Free A Promise on White Wings (Wiccan-Were-Bear) by R. E. Butler

and I want it to be apparent to everyone.”
    He understood.  “For Danika, I’ll accept.”
    They switched topics, talking about day-to-day activities and Chance told Jes about his past work history and his desire to be busy and help others.
    “You were doing handyman work?”
    “Yep.  I can do most minor electrical and plumbing work and can do anything from roofing to laying concrete.  I’ve been lucky to work with men who were not only talented in their fields but also willing to teach.  My dad used to call me Jack as in jack of all trades .”  His dad had meant it as a bit of an insult, in that he should do one thing very well instead of a bunch of things decently, but Chance liked being the guy who people turned to for fixing things.  He liked to help.
    “There are a handful of older homes along the eastern side of the territory that are in need of updating and repair.  They would be perfect for the pride.  I think there are six homes on a cul-de-sac, and it’s set apart from the other developments by a stretch of woods and fields.  The pride could move in fairly quickly, and then the homes could be worked on while they’re living in them, and then, if you’re interested, you could continue on to work within the nest.”  He stopped speaking for a moment and made a face.  “You’re going to be King, Chance.  Do you really want to be a handyman?”
    Chance laughed.  “I’m not a title whore, Jes.  I love fixing things.  I was wondering this morning what I would do to support our new family, and this actually eases a lot of my worries.”
    Jes nodded.  “There are a lot of falcons who would be willing to do work like this, and along with any members of your pride you wanted.  You could set up a crew, and we could pay them from the general fund.  It’s a great way to instill pride and camaraderie to have men working in their own community.”
    Jes’ eyes lit up with promise, and Chance knew that he’d found the place that he and his pride would call home.  Yes, he would be King of the falcons, but he was still Prince of the lions, and he would help bridge the gap between their groups until it was time for Jes and Danika’s child to lead them.
    They spoke for a while about the impending fight the following night, and then Jes’ phone rang, and Chance left to go look at the homes that Jes was talking about.  He grabbed Pyre, Gamble, and one of the house workers – a young falcon named Terrence – to lead them.
    “You’re not even with your new mate for a whole day and already you’re taking on responsibility,” Pyre teased.  “I’m glad to see she’s having such a positive influence on you.”
    Chance told them that it was Jes’ idea.  “And you’ll have to call me Sire when we’re in public, too,” he warned them.
    “Oh shit, man,” Gamble groaned, “I will not bow to you, big brother, so cast the thought far from your mind.”
    Prye said, “Maybe being related to the future King will get you a way in with the pretty falcon females we’ve seen in the territory.”
    Gam’s eyes lit up.  “I hadn’t thought of that.”  He paused and bowed at the waist with a dramatic flare.  “Your majesty.”
    Chance’s cheeks flamed in embarrassment, and he shoved his brother’s shoulder.  “I feel sorry for any woman who’s foolish enough to take you to bed, Gam.”
    “Foolish yes, but also very, very lucky.”
    If what Jes thought was true – about falcons and lions sharing a mate – then he felt sorry for whoever was unlucky enough to be saddled with his playboy brother.  Thinking on Danika, he sped up his stride so he could see the homes and then get back to the house to her.  Just two days ago he hadn’t known what would happen with his life, couldn’t see the future clearly at all.  But after less than a day with her, he could see the future clearly and he liked what he saw.
     
     
     

 
     
     
     
    Chapter 9
     
     
    Danika chewed her thumbnail as