Page 12 of The Suspicious Mate

"Bastards." Noa erupted, and Kallan laughed, breaking the serious nature of the exchange.

"Absolutely, bastards." Kallan agreed. Noa wished he could get the names of the two men, but it was unlikely that Kallan would supply them, so he didn't push further. He would talk to Mac and see if he knew their names.

"I'm glad you moved here." Noa threw in and then suggested they head to the first shop, which was not far from the restaurant. Noa took Kallan's hand, and he did not object.

The shops were amazing, and Kallan had the best time. Noa was somewhat knowledgeable when it came to antiques in general and vintage. He was patient as Kallan made his way around, taking his time analyzing every piece and learning everything he could about a few particular pieces. Noa watched and learned Kallan’s preferences in furniture and glassware and assisted in helping him find those pieces. It was a fun and educational morning.

Kallan found a vintage, oak, marble-top hall table he knew would look great by his door, and Noa carried it for him and made sure it was wrapped and secured in the bed of his truck. He was having fun with this man and was looking forward to the rest of the day.

They stopped at a roadside stand and ate their lunch in the park. It was lovely, and Noa kept him entertained with stories about Cincinnati, its history, and notable events. The man was quite well-read on the area, and Kallan felt well-informed by the end of their day. He didn't bring up the grays or get into Kallan's fears. They just enjoyed their time together.

When they got back to Kallan's apartment, it was nearing six o'clock, and he planned on inviting Noa to stay for dinner. He wanted to get to know him better. Having spent the day with him, Kallan realized he really did like him. Noa carried the little marble top table for him as they made their way to Kallan's third-floor apartment. He was nervous about asking him to stay for dinner, not wanting to make the wrong impression or to look too needy. But all that was of no concern once they stood in front of his door.

Noa pushed Kallan behind him and set the table down against the wall. "Stay there." He told him and approached the door slowly. It was open, and it was clear the lock had been forced. All the fear from last night came rushing back onto Kallan, and he could feel his body shaking as he stood back and watched Noa push the door open.

He'd been in town, but two days, and already he was a statistic. It made his heart sink, and all his hopes of a new beginning faded away. Noa stepped into the apartment, and Kallan waited. There was no sound, and after a few minutes, Noa came out and let him know the apartment was empty. No one was there, but the place had been ransacked.

"It's a right mess. Whoever they were, they were more interested in destruction than theft." He held his hand out to Kallan, who took it and moved forward as if in a dream. "Prepare yourself," Noa warned, and Kallan closed his eyes for a second and then stepped inside.

It was hard for him to concentrate on any one thing at first since the room was literally torn apart. The sofa and chair had their cushions shredded and upholstery torn from the frame. The one picture on the wall in the living room was smashed and torn apart. The tablet that he left on the end table was in pieces on the floor. It looked as if it had been repeatedly stomped on. The end table was also destroyed. His clothing from the bedroom was torn to pieces and littered throughout the living room and kitchen.

He noticed that he was becoming lightheaded, and for lack of a place to sit down, he leaned into Noa, who immediately wrapped his arm around him and held him snug to his side. "Who would do this to me, Noa?" He asked, his voice just above a whisper.

“Random crime of opportunity.” Noa attempted to ease his fears, but Kallan remembered the man from last night, the one who followed him home.

“Luckily, I only had a few things from my suitcase in the apartment. I left most of my things in my car in the garage. I'm glad I put off bringing it upstairs." He caught himself on the edge of tears, and Noa must have sensed as much because instantly, he was wrapped in two strong arms and pressed to a massive and amazing chest.

"We'll make the necessary calls, and then you will spend the night at my place. I have a home just outside of town, a nice quiet place where you can relax and regroup. I'll help you, Kallan, and so will my friends. You'll be okay, I promise." Noa was being so tender it was bringing more tears to Kallan's eyes. The man he was sure he'd come to hate was the man currently holding him up and keeping him sane.

"This isn't your problem, Noa; I can't ask you to get involved." Kallan didn't want to take advantage of Noa's kindness. He'd call Mac, and somehow, they'd get through this.

"I'm not leaving. This is my problem too because we are friends. Whether you like me or not, I consider you a friend." Noa was adamant, and when Kallan tried to speak, he cut him off. "I'm helping you, so get used to it." He then handed Kallan his phone. "Make your calls. The sooner the cops check this out, the sooner we may get some answers."

The police were thorough but did not come up with anything useful. The video of the hallway showed two individuals who appeared to be male forcefully entering Kallan’s apartment. They were wearing long hoodies, the kind that hang down mid-thigh, and jeans. It was impossible to discern any features. They were also wearing gloves, so they were prepared and indicated the break-in was not just off the cuff but was probably planned.

Kallan sat in the hallway on a folding chair that Noa got from his truck and made his calls to the landlord and the insurance company, and found himself passed from one person to another until finally he was finished for now at least. Noa stayed close but also paid attention to the actions of the officers who were now leaving but asked that Kallan find somewhere else to stay for a few days.

"He's staying with me." Noa stepped up and offered the officer his phone number and address in the event they made any progress on the case or needed more from Kallan. It was nice having Noa there, taking the lead and giving him the time and space to collect himself. Noa was the man he needed right now, and he was glad he was there.

Noa kept an eye on Kallan but also stayed watchful of what the police were doing and saying inside the apartment. He put in a call to Parc and let him know what had taken place and that he had scented jackals in the apartment. He asked Parc if he would have his mate, Officer Danny Atwater, look into what was taking place and provide any help or direction. Parc promised to get back with him in regard to any information or developments. He also asked Noa to stop by before heading home with his mate.

"We need to discuss the grays," Parc said and then added. "It may be time to bring that group to an end."

“I have Kallan with me.” Noa reminded.

"We'll be careful what we say, and Cross will have Autry take him for a tour or a soft drink or something. We'll handle it, don't worry." Noa agreed to stop before heading home.

He stepped back into the hallway and stood next to Kallan and placed his hand on his shoulder. Kallan then covered it with his own. He closed his eyes and released a desolate sigh that touched Noa’s heart and made him wish that he could have somehow spared his mate this misfortune. "Come, sweetheart." He whispered and helped Kallan to his feet. "The police are finished, and they will secure the door. We can leave now."

“Do they know who did this?” Noa hated the defeated tone of Kallan’s voice.

"Not yet, but they'll figure it out. The cops here in Cincinnati are good at their jobs, and they will keep you informed." Noa spoke calmly and reassuringly as they made their way down the hall to the stairway. Kallan didn't comment simply nodded and kept his focus on the floor.

Noa held him throughout the walk to his truck parked out front and assisted in getting him seated and buckled. He could tell Kallan's mind was elsewhere, which was understandable. He remained silent as Noa drove through town toward the club district, and when they were nearing the strip, Kallan looked around, recognizing the area, and then turned to regard Noa.

“Where are we going?” He asked, but not as if he were particularly concerned.

"I need to stop by work for a few minutes to speak with Cross, and then we'll head home," Noa told him, and Kallan nodded and then turned to look out the side window. Noa didn't say any more than that, recognizing that Kallan was deep in thought.

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