“I’ve been looking,” Doc said carefully. “I thought I should have these things on hand.”
Both truths.
“Yeah?” Crush and Killian moved closer. Ottis ducked down another aisle, putting even more distance between them.
“You’re here for baby things too?” Doc asked.
“Kils wanted some new clothes and groceries. I thought we could get them all here at the same time.”
It made so much sense—Ottis and Doc had done the exact same thing. Ottis could’ve kicked himself for not anticipating this earlier. Right now, they couldn’t stick around for too much longer if he was trying to avoid his pack and their friends. Especially since his face had been shared all over Doc’s alpha friend chat.
“You look pretty cheerful,” Crush said suddenly. “More than your usual.”
Ottis froze.
“Did you get laid?” Crush asked good-naturedly.
Doc cleared his throat. Was he blushing? Ottis thought he might be. Then he scowled, because he wanted to see Doc blush, damn it!
“I might have, yes,” Doc rumbled. Definitely smiling.
“Anyone we know?” Crush asked.
No, Crush, you don’t want to know.
“You won’t want to hear the details,” Doc said as though he was reading Ottis’ mind. “But he’s a delight. I’m courting him.”
That was a truth, too. And now Ottis’ face was hot.
“That’s great. I hope you’ll get to spend more time with him.” There was a leer in Crush’s tone that Ottis was sure his brother would regret, if he ever found out the truth.
Doc cleared his throat. “I will.”
There were some rustling sounds, then Killian spoke up. “Still no word from Ottis.”
Ah, fuck. Between all the things that had been happening, Ottis had forgotten to send a message to his new friends. He listened for danger, then pulled out his phone.
OttisWoof
I’m fine, y’all. No need to worry.
Killian’s phone buzzed. “Huh. He just replied.”
“What did he say?” Crush asked, but he was probably already leaning in to look.
“He says he’s fine,” Killian said. “Kind of funny that he replied right after I said he’s been quiet.”
“Hmm,” Crush said.
Doc huffed. “I should be going. Are the rest of your pack around?”
“A few of us are in town, yeah,” Crush said. “My brothers want to be the knights in shining armor.”
Ottis sighed. So did Doc.
“From what I’ve heard, Ottis seems to have a good head on his shoulders,” Doc said. “I’m sure he’ll be fine. Keep me updated though. I’ll be on the lookout for him.”
“Will do. Thanks.”
