Page 15 of Silent Fire

Noel hesitated, chewing his lip. But after a beat, he set his cup on the ground, rounded the bike and climbed on behind Tomas. His mate’s arms slid around his waist, holding on as the engine roared back to life.

Pulling out of the lot, Tomas couldn’t stop the fierce rush of satisfaction at having his elegido on the back of his bike. His wolf rumbled its approval, a sense of rightness settling over them both.

He was playing the long game, letting the truth gradually unveil itself until Noel saw him, truly saw him, as more than just a protector.

As his chosen one, his heart, his everything.

For now, Tomas would bide his time, keep Noel safe, no matter what monster from his past came slinking into the light.

Brian didn’t know the forces he was dealing with. But he would soon find out.

Chapter Five

Tomas rode his motorcycle into the parking lot of Lizard’s Diner. As he turned off the engine, the smells of bacon grease, maple syrup, and fresh coffee wafted over to greet them. Noel made a quiet sound of approval behind him. Tomas smiled, glad his mate was happy with his choice.

Noel hopped off smoothly, with Tomas doing the same, taking a moment to stretch.

“Come here.” Tomas crooked his finger. His mate stepped closer, giving a shy smile that made Tomas want to kiss him.

Instead, he ran his fingers through Noel’s hair, which felt like golden silk against his skin. “You’ve got bedhead, babe,” he teased with a grin.

“I wasn’t planning on being out in public this morning,” Noel grumbled, trying to smooth the strands down with a few swipes.

Tomas chuckled, gently pushing his elegido’s hands aside, he started untangling the knots himself, careful not to tug. Usually, he wasn’t into messing with anyone’s hair, but he liked fussing over Noel’s blond locks.

His mate’s eyes briefly closed, a soft sigh escaping. Even the smallest move from Noel could wreck him.

“Are you done, mom?” Noel swatted at his hair like a fly had landed on it. “It’s decent. Most guys pay big bucks to look like they just rolled out of bed. I actually did.”

“You just screwed with my careful fingering.” Tomas narrowed his eyes, fighting not to smile. “See if I slowly run my fingers through your soft hair again. Next time I’ll make sure to pull it.”

Noel stood there, mouth dropped open slightly, eyebrows pinched. “I don’t know if that was a threat or a dirty promise.”

Tomas brushed his lips over the soft skin of his mate’s ear. “It’s whatever you want it to be, mi dulce adicción.”

His mate sucked in a breath, and when Tomas glanced at him, Noel sank his teeth into his bottom lip, blue eyes weaponized sin.

“Let’s go eat.” Tomas gave a low growl while guiding Noel to the door, which jingled when he opened it.

When his mate passed under his arm, he glanced up at Tomas, those blue eyes inescapable. “Why do I have a feeling you’re going to ruin me?” he murmured.

Tomas grinned, feeling the same way. “Mi dulce adicción.”

Blushing fiercely, Noel hurried inside, and Tomas laughed softly before joining him.

Noel stopped just inside the door and turned to look at Tomas, wide-eyed. “What the hell is this place?”

Tomas glanced around, really looking at the diner for the first time. He’d never bothered before. Never gave a damn. But now, seeing it through Noel’s eyes, he understood the hesitation.

He leaned in slightly, voice low. “The pancakes will be worth this reptilian fever dream.”

“I’m holding you to that,” Noel muttered, still eyeing the nearest ceramic lizard like it might scuttle off the wall.

Tomas grinned and nudged him forward, guiding him along. His boots echoed off the tile, a sharp contrast to the hum of conversation and the clink of cutlery.

Dot looked up from behind the counter, an order pad in one hand and a steaming carafe in the other. She didn’t stop what she was doing, but her expression warmed.

“Well, look what the cat dragged in.”

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