Page 31 of Trust No Alpha

Kris’s chest rose in a quick breath. To hide his reaction, as if all his secrets might be too easily read if he showed any sort of emotion, Kris took a quick gulp of his tea, wincing at the heat.

A long silence passed.

“All right, then,” Thorne said. “I have a guest room. It’s dusty in there, but you’re welcome to it.”

Kris blinked rapidly. “You can’t tell anyone I’m here.”

That was enough confirmation for Thorne. The boy was running. But from what?

Thorne shrugged. “Who would I tell?”

Kris glanced about the room.

“Like I said,” Thorne added. “I live alone. There’s no one here. That means your secrets are safe. For now. But won’t your father come looking?”

Kris shook his head. “He’s in the hospital. For now.”

“I hope it’s nothing serious.”

Kris took two deep breaths. “He’ll be fine.”

“May I ask what happened?”

“I hit him.”

Thorne leaned forward. “Why?”

“He attacked me.”

Two Alphas fighting was somewhat common. But father and son? The sad face in the window. The way Kris held himself, wary and suspicious. Something was very wrong here.

“Rumors say you’re a dangerous Alpha. Should I be afraid of the same behavior from you?” Kris asked.

What behavior had been going on in the Vandergale mansion?

“No,” Thorne replied.

“I mean no insult,” Kris added, ducking his head a little.

“While your question is very personal, I will be blunt. Because of the rumors. Because you seem afraid. My last Burn ended yesterday. My cycle is every two months. So that’s not a worry, either. Have I anything to fear from you?”

Kris shook his head once. “Thank you,” he said, and sipped more tea. When he looked up again, a tiredness seemed to swell from his eyes.

“The guest bedroom is down the hall and to your right,” Thorne said. “You should sleep. We’ll talk again in the morning.”

Kris put down his now empty mug and stood. “Your name is Hawthorne, right?”

“You can call me Thorne.”

“Thank you, Thorne. I can’t go home. This is a lot you’re doing for me. I—I don’t know what to say. So I thank you.”

“You may sleep as long as you like. You’ll find soap and shampoo in the room’s adjoining bathroom. Don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything. If you hear sounds in the morning, it will only be me. I’m an early riser.”

“Thank you again. I will find a way to repay you.”

“No need. We’re neighbors, right? That’s what neighbors do.” Thorne forced a smile.

Kris opened his mouth as if to speak but nothing came out. All he seemed able to do was nod. He walked to the front door and picked up his pack, then grabbed his coat from the hook on the wall before disappearing into the light shadows of the hallway.