Page 63 of Poet & Protector

He tried to glare at me again but ended up smiling. “Goodnight, Nev.”

Mason started to rise, but I grabbed his arm and tugged him in for another kiss.

He sighed when I pulled away. “See you tomorrow.”

I nodded.

“Bye again, Caleb.” He gave Caleb a sheepish smile.

“Bye, Mason,” Caleb said, grinning.

When Mason made it to the top of the stairs and out the door, Caleb came around and sat beside me.

“So, what’s the Mason-related problem?”

I chewed on my lower lip. Caleb was a good friend, but this conversation was still going to be at least a little uncomfortable.

“You know it’s hard for us to see each other,” I said. “Even if we didn’t have to keep it a secret, we still live in different compounds. Our packs are totally separate.”

Caleb nodded. “That’s tough.”

“We find time when we can,” I continued, feeling heat creep up my neck. “Mostly it’s here. Or in the woods. But there’s never a place where we can be…together…uh…you know?”

Caleb watched me closely, then began to laugh.

“What?” I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Sorry.” He tried to look serious, then started laughing again.

“Oh, go to hell,” I snarled.

When I tried to stand, Caleb grasped my shoulder and pulled me back down.

“Don’t get pissed off, Nev.” Caleb smiled, still chuckling. “It’s not my fault you two are so cute.”

“Cute?” I was trying to solve a real problem and Caleb thought it was ‘cute’?

“I know how that sounds.” He lifted his hands in a pacifying gesture. “I’m not being patronizing, I swear.”

“Uh huh,” I muttered. “You’re very convincing.”

“I only meant I’m happy for you,” Caleb assured. “Seeing two young wolves fall head over heels. You’ll have to forgive us elders when we get sentimental.”

“I’ll forgive you if you help me,” I said.

“Fair enough.” His smile was less amused and more sympathetic. “You want some quality private time with your man and don’t know how to make that happen.”

I appreciated how matter of fact he was and I nodded.

“I can’t have him over to my place,” I said. “And I can’t go to his. At school we have to act like enemies. It’s good here, but we’re not alone. The woods can be nice…”

“But you’ll freeze your ass off this time of year if you’re human.”

“Yes.”

“Not to mention that while the woods might be pleasant in warmer months, they still aren’t ideal when it comes to things that are much better with…” he gave me a meaningful look, “…supplies and preparation.”

I cleared my throat and glanced at the floor because…wow, this was awkward.