Alejandro shot me a sharp look, his eyes a mix of frustration and affection. “He’s not freezing me out. He’s more lukewarm. We were supposed to go out for dinner, but he was held up at the hospital. He said he’s on his way home now.” He leaned back, eyes closing as he let out a deep sigh. The picture of patience tested to its limits.
I didn’t reply. I didn’t know what to say to that. Actually, I knew what to say; I just wasn’t sure he’d take my question the right way. Could Alejandro help me?
I took a deep breath. “Why do you do it?”
He opened one eye, peering at me curiously. “Do what?”
"This," I gestured vaguely. "Coming here every day, trying to inch closer to Randy, facing setbacks every time."
Alejandro sat up, his gaze intense and unwavering. "Because he's my mate, Talon. My other half. What wouldn't I do for him? I'd wait an eternity, if that's what it takes to be by his side. Isn't that what we do for our mates?"
His words struck a chord within me, echoing the turmoil of my own heart.
“What about you?” Ale asked, leaning back on the couch.
My heart raced. “What about me?” I could hear the tremble in my voice.
Ale smirked. “What’s going on with you and the fuzzy bunny? Brian’s brother, Lucas.”
“What do you mean?” I avoided the question.
“Come on, man. He’s your mate, isn’t he?” Ale asked with a chuckle.
I averted my gaze, the uncertainty about Lucas clawing at me. "I… don't know," I admitted quietly.
Ale raised an eyebrow. "What's there to figure out? Either he is or he isn't. What’s your lion say?”
"It's complicated," I muttered, feeling a mix of frustration and confusion.
Before Ale could press further, Jeremy burst into the room, breaking the tension. He grabbed the remote, flipping on the TV with an eagerness that drew our attention.
"Guys, you gotta see this," he announced, quickly navigating to a news channel.
The screen showed a satellite image of a formidable storm system. "Hurricane Ada is forming off the Yucatan, and it's huge," Jeremy exclaimed, pointing at the swirling mass on the screen.
The weatherman's voice filled the room. “The path of Hurricane Ada is highly unpredictable. As you can see in this cone of uncertainty, it could impact anywhere from South Florida to the Panhandle. We're potentially looking at a major hurricane hitting the Gulf this week.”
One of the anchors chimed in, "Isn't it early for a hurricane, Robbie?"
"Absolutely," the weatherman responded. “Storm season usually starts June 1st. We've seen tropical systems in May, but nothing major. Having a storm of Ada's magnitude form in April is extremely rare."
I watched the swirling mass on the screen, feeling a strange sense of foreboding. This storm, Dominic, Lucas, it was all a perfect mess.
“Dude, we have to get supplies and board up,” Jeremy said, excitement filling his voice.
“The Den has all the provisions, not to mention hurricane shutters. They come down at the press of a button,” I replied.
“Aw man, half the fun in storms is the prep.” He paused and grinned. “And hurricane parties.”
Jeremy’s words brought a brief smile to my face. His excitement about hurricane preparations and parties was momentarily overshadowed as I overheard a familiar voice. It was Brian speaking on the phone in a tone laced with concern. My ears perked up at the mention of a name that tugged at my heart.
"Mom, I'm sure Lucas saw the reports, and he'll prepare," Brian was saying, his voice carrying through the room. I unconsciously leaned in, trying to catch every word. "You don't need to worry… Yes, I know he moved away, but… Alright, I'll call him and tell him to come down here… Yes, ma. Don't worry. Love you, too."
The mention of Lucas's name and the concern in Brian's voice sent a rush of conflicting emotions through me. Part of me wanted to reach out to be involved in ensuring Lucas's safety. And what the hell did he mean move? When did Lucas move?
Jeremy, oblivious to the internal storm brewing within me, chimed in again, breaking into my thoughts. "Hey, Talon, did you hear me? Hurricane party, man! It's going to be epic!"
I forced a smile, pushing aside the tumultuous thoughts about Lucas and focusing back on the immediate situation. "Yeah, epic," I said, rising to my feet.
