Page 14 of Mysteries, Menace, and Mates

Horvan didn’t envy Brick.

Does that mean Rael and I aren’t a handful?

Horvan chuckled.You’ve seen the size of my hands, right?

You know it’s going to be awful crowded at home?Dellan added his own chuckle.I know it appears to be a mansion, but the house only has five bedrooms. Of course, there are Mrs. Landon’s rooms in the basement. I could ask if she wouldn’t mind going to stay with her daughter, at least until Saul, Crank, and Vic’s place is built. Unless you want Hashtag and Roadkill to move out and stay at the barracks with Eve?

Horvan snorted.Yeah, no. They’re much better with us. What about Jamie? Has he said that he wants to stay with us?

There was a pause.He hasn’t said a whole lot. If that’s what he wants, then fine. But I get the feeling he might have other plans.

And are you okay with that?

Another pause.I guess. Whatever he decides, I don’t think he’ll stray too far from us. Not now my dad’s back, and Seth too. And speaking of my dad… he’ll need a room too. For the time being, at any rate.

He saw through Dellan’s words.I don’t know Jake’s plans any more than you do, but Iwillmake one suggestion. Give him some space. He’s been through a lot.Except thirty-one years waswaymore than a lot. Who knew what he’d been through?

And will those plans include Doc?

Horvan smiled.You’d have to ask him.It was kinda cute watching Jake and Doc circle each other. Since that first kiss—which had been a shock, but then again it wasn’t: There was a rightness to it Horvan couldn’t deny—they’d talked every minute they got.

You think they’ll do more than talk?

Gods, I hope so.Horvan grinned.I knowIstill want to be fucking when I get to their age. And enjoying it as much as I do now.He caught Dellan’s shudder.Yeah, I know, you don’t wanna think about your dad getting it on, but consider this. What’s the only sex he’s likely to have had during all his time as a prisoner? Hmm? Forced breeding, probably. So if he and Doc wanna bump uglies, more power to ’em. I say we give ’em some privacy and leave them alone for a while.

Dellan laughed.Okay, but they get the basement. Besides, it has a king, so they’ll have plenty of room to… whatever. Now, suppose you tell me what’s worrying you. I know my dad figures in there somewhere.

Horvan sighed.I can’t hide diddly squat from you, can I? Have you talked with Jake recently?

We talk all the time.

No, I meanreallytalk. He seems… tired.

The silence that followed spoke to the heart of Horvan’s concern.

Dellan’s heavy sigh said so much.He hasn’t talked about the camp or learning about Mom’s death or how he’s feeling. And that worries me. You said he’s been through a lot. I don’t think that even scratches the surface, and I don’t know what to do about it.

All you can do is be there for him. Like I said, give him some space. Let him readjust.

“Horvan, can we speak?” Aelryn’s quiet voice broke into his internal conversation.

We can talk later, Dellan told him.When we’re home. And by the way? I can’t wait to be sandwiched between you two either. Think we can talk Rael into taking both our dicks at the same time again?

Horvan let out a mental growl.Can you not say stuff like that?He turned to face Aelryn. “Sure.”

Aelryn’s lips twitched. “I seem to have interrupted something. Is this not a good time?” His nostrils flared.

Fuck. Well, tough shit if he could smell Horvan’s arousal.Get a good whiff, because no way am I ashamed of my love for my mates.He ignored Dellan’s chuckle.So you think this is funny? Wait until I get my hand on you.

Don’t you mean hands?

Horvan snorted.Oh no, sweetheart.And just for good measure, he sent Dellan a mental picture of him naked over Horvan’s lap, his ass tilted, the shape of Horvan’s hand-print clearly visible against the creamy skin.

Holy fuck, you fight dirty.

Horvan chuckled.You know it.Then he realized Aelryn was waiting. “No, it’s fine, we can talk.” He took another glance, noting Aelryn’s wrinkled brow, his gaze that flitted, never settling on anything for long. “What’s on your mind?”

“What’s happening here?” Aelryn blurted.

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