Page 40 of Shifting Fate
Arias
With a naughty smile, Dallon waggled his fingers in farewell, then turned around and pranced back across the lawn. I held my breath as he climbed the steps of the porch. He looked over his shoulder one last time before disappearing inside.
As the door clapped shut behind him, I exhaled slowly. His kisses lingered on my lips. When I licked them, I could taste mulled cider. I closed my eyes for a moment, relishing the flavor, my heart still galloping away.
A man could get lost in a kiss like that.
Feeling the weight of my mistakes lift off my shoulders, I walked back to where Tristram was waiting on me, just out of earshot. The minute he saw me, he grinned broadly. “By the dopey look on your face, I’d say it went well?”
I laughed. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face if I’d tried. “It went well. I do have some bad news, though.” His hopeful expression faltered for a moment. I clapped him on the back. “You’re going to have to couch-surf tonight. I’m kicking you out.”
His dark eyes flashed wide, and then he burst out laughing. “I see how it is. You get the chance to bone your mate and suddenly, I’m out of the picture. Next thing I know, you’ll be kicking me to the curb permanently.” He cuffed me on the back of the head, still snickering to himself. “No problem. In fact, I planned ahead and invited myself to dinner with Wren and Jaeger.”
“Good. At least I know you won’t go hungry. Eases some of the guilt.”
Tristram scowled at me. “It’s not my fault I burn everything I cook! Besides, it’s not like I’d go hungry. Idoknow how to hunt, I’ll have you know.”
“Yeah? And you and Ibothknow just how delicious raw meat is.”
“Maybe I’ll take lessons.” He crossed both arms over his chest, then spun around to face me, walking backwards. I raised a brow. He growled under his breath, no doubt remembering the last time I attempted to teach him how to cook. He’d nearly burnt the house down. “Fine, okay? You win. I’ll admit it. I can’t cook and I am forever in your debt. Please feed me.”
I threw back my head and laughed. “Not tonight. Tonight I’m feeding Dallon.” I wasn’t sure what I was going to make yet, but it’d be delicious either way. He liked spicy foods, so maybe something Thai? Man, that sounded good.
“Hey, do yourselves a favor and crack open that bottle of fancy wine.” He winked. “You’ll thank me later.”
After a quick trip to the store to get some of the ingredients we didn’t have on hand, Tristram and I cleaned the house. The place might’ve been a bachelor pad, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t keep it tidy. Although I had to admit, I’d been so preoccupied with my own issues lately that I hadn’t been doing my part. The cabin was a wreck.
Not anymore.
I wiped my brow and looked around the now-sparkling kitchen. I’d scrubbed every last nook and cranny, swept and mopped the floors and washed all the dirty dishes. I’d even waxed the kitchen table and chairs. I breathed in the lemony scent of cleaner and smiled. Much better.
I made up some chicken salad for lunch, which Tristram and I scarfed down like a couple of half-starved animals. “Looks like we worked up an appetite,” he joked before stuffing a couple potato chips in his mouth. “Mmm.”
“I’ll let you shower first,” I said.
“How thoughtful of you, seeing as you’re going to boot me out.”
“Don’t whine.” I finished the last bite of my sandwich. “It’s unbecoming.”
He snorted and stole a couple of chips off my plate. “Like you haven’t been the whiniest guy in the world these past few weeks?”
“I had a reason.”
“Yeah, and that reason is that you’re a complete idiot who almost wrecked his chances with his fated mate.”
At his pointed stare, I looked away. Damn it, he had my number. He was right, though. I’d fucked up and, no matter what anyone else thought, a couple of gifts wasn’t enough to win Dallon’s trust. I had a long road ahead of me, but I was determined not to screw this up a second time.
“You’re right,” I said. “I’m sorry I’ve been such a crappy roommate.”
Tristram shook his head, a smile toying at his lips. “I wish you would’ve listened to me a long time ago, but better late than never, I suppose?” He stood and picked up his plate, pausing when he walked past me. He laid his hand on my shoulder and squeezed. “I’m happy for you, Ari. I mean that. Now don’t screw this up. At least one of us deserves to be happy.”
“Tris…” I glanced up, but his back was already turned. My chest constricted. Had he given up hope, then? That we’d ever find my brother? The thought made tears prick at my eyes, because this couldn’t be the end. I stood as well. “Tristram?”
“Don’t worry about it,” he said, his voice gravelly all of a sudden. “I’m going to head out, I think. Good luck tonight and text me when it’s safe to come home.” He smirked, but the playful expression didn’t meet his eyes. Shaking his head, ever so slightly, he left me alone with my thoughts.
* * *
Dallon showedup on my doorstep at six o’clock on the dot, dressed to kill in a pair of skin-tight leather pants and a loose shirt that fell off one shoulder, wearing the necklace I’d given him.
