Page 1 of Castaway Heat
PROLOGUE
Seven years ago…
Ronin Drake stood out in the cold, open garage to cool off, wishing he’d never allowed his father to guilt him into coming to the family Christmas party. He’d avoided all holiday gatherings for nearly two years, with good reason—but there was no way he could explain to anyone what that reason was without potentially sounding like a terrible human being. Shame ate at him as it was. He scanned the long row of vehicles in the driveway and contemplated an escape.
The door swung open, and his father appeared in the doorway.“Thereyou are.” He closed the door, marched down the steps, and closed the gap between them. Narrowing his eyes, he frowned. “What’re you doing out here? You’re missing the party.”
“I just needed some fresh air.”
His father’s frown remained. “What’s going on?”
Ronin shrugged. “Nothing.”
“It hasn’t escaped my notice that you’ve avoided every family get-together for a while now. There’s always an excuse and never a good one. If someone’s said or done something, son, tell me. I can help smooth whatever it is out.”
“I said it was nothing,” Ronin snapped.
“Ronin…”
Ronin clenched his teeth. “You can’t always fix all my problems. Some things I have to handle myself.”
His father grew quiet.
Outside, Ronin heard footsteps and the jangle of keys. Two of his uncles and his cousin Sage appeared in the opening of the garage—and he stiffened. That meant cousin’s friend Shiloh was likely with… and seconds later Ronin was proved right when he appeared, trailing behind Sage.
Shiloh’s gaze flew straight to Ronin’s. The omega stopped in his tracks, a bright, silly smile stretching over his handsome face.
Ronin clenched his fists, fighting the need to take what was his.
“Are you guys heading home?” Ronin’s father asked his uncles, oblivious to his struggle.
He attempted to look atanythingbut Shiloh. The battle took every ounce of restraint he had. If they didn’t leave soon, he wouldn’t last.
“Yeah, we’ve got a busy day of last-minute shopping tomorrow,” Uncle Bastian said. He walked into the garage and hugged his brother, Ronin’s dad, while his husband followed to do the same. “Merry Christmas.”
He turned to Ronin for another hug. Ronin carefully side-hugged him to hide the growing evidence of his shame.
“Merry Christmas,” Bastian said, giving him a slightly odd look. He smiled and washed it away. “I hope you guys get everything you’ve asked Santa for.”
“Sure, you, too,” Ronin muttered.
His uncle frowned.
Ronin adored his Uncle Bastian, but he didn’t need anyone witnessing what might happen if they didn’t go. He already feared it was too late. Sweat beaded at his forehead and the nape of his neck.I should’ve stayed home.
After shaking Uncle Palmer’s hand, Ronin wished them all a safe trip home and silently begged them to leave… and take Shiloh away from him before he stepped across the line.
“Bye, Ronin,”Sage called out, his tone way too smug. His smile was, too. He sensed his cousin had seen too much and realized what might be happening.
Ronin narrowed his eyes at the little shit… and couldn’t stop his gaze from beelining to Shiloh again. Those beautiful, hazel eyes held his gaze, innocently welcoming him in. His little pink tongue peeked out, wetting his lips. “Merry Christmas, Ronin. I was so happy you came.”
“I wish I hadn’t,” Ronin snapped, harsher than he’d intended, but after the sound of Shiloh’s voice had sent shivers up his spine, his control was ready to snap.
The wounded look on Shiloh’s face cut deep. Sage glowered at him and dragged Shiloh toward where his parents were headed without another word.
“That was rude,” his father admonished once Shiloh was out of earshot.
Ronin barely heard his father. He fought the need to follow his little omega and stake his claim. He struggled for air, the garage somehow filled with Shiloh’s scent. His cock grew hard as he inhaled deep, and he almost sprinted out of the garage then and there.
