Page 46 of The Secret Mate Society

"You want something to drink?"I asked instead, needing to keep my hands busy."Coffee?Something stronger?"

"Something stronger," he replied without hesitation."Definitely something stronger."

I moved to the kitchen, pulling out a bottle of whiskey and two glasses.When I returned to the living room, I found Ethan standing by the window, peering through the curtains at the street beyond.

"No one followed us," I said, handing him his glass."And this neighborhood is secure."

He took a large gulp of whiskey, wincing slightly as it burned down his throat."How can you be so sure?"

Because my pack patrols these streets every night.Because I can smell any intruder from a mile away.Because this is Alpha territory and any supernatural creature would know better than to trespass.

"Good security system," I said instead."Motion sensors, cameras.The works."

Ethan nodded, but I could see he wasn't entirely convinced.He took another sip of whiskey, then moved to my couch, sinking down heavily.The stress of the night was catching up with him, exhaustion replacing the sharp edge of fear."I should probably call the police," he said, though his voice lacked conviction.

"And tell them what?That you saw a monster in your parking lot?"I sat down beside him, careful to maintain some distance."They'll think you're having a breakdown."

His laugh was bitter."Wouldn't be the first time."

The admission hung between us, heavy with implication.I wanted to ask what he meant, but something in his expression warned me off.Instead, I reached out and gently touched his shoulder."You're safe here," I said simply."That's what matters right now."

He looked at me then, those green eyes searching my face."Why are you doing this, Calder?Helping me, I mean.After yesterday..."

“I was a fool yesterday,” I said, surprising even myself.However, the moment the word left my lips, I knew it was true.I ran my fingers through my hair.“I’ll admit, I’m struggling with this.I’ve never been interested in… you know…”

“Guys?”he asked.

“Yeah,” I replied, leaving out the part about him being human as well and the strange irresistible mate bond forming between us.“It’s uh… kinda scary.”

Ethan's expression softened, some of the tension leaving his shoulders."I get it.Coming to terms with attraction you didn't expect...it's not easy."

"Is it that obvious?"I asked, taking a sip of my own whiskey.

"Well, straight guys don't usually kiss other men against brick walls in the pouring rain," he said with a small smile."That was kind of a giveaway."

Heat flooded my cheeks at the memory."Yeah, about that..."

"Look," Ethan interrupted, shifting on the couch to face me more directly."I'm not asking you to figure everything out right now.Tonight has been...a lot.For both of us."

I nodded, grateful for his understanding.The whiskey was helping to calm my nerves, but having him here in my space, his scent filling my home, was making my wolf restless in an entirely different way.

"You can take the guest room," I said, gesturing toward the hallway."It's got its own bathroom, fresh sheets."

"Thanks."He drained the rest of his whiskey, then set the glass down on my coffee table."I should probably try to get some sleep.Tomorrow's going to be..."

"Complicated," I finished for him.

"That's one word for it."He stood up, swaying slightly.Whether from exhaustion or alcohol, I wasn't sure."Calder?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you.For coming when I called.For believing me about what I saw."His voice was quiet, vulnerable."Most people would have thought I was crazy."

My chest tightened.If only he knew how close to the truth he really was."Get some rest, Ethan.We'll figure this out in the morning."

He nodded and headed down the hallway, his footsteps heavy with fatigue.I listened as he moved around the guest room, heard the bathroom door close, the shower turn on.The domestic sounds of him settling into my space sent a warm satisfaction through my wolf that I tried to ignore.

I finished my whiskey and was about to head to my own bedroom when my phone buzzed.A text from Ageratum.