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“Would Cormac really hurt any of you?” The answer mattered to Santee, more than he cared to admit. Cormac was the largest of the brothers, and could inflict a lot of pain if wanted to.
“Cormac is… How do I put it?” Beckett asked as his thumbs moved lazily across Santee’s cheeks. “He needs to learn how to relax and have fun, but no, he would never intentionally hurt one of us.”
“Are you sure?”
“I give you my word,” Beckett replied. “He’s taken us to task in the past, when we were acting like irresponsible idiots, but predators, especially siblings, engage in fighting.”
Santee was horrified at the thought that Cormac would attack his brothers. The guy had seemed a bit rigid while sitting at the table, but Santee had seen the adoration in Cormac’s gray eyes. Like he genuinely loved them.
“We’re not out to hurt or maim each other,” Beckett went on. “It puts us back in our place, and we get to let off steam.”
“You like fighting?” Santee asked.
“With my brothers,” Beckett replied. “Like I said, we’re not going to hurt each other, and aside from letting off steam, it helps to hone our fighting skills. With anyone else, only when I have to.”
Santee didn’t get it since he wasn’t a predator, but he still didn’t like the idea.
“Tell me what’s going on.” Beckett took Santee’s hands in his. “Do you and Marvell fight?”
Santee looked away.
“Does he hurt you, Santee?” There was a slight growl in Beckett’s voice.
Santee’s heart raced as he hesitated, unsure if he wanted to open up about his life at home. He knew Beckett wouldn’t judge him, but it was still difficult to admit the truth. Marvell was his brother, but instead of looking out for him, he did everything in his power to tear Santee down.
Just once he wished he had someone he could confide in. Although Orion had guessed the truth, and they were friends, Santee had never opened up to him.
Beckett was his mate. If Santee couldn’t talk to him, then there was no hope for their relationship.
Finally, bracing himself, Santee nodded. “Yes, but I don’t want to talk about it. I just want to forget it.”
Beckett squeezed his hands gently, his expression softening. “I understand, conejito. You don’t have to talk about it if you’re not ready. But I want you to know that you’re safe here. You don’t have to be afraid of anyone hurting you.”
“Or you?” Santee asked. “I don’t like that Cormac fights you.”
Beckett smiled. “I didn’t say he always wins.”
Santee stared into his mate’s gorgeous blue eyes. He felt a sense of peace wash over him as he realized that he truly was safe with Beckett. He leaned forward and wrapped his arms around his mate’s neck, burying his face in the guy’s shoulder.
“Has anyone ever told you that you smell really good?” Santee asked.
A bark of laughter escaped Beckett. “Well, this guy I met yesterday told me that I smelled like wood burning in a fireplace. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing, though.”
“It is.” Santee inhaled deeply. He could sniff him all day and never tire of the scent.
Beckett returned the embrace, holding Santee close and rubbing his back soothingly. “Everything is going to be okay,” he whispered. “I promise.”
Santee wasn’t going to hold his breath. He didn’t see how Beckett could protect him once Santee returned home, but he was going to enjoy his time with his mate while he was here.
“I’m still hungry,” Santee confessed.
“Then let’s go finish our breakfast.”
Santee refused to stand when Beckett did. “I made a spectacle of myself down there.”
Beckett snorted. “That wasn’t a spectacle. Just wait until you get to know Hayden and Duncan better. They’re spectacles on a daily basis. They have you beat, hands down.”
With a smile, Santee stood, ready to finish his breakfast, even if that meant facing Beckett’s siblings.
