Mates.
Like the old books that Carter used to read to him when he was younger.
Dragons, mages, shifters, oracles, demons. It all seemed so unbelievable. As Bastian had been lying on the couch, covered with a soft colorful blanket, he had to admit, at least to himself, that he had seen Bastian turn into Bas.
It had actually been pretty sneaky for the guys to use the nickname Bas.
And no wonder Bas the cat was able to follow him home. Hudson tried to remember everything that he’d said to cat Bas. It had been a lot. And turned out he was talking to the real Bastian the entire time.
Bastian appeared worried as he entered the cabin, finding where Hudson stood waiting for him immediately.
Hudson waited for him to say something.
When Bastian merely watched him, Hudson realized that he was the one that was going to have to reassure his mate.
His freaking mate.
“Are you going to close the door or let all the bugs inside?” Hudson asked. As a conversation starter it sucked, but he received a twitch of Bastian’s lips as Bas closed the door.
“Should I lock it or are you planning to leave?” Bastian questioned quietly.
“I wouldn’t have an unlocked door around Stryker. I don’t know the other guys well but I would think that none of them can be trusted to behave.”
Bastian locked the door as he sighed. “They have good hearts.”
“And trouble coursing through their veins,” Hudson joked.
“You have no idea. Just wait until you meet Adam,” Bastian said.
“They told me about him.” That reminded Hudson. “And Lucifer, the king of hell, who you have on speed dial.”
Bastian shook his head. “Noah’s right. That just doesn’t have the same sound to it any longer now that we have cell phones.”
Hudson laughed. “Is that really what you want to discuss?”
“It seems safer than asking if you’re thinking of ways to get as far away from me as possible,” Bastian replied.
Bastian was extremely nervous to have this conversation, Hudson realized.
“I was under the impression that mates were special. Was that a lie?”
Bastian groaned. “They told you we’re mates?”
“It came up,” Hudson admitted. “Stryker was very happy to share everything he learned about the family.”
“I thought Bryce would be the one to tell you.” Bastian shook his head. “He’s more levelheaded. At least when he isn’t in little mode and making his Daddy carry him all around the house.”
“No one was going to be able to stop Stryker,” Hudson said. “Like I said, he loves talking about the paranormal.”
“I know you might not believe us but we’re really very normal. Usually. We’ve lived in secret for a very long time.”
“I’d love to hear more about it. About it all.” Hudson gestured toward Bastian. “But I think you’re a little far away, don’t you?”
“I’m trying to give you space. I don’t want to scare you.”
This was getting them nowhere fast. Hudson huffed before dropping down onto the couch. “It’s easier to talk to you when you’re a cat.”
“Oh yeah?” Bastian stalked forward. Just a few steps but it was progress.
