Page 19 of Chaos Claimed

A deep laugh resonated from the cheetah’s chest. “Good to see you, Percy. Make sure you and Elijah behave.”

Santiago held back a growl, since it would’ve been seen as a sign of aggression. But if Sully kept flirting with Percy, all bets were off.

“When don’t I behave?” Percy retorted, placing a hand on his hip and eyeing Sully. “I can’t help it if our idea of fun differs. I’m loud, I’m proud, and I can work a crowd,” he declared with enthusiasm.

Sully smiled warmly at the human. “That you are.”

Santiago and Sully locked gazes. The guy shrugged. “I won’t apologize for having a soft spot for Percy.”

“Just keep your fucking hands off him,” Santiago cautioned, his voice low enough for only the cheetah to hear.

“I don’t poach, especially not someone’s mate,” Sully snarled.

When Percy hurried toward the bar, Santiago decided he was done measuring dicks. This night was about his mate reclaiming a part of himself.

Santiago frowned when he saw Matias and Elijah on the dance floor. He’d never seen his alpha so at ease. He had his hand on Elijah’s lower back, their bodies pressed together and moving in a way that suggested they’d rather be fucking than dancing.

Speaking of…

Percy’s high-pitched laugh rang out, drawing Santiago’s attention. He smiled instinctively, happy to finally hear the sound once more, until he spotted the scene at the bar.

Several men hovered around Percy, their hungry gazes locked and loaded. Even one of the bartenders leaned in too close, a flirtatious smirk playing on his lips as he chatted with Percy.

Oh, hell no. Percy was his elegido, and Santiago would be damned if— His brow creased as he noticed Percy was glancing around the room nervously, his laughter a little too forced, his posture tense, avoiding eye contact. If he were truly at ease, his posture would be relaxed, and his eyes would be engaging in the conversation as well.

Just five hours ago, Percy had been terrified to enter his own pantry, stepped back when Santiago got too close, and panicked at the oven’s heat.

This whole situation felt wrong. Before Jacob had ruined their evening, Percy had been friendly yet guarded. Understandable given what he’d been through.

But the dynamics shifted after Santiago returned home from the police station. Percy had been the one to initiate contact. The kiss, the desire to go out, the tight jeans, and now his willingness to be in a crowded club.

On the motorcycle, Percy had tensed slightly when Santiago reached past him for the sunglasses, but that was just a brief lapse. An involuntary reaction he couldn’t suppress.

Elijah stepped into Santiago’s path, face flushed, drink in hand. “Please don’t feel jealous. His personality just draws people in. Unfortunately, it’s usually the wrong ones,” he mumbled the last part.

With a frown, Santiago asked, “What happened while I was gone, Elijah?”

Elijah blinked and quickly glanced at the floor. Avoidance. Guilt.

“Percy didn’t take your arrest well,” Matias said from behind him.

Turning, Santiago searched Matias’s expression, but his alpha was too disciplined to give anything away. “What happened?”

“He had a breakdown,” Elijah replied, causing Santiago to turn back to him. “He wrecked the kitchen, flung dinner at the wall, then collapsed to the floor. I talked to him for over an hour, but after about ten minutes, he went silent, lost in his thoughts.”

“Why wasn’t I told about this?” Santiago demanded.

“Watch your tone when speaking to my elegido,” Matias warned.

“It wasn’t our place to say anything,” Elijah replied firmly. “Besides, he’s fine now that you’re back.” He gestured toward the bar. “Percy seems like his old self.”

Santiago closed his eyes and slowly shook his head. No one saw the reality. Percy laughed loudly again, but it lacked any real happiness. It sounded more like panic.

“He’s not fine.” Santiago glanced at Matias, his jaw tightening. “He’s spiraling, and fast.”

“Spiraling?” Elijah glanced over at Percy, who had backed away from the bartender, still smiling, but it was strained. “Oh, shit,” he whispered.

“We’re leaving,” Matias declared. “Secure your elegido.”

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