We had to drag their secrets into the light.
I probably needed Temple’s help with studying. I was currently making slow progress through a tome calledLupine Mating Rites and Soul Bonding Traditions Throughout History. At least we’d been getting along lately. Even though I’d seen countless examples of Temple being a good agent, seeing him be there for Lucas was particularly hard to ignore.
"Bolton’s insisting on dealing with you directly,” Merritt added. “You fooled him once, but he’s confident you won’t be able to again."
"I can handle it," I said.
Merritt grunted in acknowledgement. "Didn’t say you couldn’t."
"You shouldn’t have to ask."
"I didn’t!"
"I prevented the opportunity."
“Dammit, Chase.” The man stopped glaring at everything else in the room and saved his grumpiest expression just for me. “You’re a damn senior agent on my team. I trust you. I put you where I need you because I need you there and I don’t need to explain why. End of story.”
"Alright. Did you hear me complain?"
"I prevented the opportunity."
Ugh, bastard thought he was being clever. Smartassery looked so much better on me and the scowl on my face suited him and not me.
To be a jerk, I grabbed a crescent-shaped pillow and chucked it at my brother. He caught it, squeezing tightly instead of lobbing it back. He seemed to be seriously considering sprouting claws and ripping the thing to shreds. Why did a home office need so many crescent shaped pillows?
This was Aaron’s favorite room to shop for. Decorated with a night sky aesthetic before he and Merritt were even a couple, he only went overboard with wolves and full moons once Merritt moved in.
Merritt hated all the moon decorations, which made this my favorite room, but Aaron had so much fun decorating that my brother never mentioned anything.
Merritt cleared his throat. "Chase, be careful here."
No point pretending I didn’t know what he was talking about. "There’s nothing happening between me and Lucas.”
"Good. Don’t let anything start." Merritt raised a hand and rose from his chair before I could protest. “Look, your instincts told you something supernatural was going on with this guy. You were right—"
“Have you ever said that to me before?”
“—but instincts only get you so far. If they’re telling you anything else, remember you’re also a senior agent and be careful."
Suddenly not in a joking mood, I nodded. "Yes sir."
He frowned. "Still sounds sarcastic."
"I’m working on it!"
If I didn’t know better, I’d think Merritt dropped by to check in on us. But I’d spent enough time keeping Aaron company over the past few months to know that wasn’t the case. Honestly it was weirdly satisfying to see the guy who never had a soft spot in his life make a 30-minute round trip drive, 45 in traffic, just to spend five minutes with his mate before leaving again.
Even though I complained about precious little free time, I spent my time off hanging out with Aaron instead of going to the grocery store or going to a bar and hitting it off with somebody.
Aaron and I were friends. The guy was practically my brother-in-law. But I kept coming by even when I didn’t have to, and I didn’t once tease Merritt for being all soft and gooey for his mate. Had I also been… lonely? Did part of me want what he had?
~
Lucas
Fetching a glass of water from the kitchen gave me something to do. I should sleep, but if I put myself in a bed after recent events with Chase,sleepingwasn’t what I’d do. I wasn’t sure how much privacy I really had and probably shouldn’t test the fragile boundaries Chase and I just agreed on.
I stopped before entering the kitchen because two figures were already there.
