Hades didn’t waste his breath on a reply. He stood and watched until Ballus disappeared off the street, thinking of several more ways to end him.
Olson stepped onto the sidewalk next to Hades, one eyebrow raised. “Thanks. I would’ve been fine handling it.”
“You’d never get him to back off if he believed you’re the sole owner of this place,” Hades muttered. “He would come back and cause more trouble for you and your employees.”
“I do have procedures in place for that, you know,” Olson said wryly.
“It’s not just that. I was afraid Rex would jump in if Ballus started to threaten you; Rex is not the best at deescalating. I didn’t want that fucker to insult him on top of everything.” Rex was amazing, and a devoted alpha, but he couldn’t string the right words together for this situation. Hades was protective of him, too.
Olson’s gaze softened. “Thanks. I mean it. This isn’t the first time some asshole has made trouble; it won’t be the last, either. I have security in place for that.” He gestured at his bouncer, Derek, who nodded at them.
Hades sighed, some of his anger fading. “Sorry. It’s just... Aaren.”
Olson sighed too. “I completely understand. After his shift tonight...”
“I’ll see if he’s willing to come home with me,” Hades said. “I don’t like the idea of leaving him alone with that jackass.”
“Same.” The tension left Olson’s shoulders; he looked weary for a second. “Thanks for looking out for him.”
“It’s my pleasure.” Hades cleared his throat.
“Ugh!” Olson flipped him off. “Not you too!”
Hades laughed. “You just look so horrified every time that happens. Sorry?”
“You’re not sorry at all,” Olson growled, elbowing Hades as he disappeared back into the Wine Shack.
Hades glanced around to make sure Ballus wasn’t coming back. Then he nodded at Derek and trailed in after Olson.
Things had returned to normal in the bar. Hades found Aaren in the kitchen flipping burgers. At a warning look from Olson, he remained on the threshold of the kitchen instead of stepping in.
For a while, he watched Aaren, moving out of the way when Emmy came along to pick up the prepared food.
“Hi hi, Aaren’s alpha buttmuffin!” Emmy said brightly. “Did the pickup lines work?”
Hades huffed. “Yes, they did. Thanks.”
Emmy crowed triumphantly, punching the air.
Aaren glanced over at the sound. It was the first time Hades had seen his face after Ballus, and what he saw broke his heart.
The spark in Aaren’s eyes had dimmed. The corners of his lips were downturned, and he looked dejected.
Hades wanted to go over and gather Aaren into his arms; he wanted to brush his scent all over Aaren and tell him he was perfect. “Sweetheart. Don’t listen to a single word that jackass said. He wanted to hurt you. Don’t let him.”
Aaren blinked slowly. “Really?”
“Yes. Since when were his words that important to you, anyway?”
“They’re not! But he said those things in front of you.” Aaren sagged.
“I don’t care about his opinions. But I do want to punch those words back down his throat,” Hades said. “Someday, I’d love to see you stand up to him, but not anytime soon. I want to help you with that.”
Some of the brightness returned to Aaren’s face. “Really?”
“Absolutely,” Hades said with great conviction.
Aaren seemed to cheer up then, turning back to the stove. When there was finally a lull between orders, Hades leaned against the doorjamb. “Hey, sweetheart.”
