But no matter how slowly Ben and Taylor were moving and how confused Taylor was, in the end, Ben was his future.Taylor couldn’t imagine one without his mate now that he’d met him.It didn’t really matter that Ben was a man.He was Taylor’s mate, and Taylor wouldn’t get a second chance at that kind of bond.It wouldn’t be fair to Ben to push him away, but it also wouldn’t be fair to Taylor himself.
Did that mean that he was ready for more?He wasn’t sure.It did mean that he wanted to know what had brought Ben here, though.Even though Gal hadn’t pushed, he’d have to eventually if Ben didn’t go to him.They needed answers.They needed to know if the pride had to prepare for someone coming for Ben.
That meant talking to Ben.He and Taylor spent a lot of time alone, so it wouldn’t be hard to find a moment to do so, but there was no guarantee that Ben would answer Taylor’s questions.He’d been avoiding them and didn’t talk about what had brought him here, and while Taylor had been happy to give him time, they were running out of it.If someone was after Ben, Taylor needed to know.
He waited until Dennis and Drake left.Ben got to work cleaning up the small sitting area in the room he shared with Taylor as soon as the door closed behind them, and Taylor watched him.It was clear that Ben was busying himself so he wouldn’t have to sit down with Taylor.It was almost as if he didn’t want to do so, even though he’d spent several days attached to Taylor’s side when he’d first arrived.At the same time, it was good to see him move as if he belonged here, in this room, with Taylor.
Things had gotten better.Taylor was back to work, and Ben stayed in the house when Taylor wasn’t home.It was why Taylor had introduced Ben to his friends.That way, Ben would never be alone.It would be good for him to make friends, and it would mean that Taylor could work without obsessing over whether or not his mate was safe.
But spending less time together also meant that they hadn’t gotten as far as Taylor had hoped they would.He felt like Ben was more than happy to ignore the many conversations they needed to have, both the private ones and the ones with Gal.Unfortunately for Ben, he couldn’t avoid them forever.Gal wouldn’t kick him out if he didn’t tell him what had happened, but they’d have to come up with a solution to protect the pride without knowing who was coming.
Taylor didn’t want Ben to have to leave, even if it was only to an apartment in town.He suspected that if Ben did, he would follow, but that wasn’t what he wanted.He wasn’t like Jacob.If he could convince Ben to move in with the pride so they could both live here, he would.
“I think we should talk,” he said softly.
Ben had been picking up the bowls of popcorn, and he froze.He didn’t move or say anything, and Taylor knew that he’d have to take the lead.He’d already been aware of that.He’d just hoped that Ben felt comfortable enough with him now to be honest with him.
“You know you’re going to have to tell someone what happened to you eventually,” Taylor continued.He also continued watching his mate.He didn’t think that Ben would run, but he wouldn’t be surprised if Ben tried to avoid answering his questions.He didn’t feel safe yet.Even with Taylor and his friends, he still jumped at every loud noise.He still looked around like someone was hunting him.
Maybe someone was, and if that was the case, Taylor needed to know.
* * * *
BEN HAD KNOWN THIStime was coming.He’d known that he wouldn’t be allowed to stay with the pride if he wasn’t honest with them and told them what had happened to him.It made sense.Gal wanted to know so he could protect his pride.Taylor wanted to know so he could protect the town.It was his job, and Ben felt proud of him for that, even though he didn’t think that was his place.Taylor was his mate, but they weren’t together, and considering everything, Ben wasn’t sure they ever would be.
He hoped, of course.Taylor had introduced him to his friends.He’d been spending as much time with him as he could when he wasn’t working.He was making sure that Ben ate enough and got enough rest.None of that meant that he wanted them to be together, though.Taylor was a protector.It made sense that he’d want to protect his mate of all people, even if he wasn’t planning on them being together.
Ben wished he could know what would happen between them.He was afraid to push, afraid that Taylor would leave him behind if he did, so he didn’t dare say anything.He also felt like he couldn’t demand that Taylor tell him what he was planning for their future when he was unwilling to tell Taylor about his past.
He slowly put down the bowls he’d been picking up and sat back down on the small couch.He didn’t look at Taylor.He wasn’t sure he’d have the courage to say what was on his mind if he did.He wished he’d never have to think about Jimmy again, but he’d known he would have to eventually.
His chest felt tight.He reached up, pressing a hand above his heart.It was racing, almost as if Jimmy was in the room with him.
Ben looked around, even though he knew Jimmy wasn’t there.How was his ex supposed to find him?Ben hadn’t known where he was going when he’d run away from Jimmy’s house.He’d just run and hoped that someone would help him.Instead, he’d gotten lost in the woods until he’d found Green Hill.
Fate had brought him here.He was sure of that.What other explanation could there be for his mate being here?That didn’t mean that Fate was making things easy on Ben, though.Did he really have to end up locked up in a basement before meeting his mate?Couldn’t they have met at a grocery store or a restaurant?
“Hey,” Taylor said.
He was suddenly standing by the couch.Ben hadn’t heard him come closer.
That meant that Ben needed to be more careful.He had to be aware of his surroundings in case Jimmy found him.He couldn’t afford for Jimmy to have the upper hand again, not when he knew who Jimmy was now.
“You know I would never force you to talk about your past,” Taylor said gently as he sat next to Ben.
Ben had to resist the urge to lean into him.His entire being was screaming for him to do it, but what if Taylor rejected him?What if he pushed Ben away?Ben wasn’t sure his heart could withstand the pain that would come with that.He didn’t want to find out.
“But I really think that we need to know what’s going on,” Taylor continued.He had a hand on Ben’s back now and was stroking up and down, clearly trying to soothe Ben.
Ben wished it worked.He didn’t think anything could soothe him when he thought of Jimmy, though.There was too much pain and betrayal there.
Too much fear.
“Because he wants to protect the pride,” Ben murmured.
“And you.If someone is coming after you, I want to know who it is and why.It’s the only way for me to be able to protect you and make sure that person doesn’t hurt you again.”
“He didn’t really hurt me.”The words were out before Ben could think better of it.Thinking about it wouldn’t help.He’d been given a lot of time already, which he hadn’t expected.
