Hudson’s face was clear of emotion. Knowing how his mate truly felt due to the strong scents and energy radiating from him was helpful.
“Hey, baby.” Bastian smiled warmly. “Come meet Aspen. He’s a family friend and the new receptionist. He’s having a hard day and could probably use some more encouragement. Not really my specialty.”
Immediately Hudson’s scent changed as he rushed forward.
“Aspen! It’s so nice to meet you!”
Bastian stepped aside to allow Hudson to take his place in front of Aspen.
“I know it’s scary starting a new adventure. My brother and I moved here and I didn’t know what to expect even though we’d both been born here. I was so young when my family movedaway I didn’t have any memories. It turned out to be the best decision for both of us.”
Bastian hadn’t been aware that Hudson was born in town. Interesting.
“You’re so shiny!” Aspen told Hudson. “I just want to hug you.”
Hudson opened his arms wide. “I love hugs.”
As Aspen practically dove into Hudson’s arms, Bastian had to push down his own feelings of jealousy. Even knowing that Hudson had no interest in the little fairy didn’t mean that Bas liked seeing Hudson with someone else in his arms. Which was probably the exact way that Hudson had felt.
Hudson rocked Aspen from side to side. Even though his mate was human and didn’t understand the dynamics truly happening, Hudson was stepping in where he was needed. Once Hudson knew about the paranormal world and what they faced, Bastian had no doubt that his mate was going to be the positive influence that they needed.
Aspen had called Hudson shiny and that description was dead on.
Why fate decided that he, who was known to be on the cynical and grumpy side of things, deserved such a bright sunshine of a mate was beyond Bastian even as he remained grateful.
“There. All better,” Hudson declared as he pulled back.
“That was the best hug ever!” Aspen gave another of those adorable gap-tooth grins.
Bastian wanted to groan. He was going to spend more time protecting Aspen from things that could hurt him than getting real work done.
“I was dropping off some paperwork for Easton from the captain so I thought I would drop in. I should be getting going though. Only a few more hours on my shift,” Hudson said.
“Come with me.” Bastian grabbed his mate’s hand and began to draw Hudson from the break room but remembered Aspen. “Find Aaron and make sure he gives you the schedule.”
“Will do.” He waved. “Bye, Hudson. I’m sure I’ll see lots more of you.”
“Bye, Aspen. It was nice to meet you. Don’t forget what I said. It will all work out the way it’s supposed to.”
That was enough. Bastian wanted his mate’s attention. He pulled Hudson out the door, going straight to his office.
Bastian closed the door behind them before tugging Hudson close. “Thanks for that.”
“Of course.” Hudson grinned. “I have to admit that I didn’t like walking in to find you hugging someone else.”
Thank fuck for honesty. “And even though I asked for your help I didn’t like seeing someone else in your arms.”
Hudson giggled. “I do love hugs. I’m a touchy-feely guy.”
“I hug you,” Bastian defended himself.
“You are amazing at hugging me. And kissing me. And hopefully bending me over and—”
Bastian slammed his lips to Hudson’s, kissing his mate. He didn’t need to hear any more of what Hudson was going to say. Scent didn’t lie.
Hudson’s tongue rubbed against his as Bastian ran his hands down Hudson’s back to cup his ass. He encouraged Hudson to shuffle even closer.
His cock was incredibly happy with the turn of events. Bastian knew that he was just torturing himself by allowing this, but he was helpless to deny what they both wanted.
