For an instant, Tom took him seriously and wondered what it was about an Argent that might upset other creatures. Then he saw the smirk on Bryce’s lips.
“What can I do?” he asked.
Bryce turned to look at him, andGod,there was something about the way he ran his eyes over Tom, taking in every inch slowly and appreciatively, that made heat unfurl inside him again.
“Don’t think you’re exactly dressed for it,” Bryce said at last, though his eyes were lingering on Tom’s pants. Or maybe it wasn’t thepantshe was studying so closely.
“I’m probably going to have to sterilize my clothes after the crawl space, so a bit of extra dirt’s not going to make a difference,” Tom pointed out.
Even so, Bryce gave him the cleaner jobs. That didn’t stop the distinct scent of horse clinging to him once they’d finished.
He rubbed his hand down his formerly immaculate shirt, and gave thanks Councilor Steadman wouldn’t witness this. “Hotel’s gonna love me,” he muttered, because he’d already got the measure of the people running a place that was nowhere near as fancy as they thought.
Bryce gave him a sideways glance, his mouth twitching. “Then it’s a good thing I’m offering dinner here.”
Tom looked at him. “You sure?”
“Yeah.” Bryce’s voice was warm. “The way I see it, anyone who’s spent time crawling under this house deserves a hot meal.”
That warmth tugged at Tom again, deeper this time, curling around something under his ribs. He nodded. “I’d be a fool to say no.”
Bryce grinned. “Come on, then. Let’s get you fed.”
Chapter Six
BRYCE
Bryce wasn’t sure inviting Tom to stay for dinner was the smartest thing he’d ever done, but he’d been enjoying his company. Besides, Tom had earned it. The guy might’ve shown up in dress slacks and government polish, but he hadn’t hesitated to crawl through dirt and cobwebs or to help with the horses. He’d held his own with quiet confidence, and Bryce respected that.
Something about the slight rumple to Tom—shirt untucked at the hip, sleeves rolled back, hair still a little windswept—made Bryce’s thoughts stray somewhere far from business. But he mustn’t do anything about it, not when they were trying to keep secrets from him. Not when he was probably here to nose into the pack as well as their security arrangements.
Tom followed him in through the back door, to where most of the pack were already assembled. Matt was leaning againstthe counter, coffee in hand, chatting to Riley. His eyes flicked up as they came in and held Bryce’s with a question in them.
Matt had been expecting another Council bureaucrat, but presumably he hadn’t expected said bureaucrat to show up in his kitchen at dinnertime smelling of dust and horses.
“Matt, this is Tom Barrington, from the Council,” he introduced them. “Tom, Matt Urban, alpha of the Elk Ridge pack.”
Tom stepped forward and offered his hand, after wiping it thoroughly on his pants. He ducked his head briefly in respect and then held Matt’s gaze. Not challengingly, but letting Matt see him.
“It’s a pleasure, Alpha Urban,” he said. “Thank you for allowing me onto your territory.”
Matt took his hand. “I like the way you imply I had a choice in the matter,” he said, but everyone in that room knew hedidhave the choice. The fact he was saying this meant he already liked what he’d seen of Tom. That was driven home by his next words. “Call me Matt.”
“Thank you,” Tom said. He wasn’t overly submissive, but deferential enough to show he didn’t view that courtesy as a sign of weakness. Bryce guessed he must be used to navigating between politicians who all thought they had ultimate power. Most of the Council weren’t alphas—not in the shifter sense—but no one doubted the authority they held.
“I’ve asked Tom to stay for dinner,” he said casually.
Matt nodded, and Jason, who was dishing out the food, said quietly, “Grab me another plate, Bryce.”
Bryce twisted to look at him. “Yeah, sorry about the lack of warning,” he said, realizing for the first time the assumption he’d made.
“No, seriously, you’re a life-saver,” Jason said, gesturing with his spoon to the plates in front of him. “I still haven’t gottenused to Dave and Christian not being here, and Tristan’s got a shift at the diner, and he always eats enough for three. I was beginning to think even Jesse might not cope with the amount I’ve made.”
“Fat chance,” Jesse scoffed, pushing himself off the counter he’d been perched on, observing Tom carefully. Bryce could see the gears turning behind his eyes. Jesse didn’t trust easily, and he noticed everything.
“Let’s get washed up, then I’ll introduce you properly,” Bryce said, and led Tom through to the mudroom.
The washbasin in the corner had horse and wolf hair clinging to the edge. A world away from Washington boardrooms, Bryce suspected. Tom washed up quickly, and Bryce followed suit a little more slowly, giving the others time to adjust to the idea of company for dinner. The type of company that meant they’d need to watch their words.
