Page 17 of Big Top Bear Raid
Wraith returned his grin.“Yeah, probably for the best.”
“I’ll grab a couple of trays while you guys get in line,” Ishmael offered.He glanced around, a blush beginning to creep up his neck.That didn’t stop the huge, friendly wolf shifter from dipping his head and pecking a kiss to Madagascar’s lips.“Be right back,” Ishmael muttered before scurrying away.
“He’s damn cute,” Wraith murmured, smiling as he watched him.
“Yeah, my man is,” Mads rumbled, grinning widely as he followed his mate’s retreat with his gaze.
“Yeah, he is,” Zion agreed, because it was true.The guy had been experimented on, although he didn’t remember most of it.Instead, a lot of his memories had been chemically scrubbed.That didn’t stop his innate sweet nature from shining through.Wrapping his arm around Wraith, Zion urged him toward the food vendors.“Let’s get in line.Our orders could take a bit.”
They figured out where to order different things, and all three of them ended up in different lines.It wasn’t long before Ishmael returned.He stood with Madagascar, holding several trays at his side.
One by one, they received their food, and Ishmael joined them.He helped them load a tray.Then they headed to whoever was next to get their food.Before too long, they had an impressive mountain of food on their three trays, including everything on their friends’ wish lists and more.
The group headed to the front entrance and found Congo, Zhaul, Valentine, and Stone already waiting.He glanced around for Eurik but didn’t see him.Zion pinned his alpha with a questioning look.
“He’ll probably be a few minutes,” Congo explained, taking one of the trays.“He found a...friend.”
Zion clenched his jaw for a second before forcing himself to relax again.“Right.”He understood the necessity ofbefriendingone of the people who worked at the circus.That didn’t mean he had to like it.“Well, he knows where our seats are.”
“Yup,” Congo agreed.“He’ll find us.”
As a group, they headed inside.The seating was clearly marked, and they found their section.After settling in a group on the bench, stadium-style seating, they passed out the food.They’d just started munching when Zion spotted Eurik jogging up the wooden steps toward them.
Zion waved toward the space on the wooden bench on the other side of Wraith.As soon as his friend settled beside his mate, he picked up the tray from under his seat.He held it out to Eurik.
“Half a dozen corndogs just for you,” Zion told him, pleased with the way his buddy’s dark eyes lit up.“Oh, I also forgot to tell you, Manon is all in helping us put together an awesome crawfish boil.”
“Ah, damn.Thanks, man.”Eurik took the tray, set it on his lap, and picked up the first corn dog.He lifted it and, before taking a big bite, stated, “For these and for talking to Manon about a crawfish boil.Can’t wait.”
“My pleasure, Eurik,” Zion told him, picking up a nacho chip and sliding it through the steaming cheese.He made certain there was a jalapeno slice on it.Before popping it into his mouth, he laughed and added, “Really.It’ll be my pleasure.Can’t wait to find out what Manon’s recipes are.”Waggling his brows, Zion added, “He says they’re spicy.”
“Sweet,” Eurik replied, drawing out the word.Then he took another bite of his corndog and hummed with pleasure.
“Oh, speaking of spicy.”Zion reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of spicy brown mustard packets.“Thought you’d like these with your corndogs.”
Eurik moaned appreciatively as he reached out his cupped hand.
As Zion carefully spilled the plethora of packets into Eurik’s palm, a scent teased his nostrils.Confused, he inhaled again.The smell was...familiar...something he hadn’t smelled in over a year and a half.
Except, there’s no damn way...
Unable to believe his senses, Zion gripped Eurik’s forearm, pulling his buddy halfway across a surprised Wraith’s lap.He lifted his friend’s wrist to his nose and inhaled deeply.His mind reeled as he cataloged the scent.
Not pure, but it’s definitely mixed in there.
How?
“What the hell, Zion?”Eurik asked, confusion and shock filling his tone in equal measure.
Inhaling a sharp breath to keep himself under control, Zion met Eurik’s gaze and demanded, “Who have you been in contact with?”
Chapter Seven
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WRAITH IGNORED EURIK, who was half sprawled across his lap.Considering the sudden tension thrumming from his mate, the scent hitting his nostrils in sharp waves, it wasn’t that hard.He swept his gaze over Zion’s face, seeing the lines of disbelief and strain there.
Just what the hell is he scenting?
