Page 24 of Chasing Secrets
Taking the steps two at a time, he headed straight for Jalen’s bedroom. The door had been left ajar, and through the crack, Chase could see Jalen pulling out a pill bottle from his backpack.
For a split second, Chase froze as his mate’s trembling fingers struggled with the childproof cap. Watching someone he cared about—even if they barely knew each other—spiraling down that road felt like a kick to the gut.
He opened the door all the way, careful not to slam it against the wall like he wanted to with every fiber of his being. Jalen whipped around, eyes wide as he shoved the bottle behind his back.
“Jesus! Don’t you knock?” Jalen’s voice pitched higher than normal, a flush creeping up his neck.
In that moment, watching Jalen’s defensive posture and the guilty dart of his eyes, Chase knew. This wasn’t just anxiety medication taken as prescribed. This was something deeper and darker.
A dependence that had sunk its claws in deep.
For a brief second, Chase closed his eyes, wising to god his gut had been wrong.
“Can I see what you’ve got there?” Chase kept his voice even, non-threatening, while his heart squeezed tight.
“Nothing. Just taking my meds.” Jalen shifted his weight, angling his body to keep the bottle concealed. “Can I get some privacy?”
Chase was done playing these games. He wasn’t leaving this room until he knew everything.
“Let me see the bottle.” He extended his hand, palm up.
Jalen curled his lip. “So now you’re demanding things? In case it slipped your mind, you’re not my keeper.”
“I’m not trying to be your keeper.” Chase took a step forward. “But I am concerned.”
“Well, don’t be. I’m fine.” Jalen backed up until his legs hit the edge of the bed. “These are prescribed. I told you that already.”
“Then why are you hiding them?” Another step closer.
“Because...” Jalen’s shoulders sagged momentarily before he straightened again. “Look, just go away, okay? Everything’s cool. It’s cool. All right?”
Chase noticed the slight sheen of sweat already forming on Jalen’s upper lip. His pupils were pinpoints, his breathing shallow and rapid. It was too soon for actual withdrawal symptoms, which meant this was anticipatory, psychological rather than physical. Even more concerning.
“You’re right. Just let me see the bottle, Jalen. I promise. Everything’s cool.”
Jalen’s free hand curled into a fist at his side. “You can’t just barge in here and start making demands! You don’t know me. You don’t know what I’ve been through!”
“You’re right,” Chase admitted. “I don’t. But I’d like to.”
Jalen’s laugh was brittle, like glass about to shatter. “Trust me, you really wouldn’t.”
When he tried to turn away, Chase moved faster, catching his wrist. Not roughly, but firmly enough to stop him from opening the bottle. Jalen twisted in his grip, face contorting with frustration.
“Let me go!”
“Wait!” Chase said, maintaining his hold. “Just five minutes. If you still need them after that, I won’t stop you.”
“I need them now!” Jalen’s free hand pushed against Chase’s chest.
“Five minutes.” To save you from destroying your life. “That’s all I’m asking.”
“Why should I believe you?” Jalen sniffed as he glanced away. “Nobody tells the truth. Why should you be any different?”
“Because I’ve never lied to you, hon.” He gave his mate’s wrist a light squeeze. “From the moment we meet I’ve been honest with you.”
“A little too honest,” Jalen muttered. He lowered his hand, pill bottle still clutched in his fingers. “Five minutes. Starting now.”
Chase released his wrist and stepped back, so damn proud of his mate for even trying. “Starting now.”
