Page 5 of Cowboy Bull's Promise

Not the kind wrapped in prophecy or fate. No, nothing so grand.

But something small. A choice. A door cracking open when every other one had slammed in my face.

And honestly? Good on Max’s cousin.

Because looking out for family, making sure someone had his back, that means something, right?

I respect the hell out of that.

Must be a Jersey Devil thing. Hell if I knew.

The only family I had threw me out of the trailer we called home the second I was legally old enough to fend for myself.

And I’ve been fending for myself ever since.

Sometimes found family is better than the one you were born to.

And lately, I’m thinking whoever said that first had it right.

The Motley Crewd Ranch isn’t like other places I’ve lived and worked.

Things are different here, and I’m trying not to fuck it up.

But it’s hard for me.

Especially now with everyone pairing up.

See, my Bull is a fucking monster.

And he feels it calling to him. The Rut.

Like a fool, I’ve been going through women like water looking for someone to save me.

Stupid, I know.

But desperation does stupid things to people.

I came here, to the Motley Crewd Ranch, as a last chancer.

I figured the Alpha could put me down before I lost myself.

But then everyone started pairing up. Finding their mates and shit.

Everyone but me and Zeke, but that scary motherfucker would likely always be alone.

Still, it gave me hope. And it was right to do that.

Because against all odds, I actually found her.

My mate.

God, I guess I really am dumb.

I exhale slowly, tasting the air, still not believing what I’d known since the Valentine’s Day Rodeo.

I have a fated mate. Me. A rough and tumble fuck up of a Shifter, and of course, she is perfect.

She is beautiful and soft.

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