“We’ll manage.”
Angelo passed by Blake as he left and clapped his shoulder. “We’ll wait for you at the new house. Just come by when you can.”
Blake nodded at him. “Sure.”
Blake sat in Angelo’s now free chair and waited for the alpha to talk. Kameron waited until he door closed behind Sue and Angelo. “So. You left because you’re gay?”
“Among other things, yes.”
“Can I ask why you didn’t tell Thomas? I remember you two were always together. I’d have thought you were lovers if he hadn’t been married.”
“He’s, well, he’s part of those other reasons I had. I knew he’d try to stop me if I told him, and I couldn’t afford it.”
“You’re not going to tell us, huh?”
Blake shook his head. “Not until I see Thomas and talk to him. Sorry.”
Zach chuckled. “Oh, I wish I could be there for that chat.”
Blake frowned at him. “Why?”
“You’ll see. Just be prepared for a shock.”
* * * *
Eli slumped at the kitchen table and ignored Jarrett’s snickers while his dad still went on and on how Zane was too old for Eli.
“He’s a recruit. He has different interests than you.”
“So?”
Thomas scowled at Eli. “So you should find someone more like you. Maybe someone like Zach.”
“Dad, Zach is very much mated, and to our alpha to boot.”
“I know that. I was just pointing out that his type would be nicer for you.”
Eli shook his head. He knew he wouldn’t be able to get through to him, because his dad was as stubborn as they came when he got an idea. He looked at Craig and made his best puppy eyes. Craig pressed his lips together and looked away, but not before Eli noticed the corner of his mouth twitching. The bastard was trying not to laugh.
“How about Shane?” his dad proposed.
Eli scrunched his nose. “He’s straight, and he has a girlfriend.”
Thomas frowned. “Mmm... how about David? I know he’s new here, but I’m sure you can find something in common with him.”
“Dad...”
“Or there’s Merle. He just turned twenty. Or maybe even Zane’s brother.”
“Dad, please. I’m not going to ask Zane’s brother out. I wouldn’t even if he wasn’t straight.”
His dad huffed and crossed his arms on his chest. “Maybe I could take you to Whitedell. I’m pretty sure they still have a few unmated males there.”
“Now you’re making it sound like I’m a prized stallion or something. Just... let it go. Please?”
“He’s right. You can’t force him to like someone rather than someone else. Look how that went for you,” Craig pointed out. Eli could have kissed him if he hadn’t been his father’s mate.
“I just think twenty-three is too old. Eli’s only eighteen. He should be thinking about college, not about going out with older guys.”
Eli groaned and thumped his forehead on the table. “I am thinking about college, Dad. I’m just not sure it’s what I want to do yet.”
Eli knew he’d made a mistake when his father’s eyes narrowed at him. “You’re going to college, young man, and that’s all I have to say about it.”
“Dad...”
“No. I know I should let you do whatever you want and that you’re eighteen anyway, so you could just send me to hell, but college is important, Eli. I never had the opportunity to go, and while I don’t mind being a plumber and patrol for the pack, it’s not what I wanted to do when I was your age. I don’t care what you want to pick, just... choose something and go to college. Please.”
Eli knew his father meant well, and he wasn’t really against going. “I’ll check the courses they have in Casper College.”
“You can go wherever you want, Eli. Don’t restrain yourself by staying close to home.”
“They have a lot of courses in Casper, Dad. I’m sure I can find something.”
Thomas frowned. “Isn’t there anything you really want to do?”
Eli wasn’t sure how the discussion had gone from him dating Zane to him going to college, and he wasn’t sure how to answer his father. He’d thought about it before, of course, but he’d thought it was useless until Kameron had become alpha. When that had happened, Eli had gone from having no possibilities to having too many, and he was still confused. “Not really.”
“I’m pretty sure you need to apply soon, El.”
“I’ll look into it, okay?”
Thomas looked like he wanted to push more, but Craig pressed a hand on his arm and he relaxed. He smiled at Craig, and damn if Eli didn’t want that. Well, not Craig, because that would be gross, but the relationship Craig and his dad had. He knew he was too young to find his mate, and he didn’t actually expect he’d be so lucky, but maybe he could find someone to love anyway. Someone like Zane.
Eli was almost sure his father wouldn’t actually do anything to stop him from dating Zane. He might pout a bit, but he’d been the one to point out that Eli was eighteen and could make his own decisions. Besides, no matter how big a crush he had on Zane, it didn’t mean they’d actually get together. Maybe they’d find out they didn’t really click as a couple.
The doorbell rang and they all looked at each other. “Eli, go open the door,” his dad said.
“It’s your house!”
“It’s yours too. Go.”
Eli rolled his eyes and obeyed. He knew he had to choose his battles wisely with his father, and this wasn’t it. They had enough stubbornness in the family, and saying no would only result in a fight.
He opened the door and smiled at Jago. Eli liked the Elephant shrew shifter, even though his father didn’t. Jago narrowed his eyes and peered inside. “Is your father here?”
“Yeah. You want me to call him?”
Jago’s eyes went round. “God, no. I was looking for Craig, but if Thomas is here too, I’ll come back later.”
“Don’t be an idiot,” Craig said from behind Eli.
“I’m not. You know your mate hates me.”
Eli stepped to the side and let Craig deal with the situation. “He doesn’t hate you, Jago. He just...”
“Doesn’t like me at all,” Jago proposed.
Craig rolled his eyes. “Yeah, okay. But you and I are friends, so he can suck it up. Come in.”
Jago didn’t look all that happy, but he complied. Craig led them back to the kitchen. Jago paused at the door, his glance fixed on Eli’s dad.
Thomas noticed him and gave him a smile that looked more like a grimace, but he still gestured to one of the two free chairs. “Sit down. Do you want something to drink?”
Jago gaped and Craig poked at his arm. “Something to drink, Jago?”
“Umm, whatever you have in the fridge is fine. Or coffee.”
“I’ll make a pot,” his dad declared. He got up and got busy, and Eli wanted to laugh at the stunned expression on Jago’s face.
“He’s not going to eat you.”
Jago looked at him. “You’re sure?” he whispered loudly enough that everyone in the room, including his dad, heard him. Jago blushed when Craig laughed. Then Craig’s expression became mischievous. “Hey, Jago. You’re twenty-one, right?”
“Not yet, actually. I’m an April baby.”
Eli’s eyes widened when he realized what Craig was going to say.
“What do you think of Eli?”
Jago frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Well, Thomas was saying that Zane is a bit too old for Eli since he’s twenty-three, but you’re only twenty.”
His dad swirled around, the empty coffee pot he’d been about to put to brew in his hand. “Craig.”
Craig winked at Eli and Eli pressed his lips together to avoid laughing. “What? He’s twenty, he’s cute, and you know him. He’s a nice guy. What’s wrong with him?”
Thomas opened his
mouth only to snap it shut, then looked at Eli. “So, when did you say your date with Zane was?”
Eli grinned. “I thought you didn’t want me to go.”
“Oh, Zane’s a nice guy. I don’t see why you shouldn’t go.”
“But you said—”
“What about college? Is there a course you prefer right now?”
Eli laughed. “Aww, Dad, come on. You’re mated with Craig. I don’t think Jago will try to steal him from you.”
Jago snorted. “I didn’t want to steal him even when you weren’t mated yet. Not that you actually listened to me when I told you.”
Thomas raised his hands. “I know, I know. You two are only friends.”
“Exactly.”
Craig rose from his chair and slipped a hand around Thomas’ waist. He kissed him on the cheek, and Eli was torn between being grossed out and thinking how nice it was that his dad was finally happy. “It’s only been you ever since I got here.”
Thomas nodded. “I know.”
“Yeah? Then try to remember it, and stop scaring Jago.”
* * * *
Blake still remembered where Thomas lived, of course. He’s spent more time there than in his own house for more than ten years, ever since Thomas had married Laura. Blake had missed it, its warmth and the sense of family he always felt when he was there. He’d had nothing but lonely apartments for the past six years, and he longed for more again.
He climbed the steps and knocked on the door, hoping Elias wouldn’t be the one to open it. Blake couldn’t face that, not yet, not until he’d talked to Thomas.
The door swung open and Blake smiled at a stunned Laura. “Hey. Long time no see, huh?”
“Blake?”
“Yup.”
Laura launched herself into Blake’s arms. Blake hadn’t expected it and nearly fell on his ass, but he managed to keep them both upright. He patted her back and sneaked a peek inside the house, but he couldn’t hear or see anything.
“We thought you were dead!” Laura moved away and scowled. “What happened? Where were you? Why didn’t you call us?”
“I had my reasons, Laura.”
“I hope for your sake they’re damn good, because I’ll kill you otherwise.”
“They are. Where’s Thomas? He needs to hear this too.”
Laura laughed. Blake frowned, because he had no idea why she was laughing. He hadn’t said anything funny, yet she was laughing her ass off. “Laura?”
She hiccupped. “Oh God, I so wish I could be there to see it.”
“See what? You’re the second person to say something like that today. What’s wrong?”
Laura shook her head. “Thomas and I are divorced, Blake. He lives with his mate now.”
Blake gaped. “Thomas found his mate?” Of course, Blake had always known Laura and Thomas had married because they had to, not because they were in love, but he hadn’t expected to find them divorced. It looked like a lot had happened in six years.
“In June, yes. He lives in Renaldo’s old house now.”
“I’m... sorry?”
Laura laughed again and shook her head. “It’s fine.”
“You know how it is. I’m happy for Thomas for finding his mate but sorry for the divorce.”
“I’m over it.”
Blake narrowed his eyes at her.
“Really. It wasn’t easy in the beginning, especially given the circumstances, but I’ve come to accept it. I’m fine, and Thomas is happy with his mate.”
“So... is Elias here?” Blake ignored the way his heart stuttered at the thought of seeing him again.
“No. I think he went to the pack building area with Jarrett.”
“Jarrett?”
“Jarrett Bishop. He’s been Eli’s best friend for years now.”
A flare of jealousy passed through Blake. “Best friend?”
“Yes. So, are you going to see Thomas?”
Blake wanted to ask more about Elias, but he couldn’t, not without making Laura curious. “Yes. Renaldo’s house, huh?”
“Yes. That way he has space for the kids when they decide to sleep there. Eli basically moved with him, but Carissa’s still here.”
It was so easy to forget Elias was Thomas’ son sometimes, but Laura’s words had brought that bit of information to the front of Blake’s brain. The Elias he remembered was twelve, a preteen who’d played with his Uncle Blake until Blake had run away when he’d realized...
What would Elias think of Blake now? Would he even want to talk to Blake? Did he have a girlfriend, or a boyfriend? If he did, Blake would do his best to keep enough distance between them that Elias didn’t find out they were mates. Blake wanted Elias to have a normal life. That was the main reason he’d left six years before, after all.
“Blake?”
Blake shook himself out of his thoughts. “Right. I’ll be going, then. Maybe you should come too. I have something to tell you and Thomas.”
“I think I’ll pass.”
“But...”
“Really. Whatever it is, it can wait until after you see Thomas. Believe me.”
Blake wanted to insist, but he was actually glad he wouldn’t have to face two angry parents at once. Unless he counted Thomas’ mate, of course, but he didn’t know if she was close to the kids.
Blake left the house and climbed in his car again. He could’ve walked, but he wanted to be able to retreat as fast as he could, just in case Thomas turned out to be more angry at him than happy to see him again.
He parked in front of what had been Renato’s house and looked at it. It was different from what he remembered, but not too much. The house was still the same, but it had been painted recently, and it looked neater.
He got out of the car, took a deep breath, and went to knock on the door. He could hear voices, and the fact that Elias might be there after all hit him too late. The door was already opening, and Blake stood there, frozen, as he saw his mate for the first time in six years.
Elias wasn’t a child anymore. He was a gorgeous man. His hair had darkened to a dark blond and was pulled up in a messy bun. His eyes were still the same sparkling brown, and he was almost as tall as Blake now. His body was lithe but looked strong enough for Blake to slam him against the nearest wall and—
“Blake!”
Elias threw himself in Blake’s arms, and this time, Blake went down. He’d been too distracted to even realize what having Elias so close to him would mean, and before he could protest or try to keep some distance between them, he was sitting on the floor with Elias in his lap. Elias had buried his face against Blake’s neck and Blake waited, rigid. He knew it would take only a few seconds for Elias to realize.
A man coming from the inside of the house distracted him. “Eli? Who is it?”
Elias hissed against Blake’s neck and scrambled away, his eyes huge. “It’s—I can’t—I—”
“Eli?” the man asked. “Is there something wrong?”
Elias swallowed loud enough that Blake heard him and got up. Blake followed his lead and reached for him. Elias was trembling, and Blake’s wolf pushed to sooth their mate, but Elias took a step backward. The small gesture hurt more than Blake would’ve thought, and he let his hand fall.
“Guys? Who is it? You can’t leave me in here alone with Jago!”
Blake’s eyes widened when he recognized Thomas’ voice.
“I don’t know,” the man Blake didn’t know called out. “But Eli doesn’t look good.”
The guy wrapped an arm around Elias’ shoulders and Blake couldn’t help the growl that rose from his chest. The guy’s eyes widened and he looked from Blake to Elias, then back again. “Are you—”
“What’s wrong?” Thomas asked as he came closer.
Blake bit his lower lip and turned to face his best friend. Thomas’ eyes widened and he didn’t even stop when he reached Blake. He pulled Blake in his arms, and Blake allowed himself just this one time
to hug his friend back. He didn’t know how Thomas would take the news, but he did know it probably wouldn’t be well.
“What the fuck, Blake? I thought you were dead!”
“You know him?” the guy who was still holding Elias asked.
Thomas moved away and beamed. “Yeah. He’s my best friend. He disappeared, what? Six years ago? And I thought Erskine had killed him or something.”
Thomas looked back at Blake. “What the fuck happened, Blake? Did Erskine do something to you? Why didn’t you ask for help, or called?”
Blake shook his head. “No, he didn’t do anything. I left.”
Thomas frowned. “You left? But... why?”
The guy behind Thomas opened his mouth, and Blake was pretty sure he’d realized Elias was Blake’s mate. He gave the guy a pleading glance, hoping he could be the one to tell his ex-best friend about it, but Elias beat both of them to it.
“He’s my mate, Dad.”
Chapter Two
Elias still couldn’t believe it. How could his Uncle Blake be his mate? When had that happened?
He hadn’t really meant to blurt it out, but his dad had been asking so many questions, and Eli was pretty sure he knew the answer to why Blake had left.
“He’s what?” his dad asked, and Eli could swear he could see the smoke coming out of his ears.
Craig squeezed Eli’s shoulders one last time and went to his dad. “Calm down, okay? I don’t know who Blake is, but—”
“Calm down?” Eli cringed at the sound of his dad’s voice. “How can I calm down when I just found out my best friend, the man who played with my son ever since he was born, is said son’s mate?”
Eli had a thousand questions to ask Blake, but he didn’t think his dad would let him. He’d just been saying how Zane was too old for him, and he was only twenty-three. Blake had to be at least his dad’s age, and that was a lot older than twenty-three. There was no way his dad would let him even just talk to Blake.
“It’s not like it’s his fault, Thomas. You of all people should know that.”
Thomas deflated and Eli let out a relieved sigh. He was damn lucky Craig was there to help, because he didn’t think he’d have been able to do it on his own.
Elias Page 2
