Page 21 of Cupcake

Levi made a sound in the back of his throat. “He’s not just a friend? He’s your familiar?”

The other men looked at him.

Dean caught the knowledge in Levi’s eyes.

“What’s that matter?” Axel demanded.

Levi shook his head. “They’re bonded. Connected through magic. I read about the mage and familiar bond from some of the books that Tristan and Jason brought back. It’s very powerful.”

Dean would love to get his hands on those books. Taking in the hostility around him, he decided it wasn’t the time to ask.

“You bonded with someone other than your mate?” Axel demanded. He was pissed.

“Woah, wait.” Dean held up his hands. “A familiar bond is much different than a mate bond.”

“Fuck!” Axel spat. “You left a mess behind.”

“I know.” He met the alpha’s gaze. “I know that I have a lot to answer for. That I have a lot of work to do with my mate.”

Axel sighed. “Did you take care of your coven?”

“Mostly. I did what I could. I also gathered a lot of material that you might want to look at. I…” He gathered his courage. “I need help.”

“About fucking time you realized that.” Gavin slapped him on the back. “I can appreciate you wanting to keep Logan safe but leaving him was not the way to do it.”

Dean nodded. “I realize that. Now.”

Axel glanced over his shoulder. “I don’t want to talk about this in front of the boys. Not until we know more.”

“Bo’s shop?” Levi suggested.

“Good idea.” Axel waved to him to follow. “I’m going to text Logan and let him know that you’re back and unharmed. It’s up to you to make things right with him. And that means sooner than later.”

Dean gave one last look in the direction that Logan had run off to. He didn’t know if he should thank Noah for pushing him into this or still plan the little shit’s funeral.

He followed behind the other guys, forcing his mind to go from thinking about his mate to the information that he had to share. Dean could also give them a few tips on what to look out for. What his coven might try to use to blend in with the normal tourists that came through town.

Until the coven leaders were removed from the playing field, Dean’s mate would not be safe.

His magic vibrated at his core, letting him know that his mate was currently happy and safe.

* * * * *

Logan

After a bowl of milk and a plate of tuna, which Drake helped Logan get for Noah, Logan carried his furry visitor up the stairs. He entered his suite, wondering what to do with Noah now.

It might have taken some time to figure it out, but the scent was too familiar. Once he’d spoken to Gage, Logan realized that Dean’s assistant was a housecat, just like Gage. Which made him a shifter.

Setting the cat down in the living room, Logan shifted nervously from foot to foot. “Did you want to shift? I can bring you some clothes. Or take you back to Dean?”

‘Mer.’ Cat Noah walked around Logan’s living room, scenting the space.

“Uh, I don’t really speak cat? Do you want to shift?”

Noah leapt onto the couch before jumping onto the back, putting him eye level with Logan. He shook his head slowly.

“No? You don’t want to shift?”

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