“Yep. That’s him. It’s a long story.” Lamont smiled. “I will tell it, but I really think you need some food, and a shower or bath first, and maybe some sleep. Don’t you? What would you like to eat? Anything you like. Consider me your personal food-clicker-upper.”
“Yes, sure. Why not?” Ewen seemed dazed, but that was understandable. He’d had a rough week or so. “Something with gravy - meat with lots and lots of gravy. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to eat a chunk of dry meat again. And bread - fresh, soft, sourdough bread, but with lashings and lashings of butter…and some roast potatoes. Crispy roast potatoes on the side.”
That actually sounded really good, and now that Lamont wasn’t worried about where Ewen was, his stomach rumbled. Clicking up a table, too, because the room was basic and the desk was messy, Lamont put it right by the bed so Ewen didn’t have to move, and waved his hand so the food would appear. Ewen started to smile, and then laugh, but as he was reaching for a hot potato at the same time, Lamont assumed he was still overwhelmed.
He’ll feel better once he’s eaten. Lamont had a bit of processing to do himself.Ewen is actually my mate…That was a positive. At least it meant he hadn’t lied to Coda. That could be handy if Lamont was ever asked about what he did.
I let my mate get abducted…Hmm, that wasn’t going to be as easy to explain. Lamont quickly picked up his knife and fork and then asked, “Did you want a coffee?”
Ewen groaned and Lamont assumed that was a “yes.” He zapped up a coffee pot and a couple of mugs. “How do you take it?”
Chapter Six
The coffee had been a perfect accompaniment to the wonderful food. Ewen’s fox was quietly chuffing as his stomach filled for the first time in days. After the meal, Lamont cleared away the dishes with another casual wave of his hand - which Ewen thought could be really useful if they ever set up house together - and suggested Ewen might want to freshen up. As much as Ewen was worried Lamont would disappear if he couldn’t see him, he couldn’t deny he was getting offended by his own stench, and he couldn’t imagine how Lamont was feeling.
Ewen had no idea how the simple act of taking a shower could help boost his mood. Standing under the hot spray, Ewen watched days of grime and dried blood swirling down the drain. His wrist still hurt where the zip ties had cut in, and his lip was tender where Scar-eyebrow had split it, but his fox had already started healing him. Now that they were with their mate, his shifter metabolism kicked into high gear.
He didn’t have any clothes, but there was a bathrobe on a hook outside the shower. After drying off and towel-drying his hair, Ewen put it on, using the belt tie to make sure the overly large robe would keep him covered. Hanging up his towel, he left the bathroom to find Lamont sitting at the desk with a book. Just sitting there. Reading. As if it were just any other night.
Except Ewen’s heart kicked into high gear just seeing him there.That’s my mate, right there, real and solid…and nowhere near the bed.
Climbing onto the bed, Ewen burrowed under the covers. After days of being forced to stay in a sitting position, the sheer pleasure that came from lying down was immense. His body screamed for sleep, but his fox was still prowling restlesslyunderneath his skin. Every time his eyes drifted shut, he felt a spike of panic.
What if Lamont leaves again?
What if Lord Hades calls?
What if this is a dream and I wake up back in that basement?
His fox whined, pushing at him. To the fox, it was simple. They should claim their mate. Now. Bite and mark and make sure Lamont couldn’t leave. Make the bond permanent.
Ewen’s cheeks heated. His mind might be willing, but his body was in no state for doing anything like...that. He could barely keep his eyes open, let alone anything else. And yet he couldn’t allow himself to sleep.
“Is there something wrong with the bed? Why aren’t you sleeping?”
Ewen’s eyes snapped open. Lamont had turned in his chair, book forgotten, dark eyes studying him with an intensity that made Ewen’s breath catch.
“I’m over-tired,” Ewen said.
“That’s not what I asked.”
Ewen pulled the blanket higher, suddenly feeling exposed despite the thick robe. “What are you reading?”
“Ewen.”
The gentle firmness in Lamont’s voice cracked something in Ewen’s chest. He curled onto his side, facing away from those too-knowing eyes.
“What if I go to sleep and then you’re gone when I wake up?”
Ewen hated how pathetically weak he sounded, but he couldn’t lie to his mate.
Silence stretched between them. Then the chair creaked. Footsteps crossed the room.
The mattress dipped.
Ewen’s breath hitched. He rolled back over to find Lamont stretched out on top of the covers, fully clothed and propped on one elbow. Close enough to touch. Close enough that Ewen could see the flecks of amber and a hint of flames in those dark eyes.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Lamont said.
