Page 30 of Breaking the Surface
“No one thinks that you’re fragile.In fact, most people are in awe of your strength.We just worry about you because we love you.”
“I know.”But it was still hard for Peter to wrap his mind around that.He still hadn’t contacted his sister, but they hadn’t been close in years.Vincent always worried about him, but when was the last time he’d had so many people concerned?
He didn’t think he ever had.
It had always been hard for him to make friends.He’d been afraid of accidentally revealing what he was, but also, he was just kind of a loner.He didn’t know how to make friends, and none of them had ever stuck around before Vincent.
It seemed like when he’d moved, he’d gained a bunch of friends that he knew he wouldn’t be able to get rid of anytime soon.He didn’twantto get rid of them.They made him feel like he mattered, and he knew that to them, he did.
Lou had been the worst part of Peter’s life, but at the same time, he’d also brought Peter to a place where he knew he would be happy.
Lou would be so pissed if he found out.
* * * *
BRADEN KNOCKED ON THEdoor to Camden’s office, his mind still on Peter.He’d hated leaving him this morning, even though he knew Peter would be fine with Vincent.The two of them had been friends for years, and Vincent was protective of Peter in a way that made Braden grateful.Still, he couldn’t shake the unease that had settled in his chest the moment he’d stepped out of their house.
“Come in,” Camden called from inside.
Braden pushed the door open and found both Camden and Remi already seated.Camden was behind his desk, while Remi had sprawled in one of the chairs, clearly comfortable.
“Morning,” Braden said as he closed the door behind him.
“Morning,” Camden replied with a nod.“Coffee?”
“I’m good, thanks.”Braden had already had two cups with Peter, and he didn’t need the extra caffeine making him more jittery than he already was.
He took the seat next to Remi, who was studying him in a way that made Braden shift in his chair.His best friend had always been able to read him too well, and right now, Braden wasn’t sure he wanted to be read.
“So,” Camden began, leaning back in his chair.“I wanted to touch base about the security upgrades we discussed.With everything that’s been happening, I think it’s time we implement some of the changes you both suggested.”
Braden nodded, forcing himself to focus.“The perimeter sensors are the priority.If someone’s trying to get onto pack land without permission, we need to know about it immediately, and those will be easier than placing fences.”
“Agreed,” Remi said, but his eyes were still on Braden.“We can have them installed within the week.I’ve already contacted the supplier, and they’re ready to move as soon as we give the word.”
Camden pulled out a map of the pack territory and spread it across his desk.“Show me where you think they should go.”
For the next fifteen minutes, they discussed placements, backup systems, and protocols.Braden threw himself into the conversation, grateful for the distraction.This was what he was good at—planning and making sure people were safe.It was why he and Remi had started their security firm in the first place.They both knew too well what could happen when people weren’t protected.But even as he talked about motion sensors and alarm systems, part of Braden’s mind was still on Peter.
“All right, you need to spill,” Remi said suddenly, interrupting Camden mid-sentence.
Braden blinked.“What?”
“Whatever’s going on with you.”Remi gestured at him with one hand.“You’ve been different for days now, and this morning you’re practically vibrating.So what is it?”
Camden raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything.Braden didn’t know him as well as he knew Remi, but he suspected Camden was as interested in gossip as Braden’s best friend.
He felt his cheeks heat slightly.He hadn’t planned on making an announcement, but he also didn’t want to hide.Peter deserved better than to be kept a secret, and besides, this was Remi and Camden.They were family, one more than the other, but still.
“Peter and I are together,” he said simply.“We’re mates.”
Remi’s face broke into a wide grin.“Finally!I was wondering how long it would take you to admit it to others.”Remi shook his head, still grinning.“I’m happy for you, man.Really.”
Camden smiled as well, warmer than Braden had expected.“Congratulations.Peter’s a good man.He deserves someone who’ll treat him right.”
“I will,” Braden said, and he meant it.“We’re taking things slow, though.He’s been through a lot, and I don’t want to rush him.”
“Smart,” Camden said.He stood and walked around the desk, extending his hand to Braden.“I also want to officially welcome you to the pack.I know we’ve talked about it before, but with you and Peter being together, it feels right to make it official.”
