Chapter Two
J ared leaned casually against the rough brick wall outside Sin & Steel, scowling at his phone like he could force a text message to appear. Twenty minutes ago he’d sent Miguel a bunch of texts, the last one reading: I'm in town. Wanted to hang out at Sin’s.
No response.
The sun was blazing, making him sweat as he absentmindedly scratched his arm. The rock music from inside thumped away, muffled but steady, matching the beat of his growing anxiety.
He had no plans to go in until Miguel hit him back. No way was he gonna face Matias without a solid excuse for being there, which would be hanging out with Miguel if the guy ever answered him.
“Great idea, Jared,” he muttered to himself. “Show up without letting Miguel know beforehand . Such a smart move, genius.”
He checked his phone for the gazillionth time. Still nothing.
Maybe Miguel was just caught up with something. It wasn’t like his whole life revolved around Jared’s texts and calls.
A thought struck him only now. What if he was reading into their time together? What if Miguel just thought of Jared as a friend? The night Suero had taken Kia home to claim him, Jared had been left at the tavern with Miguel keeping an eye on him. When the tavern closed and Kia still hadn’t come back, Miguel had given Jared one of the tavern’s bedrooms the pack sometimes used to crash for the night.
Or for hook-ups. Though that part hadn’t been said, Jared wasn’t na?ve.
Instead of being left alone, he and Miguel had talked until sunrise, laughing and eating snacks while watching TV. It might’ve sounded like a boring night to most, but they’d kept talking and texting even after Jared’s car was fixed and he headed home.
If he shows up, play it cool, like a friend dropping by.
Jared had reminded himself of this at least a dozen times already, but still felt butterflies when he thought about Miguel.
Tall, lean, and the kind of hot Jared wanted to sink his teeth into. Those dreamy dark blue eyes had glanced his way more than once as they’d talked that night.
And Miguel’s voice? The way it carried a lazy heat that coiled low in Jared’s stomach, daring him to lean in closer and give in completely.
Just thinking about it made him feel like swooning.
The rumble of an approaching motorcycle made his head snap up. His heart raced before his brain could remind him there were plenty of bikers besides Miguel.
Still, Jared crossed his fingers it was him.
The bike crawled into the lot, moving slower than cold honey. When it parked near the entrance, Jared’s jaw dropped.
Suero sat on the shiny navy-blue bike with cool black accents, and behind him, holding on for dear life, was Kia.
“What the hell?” Jared straightened, pushing off the wall. His cousin was terrified of motorcycles, no thanks to Jared. A few years back, he’d borrowed his uncle’s bike and convinced Kia to ride with him.
Jared didn’t know what he was doing and ended up crashing. His cousin’s back still bore the scars from that dumbass decision.
Now Kia had his arms locked tightly around Suero’s waist, forehead smashed against the wolf's back like he was trying to fuse their bodies together.
Suero cut the engine and kicked down the stand. Kia didn’t move, still holding on tight like he would fall off a parked bike.
“We’re stopped, gatito ,” Suero said in a calm, soothing voice. “You can let go now.”
“I’m trying. Stop rushing me,” Kia mumbled against Suero’s back. “I’m pretty sure I felt death brush against my ankle back there.”
Suero chuckled, reaching back to pat Kia’s thigh. “You're fine, carino . We were going twenty under the limit.”
“That’s still eighty in death units.”
Jared snorted. “He was going so slow you could’ve beat him walking.”
Hearing Jared’s voice, his cousin’s head shot up, eyes wide. “You didn’t tell me you were coming. Is everything okay?” His eyes narrowed. “Did Xavier send you to check on me?”
“Everything’s fine.” Jared glanced down at his phone, still annoyingly blank “And no, Xavier didn’t send me.” Because he has no idea I’m even here.
Finally, Kia let go of Suero and climbed off the bike, his cheeks flushed, green eyes shining. His mate hugged Kia from behind and kissed his neck. The scene was so cozy and intimate, and Jared was so freaking jealous of their happiness.
Only because he craved the same closeness with a guy of his own.
“You were amazing, elegido ,” Suero whispered to Kia. “I knew you could do it.”
Jared headed toward the entrance. With his cousin there, he had a reason to be at Sin’s without looking thirsty as hell for a certain wolf. “You guys coming or are you gonna keep making out in the parking lot?” he called over his shoulder, not waiting for an answer.
The inside was a welcome escape from the heat. Jared exhaled a sigh of relief and bee-lined straight for the bar. Behind the counter, Cesar was serving a drink to a guy perched a few stools over from where Jared claimed a spot.
“Back for my famous wings and fries, or are you branching out this time?” Cesar teased with a smirk. Jared hadn’t eaten that many the last time he was there.
His anxiety had tied his appetite into a pretzel. “Ridiculous question, but do you serve wine coolers? Need something cold and fruity to keep me from melting into a puddle.” Also, to calm his nerves. He was dying to ask Cesar if Miguel was around, but kept his mouth shut. Miguel hadn’t texted him back, and Jared didn’t want to come off as desperate.
“Sorry.” Cesar shook his head. “We don’t even have wine.”
“Try a Cosmo,” a blond said as he came from the hallway leading to the rest of the tavern. “They’re delicious.” He slid onto the stool next to Jared. “Hi, I’m Percy.”
“Jared.” He smiled, wondering why this guy was being so friendly. He was cute, but not Jared’s type.
“Cesar, this bitch needs a Cosmo, and make one for my friend.” He slapped the counter. “? Mi cabello gordo necesita fuego !” My fat hair needs fire!
With a roll of his eyes, Cesar walked off, probably to make their drinks since Jared had no clue what Percy just said.
Percy turned to him with a wink. “I just asked him to bring us some food. I’m starving, how about you?”
Jared frowned. “Have we met?” He was pretty sure he’d remember someone as lively as Percy.
“Nope.” He smiled. “But I know you’re Kia’s cousin. Since Kia’s a part of this pack now and you’re here, I figured we could get to know each other.”
“You mean, like really get to know each other?” Was Jared supposed to read between the lines? He’d tried that with Miguel, but look where that had gotten him. Alone inside Sin.
Percy looked at him like he’d just asked about the existence of unicorns. “You’re as adorable as a rainbow, but I’m already taken. See that guy by the dartboard?” He nodded toward the far wall. “That’s my mate, Santiago.”
“Which one?” There was more than one guy standing there.
“ El sol lloverá sobre las gallinas !” Percy shouted. The sun will rain on chickens!
The biggest guy turned around, grinning at Percy with love shining so brightly in his eyes, Jared was momentarily blinded. “It sure will, carino .”
Chuckles erupted, but one glare from Santiago caused their smiles to fall.
“Which wolf do you have your eye on?” Percy asked. “They’re all good-looking, but none of them hold a candle to Santiago.”
He asked as if the wolves were options in a catalogue. “None of them,” he lied.
Cesar set down two pink drinks in front of them, and Jared grabbed his immediately, taking a long sip through the straw. The sweet, tangy liquid cooled his throat and calmed his nerves a bit.
“So,” Percy said, taking a sip of his own drink, “who’s your wolf?”
Jared nearly choked. “I told you—”
“Honey, your eyes have been darting to that door every five seconds since we started talking.” Percy’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “Trust me, I know thirst when I see it.”
Before Jared could deny it again, the door swung open, the sound of multiple bikes rumbling outside. His heart did a little flip-flop dance in his chest. He casually glanced over his shoulder, trying to appear completely uninterested while secretly hoping it was Miguel.
Then he walked in, leather jacket slung over one shoulder, and looking devastating in black jeans and a faded gray T-shirt that clung to his chest in all the right places. His dark hair was windswept, falling across his forehead in a way that made Jared’s fingers itch to brush it back.
Jared straightened, trying not to look too eager while simultaneously fighting the urge to run his hands through his own hair, check his breath, and adjust his shirt all at once.
“Looks like your ‘none of them’ just walked in.” Percy smirked then took a sip of his drink.
Miguel glanced around, then his eyes landed on Jared.
For a split second, something like genuine pleasure flashed across his face. Then it vanished, replaced by a casual smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
Jared slid off the stool, leaving Percy and walking over before he lost his nerve. “You’re a hard man to get ahold of.”
One corner of Miguel’s mouth curled upward. “I didn’t know you were going to be here.”
A pause that lasted a beat too long, those dark blue eyes flicking away for a second and then back again.
“So...” he started, just as Miguel said, “I should—”
They both stopped. Miguel gestured for him to continue.
“Wanna grab a drink?” Jared blurted, his stomach tied in knots. “I mean, if you’re not busy. No pressure.”
Miguel hesitated, eyes darting to the exit. For a second Jared thought he might refuse. Then his shoulders relaxed a fraction.
“Sure,” he said.
As they headed to the bar, Jared snuck glances at Miguel’s profile. There was tension in his jaw, a tightness around his eyes. Something had happened.
But Miguel didn’t volunteer any information as they settled onto stools. He ordered a whiskey, knocking it back in one swallow before signaling for another.
Jared sipped his Cosmo, struggling to recapture the easy banter they’d shared over texts. Miguel seemed different in person this time. More guarded, less open.
“So.” Jared grasped for a topic. “Nice weather we’re having.”
Miguel snorted. “Seriously? We’re talking about the weather now?”
“Hey, it’s a classic for a reason,” Jared argued, relieved to see Miguel’s shoulders relax slightly. “Though I guess discussing motorcycles would be more on-brand for this place.”
“True.” Miguel’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “I really wasn’t expecting you to be here.”
“Oh, you know,” Jared said with forced casualness. “Just in the neighborhood. Thought I’d stop by.”
Miguel’s lips twitched, like he was fighting a smile. “In the neighborhood, huh?”
“Yep. Totally coincidental.” Jared puffed his cheeks. “So, uh, how’ve you been?”
“Fine.” Miguel rubbed the back of his neck. The movement pulled his shirt tight across his chest, and Jared had to physically force himself not to stare.
Miguel’s expression clouded over as he stared into his glass.
He glanced at Miguel’s hands, all scarred up, though he had no clue how they gotten that way. But Jared had never seen anything more beautiful than those imperfections.
He wanted to know how each one happened. They hadn’t talked about those scars during their night together, or the ones on Miguel’s face. They must’ve left a mark on his life too.
But today wasn’t about digging into the past. Today, Jared just wanted to shake things up a bit, maybe get a real smile out of Miguel like the one he’d seen that night.
Not the polite smile he was giving now.
“Wanna play darts? I bet I could totally beat you.”
That got Miguel’s attention. He arched an eyebrow. “Big talk for such a little kitty.”
“Oh, it’s on, Wolfman.” Jared hopped off his stool. “Prepare to be humiliated.”
* * * *
“Finished being a Nosy Nellie yet?” Elijah asked as he slid onto the stool beside Percy.
“I was just making friends.” Percy sipped his drink while watching Jared across the room. Maybe he was feeling the cheetah out.
Ever since his attack, trust had become a rare commodity for him. Now Percy looked at everyone and wondered if they had hidden agendas.
Kia was mated to a wolf, which made him family.
But Jared wasn’t, and showing up unexpectedly had Percy keeping an eye on the kitty cat. For all he knew, Jared could be here spying for Xavier.
“I think Cesar made my Cosmo too strong,” he said to Elijah. “My brain’s in suspect mode.”
Elijah swiped the glass and downed the remaining liquid.
“You did not just guzzle my drink!” He gaped at his bestie.
“Tastes like it always does.” Elijah savored every last drop with a swipe of his tongue.
“You’ve clearly lost your adorable marbles. That wasn’t an invitation for you to drink it.” Percy glared at his now-empty glass still in Elijah’s grip. Not a drop remained. He even munched on the strawberry slices.
“So, what did you find out?” Elijah leaned back casually against the counter.
“That you’re a drink thief.” His jaw was still hanging open.
“Seriously?” Elijah rolled his eyes and turned around. “Cesar, could you please make Percy another drink before he cuts me out of his will?”
“Is his rainbow exploding?” Cesar grinned.
Elijah glanced back at Percy, whose narrowed eyes dared him to say yes.
“Just a little peeved.” Elijah shrugged.
“You would be too if your drink was snatched right out of your hand.” Percy glanced toward Jared but noticed Miguel just standing there, staring at the dartboard as if it were a complex puzzle. His arms were folded, his gaze intense.
Percy recognized trauma when he saw it, and Miguel was practically cloaked in it.
What exactly happened while everyone was gone? Matias had received a text, then half the tavern had emptied.
The rest of the pack hadn’t returned yet, but whatever was going on, Miguel had clearly been hit hard by it.
* * * *
When Diablo returned to Sin & Steel, he noticed both Miguel’s motorcycle and Jared’s car parked outside. After what just happened today, he headed inside the tavern through the rear entrance.
Not that he was a coward. He just didn’t want to ruin Miguel’s time with the cheetah. Yeah, he knew they were a thing. Hadn’t been hard to figure out when the wolf’s face lit up every time he got a call from the pussy cat.
Opening the bedroom door closest to the back entrance, Diablo lay down on the bed, feeling the tension in his muscles as he tucked an arm behind his head.
I’m a big ole target and you keep missing!
Had he really taunted those mutts, daring them to tranquilize him again? Did he really value his life so little now that he’d been willing to die?
Diablo turned to his side, feeling his beasts’ restlessness stirring inside of him.
Seeing those mangled shifters in the warehouse had fucked him up in ways he hadn’t realized. To the point he hadn’t cared if he died.
Worse, he’d put Miguel’s life in danger. Diablo deserved that punch and so much more.
My parents would roll over in their graves if they’d seen what I’d done today.
Shame filled him, but the fucked-up part? Diablo was beyond caring what anyone thought. He was basically human, the part of himself that made him who he was now locked away. Maybe forever.
Diablo didn’t even know who he was anymore. He sat up, ready to go grab a fifth when his phone rang.
What he needed to do was apologize to Miguel, but knew the brother wouldn’t want one right now. He was still riding the fear and adrenaline, and would more than likely slug Diablo again.
“What?” Diablo bit out when he answered, rubbing his eyelids with his thumb and index finger.
“Did I catch you at a bad time?”
Hand dropping, Diablo sat up straighter. “Brett?”
“Sorry it took me so long to call you,” the redhead replied. “Things just…came up that required my attention.”
Diablo hadn’t forgotten about the flustered little cashier who worked in the hospital gift shop. He just never called the male, waiting to see if Brett would be brave enough to call him first.
“It’s cool.” Diablo lay back down, arm tucked back under his head. “What’ve you been up to, carino ?”
“Sweetheart!” Brett said enthusiastically. The guy was probably blushing hot enough to combust.
Diablo chuckled. “Very good.”
The human had no idea just how much Diablo needed this right now. Normalcy. Flirting. To know he was making someone smile while he was falling apart.