Page 49 of Laken's longing

Laken sucked his top lip between his teeth at the urge to laugh at how ridiculous it was all turning out to be. Whatever he thought this evening was going to be, it wasn’t this.

First Booker with his poop bag, which could turn even the strongest stomached person. That child had a lethal weapon for an ass, something he didn’t say when Booker was close by. He was super sensitive to such comments about his daughter. Now Jupiter was adding to the hilarity with his combat wear. It was a struggle to hold back, it really was.

The chatter went on around him as Booker bitched at Jupiter, who pretended to be offended. Popi was in organization mode, designating Taylin as driver when he and Kodi bickered at the door about who was better at not drawing attention.

Laken went after his brothers wearing a bemused expression. Dad got in the front with Taylin, his fingers flying over the screen of his phone the second the door shut. Laken was crammed in between Kodi and Booker, and in the seats behind him, Kari sat wedged between Jupiter and Silas.

Frey stood next to Hollis and Ziggy as Popi waved them off like they were heading to drop Laken off at university. Isley had asked to come this evening, but Laken wasn’t in any head space to deal with him after the emotional upheaval he’d been through. He needed a little breathing room. Some distance.

We don’t.

Speak for yourself.

Isley had been subdued through the day, which was to be expected after everything. Laken was nervous for the first time in years about what it all meant to him. To Isley. To a possible shared future. They hadn’t spoken about it, almost like they’d gone back to their corners and were waiting for the bell to ring.

Would that be the fallout if they failed? He shook off the notion before it could take root. He had unfailing support fromhis family. From Isley—hopefully—and that was more than he’d had as a teenager. It had to be enough.

The sound of bickering coming from behind him eased some of the growing tension inside him. He looked over his shoulder. “Did you all need to come?”

There was a resounding “yes” that brought a smile to his face even as he shook his head and rolled his eyes at them.

“There’s a place to park just up ahead on the left,” Dad murmured, not looking up from his phone. Oakland must be directing him.

His nerves danced at the certainty of what was about to go down. His skin itched under the sweater he wore as they parked on a fairly empty side street. Taylin turned off the engine, and with it silence descended. A sense of anticipation filled the vehicle while they waited for Dad, who dialed a number. A muffled voice gave little away.

Dad replied with a few yeses scattered with some grunts. A minute later, he ended the call to glance back at Laken with a feral smile.

“We ready?” Laken questioned, voice hitching. He wasn’t backing down, he needed to know who from his past was out to get him. It had to be someone he’d encountered during that night, except he was clueless about who that could be. The only face he’d seen was Jim’s, and even that was a hazy memory. The photos were all body shots, and the focus was him, not those fucking him. The ‘why’ had run through his mind countless times, and he was still no closer to finding an answer that fit.

“Yes. I want you to take the bag we have to the drop-off and leave it like you’re supposed to. Then head down Stark Street and cross at Lexicon, heading back towards our offices. We’ll pick you up on the way.”

Laken nodded, waited for Kodi to get out first so he could get past.

“We got you covered,” Jupiter said forcefully.

“You’re staying in the minivan, Jupiter!” exclaimed Dad.

With a flexibility that Laken envied, Jupiter slithered over the seats to stand next to him, shaking his head and looking adamant which was hard with all the grease paste on his face. “He’s not going on his own. I’ll blend.”

Before Dad could utter another protest, Jupiter was hustling down the street, hood over his head, then skipped down an alleyway and disappeared.

“Fuck, Popi will skin me alive if he finds out,” Dad muttered, sounding scared.

Laken looked at his brothers illuminated by the interior light as they all tried to keep their amusement contained as Laken took the bag from Booker.Thankfully, the zipper was very firmly closed.

“Thanks.”

He moved it as far away from his nose as possible and worked not to inhale too deeply. Even zipped, the aroma from the diapers was evident. He didn’t wait for Kodi to get back in the minivan, taking off in the direction he needed to go. He heard the engine start, but he didn’t turn around in case anyone was watching him. He’d been instructed to come alone, on foot.

Around the next corner, his eyes narrowed as the hairs lifted on the back of his neck. He gave furtive glances as he walked with purpose towards the lake. There were no lights down by the lake, and no moon or stars to brighten the night sky, so he was reliant on his visionWhere the fuck had Jupiter gone?

Can you sense Jupiter?

I can smell Isley’s sugar glider?

What?His step faltered at the thought Isley had been somehow able to follow them. He patted himself down as his heart lodged against his ribcage. Would Isley put himself in danger? No matter how Oakland had things covered, Isley wastiny. He could be harmed so easily in his animal form. A fear washed over him so strong, it held him in a choke hold any world wrestler would be proud of.

Jupiter, he’s got Isley’s scent on him., He smells like us, just not as strong. Isley isn’t here.