Chapter Three #2
“I would , but I’m too full.” I understood; he hadn’t eaten in two days, so taking in too much now would surely make him sick. I smiled when his mouth stretched into a wide yawn. “Sorry; I’m really tired all of the sudden.”
I was positive he didn’t sleep well in the jailhouse because of his guilt and less than comfortable surroundings, which only made me feel guiltier over leaving him there. But there was something I could do to make up for it.
“Why don’t we head home? You can grab a nice hot shower to relax, and then take a nap.”
“That sounds perfect,” he replied in a whisper.
He tapped on the table for a moment before adding, “Thank you for letting me stay with you, Callum; I don’t have anywhere else to go.
When I first decided to run away, I figured I’d just sleep outside somewhere, but to actually have a home to stay in…
” He shook his head like he couldn’t find his words.
“I can’t pay you, but I can help around the house and cook for you.
I know how to do laundry and clean and-”
“Brodie,” I interrupted gently, reaching across the table to take his hand. “I didn’t invite you to stay with me so that you could do my chores. Remember what I told you; I like you and you make me happy. The only thing I want in return is for you to be happy as well.”
He swallowed hard and his eyes shimmered. He said, “Thank you,” in a voice so soft that I wouldn’t have heard it if not for my enhanced senses.
“Let’s get you home, then.” I squeezed his hand and he gave a shaky nod as he stood up.
“Oh, where do I wash these?” he asked, pointing at his dishes. It was at that moment that I realized he’d probably never been to a restaurant before.
“I’ll take care of those,” Lachlan answered as he rounded the counter. He just smiled at Brodie’s look of bewilderment. “It was nice to meet you,” he told my mate again. “I hope to see you both again soon.”
“Count on it,” I replied before we gave each other a slap on the back. He shook Brodie’s hand again and my mate and I left the bakery.
“This town is so beautiful,” Brodie said as we walked towards my home. Once again, he took in all the sights around him in wide-eyed wonder.
I had to agree; the village had an undeniable charm, with its quaint stone homes and cobbled pathways. It was nestled amongst heathered hills and leafy trees, and was separated from the hustle and bustle of bigger towns.
Not that there wasn’t plenty to do in Beckenridge; we had an array of cozy restaurants, pubs, and boutique shops, and everything was within walking distance. We were close enough to the city that it was only a short drive to enjoy its nightlife and activities, but far enough away to be peaceful.
The largest business in town was the whiskey distillery, which started out as nothing more than some barrels in a barn, but had grown over time into one of the most successful businesses in all of Scotland, allowing the coven to live freely without financial concerns.
“Perhaps after you rest, I can give you a tour,” I suggested, and Brodie’s face lit up.
“I’d love that.”
As we strolled along the path holding hands, contentment settled over me, blanketing me in warmth.
Just this morning I was concerned that I’d never find my beloved, but here he was by my side, already drawing comfort and support from me.
I couldn’t wait to share with him everything that being mates entailed, but first, his needs required attention.
I stopped in front of my home; a one-story gray stone cottage that looked very similar to those surrounding it. The ivy climbing up one wall and the front door I’d painted green gave the place a few pops of color and my personal touch.
“Here we are; home sweet home,” I announced, and Brodie’s jaw dropped.
“Callum, it’s gorgeous.”
“I’m glad you like it.” I led him inside, and he gawked at the stone walls and curved archways. I showed him the living room, which held a tan sofa and matching recliner, and a fireplace in the corner. Then I took him into the kitchen, where he admired the handcrafted oak dining table.
I pointed through a doorway and told him, “This is my bedroom.” Inside was a king bed dressed in thick gray blankets, and wide windows with matching drapes.
I hoped it would be Brodie’s room soon as well; I wanted nothing more than to wrap him in my arms as we slept together, but I didn’t want to put too much pressure on him.
So, I walked him to the next doorway and explained, “This is the guest room where you’ll stay.”
He stepped inside and inspected the queen sized bed with a white comforter. “It feels very comfortable,” he said as he squished his hand onto the mattress. Brodie turned to face me, but didn’t look at me when he asked, “So, do you have lots of...visitors?”
I couldn’t deny the jealousy I felt rolling off of him, or the joy it gave me; he was already feeling territorial over me, and didn’t like the idea of other men coming in and out of my home. Even though we hadn't known each other long, the pull between mates could be quite intense.
“Only friends and family,” I answered truthfully, and he smiled.
While I wasn’t a stranger to ‘hooking up’ or giving in to my physical needs, I’d never brought another man into my home, nor had I sought out a relationship.
I knew I had a mate waiting for me somewhere; I was promised a perfect match for all eternity, and all other relationships paled in comparison and didn’t appeal to me.
“The bathroom’s through there,” I said, pointing to a door in the corner.
“Hold on just a second; I’ll be right back.
” I hustled into my own room and returned with one of my t-shirts and a pair of sleep shorts.
“I sent Kade to town to get you some clothes, but you’re welcome to these until he gets back. ”
Brodie’s eyes widened as he took the pajamas from my hands. “You’re...buying me clothes?” I nodded and his large eyes grew misty. “Callum, I feel like I keep saying thank you, but that it’s not enough.”
I cupped his cheek in my hand and ran my thumb across his smooth skin.
“It’s enough. I enjoy taking care of you and seeing you smile.
” I wanted to take him in my arms and never let him go; to kiss him senseless and march him into the shower to care for his beautiful body, but I worried it was too much too soon.
Brodie had never even held hands before me, so I needed to be slow and gentle with him.
But I couldn’t help myself entirely . Hoping it wasn’t pushing things too far, I leaned in and pressed my lips to Brodie’s forehead, receiving a quiet gasp.
But I felt no fear coming from him; only desire.
It matched my own; one simple kiss had my cock thick and heavy.
I knew I needed to stop or else I risked going too far.
“Rest well,” I told him when I backed away. He slowly nodded his head, his eyes still rounded, as I left the room and closed the door behind me.
As soon as I heard the shower water start, there was a knock on my front door. When I opened it, I found Kade on my stoop holding two shopping bags full of clothes. It wasn't enough for Brodie, but it'd get him by until I could take him to pick out what he liked.
"Thanks, Kade," I told him, taking the sacks.
"Not a problem. Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?" He was definitely sucking up.
"Actually, there is. I need you to go to Lachlan's Bakery and get the details of what happened with Brodie at the games. Then I want you to spread the word of his innocence throughout the village. No one is to hold ill will towards my mate or even mention the incident to him."
"Understood," he nodded before trotting back down my walkway.
I could have given Kade the details myself, but I had an important call to make.
I didn't give Lachlan the task of telling the village because he was busy with his bakery.
And honestly, I liked the idea of Kade running around the whole town at my bidding.
He deserved some punishment for hurting Brodie.
The shower was still running, so I tiptoed into the guest room and put the bags of clothes on Brodie's bed, thinking he may be more comfortable in something that fit him better.
Then I went back into the living room and took out my laptop.
I took a deep breath, hoping this call went well, and dialed Prince Dante on video chat.
I thought this would be a discussion best held face to face.
Dante answered on the second ring, and I blinked in surprise at his appearance; all of his hair was gelled up into a tall spike.
"Hello, Callum," he greeted with a smile.
"Hey, Dante. Are you trying out a new look?" There was laughter in the background at my question.
"Not exactly. I'm playing a game of "dare or dare" with my friends, and this was my punishment."
"Aw, Tay, it's not a punishment," his husband Ben said as he came into focus and sat on his lap. "I think you look handsome."
"Thank you, Benny." The pair kissed and my heart warmed. I was thrilled that my old friend found his true love and happiness.
"Yeah, you got off easy," a familiar voice grumbled. Fletcher plopped onto the sofa next to the happy couple and I laughed out loud at the bright red penis drawn on his forehead.
"I know you're not dissing my artistic skills," Sam snipped, sitting down on his mate's lap as well. "Besides, you should love it; I modeled it after my dick and you can't deny how much you love that."
"I prefer the real thing," Fletcher said before taking Sam's lips in a deep kiss.
"Well I for one think I look fabulous," Flynn cut in as he sat next to his brother and pulled Sam (who was also his mate) halfway onto his own thighs.
I did a double take at what he was wearing; a black silk brassiere stuffed with two inflated balloons.
This was an interesting game they enjoyed, and it was interesting to see my former heads of security this way.