I grunt again. He’s right of course, but I don’t know what the fuck I’m supposed to do about it. Nothing gets past our dads, and since we haven't been home in months, I'm sure they'll make it a point to be all over our business when we stop by to drop off the trafficker.
“I’ll just stay in the car,” I mutter.
“Yeah, like they wouldn't just immediately send someone to drag you out.” Callum snorts, then hesitates. “... I could take the edge off.”
My jaw literally drops. I can’t help it. It’s not often he truly shocks me, but this makes the list.
“How would you getting me off solve our problems, Cal?” I ask, too curious to feel any type of way about the suggestion.
“Gods. I’m not offering to suck you off or something.” He runs his fingers through his hair, clearly flustered. “I’m just saying I can give you something else to focus on, so you aren't fixating on the bond.”
He’s embarrassed now, and I feel bad. Callum rarely uses or even mentions his abilities. He’s ashamed of his nature and the way people view it.
“Okay.” I agree with a shrug. There’s no point in overthinking things. He's my best friend. That’s not about to change, and him feeling comfortable with himself is way overdue.
“Okay? Just like that?” Callum asks.
He’s staring at me now with an intensity I’m not used to. I fight the urge to squirm in my seat. “Well, yeah. I trust you, and they are nosy.” I bat my eyelashes and fan myself dramatically with my hand. “I don't want to answer anyone's fucking questions. Give me another feeling to focus on, Callum.”
I'm rewarded with another eye roll as he reaches for me with his right hand. When I see his fingers shaking in the dim light of the cab, I erase the last bit of distance between us myself. His fingers spread wide across my chest, evenly spaced, with his palm directly over my heart.
He so rarely uses his magic around anyone, but now I’ve got a front row seat. I can see every dark shadow dancing in his eyes. His cheekbones sharpen, drawing attention to the deepening hollows of his face. It's savage, terrifying, and hypnotic. I can't look away.
Before I think better of it, I’m reaching for him and exploring the shifting planes of his face. He closes his eyes, then leans into my hand. I feel the exact moment he pushes his power into me.
The throbbing sting of the bond fades, but only because I'm now hyper aware of every other nerve in my body. I'm not exactly horny, but every sensation is intense. The way my shirt shifts over my nipples, the air conditioning blowing against my lips, Cal's skin under my fingertips.
The sensitivity is overwhelming, but he was right. It’s easier to ignore than the painful throbbing in my chest. It’ll take effort, but I'll be able to act normal when we get to the compound.
Black eyes flicker open and lock with mine. When Callum pulls his hand gently away from my chest, I nearly gasp at the feeling.
“Don’t worry,” he says. “She's still in there. I just numbed the sensations around your heart for a little while and gave you something else to feel.” His voice is deeper than usual, and I watch with fascination as the shadows and sharp edges fade from his face. Some of the laugh lines I'm used to seeing are back now, too.
“Yeah, I can tell,” I chuckle, flicking the air vent closed. “I can make this work.”
Callum makes no comment, but I see him smirking as we back out. He's still grinning when we merge onto the interstate a few minutes later.
“Kinky fucker,” I mutter, needing to break the silence.
He laughs then, long and loud. Despite our destination, I can't help joining in.
By the time we pull up to the enclave, our laughter is long gone. The gate opens without protest, and we pass under the carved awning into the stone courtyard.
Cal sighs.
This is harder on him than it is on me. My parents were tough, and they taught me to be the same. I spent my childhood preparing for a life of leadership, but I know they love me and want me to be happy more than anything else.
Callum doesn’t have the same luxury.
I glance up at the enormous compound we grew up in. Seeing it again for the first time in months is always a strange feeling. Massive and utilitarian on the outside, it sprawls further than the eye can see, both above and below ground.
The building itself is a hollow square frame with three wings divided among the leadership factions, plus another wing for storing weapons and, at times like these, hostages. The sides surround a massive outdoor space, which is used for training and fun. It has a hedge maze, a fountain, and a sparring ring.
It’s weird as hell to be back, but it’s home.
There are signs of construction, which I can only assume is the fae faction making itself comfortable. That alliance is new and fragile. If my father is to be believed, it will add to the strength of the enclave and the entire region. While I’m not a big fan of the fae I’ve met, any additional stability can only be a good thing, especially when you're dealing with supes who can level entire blocks when they have a bad day.
Callum backs the SUV into a garage near the holding facilities. We don't make it a habit of detaining anyone, but the rooms are there for a reason.
