Chapter 15
“Come sit,” Iris said. She steered Aiden and Jamie over to a couple of high-back counter stools next to her.
Jamie stopped and tilted his head. “I just need to, uh,” Jamie started, “use the restroom.”
“Oh, I’ll show you. I can give you the tour,” May said. She walked over to Jamie and snuck her arm around one of his, tugging him along. “Let’s go.”
“May, be nice,” Heath called out after her as they walked out of the kitchen.
May chuckled. “When will my brother learn? I’m always nice.”
Jamie gave her the side-eye. “May, I don’t need a tour. I’ve been here before several times in my wolf form, remember? Plus, I really need the bathroom.”
“Fine, fine.”
May led Jamie to the bathroom on the first floor. He did his business, washed up, and then exited the room to find a suspiciously grinning May.
“What’re you up to?” Jamie asked. “Why’d you want to get me alone?”
“Follow me,” May said. “Let me give you a tour. Refresh your memories. Let’s start upstairs.”
Jamie snickered at her terribly veiled attempt at snooping but followed her anyway. May proceeded very slowly as if she were purposely stalling.
“I just wanted to know if there were any new developments since I last saw you and Aiden,” May said.
“What sort of developments?” Jamie asked.
“Are you guys mates?” she blurted out.
“May! You didn’t have to drag me around the house to ask me that. Remember, we can speak telepathically.”
“I know, but I wasn’t sure if Aiden would hear.”
“Why didn’t you want him to hear?” Jamie asked.
“He’s not as easygoing as you are. He might have told me to mind my own business,” May said.
Jamie snorted. “Nah, he wouldn’t have said that. Aiden can be easygoing. He just doesn’t trust as easily as I do. He’ll warm up to everyone here. Remember, he hasn’t been in Grey Lake as long as I have. I’ve spent more time with you all, even if I was a wolf for most of it.”
“Understood. Well?” May asked.
“Sort of, but not officially or anything. We’ve gotten closer, but it’s tough. He’s got so much guilt from what his father did, but he’s working on it. We’re happy living together in the same house and working together, though, and that’s enough for right now,” Jamie said.
“Hmmm,” May said.
“Hmmm what?”
“You guys just seemed closer today than before. More tactile.” She wiggled her fingers at him.
Jamie couldn’t stop the smile that came to him. “Like I said, we’ve gotten closer. We’ll see how it goes. Just don’t make a big deal of things. He’s got enough worries right now. I don’t want to add to them.”
May wrapped her arm around Jamie’s back. “You got it, mister.” She leaned against him, giving him a little hug. “I just want you to be happy. You deserve it.”
He hugged the little troublemaker back.
May led Jamie back down to the kitchen. As they descended, Ted and Annie were coming upstairs with their new grandchild.
“Ooh, stop so Auntie May can give this cutie a kiss,” May crowed.
Ted obliged, stopped, and held out a sleeping Amber toward May.
“How’s she doing?” Jamie asked.
“She’s been sleeping like a baby, no pun intended,” Ted said.
Annie smiled wide. “She’s an angel.”
“We’re taking this angel upstairs for a nap before she turns into the devil.” Ted huffed a laugh and stepped past Jamie and May.
Jamie nodded. “Well, congratulations again.”
Jamie was stunned when, instead of following Ted, Annie stopped and wrapped her arms around him in a hug.
He froze, uncertain what he’d done to deserve a hug.
Annie released him and cupped one of his cheeks. “Mac told me what you did in the cave. I just wanted to thank you.” She stared at him for a full beat then continued, “I’m so glad to see you doing better. You look happier. Are you?”
Was he? Being with Aiden made him happy so he guessed so. He just nodded.
“Good, I’m glad. Well, I won’t keep you. I’ll see you guys later,” Annie said and climbed the stairs.
“Are you alright?” May asked.
“Yeah, why?” Jamie asked.
“You just look kind of stunned.”
“Your mom is… nice,” he said.
May snorted. “Sorry if she caught you off guard. She’s a hugger.”
Jamie shook his head. “No, it was just different. My parents weren’t…” How did he say they were negligent at best?
May saved him. She held up a hand. “No worries. Since my almost brother Deacon married your almost sister-in-law, that makes you an honorary Jensen. Lots of hugs coming your way.” Deacon was raised as the Jensens’ foster son.
He laughed, but then sobered. “Once we save the town.”
“True enough,” May agreed.