To Leo’s pleasure, Jerry grabbed a couple of napkins, then settled on a bar stool near the dip Leo had placed there.
Less than ten minutes later, Leo carried two plates to the bar, placing one before Jerry and a second in front of an empty stool. Both plates contained a golden-brown grilled turkey and cheese cut diagonally into triangles. “Got any idea which cupboard has the coffee mugs?” he asked, turning back to the refrigerator.
“Uh uh,” Jerry mumbled around a mouthful of chip and dip while Leo pulled the milk out and set it down.
“I’ll find ‘em,” Leo replied confidently. He did on his third try, grabbing a pair of them. He placed them on the counter before he opened the milk, then he began pouring it into the mugs. “Are you lactose intolerant or allergic to anything?”
Leo didn’t want to make his mate sick.
“No, and nothing that I’m aware of.” Jerry’s brows furrowed as he cocked his head. “Although, I can’t think of ever eating anything exotic over the years. The staples at home were all basic, and then when I was on the streets, I ate whatever I could get my hands on. Then after when—” He paused, his cheeks flushing pink.
Nodding, Leo didn’t need Jerry to finish. He got it. With how slender Jerry’s frame was, he would bet his left nut that the asshole gangsters didn’t feed him well.
“Here. Enjoy,” Leo encouraged, placing the mug before Jerry. He left the milk out in case they needed more and took a seat beside Jerry. “I like to dip my Oreos. Makes ‘em a little mushy.”
Jerry was too busy shoving a corner of sandwich into his mouth to respond. After he bit off a bite and began to chew, he nodded. His expression seemed to be one of longing as he eyed the still-sealed bag of cookies.
After Leo grabbed a wedge of his own sandwich and took a big bite, he put it down and wiped his fingers on a napkin. He chewed slowly, enjoying the cheesy, crunchy goodness, and reached for the bag of cookies. Easing his forefingers under the tab and gripping the top with his thumb, Leo pulled the re-sealable flap back, then rolled it carefully so the stickiness caught on the edge and held itself open.
Leo swallowed while grabbing a cookie. With a wink at Jerry, he dipped his cookie into the milk. He lifted it, allowing it to drip into the cup a few times, before popping it into his mouth.
To Leo’s relief, Jerry followed his example. The hum of appreciation that rumbled from the human caused Leo’s prick to twitch behind his fly. His smile of appreciation, however, that warmed something deep in Leo’s chest.
Eating in companionable silence, Leo made it through his sandwich, ate another cookie, then enjoyed a number of chips, skimming them through the French onion dip each time. As he ate another cookie, Leo noticed Jerry glancing between his last sandwich triangle and the cookie package. He was nibbling on his bottom lip, his expression betraying his indecision.
“What’s up?” Leo asked curiously. Reaching out—it was so damn hard not to touch with his mate sitting right next to him—Leo teased the backs of his fingertips down the soft flesh of Jerry’s upper arm. “Something wrong?”
Jerry started, his head whipping around so he could peer at Leo. His mouth opened, closed, then he stated, “I’m getting full, and I really want another cookie.” He glanced at his sandwich. “But I don’t want to waste it.”
Realizing Jerry’s dilemma, Leo grinned. “Have a cookie,” he urged, reaching over and grabbing the sandwich from his mate’s plate. When Jerry met his gaze once more, Leo winked and added, “Or two or three,” before biting the triangle in half.
Barking a laugh, Jerry returned his grin. His face lit up as he reached for the cookie package, took two, and put them on his plate. Holding one, he dipped it in his milk.
Leo smiled as he finished the sandwich. While he hadn’t been hungry when he’d arrived, as a shifter, he could eat just about any time. Serving food to his mate also helped settle his wolf, since Leo guessed it would be a while before he could connect with him physically.
While Jerry was finishing the second cookie he’d taken, Leo’s sensitive hearing picked up the sound of approaching footsteps. He realized his time alone with his mate was nearing an end. Pushing down his disappointment, Leo downed the last of his slightly chocolaty milk before turning on his barstool to face the door.
Leo knew his movement would alert Jerry of the approaching visitors, too. That way his human wouldn’t be startled again. Leo had hated the fear-filled, deer-in-the-headlights look Jerry had sported when he’d first walked in on him.
As Leo watched the dining room door open, Jerry was wiping his fingers on a napkin. Smiling at who entered, Leo dipped his head as he greeted, “Alpha Declan.”
“Leo, glad ye could make it.” The big, African American’s Irish accent was a bit deeper than normal, betraying his fatigue... as did the lines etched around his eyes and mouth. “Have ye filled Jerry in on why ye’re here?”
“Uh, no, Alpha,” Leo admitted, his cheeks heating a little. “Got distracted with food.” He waved toward their mini spread.
“Food is good.” Alpha Declan rounded the bar and grabbed a mug from the cupboard. “Looks yummy,” he added, picking up the milk and pouring it into his mug. Then he lifted the jug toward their cups while lifting a brow in silent question, obviously asking if they wanted more. After they’d both shaken their heads, Declan put it back in the fridge. “Now’s a good time, then,” he stated as he grabbed a cookie. Before biting it in half, he tipped his chin toward Leo and stated, “Why don’t you share with Jerry your job, Leo?”
Leo mentally winced as Jerry turned his worry-filled gaze toward him. “Relax, Jer. It’s nothing bad.” Resting his left elbow on the counter, he leaned forward just a little as he returned his mate’s regard with what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “I was asked to come here because, in our shifter pack, we have a problem unique to paranormals. We’re pretty long-lived, often upward toward five hundred years.” Seeing Jerry’s eyes widen, Leo was pleased that his scent registered surprise as opposed to fear or concern. That was good, right? “Because paranormals hide in plain sight, we have to create a new identity for ourselves every few decades, or the humans we know will get suspicious of why we don’t age.”
Leo watched Jerry’s lips part into an oh as he nodded, although he wasn’t certain exactly how much his mate actually comprehended. “So, what I do for my pack-mates is create new identities.” He waggled his brows as he leaned even closer. “We’ll spend time together, explore your interests a bit, and figure out where you want to go from here.” Seeing Jerry’s eyes widen and his head tip, his expression betraying his racing thoughts, Leo reached over and gripped his arm, just above his elbow, squeezing lightly. “You don’t have to make a decision right now, sweetheart.”
Gods, I hope I don’t spook him with the endearments.
Leo knew it wasn’t the first time he’d called Jerry something like that, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. They just kept rolling off his tongue. It was just so damn natural.
The feel of Jerry’s light muscling over soft flesh caused goose bumps to erupt on his own arm. His palm warmed, and he barely resisted his urge to slide his hand up under the short sleeve of Jerry’s t-shirt. When his mate glanced at where Leo held him, his brows furrowing, he forced himself to release him... after giving him one more light squeeze.
“I-I don’t know,” Jerry mumbled, turning his attention to his empty plate.
“Like I said,” Leo replied. “No rush. We have all the time in the world for us to explore different activities and figure out your likes and dislikes.”
And during that time, Leo had every intention of figuring out how to woo his mate.
Jerry glanced between Leo and Declan. His expression turned wary, and his eyes narrowed. “Why are you doing this?” He frowned. “What’s it cost?”
“Nothing,” Alpha Declan immediately replied. “It won’t cost ye anything.” It was obvious Jerry didn’t believe them, and the alpha sighed as he
grabbed another cookie. Waving it in the air almost absently, Declan explained, shrugging. “Consider yourself collateral damage to our raid. While we were kicking ass and taking names, you had your world expanded. That makes ye our responsibility.”
Then Declan popped the cookie into his mouth.
“I-I’m your, uh... your obligation then?” From the sound of his voice, Jerry didn’t seem too pleased by that revelation.
“Hey.” Leo’s need to soothe drove out common sense. Sliding to the edge of his seat, he rested his left hand on Jerry’s thigh. Massaging the thin, muscular leg beneath his palm, Leo held Jerry’s wide-eyed gaze. “I’m not sure what thought just popped into your head, but we don’t consider this a bad thing.”
Jerry scowled at him, scoffing derisively. “Sure. If I hadn’t seen your cousin turn into a wolf and tear Linds apart, I would’ve been shunted off to the police with the rest of the gang’s whores.” Curling his lip, he crossed his arms over his chest. “Let me assure you. Right now, the rest of them aren’t in this cushy mansion”—he uncoiled an arm and waved around the space absently—”being offered a new identity.”
“Ask what ye really mean, Jerry,” Declan urged quietly, appearing interested and not in the least upset. “Nothing ye say here will cause ill will between us.”
“Why didn’t you help all of us?” Jerry cried, slamming his fists on his counter. Just as swiftly, he crumpled in on himself, wrapping his arms around his torso. “I’m not anything special. Some of the guys there... they were new. They could have used a second chance so much more than me. I... I’m damaged goods. I’m not worth anything anymore. I—”
Unable to bear listening to Jerry denigrate himself anymore, Leo growled softly. He squeezed his human’s thigh lightly. When Jerry whipped his head up and focused on him, Leo shook his head.
“That’s enough, Jerry,” Leo growled roughly. Seeing Jerry’s eyes widen and his face pale, he sucked in a harsh breath as he bit back another snarl attempting to escape him. Once he thought he had control of himself, Leo moved his hand from Jerry’s thigh, lifting it slowly, lightly cradling his mate’s jaw. Leo couldn’t begin to express how pleased he felt that his human didn’t flinch from him. “You were led to us by Fate, sweetheart. Already I feel blessed to have met you.” While Leo knew his mate didn’t understand, he had to continue with, “My life would have been poorer for it if I hadn’t.”
Jerry’s brows furrowed, and his lips pinched, but it was no longer in anger or frustration. Instead, he just seemed confused. “Why?” Jerry whispered. “Why would you say something like that?”
“Because it’s the truth,” Leo replied. Hopefully soon, he would have the opportunity to explain it all, too, but he knew now wasn’t yet the time. No way was Jerry ready for Leo to share that he was the other half of his soul. Instead, Leo told him, “And you are more than worthy of another chance, sweetheart. Now.” Leo smiled as he stroked his thumb along Jerry’s jawline. “Tell me you believe me.”
It took a second, but finally, Jerry whispered, “I believe you.”
“Good.” Leo began to dip his head, wanting to taste Jerry’s trembling lips.
It was probably good that Alpha Declan took that second to interrupt. Jerry wasn’t really ready.
“And in the meantime, I’ll work with Detective Malone to guarantee that your fellow captives will all be assured new lives, too.”
“You’ll do that?” Jerry murmured, turning and gaping at the alpha, pulling from Leo’s hold. “Why?” Just as he finished the question, a deep yawn took him.
Alpha Declan chuckled softly. “Because you’re right. You all deserve a second chance after what ye endured.” He pushed away from the counter, grabbing the cookie package and re-sealing it in the process. “Head to bed, Jerry. You’ve had a long day, and ye must be exhausted.” Smiling warmly, he added, “Besides, I need a word with Leo here before I send him up to check on his family.”
Even though Leo didn’t want to let his mate go, he did it, watching Jerry shuffle out of the dining room before returning his focus to Alpha Declan.
His alpha smirked, his deep gray eyes radiating warmth. “Congratulations.”
Leo grinned broadly. “Thanks.”
Chapter Four
With a squeak, Jerry jolted back to wakefulness. He glanced around wildly for a few seconds, taking in the lavish surroundings. His heart pounded, and his breathing caught in his chest.
Recalling the previous evening, Jerry let out a heavy sigh and closed his eyes. He settled back in the nest of blankets he’d made on the padded window seat. While the bed had been inviting, after being so long in a windowless room, the allure of staring outside had been too much to resist.
Heck-fire, if I could have, I would have slept on the balcony.
Too bad it was way too cold for that.
For the first time in... almost six years, he was free.
Jerry wasn’t even certain what that meant anymore. With his forehead resting against the cool glass, he peered out the window. When he’d been young, he’d had so many hopes and dreams. Now... he couldn’t think of one.
Jerry took in the way the morning sun illuminated the horizon and smiled. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d watched a sunrise. Even though he’d only managed to sleep for a few hours, Jerry couldn’t resist seeing more.
Wanting to be a part of that, Jerry eased out from under the blankets and stood. Grabbing the comforter, he wrapped it around his shoulders, then padded to the door. Jerry paused just long enough to grab his battered sneakers where he’d left them beside the door and to be certain he didn’t hear any movement in the hall outside before easing from the room.
As Jerry made his way downstairs, he recalled how he hadn’t heard the arrival of Leo and Manon the evening before. He figured the house was just too big to confirm that no one else was up.
Jerry still felt relief when he made it to the back foyer without meeting anyone. It wasn’t that he was anti-social. He just didn’t know how to interact with people anymore... especially since these men knew exactly what he was.
After sliding his feet into his shoes, Jerry headed outside. He kept the blanket pulled tight around his shoulders with one hand on the inside. With his other hand, he bundled up the excess blanket, holding it off the ground.
The chilly, early morning air almost felt like a slap in the face, but Jerry welcomed it. He found himself smiling as he strode swiftly across the massive back patio with the empty stone fire pit. Making his way into a dormant garden, he found a stone bench near a large fountain... which was still functioning.
Jerry settled on the bench, bundling several layers of the blanket under his butt to insulate himself against the cold. Tucking his legs under the bench, he tipped his head back and allowed his eyelids to slide closed. He inhaled deeply, relishing the fresh, morning air as he enjoyed the sounds of the trickling fountain.
Unwilling to miss the sunrise, Jerry opened his eyes and focused on the horizon. He smiled vacantly as first the sky turned gray, then lightened to blue. Finally, the vibrant yellow of the sun peeked over the horizon, burning up the morning mist and forcing Jerry to avert his gaze.
The trickle of the fountain combined with the sounds of morning birds twittering in the trees began to lull Jerry’s mind. His eyelids slid closed. He swayed a little on the bench, sighing. It would be so tempting to curl up on the bench. With the warmth of the sun on his face, he could drift right off and—
“Well, well, well.” A snide tenor voice cut through Jerry’s relaxed thoughts. “Looks like this gang is a little lax in keeping an eye on their possessions.”
Snapping open his eyes, Jerry tensed as he whipped his head around. He gasped when he spotted five men slinking from between garden bushes, being led by a smirking dirty-blond-haired man. That man exchanged glances with the pair on either side of him.
Jerry recognized the looks on that pair—greed, lust, and smugness. A quick glance at the
final two men told Jerry that they were busy looking around, obviously keeping an eye on the area. When Jerry returned his focus to the speaker, recognition finally hit.
“Myron Sandserson,” Jerry hissed.
Tension thrummed through him as he watched Myron’s lips curl into a sneer. “You don’t have the right to say my name, whore.” Snapping his fingers, he pointed at his feet. “Kneel.” As if expecting him to obey without question, Myron turned his attention to the men on his left. “Sanchez, go with Burman and see if any of the other whores these guys took from the Robles gang are just wandering around.” His expression turned cruel as he added, “Whores that are already mostly trained will start the money rolling in faster than having to teach new merchandise their place.” His eyes narrowed as he snickered nastily. “No way are we letting some new gang take Robles territory that should have been our’s anyway.” As the pair of men disappeared amidst the dormant bushes, Myron returned his focus to Jerry. “Why haven’t you moved, yet, whore?”
Jerry sat frozen, unable to make himself move. He wanted to leap up and run, to scream and call for help. But his body wouldn’t obey.
When Jerry saw Myron reach for him, he finally jerked himself out of his stupor. With a squeak, he leaped away from the man. Releasing the blanket, he nearly tripped over it as he lunged to the right and began sprinting back toward the house.
Unfortunately, Jerry still couldn’t get his voice to work. His heart hammering in his throat seemed to stop up his voice box. Hearing someone’s heavy footfalls pounding behind him didn’t help matters. Jerry didn’t know if it was Myron or one of his other goons, and he was too terrified of tripping to chance glancing over his shoulder.
With a Wolf’s Support Page 3