Page 11 of Bound to Two Bears

“It’s a fucked-up law,” Jared muttered.

“I agree. One I might be able to change when I’m the den’s alpha. Until then, we have to hide it,” Royce said.

“Maybe that’s why we’re on edge. We’ve been too exhausted with all the extra business to indulge in our playroom.”

“Well, now we can’t,” Royce murmured.

“Which is ironic since I’m suddenly feeling anything but tired,” Jared said, glancing in the direction of their cabin.

“The sun should be setting within the hour. I think that run might be necessary now. Run hard and tire ourselves out. Otherwise, we’re going to end up trying to get him into bed.”

“Sounds a helluva lot better than running through the woods with you,” Jared quipped.

“Fuck you,” Royce replied, smiling.

“If only.”

Royce snickered. “We’ve got to take care with this one. He made sure we knew he’s straight.”

Jared rolled his eyes. “You saw his hard on as well as I did.”

“If sees himself as straight, then we have to tread carefully. If he’s never been with a man, we’ve got our work cut out for us. Slow and steady wins the race.”

“He’s only registered for three days, Royce. There’s no slow to it.” Royce’s staid and steady might ruin their chances.

“Rushing isn’t going to help,” Royce said as he turned and let off the brake.

When they made it back to the office, Jared noticed Daniel heading in for the night shift. He nodded to the man and slipped off the back of the ATV.

“Hiya, guys,” Daniel said. “Reporting for duty.”

“Hey, Daniel,” Royce said, climbing out from behind the wheel. “Everyone’s checked in, so just keep an ear out for the phone. Red’s running room service for the restaurant tonight, and things have been quiet today,” Royce said, rising from his chair.

Jared’s head whipped toward Royce.

Quiet? Today was anything but quiet.

“Sounds good,” Daniel said before heading into the lobby. “Need me to do anything extra tonight?”

“I have a laundry list of things that need to be done, but nothing that can be done from the front desk,” Royce said. “Just don’t fall asleep tonight, okay?”

Daniel grinned. “No promises, but like I told you, I’m a light sleeper. I’ve always grabbed the phone quick.”

“And sounded half-asleep when you said hello,” Royce responded.

Daniel’s smile widened as he slipped behind the counter. “But I took care of their needs, so what’s the difference?”

Royce shook his head. “Daniel, just do as I ask.”

“I’ll try my best, boss. You know, if you got me an X-box back here it would help.”

“He already let you put a television behind the desk. What more do you want?” Jared asked.

Royce leaned over the counter, his eyes glowing. “I gave you an order. I expect you to follow it.”

The growl in his voice was enough to make Daniel stand up straighter. “Yeah, boss. I’ll stay awake.”

Jared forced himself not to roll his eyes at Royce’s command.

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