Page 30 of Broken Trust

That wasn’t going to happen unless Kellen lifted the table above his head to reach the refrigerator. As tall as he was, there wouldn’t be any clearance to do it even if he’d wanted to.

Instead, he headed to the bathroom and glanced inside as Atlas took a few things from the medicine cabinet. His mate had room because he was so slender, but there was no goddamn way Kellen would be able to fit in there. The bathroom was basically a narrow walkway with the bathtub on one side and the sink and toilet on the other.

Still standing in the short hallway, Kellen glanced over his shoulder and could see the inside of Atlas’s bedroom. The room was spotless, free of any unnecessary clutter.

Against the far wall was a bed that his mate would be able to sleep comfortably in but was way too small to fit Kellen’s size. Covering the bed was a white blanket with yellow flowers and matching pillows. The curtains were also white, but sheer with delicate yellow flowers embroidered on them.

Even his dresser was white, and held a large mirror with photos taped to the edges of the glass. Lights were strung over the top of the frame, but there was nothing sitting on the surface of the dresser.

How did the guy sleep in such brightness? Kellen loved the dark, rich color scheme of his home. The living room was the only room that held just a touch of lighter hues.

Even his bedroom was immersed in deeper tones, a blend of dark green and black with only a touch of beige. Kellen’s OCD would plunge into overdrive if his house was as bright as Atlas’s apartment.

“Okay, I think I grabbed everything.” Atlas shut off the bathroom light. Kellen backed up, allowing his mate to walk past him. “I’ll give you my extra key,” he said. “That way, if I forgot anything, I’ll chill with Colt at your house while you grab whatever I left behind.”

Kellen would just order whatever his mate needed. “You ready to go?”

He picked up Atlas’s suitcase and headed for the door.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Atlas said from behind him.

For a second, Kellen thought his mate was talking about carrying the suitcase, until he turned and saw Atlas staring at the empty picture hook.

“I appreciate you wanting to spare me from looking at Braylon, though.” He pushed to his toes and kissed Kellen’s jaw. “I’m not going to let anything ruin our visit with your friends, even if I’m nervous about meeting them.”

“You don’t have to be nervous.” He slid his hand into Atlas’s. When they’d woken this morning, Atlas had declared his hand felt a hundred times better and removed the splint.

It was because of their mating, but Kellen also suspected it was because he’d bitten Atlas last night during sex, strengthening the healing properties passed to his mate the night he’d bound the human’s soul to his.

Atlas opened a drawer in the stand where the decorative bowl sat and handed Kellen a single key. Then he snatched his, walked into the hallway, and locked the door behind them.

Kellen curled his fist around the key. It was the first time anyone had ever given him one to their place. He wasn’t sure why that meant so much to him as he pocketed it and they took the elevator down, exiting the building.

The drive to Morgan’s didn’t take long. He lived on the opposite side of town where Atlas’s building was located, but the traffic was light, and they made it there in less than ten minutes.

Kellen slid Lucille into the driveway and cut the motor. The front door flew open, and Sam came out, a wide smile splitting his face.

“I’m still nervous,” Atlas said beside him. “These are your friends, and I don’t want to make a bad first impression.”

“There’s no way in hell you could do that.” Kellen entwined his fingers with his mate’s. “Morgan is the most laid-back guy I know, and Sam is really sweet. I promise you’re gonna love them.”

“Don’t hate me if I embarrass you in some way.” Atlas took a deep breath, let go of Kellen’s hand, and then got out.

There was no doubt in Kellen’s mind that they were going to love Atlas. He got out, locked up his car, and grabbed his mate’s hand before they headed for the door.

Sam stepped back, practically bouncing as Kellen and Atlas walked inside.

“How was your vacation?” Kellen asked as Morgan joined them in the living room.

“So amazing that I didn’t want to leave,” Sam said and then spun to face Atlas, sticking out his hand. “I’m Sam, and this is my mate, Morgan.”

Kellen hid his smile as Atlas’s head craned back to look up at the deputy. “Hi.”

Morgan chuckled. “It’s a pleasure to meet the guy who has tamed Kellen. Sam and I set out some snacks in the kitchen. Follow me.”

“My mate is a bear shifter,” Sam whispered to Atlas. “Having sweets in the house is mandatory.”

Kellen chuckled as he placed a hand on the small of Atlas’s back, needing the contact.

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