Wolf Teeth || Book I : Summer {M/M} ❄

Chapter #28

The music changed to a slow drawl of melancholy strings. Oryen reluctantly searched the dance floor for Jezarri. His heart still thunked to the beat of the previous song.

He was gay. He'd just told his brother so. Obeying Beau's command put him in a compromising position. Under normal circumstances, Oryen could go on a single date, get the information Beau wanted, then tell Jezarri he only wished to be friends...but given the conversation with Tavell, that probably wouldn't end well. Pissing off Tavell jeopardised his chances of earning the respect needed to join Lazro in his seat of power.

He didn't know that he could maintain a false relationship and lead someone on like that—Jezarri had always seemed shy but kind. But if he didn't...

Beau had dropped Edrik's name on Oryen like a guillotine's blade, stopping it to hover with the edge gliding along his nape. If he misstepped, he could kiss his head goodbye.

In the crowd, Oryen spotted Serove, ruddy-cheeked from drink and speaking to a coolly impassive Kalysto. Then he found Reyz, who waved him over for an excited chat about the faylan game coming up in a few week's time. He wished he could enjoy himself, but the upcoming task was a thief of joy. Oryen wanted it over with.

He found Jezarri eventually, engrossed in conversation with a group of women. She noticed his approach, smiling.

"Oryen! Did you enjoy the food?"

"A little too much. Might need a wheelbarrow to get me out of here." He plucked the next words from his throat like they were ingrown hairs. "Would you like to dance?"

The women around her sucked their lips between their teeth to hide their smiles. Jezarri took his hand. "I'd love to."

He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt so awkward, leading a woman onto the dance floor and placing a hand against the small of her back. That she was a woman bothered him less than the lying. There were already so many secrets and lies between him and the werewolves of Mardero. He didn't want more.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" he asked.

"Summer's End is my favourite tradition. Lots of food and dancing, and the weather is warm, so you don't have to dress for cold." Her hand, which lay delicately against his shoulder, slid a little lower to trace the embroidery of the vest he wore. "Though, I imagine this fabric doesn't breathe so well. I'm sure you'll be relieved to know after everyone's had a few drinks they're usually a lot less buttoned up."

Oryen was not relieved to hear that. "I'll suffer for the sake of my modesty."

"Oh, you're shy too? Well, I hope you don't suffer too much."

Oryen summoned his most heterosexual response. "With you on my arm? Never."

She blushed, but didn't say anything, and his guilt doubled. Just pull the trigger.

"So, you joining the Kappas...No interest at all in taking up your dad's mantel? It sounds kind of badass."

"Oh. You know, I don't really think it's for me."

"Not interested in dispensing werewolf justice?"

She bit her lip. "Please don't repeat this to anyone, but I don't feel like anything that happens in here can be called justice."

"What do you mean?"

A light shrug. "Maybe it's not the best topic for a party. I don't want to kill the mood."

"You're not killing anything. I'm all ears."

She looked into his eyes. Perhaps searching for judgement.