Page 13 of Cupcake

Logan opened his mouth to respond. To tell Dean all about his tree but he could hear his alpha coming. He took a step back.

“Wait.” Dean grabbed his arm gently. “I brought something just for you.”

“Me?” Logan wanted to do a happy dance. He loved getting presents. Not that he received many, but he still loved it.

“For you.” Dean pushed a small box toward Logan.

It was just like the one from the day before. Logan’s breath caught. His fingers shook as he popped the lid open.

“Oh!” Such a lovely, pretty, cookie. “Pretty.” So so pretty.

“I had some leftover frosting and decorated this one for you,” Dean told him.

Logan wanted to throw his arms around Dean’s neck but could never do that. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” he muttered instead. Logan closed the lid before he tucked the small box against his chest.

“Don’t forget your pastries and milk,” Dean told him.

“Dang.” He really almost just grabbed his cookie and ran.

“And again, you are very welcome. I did want to tell you something,” Dean said. He took a deep breath.

Uh-oh. Was Dean mad at him? Maybe he had noticed Logan’s crush.

“The bakery will be closed for a short time,” Dean told him.

“Closed?” No more pretty yum-yums? That was sad.

“I have to go out of town,” Dean explained. "I just didn’t want you to be worried when the bakery was closed.”

“You’re leaving?” Logan’s heart ached. Was this because of him?

“I have something that I need to take care of.”

“How long?” Logan desperately wanted to beg Dean to stay. It wasn’t his right. Dean didn’t belong to Logan. They weren’t even friends. “Sorry. It’s none of my business.”

“No, it’s okay.” Dean shook his head. “And I’m not sure when I’ll be back.”

Logan knew what those words really meant. Dean wasn’t coming back. Logan had been left behind plenty in the past. Being a brave boy, Logan lifted his chin so he could meet Dean’s gorgeous blue eyes and smile in thanks. “Thank you very much for my cookie. And the cupcake. Have a safe trip.”

Logan rushed to make his escape. Even as Dean called after him.

He might have spilt a little of his milk as he escaped from the kitchen. He slowed down once the back door was closed behind him. His tree was calling his name and he had yum-yums to eat before he took a nice long nap. Maybe he could even dream of the nice baker who Logan would miss.

This was probably better for him anyway.

Logan needed to stop thinking about Dean. He had a successful business, his family—there was no reason to be greedy and want Dean too.

Yes, this was better, he told his agitated lion side.

His lion did not agree.

Chapter Four

Logan

The Lucifer. Like the king of hell or whatever. And he had two mates. Logan tried not to stare at Lucifer as Lucifer stood talking to Axel and some of the others. He just couldn’t believe that one of the most powerful beings in existence was there. At their home. Sort of part of their family? Maybe. Logan hadn’t worked that out yet.

They were hanging out in the backyard, with the littles in the family having a time of their lives.

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