His mood was so different from last night. Seb almost missed Possessive Tim, although he’d never tell him that.
“I got a text from Alec earlier.”
Seb waved a hand for him to continue.
“Apparently Cam insisted that Newell let one of our pack tag along today to see if they can pick up the rogue shifters’ scent and give us an idea of what to look out for.”
“And…?”
“And Newell agreed. Luke will be joining a couple of the P-Pack guys.”
Ahh.“And you asked him to keep an eye on me?”
“Cam asked Luke to ensure you were safe and that the immediate area around your flat was shifter-free.” Tim didn’t quite meet Seb’s eye as he said it.
“Is that all?”
“Fine. I might’ve have asked Luke to keep an eye on you if he could—but only because I was worried about you.”
Seb wanted to tell him it was okay, that he appreciated it this time, but Tim was on a roll.
“If the threat is real, then you could be in serious danger, Sebastian.”
Seb shivered at the use of his full name, and Tim noticed. His expression changed from concerned to interested in a heartbeat. Warmth settled in Seb’s chest; having someone so focused on him was fast becoming addictive, and words tumbled out without his brain having any input. “I probably should have someone stay with me all the time. Just to be on the safe side.”
Chapter Twelve
Tim stared at him.
Did I hear that right?
Seb shuffled in his seat and looked down at the table. Maybe he hadn’t meant to make the offer, but neither was he retracting it. Tim swallowed, taking his time to answer and not come across as eager as he really was. “I think that would be a very wise decision on your part.”
Seb glanced up, looking at him for a few moments. His lips twitched as though he was fighting back a smile. “Do you reckon Luke would do it?”
The low growl took Tim totally by surprise, and it filled the space between them, making Seb jump. “Shit sorry, I—”
More laughter from downstairs.
“It’s okay. I probably deserved that.” Seb sucked his bottom lip into his mouth; Tim watched it, helpless to look away. “And I know I’m taking advantage here, considering everything….” He gestured between them, and Tim assumed he meant their non-relationship. “But would you want to stay in the flat with me until this is all sorted out?”
There were a lot of reasons why that was a bad idea. He’d get even more attached than he was now. His scent would be all over Seb’s home, mixing with Seb’s and forming ‘their’ scent. He’d get too used to it; he knew he would. It would be too close to what he wanted for it to be healthy. And it would kill him when he had to leave.
But staying would make Seb that much safer. Sure, he had the camera now, but that wouldn’t help much if they got through the door or grabbed him when he was out on the street. “Yeah, I’ll stay.”
As if there was any other option.
Nathan’s words rang like a reminder in his head:“Get to know him better. If his opinions of shifters are anything like Jared’s were, then you need to show him that you’re not like that.”
Tim tried to tamp down the hope that flared in his chest. Glancing at the clock on Seb’s kitchen wall, he cursed. “Shit, I need to get going. I have a meeting with Alec in an hour.”
“And I’m sure he hates people being late,” Seb said, scoffing.
Tim stopped, halfway out of his chair. “He’s not that bad, you know. His relationship with Nathan isn’t indicative of his personality.”
“Nathan says he’s like that with everyone.”
Tim paused and tried to think of the best way to explain Alec. Alec had done a lot for Tim these past few years, and Tim always felt the need to defend him when people bad-mouthed him. “Alec holds a position of authority within the pack. He takes it seriously, and sometimes that comes across as cold or stand-offish. I’ve known him for a long time, and I can tell you now, he’s one of the bravest, most loyal shifters I’ve met. Trust me, if there’s anyone you want on your side, it’s Alec.”
