Page 6 of Tender Wild

Suero cut the engine and kicked down the stand. Kia didn’t move, still holding on tight like he would fall off a parked bike.

“We’re stopped, gatito,” Suero said in a calm, soothing voice. “You can let go now.”

“I’m trying. Stop rushing me,” Kia mumbled against Suero’s back. “I’m pretty sure I felt death brush against my ankle back there.”

Suero chuckled, reaching back to pat Kia’s thigh. “You're fine, cariño. We were going twenty under the limit.”

“That’s still eighty in death units.”

Jared snorted. “He was going so slow you could’ve beat him walking.”

Hearing Jared’s voice, his cousin’s head shot up, eyes wide. “You didn’t tell me you were coming. Is everything okay?” His eyes narrowed. “Did Xavier send you to check on me?”

“Everything’s fine.” Jared glanced down at his phone, still annoyingly blank “And no, Xavier didn’t send me.” Because he has no idea I’m even here.

Finally, Kia let go of Suero and climbed off the bike, his cheeks flushed, green eyes shining. His mate hugged Kia from behind and kissed his neck. The scene was so cozy and intimate, and Jared was so freaking jealous of their happiness.

Only because he craved the same closeness with a guy of his own.

“You were amazing, elegido,” Suero whispered to Kia. “I knew you could do it.”

Jared headed toward the entrance. With his cousin there, he had a reason to be at Sin’s without looking thirsty as hell for a certain wolf. “You guys coming or are you gonna keep making out in the parking lot?” he called over his shoulder, not waiting for an answer.

The inside was a welcome escape from the heat. Jared exhaled a sigh of relief and bee-lined straight for the bar. Behind the counter, Cesar was serving a drink to a guy perched a few stools over from where Jared claimed a spot.

“Back for my famous wings and fries, or are you branching out this time?” Cesar teased with a smirk. Jared hadn’t eaten that many the last time he was there.

His anxiety had tied his appetite into a pretzel. “Ridiculous question, but do you serve wine coolers? Need something cold and fruity to keep me from melting into a puddle.” Also, to calm his nerves. He was dying to ask Cesar if Miguel was around, but kept his mouth shut. Miguel hadn’t texted him back, and Jared didn’t want to come off as desperate.

“Sorry.” Cesar shook his head. “We don’t even have wine.”

“Try a Cosmo,” a blond said as he came from the hallway leading to the rest of the tavern. “They’re delicious.” He slid onto the stool next to Jared. “Hi, I’m Percy.”

“Jared.” He smiled, wondering why this guy was being so friendly. He was cute, but not Jared’s type.

“Cesar, this bitch needs a Cosmo, and make one for my friend.” He slapped the counter. “¡Mi cabello gordo necesita fuego!” My fat hair needs fire!

With a roll of his eyes, Cesar walked off, probably to make their drinks since Jared had no clue what Percy just said.

Percy turned to him with a wink. “I just asked him to bring us some food. I’m starving, how about you?”

Jared frowned. “Have we met?” He was pretty sure he’d remember someone as lively as Percy.

“Nope.” He smiled. “But I know you’re Kia’s cousin. Since Kia’s a part of this pack now and you’re here, I figured we could get to know each other.”

“You mean, like really get to know each other?” Was Jared supposed to read between the lines? He’d tried that with Miguel, but look where that had gotten him. Alone inside Sin.

Percy looked at him like he’d just asked about the existence of unicorns. “You’re as adorable as a rainbow, but I’m already taken. See that guy by the dartboard?” He nodded toward the far wall. “That’s my mate, Santiago.”

“Which one?” There was more than one guy standing there.

“El sol lloverá sobre las gallinas!” Percy shouted. The sun will rain on chickens!

The biggest guy turned around, grinning at Percy with love shining so brightly in his eyes, Jared was momentarily blinded. “It sure will, cariño.”

Chuckles erupted, but one glare from Santiago caused their smiles to fall.

“Which wolf do you have your eye on?” Percy asked. “They’re all good-looking, but none of them hold a candle to Santiago.”

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