Unsevered Ties

48. Big Dogs Cry Too

Chapter 48: Big Dogs Cry Too

Naki nearly jumped from his cinnamon skin when a tanned hand reached out from a darkened corridor. He was so lost in his thoughts, the presence of another escaped his senses. Startled, Naki looked up and into golden eyes that crinkled with amusement and he was caught off guard by the handsome face beaming at him. He was already an erratic mess. He'd just signed over his soul to a silver-tongued demon, and here was a different kind of sin looking at him with eyes so hot they could burn.

Fuck. Sparring with Sega had made him... No! He could not finish such a thought.

"Here you are. Where did you go? You just disappeared after breakfast. Are you still mad? You've avoided me the past few days."

"How have I avoided you?" Naki pursed his lips at Aiden. His skin was still slightly damp from his vent session with Sega, and he knew he was still a bit breathless. Sega was a lunatic, revealing such craziness so early in the day. "I've slept in your bed, haven't I? Why are you being greedy?"

Aiden's smile stretched across his face, his broad lips widening, revealing his wolfish canines. "Greedy? Naki, baby, you haven't experienced my greed. You've fallen asleep three nights in a row. It doesn't count." Aiden had them against the wall, his little mate nestled against his side as he captured him in place. "You have so much bite right now. Who ruffled your fur?"

Naki slid his eyes away, cheeks as traitorous as always. Darling this, and baby that! These men! "Who's your baby huh! You are talking way too sweetly. I'm not being swept away by you right now. I'm not in the mood!"

Aiden's full brows shot up at the words. Naki had never actually turned him down. It was both crushing to his feelings and his pride. Seriously, who had him in this mood? "What's the matter," he asked, his tone serious as it was obvious his mate seemed moody. "Whose ass do I have to kick?"

He reached a rough hand up to stroke the cheek that turned away from him. "you were fine this morning. I only know one person who would put you in this mood. I don't even know why I am asking." He sighed, "what did he say this time?"

Naki noted the edge in Aiden's voice and almost smirked. He was the cutest when he wanted to be the big Alpha protector. "It's not like that. I just lost my spar session, so I'm a bit ticked off." *Because I also just lost my pride, but that's a whole other matter. "Mmm, Aiden... What are your feelings for Sega?"

Aiden paused, his eyes widening at the sudden question. He straightened, throat bobbing as he swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. Why was Naki asking? By the Gods, that was not a question he ever wanted Naki to ask him.

"Do you love him?"

Aiden actually choked. He choked on nothing, not on air, nor saliva... Well, perhaps he'd choked on the manifestation of shock. He whipped his head towards his mate. Who was this imposter? "Naki you...are you okay? What is this all of a sudden? What is making you ask this?"

Naki noted the deep red that had splashed over Aiden's face like an embarrassed teenager. He didn't need Source to see the embarrassment that stemmed from hearing the truth. So Aiden shared Sega's feelings... What exactly went on between those two? What was their history that their feelings transcended time and a very bad, rough patch? He sighed. He felt such jealousy he could vomit. It wasn't the ugly kind of jealousy, though; it was the competitive kind. In this matter, he would not lose to Sega!

Naki huffed, "never mind, it doesn't matter. I'm sorry for asking. It's not my place to ask you like that." He smirked, "if you have feelings for him, then so be it, but stop hiding them from me like I'm some scorned lover. I told you, I cannot control what you two have, but don't hide things from me. I think you are nuts, you know, for liking him so much. He's absolutely infuriating with his stupid long lashes and his stupid dimples and his stupid perfect butt."