Page 40 of Deadly Promise
“I’m serious.” Liam folded hands, elbows resting on the table. “We’re in our honeymoon period. Since Ash is preternatural, he’ll give you two weeks off.” Liam eyed them both. “With pay.”
“Like a paid vacation?” Teagan looked hopeful.
“Ash isn’t human?” Hayden squeaked.
“He’s a bear shifter, and, yes, like a paid vacation, though we’re not vacationing. It’s a time to deepen our bond.” His smile was downright sinful. “By fucking our brains out.”
Heat erupted across Hayden’s face and neck. “There’s such things as bear shifters?” He was going to ignore the heated look in Liam’s eyes. His ass was still sore from the pounding he took. Hayden needed at least a day to recover.
“There’s such things as bear shifters.” Liam nodded. “Also bunny shifters and fae. You saw them at the cookout. Alex and Newt.”
Teagan grinned widely. “I think I’m gonna really like your world.”
So was Hayden. He’d meet them both but hadn’t known they weren’t human. A fairy and bunny? He couldn’t pack quick enough.
Chapter Twelve
An hour later, the kitchen was spotless, showers were taken, and bags were packed. Teagan was practically bouncing at the thought of meeting a real-life fairy, though Liam had warned them they liked to be called fae.
Teagan didn’t understand the difference but would heed Liam’s warning since he didn’t want to offend anyone, especially since he would be staying there.
Even though this was exciting, he didn’t like the fact he was being run out his own home. It wasn’t fair he had to hide when he hadn’t done anything wrong.
But at least this time you have Liam.
That still didn’t make it right.
Liam walked in, picking up Teagan’s bag from the bed. “What’s wrong, pumpkin?”
That was a way better name than brat, even if Teagan liked Liam calling him one.
“We shouldn’t have to flee our own home. I can see if I was in the wrong, but I was assaulted simply for being gay.” He dropped onto the edge of the bed, fighting back tears. Edwin and Ramos had taken enough of them already.
Setting the bag aside, Liam crouched in front of Teagan, taking his hands. “You’re right. It’s not fair, but men like them don’t care about fair. They hurt you once already, and I wasn’t there to protect you. Either of you. But I’m here now, and no one is ever hurting you again.” He squeezed Teagan’s hands. “I just need you to stay with me until I talk with the sheriff and let him know about them, hopefully work out a plan so they’ll never come near you again.”
Teagan wasn’t naïve. Not entirely. There were a lot of things he struggled to understand. He’d never been the brightest student, but he wasn’t dumb. “Is the sheriff human?”
“No, and neither are his deputies.” They gazed at each other, and the look Liam had in his eyes said he knew what Teagan was thinking. “It’s best you don’t know, Teag. Just trust me to handle this.”
Because he didn’t want Teagan complicit or to carry any guilt. After what Edwin and Ramos did to him, the things they’d said, and now violated their home, Teagan wouldn’t feel an ounce of guilt.
But he could tell Liam wanted to keep him innocent in this. “Make sure they never come near me again.”
Liam smiled. “You obey so beautifully.”
“I trust your voice.”
Straightening, Liam pulled Teagan into a kiss, making him feel safe and cherished.
“You taste like Hayden. You two been making out?” Teagan smiled against Liam’s lips.
“Maybe.” Liam chuckled. “Couldn’t help it. He breathed in my direction.”
“He has the same effect on me. I sucked him off one time because he was chewing grapes. The way his jaw moved made me horny.”
Liam laughed. “He’s mated to two horndogs.”
“And he loves it.” Teagan picked up his bag, but Liam took it from him in a move that barely made their fingers touch. He studied his mate. “Let me guess, it’s best I don’t know.”
