Page 8 of Beneath His Alpha's Wings
“There's a lot happening,” he said, finally. “I really don't know who to trust…”
“Well, if you'll trust me, at least for a little bit, we can start there,” I said gently. “And if you will trust me, I'd like to go grab another cup of coffee before Avery gets here. And I don't recall you eating very much this morning. You're probably hungry.”
Lucas considered it. At last, he nodded once, then stood reluctantly. “Okay.”
I headed down the hall, Lucas following me silently, and to the break room. Once there, I poured myself another cup of coffee, fighting back a yawn. I grabbed a couple of pastries and a napkin, and brought them to Lucas.
“Thanks,” he mumbled, sitting down at the table. He picked up a pastry and carefully took a bite. He glanced down at the napkin and studied it. “Felines and Fine Grinds,” he read.
“It’s over on Half Moon Island,” I told him.
“I’ve been there. Good coffee.” His eye drifted to the mug in my hand.
I nodded in confirmation and took a sip. “It’s shifter-owned,” I told him.
He looked at me in a mix of alarm and surprise, then frowned at the pastry in his hand.
“We’re not all bad,” I said softly.
His eyes met mine and I suddenly wanted to get up and hug him. I desperately wanted him to trust me. Before I could say anything else, Tagger stuck his head into the break room.
“Avery is ready for him.”
“Alright. Areyouready?” I asked Lucas.
“Not really,” he mumbled. “What's this guy going to do to me?”
“He's just going to check on how the baby's doing,” Tagger said. “Don't worry.”
Looking reluctant, Lucas took one last bite of his pastry and followed us into the hallway.
“You look cheery,” I said to Dev as we met him in the doorway of one of the spare rooms.
“Teddyispregnant,” he said grimly.
Tagger and I exchanged a dark look. “Bastard,” I spat.
“Where is he now?” Lucas asked. I could hear the concern in his voice.
“I gave him a few minutes,” Dev said. “Then Mesha and I are going to drive him to Half Moon.”
“Did someone get in touch with Verona?” I asked.
“Yeah,” Tagger said. “It was no problem.” He arched an eyebrow at me. “Seems she’s eager to repay us for everything you did to keep her family safe.”
I snorted. “Eh, I just bummed around and got free food.” I noticed Lucas frowning thoughtfully and wished I had said something different. Maybe more impressive.
“Are we ready?” called a voice from in the room.
I nodded to Lucas and gestured for him to go in. He did, although he was obviously nervous. Tagger bid us goodbye and headed off, followed by Dev.
Avery was adjusting a sheet on a bed and looked ready to go.
“Hey Kessel,” he said brightly. “You must be Lucas?”
“Yeah…” Lucas said uncertainly.
“This is Avery,” I said. “He’ll take care of you.”
