Chapter Eight
“You tell her about this and I swear I’ll make you regret it. Just because I don’t talk much, doesn’t mean I’m not paying attention. I bet Barbara would love to know about that time with you and the visiting pack's daughter’. Honestly, don’t know how you managed that one anyway considering how overprotective their father was.”
Brogan gaped at Rogue, opened his mouth to respond before remembering where he was and quickly closed it with a snap and a glare.
“Thought so. Wouldn’t want to find out if the statute of limitations had run out on Barbara's threats that no one in the pack was allowed to go near those girls. She scared me more than their father ever could and I’d heard stories about men who’d come sniffing around and what he’d done to them.”
“Fine, you assclown I give. She’ll never hear about this from me ever.” Brogan retorted. “Even if your mate has you whipped already. Hell, the man didn’t even know your name and you’re in his lap.”
“Jealous?”
“Hardly, I can do a lot more than that. You can’t say the same. Watch this.” Brogan winked and turned to Jericho and gave him a soul-searing kiss that left both men breathless.
“Rogue, stop taunting him.” Cadence chided as Valac’s explanation trailed off in stunned silence.
“What did I miss?”
“Your wolf was antagonizing Brogan. Neither of them have heard a word of your explanation. Rogue, behave or I’ll ban you from my porch and his lap.”
Rogue whined and crawled closer to his mate. The witch wasn’t offering idle threats, he knew that. If she said he’d not be allowed somewhere than she meant it. Her powers scared the shit out of him. “Help me, Val. Don’t let her do that.”
“That’s a little drastic don’t you think?” Valac interjected. “Rogue, helps me stay calm. There’s just something about having him close that makes things easier to bare. Please don’t send him away.”
Rogue melted at the words his mate whispered. He could feel the pain clearly in each syllable.
“Calm yourself, little brother. I would never do anything that would cause you pain. Rogue is welcome anytime, anywhere.”
He wanted to dance in joy at her words, no longer was she demanding he keep his distance, which now that he thought about it, she had to know he hadn’t been doing at all. He couldn’t help himself though. The pull to be close to his mate was overwhelming at times. Valac’s soul was calling out to him, begging for him to help. Even if Valac wasn’t aware it was happening.
“But as I was saying before Brogan attacked my brother. Aeron can’t prove I helped you guys escape, but he was closing in on me. When I ran it was proof enough for him.
“Then we’ll make it so you can’t go back. Cadence did it for Jericho, she can do it for you as well.” Brogan moved to sit beside Valac. “My mate needs his family close and something tells me he’s not the only one that wants you to stick around.”
“Shut it, Brogan,” Rogue growled. “Cadence made me promise not to tell him we’re mates.”
“Tell me about Rogue,” Valac announced suddenly into the silence. “He’s pack right?”
Rogue stiffened at the question. What would they say? This was beyond awkward. It was like being at your own funeral and listening to the eulogies from your friends and family.
“Yeah, he is. What do you want to know?” Brogan asked hesitantly.
“No, don’t answer him. Change the damn subject.” Rogue demanded. “Talk about anything but me, I’m begging you. Cadence, Jericho, please help me out here.”
“You all were on patrol before coming here tonight. So you were in your wolf forms. Why does Rogue not shift and join us here? Why is he the only one still as a wolf?”
“Do you want him to be here in human form?”
“Cadence, what are you doing? Don’t ask him that. I can’t do it, you made me promise not to. What the hell is going on? Am I in some kind of bad dream?”
“It’s just a question, but it’d be nice to be able to talk to him. I’ve been carrying on one-sided conversations with him.” Valac shrugged, “I mean I just thought it was odd he’s the only one that stays in wolf form all the time.”
“I’d give anything to talk to you too, babe. This is killing me to be so close to you and yet so far away. Something is missing. But if this is all I can have, I’ll take it happily. To be this close to you is better than nothing.”
Cadence nodded slowly, “I get what you’re saying and I’m sorry. I didn’t anticipate the level of comfort he’d give you.”
“If it makes a difference to you rarely talks when in human form. You’d still have mostly one-sided conversations.” Brogan added.
“I told you he needed me. Let me be there for him, we’re doing more harm than good by keeping me from his side. Can’t you see that yet?”
“I’m starting too, yes.” Cadence agreed. “I’ll leave it up to you. If you think it’s for the best then I won’t forbid it. Just make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. You’re still here for him in this form and giving him comfort.”
“I’m glad you’ve found something to give you comfort, brother.” Jericho inclined his head to Rogue. “I know what a difference that can make. Before Brogan, my life was not worth that much. Now he is my life, my breath, my very reason for existence. I owe part of my happiness to you. One day soon, I hope to repay that and help you find yours.”
“Rogue, we’ve got to go. You need anything before we do? The others are on patrol. You can get some sleep. Check in tomorrow and we’ll regroup.”
“I’m good, just have a lot to think about. Thank you for everything.”
Rogue watched as Valac’s brother and his mate said their goodbyes and left. He glanced around the small porch and was surprised to see Cadence too had left them alone. Without thought, he climbed to his feet, took Valac’s hand between his teeth and pulled him down the stairs. He just needed his mate to trust him for a few minutes.
“You want me to go somewhere? Just lead the way I’ll follow. I trust you to keep me from harm.”
His wolf wanted to howl in happiness at those simple words. They may not have met as men yet, but it didn’t matter. Their connection was already growing and solidifying.
“I sure wish you’d talk to me. This would be a great time to talk and tell me where we’re going.”
Rogue snorted and kept walking, it wasn’t far from the cabin, but the view this space offered was sure to help anyone relax. At least it always had for him and he hoped it would for the demon. He had no doubt that Valac hadn’t seen a sight like this living in hell all these years after all.