Chapter Three #3
"Damn straight you do," Sam agreed, and gave him a kiss too as he fondled Flynn's huge fake breasts.
"Aaand fifty," yet another voice said from offscreen, and the group on the sofa laughed at something in the distance. "Nice work, Papi."
When Bastian crowded onto the sofa, I saw what the others found so comical; clothespins were pinched onto the skin of every inch of his face.
"Doesn't that hurt?" I asked, grimacing at the idea.
"It doesn't feel great," he admitted with a shrug.
"You're so tough, though," Milo insisted as he snuggled close to his mate. Bastian gave him what I think was a proud smile. It was hard to tell through the forest of pins. "And it's only for ten minutes."
"So, to what do we owe the pleasure of this call?" Dante asked, bringing us back around to business.
I looked down the row of my friends and wondered if this was the best time to do this. "Well, I'm calling with serious information and I don't want to interrupt your fun."
"Honestly, this is about as serious as we get these days," Sam replied, and most of the group nodded their agreement.
"If you're sure…" Dante nodded, so I continued, "I have information about the shooter."
"Did you catch the bastard who tried to shoot my beloved?" Dante's question raised my hackles, but I tamped down my frustration; he didn't know the situation yet.
"And actually shot me, remember," Sam interjected.
"To be fair, you kind of get shot a lot," Milo replied, and Sam bounced his head back and forth.
"True."
"Nothing can keep my lover down," Fletcher said proudly, and Sam snickered.
"That sounds dirty."
"And accurate," Flynn added with a flick of his eyebrows.
"Well yeah. How could I not have a perma-stiffy around my two sexy gingersnaps?" He gave each of his mates another kiss as Dante rubbed his temples.
"Can we please get back to Callum's news?"
"Sorry," the trio muttered, though they didn't look like it.
"Right." I cleared my throat and continued, "The shooter was apprehended and taken to jail."
The group cheered and Dante smiled broadly.
"Good work, Callum. I never doubted you for a moment.
Now, will he be serving a life sentence or will he be executed?
I know the crime was committed within your territory so it's your call, but if I could put my two cents in, you don't want such an evil soul walking the earth. "
Once again I swallowed my anger, along with my heartache caused by his suggestion. "That's actually what I wanted to speak with you about; when I interrogated the prisoner, I discovered that he was...my mate."
No one said a word; they just stared at me in disbelief, so I wasted no time in jumping into my story. I told them everything, from Brodie's upbringing, to the events, to my mate trying to take his own life because of his guilt. By the time I was finished, Ben's eyes were wide and misty.
"Poor Brodie," he said in a wobbly voice.
"I mean no disrespect," Dante began, "But do you know for sure that his story is true?"
"None taken," I assured him; he was only looking out for his husband's best interest. "But yes, he spoke only the truth. Plus, I saw the evidence of abuse on his body."
"Jesus." Milo rubbed his wrist, and Bastian pulled him closer. Unfortunately, Milo was no stranger to abuse himself, and I could tell Brodie's story touched him.
"Then I sincerely apologize for my remarks earlier," Dante offered. "I never would have spoken against your mate if I'd known."
"No apology necessary; you just wanted what's best for your mate. I want the same for my Brodie."
"I hate what he's been through," Ben sniffled. "Is there anything we can do to help him?" Dante gave his man a loving smile.
"Actually, there is. Would you be willing to speak to him and let him know that everyone's okay? I think it'd help for him to see for himself."
"Of course," Ben nodded. "We all will. Right, guys?"
Sam reached over and squeezed his friend's hand. "You got it, babe."
"What are your plans for Brodie's family?" Dante asked curiously.
"Honestly, I haven't thought that far ahead. I've been focused on making Brodie feel comfortable with me so that I can tell him about our bond."
"Oh good lord," Sam groaned. "You haven't told him yet?"
"We just met earlier today," I replied in my defense, but he just shook his head.
"Dude, don't drag your feet; Princey-poo here nearly died because he waited too long." He patted Dante's shoulder as the prince gave him a look of annoyance.
"Is that true?" I could never tell if Sam was joking.
"Unfortunately, yes," Dante replied. "I made my feelings for Benny clear, but I almost held out too long to tell him about my identity."
"But Brodie knows you love him, right?" Ben chimed in. "If so, you're already halfway there."
"Well...no." The group groaned at my admission. "I don't want to overwhelm him."
"But do you want to die?" Sam asked with a head bobble.
"Surprisingly, I'm with Sam on this one," Bastian added, the clothespins on his lips clacking together as he spoke.
"You don't have to jump in full throttle, but Brodie has been through so much.
He needs you and to feel cared for, for the first time in his life.
Tell him how you feel before he starts second guessing himself and his place with you.
He needs all the love you can give him."
Ben and Milo both cooed, "Aww," and Milo added, "You're so romantic." He tried to kiss him, but when he couldn't make it past the picket fence on his face, Milo settled his head on Bastian's shoulder.
"It's no wonder; the guy watches chick flicks like his life depends on it," Sam mumbled.
"Jealous?" Milo asked, nuzzling closer to a chuckling Bastian while Sam rolled his eyes.
"Thank you for your call, Callum," Dante stepped in. "I wish you the best of luck with your mate."
"And we'll talk to him whenever he's ready," Ben added.
"Thank you," I replied with a smile. "He's resting now, but when he wakes up, I'll help him contact you if that's okay."
"Perfect," Dante answered. "I promise we will be more presentable."
"Enjoy the rest of your game," I offered with a wave goodbye, and everyone waved in return.
Before Dante hung up, Sam announced, "Okay, it's my turn. Just a reminder; I'm willing to do full nudity."
Dante's exasperated response of, "Trust me, we know," was the last thing I heard before he closed the call.
I chuckled as I closed my laptop on the table in front of me. I was so grateful for my friends; they understood Brodie's hardships and held no judgement towards him. They only wished us the best, and even offered their help and advice.
I ran my fingers through my long, wavy hair as I thought about what they said. I needed to make my intentions and feelings clear without scaring my beloved or expecting too much from him. I sank deeper into the cushion and let my mind get to work.