Against The Grain (THIRDS 5)

“I know. But sometimes he can be a little overprotective.”

Ash smiled and gave Cael’s jaw a playful nudge. “It’s hard not to be when it comes to you.”

Cael’s cheeks flushed that wonderful pink Ash loved so much. How could anyone hurt someone so warm and kind? The thought of that filth Don Fuller laying a hand on Cael had his blood boiling. He needed to calm down before he gave himself away. At some point he would tell Cael he knew about Fuller, but now was not the time.

“We’re heading home,” Sloane announced, sucking in a sharp breath as Dex helped him to his feet. “I hate to say it, but I could use a nap.”

“Showing your old age, huh?” Ash teased.

“Fuck off,” Sloane said, laughing. “We’re the same age.”

“Yeah, but I’m younger at heart.”

Sloane scooped up a cheese cube from the table and threw it at him. “Ass.”

His best friend still had some recovery to do aft

er nearly losing his life to the explosion outside Dex’s house. The car bomb had been planted in Ash’s car by the same bastard who’d tried to kill him once before. Sloane had insisted Ash not feel guilty about it, but how could he not? The bomb had been in his car. It had been meant for him. What if he’d lost Sloane? A hand came to rest on his arm, and he smiled down at Cael. It’s like the guy could sense when he needed to be pulled out of his thoughts. He gave Cael a wink and turned back to Sloane.

“Call if you need anything,” Ash said.

“Thanks.” The two started for the door when Dex narrowed his eyes at him. “Just remember what I said. Alaska.”

“I’m quaking in my boots,” Ash drawled, turning back to Cael after Sloane and Dex had said their good-byes to everyone and left. Maddock was gone, and everyone else sat at the bar chatting and laughing as Bradley attempted to show Lou how to twirl a bottle in his hand without dropping it.

Cael prodded Ash’s bicep. “Alaska? What’s in Alaska?”

“Nothing. Your brother’s being an asshat. As usual.” Dex had threatened to annoy the ever-living fuck out of Ash if he hurt his baby brother, stating he’d drive Ash so crazy he’d end up asking for a transfer to Alaska. Like Ash wasn’t already used to Dex annoying the fuck out him.

“Oh.” Cael let out a yawn and laid his head against Ash’s shoulder. It was an innocent gesture. One Cael had done countless times. Usually Ash would rest his head against Cael’s in return. Now he felt self-conscious. Like maybe everyone around him would know how he felt. He cleared his throat and gently moved away to stand.

“I’m gonna head home.”

Cael stood and took hold of his crutch. “Want to share a cab?”

“Sure.”

“Aw, you guys are leaving already?” Letty came skipping over and poked Ash in his side. She was clearly tipsy, though God only knew how many drinks she’d had. The woman could drink a Therian under the table. So could Calvin, for that matter. Pretty impressive considering they were the smaller of their Human teammates. Letty poked him again, and he gave her a playful shove away from him.

“Yeah, those of us on meds drinking nothing but juice have better places to be.” On the third poke, he threw an arm around her neck and pulled her against him. “Is there a breeze in here? I swear I feel something tickling my side.”

Letty laughed and punched him in the ribs before pushing him away. “Cabrón. Get lost, then.”

Rosa came over and kissed Cael’s cheek. “Rest up, gatito. Call me if you need me.”

“He’ll be fine,” Letty said, watching Ash intently. “Ash will take good care of him.”

“Speaking of. Are you two dating?” Rosa asked, looking from one to the other.

Cael opened his mouth, and Ash cut him off. “No.”

Letty cocked her head to one side but didn’t respond. His partner knew him well. She planned on accosting him later. Rosa was more persistent. “Then what the hell was Maddock going on about when he stormed in here?”

“It was a misunderstanding. Mind your own business,” he growled, snatching his coat off the back of his chair.

“Fine. Jesus.” Rosa waved them off and headed back to the bar. Ash said his good-byes to the rest of them, helped Cael into his coat, and then out of the bar. It was a chilly November evening, and Ash called for a cab. Cael was quiet at his side.

“Sorry about that back there. I don’t want to stick a label on anything before we talk.”