Page 6 of Mysteries, Menace, and Mates

Brick smirked. “Or what?”

Aric gave him what he hoped was a suitably smug smile. “Or we won’t put out.”

“Considering we have yet to do anything, that sounds like cutting off your nose to spite your face.” Brick drew himself up to his full—and very impressive—height. “Don’t forget who’s in charge here.”

Aric could fight dirty too.

“And don’tyouforget you’re not alone. We need you, just like you need us. It’s ridiculous for you to think you can get through this alone.” He batted his eyes. “Please, Brick? Do it for us?”

“Please, Brick,” Seth added.

Aric could sense the battle of emotions taking place inside his mate. Finally Brick sighed. “Fine. But if I agree to this, what’s in it for me?”

Aric arched his eyebrows. “Two very happy mates. What more do you need?”

He could see the moment Brick relented. Brick pulled them both close. “Okay, but I want sex. Lots of it.”

Aric grinned. “Whenever, wherever. Just say the word.”

Brick gave a satisfied smile. “Then we’ll go together. How does that sound?”

Seth chuckled. “Like I want to be home to collect on a blowjob reward. When do we leave this place?”

Aric closed his eyes and breathed in the heavenly scent of his mate. Then he caught the tail end of a thought.

“Wait a minute. You said Horvan and Aelryn had a mission to plan.Whatmission?”

Chapter Two

TWO MONTHSin that god-awful camp had been more than enough for Jamie. He’d taken dozens of showers and still didn’t feel clean. How Jake had put up with it for more than thirty years, he would never know. Jamie was thankful the Gerans had sent him to the same camp.

And now we have time to get to know each other.

Except that might have to wait a while.

He’d been watching Jake ever since Fielding’s interrogation, and he wasn’t happy. Nor was he fooled. Outwardly, Jake tried to maintain an air of strength and quiet dignity, but Jamie couldn’t help but notice how he shrank back whenever loud noises filled the air. The least little thing seemed to startle him. His eyes were forever darting around, and it didn’t take a genius to work out Jake was keeping a lookout for—and being ready for—trouble.

The shoe hasn’t dropped yet. He still doesn’t feel safe.

Jamie guessed he might feel the same way if he’d been through half the shit Jake had. It wasn’t until he noticed how Jake kept his head down most of the time that Jamie finally understood.

They all but broke him, but he still refuses to give in.

Jake’s mask had to slip sometime. What he really needed was to talk to someone—a professional—who could help him heal.

Doc didn’t count. Doc was too involved.

Maybe I could use a little therapy too.

In less than three months, Jamie’s world had changed beyond recognition. He’d been a Geran who’d been brought up to believe they were superior to both humansandFridans, and what they were doing was the right thing, preparing shifter kids for the world they would inherit.

Then he’d discovered the truth.

Bombshell number one—his parents had lied to him his whole life. And theyweren’this parents.

Bombshell number two—Dellan was his half brother.

Bombshell number three—Jamie was probably the result of the Gerans breeding Dellan’s dad, Jake, with other shifters before he was adopted. Asfor who his mother was, unless someone found it in the records they’d taken from the camp, he might never know.

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