Page 40 of Nugget

“Dude!” Stryker knew this was a great idea. “Just take me.”

Noah and River exchanged a look over his head.

“And stop that,” Stryker ordered. “I just need a few hours to think. I can’t do that here. Not with all the happy couples. I need some time on my own. I promised Gavin I wouldn’t leave the property though.”

“Technically the portal is on the property,” River pointed out.

“I just need a few hours,” Stryker said. He didn’t want to disappoint Gavin. Not like he’d done to everyone else in his life. Maybe there was something to this mate thing, because just the thought of disappointing Gavin had his stomach aching.

“I understand,” Noah said.

River groaned. “I’m going to get in so much trouble for this.”

That was right. Stryker slumped. It wasn’t fair to ask this of River. They were just barely friends. River didn’t owe him anything. “Never mind.”

River laughed. “Oh! I’m so going to take you. I even have the perfect place for you to get your time alone. I’m just going to get into trouble.” He winked. “I like trouble. And it’s been a while since I’ve seen Rainier pissed off.”

Stryker turned to look at his crazy friend. “Really?”

River shrugged. “Sure. I like to keep Rainier on his toes. And Anton will lovingly kiss my bruised ass for me.”

Noah laughed. “Gavin is right. You two together is crazy. I love it!” He clapped his hands.

“So, you won’t tattle on us?” Stryker asked.

“I’ve totally got your backs. If anyone asks, I’ll tell them that you’re hanging out in River’s cabin and want to be alone,” Noah said.

“We are going to cause so much chaos!” River cackled.

That sounded like fun. River and Noah were both great to be around. The three of them…yes to all the chaos. And some of the others that Gavin had spent the afternoon telling him about. Stryker would totally make a good minion. Stryker just needed some time to get his thoughts in order.

“Just wait until you meet the pixies!” River announced. “They love to cause trouble. Well, except for Fabian. That little pixie is wrapped around Anton’s finger, so don’t trust him. The others though…they’ll help us.”

Stryker climbed to his feet before he helped River and Noah up. He knew that Gavin would be hunting for him soon. The other man had agreed to give Stryker time to think. The look in his eyes had also warned that it wouldn’t be a lot of time. Stryker needed to go now.

“We have to go,” River said.

“Yeah,” Noah agreed. “I can hear Logan saying that he’s heading for a nap under his tree. He’ll know we’re here. And as much as I love Logan, he’ll tell Dean what’s going on.”

“Come on!” River tugged on Stryker’s arm. “We need to use the portal before we get caught.”

Stryker followed behind River but paused to glance back at Noah. The familiar was rubbing his hands together while grinning. Looked like Stryker had another BFF. Maybe he really could be friends with these guys. If he accepted what Gavin was offering.

There were a lot of ifs floating around in his head.

And as much as Stryker didn’t want to admit, there was some hope floating around as well, making his palms sweaty and his stomach turn. Hope was a fickle bitch after all.

Chapter Eight

Gavin

It had been three hours. Gavin had paced his cabin, cleaned the entire space, and even made room for the few of Stryker’s possession that they’d brought over. Now he was at a loss for what to do.

Should he hunt the boy down?

Or give him more time?

How much more time did Stryker need?

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