Page 33 of Flint's Arrow
“Your pack?” Storm asked.
“My family.” Arrow’s jaw tightened. “I left Wyoming to get away from them. I spent years building a perfect image of success so I could rub it in their faces next time I saw them. Fancy apartment, important job, connections in the agency, the whole nine yards.” He shook his head. “Except I never went back home - I never wanted to. And none of it made me happy.”
Flint’s snake stirred, wanting to offer comfort. He pressed his thigh more firmly against Arrow’s, a small touch of reassurance, and was pleased to see Arrow’s shoulders relax slightly.
“I’m done living for people who never cared about me in the first place. I want to figure out whatIactually want.”
“That’s mature as hell,” Calvin said, surprising everyone. “Good for you.”
Levi nodded. “Takes guts to start over.”
The conversation drifted to easier topics - Devon’s latest job, Storm’s plans to buy Pax a sewing machine so he could help Wren make clothes that suited them. Calvin and Levi talked about their newest woodworking project, and through it all, Arrow asked questions and listened, actually engaged rather than just waiting for his turn to talk.
Flint found himself imagining Arrow in his life. Really in it, not just visiting. Arrow watching his back on jobs, patient and steady, and perhaps with a rifle of his own. Arrow in the greenhouse, learning which plants needed more water and which ones preferred shade. Arrow here at the grill nights, part of the family Flint had built for himself.
He could have hobbies, Flint thought.It’s not like he needs to work for money, and it sounds like he’s never had the chance to figure out what he likes, what makes him happy beyond work.
The image settled into Flint’s chest, warm and right in a way that terrified him.
Once the food was gone, one by one, the others drifted off to their own houses. Storm and Pax first, after Pax started yawning against Storm’s shoulder. Devon and Wren went next, Wren’s hand tucked into Devon’s back pocket. Calvin and Levi went to clean the grills, leaving Flint and Arrow alone on the bench with Python and Cyrus.
“We’re heading out too,” Cyrus announced, standing and stretching. Python made a disgruntled sound but allowed himself to be hauled to his feet.
“Behave yourselves,” Python said, pointing at Arrow. “You make him cry again, and I’ll send you somewhere unpleasant.”
“I believe you,” Arrow said quietly.
After they left, silence settled over the Alley. The scent of cooked meat and woodsmoke lingered in the air. Above them, stars scattered across the sky in a brilliant display impossible to see in the city.
Arrow tilted his head back, staring up at the constellations. “I’d forgotten how many stars there are out here.”
Flint looked up, too, picking out familiar patterns. “Light pollution is terrible in cities.”
“It’s not just that.” Arrow’s voice was soft. “I’ve been so focused on climbing the ladder, proving myself that I never stopped to actually look at anything.” He turned to face Flint. “I’ve never felt peace like this before. Just sitting here, with you, watching the stars.”
Flint’s heart stuttered. “You might get bored after a while. We all prefer the quiet life when we’re home.”
“I don’t think I would.” Arrow’s fingers drummed against his thigh, nervous energy bleeding through. “I’ve actually been thinking about hobbies.”
“What sort of thing would you do?” Flint genuinely wanted to know.
“Calvin and Levi mentioned they could teach me a bit about woodworking, if I was interested. I’ve never done anything like that, but working with my hands and actually creating something tangible instead of just digital files, does appeal.” Arrow glanced at him. “And I’ve always wanted to try writing. Maybe short stories or something - turning some of the cases I’ve been on into fiction. I don’t know if I’d be any good at it, but I’d like to find out.”
The careful hope in Arrow’s voice did something to Flint’s chest. Arrow in that moment wasn’t the arrogant wolf who’d dismissed him at the bar. This was someone trying to build a real life, someone imagining a future that included lazy evenings, and personal projects, and time to discover what brought him joy.
Someone who wants to be here, with me, Flint realized,in this quiet corner of Montana.The fact that Arrow had actively been thinking about it was the final piece of the puzzle.
He’s not staying in the guest room, Flint realized. The knowledge settled over him like certainty.Not tonight. Probably not ever.His snake agreed, coiling tight with want.
Flint stood abruptly, holding out his hand. “Come on.”
Arrow blinked up at him. “Where…”
“My house.”
Arrow took his hand, fingers wrapping around Flint’s with careful pressure. He didn’t ask questions, just followed as Flint led him across the clearing to the small house with the greenhouse out back.
Inside, Flint’s hands shook slightly as he closed the door. His heart was hammering loud enough to wake a band, and Flint was sure Arrow could hear it. Arrow stood in the middle of the living room, surrounded by Flint’s plants and books and the life he’d built for himself, looking like he belonged there.Because he does. Flint knew that now.He belongs here. With me.
