Page 39 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
Relief flooded through Maseo. “I hope so. He’s one of the only people I care about.”
“If you’re worried, tell General Jaega,” Drayden suggested. “Since they’ve claimed you as part of the Ariake clan, he should have no problem honoring your desire to keep your librarian safe.”
Maseo shook his head. “I’ve already imposed enough on their clan as it is. Asking for anything more feels too greedy.”
“Speaking of which,” Bitris said with a gleam in his eyes. “What a surprise to see our king’s consort visit you at the barracks today.”
Maseo’s cheeks flushed at the reminder. “He’s too kind.”
“What I want to know is why I could smell jealousy and arousal from him while I was trying to kick your ass.” Bitris hummed with interest. “It seems there’s more to your story than you’ve led us to believe.”
Maseo forced his battered body to sit up and face Bitris. “It’s not like that. Auslin has every reason to hate me, but his heart is kind enough to forgive the awful things I’ve done to him in the past. He shouldn’t care about me.”
“Perhaps he does because he’s interested in you as more than a curiosity,” Bitris suggested.
The idea was laughable. “There’s no way,” Maseo denied. “Why would he look my way when he has the most incredible mate?”
“Who also seems to have a vested interest in you.” Bitris tilted his head as he studied Maseo. “How curious.”
Maseo brushed his thumb against the ring Kitsuki had gifted him. “I promise it’s not like that.”
“Are you sure? Because our king’s consort was all blushes and shy glances as he looked at you in awe after you defeated me,” Bitris pressed.
“Why would they ever want a complication like me when they have each other?” Maseo tried not to take it to heart, although it hurt to say it out loud. “There’s no place for me between them.”
“That’s enough conspiracy theories for one night,” Drayden declared. “Let him rest, Bitris. It’s been a long day for us all.”
Bitris pouted. “But I haven’t offered to give him a massage yet. And you know I give thebestmassages.”
“We also know what ‘massage’ is code for with you,” Sudryl said with a snort. “Did Auslin’s appearance today teach you nothing about why Maseo is off-limits?”
Bitris sighed with a scowl. “You never let me have any fun.”
“Yes, how dare we save you from yourself,” Drayden joked. “We’re theworst.”
“Come on, what’s the harm in enjoying a little cuddle with our pup?” Bitris asked.
Sudryl rolled his eyes at his friend’s antics. “What part of ‘he’s untouchable’ do you not understand?”
“But that makes me want him even more,” Bitris whined. “I mean, look at him. How am I supposed to keep my hands to myself with his gorgeous face and body? His lips are begging to be kissed.”
After a lifetime of being called worthless, Maseo found it impossible to understand Bitris’s attraction to him. “Why would you waste your time with me when you could have anyone youwanted?” As handsome and charming as Bitris was, Maseo was confident the dragon shifter could pick up anybody for a night of fun.
Bitris’s teasing expression darkened with concern. “Shit, you mean that, don’t you?” He gave a sympathetic tut. “I don’t care how gorgeous he is; your father is the world’s biggest piece of shit for making you think you’re worthless.”
Maseo shrugged. “He’s not wrong. All I do is take up space and cause problems.”
Bitris got off his bed and walked over to stand in front of Maseo. He took the half-wolf shifter’s face in his hands to force their gazes to meet. “You are many things, but a problem isn’t one of them.”
“But—”
Bitris shushed Maseo’s protest. “I won’t let you put yourself down. You are more than an inconvenience or unwanted complication. We’re all glad you’re here, okay?”
“He’s right,” Drayden agreed. “It sounds as if you went through hell in Kunushi, so it’s better that you’re here with us.”
“We can take care of you the way you deserve,” Sudryl added. “Albeit with far less sexual harassment than Bitris intends. You’re handsome, but we also value our lives and ranks, sorry.”
Bitris’s thumb stroked Maseo’s cheek with heartbreaking tenderness. “If I’m not allowed to convince you with my body, at least listen to my words. Auslin coming to check on you today proves you have people who care about you and want you here. He saved your life for a reason. And I’m glad he did becauseyou deserve this second chance at living a life where you can be happy.”
