Page 57 of Laken's longing

‘Cause it’s fun.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Laken

He wasn’t sure what time it was when his phone bleeped. His movement was limited with Isley wrapped around him like a clingy blanket, but there was no hint of colors beyond the window he could see out of only darkness.

Laken had attempted to put Isley to bed the night before, but drunk Isley didn’t seem to like to be put down. He clung so tight Laken feared suffocation, so had given in and gotten to the comfy couch, positioning them to keep Isley happy. Moving carefully now, so as not to disturb Isley, Laken wiggled a hand under him to get to his pocket and, after a few sweat-inducing seconds, he managed to get his phone free of his pants.

He stared down at Isley, who was drooling on his top, and could see that it might take a lot more to wake the passed-out omega. He chuckled to himself before he checked to see who the message was from.

There was no crazy beating pulse at seeing Dad on the screen. His hand was steady as he opened the message.

Dad:The situation is contained. I’ll speak to you when you are home. You have nothing to worry about. Love you, son.

Laken blinked back the sudden rush of tears and, as if sensing something, Isley slipped a hand up his chest and wrapped those tiny fingers around the side of his throat in a possessive move that made Laken’s body heat with desire. It gave him the distraction to pull himself together.

How did he respond?

Laken:Thank you.

He stared at those two words, knowing they meant very little in terms of what Derick and Lane had given him.

Laken:Love you and Popi, very much.

He did, and he might not say it often enough, but they deserved to hear it. They were actual parents, wanting to keep him safe. And it was that reality that hit him harder than the blackmailing scumbags. How did I end up so lucky? The show of support from his brothers, his found family, was what a genuine family did.

He released a shuddery breath, his eyes welling with tears he couldn’t hold back this time. They slipped down his cheeks as he shut his eyes and turned to press into Isley’s hand. It was this knowledge, the surety of his place in his family, that made who it was that was after hurting him so much less important. And that gave him permission to cut away that part of him that served no purpose in the here and now.

Having easily drifted back off to sleep after the message, he wished he’d remained that way as he listened to Isley, aghast.

Dating.

He wants to date me.

A cold sweat beaded on his skin at just how unequipped he was for that. The tsunami of emotions at the clarity of Isley’s confession left him floundering, and then he’d thrown dating into the mix like it was a fucking wonderful idea. He’d rather deal with the shit show from last night than this!

He couldn’t decide if he should be furious that Isley—his animal side—had done something so primitive without permission. Then Isley lobbed a ball right at his gut with this dating stuff. He heard in Isley’s voice the conflict about what his animal side had done. And initially Laken had assumed it was because Isley hadn’t wanted him.

Dating, he wants to date us,his animal supplied eagerly.

You aren’t the one who has to do that. So don’t need the reminder right now!He had other pressing things to deal with.

Laken had heard stories where one part of a shifter could want what the other part didn’t. And although Isley was quick to allay those fears, a part of Laken couldn’t stop doubt from creeping in. Jupiter had sinful good looks, was playful and laid back, fun even, when he chose to cut loose. Laken wasn’t any of those things. How could he compete?

Isley was being sincere about Jupiter. Stop being stupid.

Isley’s explanation about what had happened with Jupiter made sense—it did now—if he discounted the comparison to his brother. Why would Isley be interested in him when Jupiter was around? Reasoning with jealousy wasn’t always simple, and he wanted to say he wasn’t that insecure about himself, but he had eyes. He also knew his own faults.

Jupiter was right there at the ranch, and Isley chose us. Left his mark on us.

Laken choked at a realization.You knew. You knew all along and never said a word!

You can get so human-like with your stupid thinking, and it was taking you forever to get to the point where we could get closer to the adorable sugar glider, so when it made the move first, I was elated. Why would I tell you so you could let your stupid mouth get in the way of things?

Jesus, I lost it with Jupiter you asshole.

The heated words they’d exchanged when Jupiter had materialized out of the darkness in front of Laken when he’d left the path leading from the lake, had nearly resulted in fists flying. He gave a mournful groan at what it meant for when he got home. He was going to have to apologize for his accusations and eat humble pie.