Chapter 51
Jamie fought the tears that threatened. He had been so sure that Aiden would pour cold water all over Heath’s plan. He had expected him to get all heated and blustery, but he remained calm and supportive. He believed in him.
“Why is that so hard to imagine? He loves you,” his wolf silently chimed. “And you know we’re not weak.”
“Sometimes it’s hard to believe it.”
“Good thing you have me and mate to remind you then.”
Jamie rose from his chair and walked over to where Aiden sat. He bent over and wrapped his arms around him, tucking his head down against his neck.
Aiden turned and pulled Jamie onto his lap, wrapping both arms securely around him. He chuckled. “What’s this for?”
“For believing in me and my abilities, for not getting mad that I read your thoughts, for not treating me like I’m weak,” Jamie said, his voice thick. “For everything,” he added in a lower voice. He sighed when Aiden ran a soothing hand up and down his back. Yesterday had been a lot, but he’d experienced far worse and survived.
Aiden tenderly drew his face up to look him in the eyes. “I’ve always believed in you. I told you I wouldn’t get mad if you read my thoughts. And you’re the strongest person I know.” He kissed him deeply on the lips, running his thumb down Jamie’s cheek. “You sure you’re not mad I insisted on coming when you scan my father?”
Jamie kissed him back before responding. He wished they’d been doing this for years; they’d wasted so much time. He moaned. “No, I like the idea of you having my back if anything goes wrong.” He kissed him again. “So, I guess we’re just waiting on a plan from Heath.”
Aiden nodded and nipped Jamie’s lower lip then gave him a devilish grin. “I can think of a way to pass the time.”
Jamie wanted to agree to that so badly, but they needed to keep their heads in the game, so to speak. “Later, baby. I think we should spend the morning practicing some flying and flame throwing maneuvers.”
Aiden’s smile drooped. He leaned back with a dramatic sigh. “I didn’t realize you were a slave driver. I might have to reconsider this mate stuff,” he joked, his eyes twinkling.
“Just think of me as your training assistant slash motivator. If you get a good solid training session in, we’ll celebrate tonight.”
Aiden fake pouted. “Argh, it’d better be worth it.”
Jamie drew closer and nipped Aiden’s lower lip. “I guarantee it.”
Hours later, after Aiden’s very successful and grueling training session, Jamie was just about to follow Aiden into the shower when his phone rang.
Aiden stuck his head out of the curtain. “Is that mine?”
Jamie picked up the phone on the bathroom counter and glanced at the screen. “Yeah. It’s Heath.”
Aiden groaned. “Can you answer it? I’ll make this quick.”
Jamie accepted the call.
“Heath, it’s Jamie. Aiden just jumped in the shower. He’ll just be a few minutes if you want to call back.”
“No, that’s fine. I’ll just talk to you. I wanted to actually talk to both of you. I could’ve just as easily called you. You guys are joined at the hip.”
“OK, so what’s up?” Jamie asked.
“We have a location where we can send you two for Operation Brainscan,” Heath said.
“Wait, what? Operation Brainscan? Are you serious?” Jamie yelped.
He heard snickering from the shower. “Sounds like he’s a Bond villain,” Aiden muttered.
Heath hesitated. “Ah, no, not really.”
He was serious. Yikes.
“OK, so where are we going and when?” Jamie asked.
“You’re going to a premier real estate conference in Whistler in two days,” Heath said.
“Whistler? Canada?” Aiden bellowed from the shower.
“Why Whistler?” Jamie asked.
“Because some large commercial real estate society decided to award that POS their Man of the Year Award.”
“What?” Jamie screeched. “Man of the Year?”
Aiden shut off the water and stepped out of the shower with a towel slung low on his hips. “Bastard must have bought the award. No way anyone, man or shifter, would think he was man of the year.”
Jamie put the phone on speaker so Aiden could hear better. He probably didn’t need to as Heath’s excited voice boomed from the phone.
“It’s the perfect opportunity. He’ll be focused on himself, of course, so that’s great. Also, they’re expecting thousands of people at this conference. It’ll be easy to get you two into the awards ceremony. Piper’s working on a suitable magic disguise right now. Jasper’s creating a fake background for you guys, too.”
“Are we actually flying up there on a plane or is Leah going to use her magic?”
“Leah’s on her way to the airport in Manchester. She’ll go on ahead of you guys and scout out the location. Just before the conference starts, she’ll teleport back and bring you guys and Piper back with her to the hotel suite,” Heath said.
“What if someone recognizes her? Or is she disguised, too?” Jamie asked.
“Why don’t you guys get your clothes on and head over to my parents’ place? We’ll discuss more of the particulars. Jasper, Piper, and I are here already.”
“OK,” Jamie said.
“See you soon.” Heath ended the call.
Jamie looked at Aiden. “Looks like we’re going international.”