Page 16 of Alpha Heat

“I see.” Caleb knew the story of Vale and Jason’s imprinting. They told it now like it was a sweet tale, waxing lyrical over the moment like it hadn’t been violent, terrifying, and basically assault. The rose-colored glasses ofErosgapélove had taken the sting from it for them. Not so much for Xan.

“And now Dr. Chase knows about you.”

Xan buried his face in his hands. “I was delirious and in pain. I don’t know how much he understood or believed. It’s not too late to handle it, control the story.”

“Mmm,” Caleb hummed. “And what did Dr. Chase say?”

“He was confused. I’m surprised he let me drive home. I think his shock is all that allowed him to release me.”

“As if that’s a good thing! You’d have been better off under a doctor’s care. Who knows what that monster has done to you?” Caleb adjusted a poultice that had slipped with Xan’s squirming. “I wish you’d let me look.”

“No.” Xan enjoyed Caleb’s care on his external wounds, but he had limits as to what he’d let his omega see of the aftermath of indulging in his addiction.

“Dr. Chase…” Caleb sighed again. “He’ll have questions.”

“I’m sure.”

“He’ll call Jason.”

“I don’t think he will. Not right now.”

Caleb looked doubtful, and on another day, he’d be right. But Urho wasn’t going to bother Jason, not if it would add stress to Vale. The pregnancy, terrifying as it was, would at least shield Jason and Xan from dealing with that awkward conversation.

“Dr. Chase is old-fashioned,” Caleb said quietly. “I know you admire him, and I’ve seen how you look at him.”

“What’s that mean?”

“You know what it means, Xan.” Caleb didn’t sound angry, just sad and tired. For both of them. “I know you admire him,” he said again. “But is he trustworthy?”

“I think so. Yes.” Especially now when Vale was delicate. Urho would never put Vale at risk; his loyalty and investment there was too strong, and that meant he’d keep Xan’s secret. At least until Jason and Vale’s baby was born…or not born. As the case may be. His gut twisted up.

“I suppose I’ll have to trust your assessment.”

“I know I made a mistake tonight.”

“Darling, you make this mistake far too often. It breaks my heart.” Caleb nuzzled the back of Xan’s neck. There was nothing sensual in the action, only a needy seeking of reassurance. An omega gesture, and Xan responded as he should, with an alpha’s comfort.

“We’re all right, Caleb. I promise I’ll always take care of you.”

Caleb huffed softly and then pulled back. “I’d rather you took care of yourself.”

“I’m tired,” Xan said, carefully rolling onto his back, dislodging the poultices, and sitting up. He broke out into a sweat from the effort, and as he gingerly stood, Caleb helped him up.

“You need to rest. What excuse will you use tomorrow?”

“I’ll go to work,” Xan said.

“But your face…”

Xan touched his swollen cheekbone and grimaced. “I take it there’s no hiding it?”

“Not even with the stage makeup we have left over from that costume party we attended.”

“I’ll have to claim flu, then.”

“Yes,” Caleb agreed. “I’ll make the call in the morning.”

“Thank you.” His knotted gut relaxed.