Ronen

Up in the left-hand corner of the bar, the tv blared with another stupid Hallmark movie depicting the same ten people the last 22 movies had. I rolled my eyes, huffed when the bartender wasn’t looking, and readjusted myself on the bar stool. I was pretty sure he put on the movie for me since I was waiting for a tow truck. It was a sweet gesture, so I refrained from verbally complaining.

I peeked outside, frowning. Snow began to sprinkle like powdered sugar from heaven, all cute, fluffy, and stupidly cold. It would take a while for the tow truck to get to me with ice on the ground, covered with snow and now more snow. Even with the county running snow plows and using deicer, it would still take a while. The main roads would be clear, but the side roads would be a mess.

I groaned, weaving my fingers through my hair and giving it a pull. I was frustrated. So close to being home yet stranded. I peered up at the tv, spying the same blonde actress proclaiming to be Amish in a ‘new’ drama. I shook my head, turning back to my half empty beer to polish it off.

The bartender smirked, sliding me another. I lifted my head, thanking the cute man with a smile. He looked familiar, but I couldn’t place him. But I swore I knew him from somewhere. I stared at him for a little longer than what was polite. He was cute, so I didn’t feel too terrible. He smiled, going back to his task.

“Thanks,” I said softly, catching the beer.

He nodded, stacking clean glasses in the upright freezer. “Want a burger?” he asked over his shoulder. “Kitchen’s gonna close in a half hour, so it's now or starve.”

“Sure. No pickles, please.”

“Fries?”

I nodded. “Please and thank you.”

“Comin’ right up,” he replied, going down the length of the bar to shout the order to the cook.

I offered a tight smile, not thrilled about being stuck here. My Jeep blew the damn radiator while I was less than a hundred miles from my mountainous destination. I was longing for a good time by myself with an outdoor hot tub and a bottle of wine until my boyfriend could join me.

Outside, the snow went from a light sprinkle to a blizzard. I glared, livid that getting to the cabin was now hindered by more fucking weather. I loved the snow when I was inside my house and I didn’t have to be out shoveling it for hours. But I would be out in it for sure this year as my sister Melody was having a winter wedding on our family’s ranch, on Christmas no less. But that was totally my sister’s thing to make any holiday about her.

I turned back around and glanced at the tv, noting the blonde actress blushing from having a dude wipe snow off her cheek. I rolled my eyes and huffed. Before my Jeep broke down, I called my mom to talk to her about my boyfriend being all distant and how he was acting strange; except my mom could only speak about Melody and how, when I arrived, I needed to help decorate. I hung up. I always knew Melody was the favorite. It just hurt to have it so blatantly in my face.

Melody was the epitome of beautiful and classy. She was chic, smart, witty, everyone loved and adored her. The love Melody found with her man Troy was straight out of a legit Hallmark movie. As for me, I was still waiting for my man to propose. He wanted to wait until after his first year as a practicing attorney was completed, but that was three years ago.

The bartender slid the burger in front of me. My mouth instantly watered at the big handmade burger, smothered in pepper jack cheese and the home cut fries on the side. I temporarily forgot about my boyfriend being all weird with my stomach growling.

He added a stack of napkins to my left, and a bottle of ketchup and malt vinegar in front of me. “You’re gonna need them,” he smiled, pointing to the napkins.

My hands barely wrapped around the morsel. “Looks like it. Thank you,” I replied, sinking my teeth into the meal.

It. Was. Heavenly! I moaned, swishing my head to the side while my body danced in the seat. The bartender laughed, putting away more glasses.

“Like it?”

“I love it,” I replied through another mouthful.

“Danny back there does put together a mean burger.”

I rapidly nodded, eating another bite. I stared at the bartender longer this time. Good God, I knew him but it just wasn’t coming to me. It’s been years since I came back to Montana, but fuck, I knew who he was!

Shaking my head, I decided to ignore where I knew him from and focus on eating. I happily scarfed down the burger, not realizing how hungry I really was. I tried not to snack too much when driving because it made me sleepy; nor did I drink too much, so I didn’t have to use shady gas station bathrooms.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, causing me to jump. I set my food down, wiped off my hands and answered without looking at who called. “This is Ronen Smythe.”

“Hey, where you at?” my boyfriend awkwardly questioned.

I tilted my head to the side at his super weird demeanor. “At a bar in McLeod. I'm about thirty minutes from Big Timber then about another hour from the homestead. What time will you be here, my love?”

He was silent for a moment. “I'm not gonna make it to the wedding.”

“Henry?” I frowned. “Do you want me to come get you?” I knew how he hated driving in the snow.

“No,” he sighed. “I don't know how to put this.”

I pulled my phone from my ear and set it on the bar so I wouldn't drop it. Turning the speaker on, I waited with bated breath. My stomach sank. The food I’d just eaten threatened to come back up. I knew… I knew without him having to say a word. I covered my hand with my mouth to stave off the vomit.

He'd been acting distant lately. I contributed his behavior to all his cases and long hours at the office. Deep down I had a feeling it was something else, but hoped I was wrong given all the years we had together. My intuition was right all along. For weeks I knew but did and said nothing.

I fiddled with the ends of my hair, willing my eyes to stop welling with tears. I clenched them, only to find my mind forcing memories to the forefront; all the trips together, dates, late nights making plans about our future, were dashed. I’d met Henry at the county attorney’s office. Apparently, I was the secretary for his best friend’s brother. We hit it off and moved in together a few months later. Now, all those memories, the pictures, the life we were building were gone.

“I'm moving out. I met someone else.”

I was silent. Tears accumulated on my lashes and slipped down my cheeks.

“I've paid the rent and utilities through February, so you have time to find something else.”

The bartender whistled low. My eyes snapped up and glared. He walked off, going to the other side of the bar to give me space. Their phone rang and I ignored the sonorous chirping.

“How considerate,” I growled.

“Ronen,” he paused. “It’s nothing against you. You’re a great woman.”

“Save the bullshit.”

“I haven’t done anything-”

I laughed viciously. “Yeah, you’ve done nothing. Keep telling yourself that. If you were so miserable, you could have said or done something sooner instead of leading me on.” The silence on the other end made my heart squelch further. “How long, Henry?” I finally asked.

“How long, what?”

“How long have you known you didn’t love me anymore?” my voice cracked.

My query was met with more silence. Tears slipped out of my eyes and I brushed them away angrily. I wasn’t angry we were over; I was angry at being led on, at the kisses and affection when it wasn’t genuine. He’d checked out while I fought for us, tried to keep us together; but I knew we were done. I’d just hoped it wouldn’t be for nothing, so I stayed. And it felt viciously unfair.

“Everything’s paid through February.”

I opened my mouth to retort, but the line was dead. My phone released the call and went back to the main screen. I stared at my fries, not feeling hungry anymore even though they looked delicious, and my stomach growled. My head swam. It was like all the memories flooded my brain and all the signs pointing to him being deceptive were there, yet I stupidly ignored it all, believing in my heart that my love would see us through. I thought my love could save our relationship if I’d hang on.

I downed the rest of my full beer. “Cheers to another failed relationship,” I muttered, trying to harden my heart.

The bartender sighed.

“If you say ‘but you’re still so young,’ I will throw this at you, Kyler,” I growled, pointing at the empty glass.

My brain fog finally lifted and I realized who he was. It was like an ‘oh-duh’ moment for me and Kyler stared at me like no-shit. Kyler McCann was my neighbor growing up. He was cute, always kind, but I always put him out of my mind, thinking he would go for Melody and not me, but clearly, he never did.

“I was gonna offer,” he began pointedly, “to drive you home, Ronen. Tow truck called and they couldn't make it out. Big wreck southwest of here.”

I nodded. “That would be nice. Thank you.”

He grinned. “And hey, it will be about thirty minutes. I need to close.”

Reaching into my purse, I pulled money out and left it on the counter. “It’s good to see you again.”

He winked. “Likewise.”

I tried not to read too much into his expression, but the joy he held at my very recent breakup shimmered in his brown eyes flecked with amber. I wriggled on the barstool. Grabbing the bottle of ketchup, I squirted some onto my plate. Taking the malt vinegar, I mixed some in with the ketchup and dipped my fries. I swear to God above; it was the best way to eat fries.

Kyler offered a wan smile, bustling around to get cleaned up. I peeked outside, not liking how the snow continued to drench the ground. Snow was pure, untainted, beautiful; and I felt like the complete opposite. I hung my head and ate my fries. When I got home, I planned on drinking the largest bottle of wine my cabinet had.

Ronen

Driving in the snow was a beast. I was thrilled it was Kyler and not me driving. I would have gotten a hotel in Big Timber and figured it out instead of going all the way to my cabin in this white bullshit. Kyler lived next door to my family’s ranch, and didn’t mind driving me home. It was truly kind of him and I was grateful, as the drive to my cabin was a bit of a stretch.

Each of the kids my parents had, me included, got a cabin built for us on whatever stretch of the four thousand acres we liked most. I picked my favorite spot: base of the mountains, tucked in the trees, and between where the valley meets the mountain side; right in the spot where I swore I saw my first large wolf. My cabin was a small, one bedroom abode with an underground concrete basement. My dad was terrified of the zombie apocalypse, so all our houses had underground bunkers.

I smiled, thinking of my dad. I couldn't wait to see him and hear another one of his silly jokes. I swore the man googled half the jokes he said, though I would never tell him my suspicions. Seeing his face light up and his blue eyes sparkle with mirth at the punchline was something I always loved witnessing.

I sighed, stealing a glance here and there at Kyler. He was a cutie with light brown hair streaked with red. A tattoo crept up the right side of his neck. I glanced at his left hand, noticing it was wonderfully vacant of a ring. Scolding myself, I turned back out the window, not wanting to appear desperate. Hell, I’d just been dumped hours ago, what the fuck was wrong with me?! He was just a good guy taking me home when he didn’t have to.

Kyler drove up the snow packed road, slowly taking the turns to where my house was situated. The outside light was on, making me wonder who got there before I did. I tilted my head to the side and huffed. Whipping my phone out, I checked it; wondering if there was a text detailing if someone was there or a missed call. There was nothing. It hurt. I’d figure my family would’ve called me by now.

“I’ll walk you to your door,” Kyler said, the last word coming out growly.

I arched a brow at his sudden protectiveness. “It’s okay, you don’t have to.”

Kyler turned in his seat and scowled. “I’m gonna, whether you agree or not. I’ll leave when you’re safely inside.”

“Okay,” I said, scooting closer to the door.

His hands gripped the steering wheel, accentuating his muscular arms and overall athletic build. He pulled around to the left where the drive was. Already my driveway and sidewalk were cleared of snow and heavily salted. The front light was on and the window beside the door opened. I noticed a person inside and so must have Kyler as he parked the truck hurriedly and got out.

“Stay,” he commanded.

I crossed my arms but obliged; reasoning him being so kind after the blunder of a breakup back at his bar. He didn’t give me any immediate red flags; just a direct yet firm sense of protection. It was weird to me. None of my family members had ever expressed such concern. Even Henry wasn’t overly protective.

The front door opened and my brother Finch stepped out. Words were exchanged between them, with Finch shoving Kyler away. I unbuckled and opened the door to get out. Kyler grabbed him by the cuff of the shirt, tossing him in the snow face first with ease. Finch scrambled to his feet. His wife was on the stoop with the phone to her ear.

“Finch stop,” I yelled. “Bailey put the phone down. He brought me home.”

My older brother huffed, glaring daggers at Kyler. “Why didn’t you call one of us?”

“What makes you think I didn’t?” I countered.

Prior to Kyler taking me home, I had tried calling all my family members. None answered. I assumed they were busy with the wedding planning or whatever else was happening. So, I finally relented and let Kyler bring me.

Finch’s dark blue eyes pinched at the sides. “So, you had the local drunk take you home?”

“Bar owner,” Kyler growled.

“Yell at your sister inside,” Bailey’s grumpy tone commanded. “It’s fucking cold.”

While she wasn’t my favorite lady, I nodded and strode toward my house. My two toe-headed nieces were in their hot pink and polar bear footie pajamas, watching one of the Disney princess movies. They were so engrossed in the movie; they hadn’t noticed me or what had just occurred. I went into the open kitchen, leaning against the side of the island, and waited for the guys.

“Tangled,” Bailey said, pointing a finger and referencing the movie. “We’ve watched it four times today.”

“It’s a great movie,” I replied.

Finch entered the kitchen with Kyler behind him. “Explain to me,” Finch said, his voice low and menacing. “What the hell happened? Why is he here?” he finished, jerking a thumb over his shoulder.

“My Jeep blew the radiator and the tow truck was working on a wreck. Kyler offered me a ride home since none of you answered. I even called the ranch hands. If he hadn't brought me home, I would’ve been stranded.”

Finch deflated. “I’m sorry. The wedding preparations are wild, and I ignored your calls to help Melody. I figured someone else might have answered you.”

I crossed my arms in hopes to stem the tears. Kyler moved across the kitchen and stood beside me. The man, even in a sweatshirt, put off some serious body heat. He stood near me, almost protectively, and crossed his arms.

“You assumed wrong,” I bit out. “And what are you doing here?”

“Melody put Troy’s family in our house,” Bailey scoffed. “She could’ve asked.”

“Huh,” I quipped. “The nerve, am I right?”

Bailey rolled her green eyes.

“Ronen,” Finch hissed. “It’s just for the weekend.”

“You can stay with me,” Kyler said, shoving his hands in his denim jean pockets.

“Where’s Henry?” Finch asked. “At least he wasn’t a drunk.”

“That’s a lot of nerve coming from someone who used to frequent my bar regularly because he couldn’t deal with his wife,” Kyler shot back.

“Henry and I broke up,” I replied, heading toward the living room.

My blood boiled while I internally debated if I wanted to cry some more or punch my brother for his asshole-ism. Today sucked. Coming home for the holidays wasn’t what I expected it to be. Holidays were supposed to be wondrous, joyous, with everyone all smiles and spending quality time together; not this grumpy bullshit and everyone looking for a fight.

I bent down, giving both my niece’s a kiss on the forehead and a big squeeze, promising to hang out with them tomorrow. I tucked them in on the couch with my oversized weighted blanket and left, not even bothering to say goodbye to Finch or Bailey.

I got back into Kyler’s old Ford F150 and buckled up. Kyler stuck the keys in the ignition and backed down the drive enough to turn around. He said nothing to me thankfully as he drove east on back roads to his place. I wasn’t ready to speak yet. Everything in me hurt. I felt so neglected, like I was trash: so easily discarded without a second thought.

“So, Finch truly is your brother, huh?” he finally asked. “I always thought he was adopted.”

“Yup, he’s my real brother. The oldest and only brother; and there’s four of us, myself included,” I replied, scooting back on the old bench seat. I leaned my head against the seat and turned toward him. “So, you’ve bartended for a while, yeah?”

“I own the bar, so it’s a built-in component.”

I smiled. “I can imagine so.”

Kyler revved the pickup to make it up the slight slope. An A-frame house on the edge of the woods greeted my eager eyes. I’ve always loved Kyler’s family’s house. They were nice neighbors, kept to themselves, but offered help when we asked. My sister Melody and I used to talk about who was the hottest of the McCann boys. I smirked, thinking of the memories. I had just put Kyler so far out of my mind; it was like I damn near forgot altogether. Seems like he did too about my family. But damn! How many nights as a young teen had I gone to bed thinking he was the hottest man to ever walk this planet? Granted, he looked different now, with shaggy hair and tattoos. Ohhh, but I felt super dumb.

“I’ve always loved that house,” I remarked.

He smirked. “I love it too. Been in my family for generations.”

Kyler parked under a carport to the west of the house. I got out, admiring the south view of his home, the way we came from and how the snow kissed the valley and sapling branches. It was peaceful. Not like my house that felt like I was an invader, even though it was mine. Here was another level of peace.

I breathed in deep and sat on the bumper of his Ford, gazing out tranquilly. The sky had darkened and the snow lessened. The chaos of the day had finally drawn to a close, and it made me tired. My nerves weren’t so rattled with the break-up nor frayed due to family issues. I was just drained. I was sad and drained.

I’d lost someone I loved. Got put out by my own brother. Everything I believed was mine, that I could claim, was lost to me. Even my own family ignored me to help the baby of the family as per usual. It is her wedding day soon, I thought, feeling slightly terrible. But even before this being her wedding, how many times before I had needed help and no one came? I felt utterly insignificant; I felt invisible. At twenty-eight, it felt like my life was starting over and I couldn’t stop it.

I wiped a tear away and sniffed. Everything I suppressed was coming to a head. It was only a matter of time before I broke down and cried. I planned on doing it tonight, out of sight and alone. Kyler already witnessed a lot of drama; I didn’t want him to see me cry any more.

Kyler leaned against the pickup. I felt his brown-amber eyes on me. Out of my peripheral, snow kissed the top of his light brown head. A five o’clock shadow lined his jaw. He was handsome while I was a wreck. Kyler huffed, leaning against the truck with me.

“Thank you,” I began, “for everything today. You didn’t have to and I will happily reimburse you the gas money for driving my sorry ass everywhere.”

“Nah,” he replied, waving me off. “It’s the least I could do.”

“I haven’t done anything for you,” I countered.

“Remember the time you paid for the people who walked out of my bar without paying?”

I nodded, recalling the event. “Yeah, but that has nothing to do with now.”

“Consider us even. Now,” he paused, getting off the car. He tilted his head, beckoning me with a nod. “After the day you had, you could use a stiff drink and a nice bubble bath.”

I smiled, getting off his back bumper. He led the way through the snow, while I admired the rough-cut timber and the cozy ‘this feels like home’ vibe the house emanated. If I missed my sister’s wedding due to the snow, being stuck here with him wouldn’t be too terrible.

Kyler

Her sniffling would be the death of me. It broke my heart to hear her crying earlier; the heart-wrenching, gut-punching, painful tears she released urged me to break into her room and console her, yet I stayed out in the living room, trying to watch a 90s tv series and give her privacy. While her crying ended, every so often I heard her sniffle.

I glanced over my shoulder again, debating about heading down the hallway. I changed the sheets on the bed while she was taking a bath; crying while she took that too. I gave her my room for the night. I wanted to give her space and a moment to process, but it was hard. My hands itched to hold her.

I huffed, running a hand over my face. I’m going in there, I decided. Before I got up off the couch, I heard the door click open. Her soft, padded footfalls and intermittent sighs made my heart lurch. I pretended to not hear her come out, not wanting to make it obvious I knew she was coming.

I stood when she came around the side of the couch in the living room. She looked beautiful with her fire-red wavy hair hanging down to her waist and her blue eyes shimmering. I gave her my long john one-piece green thermal to wear for bed. It took everything in me to not salivate at how breathtaking she looked. She floated in the thermal, yet it wasn’t hard to notice her thin, hourglass figure.

“Thank you,” she whispered, clearing her throat. “For all you’ve done for me. I truly do appreciate it.”

“You okay?” I asked.

She shook her head. “No. I don’t know how to be and maybe that’s the problem. I’m more upset about my family than I am about wasting three years with someone else,” she harrumphed, taking a seat on the couch.

I sat back down, pausing the vampire show. I wanted her to speak when she felt like it and not as if I was prying into her life story. She crossed her legs and wriggled her bottom to situate herself. It was cute. She hefted a deep sigh, finally looking at the tv and tilting her head.

“What are you watching?” she asked. “Is that Buffy?”

I grinned. “Fuck yeah, it’s Buffy.”

She giggled and smiled broadly. “That’s awesome. I used to love that show, though I’m more of a werewolf girl myself.”

My insides fluttered. “You are?”

“Oh yeah. Gimme a sexy wolf any day.”

I hid my grin by rubbing the scruff on my jaw. “Good to know.”

“I think they’re real,” she continued. “I swore I saw one once as a kid. I told my mom, but she brushed it off as too much candy before bed since it was around Halloween. She’s wrong. I know what I saw. They’re real. It’s why I built my house where I did because I swore I saw it there.”

“Because they are,” I answered as nonchalantly as I could muster.

She scowled, her eyes betraying her, trying to process my affirmation. I smirked. Ronen moved hair behind her ear and wriggled into the couch. She took the blanket off the back, snuggling into it. I wanted her to press for more, but seeing how she didn’t offer more, I let it go.

“Are you cold?” I asked, getting up to put more wood in the woodstove.

“I’m okay,” she replied, draping the blanket over the top of her head to cocoon herself inside of it. “Mind if I watch this with you?”

I smiled at her adorableness. “Not at all.” I sat back down and draped my hand over the back of the couch.

She nodded, readjusting herself to somewhat be closer to me yet far enough away to drive me crazy. She smelled of my pine shampoo and it was intoxicating to me. Her bare feet poked out of the blanket, offering me a view of her dark blue painted toenails with Christmas light stickers. I peeked over at her. Ronen’s blue eyes shimmered. Her nose twitched as her lips pulled down.

“Wanna talk about it?” I asked.

“Not really much to talk about,” she replied. “I’m okay with it being over with Henry.”

I arched a disbelieving brow. “Yeah, you’re so over it.”

She cracked a drawn smile, wiping her eyes. “It just hurts. But it also doesn’t hurt. I tried to get him engaged in our relationship, but his lack of effort kinda made me check out too. I think that’s what hurts is being led on, though I’m as much to blame as I just didn’t end it either. I’m more hurt by my family’s lack of concern for me. I called everyone multiple times. No one ever answers my calls.”

I nodded. “Has your family always been like that toward you?”

She swished her head from side to side. “Yeah… Ish. Melody and I are twins. I’m the oldest by three minutes. Melody struggled a lot with numerous medical complications she’s now overcome and gotten past, but because of it, she was babied all throughout her life. Since I was ‘just fine’, as they put it, I was made to manage on my own.”

“I understand. I’m the middle triplet.”

She nodded, offering me a wan smile. I understood where she came from. Being one of three triplet brothers, it was hard when one brother was more favored. My parents did well at being as fair as they could, though my youngest brother was much like Ronen’s sister.

The blanket dropped from around her head. The tv light put a halo glow on her vibrant red hair. Her blue eyes twinkled as she turned to look at me with such a forlorn expression, my heart nearly cleaved itself in half.

“I’m okay,” she assured. “I always am.”

I smirked. “You’re a fighter.”

“Yeah,” she breathily replied.

“You are. A roadblock gets put in your way and you figure out a way around it. You’re a fighter, a warrior, an Alpha wolf. No one ever saved you, so you saved yourself.”

Her gaunt expression tore at me. She blinked back a fresh onslaught of tears, only to fail and hurriedly wipe them away. In that brief moment, I understood her more than she could ever have explained to me. She was tired of fighting, yet continued because she had no choice. She wanted someone in her corner, yet no one wanted to stand.

I reached out and gave her small hand a squeeze. “Want some hot cocoa?”

She nodded. “Yes, please.”

I got up and went to the kitchen. While the living room area had a rustic cabin look to it, the kitchen was a different story. The floor was stamped concrete making clean-up a breeze, especially with my family. Black granite countertops accented the matte black cabinets with silver handles. In all, it looked like a gothic era bachelors paradise. I filled the kettle with water and turned toward the stove.

“Whoa!” Ronen exclaimed. “This is beautiful.”

“Sure is,” I replied, gazing at her.

She blushed, tucking her hair behind her ear while moving the rest off to the side. “Got any plans on Saturday? That is, if you’re not busy… or attached. I know it’s Christmas, so if you have plans or whatever, it’s perfectly fine. I just thought I’d ask.”

I shook my head. I set the kettle on the gas stove and turned it on. “Nope, to both those things.”

“Really?” she replied, her lips pursing. “Well then, care to be my plus one at my sister’s wedding? It’s at two in the afternoon. And I’m only going for the food, to be honest.”

I laughed. “Really? The food?”

She smiled sheepishly, and I melted.

“Yeah,” she replied. “The caterer my parents hired is phenomenal. And they’re serving brisket.”

“Are you not in the wedding?”

She frowned and shook her head. “Nope.”

“Wanna play hooky instead?”

“I would love to, after the food… if you’re cool with it.”

I grinned. “Absolutely.”

I pushed the sleeves up on my green checkered flannel and got the hot chocolate packets out of the cabinet beside the stove. She took a seat behind me at the kitchen island, gazing around admiringly at my home. I enjoyed how her bright eyes grew wider as she looked around; like she opened them as much as she could, so she could take it all in better. It was adorable. She was adorable.

I stared at my hands for a moment, to keep from staring at her. I didn’t want to creep her out. She was just beautiful. Ronen was my neighbor for as long as I could remember. She always remained the same with her long red hair, casual jeans, and band t-shirt style, sometimes more put together in a sundress; whereas I changed frequently. There were many times I was certain she never knew who I was. Today proved it. But for me, Ronen was always the same gorgeous woman I wanted to get to know. Out of all the Smythe kids, she was my favorite. Ronen was always warm and genuine, not afraid to voice her feelings or communicate.

“Since you know about my recent relationship disaster, what about you?” she asked.

I shrugged, pulling myself out of the stupor I was in gazing at her. “Not much to tell. I was engaged once and she left me for a male-another,” I corrected, pouring water into the mugs, and stirring the hot chocolate.

“And your family?”

“We’re close. We talk almost every day. They’ll be here tomorrow.” I finished, sliding her over a mug.

“It’ll be nice to see them again.”

Ronen leaned forward in her seat. Her small hands turned my left forearm over as she gazed at the ink I had. She smiled, tracing the outline to some of my pieces before moving onto the right arm. Her gentle touch made the hairs on my arms stand on end. It was intoxicating; it was so light, warm, and tender.

“This is my favorite,” she said, stroking over the head and eyes of the realistic wolf.

“Yeah, he’s pretty cool. What prompted your love with werewolves? And please, for the love of God, don’t say the Taylor dude from that super popular book and movie series. I’ll puke.”

She laughed melodically and I grinned. “Hell no. I love how in movies and stories, the wolf pack is a family, full of love and acceptance. How they cherish, uplift, and defend each other. I’ve always wanted it for myself.”

Ronen wriggled in her seat, twirling the cup in her hands while I lamented the absence of her gentle touch. She was so honest in her emotions, not afraid to feel whatever it was and communicate about it. Her strength showed through her sadness and in her alluring blue eyes.

“I love that too,” I finally replied.

I glanced over my shoulder at the clock on the stove detailing the time being 11pm. I sighed. There was a lot to get done tomorrow before my family began to arrive in packs. I smirked, packs. It’s more like a horde. We were the Big Timber Pack, claiming all of western Montana. Every year, one of us hosts Christmas. This year was my turn.

Ronen blew over the cup and continued talking with me about what we’ve each been up to in recent years, trips we wanted to take and life goals. Conversing with her was so natural and peaceful. There was a calmness about her that allowed me to not be so guarded.

I leaned up against the countertop across from her, watching her pink full lips carefully edge closer to the hot chocolate just for her to sip a little and remark about it still being hot. It was cute she kept doing it, squirming happily in her seat from the taste as she kept the conversation flowing. She was a super sweet woman. I had a hard time understanding why any man hadn’t gobbled her up yet, but I was thankful none had.

She got off the chair with a sigh. “Thank you for letting me stay here,” Ronen said, going to the sink and rinsing out her cup.

“It’s my pleasure.”

“Sweet dreams, Kyler.”

“Same to you, Ro.”

She smiled softly, padding down the hallway to my bedroom. The soft click of the door made my heart tumble. I liked her gentle presence and her candid answers. I really liked her.

My inner wolf whined approvingly. I know, buddy, I internally replied. Maybe this Christmas we’ll have another pack member.

Ronen

I laid in Kyler’s bed, staring out the window. Light kissed the horizon, slowly turning the sky gray while the snow clinging to the tree branches glimmered brightly. I hardly slept. I think I got a few good hours in, but I couldn’t be entirely sure. My mind wouldn’t turn off enough for me to relax.

I felt everything, yet nothing. I felt anger, betrayal, annoyance, ignored, and more. And while I had all those emotions rattling around inside of me, I felt nothing; like I had somehow agreed with myself to let it all go. And I was okay with the way it ended. It was strange to me and I struggled to wrap my head around it.

I’m more upset at my family than Henry, I decided, nodding to myself for my own confirmation. I had called everyone so many times in hopes they would come and get me instead of Kyler taking me home. I felt bad about involving him further into my life and affairs. Then the kind man housed me and made me feel secure and safe to share my feelings and shed my tears.

I leaned into the pillow and sniffed. Kyler’s scent, despite the clean sheets, filled my nostrils with pine and snow. I smiled. I’m genuinely surprised he’s not taken, but I’m glad he’s not.

I sighed, scooting closer to the edge of the bed. I didn’t want to get up and start my day yet. I wanted my mind to turn off, but it wouldn’t. My brain effectively screwed me over from sleeping with thoughts about Kyler. Feeling terrible for already moving on so quickly, I growled at myself and moved the covers off. I didn’t want to seem needy or make it look like I was on the prowl for a rebound. I wasn’t.

Annoyed at my lack of sleep, I sat up and ran my fingers through my long hair. I wadded it up in a messy bun, calling it good enough. The light from the window afforded me a beautiful view of Kyler’s room. A large skylight, although covered in snow, would have offered a lovely view of the night sky. Two of the walls were rustic wood. Art depicting various scenes and wolves decorated his walls, with one wall covered in family photos.

I clambered out of bed, being drawn to the largest photo. His mother stood off to the left, head held high and strong. Her dark brown hair was curled, hanging off to the side in some vintage single ringlet hairstyle. His father stood stoically beside his mother with the same wolf tattoo Kyler had proudly displayed on his forearm. Then it was Kyler with his brothers all kneeling in front of their parents while more people stood off to the side. It was a neat family picture with so many included, yet odd as everyone stood so proud with a slight smile. I picked Kyler out of the photo immediately and grinned at myself for having done so. He was easy to find as his eyes had a playfulness to them the others didn't.

Turning away, I went to the bathroom and relieved myself before going back to the bed to make it. He didn’t seem like the type to be a germaphobe about a one-night sleepover. I quickly dressed in what I had on the day prior, and slipped my phone into my jean pocket. At some point, I would need to head home, change my clothes, and check in with my family. Knowing Finch and his family, they weren’t even up yet.

I stepped out of the room, walking quietly down the hallway in case Kyler was sleeping. I peeked over the back of the couch, finding him on his stomach and contentedly snoring. I smiled, turning toward the kitchen to make us some breakfast. I noticed the coffee pot and started some. Coffee would be much needed today.

Quietly, I rummaged through the kitchen cabinets and in the fridge, gathering ingredients to make Scottish Eggs. From the other room, Kyler groaned. His sleepy stomps echoed in the silent house until he reached the kitchen.

“Good morning, beautiful lady. How’re you feeling?” Kyler said, yawning and rubbing his eyes as he came into the room. “What are you making?” He moved around the kitchen, heading for the cabinet.

I peeked over my shoulder, smiling at his mussed hair and sleepy brown eyes. He gave a half smile with lidded eyes, grabbing a cup and shuffling over to the coffee. For a moment, I just watched him. He had this down-to-earth easiness about him which drew me in. And for a moment, I felt gross. Having just been dumped, I didn’t want to come off as an Eager Edith, but I wasn’t opposed to getting to know him.

“Ronen?”

I smiled, shaking my head. “Scottish Eggs,” I answered, turning back to my cooking.

Kyler sat down on the barstool, watching me flit about the kitchen. “You never answered me.”

I scowled, mixing the sausage with herbs by hand. “What didn’t I answer?”

“How you were feeling.”

I shrugged and scowled. “Indifferent but fine. I’m okay.”

“Oh, yeah?” he prodded, gazing at me with a disbelieving stare.

I nodded. “Really. I processed a lot last night and I’m truly okay.”

I set eggs in a pot on the stove to boil and found some bread crumbs to eventually fry the eggs in. Kyler watched me curiously with a smile on his face. I hummed as I cooked. It was always relaxing, but today, my mind wouldn’t leave me alone.

I removed the eggs from the stove and dumped the water down the drain. After the eggs were cooled enough where I could peel them, I began making the delicious morsel. Scottish Eggs were my favorite breakfast meal.

“Then what’s on your mind that has you looking all gloomy?”

“Just thinking about my next move. I’m gonna head back to Kansas, get my things, and move back here. It’s time I make my dream come true.”

“What’s your dream?”

“Opening a diner.”

“Why don’t you-”

My phone rang, cutting Kyler off by blaring a Tyler Childers song. Hands up, I backed my ass up to where Kyler sat.

“Can you grab that? It’s my dad.”

Kyler chortled. “Yeah.”

He pressed the ‘answer’ button, then ‘speaker’ for me. I smiled. I loved phone calls with my dad. He had this thick North Carolina drawl and always had some sort of joke to tell. His conversations were short as he still believed the more one talked, the more the phone bill increased.

“Hey daddy,” I greeted.

“Where you at Moon Pie? Everyone’s here, but not you. I miss ya.”

“Kyler’s house. And I miss you too.”

“The neighbor?”

“Yes, daddy.”

He huffed. “I take it you and Henry are no more?” His cowboy-like voice questioned.

“Nope. Henry found someone else. But anyway, my Jeep broke down and the tow truck couldn’t get me, so Kyler took me to my cabin that was taken over by Finch, so I stayed the night at Kyler’s house,” I explained, knowing he would ask.

“Oh,” he said, surprised. “Well, get on over here before your mom’s head explodes. Or mine. Hell, it might be mine. But get here before it starts spitting. Speaking of,” he paused, and it made me smile. “Do you know why the Snoop Doggy carries an umbrella?”

I stifled a small giggle. “No?”

“Fo-Drizzle,” he chuckled. “Anyway, I’ll see you soon. I love you, Moon Pie.”

Kyler choked on his coffee. “That’s awesome!”

I laughed. “I love you too, Dad.”

In my dad’s typical fashion, he ended the call without a goodbye. I went back to making us breakfast while I noticed Kyler softly smiling and watching me. I blushed. I couldn’t help it. He was cute and sweet, mostly thoughtful, and attentive. I wasn’t used to it, though it felt nice.

Kyler opened up, talking about his family who would be arriving today. I couldn’t wait to see them, to see his parents again and his brothers. The way he described them, what they were up to and the like, made me think of the wholesome family tv shows I grew up watching.