The Omega's Price

Chapter 19: Just a Dream

A small laugh left Mew's throat as he shook his head gently. His hands slid out from Gulf's pajamas and Gulf glanced at him in confusion as his body slowly turned to jelly. But Mew merely ignored his suggestion and helped him take his shirt off before guiding him to roll over onto his stomach. Those magical hands applied more lotion before returning to the skin of his back and continued his massage. Gulf's arousal bloomed slowly, hips shifting against the sheets for some friction as Mew's hands worked their way up his spine and over to his shoulders. Gulf moaned as Mew's hand worked out a knot of tension and his body sunk further into the mattress while Mew's muted thoughts soothed him. His eyelids drooped heavily, and he fought to stay awake, but with the excitement and stress of the day his body seemed to drift in and out slowly as exhaustion settled in his bones. Small whimpers turned into soft snores as he dozed off and the pliant muscles in his body relaxed completely, the tension stolen by Mew's strong hands.

Gulf's eyes blinked open, and he looked around feeling lethargic, yet his body remained boneless. Did he fall asleep during Mew's massage? He must have. Sometime during the night, he had shifted on his side, and he couldn't contain the disappointment of waking up to no pressure at his back, no arm wrapped around his waist. The bed shifted and Gulf turned over slowly, a yawn stretching his lips, to find Mew sitting against the headboard, a book in his lap and thick glasses resting on his nose.

"Mmm... paaka what are you doing? What time is it?"

Mew glanced over at him, and the frown he had been forming dissolved into an adoring smile, "I'm just reading up on the books Dr. Kun gave us. It's early babais go back to bed."

"Why are you still up?" Gulf asked, tone sluggish.

The frown returned and Mew glanced quickly back to his book, "I just wanted to be prepared for the babies. You're still tired Gulf, rest some more."

Gulf's hand snaked over to grab Mew's wrist, "come back to bed with me paaka."

As they connected Gulf's heart dropped.

He's lying to me about something. Why would my practical mate need the apartment? It doesn't make sense. He wouldn't want me to spend more money, he's uncomfortable with it. So why keep the apartment? Is he planning to run away? That would be stupid. The apartment is the first place I would check.

The line between Mew's brows deepened and Gulf winced. What did he do? He couldn't break Zan's confidence, but he needed to explain. He didn't want misunderstandings.

Gulf leaned over and grabbed the book from Mew's lap, closing it and placing it on the nightstand before turning back. He took a hold of Mew's hand and pulled until Mew was scooting down to Gulf's level and they faced each other. His fingers came up to caress Mew's silky cheek, "what's wrong Mew?"

Mew sighed as his eyes bore into Gulf's, "why are you lying to me about the apartment?'"

Gulf's eyes flickered over his face as he came to a decision. He couldn't lie to his mate. They needed to be a unit.

"I want to keep the apartment in case Zan needs somewhere to go" Gulf explained hesitantly.

Mew's brow scrunched even further as he tried to fit pieces together, "why does Zan need somewhere to go? What's going on? Why was he at your apartment yesterday? You hate him."

"Paaka... please don't ask me to break his confidence. I don't want to keep things from you, but this is not my story to tell."

"Wait, what story? I'm so confused!"

Gulf chuckled as he slipped Mew's glasses off and smoothed the line between his brows, "Zan and I had a conversation yesterday that was... needed and I promised him I would keep it confidential. I want to help him, Mew. He needs a friend."