“Maybe.” I could tell he didn’t believe me.
His eyes drifting closed. It was only midafternoon, but I suspected Reid finally felt safe enough to rest. He might not have even realised it consciously, but I thought deep down he knew that. Here, he was safer than anywhere else. It wasn’t about the clan boundaries or treaties, or even the other warriors nearby.
It was because he was with me. At my side. I could protect him up close, instead of from a distance. There was no need for me to take time off to sleep or rest—I could do those things when Reid did.
Assuming he wanted that, of course. Hopefully he would. And if he didn’t, we’d do more of the communication thing we’d discussed earlier.
Look, Ma. Your boy’s all grown up.
By the time I pulled up outside our house, Reid was fast asleep. I flicked off the engine and watched him for a minute with a small smile on my face. There was none of the fire I was used to seeing there, just a quiet peace.
I loved his fire, but I thought I could love his peace just as much.
Easing his door open carefully so as not to jostle him, I leaned over him to unclick his seat belt. Lifting him from the car, I carried him to the house and tapped on the door with my foot.
It swung open, and Pa appeared, grinning in delight. “You’re back.”
“Ssh,” I hissed, nodding down at Reid’s sleeping form.
“Sorry.” Pa tiptoed backwards, dropping his voice to a level that wouldn’t disturb Reid. “Poor wee lamb looks tuckered out.”
“He is,” I murmured back. “I’m going to take him up to bed. Can you tell Ma we’d like to eat here tonight if it’s not too much trouble? I don’t think Reid’s ready to go to the clan house yet.”
Pa smirked. “Aye, I can. I’ll take out the ‘not too much trouble’ part to save ye a lecture and possibly a clip round the ear.”
“You’re the best.” I grinned. “See you later.”
It took me forever to reach my bedroom with how slow I was moving out of fear of waking Reid, but I don’t think I needed to worry. He didn’t stir once, small snuffly snores huffing against my chest. It had me wishing I was shirtless, just so I could feel it against my skin.
Just like last night.
Laying him gently on top of the duvet, I bit my lip as I tried to decide what to do. He wouldn’t be comfortable in his clothes for long, but stripping him felt wrong.
I’d take off his boots. Then, if he woke up, I could ask him if he wanted to change. Otherwise, he’d be fine for a few hours.
I got the first one off without an issue, but an accidental tug of the second had his eyes blearily opening. “Evan?”
“I’m just taking your shoes off,” I whispered, droppingthe second boot on the floor and moving closer. “Go back to sleep, sweetheart. You’re exhausted.”
“No, I should get up,” he said, his eyes widening in alarm as he saw we were inside my bedroom. “What will your parents say if they realise I didn’t even say hello before vanishing up here? Oh god, this is awful. I’m fucking up already.”
The speed at which he’d gone from completely asleep to spiralling was terrifying. It had my wolf on edge, desperate for us to comfort him.
Dropping to my knees, I cupped his face. The touch had seemed to soothe him earlier. Hopefully it’d have the same effect now.
Reid exhaled, his shoulders relaxing, and I mentally cheered. “Reid, I can tell ye what they’ll say if you go downstairs right now with these bags under your eyes. Ma will have you back up here in two seconds flat, complete with a hot water bottle and a telling off so terrifying you won’t dare resurface until you’ve slept for at least two hours.”
Reid bit his lip anxiously. “What about your dad? Is he home now?”
“He is.” I smiled. “You won’t get any help from him either. He backs Ma up even if she’s in the wrong. Which, to be clear, she wouldn’t be in this situation.”
“She wouldn’t?”
“Nope.” I stroked his cheekbones. “This might be the most beautiful face I’ve ever seen, but I hate these bags under your eyes.”
Reid’s glare had me realising I’d fucked up. “Not because I’m superficial. You could break out in the pox and it wouldn’t change how I feel about you. I hate them because it shows you’re tired. Exhausted, even.”
He grunted, and I could tell I was getting through to him.
