Page 41 of Hansen

“The hunters caused the crash,” Hansen said.

It wasn’t a question.They all knew that was how hunters operated.

“They did.I followed them and attempted to infiltrate their ranks, but it was impossible.I still wanted to find Leah and Garrett, though, so I did the next best thing and focused on the labs.I’ve been working in as many labs as I could find since I started this.”

And he still hadn’t found his siblings.Evan’s heart bled for this man.He wished he could do more, but at the same time, there was nothing anyone could do.Leah and Garrett were lost in the labs.The only way for Franklin to find them was to be incredibly lucky, and so far, he hadn’t been.

* * * *

HANSEN WAS RELIEVEDwhen Evan’s roots let go of Franklin.He didn’t know the guy, but from the little he’d seen of him, he didn’t deserve to get skewered by a root, especially by accident.Hansen doubted that Evan had a good grasp of his ability yet—he hadn’t even known he had it when Hansen had left for the raid a few hours ago.

Hansen knew how nervous and anxious Evan had been about having an ability that could potentially hurt people, so he was glad that it wasn’t anything as dramatic as Teddy’s ability to explode things—and people.Evan would have to work on his control and his emotions, but Hansen knew he could do it.He wasn’t worried.

Much.

“Thank you, Evan,” Rikar said.

Hansen blinked at him.He’d been so focused on making sure that Evan didn’t do something he shouldn’t that he hadn’t seen the leader coming closer.Rikar had taken control of the scene when Hansen and the others had arrived, and the wounded were already being taken to the healers, so Hansen wouldn’t have to worry about them.He only had to worry about Evan and finding some clothes to cover himself.He really needed to remember not to shift on raids.

Evan grimaced.“Yeah, sorry about this and what happened earlier.”

“You have nothing to apologize for.”

“I wrapped you up in roots.”

“You were emotional and had never used your ability before.I don’t hold it against you, and I don’t think you should hold it against yourself, either.Now, why don’t you take Hansen home?As much as I appreciate the sight of a nice pair of legs, he should probably get dressed.I don’t know how many people Moore is bringing back, but we might need his help.”

“When do you need us back?”

There was something in Evan’s expression that told Hansen that he was planning something.Hansen wasn’t sure what it was, but he was slightly worried.Evan was settling into his new life, and it showed.He was more open with people and didn’t hesitate to do or say things as much as he had before, and Hansen felt humbled that he was allowed to see it and to be part of Evan’s life.Still, the way Evan kept glancing at him was slightly worrying, especially when Evan took Hansen’s hand and dragged him away.

Hansen heard Matthew laugh, so he flipped him the bird without looking back.Matthew laughed harder, but Hansen was focused on Evan, who clearly had something on his mind.He didn’t let anything or anyone stop him as they made their way to Hansen’s house, and he didn’t hesitate to push open the door when they reached it.

Evan had been staying with Hansen more often than not these days.It was good for their relationship and for the one between Davey and Orion, and Hansen hoped it would soon become a permanent move.

“Okay,” Evan said as he stopped in the middle of the small entrance and turned to face Hansen.“I thought we’d have more time, but Rikar made it sound like Moore will expect you to be there when he comes back, so we’ll have to be quick.”

He whipped off his t-shirt, and Hansen stared.

It was far from the first time he saw Evan without his shirt on—or without anything on.As always, his cock reacted to the sight, even though he still had no idea what Evan was talking about.He stood there, half-naked, and Hansen’s brain had short-circuited.

“Hansen?”

Hansen cleared his throat to give himself a moment.“I’m not sure what you’re asking for.”

“We need to bond.”

That wasn’t what Hansen had expected, although, to be fair, he hadn’t actually known what he should expect.“What?”he croaked.

“I’m not going through this again.I—I didn’t know what was happening to you.I realize that even if I had, I wouldn’t have been able to do anything about it, but at least I would’ve known, and you would’ve been able to feel me, too.I need that, Hansen.I’m not letting you out of my sight again until we’re bonded.I can’t.”

Hansen understood where Evan was coming from.He also didn’t think they were rushing.They were pretty much living together, and fulfilling the bond between them would only solidify their relationship.He wanted it as much as Evan did, and he didn’t even care that Evan wanted to bond so he could be sure that Hansen would be okay.

He never seemed to be able to say no to his mate, and this request wasn’t any different.“Okay.”

Evan stared at him for a moment.“Yeah?”

“Yeah.You want to bond, and I’m okay with that.”

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