Storm blinked rapidly, his eyes wide.

Olson raised an eyebrow. “Yeah? How did you meet him?”

“In class,” Linus said.

At the same time Storm replied, “On Youtube.”

Olson growled. Linus cursed inwardly.

“I found Linus’ videos on Youtube and signed up for his classes,” Storm explained, his gaze soft. He’s a great teacher.”

A blush crept up Linus’ cheeks. “We’ve been talking for years now. He’s CagedDragon.”

At the name, Olson’s expression cleared up slightly. Linus had mentioned Dragon a few times over the years, when Olson had caught him tapping out lengthy, detailed replies on his phone.

“Rex tells me he’s living with you.”

Storm went very, very still. And he was pointedly not looking Linus in the eye.

Linus’ senses tingled. Rex was making the transition from semi-feral to human; he had not yet grasped the concept of lying.

He did, however, have access to the group chat that Storm shared with his Brothers.

Linus swallowed, the connections snapping together in his mind.

Storm sleeping under his bed.

Storm making far more food than one person could eat.

Storm having breakfast at the dining table, tapping away on his laptop.

Storm following him to work, knowing exactly when Linus left the apartment.

It made sense. Why Storm had returned the other night, when he said he was going home. Why he tucked his things into obscure corners of the apartment.

Storm had been living with him.

And somehow, Linushad not noticed.

“Huh,” Linus said.

Storm’s gaze snapped up to meet his.

“Linus? Is it true?” Olson narrowed his eyes.

“I... guess he is.” Linus shrugged. Too late to deny it now.

Storm’s mouth fell open.

“You’re letting him stay with you? Without me vetting him?” Olson’s voice ticked up. “Linny! He could be dangerous! He could—”

“Heisdangerous.” Linus held up a hand to stop Olson’s rant. “And that’s the sort of person who gives the best kind of protection, right?”

Olson gaped, his mouth working soundlessly.

Storm stood. He moved through the office like a predator, skirting around Rex and Olson. Then he paused behind Linus’ chair and crowded close, like a dragon guarding its hoard.

Linus’ heart stuttered.