Page 35 of Defiance
“You know, I’m right here, guys.”
They both turned to find Cole glaring at them.
Logan shrugged a shoulder. “We’re probably the least popular shifters in the pack at the moment—except for you—so expect us to be a little pissed off with our new assignment.”
Pulling out his phone, Logan ignored whatever Cole said in response to that, hoping Cole knew it was all for show, and texted Jacob.
Logan:Cole wants out of the apartment. Can we take him outside in the gardens at the back, or straight to Paul’s team?
He could’ve asked Paul himself, but Logan liked to avoid direct contact with him wherever possible. Especially after Logan’s debrief. The resentment from that encounter would last for a while yet.
Jacob’s response was as prompt as ever.
Jacob:Spoke to Paul this morning. You can take him outside to the gardens, but you’ll be accompanied by two of Paul’s team. They’ll then take you to the training facility. They’ll be there in thirty minutes. Make sure Cole’s dressed in his training uniform. You know what Paul’s like for rules.
Logan:Thanks.
He pressed his phone against his forehead and groaned.
“Did they say no?” Cole moved close, his scent as inviting as always, and Logan fought not to lean into it and breathe deep.
“Not exactly.” He relayed Jacob’s message, sharing a commiserating look with Aaron. Going through pack rules and etiquette hadn’t been the most exciting thing to do, especially cooped up in the flat, but it was a million times better than the prospect of having to train with Paul’s team.
To say Logan wasn’t looking forward to it was an understatement.
He’d be lucky to get through it without either giving himself away or killing someone.
Fuck knew what it was going to be like for Cole.
The only upside was that he’d heal.
Whereas Aaron looked as resigned as Logan felt, Cole seemed positively upbeat. He sprang off the sofa and clapped his hands together.
At Logan’s raised eyebrows, he said, “Honestly, I don’t care where we go, as long as it’s out of here.”
I wonder if you’ll still feel the same when faced with a room full of pissed-off shifters.
Logan kept his thoughts to himself. Cole was one of them now, and Logan needed to trust that he could take whatever Paul’s team dished out. “Come on, then. They’ll be here in about half an hour and you need to be ready.”
“I can dress myself,” Cole muttered behind him as Logan marched towards the bedroom.
“I know you can, but Paul is very particular about training gear.” He waited for Cole to follow him over the threshold before gently closing the door behind them. “And I also needed to do this.”
Stepping as close as he dared while still keeping the barest amount of distance between them, Logan kissed him. A groan escaped him, low and needy, and it took all his strength to step away and not wrap his arms around Cole and hold him tight. He moved back a little more, just to be safe.
Cole growled, the sound slipping under Logan’s skin and setting him on fire.
“You know I’m only being a dick out there for the cameras, right?” Logan whispered, anything to distract them from whatever stupid thing they were about to do.
“I know.”
The roughness of Cole’s voice sent a shiver through him, and Logan bit his lip, fists clenched at his sides, and tried so hard not to reach out for him.
“This is fucking unbearable.” Cole took a step towards Logan. “I want to touch you so bad right now.”
“We can’t. They’ll know.” Logan closed his eyes, already imagining it. “My scent will be all over you and they’ll be here soon.”
“I hate this.” Cole’s whispered words skated over Logan’s lips, teasing him and pushing his control to its limits. His words resonated though, pulling Logan’s deepest concerns to the surface again.
