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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
Last Updated : 2024-08-22The 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
Last Updated : 2024-08-24The 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
Last Updated : 2024-08-26The 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
Last Updated : 2024-08-31The 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
Last Updated : 2024-09-03The 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
Last Updated : 2024-09-09The 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
Last Updated : 2024-09-16The 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
Last Updated : 2024-09-23
Latest chapter
The Gray Ranch 35
DARCY POVBenji's large body quietly moves away from me as he begins his route and I sigh in relief. His calm power has always been slightly intimidating, but his presence has become unbearable since Killian came back. He eyes me as if he knows what Kill and I did. I push his existence out of my mind before focusing on the empty field and stretching my legs.Patrol is tiring, but it brings a certain peace to my mind. I prefer doing it then staying inside with the perfect Grays. All the happy couples and sweet gestures between them make my wolf and I more bitter about our situation. I can't even stomach the babies anymore. Of course, there is one person more miserable than I am, and it is the pregnant little human. She looks as if she hasn't slept since I brought the news about Alpha Hugh.I cut through the tall grass in a direction that doesn't have a fresh scent. I never take the same route; I switch up my routes every hour, and when I first come out, I always choose to start in a
The Gray Ranch 34
ANN POVThe atmosphere of Gray Ranch has become suffocating. Ever since Darcy's ex showed up everyone seems tense. The side-eye looks the pack gives him and the long periods of silence are killing me. Mix in the fact Mike and Carmen are scared every second of the day... "This will be over soon," Claire says quietly as she looks over my face. I should have known she would say that. Coming to her with my problems or thoughts isn't like it was before she met her mate. She is going to place being with Lewis over everything... and I get it. This is where she belongs. She is happy. I am just a girlfriend who has been thrown into this awkward four-way relationship situation. I can't leave because of the danger and I can't feel comfortable here. Finley doesn't speak about or to Darcy, but I know he is bothered by the two exes sharing his home. Knowing that just makes me feel weird. "I know. But the awkwardness will never be gone. She is his mate. Even when she leaves again, there will st
The Gray Ranch 33
DARCY POV He grabs the waistband of my shorts and works them down my thighs slowly, which makes me nervous. I want him to move fast so there is no time for second thoughts. I don't want the fog created by his lust to lift an inch. I need him to commit to fucking me. I wiggle even more as the air touches my sensitive areas. "Oh please," I moan and he lightly rubs three fingers over my wet folds. I smile. He is gathering lubrication. This is it. He is about to be mine once again. "This tight chocolate hole needs me," he says almost to himself and I feel the head of his cock press against me. My natural lubrication helps the head of his cock slide past the tight ring of muscle and he groans deep as his shaft slides into me too. I wince from the pain of such a fast stroke, but I don't whimper. This is the moment I have dreamed about for so long. I don't even care we are doing my least favorite position. If this is what I need to do to win him back I will. "Yes, Kill," I moan as he
The Gray Ranch 32
DARCY POV (Adult Chapter) I twist my hands nervously as I stand hidden in the hallway. Every part of me wants to see him. I want to see if he looks any different. I want to see the mark of his female on his skin and how it looks on him. I don't understand why but the thought of it makes me desire him. I know he won't want to talk with the pack members for very long. He doesn't like them. He thinks they are all weak. He will escape to the guest wing as fast as possible. I can speak with him when he does. I can invoke the feelings he once had for me I know it. His Bella couldn't have erased what we shared. Finley never erased Killian for me. I gulp as I hear his deep voice for the first time in almost a year. Stan greets him, and to my surprise, Killian sounds happy to be here. "Good to see you. Congratulations on your cub, Stan. I am hoping Bella and I have a pup soon," Killian says smoothly and I can't believe my ears. Killian never wanted kids he never wanted anything th
The Gray Ranch 31
FINLEY POV I slam my hand on Stan's desk and the wood splits, but his blue eyes remain calm. It is clear he expected me to act like this and he has decided to wait out the storm."Are you done," he asks in a bored tone that makes me wish I could still punch him without breaking his jaw. "Did you tell them no? Did you demand another agent? I mean, he isn't even an agent anymore," I ask, sounding menacing. He sighs and shakes his head no which sends me over the edge. I turn away from him so I don't do anything I will regret. How could he have not told them no? How could he not demand a different male?"The council knew he was placed in this pack previously. He knows the territory. They know he works well with his ex-partner... And they know we need the muscle. We haven't seen anything suspicious, but that just means our enemy is more cunning than we thought. He is waiting us out... Dad already put Killian on a flight, Fin," Stan says in a more compassionate tone, but I can't respond
The Gray Ranch 30
ANN POV My eyes dart to the chocolate beauty once again and my stomach twists. She hasn't said a word to me in the four days I have had to stay here, but she has thrown some dirty looks my way. Now we are in the kitchen alone. I know Finley is about to come strolling into the kitchen. He is due for his patrol shift with Mike, but the seconds seem to be dragging so I keep sending her secret looks. She looks gorgeous as usual in her black workout shorts and a simple T-shirt. She has her thick curly hair tied up so her graceful neck is on full display. Her face is free of makeup, but her skin looks airbrushed it is so flawless. In comparison, I feel unattractive in my green scrubs with my long brown hair in a low bun. I have a little bit of makeup on, mascara and eyebrows nothing heavy... but I feel overdone and fake standing next to her. Before she can spot me staring at her I force myself to refocus on my mug of coffee. I don't want to add additional tension by getting caught w
The Gray Ranch 29
ANN POV "FIN," I shout while hoping his sensitive ears hear me.It is windy out tonight and he might already be acres away from the house."Fin," I yell again and I see a large gray wolf cutting throw the tall grass to the East of me.When it reaches the short grass around the barn it shifts and I am instantly met with a naked and angry Finley."Ann! What the hell are you doing outside," he says as he comes marching toward me. His irritation is clear and I know I should be focused on his face, but my eyes quickly sweep over his muscular form. The broad shoulders and V cut waist make me wet my lips. He is exquisite and for a moment I forget why I rushed out here."Ann, get your butt inside. It is dangerous," Finley orders while pointing toward the back door.He comes to a halt in front of me looking angrier than I have ever seen him, but I don't move."What did Darcy say," I ask directly and his arm drops.The angry look on his face dims for a moment, before he shakes his head and r
The Gray Ranch 28
FINLEY POVI can't stop smiling even as I head outside to ensure another threat won't harm my family. She makes me feel so at ease and happy. Stan scared me when I went to check in with him earlier by saying Ann might not be able to handle the dangers that come with dating a shifter, but she erased those fears in a matter of seconds. She isn't running away or distancing herself. I close the back door and quickly jog over to the barn so the others can give me their report and get inside. I am already late to switch in because I got caught up in kissing Ann. Hopefully, they won't be too irritated. I open the barn door and frown when I find only Darcy's scent. Daniel left her to fill me in... Great. I square my shoulders and set my jaw. She is a pack member. I can get and give reports to her. I will just have to put up a wall and make every conversation we have about the pack. It is the only thing we share now. I don't care about her growl from earlier or how she feels about my re
The Gray Ranch 27
ANN POV "Before we leave I want to check with Stan and see what the council told him. Are you okay hanging out in here for a minute," Fin asks as he places his dishes in the washer. I nod and smile at Sam who seems to like me more than I realized. "That's fine. I will be spending more time here. I should get better acquainted," I say and Tabitha shoots me a wink. Fin kisses my cheek and strides off in the direction of their massive office. I watch him until he is gone, and when I look back at the others, I am surprised to find them sitting across from me at the large island. Tabitha smiles at me and Sam takes a sip of her hot tea. "We won't let her get close to him," Sam says clearly as she lowers the mug to the counter and I grin. Her fiercely protective nature reminds me of my mother. I can see why Claire likes her so much. "I don't plan to let her near him either. She doesn't deserve him," I say, and the green-eyed beauty gives me a wide smile. "That's what we like to hea
