Chapter 4

There were no fatalities from the grocery trip. Definitely a win, though there had been some close calls in the bread aisle. Shoes gritting against the pavement, Wren hefted two bags out of the back of the SUV, following Noah, Lawson and Reed, who all carried full boxes. In the bar, everything was set on tables while Reed rushed off to get the coolers.

Coming out of the galley, Keiran wiped his hands on his apron, surveying the spread with a satisfied smile. “Oh good. Between this and a few things I’ve prepared for you, no one will starve on the trip.”

Lawson arched his brow at Keiran. “Was there any reason to doubt we could manage?”

Not looking the least bit fazed, Keiran glanced between Lawson and Noah, then lifted his shoulders. “Not at all, sir. I spoke to Matt and put aside enough coffee beans for there and back.” He looked to where Reed backed in from the gym with the first cooler. “Matt texted you to tell you where the hand grinder and French Press are.” As Reed patted his pockets, Keiran chuckled, picking Reed’s phone up from where he’d left it behind the bar. “You might want to keep this close. He said he’ll call as soon as he’s back at the hotel.”

“Thanks, Keir-Bear.” Reed grinned at the other sub, taking his phone and dashing off to the stairwell.

Going to the first box, Wren began to empty it, organizing the condiments in one of the smaller plastic containers from the stack Keiran brought out for him. So long as he focused on the task at hand, he could avoid thinking about actually going on the trip. How far away from The Asylum he’d be. How the danger would increase with every mile, bringing them beyond the protection established here over years.

Without him there, Reed would be okay. He left The Asylum for trips to Manhattan with Jamie, or other random outings with Curtis or Matt. Even Noah, when he went on missions, managed to come back without so much as a scratch.

Most of the time, in any case.

Wren’s hand shook as he lifted it to adjust his glasses, absently brushing his fingertip over the scar above his eye. It had been a while since there’d been any credible threat toward him. The systems put in place shielded him, but only here. What if he put everyone else at risk by agreeing to go along?

Like last time…

No. Last time, he hadn’t been the target. He lifted his eyes to meet Lawson’s grimly determined gaze. The Dom took extra precautions now, but he didn’t lock himself away, afraid to step out of the building.

Some of those precautions involved Wren keeping an eye out for anyone who might be paying too much attention to Lawson’s location, or his schedule. It would help if Wren was with him and knew where that was. Noah was making sure their route couldn’t be easily tracked. Something else Wren could help with.

Besides, Noah had mentioned needing someone who could be ‘diplomatic’. Reed was many things, but definitely not that. His relationship with Noah could be tenuous at times, and he’d always side with his Doms over his guardian. He pushed the man who’d helped raise him from his teens more than anyone else in his life.

Maybe...maybe because he knew, deep down, Noah would never leave him. But part of him needed to test it.

Human psychology could be strange. The more Wren researched it to try to understand the people around him, the more confused he became. Still, he knew one thing for certain. Reed needed Noah with him.

And if Wren stayed here, Noah would have no one to reassure him that he was needed when emotions ran high. Which they would.

“Tell me right now if you have any doubt you can manage this.” Standing by the bar beside Noah, who was checking over one of his two new generators, Rhodey kept his voice low. “You’ve been stable for a good amount of time, but this could get rough. And no one will be there who can drag you back from the edge if you get too close.”

Fisting his hand on the bartop, Noah pressed his eyes shut, nodding slowly. “I know that. I’ve been working on catching myself. I need him to know he can count on me, but if you think I’ll only make things worse—”

Rhodey put his hand on Noah’s shoulder. “I didn’t say that.” He gave Noah a light shake. “Look at this like the missions you’ve been on alone. Prove all the bastards who see you as a loose cannon wrong. And don’t shoot Lawson.”

“That would be very much appreciated.” Lawson glanced over from where he was double checking the long list of supplies he’d made, sending Reed off for one item at a time once he came down from the loft. “He’ll be fine, Rhodey. This isn’t a mission, it’s family, doing what family does. It’s not about you or me—not that there won’t be any tension, but we’ll work through it. We always do, in our own way.”

Brow creasing, Noah studied Lawson for a moment. “I’m not going to lie, you’re the last person I expected to have that kind of faith in me.”

The edge of Lawson’s lips quirked. “You keep forgetting how well I know you, Noah. Yes, you’re a man who struggles with the aftermath of a lot of brutality and a toxic upbringing. You’re flawed and overprotective and controlling. But I’ll always remember that man...the one who put down wildflowers he’d brought for his mother to take down my abuser. Then picked them right back up and guided me toward a second chance at life.” He gave Noah a level look. “One day, maybe you’ll remember him too.”

Holding still, Noah met Lawson’s gaze, inhaling slowly, then inclining his head. He looked at the generator. “Maybe we don’t need both of them.”

“There’s plenty of space. And it doesn’t hurt to have a backup.” Lawson went back to his list, glancing up for a second to catch Wren’s eye and wink. “How’s that for diplomatic?”

Wren smiled at the Dom, relief easing away some of his worries. The risk remained that something would trigger Noah, but Lawson had a point. He knew who Noah really was.

They’d make better friends than enemies. Maybe...maybe they’ll finally see that.

Maybe Wren could help them on this trip.

Like anyone who faced specific challenges, Noah was more than his trauma or his disabilities. He’d taught Wren a man needed to own his decisions, his mistakes, and never stop trying to learn and grow. No matter what else Noah struggled with, he cared about those he loved deeply and would do anything for them.

For the majority of his prison sentence, Wren spent his free time in the cell because there were limits to the protection Noah could offer, between the rigid structure and underlying chaos. But Noah kept him company as much as possible, without neglecting the influence he’d gained to keep them both alive.

During those moments Wren had begun to feel something for him he hadn’t been able to put a name to then.

Love.