Chapter Twenty-One
“You have to come!”
Flint looked up from his strawberry plants to find Pax bouncing in the greenhouse doorway like a hyperactive hummingbird. The pixie’s wings weren’t visible, but his entire body vibrated with barely contained excitement.
“Come where?” Flint set down his pruning shears and wiped his hands on his overalls - the green gingham ones he’d worn since long before meeting Arrow.
“To a club!” Pax clapped his hands together. “In Big Sky. The four of us are going.”
“Four?”
“Me, Storm, Wren, and Devon, seeing as Calvin and Levi are off on a job.” Pax grinned wider. “Well, six now. You and Arrow, too.”
Flint frowned. “I don’t really do clubs.”
“You do now.” Pax marched into the greenhouse, grabbed Flint’s wrist, and tugged. “Come on. Wren and I already planned it. We’re wearing our overalls.”
“To a club?” Flint followed Pax out of the greenhouse mostly because the pixie’s grip was surprisingly strong. “Pax, that’s…”
“Adorable? Amazing? Perfectly us?” Pax spun to face him, walking backward toward the house. “Wren ordered a pair just like yours after seeing how cute you looked in them. Now we match.”
Flint couldn’t help smiling. Wren had been so shy when he’d first arrived, yet he’d been immediately drawn to Flint’s clothes. Now he collected bright clothes like other people collected stamps.
“What did Storm say about this plan?”
“He said yes.” Pax’s expression turned smug. “Because he’s a good mate who wants me to have fun. Devon already agreed, too. So all we need is you and Arrow.”
Arrow emerged from the house at that moment, probably drawn by the sound of voices. He wore jeans and a simple gray T-shirt that made his eyes look even more striking.
“Need me for what?”
“Going to a club.” Pax released Flint to beam at Arrow. “All six of us. Tonight.”
Arrow glanced at Flint, one eyebrow raised. Through their bond, Flint felt his mate’s amusement and willingness. Arrow had learned not to make decisions for Flint, waiting instead for his response.
“I don’t know.” Flint crossed his arms, suddenly self-conscious. “The three of us in overalls? We’ll stand out.”
“So?” Pax planted his hands on his hips. “What’s the point of having big mates if we can’t have fun with them?”
“Big mates?” Arrow’s lips twitched.
“You know what I mean.” Pax waved a hand. “Tall. Protective. Good for dancing with.” He turned back to Flint. “Nobody’s going to mess with us when we’ve got three assassins and Arrow watching our backs.”
“You’re including me?” Flint blinked.
“You’re scary when you want to be.” Pax’s grin turned wicked. “I’ve seen you shoot. Plus, Arrow looks like he could buy the whole club if anyone annoyed him.”
“I quit my job, remember?” But Arrow was smiling now, clearly entertained.
“Yeah, but you’ve still got that look.” Pax gestured at Arrow’s face. “Like you’re about to fire someone just for breathing wrong.”
Arrow laughed outright at that. “I never actually fired anyone.”
“Doesn’t matter. You’ve got the face for it.” Pax grabbed both their hands. “Please? It’ll be fun. We never get to go out and just be normal.”
Normal. Flint considered the word. None of them were normal - a pixie, a chameleon shifter, a snake, a crocodile, a bear, and a wolf. But maybe that was exactly the point.
“When are you leaving?” he asked.
“Nine.” Pax bounced again. “Storm’s making an early dinner, so we’re not drinking on empty stomachs. Devon’s driving because he doesn’t drink much anyway.”
Flint looked at Arrow, who shrugged with that easy grace he’d developed since leaving the city.
“I’m game if you are,” Arrow said.
“Fine.” Flint felt his own smile forming. “But if anyone makes fun of the overalls…”
“They won’t.” Pax hugged him quickly. “And if they do, Arrow can give them the scary boss face.”
“I don’t have a scary boss face.”
“You absolutely do.” Pax was already heading toward the path to Storm’s house. “Nine o’clock! Don’t be late!”
Flint watched him go, then turned to Arrow. “We’re really doing this?”
“Apparently.” Arrow pulled him close, kissing his forehead. “It could be fun.”
“Why do I get the impression you hate clubs?”
“I hated the clubs I went to in the city.” Arrow’s hands settled on Flint’s waist, fingers finding the pockets of his overalls. “Those were full of people trying to impress each other. This is just us and our friends.”
Our friends. Flint leaned into Arrow’s warmth, breathing in his mate’s scent. “You’re sure you don’t mind the overalls?”
“Babe, I’ve watched you on the range in those overalls.” Arrow’s voice dropped lower. “They’re sexy as hell on you.”
Heat rushed through their bond, making Flint’s cheeks warm. “They’re practical work clothes.”
“They show off your ass.” Arrow’s hands slid down to prove his point. “And you look adorable in them. Plus, I like that you’re confident enough not to care what strangers think.”
“I’m not that confident.”
“You’re the most dangerous person I know.” Arrow kissed him properly this time. “You just hide it behind a pretty face and a floppy sun hat.”
Flint kissed him back, losing himself for a moment in the taste and feel of his mate. His snake stirred contentedly, pleased with the affection.
“We should probably get ready,” Flint said eventually.
“Probably.” Arrow didn’t let go. “Though if we’re late, we could just blame it on getting distracted.”
“Pax will kill us both.”
“Fair point.” Arrow released him with obvious reluctance. “Shower?”
They showered together, which did make them slightly late, but Flint couldn’t bring himself to care.
Arrow took his time washing Flint’s hair, fingers massaging his scalp until Flint nearly purred.
They dried off and dressed - Flint in his green gingham overalls over a white T-shirt, Arrow in dark jeans and a black button-down that made him look dangerous and expensive all at once.
“You’re going to get hit on all night,” Flint said, studying his mate.
“So are you.” Arrow adjusted Flint’s overall straps, straightening them with careful attention. “Good thing we both know who we’re going home with.”
Flint touched the scar on his neck where Arrow had bitten him. The raised skin was visible above his shirt collar, a permanent declaration of their bond. It wouldn’t mean anything to the humans in the club, but to any paranormal, it was a blazing signal to stay away.
They walked to Devon and Wren’s place, where everyone was gathering. Storm answered the door wearing cargo shorts and a tank top that showed off his muscular arms. Behind him, Pax posed in yellow gingham overalls that matched the cheerful color scheme he favored.
“You came!” Pax grabbed Flint’s arm. “Wait until you see Wren.”
Wren emerged from the bedroom in rainbow-patterned overalls, his curly hair artfully styled. He gave Flint a shy smile.
“We match now,” Wren said softly.
Devon followed him out, wearing nice jeans and a button-down shirt similar to Arrow’s. He looked like a professor going to a faculty party - respectable but approachable.
“This was Pax’s idea,” Devon said, though his expression was fond as he watched his mate bounce around the room.
“A great idea.” Storm pulled Pax close, kissing the top of his head. “My baby wants to go dancing.”
“We all need to blow off steam sometimes.” Pax leaned into Storm’s bulk. “Plus, I wanted to show off my hot boyfriend.”
“Mate,” Storm corrected gently.
“Hot mate.” Pax grinned. “Even better. But in the club, you’re my boyfriend.”
They piled into Devon’s truck - the bear had bought a crew cab specifically to accommodate the group.
Storm and Pax took the back seat with Flint and Arrow, although there was plenty of room because Pax thought sitting on Storm’s lap was the most comfortable seat.
Wren took the front passenger seat, his hand resting on Devon’s knee.
The club in Big Sky wasn’t huge, but the music pumping through the walls promised a good time. They paid the cover charge and entered a world of flashing lights and pounding bass. The dance floor was already crowded, bodies moving in rhythm.
Flint hesitated at the edge of the floor, suddenly aware of how different they looked. Three small men in bright overalls, flanked by three larger mates who radiated protective energy.
“Come on.” Arrow took his hand, threading their fingers together. “Let’s dance.”
“I don’t really…”
“Neither do I.” Arrow smiled. “I used to spend too much time trying to look cool. We’ll figure it out together.”
Pax and Storm were already on the floor, moving together with surprising grace. Pax laughed as Storm spun him, his joy infectious. Wren tugged Devon out to join them, and suddenly Flint was being pulled along by Arrow.
The music thrummed through Flint’s bones, loud enough that conversation became impossible.
Arrow kept hold of his hand, drawing him close as they found a rhythm.
It wasn’t elegant or practiced, but Arrow moved with the same confidence he brought to everything else now - unafraid of looking foolish, focused only on having fun.
Flint let himself relax into it. Arrow’s hands found his hips, guiding their movement. Through the bond, Flint felt his mate’s happiness, the simple pleasure of being together in a space that demanded nothing but presence.
A guy tried to cut in, reaching for Flint’s shoulder. Arrow stepped smoothly between them, that “scary boss face” Pax had mentioned, sliding into place. The guy backed off without a word.
“Told you it works,” Pax shouted over the music, appearing at Flint’s elbow with Storm right behind him.
They danced as a group for a while, trading partners and laughing. Wren surprised everyone by being an excellent dancer, his body moving fluidly. Devon watched his mate with obvious pride and affection.
Between songs, they retreated to the bar. Arrow ordered water for all of them first - staying hydrated - then asked what everyone wanted to drink.
“Whiskey,” Flint said.
Arrow ordered top shelf without blinking, along with a beer for himself, something fruity for Pax, wine for Wren, and a bourbon for Storm. Devon stuck to water since he was driving.
They claimed a tall table near the edge of the dance floor, leaning close to hear each other over the music.
“This is fun!” Pax had to shout it, but his grin was huge. “We should do this more often.”
“Maybe once a month,” Devon suggested, sipping his water. “Give us all a chance to decompress.”
“I like it.” Storm clinked his glass against Pax’s. “Though I’m going to be sore tomorrow.”
“You’re a crocodile,” Arrow pointed out. “Don’t you sun yourself on rocks for hours?”
“That’s different.” Storm laughed. “That’s relaxing. This is active.”
Wren leaned into Devon’s side, his rainbow overalls catching the light. “I never got to do things like this before. Michael never let me out.”
The mood shifted slightly - they all knew Wren’s history. But Devon kissed his mate’s temple and pulled him closer.
“You get to do whatever you want now,” Devon said firmly. “Dance, paint, wear ridiculous overalls to clubs.”
“They’re not ridiculous.” Wren straightened. “They’re fun.”
“They are fun.” Flint touched his own straps. “I’ve worn mine for years. They’re practical.”
“And cute,” Arrow added, his hand settling on Flint’s lower back. “Don’t forget cute.”
A woman approached their table, her eyes locked on Arrow. She wore a tight dress and heels that made her tower over Flint.
“Want to dance?” She directed the question at Arrow, ignoring Flint completely.
Arrow’s expression went ice cold. “No.”
“Come on.” She reached for his arm. “Just one…”
“I’m here with my husband.” Arrow’s voice cut through the music, sharp enough to draw attention. He pulled Flint closer, his hand possessive on Flint’s hip. “So no.”
The woman’s eyes flicked to Flint, taking in his overalls and small stature. Her lip curled slightly before she turned and walked away.
“Wow,” Pax said. “She was rude.”
“She’s gone now.” Arrow focused on Flint, his expression softening. “You okay?”
“Fine.” Flint wasn’t, quite - that dismissive look had stung. But Arrow’s immediate defense helped.
“She’s an idiot.” Arrow cupped Flint’s face, forcing eye contact. “You’re the best-looking person in this entire club, and everyone with working eyes knows it.”
“Arrow…”
“I mean it.” Arrow kissed him, right there in front of everyone. Not a quick peck but a real kiss, claiming and tender all at once. When they broke apart, Flint felt steadier. Through the bond, he felt Arrow’s absolute certainty - his mate genuinely believed what he’d said.
“Plus, you could kill everyone in this building without breaking a sweat,” Storm offered helpfully. “That’s pretty hot.”
“Very hot,” Pax agreed. “Competence is sexy.”
“Can we please not discuss killing people at the club?” Devon sighed, but his lips twitched. “At least not loudly.”
They finished their drinks and returned to the dance floor. This time Flint didn’t hesitate, pulling Arrow along by the hand. The music shifted to something slower, and Arrow drew him close, their bodies moving together.
“Having fun?” Arrow asked, his lips close to Flint’s ear.
“Yeah.” Flint wrapped his arms around Arrow’s neck. “I am.”
“Good.” Arrow’s hands settled on Flint’s hips again, thumbs rubbing small circles through the denim. “Because you deserve to have fun. You should never worry about what strangers think.”
“You make it easier.” Flint pressed closer. “When I’m with you, I don’t feel small. I feel like I’m exactly who I’m supposed to be.”
Arrow’s arms tightened around him. Through the bond, Flint felt his mate’s love and protectiveness.
They danced until late, trading stories at the table and laughing at Pax’s increasingly elaborate jokes.
Storm challenged Devon to a dance-off at one point, which ended with both of them laughing too hard to continue.
Wren taught them all a complicated step pattern he’d apparently learned from watching videos online.
By midnight, they were all pleasantly buzzed and tired. Devon called for the check, and they headed back to the truck.
“Best night ever,” Pax declared from Storm’s lap.
“Top five at least,” Wren agreed, snuggled against Devon’s side.
Arrow’s arm was around Flint’s shoulders, keeping him close. Flint leaned into his mate’s warmth, content and happy.
“We should do this again,” Arrow said.
“Definitely.” Flint yawned. “But maybe not tomorrow. I need to sleep in after all that dancing.”
Arrow laughed quietly. “Deal.”
And that, right there, is what’s important, Flint thought as he dozed quietly on Arrow’s shoulder.
Arrow accepted him, overalls and all, and whether they were sleeping in, or out on a job, or simply having fun at the alley, Flint knew Arrow would always be beside him… just the way mates are meant to be.