Page 44 of Cupcake

“Just making sure you knew. Some people get weirded out.”

“Weirded out?”

Noah tilted his head. “Didn’t Dean tell you? About me? How my being his familiar works?”

“I don’t think so,” Logan admitted. “Although I don’t remember everything from our conversation this morning.”

“That’s fair.” Noah held up a finger. “First you should know that I’m asexual.”

“Okay. I’ve heard that term before, but could you explain to me what that means for you? If there are any boundaries you have or something you don’t like?” Logan requested.

Noah stared at him for a moment. “You didn’t say you were sorry.”

Logan was horrified! Had he already insulted his new friend?

“Everyone tells me that they’re sorry when I inform them that I’m asexual. Even Dean did,” Noah explained. “But not you.”

He really wished he was smarter. It hadn’t occurred to him. Should he be sorry? Logan didn’t even know what he’d be apologizing for. “Uh.”

“They apologize like they think something’s wrong with me. Or that they should pity me.”

“There’s nothing wrong with you!” Logan said fiercely. He’d hurt anyone that made Noah feel otherwise. His lion half was in total agreement.

“I know that. Obviously, you do too.” Noah smiled. “I knew I liked you from the beginning.”

“I like you too.”

“To answer your earlier question,” Noah said, “I have no interest in any sexual activity. At all. I’m also not sexually attracted to people. Men or women. I’m not.”

“Okay.” That didn’t affect Logan one way or another. He just wanted Noah to be comfortable around him.

“However, I love touch. To hug, cuddle, snuggle—really any touch. I can’t ever get enough so don’t worry about giving me space. You might have to remind me that you need space though.”

“I will if I need to, but I like touch too. My family is very good at giving hugs and cuddling. I’m sure they’ll be happy to provide if ever you need.”

“I noticed,” Noah said. “It’s just that some of Dean’s exes, both the men and women, they accused us of messing around behind their backs. They would see us cuddling on the couch and get really mad.” Noah stiffened. “Should I not talk about this? About his exes? Since your mates and all.”

Logan thought about it. Was thinking about Dean’s exes upsetting to him? “I’m fine with it.” Oh! That was interesting. He really was. “It doesn’t matter what happened in the past. Not when I have my mate now.”

“You’re amazing,” Noah said.

He found himself blushing. Logan wasn’t anything special.

“Every one of them accused us of cheating. Even when I explained that I was asexual, they didn’t believe us. Or they went the other way and wanted to have a threesome. It really hurt Dean.”

“It hurt you too,” Dean said as he entered the bedroom, carrying a tray. “Help him sit up.”

Between him and Noah, they were able to get Logan sitting up against the pillows again. Noah adjusted the pillow under Logan’s injured leg.

“Comfy?” Noah asked.

“Good.” He grabbed Noah’s hand. “And just so we’re clear, I will never mind you snuggling with me or Dean. Or think that you mean anything sexual by it. You’re welcome with us. Those people must have had their own insecurities and I’m sorry that they hurt you. You’re important to me too.”

“Well said, mate.” Dean set the tray across his lap. Breathing deep, Logan nearly drooled. “Drake made his Italian chili? This takes forever to simmer. The house always smells so good. And fresh bread. They must have been really worried.”

“Everyone was,” Dean said. “They love you very much.”

Yeah, Logan hadn’t been thinking clearly. “I need to do something special for them.”

---