Page 21 of Mane Full Of Stripes
“Apollo.”
Apollo waved off a few members, then went over to Lida and Arvo. “We have a problem,” he told his parents when he reached them.
“We do, especially if you decide to let some of Saxton’s dazzle join. The Helmers will want to have a say in who joins. They don’t seem to understand they’re not in charge.” Lida put her arm around Arvo, who kissed her cheek. “I’m not one to tell you how to run the dazzle, but their behavior has me concerned.”
“Me too. I’m going to have to deal with them sooner rather than later. I hoped once they saw how I ran the dazzle they’d stop, but it’s clear they want me to be someone I’m not.”
“I told you what they want. They want to merge this dazzle and elevate their position within it. If you talk to Saxton and bring his dazzle here, it will put a stop to some of their problems but also create more. Difficult position to be in, son.” Arvo sighed as he put his hands in his pockets. “Go on your date, Apollo. Enjoy spending time with your mate. This problem will still be here for you to deal with tomorrow. Sadly.” Arvo shook his head.
“I’m going home. I need to shower and get ready. I have a mate to impress.”
“Because you didn’t do that on the ice rink.” Lida smiled, then kissed Apollo’s cheek. “Go and enjoy time with your mate, then call me tomorrow and tell me all about it.”
“Mom,” Apollo whined. “You know I’m grown, right?”
“Still my boy, and he found his mate.” Lida looped her arm through Arvo’s. “Go and get ready and make sure you have fresh breath.”
“Have fun,” Arvo shouted as they walked over to where they’d parked their car.
Shaking his head, Apollo strolled over to his car and got in, then drove home. He only had an hour to get ready because of the meeting Brenner had called, so he didn’t want to waste a minute of what time he had. When he arrived home, he took a quick shower, then dressed and checked the time. He had thirty minutes before he had to go and pick Jost up from his house. Time to relax for five minutes.
He liked the theme park. He’d never had a date at one before, so this was a new experience for him. He’d been to theme parks before, but mainly with family and friends. Would Jost want to go on all the fast rides? He was a lion shifter, so Apollo figured he would. Apollo loved fast scary, exhilarating rides. Ones that took your breath away at steep drops and loops and speeding around bends.
After the rides, you could walk around the shops or eat sugary treats like waffles and cotton candy, or burgers and hotdogs. He wanted to try to win Jost a teddy as well, so he’d have a small memento of their date and hopefully have happy thoughts about it. Apollo was conscious of Jost’s past and even though he didn’t know the details, he did know Jost had suffered at the hands of someone he’d loved.
Sighing, Apollo checked the time and stood. Making sure he had his wallet, Apollo picked up his jacket and left. Time to collect his mate and see where the night took them. Hopefully, he could get a kiss or two. Smiling, He drove to Jost’s house and parked outside. First, he needed to survive Jost’s family. Chuckling, he got out of his car and walked over to the front door, which opened before he even reached it.
Jost came out and shouted, “bye,” then shut it and smiled as he walked over to him. “I didn’t think you’d want to do the whole family thing again, and I needed to get out before I killed my brother. He’s being an annoying little shit. They should have stopped at two.”
Apollo sucked his lips in and nodded. “He sounds nice.”
Jost glared at him, then grinned. “I need to find my own place really, but I needed home after…”
“It’s fine.” Apollo quickly said when Jost trailed off and looked away. “Family is there when you need them most.”
“They are.” Jost nodded, then asked, “Are you looking forward to tonight?”
“I’m looking forward to hearing you scream.”
“Not me. I love the big rides. Maybe I want to listen to you scream.” Jost looked up at him through his eyelashes, and Apollo had never seen anyone as gorgeous as his mate. He wanted to kiss him but opened the passenger door instead. “Thank you.”
Apollo got in the driver’s side and grinned at Jost. “Ready to have some fun?”
“Yes,” Jost returned his grin. “Let’s go!”
Chapter Eleven
Laughing,JostleanedintoApollo’s side, then smiled up at him. “You screamed so loud. I think they heard you in the next state.”
“I’m surprised you heard me screaming with all the noise you were making.” Apollo poked Jost in the side, who giggled and danced away. Jost shook his head at him. “Yes, you were. You were screaming at the top of your lungs.” Apollo coughed, then mimicked Jost, “Oh God! Aaarrgghhh. Apollo! Save me!”
Jost spluttered, then pushed Apollo, who barely moved. “I so did not.”
“You so did. I thought I was going to have to take you to the little boy’s room to make sure you hadn’t wet yourself.” Apollo grinned, then burst out laughing as Jost glared at him.
“I don’t think I like you very much right now.”
“So, no waffles then?”
