Page 38 of Nugget

“No,” Stryker shouted. “Don’t say it again!”

Okay, that was not the reaction that he expected. “What?”

“No!” Stryker pointed a finger at him. “Not another word.”

Gavin opened his mouth then immedicably closed it. Stryker looked scared. Not mad. Just terrified. “Str—”

“No!” He gripped his hair with his fists.

“I need you to calm down,” Gavin said softly.

“Don’t you fucking dare tell me to calm down!”

“I wasn’t,” Gavin tried.

“Just stop talking!” Stryker yelled.

Well shit. Now what?

Stryker started to pace. “Mates? This can’t be happening. This wasn’t part of the plan. The game. Now everything is all messed up. I’ll ruin everything. I always do.”

The more Stryker muttered and paced, the more Gavin grew concerned.

“I need to think about this,” Stryker whispered. “I need to think!”

“I…”

Stryker whirled. “I need to think.”

“Okay.” Gavin needed to give his mate time. He could understand that. Had Stryker not really thought this was possible? Their connection had been there from the beginning. Stryker had to know that something was drawing them together. That had been Gavin’s first clue.

Stryker headed toward the door.

“Where are you going?”

“To think!” Stryker replied. “I need a moment!”

“Wait!” Gavin called.

Stryker stopped before reaching the door. He didn’t turn but at least he was listening.

“There is more we need to discuss,” Gavin said. “Please don’t take off.”

Stryker shook his head.

“Please. It’s not safe. There’s more you need to know. At least let me finish telling you about the paranormal.”

Stryker’s shoulders stiffened. “I can take care of myself.”

Fuck! Gavin stepped closer, watching Stryker’s body in case the boy did run. He stopped before reaching Stryker. Didn’t touch him. “Please. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I thought the threat was gone,” Stryker questioned softly.

“It is as far as we know,” Gavin admitted.

“Okay.” Stryker reached for the doorknob. “I just need to think. I won’t leave the property.”

“I’ll be here when you’re ready to talk,” Gavin told him.

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