Chapter Fourteen
Liam
Jude goes out with Ben Tuesday and Wednesday.
He always comes home, which brings me some relief, but I can smell the other shifter on him.
The scent of that other wolf agitates me.
It eats at me every time I get a whiff. I’m confused by why it bothers me.
I resent my body’s reaction, even as I have no way to control it.
When he again sees Ben on Thursday, I have to work hard not to say something. I mean, he just met the guy. Why is he seeing him almost every damn night? They can’t possibly be serious about each other that quickly, right?
Friday night, Kara comes over and we cook dinner together.
Jude doesn’t join us, opting instead to eat a sandwich up in his room.
I know he’s trying to give us privacy. He’s very considerate about doing that for us.
Plus, Kara isn’t always as nice as she could be to him, and it’s probably easier to just avoid her.
Kara is in a great mood tonight because she closed a big sale, and she’s being affectionate and funny. I try to match her energy. While dinner cooks in the oven, I open a nice bottle of wine, light the fireplace, put on music she likes. I’m the attentive boyfriend, trying to do everything right.
We’re snuggling on the couch when Jude comes downstairs around seven, dressed in a dark blue flannel shirt and faded jeans.
His jeans fit his muscular thighs nicely, and even from a distance I smell his clean scent mingled with his spicy cologne.
As I study him, it sinks in that he’s dressed as if he’s going out on a date.
As that realization hits, something in my chest clenches uncomfortably.
“Are you going out again?” The words are out of my mouth before I even realize I’m saying them. I’m doubly embarrassed because my tone is vaguely accusing.
“Yes.” He frowns, adjusting his watch. “Is that a problem?”
“No.” I laugh a little too loudly, praying he didn’t hear the possessiveness in my voice. “I was just asking.”
“Ooh, are you seeing Ben again tonight?” Kara asks, smiling slyly. “You’ve seen him almost every night this week.”
“I enjoy his company.” Jude grabs his jacket from the hook by the door.
“He’s super cute.” She’s practically buzzing. It’s no secret she’s thrilled Jude is dating someone. “You guys make a great couple.”
“Uh… thanks.” He zips his jacket. “You two have a good night.”
“You too,” I say, and my voice sounds normal. Mostly.
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Kara calls out, smirking.
“Can’t make any promises.” He laughs gruffly and leaves the house.
I take a sip of wine, trying to control the jealousy eating at me.
No, not jealousy. What am I thinking? It’s concern.
I’m concerned for my friend, that’s all.
I don’t think Ben is good enough for Jude.
Jude deserves to find a love as perfect as the one I have with Kara.
I smile down at her and she snuggles closer.
“I’m so glad Jude finally has a life,” she says, walking her fingers up my jean clad thigh. “He was just always here. It was so annoying. I love that he’s got a boyfriend now.”
“They’re not a couple,” I say gruffly.
She laughs, looking at me like I’m clueless. “Babe, they’re basically inseparable at this point.”
“Jude’s lonely. He’s just getting to know Ben.” I avoid her gaze. “As far as I know, it’s nothing serious.”
“Well, I hope it is. Jude’s a nice guy.”
I can’t help laughing. “Since when are you a fan of Jude’s?”
She shrugs. “Just because I didn’t want him living with you forever doesn’t mean I don’t like him as a person. I simply wanted time alone with you. I have nothing against him personally. He’s kind of sweet.”
I have no response. She’s been a bitch to him almost the entire time he’s lived with me. But I don’t want to get into a huge argument with her about Jude. That’s the last thing I need.
“I’m going to check on the dinner.” I kiss her and get up off the couch, effectively ending the conversation about Jude.
After dinner, Kara and I sit on the couch, pretending to watch a movie.
We make out a little but my heart isn’t in it.
I feel too agitated for some reason. Around 11:50 p.m. headlights sweep across the living room wall.
Kara is in the process of trying to unzip my jeans, and I gently push her hand away.
“Jude’s home,” I say in a rough voice.
She gives a frustrated groan and straightens her blouse. “This is why I hate you having a damn roommate.”
Jude enters the house quietly, but when he sees us on the couch he closes the door with less care. “You’re still up.”
“Yep. We’re watching a movie,” I lie. “Did you have fun?”
“I did.” He slips out of his jacket. “Ben has to work tomorrow, so I came home early.”
“It’s not exactly early.” I frown, noticing his shirt is now buttoned wrong. My wolf stirs irritably at what that might mean.
Jude laughs. “Did I miss my curfew, Dad?”
My face warms. “I only mean because we also have work tomorrow.”
Jude grunts as he heads for the stairs. “I’m going to bed. You kids enjoy the rest of your evening.” He takes the stairs two at a time.
Once he’s in his room, Kara elbows me. “You did sound like a naggy parent. Jude’s a grown man with needs. I’m surprised he didn’t stay over at Ben’s house.”
I bristle at the idea of that. “He barely knows, Ben. Why would he stay over?” It’s a stupid thing to say, but it comes out before I can stop it.
“What would that matter?” Kara laughs. “He moved in with you when you barely knew him.”
“That was different.”
“Why because you’re not fucking?” She laughs.
“Yeah. That’s exactly right.” My gut churns at her words.
I can’t stand the idea Jude is having sex with Ben, even though I know that’s unfair of me and weird that it might bother me.
“He knows nothing about Ben. Ben could be the biggest asshole who ever lived for all he knows. He should be more cautious.”
“Oh my God.” She stares at me. “Who are you and what have you done with Liam?” She leans toward me. “We had sex the first night we met, or have you forgotten?”
“I haven’t forgotten,” I mumble.
“Well, why would Jude have to wait to get his rocks off?”
I scowl at her. “Don’t be crude, Kara.”
She narrows her eyes, mouth tight. “What’s going on with you, Liam?”
“Nothing.” I pull my gaze from hers.
“Liar,” she says softly. “I’ve never seen you this protective of anyone like you are Jude.”
Heat touches my cheeks. “I just don’t want Jude to get hurt.”
“That’s not your business.”
“I can care about my friend if I want to, Kara.” I sound childish even to my own ears.
I’m embarrassed at how I’m acting, but I can’t seem to rein in my jealousy.
My wolf keeps whispering to me, warning me I’m going to lose Jude.
I don’t understand what it’s trying to tell me.
I don’t understand why I can’t seem to get Jude out of my head.
She stands, looking angry. “Maybe I should go.”
I let out a shaky breath. “No, don’t go.
” I stand and slip my arms around her. She’s stiff at first, but then she relaxes into me.
“I’m sorry, honey. You’re right. I’m being overly protective of Jude.
I think it’s because he has no one in his life to watch out for him. He’s like a little brother to me.”
A little brother I tried to fuck up against the side of the house.
I wince inwardly, the memory of that night burning through me. God, I’m an asshole. I’m acting like a lunatic. If I keep this up, I’m going to lose Kara. My focus needs to be on her. Jude can watch out for himself. He doesn’t need my protection. He doesn’t even want my protection.
“You’re right,” I say. “Jude’s private life is not my business.”
She hesitates, and then asks quietly, “Are you happy, Liam?” She sniffs and looks up at me with her big green eyes. There’s worry there and I feel guilty because I put that there. “Lately, it doesn’t feel like you’re happy with me.”
“I am, babe.” I hold her tighter, kissing her hair. “You’re everything I could ever want in a woman.” I’m not lying either. Kara is a wonderful woman. My perfect match.
“Are you sure?” She sounds like a little girl.
“Yes.” I put a finger under her chin and gaze into her eyes. “Stay the night, okay? I want you to.”
She smiles, looking happier. “Are you sure? You have work tomorrow.”
“I’m sure.”
“Okay.” She laughs. “If you insist.”
“I do.” I turn off the lights and we go upstairs together.
And I make a mental note to try and butt out of Jude’s love life.
****
The next day Jude and I work our Saturday shift together. Lately we get along better at work than at home because the job gives us structure. Something to focus on besides the new awkwardness between us. The calls are nothing exciting, and when the work day ends, we head back to the station.
“I meant to tell you, my mom called the other day,” I say. “She wants to know when you’re coming back for dinner.”
He looks surprised. “Really?”
“Yep. I told you she likes you.”
“Well, I’m a likeable guy.”
I smile. “Yes, you are.”
He huffs a quiet laugh, and for a second the old ease is there between us. Warm, natural, uncomplicated. “Tell her I’ll come whenever she invites me.”
“She’ll hold you to that,” I warn.
“That’s okay.” He shrugs. “I had a good time hanging out with your parents.”
I smirk. “Well, and me. Don’t forget me. I was especially charming that night as I recall.”
He smiles. “You are a charming bastard, I’ll give you that.”
I return his smile because I’m happy. I can sense his trust. How much he does in fact like me. My heart warms and I give a contented sigh. I just want him back. I just want things to go back to how easy they were between us. Before I messed everything up by kissing him.
Then his phone buzzes and he glances at the screen. Whatever he reads makes the corner of his mouth curve upward. He types a quick reply and slips the phone back into his pocket. He doesn’t tell me who it was.
He doesn’t have to.