as my brain continues to drift through thought. Food, water and reproduction, those are the only things wild animals care about. The horses we tend to and the cattle we raise have no drama in their lives. They live every day as if it were their last. They learn from their pasts, but they do not dwell on their futures. They do not plan. Their lives are lived day by day. If only I could shut that part of my brain off too. If only I couldn't dream or wish about the things I want for tomorrow. If only I were a wolf all the time. "Fin? You in here man," Lewis calls and my head snaps in the direction of the tack room door.I don't know how long I have been standing in front of the manure shovels and wheelbarrels, but it must have been a while for Lewis to come looking for me."Yeah, just putting up," I say in an easy going tone to bypass any suspension about why it's taking me so long to come inside
The Gray Ranch 2
FINLEY POV For three solid days, I have listened to Killian mope about running the cameras or brag about his council missions with Darcy. It is at the point where each time he opens his mouth, I want to tear my ears off. I can no longer eat or sleep. I am just seething. His ego is the size of Alaska and I just want him to shut up so we can complete our job. Today alone has been particularly bad. "Hey Fin, you good," Lewis asks as we walk into the cave we are calling home for the night. I nod without meeting his concerned gaze and he sighs. "I haven't heard a wisecrack in over 48 hours," Lewis says, digging deeper, and I grind my teeth. Usually, I disguise a bad mood, concern, or give advice through light-hearted jokes, but I feel too sick to my stomach to laugh about anything right now. Even a fake laugh would make my mouth fill with bile right now. Killian just finished describing how much he is looking forward to returning to his wife for some much-needed sexual time, a
The Gray Ranch 3
DARCY POV"We are all fine... It's dad. He's sick. Pack doctor can't figure it out. He can't fulfill his duties right now. Daniel is needed here. I am basically human. Emma is enjoying her first semester at a college across the country. It has to be you, Fin. You need to go home and help mom," Stanley says as Tabitha rubs his back.He is keeping his tone even for his younger brother, but we can all see his face. He looks practically ill as he relays the news about Alpha Forest to Finley.Marcie called four or five hours ago and Stanley has done nothing but plan. He immediately started emailing the Northern Gray pack's doctor and corresponding with Emma, who sounds like a brat."Yeah....""Yes, he is okay.""No, Dan said for all three of you to go. It gets dicey in those woods so you need the backup, Fin. Once you get there Lewis and Killian can return. Grab your packs and head that way tonight. Mom needs you now," Stanley says as he brings his hand to his forehead.My heart twists a l
The Gray Ranch 4
FINLEY POVDad's sick.The biggest strongest wolf I know is sick. He is never sick. He is like a mountain. He is always standing tall. Nothing shakes Dad. He is my hero. He has always been the male we can count on for everything. Every problem we have ever had has been solved by Dad. How can he be sick? Lewis whines from beside me as he senses my mood, but I keep my muzzle pointed straight. Getting to the Northern pack will take us all night and I don't have the energy or patience to address anyone. I just want to run. I can't take anymore. I feel as if my body is constantly anxious. It has been one blow after another... Adam killing his mother and abducting Samantha and Angelica, Lauren betraying us and killing David, Mariah losing her son, Grace and Andrew dying, Stanley coming back from death, and Darcy showing up married. Now Dad is sick, and I am losing my composure. I have tried to remain positive. I have been the one to offer support to the others. I have tried to keep my em
The Gray Ranch 5
LEWIS POV"Finally. I can not wait to charge my phone," Killian grumbles as we pull our clothes from our packs and I freeze. Finley is radiating so much emotion and any slight comment could set him off. I glance over at him to find his usual cheerful face drawn into a deep frown. The skin between his eyebrows looks like mountains it is so scrunched. He must be focused on his dad. Killian's negative attitude doesn't seem to matter to him anymore. "Lewis, take Killian to the guest house we normally use, then meet me at the main house," Fin mumbles in a low unfamiliar voice as he finishes buttoning his jeans. "Got it," I reply trying to sound light and agreeable. He needs me to comply right now and I have no problem doing just that. Killian is shooting daggers at him for some reason, but I won't add anything to his plate. If he wants me to drop the brat off at a separate location I will. Fin gives me a single nod before walking off in the direction of the Gray home and I turn my at
The Gray Ranch 6
FINLEY POV"I hate to break this up, but Forest's condition needs to be addressed before you can properly get to know one another," Mom says, as Killian stares at Darcy's look alike like a deer in headlights. Marcie leads Bella away, and I am slow to follow behind them. My instincts are telling me this is a good thing. Killian has found his mate and Darcy should be free. My wolf feels content and happy, but my heart feels as if there is a wall. After that barn conversation with Darcy, my feelings toward her seem cold. She chose him over me. Nothing else really matters at this point. No matter what Killian decides, my mate already chose and she didn't choose me. "Stay out here, boys," Mom says quietly as we approach her bedroom and my head clears a little. I stop right outside their door as concern for my Dad returns full force. The issues with my mate and her husband can wait. They don't concern me anyway. Lewis comes to a halt beside me, looking anxious, and Killian stays back a
The Gray Ranch 7
DARCY POV "Fin sounded so worried about his mom and his dad. The Doctor has all but confirmed Forest has cancer. Now we are just waiting to know the specifics from the blood tests," Sam whispers to the other females and I feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. My senses are on high alert. It's been almost 24 hours since Lewis sent a message saying they had arrived in the Northern Gray pack, but Killian has yet to call or message me. I have left him a dozen voice-mails and texted countless times. Lewis and Finley have been checking in and calling the others with updates, but Killian isn't responding to me. "I am sure it is hard accepting that Forest is sick... Are we sure we can help with the treatments? I mean, yes, a few doctors know about us, but a specialist. That is someone who will be hard to find. What if they are out of the country," Mariah asks in a gentler tone than usual. Trevor touches her cheek, and her attention turns from Samantha to him. I look her ove
The Gray Ranch 8
DARCY POV As the hours slip away and my depression grows I realize one thing. I can't stay here. I can't live in the room I shared with Killian. I can't handle seeing Finley again when he returns knowing what I put him through. I can't wake up and eat breakfast with all these happily mated shifters. I need to leave.I sniffle a little more before peeling myself off the floor. I wipe my face and move to the closet. I force myself not to look at Killian's side as I pull out my suitcase. I pack up most of my clothes and then head to our bathroom. I quickly pack my toiletry bag. I pull on my sneakers and gather my bags.After years of working for the council, I know how to disappear, and I have the funds to do it. I purchase a plane ticket on my phone and order an Uber on autopilot before quietly leaving our room. I slowly walk through the massive mansion.As I walk my emotions build. Part of me wishes I had made different choices. I could have accepted Finley and broke up with Killian
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The Gray Ranch 24
FINLEY POV Dan smiles a little as he moves his son to his other side and I am once again reminded how much things have changed since Sam came into our lives. All the new lives and mates. The Gray pack seem stagnant before Stanley found Samantha in Florida. "So, what's your plan," Dan asks without taking his eyes off his son. "I don't know what you are referring to," I ask refocusing on the side of his face. "With Ann. Do you plan to mate her," Dan asks as he finally looks away from Andrew. His blue eyes drill into me and I feel as if he is giving me an x-ray. Dad gets the same way when he is looking to dissect every word spoken to him, but I don't have anything to hide. Dan doesn't need to act like this is an interrogation. Things with Ann have been going wonderful. She makes me laugh and I want to be around her all the time. She keeps the bad thoughts and feelings away. I have chosen her as my second chance and things are progressing nicely. "I plan to eventually claim her
The Gray Ranch 23
ANN POV (3 weeks later) I slide my hand into Finley's as love practically spills over in my chest. Watching my best friend say, "I do," to her mate has made me feel so lovey-dovey I don't think I have ever been happier. Fin smiles before bringing our hands to his lips and kissing the back of my hand. We share a look of happiness before we turn our attention back to Lewis and Claire. They look so perfect together as they spin around on the makeshift dance floor. In fact, everything about their little backyard ceremony has been perfect. From Claire's dress to Lewis's speech. When she first told me they were going to do a small backyard wedding I thought they were moving too fast, but then I thought about my relationship with Finley and how fast we have moved. Then I got sad because she would be moving into the Gray mansion, and I would be left in our small house by myself, missing her companionship, but those feelings passed quickly as well. My best friend has found her one true
The Gray Ranch 22
FINLEY POV I greedily slurp another forkful of pasta. This stuff is amazing. If I didn't watch how simple it was to make I would think Ann was a trained chef, not a nurse. "This is so good," I groan while spinning another bit onto my fork. Ann lets out a little laugh before nodding. "I saw a TikTok video where the person made this recipe. They used a lot more cheese and had homemade pasta, but my version is okay too... Claire and I try to take turns cooking when we have food in the house. We both use videos to help us since we aren't great cooks," she explains and I shake my head. "Keep doing what you are doing because this is amazing," I say as I scrap my plate clean. She chuckles again, but only slightly, and takes another bite. I watch her while picking up my glass of water. She has seemed rather subdued since we sat down at the table. At first, I thought it was because she was still embarrassed, but as we have eaten and talked, I can see an emotion in her eyes I don't
The Gray Ranch 21
ANN POV"Well, in a nutshell, the hospital told us that there are beings known as shifters around this area. They told us shifters have heightened senses and the ability to shift into animal form. They said you tend to heal quickly and are healthier than most humans, but occasionally, you do require medical attention. They asked for us to treat you just like any typical human and keep our mouths closed. That wasn't the vocabulary used of course, but I am paraphrasing. Grab those bowls please," I say as I set Claire's cheese grater down on the counter. I begin to stir the noodles to hide the fact my hands are shaking a little. He silently moves to grab the bowls from next to the sink and I manage to take a deep breath to try and calm down. When he places the bowls on the counter next to the noodles, I keep my eyes on the food and sprinkle my favorite herbs over the top. He watches my face the whole time I do that and I try to act like my heart isn't racing.When Claire and I signed t
The Gray Ranch 20
FINLEY POV I jump up as soon as the doorknob jiggles. I have been waiting for three hours. I knew Lewis and Claire would probably be a while, but I had no idea it would be early morning before he got back home. He walks in looking proud and smelling of Claire. His mate match seems to be a good one and I am truly happy for him. He is a good male and he deserves a good partner. "Hey man, we need to talk," I say quickly and his smile drops off his face as he looks me over. "What's wrong," he asks and I shake my head a little. I said that way too forcefully. After everything that has happened to the pack I probably sent his blood pressure up by saying it like that. "I am probably freaking out more than I should about this, but I wasn't prepared for it... Claire and Ann know about shifters," I say and he looks surprised before taking a seat in one of our oversized chairs. "How do you know," he asks and I follow his lead and sit back down. Calmer feelings begin to course thr
The Gray Ranch 19
FINLEY POVShe swings her arm stiffly and turns bright red when her ball heads straight for the gutter. I want to laugh, but I also would hate hurting her feelings. She looks so nervous tonight and she already had the embarrassing moment with her shoes when I sat down next to her. I should keep a straight face. She waits impatiently for her ball to return and manages to knock down four pins on her second attempt. I smile at her as she returns to her seat next to me, but she doesn't smile back. My admission about being behind tonight seems to have shocked her a little and I am not surprised. When I saw her at the gym, I had made it clear to her I wasn't looking for a relationship, and here I am telling her I set up this date."I thought you were forced to come tonight," Ann says softly after Carmen takes her turn and I chuckle a little. I look into her curious blue eyes and the same feelings I got when I saw her laughing with my family come rushing back. "Not at all," I reply and her
The Gray Ranch 18
ANN POV"Come on, Ann. It will be fun. We haven't gotten to do anything fun recently," Claire begs again, and I sigh before looking at her.She has been hounding me for hours about going on the triple date Carmen somehow arranged, but I keep refusing. I don't want anyone forcing Finley to go out with me. I have some pride. I am a decent looking woman. I don't need a man giving me some kind of pity date his friend organized."We went to a pretty cool BBQ three days ago, I would call that recently," I say to be snarky, and she glares at me for a second before responding."It's going to be fun. Work has been our life for months... Plus, I am nervous, and I would like my best friend to have my back on this one," Claire says, pulling out the big guns. We have a quick and silent stare-down, but she knows she won. I won't go against her needing me. This is her first official date with Lewis, and if she says she needs me there, I will be there."Fine. But for me tonight isn't a date. Finley
The Gray Ranch 17
FINLEY POV "I am so happy you came. We have a bunch of food and the patio has a great sound system. When we move out there to eat we will turn on music. The guys also set up some games for us to play," Carmen says as she leads Ann and her friend into the living room with a big smile.Samantha and Tabitha immediately move toward the newcomers with welcoming expressions, but Ann doesn't look happy yo be here. I can see the fear in her blue eyes clearly as she looks around at us. She looks as if she wants to turn back around and run away."Welcome to Gray Ranch. I'm Sam," Samantha says as she shakes both of their hands. I see Ann relax a little and I smirk. I would bet my pay check Samantha used her Luna influence on her while shaking her hand.Tabitha introduces herself next and out of the corner of my eye I see Lewis move forward. His straight back and focused gaze draw my attention completely.Normally Lewis sits back. His role in the pack is one of submission. He never steps forw
The Gray Ranch 16
ANN POV "Yeah, I'm free tonight. I am actually off today and tomorrow," I reply as I close the fridge and reposition my cell phone. "Awesome, we are having a BBQ to celebrate my pregnancy and the new additions to our family. I would love for you to join us. The other wives would also like to meet you," Carmen says excitedly and I grow nervous as the unknown number of strangers begins to loom in my head. "How many people will be there? I have no problem with crowds, but I will only know you... and Mr. Gray " I say as he creeps to the front of my mind yet again. "I am sorry. Let me give you a breakdown so you don't get overwhelmed when you join us tonight. There's me and Mike, then Samantha and Daniel. They have two kids. Angelica and Andrew. Then Tabitha and Stanley. They have a newborn named Grace, after Tabitha's late mother. Then there is Mariah and Benji. They have an adopted son named Trevor, and their newborn is the youngest. Her name is Makenzie. Then there is Boyd, Lewis, a
