Page 72 of Trust No Alpha
Scard glanced about. “I see there are lots of trails of footsteps about the property in the snow. Do you live with a mate?”
“No. I’m single. My mate died years ago. The footprints are all mine. I have gardens I tend to myself every day. Including a winter garden. It’s my passion. I’m outside a lot.”
“I see.” Scard turned so he faced the road which was invisible just over the rise. “I guess you can’t really see much of the road from here. So you wouldn’t notice if anyone went by.”
“No, probably not.”
“Think again, Mister Mauresset. You’re sure during your morning walks or your work about your yard that you never saw anything that might help us?”
Thorne shook his head. “Nothing but an occasional deer. And there’s an old coyote who lives in the woods behind my house. That’s it.”
“Well, please take my card if you do see or hear anything about Kris. Anything at all, even the tiniest detail might help us locate him.”
Scard handed Thorne a business card.
Thorne took it, pretending to stare at it but knowing he’d tear it up and throw it away as soon as he got back indoors. He said, “I hope you find him. For the kid’s sake. It’s a cold winter this year.”
“And for his father’s sake as well.”
“Yes,” Thorne echoed. “For the father’s sake.” He tilted his lips up in another fake smile.
“It was a pleasure to meet you.” Scard lifted his hand.
Thorne said, “Yes. And you.” He met the outstretched palm with his own, a quick, polite handshake with the very hand that had been wrapped around Kris’s erect cock that morning not two hours ago.
Could this Alpha smell it? Thorne had showered, but still…
His breath caught a little in his throat as Scard turned away, heading back to his sleek car.
Thorne re-entered the house, sniffing the air to see if Kris’s scent might be apparent to strangers. Thorne was used to it now, and didn’t pay attention. Now he wondered, and not a little bit of fear curdled his veins to think Scard might have scented honey and summer and fresh cut grass.
He locked the screen behind him, then double locked the front door. Immediately, he headed to the guest room where Kris never slept anymore but still kept his things.
When he opened the door, Kris jumped up from the side of the bed where he’d been sitting and ran into Thorne’s embrace.
“Who was it? What did he say? They’re looking for me, right?”
“Shh. One question at a time. I’ll tell you everything.” Thorne ran a hand down the side of his beloved’s face and led him to the bed where they sat side by side.
“Yes, they’re looking for you.”
“Who? Who was it?” Kris demanded.
“A private detective. Your father is keeping this under wraps so far, away from the media. That’s why you thought they weren’t looking or didn’t care.”
Kris frowned. “Care? He only cares about controlling what he owns!”
Thorne reached out and grabbed his hand. “I know. The man appeared not to know anything. He’s combing the neighborhood. That’s all.”
“He could be watching your—our house even now.”
“I don’t think so. He didn’t seem suspicious, just curious. My biggest worry was if he could smell you here. But I didn’t let him inside, and it’s cold out. Your scent would not be apparent unless you were standing on the porch with us.”
“Fuck! I didn’t think of that.”
“I think we’re okay. But Kris, I’m also thinking you can’t just stay hidden like a prisoner forever.”
“I don’t feel like a prisoner with you.” Kris leaned into him. “I’m fine. I feel safe with you.”
