Fractured Sky (Tattered & Torn #5)(26)

Something that looked a lot like hope lit Shiloh’s eyes. A true lightness appeared that I’d only ever seen when she was with animals. “Thank you. I want to help. To earn my keep.”

“You are.”

Our gazes locked and held. So many silent things passed between us as they always did. Instincts about what we’d both been through. An understanding I didn’t think either of us found with anyone else.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, jerking my focus away from Shiloh. I slid it out and pulled up the camera at the front gate. Aidan’s truck waited there. I pressed the button to let him in.

“Everything okay?” Shiloh asked.

I nodded. “That’s more help. I’m just throwing all the rules out the window now,” I grumbled.

Shiloh’s lips twitched. “The rules, huh? You gonna give me a copy of those so I don’t get detention?”

I shook my head and pushed to my feet. “What good would it do when I’m breaking them all anyway?”

She looked up at me, something swirling behind those ice-blue eyes. “Sometimes, we need to break the rules to get to where we’re supposed to be.”

Shiloh had broken all the ones she and her family had made for her to get here. I had to hope it was the right move. I stared down at her, trying to see all the things she hid away. “Sometimes, rules are chains that hold us down.”

Her throat worked as she swallowed. “Heaviest weight you can wear.”

Gravel crunched as Aidan’s truck rounded the bend in the road, and I forced my gaze away from Shiloh. It came to a stop in front of the barn, and Aidan rolled down his window. “Am I okay parked here?”

“Yup.”

He climbed out and let Elliott out of the backseat. Kai’s head lifted at the newcomers. I snapped my fingers, and he immediately came to my side.

Aidan’s eyes widened. “Is that a wolf?”

“A wolf-dog hybrid.”

“So freaking cool,” Elliott whispered. “Can I pet him?”

Aidan wrapped an arm around his little brother’s shoulders, pulling him to his side. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, El.”

“Aidan,” Elliott whined. “If I go back to school with this story, I’ll be the coolest.”

Shiloh’s hands tapped at her sides as she studied the boys. I knew that kind of focus. She was registering each and every thing about them. The way Elliott’s clothes were just a little too small for him. How Aidan’s hung off his form. The dark circles under his eyes, and the protective way he shielded his brother.

She let out a shaky breath. “Kai’s a love.” Her voice was quiet as she spoke, and then Shiloh let out a low whistle. My dog deserted me in an instant. Shiloh sank to the ground and patted the dirt. Kai lowered to his belly.

Aidan didn’t look especially convinced, keeping a hold on his brother.

Shiloh nuzzled the dog, her face burrowing in the fur at his neck. “Kai, these are new friends.”

“Elliott,” the little boy filled in. “And that’s Aidan.”

The teen grunted, still not releasing Elliott.

Shiloh smiled, the expression a little shaky around the edges, something that spoke of uneasiness with new people. I didn’t think it had anything to do with the boys. It was more the having to hold conversations that she didn’t know the outcome of.

“I’m Shiloh.”

“The love of Kai’s life,” I muttered.

Elliott grinned. “I get it. She’s really pretty.”

For the first time since he’d arrived, Aidan smiled as he ruffled his brother’s hair. “Always the Casanova.”

Elliott’s face scrunched. “The what-a-nova?”

“Good with the ladies.”

Elliott’s chest puffed up. “Duh.”

A more genuine smile played on Shiloh’s lips. “I bet Kai will like you just as much. Hold out your hand.”

I didn’t miss how Shiloh moved hers out of the way so there was no risk of her coming into contact with him. Elliott extended his hand. Kai sniffed it a few times and then lashed out with his tongue, giving the boy a good lick.

Elliott giggled. “That tickles.”

“Wait till he licks your face. That really tickles.”

Aidan sent me a hesitant glance. “Thanks for letting him pet your, uh, dog.”

“Sure.” I waved them towards the house. “We’re breaking for our afternoon snack. We can talk about your responsibilities while we eat.”

Shiloh’s brows rose at that, knowing that hadn’t been in our routine so far. But I should’ve guessed she’d already have figured out the why for it. Her gaze kept traveling to Aidan, picking up on each piece of his appearance.

“You don’t have to feed us, sir,” Aidan said.

“Call me Ramsey. And you’re working here, so you’re getting fed.”

Elliott grinned. “I could eat.”

Aidan’s expression softened as he pulled his brother back to his side. “You can always eat.”

“I’m growing. You said.”

“You are.”

We made our way to the front porch. I pointed to a long set of rockers. “Grab a seat. I’ll get the food.”

I stepped inside before anyone could say a word otherwise. I moved past the entryway and through the open living space with its massive windows. Coming to a stop in the kitchen, I grabbed the sandwiches I’d made this morning, some drinks, and a bag of chips. It would have to do for now. Balancing everything in my arms, I headed back.