the road or in the field office in San Antonio. After his accident, coming back had indeed been the homecoming he needed, but it was time to go. He had to get past this last hurdle. Had to be a hundred percent. Had to make things right with Ellie.
All he had to do was find the words to say goodbye…again.
However, before he got the chance, Colton chimed in, “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t wait, Bro. I read your mind.”
“Colton Andrew,” Barbara scolded. “You know better. How many times have your father and I lectured you about invading people’s privacy?”
Ranger couldn't help but laugh. It warmed his heart that no matter how old any of them got to be, Barbara still treated each of them like they were teenagers.
Eyes opening wide, the younger MacAllen blatantly shifted the blame. "It's his fault. He can't shield for shit since he got hurt. Is it my fault if his mind's an open book? If all he ever thinks about is Ellie MacLeish and some resort with redwood trees?"
The room erupted into laughter. Ranger thought about being mad but couldn’t blame the younger Guardsman. Colton was right. Ranger hadn’t been shielding his mind. Hadn’t even thought to. He was home and relaxed.
And, the youngest MacAllen was also correct - all Ranger ever thought about was Ellie. And he did want to go see Jianna at her resort. If anyone could help him with his panic attacks, his Mate, and the Chimera, it would be the old Valkyrie.
As the laughter died down, Ranger confirmed what Colton had said, “The kid’s right. I’ve overstayed my welcome…”
"Now, you know that's not the case at all," Barbara interrupted with a frown on her face. "You are always welcome here. It's your home. Heck, Owen and the boys even built you your own damned house out in the western field. You know that, Ranger MacAllen Evans. Don't make me send you out to get a switch."
"No ma'am, I do not want a whoopin'." Ranger smiled, his heart so full of love and gratitude he had to work hard not to let a tear slide down his cheek. "And I appreciate y'all so much. I mean, hell, you're my family. I just…"
"You just need to go get your head right," J.D. chuckled, wrapping his arm around his Mate's shoulders, pulling her close, and dropping a kiss atop her head. "I know what you're going through, and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, but once you get things straightened out with Ellie, everything else will fall into place."
“Damn, I hope you’re right.” Ranger blew out an exasperated breath before looking at the twins and adding, “You two, keep an eye on Ellie while I’m gone, yeah? And holler if you see anything strange. I don’t want those Chimera sneakin’ up on any of y’all.”
“Yep, we’ll do it.”
“Alright, now that that’s settled,” Barbara jumped back into the conversation. “Let’s go eat. I gotta be sure my wayward son’s been fed before he jumps through time and space.”
Chapter Four
Walking away from the back of the MacAllen family home, Ranger could feel every eye on him as he carefully walked through Barbara's flower and herb garden. Every other second, he thought about turning around, about hiding away in the cabin they'd built for him, about closing himself off, about never returning to the real world.
“But you cannot and will not,” Carradoc warned. “You are not weak. You are not broken. You are strong. You are a Guardsman. You are Dragon. It is not the battles lost that define a Warrior, it is how he learns from his defeat and returns to the battlefield, ready to face all manner of evil.”
"Sometimes, having you in my head really sucks, ya' know that?"
“Indeed,” was the only answer the ancient Dragon King gave before retreating to the farthest corner of Ranger’s mind.
He hated that the Old Man, as he referred to the being with whom he shared his soul, was right. Hated that he felt weak. Hated that he’d ever contemplated retreating.
Throwing back his shoulders and holding his head high, Ranger stopped right in front of the enormous double doors leading into the largest of the horse barns. Turning around, he waved to his family, speaking directly into all of their minds, “Thank you for everything. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Be safe, Son,” Owen answered with Barbara adding, “We’ll be here waiting. Love you, Ranger.”
“Love you, too, Momma Barbara.”
Feeling adoration and support from every