Thirst (Hellish #4)(37)
Faolan flashed him a smile as they passed in the hall as if he wasn’t out-of-place in their home. “Your mates are lazing in the moonlight out back.” Faolan’s claim made him realize he’d slept for more than fifteen hours. The strain of the passing years had gotten the best of him. For the first time in a damn long time, he felt refreshed.
“Thanks. Could you point me in the right direction?”
Faolan sent him through the living room and kitchen and out the back door. He picked up the pace, dying to be close to his everything. Eirik’s steps slowed as he stepped outside. He smiled at the sight of Baptiste on the ground with Evan. Evan was in wolf form. Baptiste rubbed both hands through his fur while Evan rested his chin on Baptiste’s shoulder. The scene warmed Eirik’s heart. Evan hadn’t fit in with other wolves. The boy didn’t have any family, and he’d been trapped in the city because of Eirik. Kallus relaxed in the grass next to the pair with his hand on Baptiste’s leg and his eyes closed.
Baptiste rubbed Evan’s ears. “We’ll do whatever you want, sweetie,” Baptiste said, cooing each word as if trying to soothe Evan. “Do you want me to neuter him? I will. I don’t have a single qualm about it.”
No. It’s not worth it, but I don’t want to go back.
“We won’t,” Baptiste assured him. “I won’t make you go back there. Or, just hear me out. I could have him killed, then you can still enjoy the cabin.”
I love you.
“I love you too, sweetie,” Baptiste said, hugging the wolf tighter.
Eirik blinked several times. Surprise rendered him mute. “Wait.” Kallus’ eyes shot open at Eirik’s loud interruption. He hadn’t meant to yell. His shock had taken control of his tongue. “Can you hear him?” Three sets of eyes stared at Eirik as if he’d lost his mind. He motioned toward the wolf crawling all over Baptiste. “Can you hear Evan’s thoughts when he’s in this form?”
Baptiste went back to petting Evan. “Of course. Can’t you?”
“Well, yeah. Wolves fall under my rule. I can hear all wolves.” A bright smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. He couldn’t help it. “You shouldn’t be able to hear him, but you can. Do you know what this means?”
Baptiste didn’t seem that interested or anywhere near as excited as he should be. He continued playing with Evan like hearing a wolf’s thoughts happened every day. “What does it mean?”
“Odin has recognized you as a warrior and blessed you with a guardian. Evan is your wolf. No matter what, he’ll stay with you, even if he finds a mate. He’s your family.”
Baptiste and Evan froze. “Wait. What?” Baptiste looked Kallus’ way. “Can you not hear him?”
“Nope,” Kallus said, smiling. “I’ve just been listening to you baby him and threaten to castrate some wolf that upset him.”
Baptiste looked back at Evan. He kissed his furry cheek while smiling brightly. “Did you hear that? I told you I’d never let you be alone.”
Evan ran in circles, cheering. Eirik couldn’t stop smiling as he moved to sit between his men. Things were looking up. He hadn’t had so much hope in a long damn time. After stealing a quick kiss from both his men, Eirik settled down on the grass next to Kallus. A loud sigh escaped him the moment his gaze hit the night sky. Jonathan floated above them beneath the limbs of an oak tree—like the world’s largest cherub floating on a cloud. Jonathan gave him a tiny finger wave. “Now you can say I’m a spy.”
A bubble of laughter rose in Eirik’s throat. It was impossible to be mad at Jonathan. Thank Odin the man was a busybody. Otherwise, Eirik might not be between his men right now with hope for the future. He’d never forget his debt. As Baptiste curled against his chest, Eirik silently swore he’d find a way to settle up one day.
The End.