Chapter 10

“You have a unique philosophy, my small, sparkly wolf.” Lawson tipped Reed’s chin up to kiss him. “Look at you. And it’s all over Wren, and likely the whole SUV. But...I don’t mind. So long as I see that shine, I know things will be all right.”

In front of Wren, looking at him like he was sure he was missing something, Noah stilled. Looked over at Lawson. “I never thought of that. But...I like it.”

“If I’m wrong, I accept the blame.” Lawson gave Noah a warm smile.

Wren pressed his eyes shut.

I don't want either of them to be wrong.

And maybe, maybe they didn’t have to be. Wren could help Reed keep his sparkle by letting him steal a few last moments of just being himself. Forgetting all the things that cast a shadow over his life.

Even in the darkness, tiny specks of glitter would catch the smallest bits of light. Which was...very Reed. The thought made Wren smile as he looked over at the other sub, the sparkles on his cheek dancing in the sun’s glow, his laughter making music for them.

They reached the campground shortly after, not an official spot, but simply a spot of woods with difficult access from the highway. Lawson was exhausted from driving, hyper-focused as always. Noah hadn’t slept much either.

Which made for a lot of stress while the tents were set up by Reed and Wren, with both Doms supervising after Reed insisted they could do it alone.

“It’s going to rain. We should find higher ground.” Noah paced, eying the lake near the clearing. “The weather’s been unpredictable. I wouldn’t chance it.”

Lawson sighed heavily. “There will be no unexpected disasters. This lake doesn’t rise enough to be an issue. These tents are highly rated. You wanted to fish with Reed. And teach Wren how to do it. This lake is perfect and being close means we can spend more time enjoying ourselves in the morning.”

“Reed hates being out in the open when there’s thunder. Maybe we should find a motel.”

“Dude!” Reed’s face was beet red. “I haven’t had an issue with that since I was sixteen. Get with the program. After bullets, thunder isn’t that scary.”

The color left Noah’s face as he turned and walked away.

As Lawson went to Reed, tugging him into a tight hug, Wren followed Noah into the woods. He kept his training in mind, moving soundlessly.

Walking right into a gun aimed at his head.

Eyes going wide, Noah lowered the weapon. Then dropped it. “Wren...I’m sorry. I thought you’d stayed with them. You should have. I…”

“Sir, if you didn’t react to someone sneaking up on you, I’d be worried.” Wren pressed up against Noah’s chest. “Now I know you can keep yourself safe. But I never really doubted that. I’ve seen it.” He tipped his gaze up. “That you didn’t know it was me...does that mean I’m getting better?”

Tears on his lashes, Noah wrapped his arms around Wren, holding him tight. “It does. But I don’t want you seeing what happened to you again because of me.”

Wren wrinkled his nose. “I didn’t see the bullet before it hit me. Or after. It upsets Keiran when I say I wish I had. My mind blocked most of it. That’s not helpful. I have absolutely nothing to work with and his nightmares...I don’t like them. They aren’t movies. He can’t turn them off.”

“Can you?” Noah slid down against a smooth tree, holding Wren and bringing him down with him. “Do you still have nightmares? You’ve always slept a bit sporadically. You’re good at being still. I wouldn’t know if I hadn’t seen you do it in prison.” His Dom plucked a leaf from his shoulder. “You could lay there for hours and not move, but I could feel you were awake. Just...thinking.”

“I loved sleeping with you. And...you holding me. I knew you’d stop when I woke up. I thought if you believed I was still sleeping, you’d stay.” The way Noah closed his eyes made Wren feel bad. He hugged his Dom. “You did stay. While I was there. That was special. Thank you.”

“Wren, that was years ago. If you don’t have anything since, I’m fucking up.”

“I have a lot.” Wren screwed up his nose, shaking his head. “You mentioned then. I’m telling you how things were. Now they’re different. Reed said the same. He’s not a little boy anymore.”

Noah huffed out a laugh. “Believe me, I know.”

Lifting his hand to his Dom’s cheek, Wren held his gaze. “Sir, I went over this route with Lawson. He’s right. Even with heavy rain, we’re safe here. And the tents are sturdy. And...no one will find us. There have been a few who tried. More for Lawson than me. Those trying for me are low level. Those trying for Lawson? I’m better than them.” He took out Reed’s phone, which he’d taken while the other sub was sleeping without thinking. “I’d be more comfortable with my own phone. But I set it up so Curtis can contact Reed if he wants to. Safely.”

“He won’t, my little bird.” Noah took Wren’s phone from his pocket. “I know him. I left...too many things open. Things Rhodey broke in me over time. With how often Curtis asked to go back in, rejecting how his disappearance ruined any chance at using his old connections? I love him. He’s a good man. But he still feels that power. And doesn’t see past it.”

“You should beat Curtis some more, sir.” Wren gave Noah a sage nod. “It would save us a lot in broken bottles.”

Noah burst out laughing. “No, my boy. This is better. He’s gaining skills without the attachments he had with me. He’s being shown what it’s like to have someone else in control without having to be beaten into submission. He needed that.”

“But…” Wren looked back toward the trees. “He has a sub.”

“And his sub has Lawson. If anyone can relax while his sub is in someone else’s hands? It’s Curtis.” Noah’s grinned, shaking his head. “I’ll just stay out of the way.”

Somehow, Wren wasn’t sure that was what Curtis and Lawson needed from their Dom—except, Noah didn’t play that role in their lives anymore. The friendship was what had survived, changing over the years. Becoming something stronger than when the three men had almost walked away from one another.

Curtis would return when he was ready. Until then, Noah was right. Reed had Lawson. And Noah.

And...he’ll always have me, too.

Not that Wren could give him the same things the Doms could, but…

Maybe that is the point.

After they returned to the small clearing, Wren helped Reed prepare a steak dinner over campfire that was actually edible. Lawson suggested they all hang out in the bigger tent for the night, so Noah wouldn’t worry about the rain as much when he saw they were all fine.

More diplomacy. Which worked in Reed’s favor. Both Doms were fast asleep when Reed left the tent.

Keys in hand.

Wren followed, more than a little impressed with how Reed had managed to get them without waking either Dom.

Then sobered as he realized what this meant.

I have to be in control. Set the limits.

And out of anyone from The Asylum?

I am the absolute worst choice.