Page 8 of Honey Heat (Sin & Steel #9)

Ethan wasn’t sure how long he’d been out. When he finally drifted awake and managed to blink his eyes open, he found himself alone in the clinic.

It felt… weird, considering he hadn’t been alone a single moment since arriving. Or since he’d been conscious.

Slowly, he sat up. His muscles were stiff, but at least they weren’t aching anymore, like someone was pressing a hot coal to his ribs. He’d call that a win.

Bonus? No more IV in his arm, and those sticky pads from the heart monitor were gone, too.

Which meant Ethan could get out of bed. Technically, the doctor hadn’t told him to stay put, so if he was caught, Ethan was throwing himself on that technicality.

He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and slipped off, cold tile biting into his feet. Christ! Central air and floor tile were a brutal combination. Ethan steadied himself, gave it a second, then pushed up and away from the bed, legs shaking a little but holding up.

And your ass is hanging out of your gown.

Since no one was in the room, that was the last thing Ethan cared about.

Even though he had his balance, he still used the bed, then the empty food cart, and finally the back of a chair to make his way over to Dr. Martinez’s desk.

Just before he got there, he stopped and shot a glance over his shoulder, checking if anyone was about to walk in.

He had no clue where the doctor or Lucio were or how much time he had before one of them caught him and dragged him back to bed.

The conversation Ethan needed to have was private. The last thing he needed was Lucio overhearing.

Finally making it to the desk—damn the floor was cold!—he eased down into the doctor’s chair, a thick, comfortable thing that made him itch to give it a spin.

“Focus,” he muttered, though he allowed himself one little whirl that he instantly regretted. “Shit.” He clamped his hands to his skull, gritting his teeth. “Next time, genius, wait for the painkillers to wear off.”

Jesus. Martinez’s desk was a disaster. For a guy who used a tablet all the time, you’d think he’d be less…paper-dependent. There was a leaning tower of files on one side and, next to the keyboard, a blue mug dotted with tiny yellow stethoscopes, half filled with coffee.

There, tucked between a deli sandwich and a stapler, sat a landline phone. Ethan eyed the sandwich, his stomach grumbling, but he forced his attention away from the food.

He reached for the phone then hesitated, eyeing his bandaged hands. Crap. How was he supposed to use the dang thing when he couldn’t even pick it up?

Screw it. With a quick flick of his wrist, he knocked the receiver off the cradle then jabbed at the buttons with his elbow. Of course, that just mashed them all at once.

Maybe something else. There was a pen by the monitor. He dragged it over and worked the tip into his bandages, stabbing his finger in the process.

He hung up the phone with his elbow and punched in Stewart’s number, tapping along with his new Bic finger.

Ethan tried to pick up the phone, but it slipped through his bandaged hands and clattered back onto the desk. So he bent over and pressed his ear to the receiver. It rang once. Twice. On the third ring, someone finally answered.

“I don’t need a personal loan or a new bank account, and I especially don’t need a penis enlargement pump… unless it’s free.”

“Stewart!” Ethan practically yelled, knowing Stewart was about to hang up. “It’s me, Ethan!”

“What’s your last name?” Stewart demanded, voice as suspicious as ever.

“McCade. Why are you asking me that?”

“What color are my eyes?” There was a pause. “If you get it wrong, this phone call is over.”

Ethan held back a sigh. Stewart was being weirder than usual. “Which eye?”

“Just answer, or this call is done, imposter .”

What the…? “One’s light gray. The other one’s brown.”

“Hmm. Lucky guess, mister. One final question to prove you’re my best friend.”

Ethan braced himself. It was Stewart, so there was no telling what he might ask. “Fire away.”

“Who really ate that slice of apple pie?”

“You did! Don’t you even try to pin that on me,” Ethan snapped, already gearing up for the argument. “Wyatt still thinks it was me, but there was a plate with crumbs on it right by your bed!”

“That wasn’t apple pie!” Stewart shot back. “Those crumbs were from a donut I had!”

Ethan blew out a breath, forcing himself to calm down, or they would argue about it for hours. “Now do you believe it’s me?”

There was a pause on the other end, then Stewart’s voice dropped, anxious. “I heard you were found. What happened? Do you have any idea how crazy it’s been around here? People were losing their minds looking for you. Are you really in wolf territory?”

Ethan glanced up, peered over the monitor to make sure nobody was coming, then ducked his head and pressed his ear back to the receiver still lying sideways on the desk. “That’s what I needed to talk about,” he said, lowering his voice. “There’s this guy—”

“What guy?” Stewart whispered, matching Ethan’s tone.

“If you’d let me finish…” He told Stewart about Lucio and how the guy made his insides go crazy. “What do you think I should do?”

There was no hesitation. “Nothing,” Stewart said, as if Ethan had asked the world’s dumbest question. “Wait. How hot is he?”

“He would put a fireman calendar to shame.” He instantly thought of Lucio’s dark looks, chiseled jaw, and all those scrumptious muscles. His shoulders alone made Ethan want to weep. “He even has facial hair.”

“I would tell you to jump his bones,” Stewart said, a touch of amusement in his voice, “but you probably wouldn’t know where his bone is.”

“I just risked sneaking out of bed to call you, only for you to make fun of me?” It had to be the pain medication.

Ethan was a little too emotional today. Especially when he’d heard that thunderstorm.

He hadn’t reacted that way to a storm since he was a cub.

Now he was on the verge of tears because Stewart was teasing him.

“You can’t be Ethan,” Stewart said defensively. “Since when do you get all teary-eyed over your virginity? Damn it. Now I’m getting tears in my eyes, and I haven’t been a virgin in years.” He sniffed.

What in the fuck was wrong with Ethan’s life right now? “Just shut up and tell me what to do.”

Stewart sniffed a few more times. “Let him make all the moves.” He paused. “Just don’t let your bear choose him. Sex is one thing, which you sorely need, but your dad will flip his shit if you mate a wolf.”

Ethan nibbled on his lower lip, staring at the coffee mug. “How will I know if that happens?”

“My sweet little gremlin…” Stewart groaned, “Tell me your bear didn’t choose him.”

Those damn tears returned. Ethan blinked them back, feeling so out of his depth that he wanted to crawl under the covers for the next five years.

Or until he knew what to do with the mess inside of him. He didn’t like feeling this vulnerable, especially after what he’d just been through. It felt like he was free falling with no safety net to catch him.

“Stewart, please . Just tell me.”

“I’m not mated, Ethan,” Stewart said softly. “I have no idea. But from what I’ve heard, you’ll know. If that makes any sense, because it doesn’t to me.”

Ethan froze when he felt eyes on him. Slowly, he lifted his head. Lucio stood just past the monitor, arms crossed, eyes fixated on Ethan’s bare ass with a strange look in his eyes.

“Uh, Stewart. I gotta go.”

“Is your beefcake there?” Stewart asked breathlessly. “Find that bone, Ethan!”

Heat erupted across Ethan’s face as he fumbled to hang up, only to smash his hand into the phone. A sharp cry burst out of him. He cradled his hand against his chest, stumbling back, nearly going down, but Lucio was there, catching him quick before he hit the floor.

In one smooth motion, Lucio lifted Ethan into his arms and carried him back to bed. “I’ll get the doctor.” A swift kiss to Ethan’s temple, then Lucio was gone, already sprinting down the hall.

“Holy shit!” Ethan squeezed his eyes shut, breath coming fast, pain throbbing in his hand. It hurt so much he rolled over, pressing his face into the pillow, knees to his chest.

“Let me take a look.” Dr. Martinez’s hands moved in front of Ethan, fingers unwinding the gauze, and somewhere behind him, Lucio tugged the hospital gown closed.

The pain was so intense Ethan didn't even flinch when a needle jabbed him in the butt cheek. In the next heartbeat, oblivion claimed him, dragging him into darkness.

* * * *

At Ethan’s bedside, Lucio sat there, elbows on knees, fingers resting in the strands of his hair.

Ethan had been asleep when Lucio had left him to see what all the commotion was. He still couldn’t get the image out of his mind of Chopper being carried in, his torso bare, covered in blood.

Someone had shot the brother, in broad daylight, out in the open on a country road. Chopper had been so ashen, murmuring about some puppy.

The guy had nearly died, and his main concern was for a dog.

First Ethan was attacked and now Chopper.

But this went further back. Luca nearly dying at the hands of Deputy Gilmore. Tomas and his elegido were both shot at the same time. Diablo’s mate had been kidnapped, and the list went on and on.

Lucio was so sick and tired of the people he cared about being hurt. Jamie nearly dying at his brother’s hands. Percy being locked in that shed to die from the sweltering heat. Jared’s own coalition trying to kill Miguel.

Sitting back, Lucio blew out a breath, gazing at the peaceful expression on his elegido’s serene face. Lucio couldn’t deny it any longer.

His wolf had chosen Ethan. From the moment the bear shifter had opened his eyes and whispered his own name, Lucio had been a goner.

And when he’d held Ethan through that thunderstorm? He could still feel the exact moment his wolf had softly growled mine .

That phone call? Lucio leaned forward and tucked the blanket against his mate’s shoulder. Lucio had returned to find Ethan missing. Panic and fear had set in until he’d heard whispering behind the desk.

And he’d overheard the conversation. Right when Ethan had confessed his confusion about his feelings.

Lucio had heard both ends of the phone call.

Ethan was more innocent than he’d initially thought.

“Wolf,” Ethan groaned as his eyes fluttered open, catching Lucio staring at him. The warm hazel of his gaze made Lucio’s heart stumble.

“Hey there, sleepyhead.” He smiled at his mate, the weight of his earlier thoughts momentarily forgotten.

“How long was I out?” He tried to push himself up with his bandaged hands, wincing at the effort.

“A few hours.” Lucio gently helped him into a sitting position. “How do your hands feel?”

“Like I whacked them pretty hard.” Ethan stared down at the bandages, wiggling his fingers slightly. “They do feel better though.”

“Glad to hear that.” Lucio adjusted the pillows behind his mate’s back, inhaling Ethan’s honey and pine scent. He wanted to tell his mate that his wolf had chosen him and that he’d overheard the conversation.

Instead, he reached for the water cup on the bedside table. “Thirsty?”

“God, yes.” Ethan reached for the cup but let his hands fall to his lap. “Would you mind?”

“Not at all.” Lucio held the cup to his mate’s lips. “Don’t drink it too fast,” he reminded him.

Ethan finally pulled away. “It’s not the first time I’ve injured myself.” His eyes crinkled at the corners. “My dad says I have the spatial awareness of a drunk toddler.”

“That bad?” Lucio chuckled, setting the water aside.

“Sometimes.” Ethan glanced toward the hallway, making Lucio wonder what his elegido was thinking. “What’s it like outside?”

“It’s pretty decent. The sun’s out, but it’s not as hot as it’s been the past few days. Getting tired of staring at these walls?” Lucio would’ve gone nuts by now if he’d been the one in bed for days.

“Will you take me outside?” The request came softly, Ethan’s gaze hopeful. “Just for a few minutes. I need fresh air before I lose my mind in here.”

Even knowing how Ethan felt, Lucio hesitated. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea, osito .”

“Please?” Ethan begged, his lower lip jutting out slightly in a pout that shouldn’t have been so adorable on a grown man. “I’ll be careful. I promise not to do anything stupid, like try to run a marathon or attempt cartwheels, which I suck at.”

The pleading look was impossible to resist. Those eyes were going to be the death of Lucio. “Dr. Martinez and your dad would kill me if something happened to you.”

Lucio still remembered Boone’s threat. It might’ve applied to breaking his son’s heart, but Lucio was certain it would extend to physical injury as well.

“Nothing’s going to happen.” Ethan gazed longingly toward the hallway. “Just a few minutes. I need to feel the sun and breathe air that doesn’t smell antiseptic.”

Already knowing he would cave, Lucio sighed. “Ten minutes. And if you feel dizzy or anything hurts more than it already does, we come right back inside.”

“Deal.” Ethan’s face lit up, making something warm unfurl beneath Lucio’s ribs.

“I’m still gonna check with the doctor first.” He squeezed his mate’s shoulder before heading away.

After some negotiation and a stern warning, Lucio returned. “You got clearance, hermoso .”

“Yippee,” Ethan said amusingly in a small voice. “Let’s blow this joint, maybe knock over a few banks and stop for ice cream before our police chase.”

“Think you can outrun the law in your wheelchair?” Luca arched a brow as he grabbed the one in the far corner.

“No way.” Ethan shook his head, tossing aside his blanket. “I can walk, Lucio. See my perfectly working legs?”

A small growl escaped when Lucio noticed the gown had risen up under the cover, exposing Ethan’s soft cock. Now he remembered seeing his mate bent over the desk, his nicely-shaped ass on display.

Ethan squeaked as he yanked the covers back, adjusting the gown under the cover as he blushed a deep red. “Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize, carino. No tienes idea de lo mucho que quiero reclamarte. Tu cuerpo es impresionante, hermoso. ”

“I have no idea what you just said, but I’m still not getting in that chair.” Ethan swung his legs over the side of the bed and tried to stand, though his legs visibly wobbled. “I just need to get my bearings.”

Lucio was at his side in seconds. “From where, the floor?”

Ethan glared at him. “I just need one dang second.”

“To collapse?” Done with Ethan’s protests, Lucio slid one arm behind his elegido’s back and the other under his knees, lifting him effortlessly into his arms.

The sudden movement pulled a surprised yelp from Ethan.

“What’re you doing?” His mate squeaked, his arms automatically wrapping around Lucio’s neck.

“Compromising.” He adjusted his hold to keep Ethan’s weight balanced. “You’re about as steady as a newborn colt, osito .”

“I can walk,” his mate insisted while resting his head on Lucio’s shoulder.

“Sure you can.” He headed for the door, careful not to jostle his precious cargo. “And I can fly.”

“If anyone sees us, I’m telling them you’re kidnapping me,” Ethan murmured.

“Pretty sure that’s exactly what it looks like, guapo. ” Lucio pushed opened the side exit door with his back.

Ethan closed his eyes and tilted his head toward the sun, inhaling deeply. “God, yes. I’ve missed this so much.”

Fuck me. Lucio was mesmerized by how the light played across Ethan’s face, highlighting the curve of his cheekbones and the sweep of his thick lashes resting against his skin.

Even bruised and battered, his elegido was beautiful.

“Why is your heart racing?” Ethan asked, his breath warm against Lucio’s neck.

“Because I’ve never seen anyone more breathtaking,” Lucio admitted.

With a frown, Ethan lifted his head and glanced around. “Who’re you looking at?”

“There’s only one person I see out here.” Lucio headed for his motorcycle since he didn’t see any benches.

“The little old lady getting out of her car?” Ethan’s frown deepened.

For a moment, Lucio thought his mate was serious, until he saw his lips quirking, like he was fighting hard not to laugh.

“ Sí . She sets my loins on fire.”

Ethan burst out laughing as Lucio straddled his bike, placing his mate in front of him so they could face each other.

After everything Ethan had been through, hearing his pure joy cracked something open inside of Lucio—something fierce and protective that roared with satisfaction at being the one to put that light back in Ethan’s eyes.

Lucia brushed a wind-tossed curl from his mate’s forehead. “You should laugh more.”

“Then you might get attached,” Ethan said, still breathless with amusement.

“Too late for that.” Lucio didn’t rush. He tilted Ethan’s face, ran his fingers down the side of his mate’s throat, and kissed him like he had time. Like he could learn his elegido by mouth alone.

His lips brushed Ethan’s, tentatively, just once. Testing. When his mate didn’t pull away, Lucio kissed him again, and this time, he let himself feel everything he’d been holding back.

Ethan’s breath hitched, the sound quiet and needy, making Lucio kiss Ethan deeper than he’d meant to. His elegido tasted like heat and innocence. Lucio had never craved something so much he ached for it.

Lucio pulled back just enough to look at him. Ethan’s eyes were still closed, mouth parted, lips still wet from the kiss. Then Ethan blinked at him, as if Lucio had just pulled the ground out from under his mate.

He cupped Ethan’s jaw, thumb brushing the corner of his mouth. “ Perfecto .”