by Anya Byrne
"Visit," William repeated, blinking several times like he couldn't believe what Jensen was saying. "I see."
He looked past Jensen's shoulders at Alicia and the kids and smiled kindly. "Hello again. It's nice to see you all well."
"Hello, Dr. Orwell," Alicia said, acknowledging the man with a nod. The children followed her example, all the while eyeing William curiously.
"I admit you took me a little by surprise here," the doctor offered. "We're not exactly ready for guests, but I'm sure Gavin will be thrilled to see you."
"He's okay then?" Alicia said as she got out of the car too.
"Of course." William actually managed to sound surprised. "Why wouldn't he be?"
There was no real way to answer the question that wouldn't sound offensive. Besides, William's words and smile seemed so very genuine. If Jensen hadn't known any better, he'd have thought the doctor was truly happy to see them.
"So we can see them then?" he asked, trying, but possibly failing to control the suspicion in his voice.
"Naturally." His expression sobered and his smile fell. "The truth is, Mr. Moore, my son is quite ill. He needs a lot of rest and a minimum of agitation. But I had Dean call Gavin and Parker, and they'd be happy to come to town to see you."
Jensen suppressed a wince. That concern was real. Jensen might not know Dr. Orwell very well, but even he had been able to tell the man was incredibly close to his son Jessie. He wouldn't lie about something like that. It had obviously been a bad idea to intrude like this without even calling beforehand.
Alicia seemed to think the same. "Oh, I'm so sorry for intruding. We... I was just—"
William shook his head, interrupting her. "It's okay. You were worried about Gavin. Of course I understand. It's just the situation that's not ideal. I know Gavin wanted to talk to you once things settled... But then this happened, and well, we've all been a little... Well, you know."
"But he will be okay, won't he?" Jack asked, lower lip trembling.
"Naturally. Don't worry about Jessie, young man. He's receiving the best of care. And speaking of which... I think you were probably planning on having dinner before I interrupted so rudely. Come on. I happen to know Molly bakes an amazing cheesecake."
The children took this as their cue to leave the car. Together, they followed the doctor as they headed toward the diner. Jensen trailed after them, musing over William's behavior. He didn't know why, but he had the feeling there was more to William's attitude than his son's apparent illness. In all likelihood, it wouldn't be easy to find out.
****
Erdi's first thought when Saul drove into Willow Cove was "what am I doing here?" Naturally, in his long years, he'd been through all sorts of settlements, but this sort of quaint, quiet place could never be a refuge for a silencer. Not to mention that the proximity to the Great Lakes made the entire area a neutral zone. Saul had only been allowed to settle down here because his pack was more like an extended family than anything else.
It made Erdi's anxiousness stir once more, but this time he managed to keep it in check. His Alpha and Finn gave him space, while telling him a few details on where he would be staying.
"The second house isn't ready yet, so it's a little crowded," Saul explained, "but I have faith we can make it work."
Erdi doubted any location his Alpha could place him in would be worse than his cell or even some of the accommodation he'd had during past missions. He didn't say that, however. Instead, he just nodded. "I'm sure we can. The last thing I want is to inconvenience you."
"No inconvenience," Finn offered. "You're pack."
Not for the first time, it occurred to Erdi that Finn had left his very pregnant mate to come pick him up. It meant more to Erdi than he could say, and he was humbled by all the trust and the effort the Simmons brothers were putting into this.
Saul had also told him what had happened at the Gathering, which had surprised him to no end. The idea that Dean Simmons had somehow managed to change his sentence was mind-boggling, but at some level, it made Erdi... happy. Or at least, as happy as he could ever be. Dean Simmons was a good man, and he deserved to finally have a life with his mate and his sons.
Erdi's thoughts drifted slightly when he passed by the town diner. He didn't know why, but something stirred in his heart, familiar, yet not, deeply unsettling, yet so comforting. Erdi scanned the street, but there was no one around who could have caused the strange sensation. Sure, its source might have been inside one of the buildings, but Erdi didn't get the chance to investigate it. The progress of the car put distance between Erdi and the cause of the feeling, or rather, between Erdi and his mate.
Erdi couldn't lie to himself or pretend. Jensen was here. Erdi had only felt like this once in his life, during the attack, when he'd first found Jensen and then had been forced to leave him. The sensation of wrongness was exactly the same.
He had the urge to just leap out of the vehicle and pursue that instinct, and he always listened to that part of him. Miraculously, he managed to hold back.
If Jensen was here, the likelihood of it being a coincidence was slim at best. He must have decided to come visit Parker. Erdi's presence was irrelevant, since Jensen didn't even remember him.
For Jensen's own good, things had to stay that way. The human deserved better than an assassin for a mate.
So despite his wolf's protests, Erdi endured. He buried his claws in the upholstery and held on, focusing on controlling his heart beat and his breathing.
Saul must have realized something was wrong, because he shot Erdi a concerned look. "Erdi? Are you all right?"
Erdi nodded. His earlier fit wasn't his proudest moment, and he couldn't afford to lose it again, no matter the reason. "I'm fine. Thank you for your concern, Alpha."
He considered mentioning Jensen's presence, but if he did that, he'd have to explain how he knew about it, and he wasn't looking forward to his Alpha's reaction to such news.
Saul didn't push, but he did keep a close eye on Erdi for a few minutes. When it seemed obvious that Erdi wouldn't freak out again, the silence in the car grew less strained. Erdi was thankful for that, even if, in his heart, he felt the burden of the increasing distance between him and Jensen.
That weight became both lighter and more difficult to bear as they exited the small town. Perhaps it was simply that Erdi managed to compartmentalize his emotions and bury his need for his mate in that deep part of him reserved for Jensen and his futile, unachievable dreams. Either way, by the time Finn parked in front of the cabin that had been their destination, Erdi was pretty calm. Still, his hackles instinctively rose when Dean Simmons burst out of the cabin, his expression dark.
"Thank the moon you're back," he told Saul. "We have a problem." He shot Erdi a look and a small smile. "Hello, Erdi. Sorry we can't give you a proper welcome, but there's a little matter we have to deal with."
"I thought I felt some restlessness from Gavin, but I figured it was just because of our new pack member." Saul scowled fiercely. "What's wrong? Is Jessie okay?"
"So-so. Nothing's changed since you left."
"So there's another problem?" Finn rubbed his eyes. "What's going on?"
Erdi knew the answer before Dean even spoke it—or at least, he knew a part of it. "Parker's friend, Jensen is here, and so are Gavin's mother and brothers."
Saul cursed, and Erdi could understand his Alpha's plight. It didn't take a genius to realize why this would be a problem. By now, Jessie was heavily pregnant. He'd been rapidly gaining weight when Erdi had left, so judging by the time that had passed, he must be showing in a very... distinctive way. Anyone who looked at him would be able to tell, even if the idea of male pregnancy was incredible for them.
"What can we do?" he asked, desperately wanting to pay back at least some of the debt he owed these people.
"For the moment, not much," Dean answered. "Will is stalling, and we'll have to take Parker and Gavin to see our unexpected visitors."
Finn made a noise of
protest, obviously not happy with his mate having to run around while pregnant. It was a volatile situation, at best. And Erdi knew he should be trying to keep a cool head, but his traitorous heart wouldn't let him. "I could drive them," he offered before he could stop himself. "You're probably needed here, with your son."
If Dean was suspicious of the offer, he didn't show it. "Thank you, Erdi, but you're still not well. You need to recover. I've already spoken to Will and he'll come back to see to Jessie."
"I don't like this, Father," Saul replied. "We might be able to delay them for the moment, but Parker is already showing. They could notice."
"There's not much we can do about it, I'm afraid. Let's hope they'll be satisfied with a short visit, because otherwise, I have no idea what we'll do."
Erdi said nothing. At this point, he didn't know what to hope for. His rational side agreed with Dean. The sooner Jensen got out of here, the faster he'd be safe from the danger of the werewolf world, and from Erdi himself. But Erdi's instincts and his heart still tried to convince him to reach out to his mate. He only hoped he'd manage to hold on to his resolve long enough for his mate to get his answers and leave Willow Cove.
****
William stayed with them for a good while, keeping them company as they waited for Parker and Gavin. Jensen was still unsettled, but he told himself he was jumping at shadows. And yet, a feeling kept burning in his heart, refusing to leave him alone. That knowledge that had been irking him for weeks niggled at the back of his consciousness, and he found himself distracted, unable to pay attention to the conversation.
For the most part, William focused on talking to Alicia and the boys, who were very thrilled to speak of their eagerness to see their brother. On occasion, though, Jensen swore he caught William giving him unreadable glimpses, as if trying to figure him out. Jensen suppressed his flight or fight instinct. Dean Simmons might be dangerous, but Doctor William Orwell wasn't quite as harmless as he seemed.
He was greatly relieved when the door opened, and Parker walked in with by his boyfriend, Finn. Two other men followed, one of whom Jensen guessed must be Gavin. Judging by his resemblance to Finn, the other man could only be Gavin's partner, Saul.
Gavin was holding a baby, and Jensen remembered Alicia had mentioned her son adopting a newborn. Shannon.
Before Jensen could react, Jack squealed and slid out of the booth. He ran toward Gavin, his brother following in his wake with just as much enthusiasm. Gavin laughed and passed the baby to Saul. He met Kyle and Jack halfway and hugged the two boys.
Parker chuckled as he watched them. "Looks like they missed you."
"We missed you too," Jack piped up from Gavin's embrace.
"And Parker and I felt the same," Gavin assured the children.
As the new arrivals made their way to the booth, William got up. "Well, then, seems like you're all set here. I'm off, just in case Jessie needs me. Enjoy your stay, Mrs. Cook, Mr. Moore." He ruffled Kyle's and Jack's hair. "It was great to see you all again—especially you two."
"Thank you, Dr. Orwell," Alicia replied. "We really appreciate your help."
"It was my pleasure," William answered. His gaze lingered on Jensen for a few seconds, before he turned on his heel and left the diner.
Jensen decided to worry about that part later. He greeted Parker, and Parker arched a brow at him. "Why do I get the feeling you have a lot to do with this little visit?" Parker whispered in his ear.
"Possibly because you know me so well," Jensen answered with a grin. The familiar banter with his old friend soothed his earlier fears, especially since Parker looked great, safe and happy.
The feeling lasted up to the moment when he planned to reach over to Parker to hug the other man, but Parker avoided it by sliding in the other side of the booth. It was nothing obvious, really, and Jensen's imagination might be playing tricks on him again, but it still made Jensen's previous anxiousness return.
With six adults, two children and a baby crammed together in the booth, he couldn't exactly address it either. William had deliberately asked for a spacious booth, so they weren't sitting in each other's laps or anything, but Jensen couldn't expect privacy with his friend anytime soon.
Well, there was nothing for it now. Jensen would have to adapt to the circumstances. "So, Finn... I see you're much better."
"Yes," his friend's lover replied. "The move helped a lot. I'm well on my way to recovery."
That wasn't exactly the way Jensen would have described Finn Simmons's state. The man looked great, like he hadn't been sick a day in his life. If he hadn't known better, Jensen would have never believed Finn had suffered through a coma of several weeks.
"I have to say, we were all very concerned," Jensen offered. "The last thing we wanted was to intrude, but with everything that happened..."
"We understand," Gavin answered with a small smile. "I'm happy you came. I know Jackie and Kyle wanted to spend more time with Shan."
The waitress appeared to take the orders of the new arrivals, at which point Parker yet again surprised Jensen by ordering two meat pies—for himself. It was strange, because Jensen had never known Parker to be a big eater. Now that he was looking a bit closer, Jensen thought he could detect a bit of a paunch where Parker's usually flat belly had been. Was that why Parker had avoided the hug? Was he embarrassed about having a little more to love? If so, what could have determined his change in diet?
Jensen shook himself and tried to push back his far too wild thoughts. They weren't helping him figure out the situation. In the end, it didn't really matter, because the group couldn't stay too long. Shannon needed to sleep in his own bed, and they were all concerned about Jessie and not in the mood for partying. However, both Gavin and Parker promised they'd come back the next day to spend more time with Jensen, Alicia and the kids.
After dinner, Saul helped them find accommodation, with Alicia and the kids taking a room, and Jensen another. It was then that Jensen managed to steal Parker away for a few moments alone. When most everyone was focused on getting Jack and Kyle settled in, Jensen grabbed his friend's arm and pulled him aside. "Why did you leave?" he asked without preamble.
Parker opened his mouth to reply, but Jensen anticipated one of the excuses Parker had already given him. "Please, Parker," he said. "Just tell me the truth. You know I don't want to interfere in your life and make you uncomfortable, but I'm worried. You've changed so much. You left your whole life for Finn and his family. You've broken so many ties, and I simply can't understand why."
For the longest time, Parker was silent, as if musing over what to say. Jensen waited patiently, and was not disappointed when his friend spoke again. "It's complicated to explain, but... I need you to know I love Finn, and he loves me back. I have a real family now, Jensen, a family who loves me and appreciates me. And yes, I had to sacrifice a lot, and I know our troubles are just starting. But when I fall asleep in Finn's arms, I always feel it was all worth it." Despite his words, his eyes held a dose of guilt and sadness as he spoke. "Besides, even if the two of us don't live close to another, we'll always be friends. I hope you don't ever doubt that."
A wave of comfort flowed over Jensen. Even if Parker hadn't actually replied to Jensen's question, he had told the truth when it came to his happiness. He couldn't help but get a little choked up at Parker's words, because in his heart, he had worried about their relationship. "Thank you, Parker," he replied, not bothering to disguise his relief. "To be honest, the only thing that I want is for you to be happy."
"I know." Parker bit his lip, as if nervous. "I must admit this isn't what I expected my life to be, but somehow, we make it work. In fact, we're planning to add another member to our family."
That was only half of a surprise, since Jensen had expected his friend to want something like that. "You're adopting a baby? Isn't it kind of soon?"
"Well... Maybe it seems that way from the outside, but for us, it's just right. To be true, I am a bit nervous, but I want this."
&nb
sp; He smiled slightly, and his expression was so peaceful—beyond anything Jensen had ever seen on Parker. His gaze grew distant, as if he wasn't thinking about Jensen anymore, and he pressed his hand to his belly.
It was a strange gesture, one that, for some reason, reminded Jensen of the countless pregnant women he'd seen in the past. God, he was really losing it if he was connecting his friend's increase in weight with that sort of thing. His mind was clearly associating all the wrong concepts based on their earlier conversation.
Before he could answer Parker, the small group—sans Alicia and her sons—reunited. "We'll be off now, Mr. Moore," Saul told him. "Have a nice night."
"We'll see you tomorrow," Gavin offered.
"Looking forward to it. And I hope your friend feels better."
"We hope so too," Finn whispered sedately as he wrapped an arm around Parker's shoulders.
Jensen watched them all go, and then took refuge in his room. Somehow, despite Parker's explanation, he had a feeling he was nowhere near to finding the truth the Simmons family was hiding.
Chapter Three
"Dad, I told you I'm fine," Jessie fumed as William fussed over him. "Why are you making such a big production out of all of this?"
William narrowed his eyes at his son. "Fine is not the way I'd describe this. You're exhausted, you can't smell most types of food without throwing up and what you do eat, you barely managed to keep down. And don't think I don't know you've been having headaches. This might be an unusual situation, Jessie, but remember this is what I do. You can't fool me, and you shouldn't even want to."
Erdi wordlessly watched the exchange, all the while debating why William had asked him to be here. It was a delicate conversation, and although Erdi was now part of this pack, he hadn't expected to be privy to it. The fact that they trusted him to watch over a man in such an obviously delicate condition befuddled him even more.
Jessie seemed too tired to argue further with his father, but didn't fall asleep until his mate entered the room and slid into bed next to him. Once Andreas was there, Jessie closed his eyes and drifted into slumber. The way Jessie curled against Andreas, so naturally, the way their bodies seemed to fit, and the lines of tiredness faded from Jessie's face at Andreas's touch—it was beautiful. Despite himself, despite knowing he had no right to something like that, Erdi couldn't help but yearn for it.