On the Ridge by Jayda Marx

Chapter Seven

Zane

 

Trees whipped by as Ridge bolted through the woods. He leapt over bushes and downed limbs, and ducked to avoid low hanging branches. He didn't even sound winded when he asked several times if I was okay.

The speed we traveled made me dizzy and took my breath away, but I told him that I was fine. I didn't want him to slow down. I needed to get home.

Soon, we drew closer to my house and stepped onto one of the many paths my dad and I had worn into the ground. Ridge ran even faster when there were no obstacles in his way.

When my house came into view, so did a sight that sent my heart sinking into my stomach; the dark silhouette of a man sprawled out in the dirt.

"Dad!"

Ridge rushed to my father's side and when he dropped to his knees, I slid off his back.

"Dad, are you okay?" I asked, gently shaking his shoulders. Tears flooded my eyes as I begged, "Please answer me." He groaned and my tears of relief mixed with the ones made of worry.

Ridge helped my dad into a sitting position and I captured him in a hug. "What are you doing out here?"

He coughed and took a few wheezing breaths before answering in a weak voice, "You were gone so long and I got worried. I tried to call, but I couldn’t reach you.” Reception sucked in the heart of the forest; we mainly only got service at our home. “I was coming to find you." He gave a raspy cough and guilt tore through me as I hugged him tighter. "I thought something happened to you."

"Something did," I confessed. "I was attacked by a bear, but-"

Dad pushed me to arm's length and looked me up and down with worried eyes. "Good lord. I could have lost you! Are you hurt? Do you need a doctor?"

"I'm okay," I assured, and smiled at Ridge. "This man saved me."

Dad turned his attention to Ridge. "You saved my boy?" When Ridge nodded, my father threw his arms around his neck. "I don't know how to thank you."

After a moment of shock, Ridge smiled and patted dad's back. "It was my pleasure." His smile faded into concern when Dad coughed again.

"You need to get inside," I insisted. "It's too cold out here." Now that the sun had set, the temperature took a nosedive, and it would only irritate his lungs.

Ridge offered an arm and asked, "May I help you, sir?"

"Grayson," Dad corrected with a weak smile. "And thank you."

Ridge supported Dad's right side and I supported his left as we walked into the house. We settled him in bed and while I tucked blankets around him, Ridge built up the fire. He warmed my heart, helping my father without having to be asked. When I announced that I'd make us some tea to warm up, Ridge joined me in the kitchen.

"You said that your father is ill," he began in a quiet voice, and I nodded.

"It's cancer. He doesn't have much time left."

Ridge stroked his hand up and down my back. "I'm so sorry. I want to help in any way I can."

His offer made my brain buzz with an idea. "Can you heal him? The way you did for me?"

Ridge's sad smile answered my question before his words. "I truly wish I could, but I can only share my abilities with my mate."

"I understand." I knew it was a long shot. "But can I ask for a different kind of favor?"

"Anything. If it's within my power, I'll make it happen."

"Ever since Dad and I saw the shifter on our hike all those years ago, he's wanted to see one again. He's lost so much and I think he wants to prove to himself that he's not crazy before...well, before…" The words were too difficult to speak. "I know you don't want people to know your identity but it would mean so much to both of us if he could see you transition. I promise he won't tell anyone and neither will I."

Ridge's hands cupped my cheeks when he replied, "Of course, my love."

I was so overwhelmed with gratitude for being able to grant my father's last wish, and so thankful to Ridge for making it possible that I lurched forward and pressed my mouth to his.

His lips were full and soft against mine as I kissed him gently. My eyes slid shut and I gave myself over to the moment, soaking up how right it felt.

I'd never kissed anyone before. Being labeled a delusional social pariahwasn't exactly a man magnet, and I spent most of my time at home with Dad.

Ridge didn't rush or push me. He kissed me slowly and carefully, taking his time in pecking my lips and caressing my cheeks. He seemed perfectly content to go as slowly as I needed.

When I pulled back and peeled my eyes open, I saw warmth in Ridge's smile and gaze. I wanted him to know what the moment meant to me and I couldn't help but to admit, "That was my first kiss."

"I'm honored," Ridge replied seriously. "I will always treasure the gift." He had a way of making me feel treasured with everything he said.

The tea kettle whistled and I poured hot water into three mugs sitting on a tray. Ridge carried it into the living room and passed a mug to each of us as I settled into a chair next to my dad.

"Thank you," Dad whispered before taking a sip of his tea. I was too excited to share my news to drink, so I placed my cup on a nearby table and took my father's hand.

"I've got something to tell you." I took a deep, calming breath and continued, "After all of our years of searching, I saw the creatures again." His eyes widened and his hands shook as he placed his cup on the table as well. "They live inside the mountains. That's why we couldn't find them."

"Then how did you see them?"

"Because they saved me." Dad turned his shocked expression onto Ridge, who smiled and nodded. "Ridge and his friend heard the attack and they stopped the bear. But it had injured me; gravely." I lifted my shirt to reveal my scars. "But Ridge healed me."

"How...how can this be?"

Ridge explained everything to my dad; the creation of his species, shifter history, their properties, their need for privacy, and all about mates.

"I know it may be hard to believe because it's so different from human customs," Ridge told him, "But I'm deeply in love with your son. I have been since the moment I met him. I promise to keep him safe and to do everything I can to make him happy."

Dad was silent for a few moments as he absorbed everything. I worried that we overwhelmed him when he looked at me with watery eyes, but then he smiled.

"It means so much to know that you'll have someone to look after you when I'm gone. My biggest regret about leaving this earth was leaving you alone. But now I have the peace of knowing that you'll be taken care of."

"Oh, Dad." I leaned my head on his chest and hugged him as tightly as possible without hurting him. I hated hearing him talk about the end, but I was grateful for his peace.

"Unless this isn't what you want," he whispered in my ear. "No one can force you to be with them. It may be his destiny to have a mate, but you have free will. We'll toss him out on his ass if you'd prefer."

I huffed a laugh; even in his weakened state, Dad was my protector. I peeked at Ridge, who looked utterly terrified (having heard the quiet conversation), and I chuckled again. "Nah, I think I'll keep him," I whispered back. "He's a good guy and I know he'll take care of me."

Ridge sighed in relief and Dad kissed the top of my head before I sat up. "Well then, welcome to the family." Dad offered his hand to Ridge, who looked proud as punch when he shook it.

"Thank you, sir." When Dad raised his eyebrows, Ridge corrected, "Thank you, Grayson." When they let go of one another, Ridge added, "Zane said that you may want to see me shift into my animal form."

A wide smile crossed Dad's lips as he nodded. "I've been waiting fifteen years for this."

"I need to remove my clothes so that they don't rip during my transition," Ridge explained as he pulled off his sweatshirt. Dad turned to me and cocked his head in a 'not bad' expression, but thankfully he kept his eyes averted as Ridge stripped down.

I, on the other hand, stared greedily as he peeled off his clothes and tossed them to the floor. He was my mate, so I was allowed to look...right? Ridge didn't seem to mind, if his wink was any indication.

My dad and I both looked at my man when pops and cracks sounded in the air. Ridge's body bent and his back arched. His face elongated into a snout and his hands morphed into wide paws. A tail sprouted from his backside and sandy brown fur sprouted over every inch of him until an undeniable cougar peered at us through dark brown eyes.

"Holy shit," Dad exclaimed shakily.

"Don't be scared," I urged. "Ridge is in control." The big cat bowed its head in response. I wanted Dad to get a closer look, so I tapped on the side of his bed and called, "Here, kitty."

The cat - well, Ridge - chuffed what almost sounded like a laugh before stepping closer. He slowly put his two front paws up onto the bed and leaned in towards Dad.

"Amazing," he said quietly as he studied the animal.

"Can I pet you?" I asked timidly, hoping that it wasn't an offensive request. Ridge answered by rubbing his face against my outstretched hand. I scratched behind his ears and my heart swelled when he emitted a low rumble. "Oh my gosh, are you purring? That's the sweetest thing I've ever heard!" I couldn't help myself and leaned down to rub my nose against his, giggling when his whiskers tickled my face.

Dad chuckled before he stroked a hand over Ridge's fur. "Thank you so much for this. Your secret's safe with me."

After a few more pats (and another nose rub from me), Ridge backed away and the sound of snapping bones came again. Within moments, a naked man stood upright before us (well, me, since I was staring again).

Ridge quickly pulled his clothes back on but skipped his socks and shoes. I liked that he was comfortable in our space. Dad did welcome him into the family, after all.

"Does it hurt when you shift?" I asked worriedly, but Ridge shook his head.

"Not at all. It feels like a big stretch." I was glad; I didn't want him to hurt.

"You mentioned that you have a pack," Dad stated. "But I thought cougars were solitary animals."

"They are," Ridge replied. "It's our human half that craves companionship and brotherhood, so that's why we stay in groups; to fuel our humanity."

Dad nodded before his jaw cracked as it dropped into a wide yawn. "Excuse me. I think all of this excitement has worn me out." Not to mention being out in the cold for who knew how long.

"We'll let you get some rest," I said as I tucked his blankets around him. I gave him a hug and picked up his cup of tea, frowning when I realized he'd only taken a sip. "Do you need anything before you go to sleep?"

His eyes were already heavy when he answered, "No, I'm okay. Goodnight, Z. I love you."

"I love you too." I never missed an opportunity to tell him in case it was my last chance.

"It was wonderful meeting you, Grayson," Ridge offered, and my dad gave him a sleepy smile.

"You too. Take care of my boy." With that, he drifted quickly off to sleep. When he was tired, it didn't take his body long to shut down.

Ridge followed me when I walked into the kitchen to dump Dad's tea into the sink.

"Your father obviously cares about you a great deal," he offered quietly. "He's a good man."

"Thank you." I turned towards Ridge and his expression dropped when he saw the moisture dancing in my eyes. "I'm sorry. It's just so hard seeing him like this."

"Don't apologize." He took me in his arms and caressed my back. "I'm sorry both of you are going through this. I'm here for whatever you need."

I stayed in his hold for several minutes, soaking up his comfort in silence. It was nice to have someone to lean on in tough times, and amazing to know that I'd never be alone. I met Ridge exactly when I needed him and was grateful to the gods or whatever forces put us in each other's path, though I could've done without the bear attack.

"Will you stay with me tonight?" I asked before I lost my nerve. I needed his strength and support. "I'm not sure if I'm ready to, you know, do anything, but I'd really like to talk and maybe...cuddle? But if that's not enough, I understand."

Ridge sighed and took my cheeks in his hands. "Zane, just being near you is more than enough. I would love to talk and hold you in my arms all night."

My heart hammered behind my ribs. "Really?"

"Really."

I took his lips in another kiss and just like the last time, Ridge didn't push or demand more. He pecked and nibbled my lips until I pulled back to catch my breath.

My cheeks heated when I told him, "My bedroom is this way," and my face flushed even harder when he took my hand and followed.