“Aaron?” His father called out.
“Come in, Dad,” he called out, sending Marshall an apologetic look.
Vaughn entered the room, taking in their half-naked forms.
“Ah, I’m sorry to interrupt you, but this can’t wait.”
“It’s okay. I’m just going to grab a shower after my Tai-Chi,” Marshall said. “I’ll save you some hot water,” he told Aaron with a grin and went to leave.
“Actually, Marshall, you need to be here for this, too. As Alpha-Mate.”
Aaron and Marshall exchanged a look.
“I’ll just grab a shirt then,” Marshall said, and ducked into the bedroom. He returned a few moments later, handing Aaron a shirt before pulling his own on.
Aaron nodded his thanks, and they sat down on the couch. Vaughn took a seat opposite them. Aaron watched him closely. His father wasn’t distressed, and Aaron knew if there was any danger to the Pack, then either of the twins would have been with him.
“What’s going on, Dad?”
“The Assembly is sending someone to do a pack inspection.”
“What? Why? When?” Aaron’s question shot out like loaded bullets.
“They’ll be here in the next hour. They haven’t said why.”
“That’s bullshit,” Aaron said, shooting to his feet. “The Assembly don’t do unannounced pack inspections.”
“Do you think this has anything to do with our mating?”
“No. At least, I don’t imagine it would be.” He turned to Vaughn. “It wouldn’t be, would it, Dad?”
“No. Your email hasn’t gone out yet, so only those in your immediate circle are aware.” He smirked. “But considering how much time you two have spent together over the last week, and then your wolf reappearing, I’m sure there has been some talk.”
“So, you don’t think they’re coming about the soul bond?” Marshall asked.
“Only a few of us know about it, so I doubt it.”
“Well, there’s not much point worrying until we know why they are coming,” Aaron declared. “Thanks for coming to tell us, Dad. We’re going to shower, and I’ll get George to send our breakfast here. If you can let me know when they arrive, we’ll meet with them in the conference room.”
Vaughn nodded and rose from his seat. “Very good. I’ll get Josh to get things prepared. I’d better go and tell your mother. She’ll have my hide if she’s unprepared when they arrive.”
Aaron sighed and ran a hand over his face as his father left them. Marshall ran a comforting hand down his back.
“Do you think there is anything to worry about?” he asked.
“No,” Aaron shook his head. “Let’s shower and get breakfast.”
“You go and start the water, I’ll call the kitchen,” Marshall told him. “Anything in particular you want?”
“Bacon!”
Marshall returned his grin and picked up the phone.
Marshall eyed Aaron’s ass as he followed his mate down the hallway. Clad in well-worn denim, it looked almost as good as it did naked, and he was disappointed that he’d not been able to reacquaint himself with it this morning.
He’d been surprised when Aaron had pulled on jeans and a navy-blue t-shirt. He’d expected him to dress more business-like with the Assembly members arriving. However, Aaron had told him they were interrupting them, so they’d have to take him as they found him.
As they crossed the threshold into the large conference room, Marshall saw Aaron slip into business mode. He may be dressed casually, but he was still the Alpha of the West Mill pack.