"You have to go." Dresden pulled his chin away, walking over to where his son lay on the couch. Harlan's jaw nearly dropped when he saw the sweat pouring off the toddler.

The kid didn't look so good. There was a pitiful fan blowing hot air on the child as Dresden pressed the ice pack over Markey's skin. "Why did he hit you?"

Using his fingers, Dresden pushed the matted hair from Markey's face. He could see the unshed tears in Dresden's eyes and an expression of hopelessness that was so heavy that the emotion nearly choked Harland.

"I found some papers today that said Stork lost his station because he owed so many back taxes. And not long after that, some guy came by looking for my uncle, saying Stork owed him for the drugs he'd given him." Dresden let go of a shaky breath. "He's seven kinds of pissed that I know he's a drug user and doesn't have his station any longer. I'm just not sure what he's going to do." He pointed to his eye. "This was just him warming up. He said he'd be back to finish what he'd started."

Harland's back molars ground so hard his teeth should have shattered. "Pack your stuff."

Dresden blinked a few times before he glanced up at Harland. "Excuse me?"

Harland walked over to the window and peeked out of the broken blinds. Fuck, it was sweltering in this place. He spotted Stork arguing with someone and knew they were running out of time. "You and your son are coming to stay with me."

Dresden shook his head. "I can't. I have no money to pay you and-"

"I didn't ask for any money and I have a position at the bar you can have. It doesn't pay much, but it'll be enough for you to have some pocket money."

"Why?" Dresden scratched at his temple as he frowned. "I don't understand why you would stick your neck out for me, and we barely know each other."

Because no one should live like this and I think you're my mate. "Just get your stuff. You aren't coming back here, so make sure you get everything-important papers, clothes, toys, all of it."

This was not what Harland had planned when he decided to spy. But after seeing Stork's handiwork-and knowing that the guy was coming back for more-Harland wasn't about to leave these two in that dangerous situation.

It took Dresden all of five minutes to grab his things. The man had only two suitcases in his hand. Harland scooped Markey up from the couch and walked outside, Dresden right behind him.

"What the fuck is going on here?" Stork asked as he rounded the corner. The man was no longer weaving. If anything, he looked stone-cold sober. His eyes drilled into Dresden and the slim man backed up.

That only pissed Harland off to see Dresden so fearful of someone who should have protected his very own nephew. He kept a steady hand on Markey's back as he took a step toward Stork. He outweighed the guy by a good eighty pounds and towered over the human. Harland wasn't one to intimidate his elders, but Stork was a filthy piece of work and didn't deserve Harland's respect. "If you come near these two again, you'll have to deal with me."

"That's my family," Stork argued but didn't take a step closer. "You have no right coming in here and taking a damn thing."

Harland nodded toward his truck. "Dresden, go put your things in the back."

Dresden hurried over to the truck as Harland turned back to Stork. "They're my family now. You should have appreciated them a hell of a lot more."

Harland was shocked as hell when Stork swung at him. He dodged the flying fist as Dresden shouted and ran back over to them, grabbing Markey from Harland's arms. Once the toddler was out of his arms, Harland pulled his frame up to his full height. "Trust me when I tell you that starting a fight with me will be the biggest mistake of your life."

Thankfully, Harland didn't have to say a word to Dresden. The man took his son and hurried over to the truck, getting inside. Markey was fully awake now and Harland didn't want the small child to hear or see anything that would frighten him. Harland pointed a finger at Stork, keeping his voice low. "They're my business now."

"We'll see about that." Stork stormed into his trailer and Harland got out of there. More than likely, Stork was going to retrieve a shotgun. Harland might be a bear shifter, but he wouldn't recover if Stork shot him in the head.

Harland jumped into his truck and drove out of the park. Two miles down the road, he pulled over to the soft shoulder. He pulsated with anger and rage over the way Stork had treated the two. "Buckle you and Markey in."

As he waited, Harland rubbed a hand over his face. It was too late to back down now and he wouldn't anyway. He had just taken on the responsibility of another person and a little one. Although Harland had no idea how to take care of a child, he was about to get a crash course.

"Pone," Markey said as he lifted his hand to Dresden.

While driving, Harland watched as the toddler not only entered the four-digit code to get into his father's phone, but went right to the games and picked one to play.

He was amazed at the child's intelligence. "How does he know how to do that?"

Dresden shrugged. "Repetition. I spend a lot of time with my son, teaching him things and talking to him."

Harland could hear the pride in Dresden's tone. A dull ache started in his chest. If Dresden really was his mate, Harland was going to be the luckiest man. Just from the little bit of time he had seen Dresden interacting with Markey, Harland could see the man was a great father.

"Duce."

"I don't have any juice right now, Markey," Dresden said. "I promise to get you something to drink when we get to Uncle Harland's." The human looked over at him, as if afraid he'd overstepped his boundaries.

Harland chuckled. "The kid can have anything he wants."

The look of relief on Dresden's face made Harland want to give the toddler the damn ranch just so the expression wouldn't go away. He knew he was doing the right thing, but it had to be scary as hell for Dresden. The guy didn't know Harland all that well and now he was coming to stay on the ranch with strangers.

"Listen," Harland said as he kept one eye on the road and the other on Markey. He wanted to be careful with his words. "I know this is overwhelming for you, but I promise that you and the little guy will be S.A.F.E."

Dresden cocked his head. "Why are you spelling safe?"

Harland shrugged. "I didn't want to worry the baby."

"I'm not a baby," Markey argued before going to back to his game.

Dresden's green eyes softened. "Thank you. But I think we can talk without worrying Markey. He's smart, but I'm pretty sure he won't pick up on our conversation. The only time his ears perk up is if you mention C.A.N.D.Y."

"Candy!" Markey shouted.

Dresden rolled his eyes. "Smarty-pants."

Harland pulled into the ranch, driving down the long, winding driveway before he pulled to a stop. After getting out, he grabbed Markey from the front seat before handing him over to Dresden. He took the two suitcases from the bed and nodded toward the front porch. "My friends are loud and act like juveniles sometimes, but they are harmless and will protect you and Markey with their lives."

"I still don't understand why you are doing all of this for me and my son." Dresden gazed at the house with trepidation in his eyes. "No one is this nice without wanting something in return."

"I am," Harland said. "Now get inside where it's nice and cool."

When they walked inside, Clayton was sitting on the couch. He glanced over his shoulder, furrowed his brows, and then stood. "Who do we have here?"

Harland set the suitcases aside. "Clayton Calabria, this here is Dresden and his son Markey."

Clayton pushed from the couch, crossed the room, and smiled at Dresden, but it was Markey who caught his attention. "Hungry?"

"Candy!"

"Sure, champ" Clayton said.

"No." Dresden shook his head. "What is it with you guys and giving sweets to toddlers?"

Harland gave Clayton a quick glance and understanding passed between them. Harland hadn't told Dresden that he was a bear shifter. And since all four men who owned the Triple-B were bear shifters, there were plenty of sugary treats in the house. None of them could cook worth a lick, but they always had something sweet on hand. That was a bear's downfall. Harland couldn't pass up pastries, honey biscuits, or anything that made his sweet tooth ache in delight. Bears were ferocious at times-especially when protecting those they cared about-but melted when the scent of baked goods floated their way.

"I'll show you to your room." Harland grabbed the suitcases and took Dresden and Markey upstairs. The house had come with the property, and it was big enough for a few guests. There were seven bedrooms in all. Harland had considered turning one of them into a workout room, but was now glad that he'd waited.

He opened the door and nodded to the single bed. "We'll see about getting Markey his own bed tomorrow."

Dresden turned to him, surprising Harland by kissing him on the cheek. The smell of honey-sweet biscuits and strawberries filled his lungs as Dresden leaned back. "Thank you so much...for all of this. I promise to pay you back."

Harland felt his cheeks heating. He set the luggage aside and then glanced around nervously. Flirting with a guy had been easy enough for him. But this was more than flirting. Harland had just sealed his fate. For some strange reason, he knew that Dresden was it for him.

His ma had told him that his bear would know when he found his mate. Harland still wasn't sure but his bear was pleased as punch that Dresden was here. "No worries. I'll take you into town tomorrow and have you look around the bar."

"What about my son?" Dresden asked as he rubbed one hand over his arm. "What will I do with him while I work?"

"There are three men here who can help out."

Dresden pursed his lips. "And pump him full of sweets the entire time."

He could hear the worry in Dresden's tone. Harland sighed. "Fine, I'll call my ma and tell her I need her here. She'll be thrilled to have a little cub to look after."

"Cub?"

Harland realized his mistake too late. "That's what she calls little ones," he said quickly, covering his slip. "Just get some rest tonight."

"Okay." Dresden set Markey on the bed before returning to Harland, giving him a tight hug. "Once again, thank you."

Harland stood there soaking in the man's touch. He had no idea it would feel this good to have Dresden in his arms. When Markey sat there just staring at them, Harland cleared his throat.

"Oh." Dresden chuckled. "Sorry. I didn't mean to get into your personal space."

The man could climb all over Harland's personal space. He definitely planned on invading Dresden's. After bidding them a good night, Harland closed the bedroom door and leaned against the wall, letting out a long breath.

Chapter Four.

Dresden woke to his son poking him in the eye. He turned over, trying to go back to sleep until he remembered where he was.

Harland.

He might have chalked it up to a dream, but Dresden wasn't sleeping on the uncomfortable sofa and it wasn't hotter than a tin can. The bed was heavenly soft and the room was nice and cool. As he lay there, Dresden went over the events from last night.

Had Harland really come to rescue him? It almost seemed unreal. No one had ever done anything so daring for him before. Dresden knew this was real when he didn't hear Stork slamming pots and pans around like his uncle had done every morning, complaining about having to feed extra mouths.

"Up," Markey said as he poked Dresden again. "Up."

"Okay, I'm getting up, buddy." He yawned and then stretched, smiling when his son mimicked him. The delicious scent of food crept into the bedroom and Dresden's stomach growled. He knew his son had to be famished.

Tossing the covers aside, Dresden grabbed Markey and began to tickle the toddler. Squeals of laughter filled the room before he finally relented. He knew Markey wouldn't fully understand what he was saying, but Dresden felt the need to tell him anyway. "You know daddy is doing everything he can to keep you safe and happy, right?"

His throat constricted when Markey cupped Dresden's face and kissed him on the cheek. The toddler smiled before patting Dresden's jaw. "I hungry."

Dresden grabbed his son and carried him downstairs. He paused on the bottom step when he heard all the noise coming from the room to his right.

Deep voices were trying to talk all at once, dishes clanked together, and booming laughter floated his way. He might have gone back upstairs if it weren't for that wonderful aroma.

"You must be Dresden."

A woman in her forties-maybe-walked into the living room, giving Dresden a warm smile. "And this must be Markey."

Dresden wasn't sure what to say. He had no clue who she was. But Markey smiled at her and wiggled in Dresden's arms. Before he knew what was happening, she plucked the toddler from Dresden's grasp and walked away.

He followed, walking into the kitchen where four large men sat, eating breakfast. Dresden's eyes landed on Harland who was seated on the far end. The kitchen was quaint, decorated in a country pattern of yellows and whites. The room had an apple theme from the curtains to the jars on the counter. The table was wooden, large, and the food spread out was inviting.

"Have a seat." Harland patted the empty chair next to him. To Dresden's surprise, the woman slid Markey into a highchair. He wasn't going to tell her that his son was too old for the thing. Dresden didn't want her to think he wasn't appreciative of all the help Harland had given him. He wasn't sure where the dang thing came from, but it looked brand-new, as if it were bought just for Markey.

"This is my ma," Harland said as he nodded toward the woman who had taken Markey from him. She was short with bright, blue-green eyes. Her hair was dark and settled around her slim shoulders. The warm smile she gave him made Dresden miss his own mother and the way she used to make their home always smell like something was baking.

His chest tightened at the thought of his mom. She had passed a few years ago from breast cancer, never having a chance to meet Markey. Dresden never knew his father. For a while growing up, that had bothered him. But after having a mother who had raised him with loving care, Dresden didn't miss a man who was never there to begin with.

"Hello," Dresden said, wondering what he should call her. Harland didn't supply a name. He left it at ma.

A plate was set down in front of him and then piled high with golden pancakes and sausages. Dresden held up his hand when Harland tried to scoop a large helping of eggs onto his plate.

Who the hell ate this much? He'd be lucky to finish a fourth of this. "Thanks."

"And these men are nothing but trouble." Harland pointed to the guys sitting around the table.

"You can kiss my-" Before the man on the left could finish what he was saying, Harland's mother popped him on the back of the head with her dainty hand.

"Watch your tongue, Clayton. There's a cub in the room." She tossed the dish towel over her slim shoulder before ruffling Markey's hair. "Don't make me call your ma."

The threat worked. Clayton ducked his head, shoveling food into his mouth and staring up at Harland's mother like he was a saint. Dresden smiled. He liked the woman already. She was short, but he had a feeling all four men feared her.

"Don't forget that Mr. Williams is sending payment today for Crescent Moon," one of the men who Dresden remembered from the diner said. He wasn't sure of the guy's name, but his grey eyes were stunning. "We need to get his horse ready for transport."

"I have to go into town," Harland said as he sopped up his remaining syrup with a biscuit, eating the thing whole. Dresden just sat there and watched. The biggest guy at the table was filling his plate again. "I need to get Dresden set up with a job at the bar," Harland finished.

"I made a shopping list," Harland's mother said. "You boys should have hired a cook. Those cupboards are pitiful."

"I can cook," Dresden offered automatically, feeling his cheeks heating as he curled his lips in. He shuffled his food around his plate, mentally kicking himself for butting into their conversation. He wanted to sink under the table when all eyes turned on him.

"You can?" Clayton asked.

"You can?" Harland parroted his friend.

Dresden shrugged, trying to make his outburst seem unimportant. "Yeah."