“Oh, yeah, sorry,” Tristan said, but his eyes were still hopeful—and a little star-struck—on Tom’s face. “But do you think I’d be able to talk to her when she’s here?”
Steadman would probably welcome a few moments with Tristan, to encourage him, inspire him, and maybe answer some of his most pressing questions, but she wouldn’t have time to delve into things the way Tristan was so obviously hoping.
“Maybe later, I could answer some of your questions,” he said. “Because while I’m sure the Councilor would love to speak with you, she’s always on a very tight schedule.”
“That would be awesome,” Tristan said, his beaming smile filling his face.
Bryce clapped him on the back, easy and familiar. The gesture seemed casual, but behind it lay bone-deep fondness. Not just a beta’s care or pack duty—it was love, clear and open.
It hit Tom harder than it should have. Maybe because he hadn’t seen that kind of effortless affection in years. Or maybe because he hadn’t had it, even when he’d thought he had love.
Bryce’s background check had stated that he’d fostered Tristan since he was fourteen, but Tom still hadn’t expected tosee this kind of closeness, unapologetic and abiding.There was something foundational about it.
A decision coalesced in Tom, something that had been forming as he spent time here. He was going to be careful what he shared with Steadman. She could see the bigger picture in a way few others could, but Tom didn’t want to see members of this pack, with the easy love between them, used as pawns. Not even for a cause he believed in.
“So I know Colby made you coffee, but I don’t think you really got to meet him properly yesterday, did you?” Tristan asked. The figure that had been quietly working in the next stall raised his head. “We’re mates.”
The pride in Tristan’s voice was unmistakable, and Tom remembered Bryce saying they’d only just gotten together.
“Congratulations,” Tom said. “How did you two meet?” He aimed his question at Tristan, thinking he’d be more likely to spill the information Tom was searching for.
Bryce moved slightly, as though he wanted to intervene, but he said nothing. Tom wasn’t sure if that was trust in Tristan, or a quiet test of him. He kept his expression open and innocently inquiring.
Tristan’s face had become oddly rigid. He glanced at Colby, at Bryce, then back at Tom. “It’s complicated,” he said at last. And that was all.
Okay. “Well, I’m just checking in on a few things I spotted yesterday, and I was wondering—Colby, I’ve already picked Bryce’s brain, but I’d be interested in your take too. You’ve got military experience, and I’d appreciate your read on any weak spots in defense.”
For an instant, Colby looked frozen.
“I mean, I’m not loving the barn being where it is,” Tom added, hoping that would get him talking.
“Good cover for hostiles,” Colby said, his voice low but sure now that he had something to work with. “But it’s also perfect for setting a trap. Open ground for at least two hundred yards—this place would be a murder box if you had troops dug in.”
Tom had been thinking solely of defense. Damn, he’d been out of the game too long, had grown more accustomed to working the political angles than thinking like boots on the ground.
“Anything else worth flagging?” he asked. “If you have time to take me through what you’ve spotted, that is.”
Colby nodded, and led Tom outside, to point out different areas as he talked about them.
When they were done, Tom thought about asking Colby where he’d been these past three years. Colby had relaxed a bit in his company, and he displayed a good tactical brain. But his body language was still uncertain, and he veered between having confidence in his judgment and looking as if he might apologize for even having an opinion.
Remembering Bryce’s comment about Colby’s recent past, Tom decided not to question him. It was clear Colby had been through something that hadn’t yet let go of him, and equally clear he wasn’t any kind of threat. No information Tom might glean was worth forcing him to relive it.
So, he simply thanked him when they were done, and Colby went back inside the barn.
Bryce pushed off the wall where he’d been leaning, watching them. As if he was judging whether Tom could be trusted near his family.
“Satisfied?” he asked, and the word was loaded.
“Mostly,” Tom said honestly. “The rest, I’m going to leave alone.” Some lines shouldn’t be crossed.
Bryce blew out a breath, and when Tom glanced at him, his eyes were bright and warm on Tom’s. “Come on,” he said. “You’ve earned a beer.”
BRYCE
By the time they reached the house, the goats were flopped out on the porch like they owned the place.
“Didn’t we just leave them in the barn?” Tom asked, eyeing them suspiciously. “Or are these different goats?”
