George was curious about that, as well. He glanced at Leon, wondering what his response would be and if he could handle it. The man in question was staring straight at him, a mysterious smile on his lips, one George couldn't decipher. Leon didn't say anything, just took a sip of his coffee.
George didn't know what to think.
"How soon do we need to head down to lottery headquarters?" Leon asked.
George glanced at his watch. "We're supposed to meet my lawyer there at ten. It's a forty-five-minute drive from here, but we need to stop by the bank on the way, so maybe thirty minutes?"
Leon gave a small nod. "I have some phone calls to make, and then we can head out."
George wanted to ask who he was calling, but he knew he didn't have that right. He'd never have that right. He was Leon's mate and just being in the same room with him made George feel comforted in a way he hadn't felt in a very long time, but it was looking like the human didn't feel the same way.
George kept his lips pressed together until Leon left the room then turned to face the sink again. He didn't want Ford to see the tears gathering in his eyes.
Some alpha he was.
"I'm sorry, George," Ford said in a quiet voice.
"Yeah, me, too."
There wasn't much else to say. Leon showed zero interest in being his mate. The guy was all about the job of protecting George and nothing else. For the next few days or until George decided what he was going to do, he had to spend pretty much every waking moment with a mate who refused to be a mate.
His life was grand.
Not.
George pushed away from the sink and turned to face his cousin. "I guess we should get ready to go."
"Dad said he'd meet us downstairs when it's time to leave."
"Uncle Allan is going with us?"
"Of course he is." Ford's eyes rolled. "You don't think he'd make you go through this alone, do you?"
George smiled as something warmed inside of him. That was the reason he wanted to do something special for Uncle Allan and Aunt Helen. They were always there for him but expected nothing in return.
George saw Leon standing near the front window talking on his cell phone as he passed through the living room. From the things he was saying, he seemed to be checking in with someone. George suspected it was his boss. That would make sense.
He walked to his bedroom to get his shoes, wallet, and jacket. He was pretty sure he'd need all three today. He wished he could have a stiff drink right about now, as well, but he knew that wouldn't be a good idea. He needed a clear head for today, a very clear head.
Once George had everything, he started out of the bedroom only to be brought up short by Leon, who stood in the doorway. George swallowed tightly as he backed up a step.
"Is everything okay?" he asked.
"I was just about to ask you that," Leon replied. "You seem agitated. Are you worried about today?"
"Yeah, a bit." George wasn't about to tell Leon the real reason he was upset.
"Is there anything I can do?"
There were a hundred different answers to that question, but only one George could give. "No, I'm good."
Leon eyed him intently for a moment before nodding. "If there is, you'll let me know?"
Not in a million fucking years.
George smiled. "Sure."
"I guess we should get this show on the road then and get you your money."
George drew in a deep breath. "Yeah, the money."
Because, apparently, that was what was important.
