Chapter Four #2
Aspen took another sip. It was perfect. He wouldn’t be surprised if there was a cupboard filled with bottles of honey now too.
Aspen couldn’t stop staring at his miracle.
They had a love so deep, it couldn’t be measured or even dampened in their sleep.
Aspen had never been more grateful in his life.
Whatever darkness Leif hid, Aspen would find it and fix him. That’s what mates were for.
In a show of support of Aspen’s efforts to become part of the community, Leif went to find Audor while Aspen helped a neighbor with their AC unit.
He imagined with Frost in hiding, Audor was free.
Leif went to Audor’s place first. His house seemed like the most reasonable place to start.
Waylon’s police cruiser was gone. That made sense.
He was likely on duty. Of course, it was equally possible all their vehicles were parked inside the massive detached garage that was twice the size of the house.
The sound of hammering led Leif that way.
The side door stood open, and a sweat-soaked Audor worked away on a bookcase.
“Hey.”
Audor’s gaze flickered his way before returning to his work. “Hey. I heard you were back in town.”
Damn. Audor was angry with him. It wasn’t as if he had left town without leaving a note. Audor should know Leif wouldn’t completely abandon their friendship. Still, Leif treaded lightly.
He moved closer and eyed the gorgeous, finished wood pieces nearby.
“These look amazing. What has you building up a storm?” Working with his hands was how Audor dealt with stress.
He hated the idea that he hadn’t been here when Audor obviously needed him.
This much furniture surely didn’t have a purpose in their home.
“You know me. I can’t sit around on my thumbs. With Frost gone, I have a ton of free time. I got the old website up and running again, changed the name, and put out the open for business sign. Tons of orders poured in. I don’t know if I can keep up.”
Considering Audor was a vampire who could move at speeds unseen by the naked eye, that said a lot.
“Wow. I’m glad to hear it’s a success. At least it’s not like the good ole days of having to fake an entire life again, retiring, and having a son take over the business.”
“That shit did get tiring.” He finally stopped working and focused on Leif. His gaze immediately moved to the mating mark. “Wait. Is this…? Are you and Aspen…?”
A bright smile exploded across Leif’s face. He had known Audor wouldn’t stay angry for long. “Yeah.”
Audor turned into the giant child he could be.
“Yes!” He bounced up and down a few times before barreling toward Leif.
If Leif had been a lesser vamp, he would’ve been taken to the ground from Audor’s enthusiasm.
He hugged Leif and bounced again, taking Leif with him.
“Yes! Yes! I’m so happy. Oh, my Goddess.
This is so, so amazing. No one deserves this more than you two. I can’t believe it.”
Even though he smiled so hard at Audor’s excitement that his face hurt, Leif pushed at Audor’s chest. “Ewww. You’re all sweaty and stuff.
” Leif knew he sounded like as big of a kid as Audor did.
They were dumb when they were together. It was like they lowered each other's IQ by at least five points. “Save all that nastiness for Waylon.”
“Did I hear my name?” Waylon stepped through the door. While he smiled at their antics, he also looked confused by them.
Audor released Leif, but he didn’t stop bouncing on his toes. “Look!” He stabbed a finger toward Leif’s neck, nearly taking out Leif’s eye in the process. “He has a fucking mating mark. I’m so excited.”
Waylon’s gaze slid his way. His smile didn’t dampen. “Who? You’d better say Aspen? Otherwise, I’ll have to get my ass kicked by you on behalf of my pack. I can’t have you out here betraying a pack member.”
Leif laughed. He didn’t take the threat to heart. “Yeah, it’s Aspen.”
Waylon’s smile grew. “That’s really good to hear. I can’t believe I got the hottest town tea firsthand. This never happens to me.”
The way Audor smiled as he looked between them warmed Leif’s heart. He felt the happiness pulsing from the couple. Audor had been blessed with an excellent mate. That mattered to Leif.
Leif accepted a handshake from Waylon before he pivoted topics. “Now that I’ve ensured the news will reach everyone in town.”
“Are you calling me a gossip?” Waylon clutched his chest in a dramatic show. “I’m hurt.”
Audor snagged Waylon’s belt loop and tugged him closer. “No, you’re not. You can’t wait to get out of here and tell everyone.” He never stopped smiling even as he stole a kiss from his mate.
Waylon pulled away. “You’re right. I never get to be first. I’m taking full advantage.”
Leif laughed at Waylon’s genuine excitement. “My late mating gift to you. Feel free to use your megaphone and everything.”
They chuckled before Leif turned things to the serious side. “Tell me what’s happening with Frost missing.” While Leif didn’t know exactly where Frost stayed now, he knew Frost was safe. His concern was about the shakeup Frost had caused.
Audor’s hands rose and fell. “The demon Lucifer put in place at the ER is holding his own. Frost’s pack clients seemed to be oddly fine.”
“I don’t know what’ll happen when those babies decide they want out.
A lot of these folks came here just for the shot at bringing a pup safely into the world.
Without Frost…” Waylon shook his head. “I don’t know, but I haven’t heard a whisper of fear amongst the pack.
Honestly, the entire situation is strange. ”
Leif fought the urge to fidget and give himself away. He felt guilty as hell knowing something they didn’t when it was this important. “I have faith. Frost is powerful and kind. I can’t imagine him allowing any harm to come to anyone.”
Audor backhanded Leif’s chest. “I forgot.” He focused on Waylon. “Leif here is pretty damn powerful too. I mean, he’s not trained as a healer. But if push comes to shove, I’m sure there’s something he can do to help if babies start popping out.”
Audor’s speech gave Leif the excuse he needed to shift from one foot to the other. A nervous laugh escaped him. “Um, yeah. I’m not sure about that. Like you said, I’m not a healer. Everything I can do is basically a parlor trick.”
“Bullshit.” Audor was always his biggest cheerleader behind Aspen. “You kept me alive until Frost could reattach my leg.”
“Barely.” It seemed Audor needed to clear his memory.
“You lost so much blood, I doubt you remember much of anything that happened.” In truth, Leif had panicked.
When Lucifer had caught them trailing him, Leif was certain they were dead.
Lucifer plucked Audor’s leg off like it was a butterfly wing.
Leif had snatched Audor and his leg and zapped them to the nearest empty cabin.
Then he had basically kidnapped Frost and forced him to save Audor.
Nothing he could be proud of happened that night.
Now he was thrilled Audor had survived with all his limbs, but he hadn’t done the work.
That was Frost. Leif stayed far away from the magic hero business.
The first rule of any healer was to first do no harm. Leif was a walking disaster.
Waylon chimed in. “It’s funny. I’ve always smelled magic around you, but I didn’t realize it’s actually you. I thought it was just your being with Frost all day. But I smell it now. I can’t believe I missed it. You’re more than half druid. Well, now I’m just confused.”
Audor answered before Leif could. “Leif was born a druid. He was turned vampire. I’m no expert in biology or anything, but I think he’s still technically full druid. He just happens to also be a vampire.”
Audor always sounded so proud when he talked about Leif. It was nice. Sometimes, there would be a moment that reminded him how close they were. He loved Audor like a brother. They were best friends.
“I’m sorry I worried you.” At his veer off topic, Audor focused on him with his eyebrows raised.
Leif pressed on. “I never dreamed you’d think you’d never see me again.
Please know I’d never do that to you. You’re the only person I have beyond Aspen.
” Leif knew he had chosen an odd moment to bare his heart, but he couldn’t let Audor go even a moment longer thinking Leif could abandon him.
To his surprise, tears filled Audor’s eyes. He visibly swallowed before he spoke. “I’ve spent a lot of nights sick to my stomach, thinking about how my being fated for a wolf drove you away. I hate that seeing me with Waylon hurt you. But I didn’t know what to say or do to help.”
To Leif’s horror, a tear slid down his cheek. “I’m so sorry I made you feel guilty for being happy. You deserve your blessings. The problem was always me. Not you.”
Audor swiped his eyes and hugged Leif again. This time, Leif didn’t try to get away. Sweat and all, Leif needed this hug. When he pulled away after a few hard back pats, he noticed Waylon was gone.
Leif swiped his eyes. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to run off your man.”
“You didn’t. He’s in my head, rubbing his hands together about getting the drop on everyone.” A loud laugh burst from Audor. He covered his mouth, but his eyes still swam with humor.
“What?”
Even not knowing what happened, Leif still smiled. Audor’s happiness was contagious.
Audor dropped his hand. He wore a luminous smile.
“Aspen’s neighbor Betty Anne already told everyone.
The litany of cursing in my head is epic.
It seems Aspen went over to help her with her AC and she saw Aspen’s mark.
It was off to the races the moment he left to see how fast she could spread the word. ”
Leif couldn’t stop smiling. He hadn’t known how much happiness he missed just from letting jealousy beat him. Leif also hadn’t known this much bliss existed. All he knew was it sounded like Aspen was home. A quick skim of Aspen’s mind confirmed his suspicions. He couldn’t get to him fast enough.