CHAPTER THREE #2
"Thanks, I'll let you know how it goes." With that, he closed the call and once again tossed it onto the couch and headed to the kitchen for another cup of coffee.
He wondered who the thugs were that accosted them last night, but was glad that Randy's dad would be dealing with them.
It sounded shady, but it was none of his business, and he had enough going on in his life that he didn't need to stress about their problems. His phone started ringing again, and without looking, he knew it was his father.
Flint was about to crawl out of his skin as he waited for coffee with his beloved.
He’d driven to the area of the coffee shop and parked and sat in his car an hour before they were to meet.
He had a few things to think about, things that he'd like to address and help with, but also things that his beloved might not be in the mood to discuss.
The fact that they had just met the previous evening hung heavy around him.
In Flint's mind, Myles was his beloved, and life needed to start moving forward immediately. But unfortunately, that wasn’t how humans interpreted relationships.
Myles would see this as a first date, getting to know one another, not the beginning of a bond that would span centuries.
He took a deep breath and got out of his car.
He wanted to arrive before Myles, letting him know he valued his time and presence.
Zac had contacted him just after lunch with some added information.
It was personal and had to do with the dynamics of his family.
According to Zac, Myles had been paying a good portion of his parents' bills every month, leaving him with very little money to get by.
It was none of Flint's business, but it sounded like they were still using him. Both parents had adequate income and a healthy bank account, so why they would be shaking down their son every month was unknown. Again, it wasn't his business, but as their connection grew, he would take a closer look at their relationship. He wouldn’t stop him from helping them, but he wouldn’t support their taking advantage of him.
Another deep breath, and he stepped inside the coffee shop and took a seat in the corner, but one that had a good view of the sidewalk and front door.
He wanted to see Myles as soon as he entered.
As it turned out, that wasn't an issue, considering that he sensed his beloved as soon as he drew close to the shop.
Flint felt him long before he ever saw him walking toward the front doors.
Flint’s heart beat faster as he watched his beloved enter the coffee shop.
He stood, and their eyes met. There was an instant smile, and Myles nodded and headed in his direction.
Flint stood and held out his hand, and Myles eagerly took it.
The moment their flesh connected, Flint sensed the bond taking hold.
The sensation that shot through him was undeniable.
“Hello," Myles said, and Flint gave a quick nod.
“What would you like?” Flint released his hand and moved toward the counter.
After getting them both a hot black coffee, they sat down and just stared at one another for a couple of seconds.
Flint noticed the bruising on Myles’ face was fading quickly as their connection grew.
He could not help but reach out and gently touch the area with his fingertips.
Myles did not pull away but dropped his gaze, clearly embarrassed. "Who did this to you, Myles? Who hit you?" Flint needed to be sure his beloved was not in any danger.
"Three guys were giving Randy a hard time.
Randy is my co-worker. He was the one helping your friend yesterday.
" He clarified, and Flint nodded. "I heard him yell for me, and I came out into the front of the shop.
One of them, a big guy with thick, wavy blonde hair, had his hand around Randy's throat.
I tried to intervene and got this for my effort, along with a few well-placed threats. "
Flint reached out and tenderly cupped the side of Myles’ jaw. "This man, how old was he? Did he have an odor, a distinctive aroma?" Flint had an idea who the man was, but wasn't certain.
“He looked between maybe thirty-five and forty.” He answered and then thought for a moment.
"There was a wild, earthy scent to him. I thought perhaps he'd been out in a wooded area.
It wasn't unpleasant, just airy and natural, I guess.
" Flint was impressed with his recollection and his ability to scent the shifter.
“Do you know who he is?” Myles asked, pulling back just a little.
"No, not specifically, but there is a group in town that security has been watching, and the scent is their marker. It might be them, it might not.” Flint wasn’t in a place where he could tell him more. “Why was he assaulting your friend?”
“Randy said his dad was handling it and to not get involved. I assume it has something to do with his dad’s businesses.
” Myles took a sip of his coffee and fidgeted with his napkin.
“His dad owns Classic Threads and a couple of other, less classy establishments.
" He glanced away, embarrassment coloring his cheeks.
"Oh, you can't leave it there, sweetheart." Flint chuckled. "Tell me more.”
He looked away again, still uncomfortable, and Flint was enjoying every minute.
“He owns the sex shop on Livingston, For Your Pleasure, and he owns that metaphysical place, Cosmic Connections. It specializes in aphrodisiacs, fortune telling, and has started incorporating some sort of cosmic massaging. It all sounds sketchy to me.”
“And he owns a men’s clothing store.” Flint was actually surprised.
“Yeah, strange combination. Randy said he got the businesses cheap and had planned on building them up and then selling them, but apparently they're real money makers." He was so damned uncomfortable.