“Sorry,” I mumble and Jeremy inches a little closer.
“He’s gone.” The beta places his hand on my knee. His fingertips are wrinkled and rough.
“I know,” I say, but I don’t believe him. “Where are Killian and Basil?” I ask for the hundredth time.
“They’re just working,” Jeremy gives me the same answer. “I promise. There’s nothing to be worried about.”
Bullshit.
I can smell everyone’s intense worry every time a branch taps against a window, or the house creaks and settles. And as much as everyone tries to convince me that the alphas are just taking on odd jobs, I know better. Every night this week, they’ve come home sweaty and amped, like they’ve been running all day long, then they take every chance they get to whisper with Tristan. I’ve heard words like “protection”, “stay alert”, and “don’t let your guard down” more times than I can count.
Still though. I appreciate that they’re at leasttryingnot to worry me. It’s kind of sweet. Almost as sweet as Jeremy’s determination to distract me.
“You’re flushed.” Jeremy fusses over me, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “Are you too hot? I can turn the temperature down.”
“Actually, I think I’m tired.” I give him a weary smile as I squeeze his hand under the water. “Thank you for being so sweet to me.” I take the opportunity to shift closer to the beta, moving away from the jets. While the pressure feels good, sitting in one spot for too long makes my skin feel weird and kind of numb. “Will you come and lay down with me?”
“Of course,” He presses a kiss to my temple, then hits a few buttons on the side of the tub. The jets immediately stop and the water goes still.This thing really is amazing.“Up and out.” Thebeta holds out his hand, helping me stand and climb out of the water.
Even though the room is warm, the air feels cool against my bare, wet skin. I shiver, then reach for the nearest clean towel. There’s a pile of dirty ones next to our clothes. The boys have carried me in here every day this week, trying to relax and soothe me.
Well, not Tristan.
He’s been weirdly distant.
I’ve tried wracking my brain as to what could have happened, but nothing comes to mind. Burke did imply Tristan was a monster, but surely that isn’t bothering the alpha this much?
“Are you coming?” I ask Jeremy as I wrap the towel around me.
“I’ll be right there.” He secures his towel around his narrow hips. “I’m going to get these in the wash.” He lifts the pile of dirty laundry.
“I can help,” I say, but I already know he won’t let me. He never does.
“Nope,” Jeremy says firmly. “Go and get in the shower and I’ll be right there.” He kisses my cheek as he passes.
I don’t bother arguing this time—I really am tired. Instead, I make my way through the gym. It’s completely silent, only the sound of the AC unit humming. But once I reach the main part of the house, all the normal sounds rush at me: Wind pushes at the side of the house, making it creak. The oak tree taps at the big window, and Tristan stomps around his room upstairs. He’s been hiding in there all day. Even our bond feels weird compared to my other two alphas. It’s kind of muted.
I make my way up the stairs, and down the hall, then pause outside Tristan’s room. I can hear him in there. He’s mumbling to himself…I think.
Curious, and a little bold, I knock on the door, then turn the knob.
Tristan snaps his head up when the door creaks. He’s sitting at the foot of a very messy bed. The blanket hangs off one side and the pillows lay on the floor. But it’s the rest of the room that’s so shocking.
There’s clutter everywhere. Trinkets and trash litter the dresser and side table. There’s a pile of rusted knives sitting in one corner and a jar of what looks like teeth sitting on a messy bookshelf.
“Wow,” I say, not bothering to hide my shock. “You and Basil are twoverydifferent people.”
“What’s wrong?” Tristan stands, immediately taking two steps toward me. I can smell the anxiety mixed in his smokey, sweet scent. I’m not sure if he’s truly worried or just wants me to leave, but that's not going to happen. Not until he tells me why he’s been hiding.
“I wanted to see your lovely face.” I close the space between us, resting my hands on his broad chest. I stroke a few of his tattoos, tracing the swooping black lines.
“Where’s Jeremy?” Tristan asks, looking past me into the hallway.
“He’s doing laundry.” I push up onto my toes, making it clear I want a kiss, but the alpha refuses to lean down.
“Let me walk you to your room.” Tristan wraps his fingers around my wrist, and I snap.
“No,” I say firmly, jerking my hand free. “We aren’t going anywhere until you tell me what’s wrong.” My tone is sharp, almost commanding, but I know Tristan too well. Even if I acted like a total ass, he wouldn't hurt me.
