Page 33 of The Tech Guru's Heart

While he and Edward chatted fairly regularly, he wouldn’t call them close.To have a group at his back was a novel idea to him.He’d been a loner for so long that he wondered if he would end up bothered by people being in his business.

For Link, it’ll be worth it.

When the musk oxen that had taken on Shawn moved toward him and Naomi, Ezra looked past them.He spotted the fallen grizzly behind them.The bear was being picked up by what appeared to be a pair of giant lizards.It took Ezra a moment to recognize them as Komodo dragons.He assumed they were shifters as they dragged Shawn’s bear away amidst the trees.

Huh.

A moment later, two naked men knelt before Ezra.He made a point of focusing on their faces.

“Hi, Ezra,” the more serious-looking, dark-haired man greeted.“How are you doing?”

Smirking, Ezra quipped, “I’d be better if I wasn’t meeting my boyfriend’s family while they’re naked.”

The man with lighter brown hair and twinkling hazel-brown eyes barked a laugh.“I bet,” he responded with a grin.“Sorry.”He shrugged good-naturedly.“Shifters.You’ll get used to it.”

“I’d offer you all some of Link’s clothes, but he didn’t bring enough for all of you,” Ezra countered, still doing his best to focus on their faces.“And once the painkillers kick in, I hope I’ll be fine.”Ezra glanced at his arm, then peered at Naomi.“You bandaged it.What do you think?”

Naomi shrugged.“Like I said, Luke’s the nurse in the family.”She pointed at the friendlier brother.“You should have let me fight the bear so you could do the honors.”

Luke’s eyes narrowed.“Not happening, sis.If—”

Naomi lifted her hands in surrender.“I know, I know.”She heaved a put-upon sigh, then smiled.“Love you, too, bro.”Then Naomi grew serious.“Actually, the scratches from Shawn weren’t all that deep.We should definitely keep an eye on it for infection, though.”

Nodding, Luke told him, “I’ll come back out with antibiotics for you, just in case.”He patted Ezra’s shoulder, eyeing the bite scar there.“With you having bonded with Link, your healing will get a boost, but better be safe than sorry.”

“Thanks.”Ezra glanced around.“Speaking of Link.Where—”

As if the mention of his name had conjured him, Link came rushing through the trees.“Ezra!”he cried, skidding to a stop beside him and sinking to his knees.In the next instant, Ezra found himself pulled onto the lap of his naked lover and crushed to his chest.“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, big guy.I’m okay,” Ezra assured.Rubbing his palm over Link’s chest, he did his best to soothe his trembling lover.Seeing Link tease his forefingers along the bottom of the bandage on his arm, Ezra told him, “It’s just a couple of scratches.Your family stopped Shawn from doing any serious damage.I’m okay.”Ezra cradled Link’s bearded jaw and urged the man to focus on his face and meet his gaze.“Really.”Tipping his head, he pecked a kiss to the big man’s lips, hoping the contact would get through to him.“I’m okay.”

“Gods,” Link whispered hoarsely.“I was so scared when I heard Shawn’s voice and got stopped by Taleen.”He hid his face against the crook of Ezra’s neck as he blew out a shaky breath.“Scariest fucking moment of my life.I’m so sorry I let you down.”

“You didn’t let me down,” Ezra insisted.He nuzzled his lips against the side of Link’s bald head.“Lay blame where it’s due, Link, okay?And that’s on Shawn.”Not getting a response, Ezra pinched Link’s nipple lightly.“Hear me?”

Link’s head popped up, and he sucked in a sharp breath.His eyes began to dilate, and his expression grew hungry.His attention focused on Ezra’s lips.

“Yeah,” Link rumbled huskily.“You’re right, of course.”

When Link dipped his head, obviously going in for a kiss, Warren shoved Link’s shoulder and growled, “Hey, none of that right now.”

Right.An audience.

Ezra couldn’t believe how being in Link’s arms made him forget everything around him.

Sure like it, though.This is how being in a relationship should be.

Grinning sheepishly, Link ducked his head a bit, maybe in an attempt to hide the blush creeping up his neck.“Sorry, Warren,” he muttered with a shrug.“He’s my mate.”

“And he was just in danger.”Warren offered a half smile.“I get it.Really.”

Link glanced around at everyone.“Uh, so I guess you’ve met all my siblings.”

“All but him.”Ezra pointed at the man who’d joined them with Link.

“I’m Bruin,” the man told him with a smile and nod.

“Well, uh, as odd as the moment is”—Ezra smirked gamely—“nice to meet you all, and thanks for the assist.”

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