TAMSIN WANTED TO YELLat Nic right in front of everyone, but instead, he pressed his lips together and glared.He wasn’t glaring at anyone in particular because he was pissed at too many people.
He was angry at Nic for volunteering to do something stupid, at Clay and Rowan for considering it, and at everyone else for making Nic feel like he needed to do this.Nic wanted to protect Tamsin, but he also wanted to show everyone that he could be a valuable part of their clan and that they could trust him.He was willing to put himself in danger for that, and Tamsin wasn’t happy.
He understood, though.He hated that Nic felt that way, but he’d seen how Nic was being treated.Even Devon, who was Nic’s friend, had been keeping his distance.Tamsin didn’t blame him because Nic had betrayed him, but he still wanted to go and grab him, drag him to Nic, and force the two of them to talk.The problem with that plan was that he’d have to face an angry tiger shifter, and he doubted he’d win that fight.
But hewouldwin the fight he was gearing up for.
He only waited until he and Nic were walking through their front door before he turned to Nic and glared at him.“Explain.”
Nic shook his head.“There’s nothing to explain.I already have.”
“You’re damn lucky that Rowan and Clay haven’t given the okay to this plan yet.”
“They should have.The more time we waste, the more dangerous Parrish is to the clan.”
“But if you go out there and spy on him, he’ll only be dangerous to you, right?What the fuck were you thinking?”
“You know what I was thinking.I want to show everyone that I’m on your side and that they can trust me.I don’t want you to lose your clan and the people you love, but I don’t know how long I can live here with everyone hating me.Weeks?I’ll be fine.Longer than that?Months, maybe years?I don’t know, Tamsin.I never want to take you away from your people, but this ishard.”
“You wouldn’t be taking me away from anyone.I can decide if I want to stay here or not for myself.”
“You can, but if you were to leave, you’d do it because of me.It wouldn’t be fair.”
“But you think it would be fair for me to lose my mate?That it’s fair for you to put yourself in danger without even talking to me first?”
“I knew that if I did, you’d say no.”
“Damn right I would have, and Iamsaying no.You’re not doing this, Nic.”
“I am if Clay and Rowan agree.It’s necessary, as little as you might like it.”
“I hate it.”
Tamsin’s eyes burned.He didn’t want to fight with his mate.He also didn’t want his mate to do this, though.He wasn’t sure if there was anything he could do to stop Nic, but he was going to try.
Or at least, he thought he was going to try until Nic grabbed him and pulled him into his arms.A sob escaped Tamsin’s throat, and he pressed his lips together, embarrassed.He couldn’t afford to get emotional when he and Nic were fighting.Nic needed to understand how angry Tamsin was, and Tamsin wouldn’t convey that with tears.
“Everything will be all right,” Nic promised.
“You can’t know that,” Tamsin argued, but he didn’t push his mate away.How could he?
Tamsin knew he wouldn’t be able to change Nic’s mind, no matter how hard he tried.Nic had something to prove.Tamsin hated that he felt that way, but he understood.Besides, Nic deserved to confront Parrish after what the Kudlak had done to his parents.Tamsin just wished that Nic would do that with him by his side instead of on his own.
“I could come with you,” he offered.
Nic shook his head instantly.“I’m not putting you in danger.”
“But you’re puttingyourselfin danger?”
“We both know I’m the less important one in our relationship.”
“No, we don’t know that because it’s not true.”
“And we both know that’s a lie.”
“We both know I’m going to kick your ass if you continue talking like that.”
Nic laughed.“See, this is why I’m so happy we bonded when we did.I never could’ve imagined you’d be so fierce when it comes to me, but I’m glad I have you on my side.”
