“Thank you.” Malachi made sure to put all the emotion he felt in those words.
“I didn’t do anything,” Malek replied. “The goddess brought him to you, the same way she brought Axel to me.”
“Yeah, but if you hadn’t found Axel…” Malachi trailed off.
“Two down, two to go,” Malek replied, trying to lighten the mood.
“I wonder if Axel and Alfie’s other bro—” Malachi was cut off again.
“Yeah, I wondered, too, but how about you bring Alfie back here first. I have a feeling Mikhail and Marcellus may plan a sniffing trip very soon.”
Malachi grinned, sniffing trip was what they called it when they’d go to other packs and see if they could scent their mates amongst them.
“At least they’ll have specific locations to search this time,” Malachi replied.
“I know, right? No random trips to every pack in existence,” Malek said.
They’d all been there, searching packs across the globe for their fated. They’d all given up too. Who knew their mates were closer to home than they realised?
Maybe the Baines brothers were created for the Whitfell brothers… just maybe.
“We should be on our way very soon, I just need to get my mate some food,” Chi said.
“Have you told him anything yet?” Malek asked.
“Nope, I figured… maybe… you know…” Chi shrugged, not wanting to finish his sentence.
“You figured he might react better hearing it from his brother, or maybe when he can’t hightail it away from you and accuse you of being crazy.” Malek chuckled. Clearly he found amusement in his brother’s distress.
“Well, the crazy part may still happen,” Malachi sighed.
“Yeah, but I’m sure when Axel explains everything…”
“Uh huh,” Malachi glanced over at his mate, then lowered his voice, “…and he’s in Whitfell and can’t run away.”
Malek snorted, “That sounds very hostagey brother.”
“You know what I mean, asshole,” Malachi retorted.
“I do,” Malek smiled, “but you’re so fun to tease. Why don’t you quit with the stressing and get back here? Axel took it well, so I’m pretty sure Alfie will too.”
“From your mouth to the goddess’ ears.” Malachi took a deep breath and released it. “From your mouth, brother.”
“Malachi?” Alfie’s voice had his attention on him immediately.
“I’ll let you know when we’re on the road,” Malachi said into the phone, and hung up before Malek could reply.
He quickly moved closer to his mate. “Is everything alright?” He squatted down beside Alfie’s chair.
They were now eye level, and Malachi couldn’t help looking into his mate’s bluish-grey eyes. Their gazes held for a moment until Alfie looked away.
“I was just wondering… if it was time to leave… Axel...” Alfie sighed and pressed his hands against his eyes. “I want…”
“You want to see your brother,” Malachi finished for him.
Even though they weren’t mated, he could still pick up traces of his mate’s emotions. And right now, he could tell the man was getting to the end of his rope.
“Come on, let's get going. We’ll stop at a drive-through and get you something to eat,” Malachi said.
