hard glare, like he had things to say, dictates to make that neither of them would like. Especially Trey, from the way his cousin had crossed his arms and raised a brow. Whatever shit was about to get stirred, Trey was clearly not backing down.
Trey sighed. “We’ve been over this, Dimitri. He’s staying.”
“While I still disagree, your cousin’s presence is not my current concern.”
It was a lie, and they all knew it. Well, maybe this Dimitri didn’t.
Kindling watched the man sniff the air and then aim a glare at him. One he probably used to instill terror in others, but Dimitri had nothing on Kindling’s father, Lore. He almost laughed but held it back.
“You smell like my father.” And yes, there was a bite in those words, as well as a question.
Ah ha. This Dimitri must be one of Haru’s sons.
“Well,” Trey responded, “the two of them did meet, and it was... interesting.”
“Was it?” Dimitri breathed deep and raised one of those black brows.
Kindling had enough. He was standing right the fuck there. He didn’t need Trey to guard him, and he wasn’t afraid of Mr. Mighty Pants.
He made sure his voice had just the right amount of sexual tension in it when he said, “Oh, yes. Very.” For emphasis, he growled. “I’m hoping for a repeat later with me all over him.”
Dimitri’s look of surprise was lovely on that fearsome face.
“Yes, Kindling is open,” Trey grumbled.
“Like a book.” Kindling laughed.
Trey cleared his throat. “So, the warning or the reason you’re here and not with your husband or prowling the grounds?”
From their tense conversation, Kindling learned that the peaceful people here had a reason to mistrust outsiders. And it looked like Dimitri and Calyx had different opinions on how to settle the problem. Dimitri was impatient and wanted to fight. Calyx wanted to use a more peaceful route.
Kindling watched the interaction between Trey and Dimitri. Whoever these outsiders were, the threat was taken seriously. The looks on both his cousin and the constipated warrior were intense.
“Calyx is trying, Dimitri.”
“Trying, yes. Succeeding has yet to be seen. I will wait until we are no longer able. Then, we will fight. I have only come to ask if you planned to go for a run. I would insist you remain in your home, but I know you will only say no. If you would like, I can keep watch from the air, one of my guards or me.”
Trey smiled, and Kindling saw it. Trey knew Dimitri cared about him, no matter how overbearing the man seemed to be. That was what mattered, so Kindling scratched out constipated in his head and replaced it with stalwart.
Stalwart is better, isn’t it?
“Thanks, Dimitri, no guard necessary,” Trey said.
Dimitri wasn’t happy with Trey’s response. Kindling could tell from the way his eyes drew together, and his lips pursed as if preparing to say more.
“Truly,” Trey insisted, clearly refusing to back down.
“The pretty man’s only asking to be polite, Trey.” Kindling interrupted the exchange. From the way things were sounding, this could go either way. Kindling figured the best thing to do was distract them.
“He’s taken, Kindling.” Trey turned toward him, no longer in a staredown contest with his future brother-in-law.
“Not interested, Trey. My dance card is full, and I’m simply admiring the genetics.” For all Kindling’s bluster, he didn’t want either of them thinking he was interested in anyone but Haru.
Dimitri snorted. “Your cousin is right. This was to be polite. Do not try to elude the guard, Trey.” He did not look like the kind of man to be thwarted by a no. This had been a courtesy call, clear and simple.
Trey shook his head, Kindling laughed, and the two got on their way.
Kindling hadn’t answered to anyone in years since he’d moved off pack grounds. He had his own apartment, made payments on his car himself, and went to work. At least he had before his career was snatched away from him. No matter, he was independent, a lone wolf. Truth was, that status was getting stale for him as well.
Seeing Haru, and having his wolf want to come out and play, had woken him to possibilities. He’d give up his lone-wolf status in a minute for the creature that had stolen his breath away. He wasn’t kidding when he’d told Haru he’d stay forever. He would.
And threats from a protective son weren’t going to stop him.
So, yes, he would satisfy Trey for now, but when they came back from exploring the woods, all