“That’s good,” Tim mumbled, his brain still stuck on the thought of Seb ‘exercising’ his wrist. “What about your ankle?”
The blue cast stood out next to the paleness of Seb’s skin, but Tim managed not to let his gaze linger too long.
Seb’s smile dimmed a little as he glanced down. “It’s okay, I suppose. I’m stuck with it for another five weeks, so it’s not like anything’s going to change.”
Tim sighed. He had no experience to draw on to offer any sympathy. If he broke anything, it would fully heal in a matter of hours, a day at the absolute most. In the end he just nodded.
An uncomfortable silence stretched between them. Tim was acutely aware of how their last conversation had ended. Essentially, Seb wanted nothing to do with him, yet here he was lingering in his kitchen, like a bad smell. “Can I make you a drink?” he offered, more for something to say. “You can go sit down and take the weight off that ankle.”
Seb looked down at where his foot rested with only the heel on the floor. “I’m not putting any weight on it now.”
“Just do as your doctor tells you, for once.”
With a snort and a muttered “You’re not my doctor, actually,” Seb grabbed his crutch and headed over to the sofa, carefully lowering himself onto the cushions.
Tim flicked the kettle on to boil and searched through the cupboards until he found the mugs. “Tea or coffee?”
“Coffee, please.”
When Tim walked over carrying the two steaming mugs of coffee, Seb had his head resting against the back of the sofa, his eyes closed. He looked so peaceful that Tim was loath to disturb him. Maybe he was having trouble sleeping?
As he set the mugs on the coffee table, Seb’s eyes fluttered open. “Thanks.” He waited for Tim to sit on the chair next to the sofa. “Now that the professional part of your visit’s over, what else did you come here to talk about? I’m pretty sure we covered everything in the car last weekend.”
He sounded more resigned than annoyed, and Tim took that as a good sign. He might be clutching at straws, but he would take what he could get. “I understand you’re thinking about returning home.”
Seb snorted. “Good news travels fast.”
Tim had to be careful about how much he said. Alec hadn’t asked him not to repeat what he’d told Tim, but it probably wasn’t meant for general discussion. He’d like to avoid outright lying if possible, though. “Alec told me. He’s concerned, and so is Cam.”
“I was led to believe there’s no longer a threat. Aren’t the Primrose Hill pack supposed to be your allies?”
“Yes, but—”
“Then what’s the problem?”
There was one aspect of it he could share. “The P-Pack alpha—” Seb sniggered. “What?”
“P-Pack.I just realised why Jared finds it funny.”
Tim ignored him and carried on. “Their alpha suspects some of the rogue pack escaped the warehouse during the attack. Since you’re now considered pack, it would be easier if you lived in a pack house.”
“Easier for who?” Seb didn’t wait for a reply. “‘The pack,’ I’m guessing, because it certainly wouldn’t be easier for me.” He took a drink of his coffee and set the mug back on the table. “Look, Tim, I’m not trying to make things difficult. I just want to go home to my own bed and my own things. I’ve got shifters watching over me. Does it really matter what pack they’re from?”
Yes!Tim wanted to scream,of course it matters. We don’t trust them.But that wasn’t common knowledge, and no matter how much he might trust Seb, he couldn’t betray Alec’s trust in him. He said, “At least wait until your wrist’s fully healed.”
“Why? It doesn’t hurt all that much now, and I can get around just fine on my crutch. Honestly, Tim, I’m good.”
With Seb intent on returning to his flat, Tim bit his bottom lip, wondering if he dare broach what Alec had suggested as the second plan. Seb would never go for it in a million years. Fuck, he really didn’t want to bring it up… but Alec had asked him to try.
He ran a hand over his eyes and sighed.
Seb shook his head. “Whatever it is, just spit it out.”
“What?”
Seb laughed. “You look as though you’ve got bad news to tell me but can’t find the right words.”
Tim’s smile was wry. “That about sums it up.” He held up a finger. “One sec.”
