Page 28 of Spike

But lurking in the back of my mind was the knowledge that Venom hadn't made a move yet regarding Jack's pursuit of Gray.

It was both good and bad news. Good because it meant we could continue to enjoy each other's company without interference.

Bad because I knew Venom wouldn't let it slide forever.

"How's your job?" I asked.

Gray was currently working as a short-order cook at a diner. He was a jack-of-all-trades and had worked a number of jobs over the years, but he claimed he enjoyed cooking for others the most.

"Pretty good. I have a day off this Saturday," Gray said.

A mischievous idea formed in my mind.

"A day off, huh? Is this your way of asking me out?" I teased, raising an eyebrow.

Gray chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Are you free on Saturday?" he countered, turning the tables on me.

I acted like I was considering it, but honestly, I'd change my plans right away if it meant I could spend the day with Gray.

"I can push my schedule around, no problem," I replied casually.

In reality, I had a delivery job scheduled with a crew that day, but getting to know Gray sounded far more appealing.

Perhaps I could convince Nitro to trade shifts with me. After all, a day with Gray was worth bending the rules a bit.

"Then it's settled," I said, watching Gray walk into the diner.

As I observed him, I decided to make our upcoming date a little more special. So far, we'd only kissed and held hands.

I'd never taken things slow with someone before, and it was... an interesting experience, to say the least. A test of my control.

But in the end, I mused, Gray was worth the wait. If I didn't screw this up, there was a chance Gray would begin seeing me as... mate material.

I hesitated at the thought of using the word "mate" in any sentence, as I never once believed I was worthy of being someone's soul mate.

Memories of conversations with Austin about this particular topic flooded my mind, casting a shadow over my thoughts.

A sadness overcame me as I recalled how I left things in Haven Brook.

Perhaps, once matters were settled with Olaf, Jack, and Gray, I could try reaching out to Juan. See if I could visit Austin again.

I returned to the MC clubhouse to meet up with Nitro, as we were part of the same crew on patrol duty.

Enough time had passed since the incident at the Dirty Stallion, and I had somewhat forgiven him for questioning me about helping Gray.

Our crew assembled in the back of the MC clubhouse, and Arrow, our team leader, grouped us into pairs and assigned sections to patrol.

"Nitro and Spike, western part of the Moon Burrow Woods, watch the roads," Arrow instructed.

After Arrow gave us our duties, Nitro and I headed to our area. We hadn't spoken much since Gray decided to stay in Moon Burrow, so there was some awkwardness between us.

Nitro and I walked a few miles into the woods, the silence between us thick and palpable. I felt relieved when Nitro chose to be the bigger man.

"Did Venom talk to you about Gray?" he asked, his voice cutting through the quiet of the forest.

I shook my head, grateful that he brought it up.

“Not yet. He’s holding off on taking action for now. I suspect he’s been a little busy with other matters,” I said.

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