Page 54 of Blinded
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Bayne
I was just pulling the steaks out of the oven when Cohen knocked on the door. I tried to ignore the nervousness I was feeling from Brett, but the truth was, I was nervous too. This was something neither of us had seen before. I'd never known a wolf to turn down a chance to come out and play, especially with its mate.
As I opened the door, I prayed that Cohen would know what was causing this. "Hey, thanks for coming." I stepped aside. "Stephen, good to see you too."
"I hope you don't mind me coming with him." Stephen smiled as he stepped in after Cohen.
"Not at all. I made dinner if you'd like. We can talk as we eat." I led them into the kitchen without waiting for an answer. After all, I seldom knew a shifter to turn down a steak.
"Brett, good to see you again." Cohen touched Brett's shoulder.
"I wish it was a friendly visit." Brett sighed.
"Even if I'm here to work, it's still friendly. I'd like you to meet my mate, Stephen. Stephen, this is Brett, Bayne's new mate."
Stephen stepped closer and took Brett's hand as he held it out. "Nice to meet you. Sorry I missed you joining the pack. Once you feel better we can link." Stephen smiled.
"Thanks, it's nice to meet you as well. Sorry to drag you and Cohen out here so late after a long day." Brett frowned.
I sent him a wave of love through our link, hating that he felt guilty for having Cohen come out. I just wanted him better. If that meant bothering Cohen for a few hours, I'd happily do it.
"It's not a big deal. It was a nice drive, besides, it's the first time I've been out to see Bayne's place. It's beautiful out here." Cohen narrowed his eyes at me.
I laughed. "I haven't had any reason to have anyone out."
"Looks like good hunting land." Stephen stared out the kitchen window to the forest surrounding my house.
"It can be." I set a bowl of steamed vegetables on the table, then the plates with the steaks. "What does everyone want to drink?"
"Beer if you have it," Cohen said.
"Same for me." Stephen smiled.
"Water for me." Brett lifted his head toward me.
I grabbed what they wanted and a beer for myself and joined them at the small table.
"So, Brett, do you mind talking about your problem in front of Stephen or would you rather wait until we're done eating?" Cohen asked as he cut into his steak.
"I'm fine now." Brett set his fork down and sighed. "It's just that I can't shift. I've tried, but my wolf doesn't want to come forward. It's like he's lying there flipping me the bird."
"You feel him, right? You know he's there?" Cohen didn't look very concerned.
"Yeah, I can feel him. He's there. He knows what is going on. When we were at the cells earlier he wanted to come out, but now, he just refuses." Brett shook his head and blew out a frustrated breath. "I've never known anyone unable to shift."
"I've never seen it happen, but there are cases of it. Several things can cause it. Drug use is one, but I haven't seen any signs of you using anything, right?" Cohen asked.
Brett shook his head. "Never, not even in high school when others were. Hell, I haven't taken anything since the night you gave me painkillers after the attack."
"Drinking a lot?" Cohen glanced at me.
"We went out one night with Kurt, but we only had a few beers. Nothing that would have affected him in any way." I reached over and placed a hand on Brett's leg.
"Have you been sleeping?" Cohen took a drink of his beer.
"Actually, we were going to talk to you about that the next time we saw you." Brett leaned closer to me. "I'm tired. I don't do anything but I'm up a few hours and I feel as if I'd spent days hunting. I'm exhausted by the time we get home and I hit the bed."
