by Lynn Hagen
“And I can’t meet him? Really, Brady. Have I fallen that far down the friendship ladder now that you’ve hooked up with someone?”
“It’s not just someone,” Brady argued. “Have you been drinking? Go back to your room. We’ll talk later. I promise.”
“Don’t you dare hang up on—”
Brady ended the call. What the fuck had gotten into Ronny? Sure, his best friend could be clingy, sometimes jealous when he thought some guy was taking up too much of Brady’s time, and completely bossy. But Ronny catching a flight after Brady had told him not to come until things were settled was so out of character.
Okay, maybe Brady was overreacting. Ronny had always been pushy and bossy, but he truly helped Brady keep his life straight. Maybe he’d panicked when Brady said he was trapped in a stranger’s house. That had to be it. Ronny had just been worried about him.
Brady would make sure he stopped by Ronny’s room later. Just after he picked up his Prius. Crap. He’d completely forgotten about his rental.
Harmon took a seat and slid Brady’s drink to him, but Brady wasn’t interested in the shot. Not when he spotted his dad walking into the dining area of Lucky Clover. This could not be happening. He wanted to sink below the white tablecloth and hide from what he was sure would be an embarrassing confrontation.
“My dad,” Brady whispered to Harmon.
Harmon looked over his shoulder. His eyes narrowed as he got up and cut Brady’s father off on his path. Brady wasn’t sure what was being said, because the men were talking too low, but the red hue of his father’s face couldn’t be good.
Brady did, however, catch the tail end of their conversation.
“We’re done.” Brady’s dad looked as though he could murder Harmon where he stood. “Don’t ever darken my doorstep again.”
“I’m sorry it has to be that way,” Harmon replied. He didn’t move until Brady’s dad stormed out. Harmon didn’t look too happy when he returned to his seat. His lips were pinched together, and his jaw was clenched. Brady was dying to ask what they talked about.
“We can go if you want,” he offered. Brady tucked his hands between his knees and looked around. He hadn’t meant to ruin Harmon’s friendship with his father. It seemed coming back home had been a really bad idea. Brady knew how his father felt about him being gay. He was an embarrassment to his family.
But god, he’d missed Brac Village, had hated Tampa. The only reason he’d left was because of the tension between him and his parents. And now he was doing it again, putting strain on his relationship with his mom and dad.
In truth, Brady wanted to cry. He cleared his throat to swallow back the tears as he got up and headed toward the exit. They hadn’t ordered dinner yet, so no harm done.
“Wait.” Harmon grabbed Brady’s wrist in a gentle hold. “We’re not letting anyone spoil our evening. You and I, we’re not doing anything wrong. I don’t care what your dad said.”
Brady turned and looked up into Harmon’s pretty blue eyes. “What exactly did he say?”
“That’s not important.” Harmon coaxed Brady back to their table. “What’s important is how we feel toward one another. I’ve denied a very important part of myself for too long. Not that I’m blaming anyone for my decisions. We both deserve to be happy, and I’m not letting anyone stand in our way.”
“Are you sure?” Brady looked around. There were a few people who stared curiously toward them, but most were enjoying their meal. “I know you and my dad—”
“Clearly our friendship meant nothing to him if he’s willing to throw it away because I’m with his son. Now let’s enjoy our evening.” Harmon cupped Brady’s face and gave him a toe-curling kiss right there in the middle of the dining area.
Brady’s face caught fire, but he didn’t back away. He’d kiss Harmon in the town square if that was what his mate wanted. Brady wasn’t ashamed of who he was. He was just tired of the conflict between him and his parents. Why couldn’t his dad just accept him for who he was and why couldn’t his mom defend him? Why did his father make him feel as though he’d been the biggest disappointment?
“Hey.” Harmon placed his curled knuckles under Brady’s chin and made him look up after Brady ducked his head. “You and me, right? Mates. Fate thought there was something good about us being together, and I’m not one to disagree.”
Brady bit his lip. “I’m not either. Can we go for a walk? I know it’s not that warm outside, but I could use some fresh air.”
Between Ronny and his dad, Brady just wanted to escape. He wasn’t sure about things between him and Harmon. Everything was so new. But one thing was for certain. Brady felt a deep connection to Harmon, as though his mate would stand by his side no matter what happened.
When they exited the restaurant, Brady smiled at the cold breeze that wisped past them. The sun was already sinking, turning the sky an amazing pallet of red and orange colors. He sucked the crisp air into his lungs as Harmon held his hand.
“I came back home to find a job,” he confessed as they walked. There was still a large amount of snow blanketing the town, but Brady heard the steady flow of melted snow gurgling down the storm drains. Cars were slowly making their way down the unsalted streets, and up ahead, he saw a plow truck rumbling by as it spread its salt.
“What about your career in Tampa?”
“Smoke and mirrors,” Brady said. “I just told my parents that lie so I could escape them. Not that they’d been awful, but…I don’t know. As long as I hid my sexuality, they were great. It’s hard to explain.”
Brady had been trying to figure them out for years. On the one hand, they were loving and doting. They’d given him a great life.
On the other, they turned into complete strangers whenever even a hint of gayness was detected. It would’ve been so easy to hate them for that, but Brady didn’t have it in him to cut them out of his life. They were his mom and dad, after all.
They just liked to pretend his “affliction” didn’t exist.
And that hurt like hell.
“So what did you do in Tampa?” Harmon raised their joined hands and kissed Brady’s knuckles.
“Worked odd jobs mostly. Some guy tried to rob me outside a nightclub, and that was when I met Ronny. He’s my best friend, although he takes some getting used to. We decided to be roommates to help each other out. But there wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t miss being home. That’s why I came back. To find a job and a place to stay.”
Harmon stopped walking and turned to face Brady. “Live with me.”
Brady’s eyes widened. “That’s pretty sudden.”
Harmon’s smile was breathtaking. “We’re mates. It’s only logical that we shack up together and you become my love slave.”
Brady took a step back.
Harmon burst out laughing. “I was joking!” He kissed Brady’s forehead. “About the love slave part. I’m serious about you moving in.”
“I told Ronny that we’d find a place together. He’s already in town. I can’t leave him hanging like that. He’s been there for me the entire time we lived together. What am I supposed to tell him?”
“We’ll figure something out. Nothing has to be decided right now.” Harmon walked them to his truck.
“Drive me to the bar so I can get my rental,” Brady said. “I’ll follow you back to your house.”
The parking lot at Black Forest had been shoveled. Brady was thankful he didn’t have to drive over mounds of snow to get out. He followed behind Harmon as they made their way through town. When they passed the bed and breakfast, Brady looked but didn’t see Ronny. Not that he’d expected to see him standing outside. A pang of guilt made his chest feel tight. His best friend had flown here just to make sure Brady was all right. He would call Ronny when he got to Harmon’s and invite him over. Maybe they could figure out a solution to Ronny’s living arrangements.
When they reached Harmon’s driveway, Brady furrowed his brows. There was a dark red sedan parked at the side
of the house. That left room for Harmon’s truck, but Brady had to park on the street.
He got out and walked over to Harmon. “You expecting company?”
Harmon shook his head.
The door to the sedan opened, and out stepped Ronny.
* * * *
“Ronny?”
Harmon took Brady’s hand as his mate looked at his best friend with wide eyes. He instantly got an “off” feeling about the guy. He had on dark boots, jeans, and a fur jacket. His dark hair reminded Harmon of a skater boy’s haircut. The bangs swooped to one side over his left eye. He also scented that Ronny wasn’t human. He was a gazelle—a breed that was supposed to be gentle and sweet.
But his expression made Harmon want to shove Brady behind him. The miffed look in his eyes belied his smile.
“I’m so not used to dealing with this white crap,” Ronny said. “How do people in these parts survive winters?”
“What’re you doing here?” Brady asked. “How did you know where Harmon lived?”
That was a damn good question.
“The lady at the bed and breakfast told me.” Ronny closed his car door. “I got bored out of my mind just sitting around my room. Tell me there’s a club or something in this Podunk town.” He waved a hand at the house. “Aren’t you guys going to invite me in? It’s freezing out here.” Ronny walked up to Harmon and extended his hand. “I’m Ronald Whitmore, but everyone calls me Ronny. You must be the man who’s stolen my best friend from me.”
He wore a wide grin, but Harmon wasn’t fooled. He saw the anger in Ronny’s eyes.
Harmon ignored Ronny’s extended hand and grabbed Brady’s, gently pulling him toward the house. Ronny followed and invited himself inside. The guy wasn’t trying too hard to hide the look.
Harmon wasn’t feeling this guy. There was more to Ronny than met the eye. His bear wanted to come out and maul the little fucker, but so far, Ronny hadn’t done anything wrong. It was just a gut feeling, but Harmon had come to depend on his instincts over the years.
Something told him to bury the body and worry about the consequences later. Then again, Harmon felt a bit protective of Brady since the confrontation with Arnold in the restaurant.
The guy had the nerve to call Harmon a pervert and accused him of taking advantage of Brady. It had taken everything in Harmon not to knock Arnold out. He’d talked as if being gay was some kind of sickness. Harmon still ground his teeth when he thought about the jackass’s biased views.
“What happened to our plans?” Ronny asked when they entered the living room. “We were supposed to get jobs and find an apartment together.”
Harmon had heard enough. He wasn’t going to let Ronny guilt trip Brady. “You’re a shifter,” he said when he rounded on Ronny. “You know the deal when it comes to mates. I’m sorry that throws a wrench into your plans, but Brady is moving in with me.”
“But I never said yes.” Brady glared at Harmon.
What the fuck?
Harmon didn’t like the pleased look on Ronny’s face. He wanted to smack it right off. He looked between the two, rolled his eyes, and headed into the kitchen. There was one thing Harmon had learned while married. Never come between best friends. Not that he had. Ellen had been sweet and loving, but she’d had a few girlfriends. Harmon had always found something to do while they visited.
He would let Brady and Ronny hash things out between themselves. He’d already fought one battle today and didn’t want to fight another.
But he did listen to their conversation.
“What’s going on with you?” Brady demanded. “Since when do you act like some jealous boyfriend? You heard Harmon. We’re mated now. Things have changed. I’m sorry this took you by surprise. Trust me, I was just as shocked.”
“So you’re kicking me to the curb?” Ronny asked. “After everything I’ve done for you? Who was there when Joshua broke your heart? Who picked up the pieces for you? Who has been looking out for you since someone tried to mug you? I’ve been there. I’ve watched you go through one boyfriend after another. I deserve better than ‘sorry, I’ve found my mate, so you’re on your own.’”
It sounded to Harmon as though Ronny was in love with Brady. If that was the case, Ronny would prove to be a problem. Harmon didn’t want to come between their friendship. Brady was his own man, and Harmon didn’t want to stifle him.
But if Ronny was a bit obsessed with Brady…
“I’m not going to leave you hanging,” Brady said in a softer tone. “I’ll help you find a place to stay.”
“By myself.” Ronny was pouting.
“What do you want me to do?” Brady demanded. “It’s not like I planned this.”
“Fine, I’ll go back to my room,” Ronny said. “But we’re having lunch together tomorrow, and we can brainstorm afterward.”
Harmon was relieved that Ronny was finally relenting. He heard them say their good-byes before the front door opened and closed. Brady came into the kitchen and dropped into one of the chairs at the table.
“Why does my life have to be so complicated?”
Harmon pulled Brady to his feet and circled his mate in his arms. He gave Brady a soft kiss. “Whatever you need, I’m here for you.”
Brady rested his head against Harmon’s chest. “I’m sorry I got mad at you. I wasn’t trying to be difficult, and yes, I’ll move in with you. I was just stunned at Ronny’s appearance here, and I felt—”
“No need to explain,” Harmon said. “It’s been a trying evening for both of us.”
Brady slid his hands up Harmon’s chest. “I can think of a few ways to relax.”
Harmon chuckled. “I like the way you think.”
Chapter Nine
“We calm down, stick together, and use our heads so we can survive this.” Cecil looked directly at North. “Are you sure you didn’t do this? I swear we won’t be mad at you.”
“She didn’t do this,” Johnny defended. “She can move plates and make it snow, but North didn’t bring us here.”
At least Johnny didn’t think she had that kind of freaky-deaky powers. What did he know? He still had no clue where her parents were, who she really was, or more importantly, what she was. But he wasn’t gonna let anyone give her the third degree. Or was that second degree? That always confused him.
“Hello?”
Johnny whipped around at the sound of Nero’s voice. “Gunny, where are you?”
His best friend was calling out for his mate. Johnny ran from the den, North’s hand still in his. Everyone was behind him when he looked over his shoulder. They headed down the hallway where Maverick’s office was located. Nero’s office was just across from that.
Nero stood there with his blue latex gloves on, a jumbo bottle of disinfectant tucked under one arm. His eyes were wide as he slowly walked, staring at the cobwebs and dark walls. There was a weird tic under his eye, too.
He squeaked when he saw Johnny and the others. “How did I get here? I was working then got dizzy.” He grimaced as he stared at the walls. “This won’t do. No, this won’t do at all. Germs. Germs everywhere.”
“Worry about cleaning later,” Cecil said. “Right now we have to find our way out of here.”
“The front door,” Blair said. “Has anyone tried using it?”
Johnny squeezed North’s hand tighter when he heard what sounded like a cowbell. It rang loud and slow, and the sound was getting closer.
“I don’t think that’s George calling us to dinner,” Blair said. “I say we run.”
Before any of them could move their feet, a figure appeared from the shadows. Sure enough, he had a cowbell around his neck. But that wasn’t all. Johnny gasped. The thing was as tall as Maverick, with large, twisted horns on its head. Its face was a cross between a goat and a demon. A long, red tongue snaked from its mouth, and it had a gift bag hanging from one shoulder. It was also covered in dark fur that smelled awful.
“Give me the child,” the creature growled. “Hand her over.�
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“I don’t think we should stick around and try to reason with that thing,” Cecil said. “Run!”
All seven of them took off, racing down the hallway and up the stairs. They didn’t bother trying the front door. Johnny had a feeling it was a good call. If they had, they might have gotten trapped and eaten.
He did not want to be that thing’s meal or end up in his gift bag. He also didn’t want it to get his hands on North. He wasn’t sure why the creature wanted her, but it would have to go through Johnny first.
“I think I know what that is,” Blair said as they stopped outside Cecil and Maverick’s bedroom.
Johnny pressed his hands against his knees, trying to catch his breath. He really did need to exercise more. He was so out of shape that he wanted to lie on the nasty-looking carpet and take a nap.
“What is it?” Keata asked.
Blair rolled his eyes. “Don’t any of you guys read?”
Johnny knew Blair had had trouble reading when he’d first met his mate. But Kota had worked hard, and for a long while, Blair had had his nose stuck in books.
“That has to be Krampus.” Blair waved a hand toward the stairs. “The half-goat, half-demon head. The large satchel. The horns. The cowbell. I bet you its dark fur isn’t really dark. It’s tons of dried blood.” Blair wiped his forehead. “But Krampus is only supposed to gobble up bad kids. Why are we here? We’re adults, and although we get into trouble, we’re not bad men.”
Everyone looked at North.
Johnny’s nostrils flared as he jumped in front of her. “North isn’t a bad kid! She’s just got lost parents and some weird powers. She’s really sweet.”
“How do you know that?” Gabby asked. “How well do you really know her?”
“You told me she really never talked to you in art class,” Keata said. “How do you know she’s not evil?”
North burst out crying. Johnny gave a little growl at his friends before he pulled her into his arms. “There. There. Everything is going to be all right. And as soon as we get out of this, I’m whacking all these jerks.”