“I did,” Tristan responded. Realizing he’d have to explain, he pointed to the SUV. The others responded to the unspoken command and piled into the large vehicle. Once the door was closed, he found himself the recipient of four men’s expectant gazes. “Collin,” Tristan explained.
“Collin?” Taolma asked, frowning. “Who’s that?”
“Detective Collin DeSoto,” Leroy explained softly. “I didn’t know he was gay.”
Tristan nodded. “He’s in the closet.”
Caladon grunted. “Damn, seeing him with that chick probably did nothing to make you happy.”
“Hence the trip to the bathroom,” Tristan grumbled. “He had her fucking scent all over him. It needed to be fixed.”
“I bet,” Caladon agreed.
“Enough about me,” Tristan rumbled, glancing around the vehicle. “Do any of you know where to find Canaan Bell?”
Leroy nodded. “At Cheryl’s bed and breakfast, uh, the Gardenside Bed and Breakfast.”
“How do you know?” Caladon asked, taking his hand in his own and massaging his fingers.
“It’s still a small enough town that if someone comes here because they’re searching for someone else, people notice.” Leroy shrugged and added, “And it’s also small enough that people talk. You remember how quickly my family found out about us, remember?”
“No offense,” Taolma cut in. “But your family are kinda assholes.”
“Son,” Caladon growled, his warning clear in that one word.
Leroy shook his head. “No, he’s right. They’re racist and cruel to those they don’t approve of, I—”
“No, no,” Taolma cut in. “My dad’s right. I shouldn’t have said that. I apologize.”
Nodding, Leroy smiled at the other man, although the look appeared a little forced.
“So, why do you need to find this Canaan fellow?” Golren asked pointedly, changing the subject.
Happy to be off the topic of family and problems they could cause, Tristan looked at Golren where he sat behind the wheel. “According to Bud Wallice, he’s an attorney for the group who hunts paranormals.” Upon hearing the boa constrictors’ hisses and scenting the anger now flooding the SUV, he grinned widely, showing off plenty of teeth. “I figured since there were so many of us, we could pay him a little visit. Maybe, uh, invite him and Misses Wallice to the estate.”
Caladon growled low in his throat. Golren’s eyes narrowed as he cracked his knuckles. Taolma glanced between them, then focused on Tristan and nodded, his features tight.
Leroy sighed. “I have to work,” he said. He squeezed Caladon’s hand, drawing his mate’s attention. “How about you go with them? I’ll see you at the estate this evening?”
Leaning down, Caladon captured his mouth. As the kiss deepened, Tristan turned away from the pair in the back seat and focused on the two in the front bucket seats. Taolma looked forward, out the windshield, while Golren watched Tristan with his brows furrowed.
“What?”
Golren shook his head. “Well, your mate is a detective,” he pointed out. “You don’t think he’s going to have a problem with you kidnapping?”
Tristan thought about that for a second, then frowned. “Why would he? These people may have information we can use to save more of our cousins,” he said, using the term to loosely reference other paranormals. “Shouldn’t he want to bring people who kidnap or kill others to justice? Is that not what an officer of the law is supposed to do?”
“In theory,” Golren responded slowly. “But they have rules they need to follow.”
Hissing, Tristan snarled, “Well, he’ll have to learn that we operate under different rules.” He frowned. “I will explain it to him.” Once again focusing on Golren, Tristan added, “But we cannot allow this opportunity to pass. The gargoyles want answers, and this man may be able to give them. I owe the gargoyles. I repay my debts.”
Golren lifted his hand, palm out, as he nodded. “Okay, okay, I just thought I should say something.”
Tristan just stared, having no idea what to say.
“I’ll be right back,” Caladon stated. “I’m gonna walk Leroy to his car.”
After the pair had climbed out, Leroy said goodbye. Once the door was shut, Taolma half turned in his seat. He focused on Tristan and asked, “Got a plan?”
“I’m going to rent a room,” Tristan told them. “I’ll see if they’re there. If not, I stay until they show. Then, I’ll call you and we round them up.”
Taolma chuckled. “Right. Easy, peasy.”
“Hopefully,” Tristan agreed.
The SUV’s side door opened and Caladon climbed into the back. “Okay, Leroy gave me the name of the place, let me pull up the address,” he stated without preamble.
In minutes, Caladon held out his phone and handed it to his son. “Enter that into the GPS, buddy,” he ordered. As Taolma leaned forward and started punching away at a machine mounted in the vehicle’s dash, Caladon leaned on the seatback in front of him and focused on Tristan. “Did I miss the plan?”
Tristan shrugged. “Gonna rent a room there and see if they’re around.”
“You shouldn’t go alone,” Caladon said. “Take Golren with you. You can rent the honeymoon suite,” he teased, winking.
Taolma snorted. “That wouldn’t be very effective,” he teased. “Golren can’t pretend to be gay even if his life depended on it.” Winking at Tristan, he said, “I, on the other hand, swing both ways. If you want a date, you’ll have to take me.”
Tristan narrowed his eyes. He glanced at Caladon, who snorted, then up at Golren. The man nodded. “Man’s right. I don’t know how convincing I’d be.”
“I don’t need a date,” Tristan claimed.
“Everyone always needs back-up,” Golren corrected. “You never know if Canaan has a gun. Plus, he might not be alone,” he warned. “He could have back-up standing by, just waiting to be called in.”
Cocking his head, Tristan swept his gaze over the three men. Surprise filled him when he saw concern and worry in the eyes of the three boa constrictor shifters. These men actually seemed to care what happened to him.
Tristan nodded. “Very well.” He met Taolma’s gaze and smirked. “Are you a good lay?”
Taolma’s dark cheeks managed to darken a hint more. He gaped and broke eye contact. “Uh.”
Chuckling, Tristan took pity on the young shifter. “Relax, Toa. I’m taken, remember?” He smirked, liking that he could get the other male back for his earlier teasing. “Even if you are hot.”
“Not right, Tristan,” Caladon grumbled, settling back in his seat. “I don’t want to hear about my son’s sexual prowess.”
“Shit, Dad,” Taolma growled. “Shut up.”
Tristan laughed.
“Drive,” Caladon snapped.
Golren snickered, started the vehicle, and got them under way. After a few minutes of driving, he pulled up in front of a large, Victorian style home. It appeared to have gone through a remodel not too long ago, judging by the fresh white paint. Even the flower boxes were clear and the flower beds clean. Tristan figured the dormant-looking plants would flourish in a month or two.
Taolma opened his door and slid from the vehicle. As Tristan did the same, he heard his new, young friend state, “Thanks, Golren. I owe you.”
Confused, Tristan joined the other shifter in front of the vehicle. As they strode up the walk, he mumbled, “Why do you owe him?”
Grinning at him, Taolma wrapped his arm around his shoulders. He lowered his head and whispered, “It’s all an act, just in case someone is watching.”
Tristan nodded. He couldn’t bring himself to grin up at the man, but he did smile. Having the arm of another around him caused his skin to practically crawl and his alligator hissed in the back of his mind.
“I’m not much of an actor,” Tristan admitted.
“Then we’ll switch it up a bit,” Taolma stated, pulling his arm away. “Just smile, hot stuff.”
“
This is way too easy for you.”
Taolma chuckled. “Aww, so sweet,” he teased as he released Tristan. “You always know how to compliment a guy.”
“You’re easy to compliment,” Tristan responded softly, trying to get into the swing of things. “Thank you for doing this.”
“Anything for you, T,” Taolma responded easily as he pushed the front door open. “Let’s see if there’s a room. This place has great reviews for its food.”
Tristan heard the bell jingle overhead as he followed Taolma into the house. It opened up into a large foyer. A staircase led up to the left and a door on the right opened to a sort of recreation room. Before them stood a reception desk.
Taolma hit the bell on the desk, then turned and rested his back against it. He crossed his arms over his chest and grinned at Tristan. “So, a big tub for soothing aching muscles after hours of hiking, a soft bed for getting plenty of rest—” He waggled his brows, then continued, “And a small sitting area for cuddling, right?”
“Uh, sounds good,” Tristan responded, trying to keep up with the younger male’s constant teasing. “Think all the above will be available?”
What the fuck am I going to do with a room like that?
“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” greeted a slightly plump female who stood about five foot six. She tucked a strand of graying, dark hair behind her ear, then held out her hand to Taolma. “I’m Cheryl. I own this bed and breakfast.”
Taolma took her hand and shook as she continued talking. “I couldn’t help overhearing what you were saying. I’m afraid I only have one room available, at the moment, but I’m not sure it’ll fit your needs.” She glanced between them as she settled her hands on the reception counter. “It’s the honeymoon suite. It has one king bed and a large Jacuzzi tub. There is a sofa,” she hedged.
Taolma held up a hand, forestalling her faltering words. He laughed and said, “Oh, don’t worry about that. While we’re not together, I’m bisexual and he’s gay,” he said, pointing a thumb at Tristan. “We don’t mind a little close time if it means a jetted tub.” He winked at Tristan. “Right, T?”
Tristan nodded. “It’s been years since I’ve enjoyed a Jacuzzi.” He pulled his wallet out of his back pocket and pulled out a brand new debit card, compliments of Raymond, and held it out to her. “Hook us up, please, Cheryl.”
Chapter Ten
“Are you serious?” Collin snapped. “Why didn’t you say something at lunch?”
He glared at the far wall of his bedroom. He stood in a towel, water still dripping from his wet hair. Moving his focus to the jeans and silk shirt laid on the bed, he took in the clothes he’d planned to wear. He’d wanted to look nice for Tristan, but if he wore this to his sister’s, she’d question him.
“Look. It just came up,” Tania stated. “I really need you here.” She paused for a second, then added solemnly. “I wouldn’t interrupt your plans if it wasn’t an emergency.”
“What makes you think I have plans?” Collin asked, attempting to sound flippant. “Maybe I just wanted a night home in my underwear with a beer.”
Tania snorted, and Collin could imagine her rolling her eyes. “Right. If that was the case, you would have already dropped everything to come,” she said. Her voice took on a more serious note. “You were always the better brother, Collin. I’ve always known that.”
Mentally groaning, Collin grimaced. “Nice guilt trip, Tania.” He sighed. “I’ll be over in twenty.”
“Thanks, Collin,” Tania replied. “I appreciate it.”
Collin pulled the towel off with one hand and worked it over his damp body. With his other hand, he kept his phone pressed to his ear. “Just promise me that this has nothing to do with me dating Emily.”
“No,” Tania replied quickly. “Nothing to do with you dating Emily.”
Ten minutes later, Collin was dressed and in his truck. It wasn’t until he’d pulled out of the driveway and headed toward his sister’s condo—dressed in the jeans and top he’d planned and praying his sister wouldn’t say anything about them—that he realized she hadn’t even asked why he didn’t want to date Emily.
Damn, this must be really important to her.
Collin parked his car in front of his sister’s place and strode swiftly up the walk. He hadn’t even reached the door when Tania opened it and peered out at him. The light spilling from the home cast her in silhouette.
“Hey, thanks so much for coming,” Tania greeted. She stepped back and waved him inside. After he entered, she gave him a hug, then shut the door.
Standing in the foyer, Collin frowned at her. He took in the way she still hadn’t looked him in the eye. An alarm bell chimed in the back of his head, and he rested his hand on her shoulder.
“Hey, what’s going on? What’s wrong?”
“Come on,” Tania urged instead of answering. “Come to the living room.”
Collin allowed his sister to pull away, then followed her up the stairs to the second floor of the condo where the living room was. Seeing Emily sitting on one of her two sofas, he froze.
Emily smiled and lifted her hand. “Hey, this isn’t what you think.”
“Just what do you think that I think this is?” Collin asked warily, mentally groaning at how ridiculous he sounded.
Chuckling, Emily settled one arm across the back of the sofa and another on the arm. “Well, I’m sure you think I’m here to try another go at a date, but I know when a man’s not interested.” She winked. “Don’t worry.”
Still confused, Collin watched as Tania settled next to her friend. She waved to the opposite sofa. Emily looked at Tania, then leaned over and grabbed a still-cold beer—judging by the droplets sliding down the side of the bottle. She held it out.
On instinct, Collin took the bottle, then settled on the sofa opposite them. He absently twisted off the cap and tossed it onto the coffee table, then clutched the drink between his palms and rested his elbows on his knees. Collin glanced between the two women, trying to figure out what the hell was going on.
“Are you okay, Tania?” Collin asked slowly. “Are you ill?”
Tania shook her head. She glanced at Emily again, who nodded, then blew out a breath before reaching over with one hand and gripping one of the other woman’s. Tania twined their fingers together, and Emily allowed it, smiling at her even.
Collin’s brows drew together as he took in the expression on Emily’s face—affection. Oh! Oh, shit! “Are you a couple?” he whispered the question.
Tania shuddered out a breath. She met Collin’s gaze, then nodded. “Yes,” she answered. “Emily is my girlfriend.”
“H-How—How long?” Collin frowned as another thought occurred to him. “Why the hell were you coming onto me?”
Emily grinned widely, then turned to Tania. She pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I told you he’d ask that.” Returning her attention back to Collin, she met his gaze and stated, “Because I can peg a man who’s gay easy.”
Collin found himself gaping. “Wh-What?”
His heart started slamming in his chest as his pulse spiked. Sweat began to form at his temples, but he didn’t dare swipe at it. He suddenly found himself grateful for the beer, and took a quick swig.
Tania didn’t give him the opportunity to get his brain wrapped around this new knowledge. Instead, she leaned forward and bowled him over with her next question.
“Are you gay, Collin?”
Collin felt the blood drain from his face. “What?” he whispered. “Wh-Why would you ask that?”
“That is not an answer,” Tania pointed out softly. She gave him an encouraging smile. “If you’re not, it’s fine. I just...” She paused and sighed. “I wanted you to know that I’m okay with it.”
After taking another swig of the beer, Collin swallowed hard. He glared at the floor, struggling to come to grips with this turn of events. Tania was, if not gay, then at least bisexual...and she was involved with Emily, the brunette who’d practically thrown herself at him ear
lier that day.
“Thank you, by the way,” Emily murmured.
“For what?” Collin asked absently.
“Well, standing up to your brother, for one,” Emily told him. “Tania told me about Rocio.”
“Warned you about, you mean,” Tania mumbled, shoulders sagging. “He’ll never understand this.”
“He doesn’t have to understand,” Emily replied softly, wrapping her arm around Tania and hugging her against her side. “Just so he doesn’t act like a douche every time we see him.” She cupped Tania’s jaw and urged her to meet her gaze. Leaning close, Emily pressed her lips to Tania’s in a chaste butterfly kiss. “I don’t want to see you hurt.”
“I know,” Tania whispered. She returned Emily’s petting, tracing her jaw. “I don’t want you hurt, either.”
“If Rocio keeps at it, I’ll deck him,” Collin grumbled, gaining both their attentions. In the face of their obvious affection for each other, he couldn’t very well lie to them. That and in the light of Tania’s courage, Collin wanted to shout his own relationship from the rooftops. “Yes. I’m gay.”
The words came out softer than he’d intended, but at least they came out.
Tania’s eyes rounded. She exchanged a look with Emily before refocusing on Collin. Grinning, she asked, “So, am I going to get to meet a special someone soon?” When Collin frowned, his sister giggled. She waved at his clothes. “Or did you get all dressed up so you could spend the evening on the couch in your underwear with a beer?”
Collin gaped. After a second, he snapped his jaw shut and swallowed hard. “His name is Tristan,” he whispered. He rubbed his temple and scoffed. “There are many qualities about the man that are perfect for me.”
“And some that are not?” Emily asked curiously, arching one tapered brow. “Is he as deep in the closet as you?” She held up a hand. “No offense.”
Scoffing, Collin shook his head. “No,” he responded. “That’s not it.” He scowled. “He’s...” Snapping his jaw shut, he blinked. He couldn’t think up anything that wasn’t perfect about the guy. “He’s amazing...well, for me.” He smiled. “I mean, he has his quirks, and I can’t see him joining us for family dinners anytime soon, but—”
Paranormal's Love 11 - Hot-Blooded Alligator Page 8