Page 55 of Lost Mate

Dylan shrugged. “Why not. It’s better than sitting around doing nothing all day.”

“Done.” Ross typed out a yes re Owen, promised to see them in a few, and got in the shower with his mate.

“Wash me?” Dylan handed him the bodywash.

Sure that Dylan had already soaped himself, Ross squeezed soap into his palm, rubbed his hands together, then washed Dylan from head to foot, enjoying his mate’s appreciative murmurs. Then Dylan did the same for him, taking his time to scrub at the dried cum on his belly.

“We could jack each other off,” Dylan suggested.

“I don’t have time,” Ross said regretfully. “Raincheck?”

“You owe me,” Dylan insisted. “One hand job, to be collected at my convenience.”

Ross kissed his cheek. “I can agree with that. We need to move.”

Dylan grumbled about being separated from his mate as he got dressed but secretly Ross thought he was pleased at being asked to help Owen, and having something productive to do.

“Why is everyone so antsy?” Dylan sat on the bed to lace up his boots.

Ross tugged up his jeans. “What do you mean?”

“The amount of security for tonight’s pack run. It’s crazy.”

Ross thought about that for a moment. Dylan had a point. Eli had let the pack know the security arrangements the day before. Half the Cavalry was going to be guarding the perimeter. “They could be expecting trouble.”

“But they haven’t told you.”

“You know they haven’t,” Ross said as easily as he could make it.

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m not. You’re my only concern.”

Dylan came over for a hug. “My beacon, my light.”

Ross kissed him. “My love.”

And the L word didn’t sound so scary now he’d said it out loud.

As they got into Ross’s truck to go to Sapphire Ranch, Ross caught Dylan by the arm. Dylan furrowed his brow as he looked at Ross’s hand gripping his bicep.

“Is everything okay?”

Ross laid his hands on Dylan’s hips. “Owen is a great guy but if you’re not happy with anything, you call me, okay? I’ll be there for you.”

If Ross had been concerned Dylan would laugh at him for his declaration, when the wolf had worked undercover for years, he was reassured by the tender smile his mate gave him.

“I know you will. I can feel it here.” Dylan laid a hand over his heart.

Ross kissed him and pulled back with a sigh. “Thanks. I needed you to say that.”

Dylan kissed Ross’s cheek. “I know that too.”

Ross didn’t see Dylan all day, but every so often Dylan messaged him to confirm he was okay. Ross hadn’t asked him to do that but was warmed by the fact his mate considered his feelings.

“When did I become so soft, LD?” he asked the horse he was petting, Lemon Drop, a chestnut mare with a splash of white on her shoulder. Joe had gotten LD—as they all called her—for Cal, not that his alpha mate had much time for horseback riding.

Lemon Drop leaned into him, chuffing, as if she understood he needed reassurance. He sighed and gave a last pat to her strong neck.

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