“I have my sources.” He tapped the side of his nose. “Apparently that’s how they’re bonded, but his mate’s still human. Sort of.”
“Sort of?” Aaron snorted. “You’re so full of shit.”
“It’s the truth.”
“Hmm, whatever.” If it was, then it didn’t help his case at all.
Harry bit his lip, then offered, “Will says their alpha used to have a human partner.”
Raising his eyebrows, Aaron motioned for him to continue.
“Don’t give me that look. We chat sometimes when I’m waiting for you.”
“I’m sure you do.” Aaron narrowed his eyes. “I thought you were trying to put off the idea anyway.”
Harry shrugged. “I’m just telling you what I know. Anyway, his alpha and his partner were as close as they could be without actually bonding.”
“Were?”
“Will said she died in the pack wars, and he’s mated to one of his betas or ex-betas now, I think.”
“So it does happen.”
Not that it would necessarily happen for him and Michael, but if it worked out for an alpha…
He sat forwards, matching Harry. Then immediately sat back, unable to decide. His wolf was just as unsettled. “I need to get out of here.” They couldn’t do the full moon run yet, but they could go outside, get some much-needed fresh air.
Harry glanced down to where Aaron still had his claws out. “I think that’s a great idea.” He cracked his neck and shook out his shoulders, the upcoming full moon affecting him too. “Come on.”
*****
Monday morning Michael set two coffees down, one on his desk, one for Frank. “Foster looked surprisingly chipper considering he spent the night here.”
“He thinks Smith’s after him. He’s happy to be off the streets.”
“I guess.” He glanced over at Arlington’s empty office. “D’you reckon he’s going to be pissed?”
Frank snorted. “I don’t think he’s going to be happy about it.”
“Happy about what?”
They both jumped, Michael spilling coffee down his shirt. “Morning, sir,” he said, wiping ineffectually at the wet spot. “Didn’t hear you come in.” Again.Christ.
“Evidently.” Arlington looked between them and raised his eyebrows. “Well, spit it out. I assume you were talking about me.”
Frank cleared his throat and sat up straight. “We’ve got Foster, Charles Crossford’s mate, downstairs.”
Arlington narrowed his eyes, then looked pointedly at his watch. “It’s barely past nine. Why is he downstairs already? And why are you two up here?”
Michael swallowed a huge mouthful of coffee and then explained. Arlington’s expression darkened with each word, particularly when they got to the bit about the missing shifter.
“Foster can stay where he is for the time being. I assume you have someone keeping an eye on him?”
Michael nodded. “Stewart agreed to watch him while he catches up on paperwork.”
Pinching the bridge of his nose, their boss heaved a sigh. “We need to call Alpha Wallace. Be in my office in thirty minutes.” He stalked away without waiting for a reply.
Frank blew out a breath and leaned back in his chair. “He took that far better than I expected.”
