Page 52 of Mitchell
Seryn mumbled something that didn't sound like words.
Jude chuckled. "I'm not a morning person either."
Seryn met Jude's gaze with an empty smile. It put Mitchell on alert because no one was exempt from dying if Seryn deemed it necessary. Something he'd heard had made his protectiveness kick in. That much was clear. And he directed his veiled threat toward Jude.
Mitchell poured Seryn a cup of coffee first because a happy, caffeinated Seryn kept his little clinger monkey from killing people so early in the morning.
By the time Mitchell poured himself and Jude a cup, Seryn was much more agreeable because he was three sips in.We have two new rules, baby.
Seryn sighed. "What rules, Daddy?"
Jude seemed to know Mitchell had talked to Seryn through their internal connection. He raised his eyebrows but didn't interrupt.
Since Seryn didn't seem to care about the privacy of the conversation, Mitchell spoke aloud. "The first new rule is to not kill my brother. No matter what."
Seryn sighed and addressed Jude. "You were loud. It irritated me."
Seryn, acknowledging an emotion, was an enormous step in the right direction. Mitchell kissed Seryn's temple. "Good job, baby."
Jude's mouth opened as if in shock, and then he scowled. "Good job? He told me I was loud, and you tell him 'good job'. Sheesh, Mitch."
Mitchell just wrapped an arm around Seryn's waist. "We're working on feeling our feelings. And you yelled. Your volume is somethingyouneed to work on."
Jude sighed in frustration and got up.
Daruss came into the room with Raylee under one arm. "Sit back down, boy."
Mitchell met Seryn's gaze. "The other rule is not to kill anyone when you first wake up. Wait until you've had at least two cups of coffee. If you still want to kill, then we'll talk about it."
Seryn smiled around his mug. The smile was genuine. "Yes, Daddy."
Daruss chuckled. "That's a good rule for him."
Not that Mitchell needed approval, but being a Daddy was new. So maybe he needed a little affirmation now and then. And Daruss seemed like he had the Daddy thing down to a science.
Chapter Nineteen
Seryn's house was exactly four miles from Daruss's place. He drove because it was easier than having to tell Mitchell where to turn, especially since Todd and Evan bickered like children in the backseat.
"I'm not sharing a house with you. Not long term. You have two weeks to move out. Tell him, Seryn." Todd had grown bolder over time and Seryn thought it was because he'd finally figured out he could trust Seryn not to kill him since Seryn had promised protection. A promise Seryn was regretting.
"I need time to find another job." Evan was slowly getting pissed and also resigned to the fact Todd wouldn't forgive him. It was kind of sad. One poor decision made in a moment of weakness ruined the relationship. It had taken Evan losing his career and nearly his life before realizing it.
Todd sighed. "I know the feeling. I had zero notice when we broke up. I had to sell my blood and my body to some psychopathic vampire."
"Jesus, Todd. I thought you went to live with your mother." Evan whispered that last part, as if talking more to himself than to Todd.
"How about I kill Todd and you kill Evan?" Mitchell was only half serious. Seryn knew that, but Seryn would follow through if Mitchell wanted him too.
"Okay, Daddy."
Mitchell turned in his seat.
"Don't bring Seryn into your shit. If you can't fix it, figure out how to move the fuck on. That's what's going to happen. Got it." Mitchell had a deep, commanding voice. He rarely used it to get all Alpha with people. Mostly he was all charm, but when he flipped a switch, people listened.
Mitchell had done that this morning with Jude. Jude was a little more bold, willing to have it out with Mitchell despite what he said. His response had spoken of their familiarity with each other. But Todd and Evan didn't know Mitchell well enough to talk back.
"Sorry." Todd was the first one to apologize. And then Evan apologized, but to Todd he said, "I'll do my best to stay out of your way."
