But the larger one steps in front of the blonde. “Mac?”
I freeze. Haven’t heard his voice in . . . “Rex?”
He nods, and I lower my Sig as he appears to admonish the younger man with him. The blonde just shrugs, yet keeps death glaring at me as if I’m his next meal.
Interesting.
“Uh, Mac?”
I turn to face Cal. “It’s okay. He’s an old friend.”
A snort cuts through the air so loudly, both Cal and I turn to face Rex and his companion.
Rex coughs as he grabs the young man by the throat. “Knock the shit off.”
“Are we going to stand out here? It’s cold as balls,” Cal says, shotgun lowered.
I turn my focus to him. I’m not sure about Rex’s friend, but Cal’s safety is my first priority. Not putting him in unnecessary danger. “Dropped my pack with the meat out back. Go get it.”
Just as he rounds the corner, Rex breaks out into a coughing fit. Shit sounds wet and rattly. “You good?”
“We wouldn’t be here if he was.” The blonde’s voice is full of sarcasm, and I want to smack the shit out of him.
“Devon!”
The young man rolls his eyes, and for the first time I notice how swollen one side of his face is. Someone fucked him up good. Can’t say I blame them if he runs his mouth like that. Surprised the shit is still alive.
I step toward Rex. “Is that the only reason you came back?”
“Don’t,” Rex snaps at me. “Don’t pull that crap about me not caring. You know it’s bullshit.”
“Four years go by without a visit . . . not so much.”
Dipshit’s not gonna get away with making me feel like I’m being an asshole. He knows where I am. Both him and Colt.
“Mac—”
“Just get inside.”
The young man—Devon—mutters something, but I can’t make it out and Rex tells him to shut the fuck up, then grabs his hand and drags him inside like a child.
Definitely interesting.
Chapter 3
After Cal stores most of the meat in the permanent root cellar, we make some tea. Rex and Devon have stripped out of their winter gear and are sitting at the kitchen table.
Cal places a mug of tea next to Rex. “So, you’re one of the two friends from a few years ago?”
Rex nods. “You’ve grown up.”
Cal smiles.
“Back off.” Devon’s lip curls, shifting so he now sits in Rex’s lap, glaring at Cal, and finally it makes sense.
I chuckle. “Really?”
Rex groans. “Don’t start.”
