“You’re a legend!” I declare as I take it, catching hints of peppermint rising with the steam.
He grins in acknowledgment. “Rickon’s inside?” he asks as he sips from his own mug.
“Yeah, he’s napping.” My cheeks burn with heat, and I look away. Better not say he’s passed out on the mattress, snoring softly, after our frantic late-afternoon fuck. We were both worked up after feeling Zack’s alarm today.
“What’s the word?” Pierce asks, jerking his thumb toward the prison.
“Callisto said he got a call from Zack, and he’s in one piece.” A sigh escapes me. “I guess out of all of us, Zack’s used to constant danger.” I sip my tea, appreciating the warmth seeping down my belly that chases away Ghost Red’s lingering chill.
“He’s got help on the inside,” the agent says, jutting his chin toward the imposing concrete walls. “We looked into Alhedy, the other man in the hospital, and he’s a powerful underworld boss down in Darinian.”
I snort. “Who knew we’d ever be grateful for a crime lord?”
“Right?” He snickers.
Distant voices catch my attention. The security gate at the prison slides open and Callisto’s black sedan glides through. He drives slowly up to us and pulls off near the van.
My heart leaps as Callisto opens the door and sticks his long legs out. He looks as put together as ever in his suit, this one a dark navy with a pale salmon tie featuring pretty scrollwork in silver thread. He smiles as he walks over, loosening his tie knot with one hand.
Like a husband coming home at the end of the day.
Pierce offers his hand, and the two alphas shake, exchanging greetings.
I want Callisto’s attention, but not with something as benign as a handshake. Gingerly, I open my arms. “Um, hi?”
Callisto’s eyes widen, and he closes the gap in an instant. “Hi, beautiful. He practically drooled on me to share his scent today.”
My pulse races as I catch Zack’s aroma on his shirt. Seems Callisto thought this is why I asked for a hug, but it’s not the reason. Zack’s barley scent mingles with the underlying cherry wood flavor, and my knees go weak from the cocktail. Tea splashes from my mug onto the grass.
“Whoa,” Callisto cries, lurching a step forward as he balances us. “He’s okay, I promise. Not a scratch on him.” He strokes my hair, instinctively comforting an omega. His omega.
“What happened?” I ask, pulling back enough to see his face.
His gaze darts to Pierce for an instant before flicking back to study me. “Someone got attacked, and the guards got rough while rounding everyone up.”
“But it wasn’t Zack who got attacked?” Pierce asks, brow wrinkling.
Callisto shakes his head, but I read something else in his silence.
“That’s a relief,” the OCB agent says. His concern brings a smile to my face. These agents have witnessed our journey from the day I brought Zack home. Even if my prime alpha’s been troublesome for them to deal with, they still care.
But it’s clear Callisto can’t talk freely with a law enforcement agent here.
“Shall we go inside?” I ask, tugging against the lawyer’s embrace.
He nods but seems reluctant to release his grip.
Pierce reaches out for my empty mug. “We’re making burritos for dinner. You want one, Callisto?”
“Thanks, Pierce.” He flashes a bright smile. “That’d be great, if you’ve got plenty. Don’t want to put anyone out.”
This is the Callisto the world sees: charming, polished. But the man I know is a little different—more vulnerable, anxious, and struggling to find his way. I think I kinda like the insider’s view to the other side of his personality coin.
“Yeah, we got plenty,” Pierce reassures, waving away Callisto’s concerns. “Plus, you brought us donuts last time.”
Callisto releases me and lifts his hands. “Sorry I’m empty-handed this time. I left in a rush when I got Zack’s call.”
“All good. There’s always next time.” The agent turns and strolls back to his quarters.
