Tim would tease that he was getting old. He’d be right.
Mark’s scent fizzled out to almost nothing, and Alec scanned the bar area, looking for signs of either him or Will.
Maybe upstairs, then.
He heard them before he saw them, and their scents were still masked by other shifters nearby. Mark’s voice, while drowned out a lot by the music, was loud enough for Alec to pick out. They must be close.
“Thank you for swapping shifts. I really needed to get out of there.”
Will said, “Yeah, I got that from the way you begged.”
Mark laughed, but it sounded forced. “I just… everything’s so fucked up, and I can’t tell you, and I really fucking want to, but….”
“It’s okay. After seeing what it’s doing to you, I’m not sure I want to know.”
Alec frowned and stopped before rounding the corner. They obviously couldn’t smell him either.
“Wes is such a wanker.”
Will snorted. “Tell me something I don’t know. Thank fuck he’s not our beta.” Alec had to agree with them on both counts.
“Yeah, but he’s Harry’s now.”
“Fuck, I forgot about your cousin.”
“Come on, I need another—”
Figuring the abrupt halt in conversation meant they’d just realised he was there, Alec carried on up the stairs and rounded the corner, coming face to face with Will.
His eyebrows drew together, and he gave Alec a quick once over. “Wow, what are the chances? Twice in two days. Did you follow us in here?” He moved close to Mark, subtly drawing him away from Alec.
Will was taller than Mark, but he was no match for Alec, so his willingness to put himself between them was impressive. Alec appreciated loyalty like that.
It deserved honesty. “Yes.” They both stared at him, obviously not expecting that answer. “I didn’t come out tonight with the intention of looking for you, but I caught your scent on the street outside.”
Will bristled. “And what, you thought you’d pop in and say hello?”
“Something like that.” Alec glanced between the two of them. While Will looked indignant and pissed off that Alec was there, Mark looked amused, curious,interested.And not in the least bit bothered that Alec was talking to them. Like he really didn’t give a fuck. It gave Alec the impression Will didn’t know about the meeting this afternoon or the nature of the council’s impending visit. Either that or he believed it was all lies and Newell was innocent. That thought alone made him smirk.
Mark smiled, slow and predatory, and there was no mistaking the heat in his eyes. He gestured to the bar. “We were just about to get a drink. Want to join us?”
I can think of a hundred reasons not to. Alec grinned. “Sure.”
Mark took one step, then Will stopped him with a hand on his arm. “Don’t do this. You got away with it the first time because you were lucky. It’s insane to risk it again. All for a quick fuck?” He glanced at Alec, eyes wide. “Shit, sorry. No offence.”
Alec shrugged. “None taken.” Giving Mark a lazy look from head to toe and back up, he added. “You’re right about it being insane. But it won’t be a quick fuck. I like to take my time.”
Mark grinned. “I thought it was just a drink?”
“To start with.” Alec glanced at Will, to find him glaring at both of them in turn.
“You two are fucking crazy. You know that, right?”
“Yes,” Mark answered, and Alec nodded in agreement.
“For fuck’s sake.” Will shook his head and let out a frustrated sigh. “The less I know about this the better.” He faced Mark. “I’m going home. Please come with me.”
Alec watched them stare at each other, some form of silent communication going on, and waited on Mark’s answer.
