How much would it suck that Carter was introduced into this whole new world only to find out that he was fated to someone that he would never have? Surely not all fated mates ended up together, especially if one of them was already in a relationship. What would they even do.
“Carter?”
He glanced up, realizing that he’d gotten caught up in his thoughts.
“You like Aaron, don’t you?” Hudson asked.
“I do,” Carter confessed. “I already thought he was good-looking before I knew who he was. And I like how sweet he is. How he cares so much about the pups.”
“You snagged a boyfriend by adopting three dogs,” Hudson joked.
Carter shrugged. “I guess it’s a good thing that you and Bas decided to move in here. Plenty of people to help me train them.”
Hudson nodded. “When I found Bas in the tree, you know, when I thought he was actually a cat, I was thinking about keeping him. Of having a pet.”
“I know.” Hudson had been quite obvious about that.
Hudson laughed. “I’m glad I got both my mate and my cat.”
“Me too,” Carter replied sincerely. “Bas will be fine with staying at the cabin tonight?”
“Sure,” Hudson said. “He’s pretty easygoing. Plus, EJ is hanging out, and I want to check on him. I’m not sure what they told him when they dragged him out of his camping spot.”
“He doesn’t know?” Carter hadn’t been sure.
“No, they don’t really tell anyone that’s not connected by a mating.”
“You planned to tell me?” Hudson had said that before.
“Bas said I could. Well, tell you about him. It kind of all got mixed up when we realized that you were Aaron’s mate. Now you can know about all of them.” The excitement in Hudson’s voice had Carter smiling back.
Hudson’s phone chimed at the same time that Carter’s vibrated from his pocket.
“Bas and Aaron are leaving the office,” Hudson told him as he typed on his phone.
Carter nodded. He and Aaron had a lot to talk about. Hopefully the food would put Aaron in a good enough mood for Carter to coax Aaron into answering the questions that Carter had.
* * * * *
Aaron
“Headed to Carter and Hudson’s?” Bas asked as he locked the office door.
“Yeah, Carter promised me dinner.”
Hudson and I are staying at the cabin tonight.” Bas waggled his eyebrows. “So you’ll have the place to yourselves.”
Aaron snorted. “Just us and three puppies.”
“Don’t puppies sleep like all the time? I’m sure that you and Carter will have plenty of time to…connect.”
Aaron started down the steps when Bas caught his arm. He turned.
“Are you going to talk to your mate tonight?” Bas asked quietly.
“I…” Aaron sighed. “What’s the point?”
Bas pulled Aaron closer before frowning down at him. “The point is that Carter is perfect for you. He’s your fated mate. Youcan trust him with all the crazy thoughts running through your head.”
