“Duh,” Ramsey said and backed out of Bennett’s driveway. “You’re huge. Bigger than me even. You could be alpha if you wanted, you know.”
Bennett knew he was big, especially his dragon. And he wasn’t the type to take someone’s shit for any length of time. His lack of patience with most people was exactly why he would suck at being an alpha. Ramsey was much better at it then Bennett would ever be, simply because he was able to listen to the clan members when they talked to him. He was a fair leader.
The brothers led together. Bennett was the only enforcer the clan really needed. If someone got out of line, and not very many did, Bennett was usually the one who corrected the problem. Delvin caused trouble on occasion. That asshole was heading for an ass-whooping if he challenged Ramsey’s leadership position one more time. Bennett had had enough at the last clan meeting when the little bastard had refused a direct order from Ramsey. Why his brother insisted on giving Delvin one more chance was beyond him. One more was all he was getting.
“You know I don’t have a problem following your lead.”
“Yeah, I know.” Ramsey started down the road toward the diner. It was only a couple of miles from Bennett’s house and they probably could have walked. “You said your mate is in some sort of trouble.”
“Yeah. He’s a witch. According to Mom, the only male witch in existence. He needs protection.”
“Of course. He’d have that anyway, as your mate.”
“It’s more complicated than that. Mom says there will be people after him. He has abilities that nobody else has. He’s wanted because ofthem. By everyone.” Bennett could feel the anger rise in him knowing someone, somewhere wanted to hurt his sweet, little mate.
“He’ll be protected by one of us at all times. From here on out, Bennett.” Ramsey patted him on the shoulder. “It’s an order from his alpha. I’ll tell him when we meet today.”
Bennett nodded once, understanding that was an order for him as well as for Lucas.
They pulled up in front of the diner and Ramsey shut off the car’s engine. “What do you know about his history?”
“Not much, honestly. We didn’t exactly talk about it. The only thing he said to me was he had a vampire coven after him. I think Mom read him, though.”
“He’ll tell me,” Ramsey said matter-of-factly.
“When he’s ready. Don’t scare him away, Ramsey.”
“Please, as if I could. I might not want the shit storm this guy is bringing to our town, but even I know there’s not much I can do about it. I can’t kick him out. He’s family now.”
The way Ramsey said it, as if he didn’t want Lucas around made Bennett’s dragon roar in his mind. “Relax,” Ramsey said and rolled his eyes when he saw the tic in Bennett’s jaw.
Bennett growled and opened the car door. Unfortunately, he wasn’t paying attention and hit something with it.
Bennett saw a blond head peek up above the corner of the door. Ramsey said something, but Bennett’s head was filled with Lucas’ smell so he couldn’t focus on anything else. God, that smell was so unique. Bennett wanted to roll all over in it.
All at once, he realized what exactly he had done. Bennett got out of the car and shut the door behind him. Lucas was bent over at the waist. Just seeing him like that shouldn’t have made his cock hard butit did. Fully clothed, didn’t seem to matter to his happy dick. Seeing Lucas’ ass like that, as if on display for him was enough.
And then he felt horrible for hurting his mate and thinking about sex after he’d done it.
Lucas straightened and had a scowl on his face. “Jesus Christ, Bennett. Are you trying to kill me with…your…car…door? Oh.” Lucas’ voice trailed off at the end. He stood there staring with the most amazing blue eyes which were wide with passion. Lucas placed his hand in front of his jeans-covered cock as if to shield it from view.
Bennett sniffed the air, smelling his mate’s arousal. He grinned and reached for Lucas.
The corners of Lucas’ mouth turned up into a small smile. When Lucas was fully against Bennett’s body, he could feel the smaller man’s erection and knew Lucas could feel his, as well.
“Are you okay, baby? I’m sorry for hitting you like that. I didn’t see you there.”
“It was my fault,” Ramsey said. “He was mad at me for something I said.” He came around the car’s hood.
Ramsey went to touch Lucas’ arm and Bennett couldn’t help the growl that came out. He knew his eyes changed to that of his dragon. He pulled Lucas even closer. “Mine!” Lucas was smashed against Bennett’s body. He didn’t seem to mind, though, because he clung like a monkey.
Bennett came back to himself and realized what he’d done. “Sorry, Alpha.” He tilted his head in submission, exposing his neck, which wasn’t the usual way to submit to a water monster like Ramsey, but it was the way of their family clan.
Ramsey smiled at him and nodded in understanding. “It's fine, brother.”
Lucasseemed to take in the exchange between them with silent fascination. “Um…I…was going to bring you some donuts or something from the grocery store. But then I saw you in the car and decided to come over and say hi,” Lucas said, still staring at both of them as if he couldn’t decide if he should run away or not.
Bennett bent down. “That’s sweet, baby. Would you like breakfast at the diner with us instead?”
