Chapter Twenty-Two Finn
Finn
After a brief argument between Leo and Jay about who will fetch their missing mate, Jay leaves to do just that. Finn agrees that it is a discussion Jay owes to Nix’s soulmate, though no one asks him his opinion.
Jay has the power to make Nix’s choice a reality or consign him to the sidelines, and Finn can only imagine how that must feel when Grayson’s soulmate’s life is at stake, literally and metaphorically.
There hadn’t been official discussions about soulmates—though Leo had, in one way or another, told everyone except Nix about the official-sounding star charts.
As a man of science, Finn isn’t sure his beliefs extend beyond his practical experience with his own fated mates. But Gideon and Luca are living proof that two people can be more—adding another layer to their already amazing pack dynamic.
Although there is an argument to be made that there is an element of biology in all of this, Finn hasn’t the capacity for theories when living it has always borne more empirical evidence. He could measure vitals, compare data, analyze pheromonal responses—but none of that would explain the way his chest physically aches when Nix smiles at him.
Still, if Grayson and Nix are soulmates, then Finn supposes that they both owe each other a conversation that the rest of them have no business weighing in on.
For now, though, Finn is more than content with his role as escort for their beloved omega back to his room when he said he wanted to have a rest. They had all interpreted that to mean he needed some time alone.
Only Leo seems outwardly distressed, probably at being denied a second time to offer emotional support to a mate in need.
That’s how Finn came to be walking hand-in-hand with Nix and detouring through the kitchen, where he had left the brand new cell phone that had arrived that morning. Finn hoped that their mate wouldn’t feel about this like he had with his original offer of clothes.
Despite his training, Finn was no closer to being able to help his mate through that kind of panic than he had been the first time.
Surprisingly, and with a grateful smile, Nix accepts the phone with simple grace.
“For me? Thank you, Finn.” He turns the box over in his hands, a thoughtful half smile on his lips. “This is way more complicated than my last phone, but I think I can figure it out. Arlo said I could call him if I have questions, and now I can sexy-text, too. That’s still a thing, right?” The soft smile morphs into a sexy smirk—a tease that makes Finn’s tummy flip-flop like a fish out of water.
Finn cannot decide if he should be horrified at the use of Arlo’s name being used in the same sentence as Nix’s questions about sexting or skip past his friend’s name into just plain aroused at the idea.
“Sexting. Uh…it’s called sexting, and yes, it is still a thing.” His black currant scent must give him away, and the verdict is that he is not horrified at all.
Stepping in closer, Nix’s musky vanilla is thick, and Finn wonders if he could just open his mouth to feel it slide down his throat.
“Mmm, Dr. Merritt. Maybe I could sext you sometime, is that something you like?”
It is—it is something Finn likes so very much, but today has been a stressful day. Today is not the day for sexting, but perhaps he could have a kiss and make some future promises.
“Nix, I would love to sext with you, and I will never purport to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do, but maybe we should do it later, not so soon after…everything.”
His beautiful mate’s musky scent fades away, and he gives a sad little sigh. They’ve finally reached Nix’s room, and Finn is reminded of romance movies, where the hero leaves his date at the door. It’s a sweet comparison, especially because at any other time, he’d hope to be invited in.
Being the fucking voice of reason is absolutely no fun sometimes—no fun at all.
“You’re right. It’s been a long day. But…raincheck?”
Nix looks up from beneath slow-blinking lashes, his stormy gray eyes smoldering with intent. The gaze alone is enough to send shivers down Finn’s spine—originating, as always, from the fresh claim on his neck.
“Most definitely, but could I have a goodnight kiss to tide me over?” He puts his hands on Nix’s tiny waist and pulls his warm body close so Nix can run his hands up Finn’s arms and over his shoulders.
“You may, but none of those knock-my-socks-off ones you usually hand out. My will is weak where you are concerned.” He puts his hands on Finn’s cheeks. “I love you, Finn Merritt. You know that?”
He does. Even though the bond isn’t fully complete, Finn doesn’t need it to know he is loved—or that he feels the same.
His mate’s lips are soft, and he smells like dessert—so Finn consoles himself with a bite on that full lower lip and a suck on the sweet tongue in his mouth. It’s not the chaste kiss as requested, but he is not a saint.
“I love you to the moon and back, Nix Rena. Text if you need me, or you can come and find me in the library. I’ll figure something out for dinner in a bit, okay?”
“Okay. Thank you, Finnie.” He gives Finn’s shoulders a last squeeze with a sigh. “Bye.”
Finn doesn’t turn, only backs down the hall so he can keep his smiling, well-kissed omega in sight.
Nix leans against the doorframe, eyes tracking his retreat, and just as Finn reaches the top of the stairs, his mate calls out because, of course, Nix has to have the last word.
“Finn, maybe we could watch that video you took the other night together soon?”
Finn trips—just a bit—but enough that he nearly lands flat on his ass. There’s a soft, knowing laugh behind him, and as he glances back, he catches the sparkle of mischief in Nix’s eyes.
At least he hasn’t left his mate with a sad heart.
Nix winks, gives a small wave, and, with a quiet click, shuts the door.
The trip to the library seems to be taking him in the opposite direction of where his feet want to go, and he mourns again that his mate is alone, but Finn understands the need for quiet and to process his emotions without an audience.
There’s pressure to feel things in a way that’s palatable for others, and Nix seems to be constantly either checking in with everyone else’s emotions or suppressing his own. It saddens Finn to think his mate has to become an expert at reading the room to avoid the worst that others’ emotions can bring.
Besides, he could count on one hand the number of minutes Nix has had by himself since he’d been awake, and some of that was up a tree or in the bathroom. With seven mates eager to get to know him, enjoy him—and protect him—alone time is going to be rare. But it must be hard for Nix to hear his own thoughts when the demands of people he cares about make it impossible to hear what’s going on inside his own head.
Not that Finn is projecting or anything.
That’s why Finn sets the boundaries he does around his room. The library is fair game, and he will sometimes find Gideon reading in a hidden corner or Grayson drawing quietly on the couch—something about the room’s two-story windows on a sunny morning or a rain-slick night. The others are more extroverted, but Finn enjoys the parallel quietude with his fellow introverts in this space.
It’s there that he heads after ordering Thai food delivery and covertly checking that Gideon and Luca are still holed up in Gideon’s space. Given the afternoon’s events, he knows Gideon will not feel like cooking, but perhaps Finn can entice them out to eat when the time comes.
It’s still early enough that he thinks about trying to get Baz Portman from the Kennedy pack on a video call. Riordan had made it clear that he was the most informed about the small omega advocacy group.
Sending a quick text, he gets an immediate affirmative, and it’s not long before Baz’s handsome, grinning face is larger than life on the monitor in his office.
“Finn!”
“Hey, Baz. How are you?” Finn genuinely likes Baz and respects the hell out of the tireless work he does in the Department of Children’s Services as a trauma counselor. Finn knows the Kennedy pack’s baby will have the best start.
“Well, thanks. I hadn’t expected to hear from you so soon, but I am glad you called.” Baz adjusts his glasses with a smile. He’s not traditionally handsome, but his ready smile and flamboyant fashion style never fail to make Finn happy to see him.
“Thank you for taking my call. Congratulations on your newest addition.”
“It’s incredible, right? It’s shaking shit up around here like crazy. I’m glad Arlo could see your Nix.” Finn is glad, too—he can’t imagine what it must feel like to know you are not alone in such a big thing.
“Do you have time to talk a bit? After Arlo’s visit, Nix has decided to come out as omega, and I was hoping you could help us by sharing any plans you might have?” It only made sense that the omega advocacy group had a contingency plan for discovery.
“I’m not surprised. Arlo said Nix didn’t want you to have to lie. However, Dan would have filled out the registry form, like he has for Arlo. Something about his role as Administrator skirting the Oath—it’s a useful loophole.”
That news catches Finn off guard, sparking a welcome surge of affection for his boss. Riordan is a straight arrow, much like Finn’s own pack alpha, but that he’d risk bending the rules to protect Finn’s honor—and his job—means more than he can put into words.
“I don’t know what to say. That’s…” Overwhelming? What does one say about someone who is willing to end up in prison for your sake? “Nice. Thank you for telling me.”
“Ah, don’t go getting sentimental. We’re invested in the outcome, too. When you say Nix has decided to come out, you must mean he wants this trial-by-combat thing. Nix told Arlo about it, though he didn’t say much except that it’s the pack alpha’s privilege, or he can choose a proxy.”
Finn is reminded of the very thing that started all of this—the reason their fragile, short-lived harmony is fracturing. He doesn’t blame Nix; how could he? But just the thought of him injured, fighting for his life, unearths the horror of that morning—the scent of blood, the sharp tang of fear, the way Nix had teetered on the edge of death. It lingers in his memory, raw and vivid, unless he’s regularly exposed to the living, breathing, happy version of their mate.
He won’t tell anyone, but it’s why he wears the white sweater as often as possible; it gets washed and then quickly re-scented with hugs and close contact.
Even then, Finn has not been back in the ER since.
It’s not a problem yet, it’s not. Even though he’s not been to see Dennie or even been down to that floor, every time he thinks about it, he gets a jolt of anxiety and…
Well…maybe it is a problem.
“Finn, hey. Was it something I said?” He must have zoned out for a moment. He doesn’t know Baz well enough to go into it, even though his friend is a well-qualified social worker, but there won’t be anything Baz could say that he hasn’t told himself a hundred times.
“Sorry, we’re still trying to get up to speed with the idea of other omegas. I was hoping you might help. Riordan told us you are acting as the point person for the network?”
“Network. Ha. It’s too small to be a network, but I suppose I am Arlo’s contact with the others. He’s not one for groups of people—or groups. Or people. I think Riordan mentioned that we know of six omegas now, and Nix is the only one who was human first. We haven’t told anyone about Nix yet, but I’m concerned about how different Were Communities might handle the news.”
“Agreed. Many countries don’t regulate their Human-Were transitions strictly, although many developed countries do.” Finn shudders to think of the less-than-honorable alphas’ intent of growing their packs and turning humans—non-consensually in the hopes they could gamble on creating an omega of their own.
“It also concerns me about government interference. We certainly don’t want our mates in laboratories or considered breeders, b ut the other omegas and their packs have considered all avenues, especially after Daiki presented in Japan.
“It’s a sign that the concentration of omegas being born in this generation is increasing, so we want to connect them as much as possible despite the risks. It makes sense to share healthcare discoveries, for example. We’ve been speaking with the Argentinian pack regarding a birth plan for the past few months.”
“I hadn’t even considered how urgent that would be for you. Riordan said you have a plan regarding the coming out?”
“Well, it’s not much of one. Every omega’s home turf has different risks, and most of the omegas are urban dwellers, so the risk of exposure has always been high. It’ll be hard to unravel the long-term protections we’ve put into place. Similarly, we all share the issue regarding the deliberately inaccurate gender registration and legal issues, but we felt we needed to have at least discussed it as a group. Omegas may be deemed mythical by public opinion, but a transitioned human one will undoubtedly draw most of the attention.”
“It’s so risky. Nix feels he has to do this, but Arlo and the others could still hide. It’s possible the authorities might think it’s an anomaly because of the change.” Nix had been so happy not to be the only one that just thinking he might be left swinging alone in the wind was not pleasant at all.
But apparently, this band of omegas is brave.
“That’s what I said, but after the meeting yesterday, we received word that unanimously, every single omega wants to be free of hiding. No matter the attention they will garner. Enthusiastically. Arlo has seemed lighter since meeting your Nix.”
“Nix has that effect.”
Finn is proud to say it’s true. Nix is pure sunshine, and not one person–aside from Hayes–has disagreed, either in thought or deed. “You wait until you meet him. He’s irresistible.” Finn knows he sounds lovesick, and with this claim bite high on his throat, he knows Baz can’t help but notice.
“I believe you,” he chuckles with a sly grin. “So tell me what you’re thinking for Nix, and then maybe we can arrange to all come out simultaneously and divert attention from any one person.”
Finn doesn’t tell him it’s Nix who really has the plan. “Nix is going to testify, and then he’s going to deliver the sentence himself.” And there’s that nauseous fear again.
Baz is silent, mouth agape. It takes him a minute to process that statement before he shakes his head. Finn is ready to defend his mate’s choice, despite his desire for the opposite, because as much as Finn would lie, cheat, and be willing to lose his job to protect him, he also has to be willing to let Nix save himself.
It’s surprisingly difficult.
“When Riordan first said trial-by-combat, I hadn’t imagined it would be Nix. I wish I could tell you I am surprised. Fernando, the omega in Argentina, has shared many of the old oral histories in his family. I hope you can meet him for yourself because he is incredible.
“Arlo is the strongest man I know, physically and mentally. He will deny it and also prefers we treat him with the princely reverence he deserves, but he doesn’t have to have it. If Nix thinks he can do this, then he can. How is Gideon taking it?”
Gideon’s reputation always precedes him, which Finn supposes is just as his mate likes it, but Finn will not gossip with another Were about his mate, so all he says is, “As well as any of us, I think. We will support Nix’s right to choose and support his preparations, whatever they will be. So, how do you recommend we do this?”
“I think it’s best to ask your legal team, but Henry has a few suggestions he can forward to your legal team. His biggest suggestion was getting Antonio Costas involved.”
“Leo’s father? But his lawyer is Erin Christie. Our families don’t know anything yet.”
“She comes highly recommended, no doubt about that. But Henry suggested that Mr. Costas’s expertise will be key in getting it all to go smoothly, and surely, if he’s your father-in-law, he’ll need to know, eventually. Time isn’t on our side here, Finn.”
The clock is ticking, and Erin had said mere days. “Not at all. If Henry’s plan works, how will that impact the other omegas?”
“Once Nix’s team has made the appropriate revelations, then we will wait and see how long the defense can keep the lid on it. I suspect the accused will have no vested interest in keeping quiet?”
Baz has inadvertently pressed an open wound, and Finn feels the pain of it. Knowing Nix’s secret will come out at the whim of his torturer does not sit well with him. “You’re right. He’s going to die, and he’ll want Nix to suffer alongside him. Would the others consider a public announcement? We can better control the narrative.”
It’s optimistic that it won’t be a publicity nightmare, but Finn thinks it’s possible that they’ll be able to maintain control with the right support and a lot of preparation.
Baz looks skeptical, and Finn knows he’ll do what’s right for Arlo, in the same way that Finn is thinking of Nix. “We’ll have to think hard about that. It’s one thing to slide under the radar and another to wave a red flag and shine a spotlight on it.”
“I understand. Either way, I am so grateful to you and Henry for helping us through this. I will email Erin and let her know Henry will be in touch as a friend of the family. He won’t be in trouble for going around his boss?”
“Nah. Henry is Arlo’s legal representative, and Arlo asked him to reach out to a fellow omega in need. He didn’t access company files, and everything he’s offering is conjecture. He’s too smart not to have covered his bases. Don’t worry. You just set up that contact for the incoming email.”
“Our thanks to all of you. I’ll get it sent right now and ask her to get Mr. Costas involved. Shit, Leo better make a phone call first. Could you ask Henry to give us until morning?”
“Certainly. I’ll be in touch about the possible press conference, too—and hey, Finn?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re a good alpha—don’t forget it. Call me any time. Good luck.”
“Thanks, Baz. Say hi to everyone.” He disconnects at Baz’s wave.
Sighing, Finn rests his forehead on the desk, giving it a single, soft tap. The whole thing is a lot already, and Finn hasn’t even heard the legal arguments. He’d better find Leo and see if Jay is back with Grayson.
It’s right then that the gate buzzes with the dinner delivery. Rowan must let him in the gate, and not long after, Finn can hear Leo digging out tableware.
Then there’s Jay’s voice calling after Grayson.
When Finn steps into the kitchen, Jay is leaning back against the counter, arms crossed and jaw clenched. “Didn’t go well, then?”
Their pack leader sighs. “Well, enough. I think he’ll come around eventually. Found him at Ulta. Bags full of toiletries and other stuff he says Nix needs. I feel like a shit alpha that he only just got his own shit today.”
Jay’s second operating system after protection is duty. “Leo, thanks for setting him up in his new space. Finn, was he okay after what happened?” Jay is rubbing his chest and stops to accept two takeout bags to carry them to the table.
“He wanted to rest. I gave him his phone, though.” He just wishes he’d had more to offer about Nix’s state of mind to relieve his alpha’s stress than the distraction of some high-caliber flirting.
“You haven’t seen him since? Fuck, Finn, you know he could do a runner.” Finn didn’t think Nix would run, not unless they gave him reason.
He’s making for the left-wing staircase when Leo stops him with a hand and shows him the family safety app he’d installed on their phones two years ago. It’s likely how Jay had located Grayson when he went looking, and it’s how Leo can see Nix’s phone upstairs with Grayson’s. “I installed it on Nix’s phone with the other security apps. He’s right where Finn left him.”
Leo pats their alpha’s shoulder. “It’ll be okay, Jaybird.”
Wishing he could agree so easily, Finn grabs a jug of iced tea from the fridge and carries it to the table. When bowls, plates, and chopsticks are on the table, Leo sends a group text to come and eat.
No one expects Gideon and Luca to slip into their seats on silent feet, shower-soft and looking a bit emotionally bruised around the edges. It’s a relief that they have come back to some common ground. Hopeful, Gideon’s scent is still stormy, and Luca has his hands around Gideon’s biceps. The contact is probably to help ease both of them.
Luca had wrapped Gideon’s broken hand, and from what Finn could see, it was well done. But he couldn’t help but ask, “Gideon, do you want me to check your hand after dinner?”
Gideon just rolls his eyes, but also offers a small smile. It’s supposed to be reassuring but isn’t, and Finn misses the snark he’d usually receive at pointing out what Gideon perceives as unwanted attention on his breach of temper.
“If you change your mind..?”
Grayson and Nix don’t show up immediately, but maybe they’re having a much-needed discussion. Jay had said it had gone as well enough, so Finn hopes that extends to Grayson and Nix’s conversation, too. They’ll save them some dinner anyway, and Finn will take it up later.
It might appear strange to others, but Finn takes comfort in that everyone is dealing with the added stress in their usual, predictable ways. It’s a slice of home, just as much as the scent of a summer thunderstorm as it sweeps over an herbaceous black currant and basil garden in the middle of a forest while sitting warm and dry and sipping on a cinnamon and spice rum drink with a slice of mocha cake on the side.
But now the cake has sweet vanilla frosting.
It’s ridiculous and never anything he’d ever say out loud, but it’s the way his mind works, and the visualization brings comfort. Sue him.
Rowan dishes up Finn’s favorite Thai curry and adds rice to bowls. It’s fragrant, and there are even low-spice options for Jay, Leo, and Luca.
Finn wonders if Nix is team spicy or not.
After his illuminating talk with Baz, he’s eager to get in touch with Antonio Costas and get everyone up to speed, but he’ll not do that without Nix and Grayson present—they are a family and a team, after all.
Even though it’s Nix captaining this ship, they will all sail or sink together.
So until they arrive or Finn can get them all together, they make small talk and try to avoid the vanilla-scented elephant in the room.
An hour later, Grayson enters the dining area without their omega.
“Grayson, where’s my kitten?” Gideon is half out of his seat, a look of seriousness on his face.
“He’s here. I just thought he deserved a grand entrance. Nix?” Everyone turns toward the left-wing entrance.
Finn’s breath catches as Nix shyly crosses to his spot at the table. Grayson must have bought brown hair dye at Ulta Beauty. His old blond is gone and has been replaced by the softest sable brown; it highlights his golden freckles and makes his eyes glow. Grayson has trimmed it, too, and now it sits just below his ears, letting his bond bites show beautifully.
He’s not the only one who is captivated, as Luca squeals and jumps up to hug him and ruffle the soft strands. Through the racket, Jay stands, bumping the table so hard the glassware clanks. Their alpha’s face is pale, and there are tears on his cheeks like he was seeing a ghost from the past, and Finn supposes he is.
Finn realizes this must be how Nix looked a decade ago.
“Oh, baby boy. Look at you.” Nix is around the table in Jay’s arms in an instant, and Jay takes their omega’s mouth in a soft, thorough kiss through his tears. It’s intensely intimate, but Finn can’t look away. It has the same feeling that you might get while witnessing someone returning home after a long time at war, and he supposes the analogy isn’t that far off.
Eventually, there are catcalls, and when they break apart, Jay sits in his chair with Nix solidly in his lap. He’s spent more time in Jay’s chair than his own, and Finn is getting used to seeing him there.
Their mate is so ethereal this way—so happy and sweet that Finn cannot stop staring, and he catches the movement of Rowan’s hand going for his dick out of the corner of his eye.
Leo slaps him on the wrist and whispers, “Not at the table.”
“But he’s so pretty. Why is he so pretty?” He pulls his hand away with one last mournful whine.
“I thought no one was touching your dick for at least a day,” Grayson snorts from across the table.
“Well, I didn’t mean me. Obviously. Or you, Nix. You can touch my dick any time—please, please touch it.”
It makes Nix laugh, but Finn knows Rowan is not kidding one iota.
Grayson is serving Nix some rice and soup that they had managed to keep warm, and there are quiet conversations and sometimes quiet contemplation. Jay has turned Nix sideways on his lap so he can see his expression, and he’s got a lovesick look on his face that–in another time and space–might have been embarrassing. Now, though, it’s beautifully poignant, and Finn is so grateful for their second chance.
He’s staring, and it finally catches Nix’s attention, who raises a perfect eyebrow in question, that smirk from earlier back in place.
Finn feels his ears get red, but he’ll not let it keep him quiet. “Hey, you look beautiful, Nix. I like it.”
Nix gives him a shy smile, tilting his chin down shyly and then looking up at him under his lashes. Finn feels it in his dick, and he nearly chokes on his own spit.
“Are you alright?” He giggles. “Thanks, Finn. It feels really good.” His voice is deep, and he has the attention of everyone at the table in that instant.
No time like the present then, since he’d never be able to rally the room with the same ease.
“I don’t want to ruin the mood, but I talked to Baz from Kennedy Pack today, and he has some ideas I think we should talk about.”
Nix tilts his head, his eyes darting around the room. He puts the bowl of rice on the table that Grayson had handed him and nods. Finn takes it as a good sign that he doesn’t get off of Jay’s lap. “Okay, I’m ready.”
He is braced for whatever bad news Finn has, and there is nothing he can do to make it hurt any less except to get through it. “First of all, is the court case. Henry has some legal suggestions that he’ll forward to Erin, but he’s recommending we get Mr. Costas involved. That’s Leo’s father. Would that be all right, Nix?”
“If he’s as nice as Leo, that will be okay. Do you want them to know about me?”
The entire pack is decidedly unhappy at their mate, thinking he could be unwanted, and it’s one more reason to loathe the Rhodeses.
Finn rushes to reassure him. “Nixie, Leo’s parents checked up on you every day you were in the hospital, either with him or Jay. I think he even spoke to his Mama-Frankie today. Leo, didn’t you say that she asked for the tenth time when you were bringing Nix to meet them?”
“Nix, our families want to meet you, and we’ve only been holding them back since it’s been so complicated. You’re our mate.” Rowan is rarely so sincere, but he’s maintaining a degree of eye contact that borders on awkwardness.
There are notable exceptions to the kindness of their families, of course, but Nix doesn’t need reminders of the Rhodeses, Wildes, or Gideon’s father.
“Really? Okay, you can tell your father about me, and maybe he will help Erin?”
“I am sure he will. Leo and Jay will call him, and then we can visit him later in the week. Baz also said the other omegas—unanimously and with great enthusiasm—want to come out in their countries when you do. We just have to coordinate it. We have some ideas about how to do that, and we can talk with Erin about strategy.”
“They want to come out with me? I won’t be alone?” There are unshed tears in his eyes, as if he’s never thought there would be any help from them. “But it’ll be hard, right, Finn? Will Erin and Mr. Costas have ideas about how we can help them stay safe?”
Finn takes it as a good sign that no one is trying to tell Nix he should worry about his own safety.
“Let’s worry about that when we speak with them. We have to get them up to speed first.”
“But we are running out of time, Gray. Erin says they’ll be asking about my Were registration, and I need to get training–” Nix is far too eager sounding for the current crowd, and the mood shifts abruptly. None of his mates is excited to be reminded that their treasured mate is barreling toward pain and injury.
While no one has burst into tears or impaled anyone with their chopsticks yet, Finn can still see the knife Gideon thrown embedded in the wall. It reminds him that Gideon is still holding back, despite his presence at the table, and hasn’t had his final say.
When he stands abruptly and turns to the door with Luca hot on his heels, Nix jumps up and calls out for him. “Gideon!”
It’s enough to stop Gideon in his tracks, back tensed. It takes him a bit to turn around, and Finn knows him well enough to see the restraint he’s using to meet Nix’s eyes with a gentle smile. “It’s okay, kitten. I just need to sleep on it, and it’ll be better in the morning.”
It’s so much a lie that Leo flinches, and Jay rubs a hand down his face.
Nix hesitates, looking like he wants to press but doesn’t know how. His hands twitch at his sides, and his voice, when it comes, is small.
“Okay then, night. Night, Luc.”
Gideon disappears out the doorway without looking back.
“It really will be okay, baby. Leave it to me.” Luca comes back and kisses him, and with a tiny wave, he follows Gideon up the stairs.
If anyone can bring Gideon around, it’s Luca. No one speaks, though, until Gideon’s door shuts, and Nix finally looks away from the door.
“Well, then. Hey. Thank you, Finn, for doing that for me. I’m sorry that it’s so—yeah. I think I want to go to bed, and Gray is right; maybe we can talk to Mr. Costas and Erin tomorrow?”
Finn stands up when he comes around the table, and he’s got an armful of sad-vanilla mate. He feels his mate’s slightly trembling body and holds him tightly. He’s trying to look strong, and Finn thinks anyone who is distracted won’t notice.
“Sure, Nix, maybe I’ll see if they can see us tomorrow. Will you be alright?” When it’s out of his mouth, he realizes how absurd it sounds because has he been okay at all in the past week?
Lips as soft as an angel’s wing touch his and then curve into the smallest of smiles. “Mhmm. I will.”
Nix squeezes Finn one last time, and he kisses Rowan’s head, then Jay’s mouth. Grayson moves to follow, but Nix whispers in his ear and kisses his cheek, and the alpha resumes his seat with a frown.
With a soft hand over Leo’s hair, Nix heads off into the left-wing alone—and maybe a bit lonely.
Finn thinks his mate should never be lonely again, but he’s learning that respecting Nix’s difficult choices—when he’d rather put him in his pocket and protect him—is on his list of hard-but-necessary-to-do things.
They all watch Nix go—of course, they do. And when haven’t they had their eyes on him in the past week?
When they hear the far-away door click closed, a sad Rowan lures Grayson into helping him clean up. The promise of a movie and the potential for Rowan-cuddles is too much to refuse, especially with the way their sensitive mate is hurting even after their earlier heart-to-heart.
Distraction is the best way to deal with things when the source of the upset is unavailable for comment, and Jay must think the same.
“Leo, I think we should give your father a call now so Finn can get the ball rolling. This is going to be high profile.” He stops suddenly, smacking himself on the forehead. “Shit. I need to get our Ripley managers and PR on board for the court case. Finn, we’ll meet you in the library in twenty so we can call Mr. Costas and Erin.”
“You’re not going to spill the vanilla beans to the company yet?” That’s from Rowan, who has Grayson on his back, where he’s piggy-backed him in from the kitchen.
“Not yet, but we’ll need a statement. They know Hayes was an employee, fans and the press are already making connections with our impromptu hiatus, and we need a plan of attack. I don’t fucking care about Ripley, but our fans should know we still care about them, and I think we should give them as much of the truth as possible. Were and Human both. It’ll take some professional finagling.”
“I’ll see you in the library in twenty.”
Finn fills the time by finishing up in the kitchen, as neither Grayson nor Rowan are naturally tidy. It’s why Finn is almost always assigned kitchen duty with their baby alpha, and when the comforting intro to Fifth Element starts, he throws popcorn into the machine for Rowan and Gray.
He can just make out the two enigmas cuddling on the couch.
The living room holds no trace of last night’s memorable events—probably Jay’s doing again.
But the scent of vanilla lingers, even over the smell of popcorn. And though the couch will still need a deep clean, it really is the scent of home.