Page 29 of Restoring His Howl

He flopped onto his bed and stared at the ceiling. Did he want anyone at the Sanctuary? As a lover? Well, yeah. But would that guy want him in return? He doubted Oscar had been there when he’d made a fool of himself, but still… Oscar had to know what had happened. He had to have an opinion. He’d ignored Avan since then. Sometimes, Avan didn’t understand why his lion seemed drawn to Oscar. They weren’t great mate material. They didn’t talk, pay each other attention or even spend time in the same room.

So how in the hell was his lion so sure Oscar could be someone so special to him? Because his human side liked Oscar. He wanted to run his fingers over Oscar’s muscles and taste his kiss. He wanted Oscar to see him as a flawed man, not a jerk who’d made a bad decision. To help him heal. Mostly, he wanted Oscar to help him prove to himself he wasn’t a horrible person. Was that possible?

He’d never know until he put himself out there and said something to Oscar.

“Avan?”

He sat up. Markas…shit. Great. Was it time for another discussion? “The door is unlocked.”

Markas entered the room. He had his hands stuffed in his pockets. “How are you feeling today?”

Fuck.

“I’m fine.” He gritted his teeth. What was he saying? He wasn’t fine. He was lonely as hell.

“Right.” Markas leaned against the desk and crossed his ankles. “Want to try for the truth?”

He stared at Markas. “How do you do that?”

“What?”

“Know what I’m thinking.” He balled his hands and shook his head. “I’m not even sure what’s going on, but you’re on top of it. I’m lonely. I want out of this room. I want to be like everyone else again. I made a mistake. I know it. I’ve changed my behavior, but I can’t prove it until I’m out around the others.”

“I know.” Markas turned the chair around and sat, facing Avan. “I’m the alpha. I’m supposed to know what’s going on. I know you’re feeling singled out.”

“But my behavior required it.” He rolled his eyes. This back-and-forth had gotten old a while ago. “I can’t prove I’ve changed—”

“—unless you’re with the others. I know.” Markas met Avan’s gaze. “I’ve talked to Dillon. He accepted your apology, and while I don’t feel you’ve been punished enough, he thinks it’s time you were given more leeway. The house arrest—er…room arrest—is officially over. That said, I’ve got my eyes on you, and if you make a stupid move, I will pounce.”

“You’re letting me go?” He couldn’t process what he’d been told. “Dillon…is okay…”

“He is. He believes this is a single incident,” Markas said. “I think you’ve learned new behavior, but I’m not letting you have a total pass.”

“Understood.” Avan rubbed his hands on his pantlegs. “Wow. Thank you.” He had to make a few decisions, like how the hell he’d move forward. He knew how to conduct himself, so that wasn’t a problem. But how would the others receive him?

“You’re welcome,” Markas said. “Be yourself. The other shifters will need time to come around, but if you’re the man and shifter I think you are, they’ll accept you.”

Being himself wasn’t hard, but waiting for acceptance would kill him. His lion leapt within him and roared. He had a second chance and could pursue who he wanted. He’d have to keep the lion in check, but the big cat was happy.

“Come down for dinner. We’re having a feast and welcoming two new shifters.” Markas stood. “We’re eating in forty-five minutes.”

“Thank you. I’ll be there.” Avan stood as Markas left. “Thank you,” he called.

He blew out a ragged breath and leaned against the doorway. Ten minutes ago, he’d thought his world was mostly over. Now, he’d been given another chance. He spotted Oscar down the corridor. His heart beat faster, and electricity shot though his veins.

Well, lion, we’ve got another chance to roar.Avan shoved a lock of his hair off his forehead.Time to prove we’re better than we were and worthy of Oscar. No sweat, right?