Swan & Hatchling Read online

  That’s all it was. Nothing else.

  “I’m sorry if I ruined your plans tonight.” Kellan’s voice held a tinge of worry. “I know I can be a bother at times, but I’ll do my best not to cause any trouble.”

  Vic drew his eyebrows together as he clutched the wheel tighter. “I hardly think almost dying in the cold was done to intentionally disrupt my evening.” He snorted. “And anyway, there was nothing to disrupt. I never have much going on outside of operating the inn and restaurant.” Vic shifted in his seat. Don’t need to sound too pathetic. He doubted the swan cared how non-existent his social life was. “Here we are.”

  Vic pulled up to the curb in the registration only zone at the entrance of the inn. An A-line structure made up the front of the motel that housed the lobby, with the restaurant to the left. Everything was done in pine wood and conveyed an old-fashioned, rustic charm which was what he’d been aiming for ten years before when he’d first had it built from the ground up.

  He placed the truck in park then turned to Kellan. “Wait here where it’s warm and I’ll see what staff rooms are available.” Vic offered Kellan what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “Maybe there’s one with a view of the lake.”

  Kellan smiled back, and a rush of warmth filled Vic’s heart. He quickly averted his gaze as heat bloomed under his cheeks and his cock stirred in interest. It had been so long since he’d gotten laid that the sight of the luscious creature in his truck had him unusually flustered.

  He’s in trouble. He doesn’t need you creeping up on him, you old horndog.

  Maybe thirty-two wasn’t that old, but compared to the young thing seated next to him, it suddenly seemed ancient. He cleared his throat. “Be right back.”

  Before Kellan could respond, Vic rushed to the entrance and grabbed the handle to one of the double glass doors and swung it wide. He noted that Mark, the guest relations clerk on duty, had salted the walkway outside and was in the process of placing yellow caution signs to warn patrons that the stone flooring might be slippery.

  Vic winced as a thought struck him. Mark was an initiate in the local coven, so perhaps he wouldn’t introduce him to Kellan right away. While Vic knew Mark was a cool guy, Kellan might still be afraid the Vale Valley witches would cast an evil spell on him.

  “Hey, Mark. Has it been busy?”

  Mark glanced up. “Hi, Vic. No, super slow. I think this snowstorm has kept people away. I’ve been trying to stay occupied as best I can.”

  Vic strolled over to the reception desk opposite the entrance, then glanced at the brass keys hanging on the wall behind it. No keycards for his place—too much in the way of modern stuff didn’t do it for him.

  “Yeah. I figured. Enjoy it while it lasts. In a couple weeks, the Thanksgiving melee will ensue. Then you’ll be wishing no one was here.”

  Mark chuckled. “Probably. It gets crazy?”

  The witch-initiate had only been working there for a short while. He hadn’t even experienced the summer rush yet.

  “Yeah. There’s only here—and now the Dozing Dragon Bed and Breakfast—for all the relatives coming to visit during the holidays.” Vic narrowed his eyes as he perused the available rooms. “Listen, I have a shifter out in the truck who needs a place to stay. I’m grabbing 217 if you want to make a note that it’s been taken.”

  Mark came around the counter then woke up the computer. “Sure thing. Wolf?”

  Vic tried to hold back what he was sure would be a telling smile. “Nah, swan.”

  Mark arched his eyebrows. “Wow. I don’t know any swan shifters. Can’t wait to meet him.”

  “Yeah… about that.” Vic rubbed the back of his neck. “He’s a bit nervous about witches, thinks they’ll cast evil spells on him. I’m sure he’ll be fine once he discovers you’re a good guy. Just don’t get your feelings hurt if he acts strange around you.”

  “That’s cool.” Mark shrugged. “He doesn’t have much to worry about from me right now, anyway.” He smirked. “Even if I was inclined to, I’m not at that level yet.”

  Vic enjoyed having the attractive, dark-haired young man working for him. He got along great with the rest of the staff and was reliable and efficient. He doubted it would ever happen, but he’d welcome the chance to take him on fulltime.

  “You’ll do great, hang in there.” Vic glanced over his shoulder. “Better get my charge into his new room. He was half frozen when I found him.”

  “Oh no. Yeah, I’ll see you later then.”

  Vic dipped his chin once in response then headed back to the truck. He’d left the engine running to keep Kellan warm, but he imagined the poor thing was exhausted and hungry.

  I wonder what his story is?

  After climbing inside the cab, Vic steered the truck to the other side of the restaurant then around back to the main building of the inn. Kellan’s room was toward the end and would offer the promised view of the lake. He hoped to make him as comfortable as possible, so Kellan could work through whatever it was he needed to in order to build a new life.

  Vic parked next to the elevator, but since Kellan only wore socks and he wasn’t sure how bad off his ankle was, he’d planned on carrying him upstairs anyway. He dropped out of the truck and by the time he’d made it around to the passenger side, Kellan already had the door open and was trying to climb down, his pale, thin legs hanging out from the bottom edges of the blanket.

  “Whoa, hold on.” Vic scurried over to scoop him up in his arms. “I’ve got you.”

  Kellan pulled the blanket around his face, but still snuggled against Vic’s chest anyway. “Thanks.”

  Vic resisted the bizarre urge to nuzzle Kellan’s head and concentrated instead on not slipping on any icy spots. His sensitive nose picked up the same enticing scent it had the first time he’d held Kellan. While he’d remained aware of it in the truck, holding him close had him on edge, itchy under his skin but without a way to scratch it. Kellan smelled of sweetness, of fresh berries and cream or perhaps cotton candy and newly frosted cake. He stifled a groan. None of those things were exactly right, but it didn’t prevent the aroma from making him want to bury his nose in Kellan’s neck or lick him all over.

  “Shit.”

  Kellan tensed then lifted his head to meet Vic’s eyes. “What’s wrong?”

  Vic’s eyes widened. Did I say that out loud? “Oh, uh… I forgot to grab a first aid kit at the front desk for your ankle.” Quick save and not even close to being a lie. “But I can get room service to bring one up.”

  The elevator door opened, and Vic stepped inside. Kellan rested his head against his shoulder again and Vic wondered what had his wolf so worked up about the swan, why he found the young man so alluring. While different shifter species mated all the time, some of them even pairing up with humans, he’d never experienced such an immediate or strong pull from someone. Hell, he’d been with a couple of bears and even a squirrel once—which his wolf buddies still teased him about—but he hadn’t wanted to hold onto them and keep them safe forever.

  Vic gulped as they reached the second floor and he remained rooted in place as the doors opened, his random musings like a gut punch.

  Oh hell no. Impossible. He’d given up on finding his fated wolf omega once his pack had almost been wiped from Earth. The rare, deadly virus that had claimed the majority of the pack population, his family included, had forced him to accept that he’d be without his true match. So, how could a swan be his fated mate?

  Ridiculous.

  He sighed then stepped out of the lift before the doors could close on them again. They reached room 217 and Vic decided to worry about his crazy ideas later. Kellan’s wellbeing was all that mattered at the moment.

  Once he’d juggled Kellan and the key, he nudged the door open with his toe then stepped inside. The only staff room left with a lake view had a single, queen-sized bed and a small balcony. The comforter—which thankfully didn’t contain goose down—was white, with a pattern of watercolor-style evergreens densely group
ed at the bottom then thinning out until the top of the covering was solid white. The floor was made of pine, but green throw rugs similar to the ones in the lobby took up the open spaces. An entertainment center with a dresser, a table with two chairs near the glass door leading to the balcony and a kitchenette filled the rest of the room.

  Vic carried Kellan to one of the padded chairs, then gently set him down. Their eyes met, and for a moment, Vic held his breath, not wanting to break the connection between them. Kellan stared up at him from chocolate-brown irises, long black lashes framing his wide eyes. His fair skin was almost the same shade as his platinum hair that was longer on top, with soft waves combed to one side.

  Vic swallowed hard then carefully disentangled himself from Kellan. Neither of them seemed anxious to let go, but if he didn’t release him immediately, he worried he might do something inappropriate and out of character.

  “Uh, let me call room service for the kit.” Vic searched through the inn’s welcome folder until he found the page he wanted. He handed it to Kellan. “Here, pick something out to eat and I’ll have them bring that up too.”

  While Kellan perused the selections, Vic tried not to stare. He went around randomly checking that everything was in place, even though he already knew his staff would have left the room meticulous.

  “I’d like a big salad with lots of vegetables, and whatever fish you have. Is that all right?”

  Vic whirled around then accepted the menu back from Kellan. “Of course. We should still have some fresh walleye, but if not, the cook will have either catfish or bass.” Vic picked up the phone receiver. “We have fresh pies and cakes, too, if you’d like dessert.” He figured the guy could use a few extra calories.

  Kellan’s cheeks flushed. “Nothing like that. But if you have any berries, I would eat those.”

  “For dessert?” Yuck. “Okay, I’ll ask. We usually have some frozen ones in the walk-in.”

  After placing Kellan’s order, he requested that someone bring up a first aid kit right away. Once he’d hung up from that he regarded Kellan, who was curled up on the chair with the blanket still wrapped tightly around his body, his legs tucked underneath him. He was gazing out of the window, seemingly at nothing. It was well after eight o’clock and being that they were on the edge of town, not much was visible in the darkened, wooded surroundings.

  Vic scratched his chin through his beard. He wasn’t sure how much Kellan wanted to talk about what he’d been through or how he’d come to arrive in Vale Valley, and Vic didn’t want to pressure him. If Kellan had been led to the Valley, it meant he was supposed to be there. It wasn’t up to Vic or anyone else to pry into his business. But that didn’t mean that Vic wasn’t dying to know everything he could about his swan guest.

  A knock on the door jarred him from his thoughts and he rushed to answer it. Dora, the restaurant hostess for the night, handed him the first aid kit. “It’s really quiet in the dining room so Mark asked if I’d bring this up now so you don’t have to wait. The food should be ready in another fifteen. Oh, and Skip said to tell you he had some walleye left. It was caught this morning.”

  “Nice. Thanks, Dora.”

  He closed the door behind her and turned his attention to Kellan. “Hey, if it’s all right, I was going to wrap your ankle for you.”

  Kellan turned away from the window and smiled, yet there was a hint of melancholy to his expression. “It’s all right. I’ll pay close attention, so I can do it myself next time.”

  As Vic pulled up a chair and placed it in front of Kellan, he pondered how he might broach the subject of Kellan’s circumstances without coming across as too nosy. He unzipped the red bag and pulled out the self-sticking, stretch wrap he needed then gently lifted Kellan’s injured ankle and propped it on his thigh. Once he did, Kellan’s blanket fell open, exposing his bare leg. Vic tore away his gaze, not only out of respect, but because he didn’t need to encourage his filthy mind any further. It was doing quite well on its own, even with Kellan all bundled up.

  “Normally, I would have you put ice on this, but I think you’ve had enough of that for one evening. We’ll keep it wrapped and after you eat, you can get into bed and keep it elevated.” But not until I’m long gone. He wasn’t about to stick around to tuck Kellan in. There was temptation and then there was torture.

  “So… You probably want to be left alone. After your food gets here, I’ll give you your privacy.” Vic finished binding Kellan’s ankle then rose, placing his foot on the chair he’d been sitting in. “I’ll grab you a pillow to put under that.”

  “Thank you.” Kellan ducked his head. “I understand if you have to go. I guess you’re pretty busy.”

  Vic straightened. “Huh?” He shook his head. “Hardly. This place is dead right now. I just figured you’d want your rest. Plus, I’m a stranger.”

  Kellan peered up at him. “You don’t have to be.” He wiggled in his chair, adjusting his ankle a bit. “Not if you don’t want to. I haven’t had anyone to talk to in a long time. You could also tell me about the town and what jobs you want me to do.” Kellan’s smile widened, his sadness no longer evident. “I’m a little tired, but I couldn’t sleep right now anyway. I’m too nervous and excited.”

  “Oh.” Vic considered the unexpected turn of events. “In that case, I’ll hang out a bit.” He smiled back at Kellan. “And feel free to ask anything you want. I’m hoping you’ll like it here.”

  And that you’ll stay.

  Chapter Three

  Kellan wiped his mouth, barely able to finish the last spoonful of blueberries with cream that had been his dessert. Vic was being so good to him. Not constantly staring at and drooling all over the handsome shifter was going to take a lot of effort on his part. He didn’t want to wear out his welcome. While Kellan had eaten, Vic had gone downstairs to give the reception clerk a break. He’d just returned, and Kellan didn’t miss how his heart had skipped a beat the moment Vic had stepped into the room.

  “How was everything?” Vic gestured to the empty plates.

  Kellan chuckled. “Everything was wonderful. I promise I didn’t finish it all up to be polite.”

  Vic perched on the end of the bed and folded his hands in front of him. Kellan still had his ankle propped up on the second chair. He pointed to Kellan’s foot. “Do you need some painkiller, or is that too tight or anything?”

  Kellan picked at the blanket that had gradually pooled to his waist while he’d been eating. The room was more than warm enough and his body had finally gotten back to what seemed to be a normal temperature.

  That was too close a call. “I’m fine, thank you.” He regarded Vic. “Are you sure I’m not keeping you from anything?”

  Vic chuckled. “Trust me. I lead a pretty solitary life.” His eyes widened almost imperceptibly, as if he hadn’t meant to say that. He plucked his beard. “So… I don’t want to pry, but can I ask what you were doing out there like that? What I mean is, why didn’t you just shift? I thought swans were accustomed to the cold.”

  “We are and I tried.” Kellan drew his eyebrows together. “Something weird happened, though. After I was pushed out of the truck and left behind, I figured I’d stay shifted until I found somewhere safe or warm.” He sighed. “I couldn’t really think clearly at all I’m afraid. I was too upset.”

  A low growl sounded from Vic and Kellan straightened. He tensed as anger twisted Vic’s features.

  “Who pushed you?” Vic bared his teeth and Kellan tugged the blanket around him again, his heart pounding. “I’ll make them pay!”

  “Oh, uh…” Why did I mention that? “I’m sure they’re long gone, which is just as well.” He lowered his head. “They didn’t want me around anyway.” Kellan sniffed. “Haven’t for a long time.”

  “Hey.” Vic’s tone had softened and he moved off the bed, kneeling in front of Kellan. He tilted his head to try and catch Kellan’s gaze. “Come on, look at me.” Kellan lifted his eyes to meet Vic’s. “Sorry I got so worked up, I didn
’t mean to yell like that. I just…” He sucked in a deep breath before continuing, “I just can’t stand the thought of anyone being so cruel to you.” Kellan noticed Vic balling his fists. “You could’ve been injured much worse than you were, or even killed.”

  Kellan took a chance and placed a hand on Vic’s shoulder. “I’ve been expecting something like this from them for a while, to be honest. And they were just pulling away from the rest stop when my brother shoved me out of the truck bed.”

  Vic’s fell back on his heels as his jaw dropped. “Your brother? Where was the rest of your family when this happened?”

  Kellan removed his hand. He didn’t want to upset Vic with the gruesome details of his upbringing, but maybe it was time to share what he’d been through with someone who might actually care. Vic seemed as if he did. What would that be like? Finn had tried to drill into his head that love was for losers and no one would ever love him anyway. Still, Kellan had held onto hope.

  “I don’t have any other family. Only Finn, my brother. My parents were killed in a flying accident when they were caught in a blizzard a few year ago. Most of the bevy was lost, it was so horrible. Then there’s the rest of my herd, eight of us, including me.” Kellan’s shoulders slumped. “Well, seven now. And I guess I should stop referring to them as my herd.”

  Vic settled on the floor at his feet, the large man gazing up at him with compassion. “You’re not alone, Kellan, I promise. Vale Valley exists for a reason, to be that shining beacon for those of us who’ve been cast aside.” Vic clasped his hand. “I lost my family too when a deadly virus tore through our pack. But I’ve found a home and community and have built a good life here. Everyone’s going to welcome you with open arms, I promise.”

  A measure of peace filled him. Vale Valley could only be a million times better than living with his rotten brother or any of the other vicious members of his herd. Ex-herd. Kellan smiled.