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But Bellamy was glad Ashwood was able to meet the lads he considered family, and perhaps all of Ashwood’s preconceived notions about what transpired behind closed doors would be laid to rest. Which reminded him. “Is the Moon Flower open for business again?”
“Tomorrow evening will be the first time the gentlemen have been invited back,” Percy said with a salacious wink. “Now that the threat of the sickness is gone.”
He felt Ashwood stiffen, but he wished he could see that the establishment only offered gentlemen the opportunity to freely and safely explore their proclivities. It was curious to Bellamy that Ashwood would have such a strong reaction when such notions didn’t seem to matter in the wolf world—the two of them were fated, after all—but he suspected it had more to do with the idea that his mate was essentially a whore. It made his jealousy and possessiveness take hold. If Bellamy still thought they had a chance to be together, he might’ve been flattered. As it was, he just hoped Ashwood would develop a more nuanced understanding during this visit.
Afterward, they met Madam Langley in the sitting room.
“Now, tell me. What matter is so urgent?” she asked, smoothing her skirts.
Bellamy proceeded to tell her everything. About Kipling and his links to both Ashwood and his mother, though Madam Langley already knew some of it. Her eyebrows drew together in concern, her mouth turned downward in a frown. She was a worrier by nature but also very methodical, so he was certain she would have some useful insight.
“That is quite the conundrum,” she said, thinking it over. “Perhaps it would be wise for you to stay here with us for the foreseeable future, where you will remain undetected.”
Bellamy’s stomach tightened at the suggestion for a myriad of reasons.
“Thank you kindly, Madam,” Ashwood said. “But I don’t want to put any of you in danger. If Kipling has deduced that I am, in fact, still alive and staying in Lunar’s Reach, he will be on the lookout for me.”
“What would his reason be?”
“I’ve abandoned my pack. He fears betrayal, and his answer would be reprisal.”
Bellamy balled his fists as a wave of nausea took hold. That bastard.
“Would he dare cross into my place of business, knowing I could get the authorities involved? Wolves have been able to live in the shadows for generations. Surely, he would not want another annihilation?”
“Unfortunately, nobody cares if we kill our own, as long as no humans come to harm,” he said, and Bellamy shivered. He now understood why Kipling had killed his mother so brazenly. “But you are correct—he wouldn’t be so reckless as to call attention to himself and involve the authorities. He has other ways.”
“I have my ways too.” She raised a brow. “At least stay a night or two. That will give me time to see what I can find out.”
Bellamy held his breath as Ashwood considered his options.
Finally, Ashwood nodded. “I will accept your invitation.”
Chapter 20
That evening they were entertained with stories and games and titillating conversation in the sleeping quarters. Ashwood seemed amused, and Bellamy saw him relax for the first time in hours. The ever-grumpy Edward returned from an errand—and perhaps meeting with the butcher’s son—and was surprised to see Bellamy in attendance, along with a guest. He greeted Bellamy warmly, gave Ashwood a cool, assessing gaze, and then proceeded to mostly sulk as he looked on from the corner of the room. Bellamy wondered if Edward had some plan for his future, and if it involved his beloved. He hoped so. It would undoubtedly make his outlook much brighter.
The other lads only asked a handful of questions about how Bellamy and Ashwood knew each other, and discussing Gladstone wasn’t as difficult as he’d imagined, especially since the others had similar harrowing stories.
“So be sure to stay clear of anyone named Gladstone,” Bellamy said.
“Kipling too,” Ashwood added, and Bellamy’s gaze snapped to his in confusion.
“He was my last handler and even meaner than Gladstone,” he explained, and Bellamy understood that he was not only warning them for the future, but was also trying to see if Kipling had been asking about them in town. When no one seemed to recognize the name, Bellamy was relieved and so was Oscar, the tense set of his jaw finally relaxing.
That was when Francis launched into a story about a shopkeeper who’d accused him of stealing, all because of his worn-through shoes.
Bellamy was positive that as time passed, more questions would come, but he had enough to think about as it was. Though he was glad to be back, he felt like there was unfinished business outside of Moon Flower, and he didn’t know what decision he would make when it came time for Ashwood to leave. Ashwood facing Kipling alone did not sit well with him.
