Lost & Found

by Lynn Hagen

  But god, Steven loved being held, loved that fire in Derek’s eyes whenever his mate looked at him, and he was desperate for affection—a human connection other than sex.

  Derek pressed his lips against Steven’s ear. “I promise, when we get back to our room, you can have me any way you want me.”

  Steven gasped at the naughty images that swept through his mind. Now how was he supposed to be around others when he was sporting a boner? He took a deep breath and tried to calm his raging hard-on and noticed Seth by the rose bushes. Why was Derek’s friend over there? Had Seth been watching them? Steven liked the guy but wasn’t sure he wanted to put on a show for him.

  Derek gave him a quick kiss before he took Steven back inside. Patty had made them plates, and the food looked amazing. She was a dainty woman who had the same color eyes as Derek. There was a touch of gray in her dark hair and wrinkle lines around her eyes that said she laughed a lot.

  “Steak, baked potato, and a salad.” She waved for Steven to take a seat. He liked her but not enough to eat the rabbit food. Steven grimaced.

  “You don’t like steak?” Derek asked as the two joined his parents at the table.

  “I don’t like salad.” Steven made a gagging sound. “Spinach is gross.”

  Patty smiled. “You have to eat your veggies, dear.”

  Ugh, Steven so didn’t want to eat them, but he didn’t want Derek’s mom upset with him. They’d just met, and he wanted to make a good impression for Derek’s sake.

  “So, Steven, what do you do for a living?” Derek’s dad asked. Just that fast Steven had forgotten his name. Was it Morrison, Max, Martin? Steven racked his brain, but he couldn’t remember, and he wasn’t comfortable just yet to call him dad.

  “I work at a diner cleaning tables,” he said proudly. Cyril was constantly telling Steven what a wonderful job he was doing, and Steven loved the praise. It always made him want to work harder.

  “You bus tables?” The dad looked at Derek before he smiled at Steven. “That’s, uh…nice.”

  “Thank you.” Steven sliced into his steak and took a bite, moaning at how good it tasted. It was seasoned just right and tender, too. The steak was almost as good as Cyril’s, but Steven kept that comment to himself. He didn’t think Mr. Mitchell would like Steven telling him that his steak was almost perfect.

  “But you plan to go to college or something, right?” Patty asked. “To better yourself?”

  Steven looked at Derek for answers. Was he supposed to go to college? Did Derek expect him to? Steven had barely graduated high school, and that was with Kenny’s help. Sweat gathered over his body as his heart beat faster.

  “His career choice is fine,” Derek said. “He gets to work with his brother and friends.”

  “Well, that’s all well and good when you’re a teenager,” Patty said. “But…how old are you, Steven?”

  “Twenty-five.” Steven licked the butter from his fingers. Patty had put way too much on his potato. He tried to stab his potato with his fork, but it kept sliding around his plate. When he looked up, everyone was staring at him. Steven set his fork down and shoved his hands between his knees.

  “We’ll discuss this later, Mom.” Derek cut Steven’s steak for him and sections of his baked potato. This time when he ate it was much easier. Steven still worried about looking like an idiot in front of the others. He felt their gazes still on him, and Steven forced himself not to get up and run away again.

  “Thank you.” He smiled at Derek.

  “You’re most welcome.” Derek kissed his cheek.

  Steven blushed and glanced at Patty and…whatever the dad’s name was. Steven really wished he could remember it.

  Patty smiled sweetly at him while the dad just stared at Steven, as if Steven was some kind of puzzle to figure out. He didn’t like being stared at like that. It made Steven feel like he was doing something wrong.

  “How’s your food, sweetheart?” Patty asked.

  “Real good, thank you.” Steven ate most of what was on his plate, but he still hadn’t touched his salad. He wasn’t a dang rabbit and hoped Patty didn’t make him eat it.

  After their meal Derek took Steven to the patio and told him he would be right back.

  Steven felt awkward. He knew something was wrong. He just didn’t know what that something was. He wished Derek would take them back to their room. Steven didn’t want to be here anymore.

  “You doing okay?” Seth asked when he appeared by Steven.

  Not really. Steven shrugged. “I don’t like places I don’t know.”

  “I hear ya.” Seth took a seat on the chair next to him. “New places can be intimidating.”

  Steven looked him over. “How can you be afraid of anything? You’re almost as big as Moose.”

  Seth grinned. “I don’t know who Moose is, but big guys get scared, too.” His smiled softened. “But always remember, I’m here to protect you, so I’m one thing you don’t have to be afraid of.”

  When Steven’s phone rang, Seth got up and walked away. He really liked the guy. Just like Moose, Seth was large but really nice.

  He pulled out his phone and saw it was Kenny calling him. Hearing his brother’s voice made Steven’s nervous insides settle.

  “How is everything going so far?” Kenny asked. “Are you having fun?”

  Steven bit his lower lip. “I’m feeling a bit lost.”

  Dang it. Steven hated the fact that tears sprang to his eyes. Men weren’t supposed to cry. He hit the green button when Kenny tried to video chat him.

  “Why are you crying?” Kenny asked when his face appeared on Steven’s phone. “Did Derek do something to you?”

  “No!” Steven wiped at his stupid tears. “I’ve just never left Maple Grove before, and I think I’m a bit homesick.”

  Steven looked over his shoulder to make sure Derek, or anyone else, couldn’t hear him. He didn’t want his mate to think Steven was ungrateful for everything Derek had done for him so far.

  Steven grinned when he saw Russell’s face. “Hey, slugger. It’s totally fine to feel homesick when you’re someplace unfamiliar. Just keep telling yourself it’s only for two days, okay?”

  Steven nodded. He was amazed Russell’s advice made him feel better. “Do you guys miss me?”

  Russell winked. “Of course we do. The diner isn’t the same without your smiling face.”

  “I was thinking about going to the movies when you get back,” Kenny said. “How does that sound, buddy?”

  Steven frowned. “Why are you waiting until I get back?”

  Kenny chuckled. “Because I want you to go with us.”

  “Can Derek come?” Steven asked.

  “You know he can,” Russell said. “We’ll do movies and a dinner on Monday. That way you’ll have time to rest up on Sunday.”

  Steven absolutely loved the movies. He wished it was Monday already. “Promise?”

  Russell stroked his fingers over his chest. “Cross my heart.”

  Steven giggled. “You’re the best brother.”

  “Hey!” Kenny looked upset, but Steven knew his brother was teasing him. “And what about me?”

  “I love you, Kenny, but Russell is cooler than you.” Steven winked at Russell.

  Russell burst out laughing as Kenny stuck out his tongue, and Steven was glad they’d called.

  * * * *

  After leaving Steven on the patio, Derek stormed back inside. “Your office, now.” He didn’t wait for his mother’s or father’s reply.

  “Is something wrong?” his mom asked as she followed him.

  When they entered the office, Derek turned and glared at them. “You had no right to put him on the spot like that. What he does or doesn’t do with his life is none of your concern.”

  His mom looked taken aback as his dad furrowed his brows. “We were trying to get to know him better,” his dad said.

  “College?” They’d never acted that way before. His parents had been loving and caring all of Derek
’s life. They’d never butted into his life like this or made suggestions on how someone should change their path. Derek was perfectly fine with Steven working at the diner, though if Steven wanted to quit his job tomorrow, Derek would love that, as well.

  “I meant no harm,” his mom said. “Honestly, I didn’t.”

  “What is it, son?” his dad asked. “What’re you hiding from us? I’ve never seen you this riled before.”

  “Except with Cousin Pete,” she said.

  “Except Pete.” His dad nodded. “That boy needs some serious guidance in his life.”

  Derek didn’t want to talk about Pete. Just thinking about his cousin made his anger rise even higher.

  Derek didn’t want to tell them about what had happened to his mate in the womb, but they needed to understand that Steven was…special. His mate didn’t need anyone pressuring him into doing anything.

  He explained to them what his mate had told him. Repeating the words still made Derek’s stomach twist into knots thinking of the horrible thing she had done. Steven never had a chance or a choice.

  His mother gasped as she pressed a hand to her chest. “How could any woman do that to their unborn child?”

  His dad looked mad enough to chew nails at the injustice. “We’re truly sorry, son. We won’t suggest anything anymore. We didn’t know.”

  “No.” Derek shook his head. “You’ll treat Steven like you treat everyone else, please. And I would prefer if you didn’t tell anyone in the family about this. It’s none of their business.”

  “We won’t breathe a word,” his mom said. She wiped at a tear in her eye. “Now I want to go out there and hug him again. That poor man.”

  Derek knew his parents hadn’t meant any harm. He wasn’t sure why he was so worked up. But he’d felt the change in Steven when his mother had mentioned college. “I’m going back out there. But I’m taking Steven and going to our hotel. I hope tomorrow we can have a wonderful day.”

  His mom smiled. “I’ve been looking forward to this weekend all year.”

  “Barbeque master,” his dad boasted as he stuck out his chest. “I just hope I bought enough food for those animals.”

  His mother laughed. “You bought enough to feed a small army.”

  He gave his mom a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

  “I love you, Derek.” His mom cupped his cheek.

  “Love you, too.” He hugged her before he left the room.

  When he went back to the kitchen, he heard Steven talking on the phone about how lost he felt. Derek hung back, wishing he knew how to make his mate feel more at home here.

  This was all new to Steven, but it was also new to Derek. He was happy he’d found his mate, but he was still dealing with the emotions that encompassed him. They were both trying to find a rhythm together, but Derek would do whatever it took to make Steven feel at ease with him.

  “And what are we laughing about?” Derek asked when he stepped outside.

  “Steven says I’m cooler than Kenny,” Russell explained on the video chat.

  “I’ll talk to you guys later,” Steven whispered before he hung up. He’d have to tell Steven that his shifter hearing was superior to humans, which enabled Derek to hear Steven even if they’d been across the room.

  Derek picked Steven up and then sat, placing his mate on his lap. “Is there something I should know?”

  “We’re going to the movies Monday and then to dinner.” Steven kissed Derek’s cheek. “And you were invited.” He looked past Derek with unease in his pretty blue eyes. “Is everything okay?”

  “It is now.” Derek nuzzled his neck. “We’re gonna head to our hotel, but we’ll be back here around noon tomorrow.”

  Steven sagged against him, shoving his nose into Derek’s neck. “Okay.”

  Chapter Six

  There were many vehicles parked in the driveway and along the grass on the opposite side of the house. From where Steven stood, he heard country music playing from the backyard. He liked the beat, but he’d never been to a party before and hoped he didn’t embarrass Derek.

  He squeezed Derek’s hand, telling himself not to be afraid of all the strangers he was about to meet. Steven had talked again with Kenny last night, and his brother had given him nothing but reassuring words, making Steven feel better about meeting so many of Derek’s relatives.

  But if I wasn’t good enough for my mom, how can I be good enough for my mate’s family?

  “It seems a lot of people got here early,” Derek said as they crossed the front lawn, Seth right behind them. “If you become nervous or unsure, just stay by my side.”

  “Thank you for inviting me.” Steven stopped them before they made it to the front door. “I’m just afraid of embarrassing you.”

  Derek’s brows rose as a warm smile filled his face. He was so sexy when he smiled. Steven just wanted to gobble him up. He grinned widely when Derek cupped his face with his strong hand. “You could never embarrass me, kitten.”

  Steven highly doubted that. He wished they didn’t have to go at all. Even though Kenny had made him feel better, Steven was still unsure about this. He was far from home, about to be surrounded by strangers, and his stomach was filled with a thousand nervous butterflies.

  Kenny said you can do this, so you can do this.

  Steven wanted to turn around and run back to their rental.

  Derek gave a soft chuckle that made Steven’s heart flutter. “Stop looking so nervous.” He traced his thumb over Steven’s cheek. “I’m glad you are…here with me, kitten. You have no idea how happy I am that we found each other.”

  Steven hummed in delight as Derek kissed him. His mate’s breath smelled like the peppermint toothpaste from their hotel room. Steven ate that taste up as their tongues tangled, and he moaned into Derek’s mouth.

  None of Steven’s sexual partners had ever made him feel this special. A part of Steven worried this was all a dream and he would wake up sad and alone in his apartment. If this were a dream, Steven prayed he was in a coma so it would last a very long time.

  “You keep kissing like a dream and I’m gonna whisk you back to our room,” Derek purred against Steven’s lips.

  “You keep kissing me like you want me and I’m gonna let you.” Steven melted against Derek’s muscled body, lapping at his mate’s lips. He could stand here all day and do this.

  “I want you so badly,” Derek murmured.

  Steven was torn between joining the party and begging Derek to take him back to their room. But they’d flown all this way, and even though Steven was a bubbling wreck of nerves, he refused to be the cause of Derek missing out on seeing his family.

  Besides, they’d had sex last night and this morning. Even so, Steven was ready for more. When it came to Derek, he couldn’t seem to get enough of the hunk. He pressed into Derek’s hard body, unable to get close enough as he slid his arms around his mate’s neck.

  Steven’s nervousness was quickly turning into hunger and need as Derek coiled his arms around Steven’s waist.

  “Your dick is poking my belly,” Steven said.

  Derek swiped his tongue along Steven’s bottom lip. “What are you going to do about it, sexy?”

  “Nothing.” Steven looked around. “We’re outside, and Seth is standing by the front door, and he’s pretending not to look our way.”

  Derek smiled. “You’ve never had sex outside?”

  Steven shook his head. “Never.”

  “Then we’ll have to rectify that.” Derek’s voice was filled with a purr. Steven was growing to love that sound. It made his cock hard and his body pulse. Jeez, he couldn’t seem to stop craving his mate. Talk about being totally clingy.

  But Derek really didn’t seem to mind, and Steven now wanted to be his spider monkey.

  “Derek?” a deep voice called from somewhere behind them.

  Steven jumped away from Derek as though kissing was illegal and they were going to jail for being caught. He pressed his ha
nds to his mouth while scooting behind his mate.

  “Pete,” Derek said with a slight growl.

  He had no idea why Derek sounded so unhappy as he turned to face the guy named Pete. Steven looked the stranger over, and why did a weasel come to mind? From appearance alone, Pete looked like the type of guy Kenny would warn him to stay away from.

  He was tall and lean, with the same dark features Derek had, but his eyes looked shifty. Steven felt uneasy as Pete moved forward and wrapped his arms around Derek, hugging him a little too tightly.

  Seth moved closer, joining Derek at his side. He looked like he wanted to yank Pete away from Derek. Steven wished the guy would.

  “I got this.” Derek patted Seth’s broad chest.

  Steven wanted to pop Pete on the nose for touching his mate. He had no idea where the jealousy came from, but he didn’t like the stiff way Derek stood. His body language said he didn’t want Pete anywhere near him, and Steven felt upset that Derek seemed very uncomfortable.

  “You got yourself a bodyguard?” Pete looked Seth over and seemed to dismiss him. “It’s so good to see you, man. I was just talking to my mom about you the other day.”

  Derek’s eyes narrowed. “I thought you were in Florida.”

  Steven noticed how his mate had taken a step back. Derek pressed a hand into Steven’s hip, as though telling Steven to stay behind him.

  That was one silent request Steven didn’t mind following. It was also unnecessary since Seth stood so close he could reach out and choke Pete if he wanted to.

  “I was, but my mom bought me a bus ticket so I could be here.” Pete tilted his head sideways and looked Steven in his eyes. “Who’s your friend?”

  Patty swung the front door open and walked out. Derek turned to his mom, ignoring Pete’s question. “Why are you guys standing out here? Everyone is out back.”

  Derek grabbed Steven’s hand and guided him away from Pete, but Steven noticed the way Pete kept staring at him with those weasel eyes.

  “Hey, Mom.” Derek hugged her and gave her a peck on the cheek.