And the more I think about it, the more my chest aches. How many times in Sylvan’s life has he said something without realising people have taken offence? He always tells the truth—isn’t that what everyone always claims to want? Except when it hurts them. Then suddenly, he’s the bad guy.
Maybe we’re the ones who have it wrong.
Maybe we should all be a little more like Sylvan.
“So out of all the omegas you’ve introduced him to, he’s never...”
Val shakes his head. “Never been interested.”
“Oh.” My chest is fluttering.
“Then I walk in here…” He steps closer. I’m back against the desk. “…and he’s got you cornered on the desk, hand around your throat…” Our bodies almost touch as he stares down at me. “You fit.”
I’m frozen.
Will he lean down? Try to kiss me? Will I let him?
No. Maybe… Oh god…
He keeps the small space between us, not moving any closer, as a knowing smile tugs at his lips. “Is it safe to assume you and Sylvan made up?”
Made up? I think that’s an understatement. But I nod. “Yep. We’re good.”
Val’s smirks. “Yeah, you looked it.”
I huff a laugh, adjusting my hoodie to hide how nervous I suddenly feel. “Where’s Luc?”
“Ah, deflection…” He rubs his stubble, ignoring my glare. “He’s on another job. But he didn’t want to be. Kaiden had to almost bark him away.”
My throat turns dry at the thought. “And Kaiden is...”
“Our pack alpha, who will want to meet you after what I’m imagining Sylvan is saying to him.”
I shake my head, feeling a tad flustered. “Well, that... I... I’m busy.” I nod. “Really busy.”
“You’re always busy.”
“I’mextrabusy.”
He smiles a little. “Sure.”
I place a hand on my hip. “I’m getting a scanner installed tomorrow.”
“I know.”
He already knows? When did Sylvan tell him that?
“And once that’s installed,” Val continues, “I’ll bring in two of our guys to meet you and the staff. Gary and Max Mercer. They’re good men, skilled, they’ll do a good job.”
It takes me a moment to realise what he’s talking about. Then it clicks, and my stomach drops.
They’re bringing in replacements.
Because this was only temporary. Luc and Val were providing security as a favour to my brother. To me.
I knew that.
So why does my chest ache at the thought of them not being here?
