Page 6 of The Storm Within

“Great.” The two walked down the hall, Ryker a step or two behind so he could once again check out the guy’s ass. Until he claimed Nate, his libido was in the driver’s seat. It went without saying that his mate’s safety was Ryker’s top priority, but damn if he didn’t want to get Nate into bed and strip those slacks right off of him.

Once they were inside his room, Nate looked around, his gaze lingering on the rundown furnishings while letting out a low chuckle. “Your décor is about as nice as mine. I’m guessing this theme is ‘vintage nightmare on steroids’?”

Ryker used the heel of his foot to shut the door behind them. “More like ‘haunted hunting cabin meets failed ’50s bachelor pad.’” He motioned to the single chair next to the small table. “Make yourself comfortable. I’d offer you something to drink, but all I’ve got is some questionable tap water.”

“Ah, the rare vintage you spoke of.” Nate smiled as he sat down, a beautiful pink blush lighting up his cheeks. “I think I’ll pass. I’m not trying to win any stomach flu lotteries.”

With a humorous snort, Ryker sat on the edge of the bed, purposely facing his mate. He studied the other man, noting the way Nate’s shoulders seemed to tense and the way his gaze kept bouncing toward the door, as if he expected someone to burst in.

“So,” Ryker began, his tone gentler, “seriously. Everything okay with your…friend?”

He still hoped like hell the guy really was a friend and not something more. Though, for friends, the two argued a lot. Ryker still couldn't get the image out of his head of the possessive way Dark Eyes had looked at Nate.

Lowering his head, Nate fiddled with the hem of his shirt. “Yeah. He’s just…intense sometimes.” His mate glanced up at him then shrugged, a forced casualness in his movements. “It’s not really a big deal.”

It was to Ryker. It was a huge deal, but he didn’t push. He knew when a subject was closed, and the last thing he wanted was to scare Nate off. “Well, if you ever want to get away from the intense vibes, you know where to find me. I’ll be right here, enjoying the many amenities of this fine five-star establishment.” He spread his arms wide, gesturing at the room with a grin.

Nate laughed, the sound genuine instead of strained, making Ryker grin like an idiot. His mate leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxing just a little.

“You know,” he said, gliding his tongue over his bottom lip, “you’re not what I expected.”

Ryker imagined that pretty pink tongue gliding over his cock. For a brief moment, he zoned out, his mind diving straight into the gutter. Then he yanked his gaze away from Nate’s mouth to look into his eyes. “Oh? What were you expecting from our five-minute encounter?”

“I don’t know.” Nate looked him over as if the guy were sizing him up. “Someone a little more…brooding, maybe? You’ve got that look.” He wiggled his fingers in front of his own face. “Big guy, gray eyes, flannel shirt. It’s a very ‘lumberjack who moonlights as a vigilante’ vibe.”

That wasn’t the first time Ryker had heard how menacing he appeared. At six-five with a muscular physique, he supposed he made an intimidating sight.

Still, Ryker grinned, loving the fact his mate had checked him out. “Guess I’ll have to work on my mysterious brooding, then. Didn’t realize I was falling short.” He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, wishing his mate’s chair was a bit closer. “What about you? You seem like you’ve got some stories of your own, honey bear.” He gestured toward the window. “We’ve got the storm and the rest of the night. All we need is a roaring fire.”

Nate opened his mouth as if to respond, his expression softening in a way that made Ryker’s chest feel heavier, like it wasn’t just air holding him together anymore. But the doorknob to the room rattled like someone was trying to get inside. Nate jolted, his eyes snapping toward it.

The doorknob twisted, a soft click echoing through the room as it creaked open.

Oh, hell no. If Dark Eyes wanted a fight, he’d come to the right person. Ryker headed straight for the door, scowling as he yanked it open, making sure his broad frame blocked Nate from view.

But no one was there.

“Do you see anyone?” Nate’s voice was barely above a murmur.

Ryker glanced over his shoulder at his mate then stepped out into the hallway, looking both ways. Nothing. There wasn’t even a scent lingering at his door, only the ever-present odor of staleness that clung to the motel walls. The hell?

Not wanting to scare the guy, Ryker gave Nate a lopsided grin. “Probably just the wind. This place isn’t exactly up to code.”

No way in hell the wind had rattled the handle.

Nate nodded, but uneasiness still lingered in those beautiful blue depths. Ryker didn’t blame his mate. This place was spooking the crap out of even him. Stepping back into the room, he closed the door with a soft thud, making sure to lock it. “It’s fine. No one’s out there.”

“Thanks. I…guess I’m just a little on edge.” Nate let out a breath, his shoulders sagging slightly as a small, grateful smile tugged at his lips.

“It’s okay. I get it.” Ryker paused for a moment then added, “You’re safe here. I promise, honey bear.”

Their gazes met, and for a moment, there was something vulnerable in Nate’s eyes, something that sent a faint, unfamiliar pressure through Ryker’s center.

The guy took an unsteady step closer, his gaze unwavering. “I believe you.”

Damn if Nate’s faith in him didn’t make Ryker want to soak in every unspoken promise in those words, to anchor himself and breathe in that rare flicker of trust. But he also wanted to get the human out of this motel as soon as possible. His instincts churned, his bear pacing restlessly inside him, echoing his unease.

The preternatural world was filled with all kinds of beings, some creatures downright lethal. But for reasons Ryker had never been able to explain, the idea of ghosts scared the hell out of him. If they were truly real, it might be Nate who would have to protect him.

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