Page 23 of Rumble of the Crumble

“I don’t think I can sleep.”

“Just try. You need the rest.”

I didn’t have the strength to argue. I handed the cup back to Drew. Then I stripped and shifted, the solid ram and mini bull curling around me. If I couldn’t have my mate, my pride would comfort me. I couldn’t resist reaching out to Butch.

Sleep well, Leonidis.

I smiled at the quiet words from my mate and relaxed. Even if I didn’t sleep, I knew I was safe with Butch and my pride.

Chapter Twelve

Butch

“Hi.”

The soft voice set my heart pounding.

I turned to see Leonidis smiling at me. I hauled him into my arms and he hugged me hard. My mate wrapped his arms around me and held me so hard I coughed. His grip eased a fraction.

“Sorry.”

I leaned into him. We both stank of soot and sweat, but I didn’t care. It was more important to have him in my arms. “It’s okay. I needed that, needed you.”

It was well into the following day, and I still hadn’t left the scene of the pride house. Over his shoulder, I wasn’t surprised to see Apollo, Glass, and Tim talking to Maximus. Tim had his mate in his arms and I swear he was giving Maximus a scolding for not coming to find him. At least he wasn’t singing it.

“What are you doing here?” I scolded, easing back to stare into Leonidis’s beautiful eyes.

“I came to find my mate as he didn’t join me.” I could hear the reproach in his voice.

“Sorry.” I slumped against him, letting him take my weight. “It’s been a long night. I didn’t want to leave the scene until I had some answers on how the fire started.”

“Do you have any?” he asked.

“Chief Sutton thinks the arsonist came in via the back door and started the fire in the kitchen.”

“There are scratch marks around the lock,” Sutton added.

I felt Leonidis stiffen.Not interested, remember?

I heard the grunt in my head. My mate clearly wasn’t going to be convinced.

Give me time,he pleaded.

Just remember, I’m a faithful kinda stalk.

Sutton had that resigned look as if he were well aware of the internal conversation. “Leonidis, you and Butch will have to come around one evening so I can introduce you to my mate.”

Leonidis hesitated, and I nudged him. He was going to have to get over his jealousy. “That would be good,” he managed, completely insincerely.

Then Tim bounced over, reaching up to kiss Sutton’s cheek. “Hey. How’s Arrow?”

Sutton beamed at him. “Almost ready to have the babies. Doc Picker’s been wonderful. You have to keep him.”

I felt Leonidis relax at the proud father’s news.

See?I teased.

You could’ve told me.

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