Page 8 of Honey Heat
“Okay. Love you.” Ethan whispered the last part, though he wasn’t sure why.
“Love you too, cub.”
The call ended, and Ethan handed the phone back to Lucio, suddenly aware of how close the wolf was sitting. His dark eyes were kind, not cold like the men who had hurt him. He had a strong jawline, full lips, and shoulders that filled out his henley in ways that made Ethan’s cheeks warm despite everything.
Gorgeous wasn’t a strong enough word. Lucio looked like he’d stepped out of one of those firefighter calendars Ethan’s friend Stewart was always swooning over.
“Thank you,” Ethan said quietly. Not just for the phone.
“De nada.” Lucio slipped the phone back into his pocket. “Your dad’s a good man. He came as soon as we told him a clan member was found.”
That sounded like his father. Boone might be strict and sometimes overprotective, but he loved his clan fiercely, especially his only child.
“He’s coming.” Ethan was suddenly self-conscious about his own battered appearance.
“Good. Want more water while we wait?”
Ethan nodded, unable to look away from Lucio’s face. Something warm and unfamiliar stirred in his chest, momentarily distracting him from his pain. It was ridiculous to notice how attractive someone was when he’d barely escaped that place with his life. Yet here he was, cataloging the perfect curve of Lucio’s mouth and the way his eyes crinkled slightly at the corners when he spoke.
“They wanted information about our territory,” Ethan said, not sure why he was telling Lucio this. “About our defenses. About my dad.”
Lucio nodded, his expression darkening. “Did they say why?”
“No.” Ethan looked down at his bandaged hands, remembering how they had methodically broken his fingers one by one. “I just want to rest before my dad gets here.”
“Take a drink first.” Once again, Lucio helped Ethan up to take a sip.
When Ethan had enough, Lucio lowered him back down, Ethan ignoring the way the wolf made him feel inside.
* * * *
Lucio stood by Dr. Martinez, who was looking over some paperwork as Boone stood over Ethan’s bed. His beefy hand fluttered over his son’s chest, like he wanted to touch or hug his son but was afraid of hurting Ethan even further.
“He’s not going anywhere,” Dr. Martinez murmured while tapping his electronic device. “His injuries are too extensive, and the trip home would do more harm than good.”
“Is there a reason you’re telling me this?” Lucio frowned while watching Boone talk softly to Ethan.
The love shining in Boone’s eyes said it all. His son meant everything to him.
“No reason.” Dr. Martinez smirked. “Just thought you should know since you’re hovering over the cub like a worried mama bear.”
A snarl rumbled in Lucio’s throat. “First off, he’s not a cub.” The guy looked young, but Lucio was certain of the fact. “Second, I found him, so I feel responsible for him. Don’t look beyond that, Doc.”
Any decent person worth their salt would do the same, especially since Ethan had looked near death when Lucio found him. He was just making sure the bear shifter was on the mend before he left.
Lucio rubbed his temples. Now that he wasn’t fully focused on Ethan, his hangover headache was making a reappearance.
Dr. Martinez held out a small bottle of aspirin. “Hydration helps with the morning after. Try drinking plenty of water.” He smirked. “I could hook you up to an IV to get those fluids in you. Put you right next to Ethan’s bed. Nothing brings a couple closer than matching hospital beds.”
Another growled ripped from Lucio’s. “We’re not a damn couple, and you’re not even funny.”
“I crack myself up.” Dr. Martinez walked away with a grin.
Lucio watched as Boone approached, his massive form blocking out his line of sight to Ethan.
“Thanks for… everything, wolf. If you hadn’t found my boy…” Boone ran a hand threw his hair. “I thought it was another clan member that was found.” He rested his hands on his hips, chewing his bottom lip.
It was such a contrast to see how open the bear alpha was compared to Lucio’s own alpha. He knew Matias cared about his pack, would die to protect them, but the guy wasn’t exactly known for sharing his feelings.
