Page 3 of Bear the Burden

“Bad.” Wesley closed his eyes while gripping his leg, wishing the pills he’d taken would kick in. The fall had caused the pain to go from shooting needles to an inferno from hell, and all he could do was rock back and forth while gritting his teeth as an anguished whimper rolled through his throat.

* * * *

“What in the hell was that about?” Killian demanded as the human limped away. “When did you start acting like a pushy asshole, Hyett?”

Limped away. His mate had some sort of disability, which only made him want to protect the guy. Hyett had been leaning on the raised portion of the counter, watching the way the human meticulously sliced the mushrooms in a peaceful rhythm.

He had been lulled by it, until he realized it wasn’t the rhythmic chopping that entranced him but the guy himself. The beautiful man had artfully styled dark brown hair bordering on black and wore an adorable, focused expression like he was determined to make each slice the exact same size.

Then it hit Hyett that he was staring at his mate.

Suddenly, his entire world had reshaped to center around the man seated in front of him, even though he’d yet to learn his mate’s name.

When he heard Wesley shout in what sounded like pain, Hyett took off around the counter and headed toward the back. His mate was sitting on the floor, rocking back and forth, his handsome face in a painful grimace as he made wounded animal sounds.

“What happened?” He hunkered next to Wesley and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“He fell.” Cyrus glanced at him. “You really shouldn’t be back here, Hyett. Thanks for your concern, but I can handle this.”

“It’s not your job to handle.” He and the wolf shifter stared at each other for a moment before a knowing look entered the man’s eyes.

“Gotcha.” Cyrus nodded. “Recently?”

“Just now.” Hyett ran his hand up and down Wesley’s slim back, knowing his touch would help. “Is the pain easing up, Wesley?”

“I-I think the medication is finally starting to work.” His features began to relax, and his rocking became less manic. It wasn’t the medication alone. It was also Hyett’s touch.

“Medication? Wesley, I asked you to let me know if you had to take it,” Cyrus said in gentle chastisement. “That way I know to keep an eye on you.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” Wesley’s tone was a little biting. “But I don’t need a babysitter. I’m perfectly functional with or without pain killers.”

Wesley had a lot of stubborn pride, which was fine, but Cyrus was right. There were too many hazards around them, and Wesley could have gotten hurt, aside from falling.

“I didn’t fall from the medication,” Wesley argued as if he’d read Hyett’s thoughts. “It happened because my leg gave out.” He looked at Cyrus. “Why is he back here? You shouldn’t be discussing my personal business with him.”

Hyett and Cyrus frowned at the same time.

“Wesley, you’re the one discussing it,” the wolf shifter pointed out. “All I said was that you fell.”

“Shit.” Wesley rested the heel of his hand against his forehead. “Would it be okay if I went home?”

“Yeah.” Cyrus nodded even though Wesley wasn’t looking at the guy. “Hyett can take you since you’re in no condition to drive.”

Wesley dropped his hand and stared at his boss. He wouldn’t even look Hyett’s way. “You’re telling me to take a ride from someone I don’t even know? I’ve driven in worse pain. I can manage.”

Hyett had zero knowledge of humans on medication, but he was hoping it was the reason his mate was rejecting him. Although he doubted even medication would stop Wesley from feeling the pull. The prescribed drugs might dull it, but the guy was acting as if it was completely absent.

The wolf shifter glanced at Hyett with a look that said he wasn’t going to push Wesley. Honestly, Hyett didn’t want to either, but his mate wasn’t getting behind the wheel in his condition.

Wesley tried to push from the floor with little success. Every time he tried, he ended up back on his ass. That only proved he didn’t need to be behind the wheel of a car.

“I don’t mind taking you.” Hyett spread his arms, ready to catch his mate if he fell backward. “Cyrus can vouch that I’m a good guy.” Most of the time. Hyett wasn’t a saint, but he wasn’t the devil, either. He was a bear shifter who lived with his father and two brothers, and they’d seen their fair share of trouble, sometimes causing it, over the past few centuries.

But the Everhart men were loyal, decent shifters who helped those who needed it and hurt those who fucked with their family and the people they cared about.

“Can you help me to my feet?” Wesley asked his boss, continuing to ignore Hyett like he wasn’t even there.

Hyett clenched his jaw, pushing aside the hurt. This wasn’t about him right now. It was about stopping Wesley from driving. He didn’t know how far his mate lived from Papa’s, but what if the pain became worse and he veered off the road? What if the medication caused him to crash?

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