Page 115 of Poet & Protector

He hesitated, his expression uneasy. “I need to say something.”

I frowned. Tension was rippling off the human and his scent of approaching storms was stronger.

“Look.” Shay ran his fingers through his hair. “We don’t know each other well and I’m not trying to get in your business. But I can’t pretend I didn’t hear what Dax said to you about Logan.”

I eyed him, wondering where he thought he was going with this.

“Was Dax just talking shit or is Logan a problem?” Shay asked. “Because I know Logan can be a bastard. He thinks he owns the school…and everyone in it. Is he causing trouble for you and Nev?”

For a few heartbeats all I could do was stare. Shay took my silence as offense.

“Sorry, man,” he said quickly. “I didn’t mean to⁠—”

“It’s okay.” I cut him off, finding it odd that I cared what he thought, but I did. “Logan has a thing for me. I don’t feel the same way.”

I smiled ruefully at the ridiculous oversimplification of what Logan was after, but I wasn’t getting into any of that with Shay.

“Like you said,” I continued, cautious not to give too much away, “he thinks the world revolves around him and he’s not happy I’m with Nev.”

“Do you want me to give him a hard time?” Shay asked. “I see a lot of Logan because of his father’s ties to my uncle. We have these ‘family dinners’ that are the most awkward, painful hours I’ve ever suffered and it would be fantastic to get some retribution.”

He grinned and I laughed so loud the sound startled me. It was the second time tonight he’d taken a painful situation and turned it on its head. Once again I was grateful…and impressed to by his ability to read a scene and fix what was wrong.

Shay’s smile faded and he lowered his voice, concern flickering in his gaze. “But seriously, if you said no and Logan refuses to hear it, someone needs to make him listen. I can do that.”

I would have laughed again if not for the intensity in Shay’s voice. This human was completely willing to throw down because he thought Logan was harassing me. It was something an alpha would do for a packmate. What Ren and Calla wished they could do.

Of course, Shay had no idea Logan could wiggle his fingers and have his pet human waltzing with a hellbeast, but the offer was so genuine I couldn’t help but be moved by it.

It was also tempting. If Efron somehow took orders from Shay’s uncle, it might be a real path to running Logan off. But I quickly dismissed that possibility. The Keepers wanted Shay ignorant of our world. It was too risky to get him involved in any way. For him and for me.

“Thanks.” I smiled at him. “But it’s better to leave it alone. Logan enjoys attention too much, even the negative kind.”

“So ignore him and he’ll go away?” Shay asked. “That’s the strategy?”

“For now.”

“Fair enough.” He nodded. “If you change your mind, or if there’s anything I can do, let me know.”

“Appreciate that,” I replied.

I was about to walk away when an idea popped into my mind. “Actually, Shay, is there any chance you could give Ansel and Bryn a ride home? I’ll be honest, it’s out of your way, but…”

My eyes drifted to the stage where Nev was putting away his guitar and chatting with Caleb. Shay followed my gaze. He offered me a knowing smile and a nod.

“I’ve got you,” he said. “Have a good night, Mason.”

“Thanks.” I couldn’t stop my grin as I spun around and walked toward the stage, pulling out my phone to message Ansel.

Me: Shay’s gonna give you guys a ride home.

Ansel: ?????

Me: Just go with it. See you in the morning.

Ansel: You better not be cranky.

Nev looked up as I approached. His brow crinkled and he cocked his head, giving me a curious look.