“Bronson is… well, he’s kind of a hothead. Always has been. But I think that’s gotten worse since his mate died. Anyway, I promise you, the others aren’t like that. They’ve been guarded, but not aggressive.”
I look over my shoulder, where Rowen is laughing at something Justice said. “No offense, but I don’t believe you. Everyone has reacted the same way to Jer. Even you.”
Her smile fades. “Yes, I suppose you’re right. I’m sorry about that. We’ve just been under so much stress lately. Every vampire we come across seems to be connected to the coven. It’s made us all a bit… jumpy.”
I shove my hands in my pockets, unsure of what to say.
“We used to all get along, you know. Shifters and vampires. But ever since he…” She sighs and shakes her head. “It’s just a mess now. We don’t know who to trust.”
I hear the vulnerability in her tone, and want to believe her. “Jericho is a good guy, I promise.”
She presses her lips together in a way that reminds me of my mom, when she’s trying to figure something out. “You said you met him in college, right?”
I nod. “At ComSci. We were both students.”
“And were you… Sorry, are you just friends, or…?”
It takes a second to realize she is asking if we’re together. As in,together. A couple. My cheeks heat.
“I only ask because if you’re not mated and you’d rather sleep in here, I can make a bed up for you.”
I narrow my eyes. “You’re offering me a bed, but not him?”
She hesitates. “I’m not comfortable with him in the house just yet.”
I scoff. “Then thanks, but no. I’ll stay with him. I trust him completely.”
I turn to walk outside, annoyed. Yet somewhere deep down, what she said strikes a nerve. I haven’t thought about what we must look like. Two men, traveling together in a small van. No wonder she assumed we’re a couple. Hell, it’s what I would assume if I were in her shoes. But I never considered what our relationship must look like to other people.
Even in college, Jericho and I were together all the time. Hanging out and sleeping at each other’s houses. In separate beds, but still. We were…arebest friends.
Not a couple.
I’ve never even looked at him—or any guy—that way, but…
Jericho’s drawings flash in my mind, along with that intense curiosity again.Fuck.
I bite the inside of my cheeks, looking out over the yard. I’m going to lose my mind if he doesn’t come back soon.
Finally, Jericho and Forest appear at the edge of the trees, flanked by two wolves. Their steps are slow, head down as they talk.
Jumping off the deck, I go to him.
“Are you okay?” I ask, looking him over.
He nods, but doesn’t say anything.
“No one tried to kill you, right?” I say with an edge, unable to keep the anger from my voice. If anyone hurt him…
Jericho gives me a tired shake of his head. “No, I’m fine. I met with two other alphas and most of their packs. They weren’t thrilled to hear I’m staying in the area, but they didn’t attack like Bronson had.”
I let out a breath. “And what about them? Were they civil?” I gesture toward the house. Jasmine had drawn a clear line between Jericho and the pack. She still didn’t trust him yet, if at all.
Jericho watches the younger shifters on the deck for a moment. “I don’t think they’re bad people, Ev.”
I study him, curious about what changed his mind. “They hurt you,” I remind him.
His eyes soften. “Because they’ve been hurt. All of them. Every pack I talked to has been hurt by Foxx.” He scuffs the dirt with his toe. “It makes me sick.”
