by Maggie Walsh
“I don’t know what I did wrong, but I’m sorry and promise to never do it again.”
“Tobias.”
“Okay, I know I messed up when I was filling the extinguishers, but I can explain, Chief. I guess I accidently sprayed the handle with the oil and when I was pressing down and turned on the pressurized air, it slipped and flew. I had no idea Terry was behind me, and Logan said he should be able to father children one day, just not today or maybe for the next week,” Tobias quickly said.
Wyndingo sighed, saying, “Tobias.”
Tobias felt his ferret rising to the top. He was jittery and nervous, rushing on to say, “And as for the portable water tank, Brax asked me to check for holes. I figured that my ferret might do a better job at finding any holes. How was I to know that Neil was going to screw around and jump in. It caused the water to rise and I couldn’t touch the bottom anymore. I kind of freaked and went for the only dry surface I could find. Logan said Neil should be able to walk right in a few hours.”
“Tobias.”
“And as for—”
“Tobias! Stop talking!” Wyndingo snapped.
Tobias quickly closed his mouth looking around for a place he might be able to shift and hide, in case Wyndingo was pissed enough to want to eat him. Instead, Wyndingo said, “I asked you here so I can go over your midterm evaluation."
“Oh,” Tobias softly said, looking down at his clasped hands, knowing this wasn’t going to be good. Gods, would he be kicked out? Tobias was so worried. He knew he was a screw up, but all he had ever wanted to be was a fireman. He had no plan “B” for his life.
“Tobias, you set a record on the stair climb at a record ninety steps per minute. The hose drag you barely passed, but you did pass, just like the equipment carry. You still need to work on your forcible entry, but I’m sure in time you will do fine.”
Tobias gradually lifted his eyes as Wyndingo continued to tell him all the tests he did well in. He was starting to feel slightly more relaxed, until Wyndingo said, “However, I would be reticent if I didn’t tell you I am still concerned.”
Dropping his head once more, Tobias felt tears filling his eyes as Wyndingo continued to speak. “I have to consider the safety of everyone, especially my men. Tobias, you have to be one of the most enthusiastic cadets I have ever had in training. Enthusiasm is wonderful, it tells me that being a firefighter is important to you. However, it also has caused injuries to your team. You did the stair climb in record time, but you knocked Neil down the stairs. You did the equipment carry, but you broke Day’s nose with your O2 tank.”
Tobias wiped his eyes as tears fell.
“I’m not sure what to do with you, Tobias. You want this, I know you do, but I need to have a team that can work together and not worry that they are going to be put in a situation that could get them killed because you don’t focus on the task at hand. Now, I have not made any decisions yet, as we still have the search and rescue test to conduct. After that is done, I will let you know my decision,” Wyndingo finished.
Tobias nodded, but didn’t say anything. Wyndingo leaned forward, saying, “The men love you, Tobias. Everyone here wants you to succeed. If they had their way, I would say pass this last test and you’re in, but it is my job to ensure the safety and well-being of all my men. Your actions could get someone hurt really badly or even killed. I have to look out for everyone. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Tobias wiped his eyes once more, sniffling, as he nodded.
“Since today is evaluations, you have the rest of the day off. I’ll see you here first thing in the morning for the search and rescue testing,” Wyndingo said gently.
Tobias didn’t look up as he slid from his chair and made his way out the door.
Day was at the desk, with a cloth still held to his nose, as Tobias passed. Day called out to him, but Tobias couldn’t look or talk to the Crystal Assistant Fire Chief. He knew he would see the bruises on the man’s face, since Day would not have had time to heal. All because he was uncoordinated and an embarrassment to the uniform. So, Tobias pretended as if he didn’t hear Day as he rushed from the room and outside.
Tobias walked and thought about what the Battalion Chief had just said to him. Tobias was a danger to his own fellow brothers in the fire house. He could get someone killed. Tobias didn’t want to hurt anyone. He wanted to be a fireman to help people, not kill or harm them. He knew what he had to do, but dang it hurt.
Not hearing the sound of a door opening, Tobias wasn’t prepared when a man barreled into him, knocking him on his ass.
“Shit, I’m so sorry. Are you alright?” the man asked in concern.
Nodding, Tobias got up, barely whispering, “It was my fault.”
Tobias started walking again, then stopped when he noticed he was in front of the new sports bar Jagger had built onto the club. Tobias wasn’t a drinker, but as he looked at the flashing open sign, he said, “If ever there was a time for a drink, today would be it.”
Walking inside, the smells assaulted his nose immediately. Ferret's ability to smell was off the charts. It was great when scouring for food, or needing to know when a predator was around, but at times like this, Tobias really regretted that ability. Hot oil, fries, stale liquor, chicken wings, and—good grief, he didn’t even want to know what the heck that other smell was filling his sinuses.
The place was packed, and Tobias quickly regretted his decision to go inside. He was just about to turn and leave when he heard his name being called.
Tobias saw Logan and Jensen sitting at a table with a very handsome man. Dang, Tobias couldn’t turn away from him, nor could he stop himself from getting a better look.
The closer he got, the faster Tobias’s heart beat. The man had long, black, flowing hair that wrapped around chiseled features, accentuating his silver eyes—eyes that seemed to hold a sadness and if Tobias wasn’t mistaken…loneliness.
“—if you like?”
Tobias realized Logan had said something to him, but for the life of him, Tobias had no clue what. “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you.”
Logan smiled. “I said, you can join us if you like.”
Tobias’s eyes widened in surprise. He had never been invited to join anyone—ever. Tobias had not been in Maddox long and didn’t have any friends. Heck, he never had friends. His accident-prone behavior often ran anyone away who might want to be one. The second the words “accident-prone” entered his mind, Tobias remembered why he was here.
Shaking his head, and feeling the tears start to return once more, Tobias whispered, “No, thank you. I’m not good company right now. You guys enjoy yourselves.”
Tobias reluctantly turned around to leave when he heard movement and then Jensen was in front of him, holding his shoulders, gently saying, “Sometimes when I’m having a bad day, it helps to have friends to talk to.”
Not looking up, Tobias rasped, “I don’t have any friends.”
Jensen wrapped his arm around Tobias’s shoulders then turned him back around, saying, “Of course you do. Logan and I are your friends, and after I introduce you to Clove, you will have another. Now sit down and we’ll get you a drink, and then you can tell us why you are so sad.”
Jensen pulled the chair out for Tobias and he soon found himself sitting next to Clove. Jensen went back to Logan, asking, “What would you like to drink?”
Shrugging, Tobias replied, “I have no idea. I’ve never drank before.”
Logan wiggled his brows. “Well then, it’s time to live a little. Would you like a blowjob, sex on the beach—oh I know, a come fuck me!”
Tobias’s eyes got larger and larger with each word Logan said and he looked at Jensen nervously. Jensen smacked his mate gently on the shoulder, saying, “Stop messing with Tobias.” Leaning in, Jensen said, “Those are actually the name of some drinks, not an offer. He said the same thing to Clove just five minutes ago. We were just about to order ourselves fishbowls, you're welcome to try it, or something else if you like?”
&n
bsp; “A fishbowl?” Tobias asked in confusion.
Jensen’s eyes lit up as he explained, “Oh, it’s really yummy. It has the most wonderful fruit taste to it and they even put candy fish in to make it look exactly like a fishbowl.”
Shrugging and not knowing what else he would order anyway, Tobias replied, “I like fruit.”
Logan stood up, then leaned down and kissed his mate, saying, “I’ll go give Caza our order.”
Jensen stood also, saying, “I’ll go with you. That’s a lot to carry.”
Tobias went to hand money to Logan, but he shook his head. “We got this. No man should ever have to buy his first drink.”
The two men walked away leaving Tobias alone with Clove. The man had not said a word since Tobias arrived and he wondered if this Clove was offended that he was there. “If you’d like me to leave, I can―”
Clove looked at Tobias in surprise. “No. No. I apologize for my manners. I am Clove of Shadowfox," he said holding out his hand.
Tobias felt a shiver run though his body at the deep baritone of Clove’s voice. Thankfully, he had enough of his wits still with him to notice the man holding his hand out, so Tobias grasped it, and shivered once more as electrical tingles ran from their touch straight to his cock. “Tobias Walker.”
Clove’s silver eyes widened in surprise and Tobias wondered if he felt the same zing as he had just moments ago. Then he realized Clove must be more surprised that Tobias hadn’t let the poor man’s hand go.
Slipping his hand out of Clove's, Tobias muttered, “Sorry.”
Jensen and Logan came back to the table and placed Tobias and Clove’s drinks in front of them. Jensen sat, saying, “So Clove, I’m surprised Destrain let you out and about without him and your guards.”
Tobias raised a brow in question and Logan quickly said, “Destrain is Clove’s mate. As such, he shouldn’t be without his guards.”
A sadness filled Tobias. Being so drawn to the man had Tobias thinking that they might actually be able to get to know each other better. Discovering that not only was Clove mated, but he was mated to the king of the pixies as well as the owner of Maddox, had Tobias taking a large sip of his drink and not looking at the man he was so attracted to.
“I can go where I like and when I like. I am not a child,” Clove replied firmly.
“True,” Logan said. “However, with everything that’s been going on around here, it isn’t exactly safe for the mate of the pixie king to be wondering around alone.”
Jensen sighed. “Logan, leave the man alone. It can’t be easy to be brought back from the dead, and I know for a fact it is overwhelming to be plopped into a world totally unlike anything you’ve ever known and expect to figure it all out. For me, it was a nightmare. Everyone was running along and doing their thing, while I had no idea what to do with a roll of toilet paper.”
Tobias remembered how shocked he was to learn Jensen was the son of two gods, Kali and Asclepius. He never gave off a vibe that said he was all-powerful, but when Maddox was attacked by another god, daddy to Fallon, the now dead fairy king, Jensen used his power to siphon a God’s powers to destroy the threat against the people. Sometimes Tobias wondered what the world would think if they knew how truly crazy Maddox and Crystal really were. He took another sip of his drink. This really is good. I love the taste of pineapple, and the lemon and orange are so refreshing.
“You really do understand, don’t you Jensen?” Clove softly asked.
Jensen nodded. “Clove, most of your people were in the same situation. I remember Illan and Justice helping the pixies learn about cell phones, computers, the internet, and even how to use a television. They would meet at the club and I would sneak in and sit in the back with some of the others. Thankfully no one noticed, but it wasn’t surprising considering how many people were in the room. They had different groups five days a week and I would attend them all.”
“Yes, so Destrain keeps telling me,” Clove said with a sigh.
“Ha! Ha! Ha! You should have seen Destrain when he was trying to learn to drive. I had to treat Illan for a concussion when Destrain ran the car into a tree. From what they were saying, it sounded like he mistook the gas for the brake and freaked out. When the car took off so fast, Destrain took his hands off the steering wheel, covered his eyes and was screaming like a girl,” Logan laughed as he took a sip of his drink and scrunched his nose. “Pretty boy, I know you like these things, but I really could use just a beer.”
Jensen smiled at Logan with so much love, Tobias felt a twinge to his heart. Looking at Clove he could see just as much envy in the man’s eyes as well. Odd, considering he had a mate.
“Go get your beer and thank you for at least trying it,” Jensen replied sweetly.
Standing, Logan said, “I’ll have Cava toss this.”
Tobias stood up. “No! I’ll take it. It’s really good and I’ve finished mine.”
Logan’s eyes went huge. “You finished yours already? I don’t know, Tobias, it might be best if—”
“Like Clove said, I’m a grown man. If I want another, I can have another. Besides, when someone decides to give up his dreams, having a few drinks is supposed to be what a man does,” Tobias replied, then covered his mouth at what he had just divulged...
Logan handed Tobias his drink, asking, “What do you mean giving up your dreams?”
Tobias plopped down in his chair and started fiddling with his straw, sadly saying, “I’m quitting the fire training.”
“No! You can’t do that. You’ve worked so hard, Tobias!” Jensen gasped.
Logan pursed his lips and drew his brows together. “Hold that thought.”
It didn’t take long for Logan to return with a beer in hand. “So, what’s going on? I thought you passed all the tests so far. Hell, tomorrow is the last of them. It’s the search and rescue. Pass that and you're in.”
Tobias felt tears coming to the surface once more as he rasped, “I had my mid-term evaluation. Yes, I’ve passed all the other tests, but my clumsiness could get someone really hurt or killed. Chief Sterling said that even if I pass all my tests I may not be accepted into the department.” Wiping his eyes, Tobias said, “He was real nice about it, but he’s right. I may pass the tests, but I am a danger to the brothers of the house.”
“Bullshit,” Logan stated firmly. “He wasn’t around when Nick was training all of us to be firemen. We looked like the Bad News Bears in turnout clothes. Hell, Gage set the damn firehouse on fire. A great fireman has five requirements: discipline, commitment, initiative, aggressiveness, and courage. You have all of those. Yes, some need a bit of work, but that’s what experience brings. Tobias, I’ve seen you in action. You will make a fantastic firefighter.”
Shaking his head, Tobias softly said, “I’m a klutz, Logan. You just had to reset Day’s nose because of what I did. What if I did that in a fire? I could have knocked him out and he could have died. I could never live with myself if I did something like that. I love being a fireman, but sometimes love isn’t enough, and you just have to step away and allow someone else to take over who can offer what you can’t.”
“That’s exactly what I was thinking myself,” Clove softly said.
“What are you talking about, Clove?” Jensen asked.
“Destrain and I. I’m thinking of leaving him,” Clove stated, then took a sip of his drink.
CHAPTER 3
Destrain had freaked out when Clove left without his bodyguard. He knew better. Damn it! If Destrain didn’t know any better, he would have sworn Clove was trying to get himself killed. Thank the Gods, Jagger had called to say Logan and Jensen were sitting with Clove at the sports bar.
Making his way in, Destrain turned to Casimir, “Stay out here. I’ll be fine. I just want to talk to my mate.”
Cas snorted. “Yeah, cause that went so well for you earlier.”
“Oh, shut it, or I am going to zap you into a chinchilla,” Destrain hissed walking into the bar.
The place was p
acked as Destrain looked around. Finally, he spotted Clove, and as Jagger had said, his mate was with Logan and Jensen. However, there was a strikingly handsome young man with them as well. Destrain had no idea who the young one was. His hair was short, brown and white, and from what Destrain could see, he was infatuated with Clove. The looks he was giving Destrain’s mate were something he should be offended by, but instead, surprisingly, he felt more confused.
Seeing that Clove was safe and well had Destrain feeling a little unsure what to do. Every part of him wanted to go to Clove and demand they go back to the mansion. However, he also knew that would only anger Clove even more than he already was. So, when a couple got up to leave, Destrain immediately sat down.
Destrain watched as Clove sat and listened with interest to whatever the cute one was saying. Getting an idea, Destrain whispered the word, “Asculta.”
Seconds later, Destrain was doing something he never thought he would ever do—eavesdropping on his mate.
“Bullshit,” Logan stated firmly. “He wasn’t around when Nick was training all of us to be firemen. We looked like the Bad News Bears in turnout clothes. Hell, Gage set the damn firehouse on fire. A great fireman has five requirements: discipline, commitment, initiative, aggressiveness, and courage. You have all of those. Yes, some need a bit of work, but that’s what experience brings. Tobias, I’ve seen you in action. You will make a fantastic firefighter.”
Shaking his head, Tobias softly said, “I’m a klutz, Logan. You just had to reset Day’s nose, because of what I did. What if I did that in a fire? I could have knocked him out and he could have died. I could never live with myself if I did something like that. I love being a fireman, but sometimes love isn’t enough, and you just have to step away and allow someone else to take over who can offer what you can’t.”
“That’s exactly what I was thinking, myself,” Clove softly said.
“What are you talking about, Clove?” Jensen asked.
“Destrain and I. I’m thinking of leaving him,” Clove stated, then took a sip of his drink.
