Bennett’s mom dominated the conversation, talking about the latest gossip—something about the Mayor of Saint Lakes having sex with the town’s accountant. Bennett could care less about any of it. He’d never tell his mother that, though, or she’d make him clean the damn basement or move furniture as punishment if he did. He hated cleaning. It was bad enough he was doing the dishes.
Mom wasn’t talking to him anyway. She was sitting at the table with Lucas and Forrest, telling her story. He rolled his eyes. Ladon gave him a small smile and handed him a plate he had just washed. There was something in his eyes that told Bennett his little brother was having problems.
“What’s wrong, Ladon?”
Ladon shrugged. “Nothin’.”
Bennett narrowed his eyes. He didn’t tolerate that game people played where they have an issue with him, but never said anything. Then when he asked them, they said exactly what Ladon had.
“Tell me. Now.” The slight force in Bennett’s voice had his mother quietening. Her eyes narrowed as she took in both of them with a slow intuition that could only come from a mom.
Crap, here it comes.
“Okay, what’s going on with you two?”
Bennett held up his hand. “I’m handling it.”
“Benny,” Lucas said in warning.
Ladon raised his eyebrows. “Benny? I thought no one was allowed to call you that.”
“Just tell me,” Bennett said through clenched teeth.
“Nothing. God, get off my back,” Ladon yelled.
Bennett growled and set the towel down. “Are you challenging me, boy?”
Ladon lowered his eyes, tilting his head to the side, exposing his neck.
Lucas stood and walked over to them. He crooked his finger for Bennett to bend down. Bennett huffed out a breath in annoyance, but he did what Lucas wanted.I think I know what the problem is and if I’m right. You, barking orders, is making it worse.Lucas said through their link and then kissed his cheek.
“Fine,” Bennett said when his mate pulled away.
Lucas held out his hand to Ladon. “I think I can help. If you let me.”
“You, coming here and being his mate, are what started the problem in the first place.” Ladon looked at Lucas as if he were gum underneath his shoe.
Bennett roared and his eyes changed. He took a step closer to Ladon, intending to get him away from Lucas by any means necessary. Lucas put a hand on his chest.He’s just upset because you’re not spending enough time with him.Lucas said to him in his mind. Outloud he said, “Knock it off, both of you.” Lucas held out his hands for each of them. Bennett didn’t even hesitate, putting his hand in Lucas’ with an annoyed huff.
Ladon took Lucas’ hand and Bennett felt Lucas take himself out of the equation, giving Bennett a clear view of what Ladon was thinking. Turned out Lucas was absolutely right. Ladon was feeling neglected by Bennett. And apparently there was someone in the clan bullying Ladon, which seemed impossible given Ladon’s size, but there it was.
Bennett growled when he finally figured out who it was giving Ladon a hard time. Delvin, that fucker. This wouldn’t have been so bad, but Delvin was a full-grown man. He was also stronger than Ladon and would be until he came into his dragon. The biggest problem was the man was using all of Ladon’s abandonment issues against him. Bennett’s recent neglect certainly didn’t help things.
Bennett projected something to his little brother through the connection Lucas had created, asking if Ladon wanted to go fishing. Ladon smiled and nodded.
Lucas released them and cut the connection off.
“That’s so cool, Lucas. Thanks for making me do that and for keeping Bennett from kicking my as…butt,” Ladon corrected himself after meeting his mother’s gaze. She shook her finger but otherwise didn’t say anything.
He went in for a hug, but then stopped himself. “Is hugging you okay? It won’t give you overload or whatever?”
Lucas smiled and hugged Ladon quickly. “Naw, I can shut it off and turn it on whenever I want. At least now I can. Took a few days to figure it out.”
Lucas pulled away and took a step closer to Bennett.
“Sorry I got bitchy with you,” Ladon whispered.
“It’s fine, Ladon.”
