Because of Them

Chapter 2

Lex hummed something very out of tune as he shuffled through the stack of papers Christian gave him. He was alphabetizing them and filing them away.

He had been doing everything he could to help out the poor, sexy man who seemed seriously burnt out.

He and Wilder had been staying for over a week, and to be completely honest, he didn't want to go back. He liked Christian a lot. He was warm and level headed. He was meticulous, but so very thoughtful. Lex loved getting to know him.

"Do you normally have a job?" Christian asked curiously glancing up.

"I do odd work to help pay my part of the rent," Lex said. He wasn't a ranking wolf, but Wilder nor Christian had ever made him feel inferior for it. He had just never been particularly motivated to do what normal people did.

"What do you like to do?" Christian shut the lid to his laptop, giving him his full attention.

Lex liked that, so he set his papers down and moved to sit in the chair in front of him.

"I've tried everything," he admitted softly. "None of it has ever fit right. I have trouble focusing and sitting still." He didn't know why he felt so compelled to talk to Christian, but it was so easy, just like it was with Wilder. It was like talking to a brother.

"I understand," Christian said. "I think I have the opposite problem. Have you tried training?"

He nodded, "With Wilder a few times." He didn't mind it as much, but he definitely wasn't a warrior. He wished he knew because he would like to be able to provide for his mate, whenever they decided to show up.

Christian hummed, glancing back at his desk and Lex took that as his cue to continue his task.

"You've been a big help to me, Lex. Thank you," Christian said.

Lex bit back a giddy smile, happy to be in the company of the man with beautiful green eyes.

---

As it turns out, Christian was a great cook. Wilder and Lex sat at the island of his massive kitchen, watching him move around fluently.

"You don't have to cook for us," Wilder rumbled.

"I know," Christian said. "But I like to." He never got to cook for anyone but himself. He wasn't doing anything fancy, just some rice and chicken.

He served them both, choosing to stand across from them. He was always so tired after sitting around all day. Although, he did like Tuesdays and Thursdays when he joined Wilder for training sessions, and usually Friday afternoons, he would try to visit schools or hospitals, anywhere to get to see what was going on.

Lex moaned, startling him from his thoughts.

"This is fantastic," Lex said, melting exaggeratedly into his seat. Christian felt heat crawl up his neck.

"Thank you."

"If only Wilder could cook this good," Lex said.

Wilder huffed. "You don't have to eat the shit I make."

"Shit is a good word," Lex teased, and Wilder punched him in the arm. "Alright, alright. I can't cook at all so I take it back."

"Ass," Wilder muttered, and Lex laughed.

It was quiet a moment, but that never lasted long with Lex.

"Isn't it weird that we all are around the same age without a mate?" he asked curiously.

No one said anything.

Honestly, Christian had been thinking the same. Most found their mates around age twenty, and the three of them were pushing thirty. It was a big coincidence, but it was still odd.

"They got all of the moisture out of our house," Wilder said. "They fixed up the floors and the ceiling from the water damage. It won't be too much longer before we can go back."

The thought made Christian sick. He pushed his food around with his fork. He liked not being alone anymore.

"That's great," he offered. He could feel Wilder's gaze, but he chose to ignore him.

Lex gave a loud, dramatic sigh. "I like helping Christian."

"You are more than welcome to come and help me anytime," Christian gave a gentle smile, one that Lex returned.