Animal Heart(3)

Lucas stood at his side, leaning against the truck and lit a cigarette, sucking in his cheeks hard and drawing its acrid fumes deeply into his desperate lungs. He was partly dressed, his well developed muscular torso on display, a body which almost rivalled his own in size. Tattoos covered half of his light brown skin. Lucas had Black African heritage mixed with his White French Canadian and was blessed with looks to die for. But he wasn't vain about it. He was a good natured humorous guy, his oldest acquaintance, and one he could truly call his best friend.

“God, do I need this smoke. Jeez, that bear was so fricking huge!” he said, taking another long drag.

“To be honest, I didn't notice. I was too intent on ripping it to pieces. When are you going to give up this filthy habit of yours for crissakes?” Aden asked, turning to him in annoyance as a cloud of smoke invaded his space.

“Can't, I'm a fucking addict. You know I am.” He took another quick draw and sighed in pleasure.

“Stupid idiot, more like, getting yourself hooked on little cancer sticks.”

“I enjoy it. Besides, we can't all be perfect like you, can we?” Lucas smiled, and puffed a series of smoke rings in the air. They both laughed as they spiralled upwards, like hazy halos, lifted by the cool breeze.

Perfect? That's a laugh...

He might be healthy minded, but that's where his 'perfection' ended. He drank only a little, never smoked or took drugs of any kind, and he generally behaved himself in a deliberately restrained way. But his feelings ran deep. They weren't perfect at all. He had a dark side to his character, a temper, an inner anger and raging hurt about his early past. It was one side of himself he could never let out. He maintained his careful image at all times, the tough, slightly distant, nice guy persona he had developed and kept himself focused and sane. And seemingly perfect, apparently.



He insisted Verity sat between him and Lucas in the front so that she was warm and comfortable on the drive back to the ranch. They discussed the bear incident between them. It wasn't the first time that one had set upon a member of his pack and he was sure it wouldn't be the last. They arrived a half hour later in the early morning light, as a heavy rain began to fall. They dispersed to set about their usual chores. They had a business to run and a half a dozen clients arriving later that day. Aden walked across to the stables.

The horses were his domain. His and Mia's, although she didn't have anywhere near the bond with them that he did. They greeted him happily, with respect, whinnying and scraping the floor with their hooves in excitement. He nuzzled each of their beautifully soft, velvety noses in turn, and breathed in their strong equine scent.

He arrived at Sky's pen and the chestnut mare breathed heavily in his ear. He couldn't actually talk to the horses, but he could sense their moods. But Sky was different. They had a way of communication. By touch. She placed her head on his shoulder. That meant she was pleased to see him and wanted a hug. A nose on his hand meant she was hungry. A nose on his chest meant she wanted to be taken outside. She snuggled into his shoulder for a long moment, and he hugged her neck as he revelled in their understanding.

She knew exactly what he was, they all did. In the beginning, when the horses first arrived, they were terrified of him and highly agitated when he was around, but over the passing weeks Aden had built up trust with them. Calming them with small treats, soft words, and gentle touches. He had introduced each one of the pack slowly. Now they could all enter the stables in either form and the horses had no fear of them. They knew they intended them no harm. They were all very well cared for and exceptionally healthy animals, fed on the finest oats, hay, apples, carrots, and sweet grass whenever it was possible. They needed to be in top form as they were their livelihood.

The horses of the Heart Mountain Ranch were the best, and word was spreading fast. Their bookings were increasing steadily and a good income was being made. The trails from the ranch were magnificent, and not overly mountainous, as many were further inside the Rockies. He had been lucky to stumble upon this perfect place five years ago. He had sold his successful garage in Calgary, and moved out with his pack. Two more members had been invited to join them since. It had been a mess here when they arrived. Run down and almost in ruins, but they had transformed it into a breathtaking rustic retreat. The guest accommodation was superbly outfitted with every modern convenience. The food was magnificent and plentiful, all down to Shane's culinary mastery. Having a trained chef in house was more than a bonus. They were so well fed. Everyone had their place in the household, their work, and their responsibilities. It was a very well ordered house of wolves and dogs.