Page 49 of B Positive

He didn’t argue a point we both knew was true.

It was a start.

A shitty one.

But a start.

Eighteen

“I knew better.I should have warned you.”

“Well, yes, you should have. But, more importantly, you should have told me you were the next pack leader.”

Jaxson at least had the good sense to look embarrassed as we stood at the front door. “I didn’t want you to see me any differently.”

Instead of trying to convince him I wouldn’t have—of course I wouldn’t have—I accepted it. “It’s a valid concern and I kinda get it. And when you’re ready to talk about the reason you 're hiding from your pack in the shitty part of town, I’ll be here.”

Jaxson’s gaze grew warmer, the amber seeming to glow from within once more, as the pine in his distinct blend of scents ticked up a notch. “Thanks, Eeds. I will.”

I gave him a hug and relished that sense of belonging that washed over me when we were close. It wasn’t anything I could put my finger on specifically. More like hugging Jaxson just felt right, like the way your house smells. Jaxson was family.

“So, how many shifts am I taking for you?”

I let out a long breath. “Ugh, I don’t know. I’m pretty sure Julian isn’t letting me out of his sight for a while.”

“Make sure you call Jerry. He’ll miss you.”

“I definitely will,” I said.

Jaxson gave me one last lingering hug, and we both held on tight. As if we knew things would never be the same after this.

I watched as he strode to the street, certain that I’d never be back in that shitty building again. That we’d never get that time, or those after work margs, or our late-night gossip sessions back.

The moment he disappeared, I spun around, sights set on finding Julian. Luckily, I didn’t have to go far. He was just inside the study as I barged in.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I demanded.

Julian pulled a hand over his face, weary eyes settling on mine. “Tell you what, Eden?”

All the stupid accusations about keeping secrets to lord over me and make me look bad died on my tongue as I saw how tired he was.

Why did I automatically think the worst of him?

Why was that my default when it came to him? It certainly wasn’t the way I treated anyone else.

I aimed myself for the sofa and patted the seat next to me, exactly where we sat after he’d tranqed me. “How did the negotiations go?”

Julian stared at me for a moment, uncertain about my sudden mood shift before answering. “Not good.” His tone was flat as he sank into the cushion next to me. “Titus refuses to budge even a little. It’s going to take weeks at this rate.”

“Oh. So you’re not back because you’re finished?”

He scoffed out a bitter laugh. “Hardly. We broke for the day. I’ll head back tomorrow.”

“How can I help?”

His gaze shot to mine, a question clear in the crease between his brows.

I nodded, answering without words. I would help however I could.