King of the Wilderness

The fruitwood charcoal burning below made the deer leg sizzle.

The whole rack of ribs was hung in a separate smoker, slowly smoked at a low temperature, cultivating a deeper flavor.

The drippings fell into the flames, sending up bursts of smoke mingled with the aroma of meat and pine, a scent that was enough to reach every corner of the valley.

Lin Yu’an and the McKinley men, each holding a can of beer, walked directly into the employees’ campfire circle.

They sat together with the cowboys, mechanics, and security team members, sharing cigarettes, conversing in a man’s way.

"Hey, Sean!" Second brother Garrett gave the chief of security a hearty pat on the shoulder, "I have to say, your surveillance system is more advanced than the police department’s! I need to learn from you next time."

"Anytime, sir." A rare smile appeared on Sean’s face.

Eldest brother Wyatt was discussing the winter feeding ratio for the cattle with a few old cowboys, engaged and interested.

Meanwhile, third brother Bo was talking about the latest John Deere tractor engine performance with Mechanician Murphy.

Their exchanges were no longer between boss’s family and employees but rather professional discussions among fellow experts living off the land.

Lin Yu’an was surrounded by Little Jack and Little Kyle, repeatedly recounting stories of hunting in Labrador.

The young cowboys around them were also enthralled, their eyes filled with admiration for this young boss.

Meanwhile, in the main house’s dining room, the long dining table presented a different scene, warm, intimate, and elegant. A world solely belonging to women and children.

The huge stone fireplace roared with flames, warming the entire space like spring.

The long dining table was adorned with exquisite tableware and vases filled with holly berries.

The evening’s undisputed star was the fresh elk meat just brought back from the snow-capped mountains.

Irena employed her top-notch culinary skills to turn various elk parts into different dishes.

Rather than choosing the rough method of grilling, she prepared more refined dishes for the women and children.

The tender loin was sliced thinly and quickly seared on a hot stone, just needing a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to savor the top-grade original taste.

The heart and liver were made into a richly flavored, delicately textured French pâté, accompanied by freshly baked focaccia bread.

Robert, as today’s greatest contributor, was nominated by everyone to the main seat.

He raised his glass, gazing at his wife, daughters, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren gathered around the dining table.

Listening to the cheers of the cowboys out in the snow, blending with his sons, he felt a mix of emotions.

Aliya proudly said, "Dad, you were amazing today!"

She personally sliced a piece of the tenderest loin for her father and placed it on his plate.

"Those antlers are absolutely your best trophy ever!"

Robert shook his head with a smile, raising his glass, and said looking at the ladies present, "No, this glory doesn’t entirely belong to me."

His gaze traveled through the floor-to-ceiling windows to where Lin Yu’an was, patiently smiling while telling some wondrous story to Little Jack and Little Kyle.

"If it weren’t for Lin, I might never have had the chance to see such a Divine Beast, let alone hunt it with my own hands."

He looked at Aliya, his eyes filled with sincere gratitude, "Children, you brought a remarkable man into our family."

These words drew all the women’s attention towards Lin Yu’an.

Aliya and Emily exchanged a glance, their eyes brimming with pride and happiness they couldn’t conceal.

"Dad, we’re a family." Aliya raised her glass in response, "To help you fulfill your dream makes us all happy for you."

This dinner was filled with a rich familial warmth.

Without the hardcore topics of hunting and business, the women’s conversations turned more relaxed and about life.

"Emily, try this pâté." Martha pushed the pâté towards Emily, "Irena’s craftsmanship is superb. The liver’s handled without a trace of gamey taste, very smooth."

"Yes, Martha." Emily tasted it, exclaiming, "It’s better than anything I’ve had at a French restaurant in New York."

The straightforward Catherine then complained to Aliya: "You girl, you’ve truly become a queen now. Such a large house, a private chef, an excellent husband, you’re living the dream."

"Hehe, Mom, you can come and be happy with me." Aliya laughed, "There are three guesthouses here, enough for each of you to have one!"

This response, in a Versailles way, made everyone burst into laughter.

Wyatt’s two wives were more interested in Aliya and Emily’s life in Alaska.

"Honestly, Aliya, is your home in Alaska just as... just as beautiful as here?"

Aliya thought for a moment, shaking her head, "Completely different. Our home in Alaska is more like a sturdy fortress, warmth built by Lin with his own hands, piece by piece of wood."

"And here," she looked around, "is more like a Kingdom passed down through generations, rich with history."

Emily added, "But no matter where, as long as I’m with him, it’s home."

These words brought knowing smiles to the mothers and sisters-in-law present.