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He knew when Aaron woke, he’d want to talk about the sparring with Rafe, but Marshall didn’t want to make a thing out of it. He and Rafe had needed to test each other, and now they had, they were less likely to clash. Oh, he didn’t doubt that there would be times when they didn’t see eye-to-eye, but they’d satisfied each other’s curiosity that the other could protect Aaron if needed.
Not that Aaron needed protection. He was more than capable of holding his own. Rafe had told him that before he got sick, Aaron had worked out with both Rafe and Blake, which had appeased Marshall a little. He needed to get Aaron onto the mats himself and test him out. Although, they may need to set up a private area for the two of them, as he was sure any sparring they did would soon descend into sex.
As he watched Aaron sleep, he took stock of his feelings for the wolf shifter. He knew he was attracted to the man. It was rare they could be alone in a room together without some form of desire igniting between them. The sex was off the charts good, and a niggle plagued the back of Marshall’s brain that it was only because of the soul bond. The way their desires looped back on each other, heightening their senses with every touch, took good sex to off-the-charts sex.
As he lay there, he examined his feelings. Putting the intense desire to one side, he thought about how Aaron was as a person, as the Alpha of the West Mill Pack. He was kind and caring, happy to stop what he was doing to listen to any pack members who had concerns. He happily played with the younger cubs and pups in the Pack, both in human and wolf form, easily switching between the two now that the bond was complete, and they were healthy again. He respected his parents and the Pack Elders, not afraid to ask for advice or their thoughts on a matter.
In return, he commanded respect from the Pack. Even Saint had commented how much he liked and respected him. And Marshall did too. He liked and cared for him—a hell of a lot. He knew he wanted to protect Aaron as much as Aaron wanted to protect him. He knew he wanted to make him happy, see him smile, make him laugh. He wanted to create memories that were special to just the two of them. There was a dull ache in his chest, and he absently rubbed it. He wasn’t sure if what he was feeling was love? Were his feelings true or were they because of circumstance?
If they’d met two years ago in that club, would they have dated? Would they have become a couple? He didn’t know. He’d like to think they would have, but the damned soul bond muddied the waters.
Needing to stop the swirling thoughts in his head, he eased from the bed. After a quick trip to the bathroom to freshen up, he slipped on his running gear and crept from the room.
Chapter 22
Aaronstudiedhismate,who was currently sprawled on the large couch in their apartment. His hair was damp, and a stray droplet ran down the nape of his neck, tempting Aaron to follow it with his tongue. He couldn’t help the feeling of want that went through him. It was wrapped in a layer of warmth, affection and an inner peace he didn’t realize he’d been looking for.
Marshall glanced over his shoulder and grinned at him. “I felt that.”
“Felt what?” Aaron asked as he skirted the edge of the couch before dropping next to Marshall.
“That little push of desire.” Marshall gave him a wry look. “Can’t a guy have a couple of hours to recover?”
Aaron snorted. “Says the man with shifter healing abilities who sparred with a panther shifter yesterday before getting drilled into the mattress by his wolf mate andthenwent for a run afterward. Don’t talk to me about needing recovery time.”
Marshall gave him a bright smile, but it somehow didn’t ring true. Something was up with him, and Aaron couldn’t put a finger on what it was. He had an air of distraction about him, but not enough that he wasn’t present.
“Is everything okay?” he asked.
“Yeah, why?” Marshall frowned back at him.
“I dunno, you just seem a bit… quiet.”
“I’ve never been a chatty guy.”
“No, I don’t mean that.”
“Then what?” Marshall tucked himself into the corner of the couch, facing Aaron. Still within reach, but suddenly, seeming even more distant.
“I don’t know. You tell me. I don’t know you well enough yet to know if you have something on your mind or if I’ve done something to piss you off.”
“No, you’ve not done anything,” Marshall reassured him and then gave a snort. “Believe me, if I’m pissed off about something, you’ll know about it. I’m not one to hold back.”
“I didn’t think you were, which is why I feel something else is wrong.”
Marshall regarded him for a moment before huffing out a sigh. “No. Nothing is wrong, I promise. Just got a few things on my mind that I’m working through.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Aaron asked, reaching out to twine their fingers together. Some of the tension in his chest eased as Marshall squeezed his hand.
“Not at the moment. I’m just trying to adapt to this new life I have. I’ll be okay. I just need a little time.”
Aaron could feel the truth in his words, but their bond felt a little muted, as though Marshall was holding himself back.
“You promise to tell me if there is anything I can do to help?”
“I promise,” Marshall nodded. He paused as though to gather his thoughts. “I thought I’d head back to the City with Saint tomorrow.”
“Oh, okay.” Aaron was surprised at the suggestion. “Any reason why?”
