“Come on, Gray. It’s not like you have something that will fit me.”
“Fine. I’m coming with you, though. And you’re coming back here so we can talk to the pack later.”
“Oh, really?” Simon arched an eyebrow, not enjoying being ordered around.
Gray glared at him a moment, then relaxed. “I’d like to come with you so we can talk privately. Then I’d like for you to come back here so we can talk to the pack.”
“Better, and that sounds good. I really don’t want to meet any more of the pack in last night’s pajamas.”
10
Gray waited in Simon’s living room while Simon showered and changed clothes. Although their styles were different in many ways, Gray felt really comfortable in Simon’s space.
Books, vases of flowers, and bowls of crystals covered the pine tables. Full-sized sofas like Gray’s wouldn’t fit in the room, but the denim-covered love seat fit perfectly in the space.
A beige recliner sat at an angle nearby, and Gray realized Simon spent most of his time there. The table beside it held multiple books, most with little slips of paper sticking out, marking pages. A coaster lay beside the books with an empty mug on top.
Gray sat in the chair, tempted to kick back and prop up his legs. Instead, he picked up the top book and opened it to the first of several marked pages. An herbal remedy guide, the page described natural treatments for headaches. Gray flipped to the next marker and saw cures for stomach problems.
He raised his eyes and looked toward the bathroom where Simon had disappeared a few minutes ago. With everything that had gone on, Gray wondered how affected Simon was from the demon attack. He seemed to be doing fine since the cubs had helped him, but it stillbothered Gray to know he’d been here alone for a week, obviously not feeling well if his research was any clue.
The shower turned off, so Gray closed the book and put it back in place. No need to be caught snooping. A few minutes later, Simon came into the room, drying his hair with a damp towel. He only wore a pair of loose-fitting jeans, and Gray wanted nothing more than to give them a little tug and watch them fall. Simon caught him staring and grinned at Gray, and Gray couldn’t help smiling back at him. “Feeling better?”
“Yeah. Clean and shiny.” He chuckled and continued toweling his hair. “You want something to drink?”
“Sure.”
Simon went into the kitchen and grabbed glasses from the cabinet. Gray sat on a barstool at the counter and watched him move through the space. The ice clinked in the glasses, then he poured tea. He plucked a sprig of mint from a pot in the window and let it float in the drinks before he handed one over to Gray.
Gray took a sip, then another, trying to identify the unique flavors. “What is this? It’s good.”
He looked up to see Simon smiling again, as if he enjoyed Gray’s puzzled expression. “It’s an herbal tea with lemongrass, mint, and a few other secret ingredients. My grandfather taught me how to make it.”
“Mmm,” Gray said after he took another drink. “I didn’t think I’d like something like this.”
“Well, I never thought I’d spend the morning fooling around on your office floor. Looks like we both found something new to like today.” Simon winked and took a sip of his tea as Gray burst out laughing.
He reached for Simon’s hand and pulled him around the counter, spinning his stool so Simon fit between his legs. “You are too much, mage.”
“As are you, wolf,” Simon whispered as he lowered his lips to Gray’s.
He couldn’t get enough of Simon’s kisses. They intoxicated him,made him want things he’d never wanted before.
Unfortunately, some pretty major obstacles stood in their way. When Simon broke away from Gray, he straightened his spine and took a deep, fortifying breath. Gray could see he wanted to say something but hadn’t found the words. He brushed a finger across Simon’s forehead, smoothing away the worry line that had appeared. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
“There’s something I have to tell you.”
“Okay.”
“I told you the other day when you came by that it wasn’t good for us to spend time together.” Simon stepped back, seeming to need some space between them. “I didn’t tell you the entire truth.”
“What does that mean exactly?”
“When I made the decision to rescue the cubs, I knew there would be consequences. I don’t know what the rules are for packs, but for mages, we are forbidden from being involved with other magical beings. Because I broke that rule, I was reported to the Conclave.”
Gray looked puzzled. “So will there be a fine or something? When a pack member breaks a rule, the pack is usually fined for a first offense, depending on the severity. This can’t be that bad, Simon.”
“You don’t understand. There aren’t fines in our world, at least not that I’ve ever heard. I’ll be forbidden to have any more access to any mages, and I have no idea what they’ll do to my magic.”
