“What did you find?”
“Mostly stuff we already knew. Everyone should be equal, communication is vital, every couple needs time alone but without making the other feeling rejected.” Nick sighed. “It’s not going to be easy.”
“I never thought it would. Do you want to stop? Be only with Gentry?”
Nick shook his head. “No. I want to try, but it’s not only us. My wolf is very confused by all this. What about yours?”
“He’s used to it. I—we spent weeks watching you with Gentry. It was enough to fall for both of you and decide you were a package deal.”
“So you’re... already in love? With us?”
Arlen got up suddenly and tried to walk back to the couch, but his legs buckled under him. He started to fall but Nick was there, his arm clamping around Arlen’s waist, holding him upright.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m going to go dress, okay?”
“Want help walking to the bedroom?”
“No, I’m fine. You stay here and tell Gentry to holler when he gets here.”
Arlen left the living room as fast as he could. He really wasn’t ready to admit the feelings that had been growing in him since Gentry and Nick had gotten together. At first it had been jealousy, then envy, because he wanted what they had. Since he couldn’t do anything about it anyway, those feelings had started to fade, especially when he started paying attention to both men instead of focusing on how he felt about them.
He’d seen they really cared for each other, and he’d started to care for them. Weirdly, he cared especially for Gentry. It was probably because Gentry had given him a lot more time and attention than Nick had, so Arlen knew him better. And yes, he’d started feeling things for him, things that weren’t jealousy or envy.
He didn’t want to admit it to Nick, though, not yet, because he didn’t know how his lover would react. Nick was obviously struggling with his wolf, while Arlen’s had been right there with Arlen’s human side as Arlen fell for Gentry. The wolf didn’t see a problem with it anymore, as long as both Nick and Gentry wanted him back.
Someone knocked on the door Arlen had closed when he’d come in. “Yeah?”
“Arlen? Everything okay?” Gentry’s voice asked.
“You can come in.” How much time had passed since Arlen had retreated to the bedroom? He’d been so deep in his thoughts he hadn’t even been aware of it.
Gentry opened the door, his expression telling Arlen just how worried he was. “Are you all right? Nick told me you nearly ran from him earlier. Do you need me to call Jared?”
“No, I’m fine. Just... overwhelmed.”
Gentry sat next to Arlen on the bed. Arlen could see he was hesitant, but he still took Arlen’s hand in his and squeezed. “It’s normal to be overwhelmed. You’ve lived as a wolf for months, you’d been kidnapped before that. You found your mate but he’s with another man and you’re trying to make a three-way relationship work when one of the partners in it isn’t a hundred percent convinced of it yet.”
Gentry bit on his lower lip. “I know I’m not making things easy for you by doubting all this. I know I have to give you and Nick a chance, because I don’t want to lose him. I’m still scared I will, though. I’ve never seen a three-way relationship where two of the partners were mates. I’m scared you’ll lose yourself in the mate bond and push me away even without realizing it. I know I can never have what you have with Nick. I know how special that bond is, and I also feel guilty because I’m what’s stopping you from fully forming it.”
Gentry never looked at Arlen as he talked, and his words along with his slightly defeated stance made Arlen realize that while he might have to keep his feelings from Nick for a little while, Gentry needed to hear it. He needed to know Nick and Arlen weren’t going to dump him as soon as their relationship deepened.
So Arlen turned slightly, just enough to be able to cup Gentry’s cheek and bring their mouths together. The kiss was sweet and quick, but it was enough to surprise Gentry. “What—”
“I love you.”
Gentry’s mouth went slack with surprise and his eyes were so wide it would’ve been funny in any other situation. “You what?”
“I love you. I spent a lot more time with you than with Nick, and I fell in love with you. It doesn’t matter that Nick is my mate while you’re not. I like him, very, very much, and I know I’ll fall in love with him too, given the time, but I love you. It doesn’t matter that you can’t say it back yet. I just wanted you to know.”
* * * *
Gentry wasn’t surprised—no, he was flabbergasted. The last thing he’d expected to hear from Arlen was that he was in love with Gentry. In love with Gentry, but not with Nick. “You can’t be serious.”
Arlen scowled. “Like death. Look, I already told you I don’t expect you to feel the same way, but I’m not playing around, okay?”
Gentry raised his hands. “I never said you were playing around. I’m just surprised.” Gentry was surprised, but his wolf was particularly smug about it. Gentry hadn’t really paid attention to it in the past day, but he’d already had so many other things to think about he really couldn’t have taken on anything else.
The wolf wasn’t angry, or dismayed, or anything negative, though. It was smug about the fact that two men were in love with Gentry, and happy that Gentry wasn’t going to choose one of them but keep them both.
“Well, you shouldn’t be. You’re a very loveable man, Gentry.”
Gentry blushed and looked at his feet. “Thanks. Did you tell Nick?”
“Not yet. I don’t want him to feel left out or something.”
“I don’t.”
They both turned to look at Nick, who was standing in the doorway. “I’m going to have to put a bell around your neck,” Arlen groused. “I’ve been human for only a day and a half and you’ve already crept up on me like, four times or something.”
Gentry rose from the bed and got closer to Nick. “You heard everything?”
“Most of it, yeah, and while I do feel annoyed, I know you love me, even if Arlen doesn’t.”
“Yet,” Arlen added. “Don’t forget the yet.”
He joined Gentry in front of Nick and kissed Nick’s cheek. “I’ll get there, big guy. Don’t worry.”
They all stayed silent for a few moments, but Gentry already knew Arlen couldn’t stand it for long. He didn’t know if Arlen had always been like this or if it was a consequence from his time in his wolf form, but it didn’t matter.
“So. Now that we’ve talked about feelings and stuff, I need to go shopping.”
“Isn’t your friend bringing your stuff?” Nick asked, and Gentry arched a brow in question.
“My friend Malcolm,” Arlen informed him. “I called him earlier and he’s coming here in a few days with some of my stuff. I still need to get dressed during the next few days, though, and I really want to go outside, be around people.”
“Do I really have to come with you?” Nick asked. “I’d rather stay away from crowds, to be honest.”
“Ah, my big, silent and strong man,” Arlen replied as he patted Nick’s arm. “I should’ve known you didn’t like crowds. You can stay home, sure. Maybe you could cook us a nice little dinner for when we come back, huh?”
Nick arched a brow. “Are you implying I’m your househusband?”
“Nope,” Arlen said, popping the p. “I’d have cooked if I was home, and I’m sure Gentry would’ve done the same. Well, if we wanted to get poisoned anyway.”
“Hey! I never poisoned anyone!” Gentry exclaimed without heat.
“Not for lack of trying. The only thing you can make is the meatloaf you did the other day. The rest is just a stomachache waiting to happen.”
Arlen reached up and ruffled Gentry’s carefully styled hair. “But I’ll give you some lessons if you want.”
“Already tried that,” Nick pointed out. “It didn’t work.”
“Well, we’ll have to decide on a cooking rotation. Or maybe Gentry could, I don’t know, clean the bathroom instead?”
“How about we talk about it later tonight? You two go and have fun. I’ll check in with the office and organize dinner.”
Gentry crossed his arms on his chest. “How about you two stop talking about me as I’m not even here?”
Arlen kissed his cheek and gave him a big smile. “Sorry. Hey, can I give you guys pet names?”
“No.”
“No!”
Nick and Gentry looked at each other and laughed. Nick put his hand on the back of Gentry’s head and pulled him closer, then pressed their lips together.
“Yeah, yeah, gang up on me. I should’ve known, really.”
“You just want a kiss too,” Gentry teased. It was surprisingly easy for him to lean in and kiss Arlen. Nick was chuckling next to them and waited until Gentry moved away to kiss Arlen too, then slapped both their asses.
Gentry yelped and Arlen made a scene of rubbing his ass, but Nick just shook his head and left the bedroom. “I’ll be in my office. Get back by seven PM, okay?”
“Yes, dad,” Arlen replied.
Nick shook his head. “Don’t call me that. It makes everything icky.”
Arlen looked at Gentry and laughed. “Icky? Did he really just say icky?”
“He did. Are you ready to go?”
Arlen opened his arms and turned himself around. He was wearing a pair of Gentry’s jeans and one of his T-shirts. The T-shirt was a bit small and molded to his chest, exposing every muscle in an almost indecent way. Gentry knew he’d have to beat men—and women—back with a stick once they got to the mall.
“What do you think?”
“It’ll do for now.”
“Aww, please, stop with the compliments. I can’t take that many.”
“Shoes?”
“I tried some of yours on while you were gone, but they were too small, and Nicks are too big. I’m left with flip flops.”
“Grab them and put them on, then we’ll go. You can take one of my jackets to go with them.”
Arlen had way too much energy as he bounced around the room, then to the front door.
“Good luck,” Nick said from his office. Gentry waved as he passed in front of the open door and followed Arlen outside. Arlen was on the porch, his eyes gleaming as he watched the forest that surrounded the house. He was weird to see, dressed in jeans, a jacket, and flip flops, and Gentry made a mental note to stop for shoes first thing.
He didn’t want to hurry Arlen, not when he looked so happy just to stand there, but they had to go, so he put a hand on Arlen’s back and gently pushed. The smile he got back was almost blinding and it made him want to grab Arlen and drag him into the bedroom rather than into the car like he’d planned.
Gentry shook his head and pushed his lover toward the car instead. He was already tired just from watching Arlen bouncing ahead.
It was only four hours and several hundred dollars later that they made their way out of the mall, both laden with bags. Arlen had new shoes on his feet and a new jacket already on. Gentry had been a little worried about Arlen’s legs getting tired, but he seemed to be all right. They’d stopped and rested often, and they were going home anyway.
“I’ll give you the money back, I swear.”
Gentry waved Arlen’s worry away. “Don’t worry about it. I don’t need it.”
“What do you mean you don’t need it? Everyone needs money.”
“Yes, but I have plenty of it, so it’s not like the few hundred dollars we spent will make me poor.”
“That makes me wonder just how rich you are.”
Gentry pressed his lips together. “I’m not exactly rich, just wealthy. I inherited everything when my mate died, and I have a good job.”
Arlen chewed on his lower lip. “Umm, I wonder if I can find a teaching job somewhere around here.”
“Probably. We can talk to Kameron, check if he knows of something. Give yourself a bit of time to get used to human life again before you do, though. The first thing to do is wait for your friend to get here and settle with us in the house. Once that’s done, you can start thinking about a job.”
Gentry noticed that Arlen was giving him a curious glance. “What?”
“You know, I thought you were going to resist more.”
“Resist what?”
“Our throuple.”
“That’s a nice way to say it.”
“You didn’t answer.”
“I wasn’t aware you asked a question.”
Arlen poked Gentry in the ribs from above his jacket. “Come on.”
Gentry shrugged. “I guess I decided it was worth giving it a try. We won’t know if it can work if we don’t. And if it does, I think it can be incredible. Two people to love, to share your life with... I’d be truly blessed if it really happens.”
Arlen stopped and tugged on Gentry’s hand until they faced each other. He cupped one of Gentry’s cheeks and kissed him softly, uncaring of the throngs of people moving around them. Gentry felt himself blush, but he didn’t resist. Why would he?
“It’s already happening, Gen.”
* * * *
Nick had decided on steaks, potatoes and a salad. It wouldn’t take him long to cook and it was easy, so he could go over the files his partner had sent him.
He was just done with them and grilling the steaks when the front door opened and he heard Arlen’s voice.
“Gosh, I’m exhausted.”
“You were the one to insist we visit that many stores.”
“That’s what shopping is, Gen. How do you shop?”
“Mostly online, except for my suits and shirts. I find those in the one shop. No need to run around.”
“You’re no fun, though.”
Nick could imagine the pout on Arlen’s face. That and how happy his two lovers sounded made him smile as he tossed the salad.
“Nick?”
“Kitchen.”
Gentry walked in, quickly followed by Arlen. “Is it ready, or do we have time to start a first load of washing with the new clothes Arlen bought?”
“Go start the load, Gen. Arlen can set the table in the meantime.” Nick pointed at the sink with the spoon in his hand. “Wash your hands. Glasses in the cupboard on my right, plates over the sink, silverware in the second drawer.”
“You’re a slave driver.”
“Wait until it’s Gentry who’s directing you.”
Arlen dried his hands and grabbed the plates. “Oh, I remember. He was terrible when he had you move your furniture around.”
“I hear you,” Gentry said from somewhere in the house, his voice low.
Arlen chuckled and shook his head before taking the silverware out. Gentry came in the kitchen a few minutes later and helped Arlen finish setting the table.
They’d barely started eating when Arlen asked, “So, are we going to have sex tonight?”
Nick put his fork down slowly, but Gentry spluttered in his water glass and coughed. “What the fuck, Arlen?”
“What? It’s a legitimate question.”
Gentry dried his mouth with his napkin. “It might be, but did you really have to ask while we’re eating?”
Arlen gestured with his fork as he asked, “When should’ve I had asked?”
“I thought we decided to wait until after dinner?”
“Yeah, okay. Sorry.”
Arlen kept giving both Nick and Gentry glances as they finished their meal. Nick had to bite his cheek to avoid laughing when Gentry took a second helping of salad and Arlen gave him a betrayed expression. Still, it wasn’t long before they were done, dishes washed and dried, kitchen cleared, and Arlen almost bouncing.
Gentry made a point of taking his time, going to the office and returning with a notepad and a pen. Arlen stared at Gentry incredulously but refrained from saying anything. Gentry took his usu
al place on the couch and Arlen sat next to him. Nick chose the coffee table again because he wanted to be close to them and to be able to see them in the face as they talked about their future.
“So. Rules,” Gentry said as he tapped the pen on the notebook. “Ideas?”
“It’ll be just the three of us,” Nick suggested. “No fourth person.”
“Well, that’s obvious,” Arlen exclaimed, not looking at all happy that Nick had wanted to point it out.
Nick shrugged. “Maybe, but I’d rather have you look at me like you want to kill me now than find you in bed with another man.”
“Yeah, okay, just the three of us, like any other exclusive couple. Or throuple.”
Gentry smiled and wrote it down, even though Nick really didn’t think it was necessary. “Look, I think the usual couple stuff goes for this too. No cheating, talking before big decisions, and if there’s any kind of problems. We have to try to talk everything out, because fighting isn’t pretty in two, and I don’t even want to think about how it is in three.”
“All right, big decisions,” Arlen said. “I want to move in here with the two of you.”
“You already live here, Arlen.”
“And that’s fine with both of you right?” There was something Nick hadn’t yet seen in Arlen’s eyes as he talked—he was insecure, as if he really thought Nick or Gentry would say no.
“It’s fine with me,” Nick answered.
“We’ll free space for your stuff in the bedroom, and anywhere else you might need it,” Gentry added.
“Okay. Chores?”
“I’m kind of picky on that,” Gentry admitted. “I like for the house to be clean or at least neat, and I know Nick is a bit of a slob. Are you like him?”
“Uh, yeah. But I’ll make an effort!”
“I give you a month before you stop.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes, but it’s okay. I’ll just yell at you when you start leaving socks everywhere. Just know that I won’t pick up clothes and I wash only what’s in the hamper, so if you run out of clean underwear, you only have yourself to blame.”
Arlen Page 7
