Torn Between Tides

Chapter Eight

"I'll think about it."

Colt couldn't believe that Roman had asked him out on a date. A fucking date?

"Fine, fine, play hard to get all you want," Roman said with a smirk. "I like the chase, anyway."

Colt couldn't help but chuckle at the comment. He liked the chase? Colt was a goddamn wolf. He was the one who was supposed to do the chasing, but as it turns out, Roman was full of surprises. He was not expecting the swimmer to be so...just so out there.

There were so many things that were eating away at his head. The moment he saw another person touch Roman intimately, Colt had to control his urge to rip off his throat. But he had no right to be possessive or protective, the two of them weren't together, even if Roman was supposed to be his better half.

When he saw Roman running to the restroom, Colt followed without a second thought. He couldn't remember the last time he was this worried about anything or anyone. He had panicked, finally calming down a little when he saw that Roman was only puking.

Colt remembered carrying a passed-out Roman to his house. He looked so calm, so peaceful, and just...he looked beautiful. Even now, seeing him in Colt's shirt was making the Alpha's heart beat just a tad bit faster. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, suddenly having trouble swallowing his food.

"Whose sweats are these, anyway? I'm sure yours won't fit me," Roman asked.

Colt's train of thought came to a halt. He stared at the man in front of him for a brief moment, wondering whether to say the truth or not. He feared that the truth would raise questions. Questions he didn't want to answer.

"My younger brother," Colt replied. He couldn't find it in himself to lie.

"Oh, cool. I didn't know you had a brother," Roman spoke casually.

"I used to," Colt muttered. Roman paused, his fork mid-air for a few seconds as he was caught off-guard. He kept it down, looking at the werewolf with a soft frown. Colt met his gaze, keeping his expression as emotionless as possible.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Roman said. "Do you want to—"

"No."

"That's fine. Cool." Roman nodded. The air was tense now, and neither of them knew what to say.

Colt hadn't thought of his late brother in a while. Not until he had to go rummage in his things to find something for Roman to wear. His belongings still had a faint scent, it had faded away with the years, but there was enough to remind Colt of his sibling that he cherished more than anything.

Colt's family was happy. He was happy.

But it all went to shit, and Colt vowed to himself that he would never have a mate. And Colt was a man of his word.

So then why was he having trouble staying away from Roman? Every second he spent with him, his longing for the swimmer grew more and more, despite his better judgment. The mate pull was strong, which was why he had to be stronger. He had to resist.

Colt looked up at Roman, who was staring into space. He wasn't eating anymore and seemed to be lost deep in his thoughts. Colt pressed his lips in a thin line, he kept his hand on top of Roman's to get his attention, startling the other man as he faced Colt again with a puzzled expression.

"Don't worry about it. It's been years. I've had time to deal with it," Colt said, trying to make the swimmer feel better. Ironic, wasn't it? He was the one with the dead brother, yet he was trying to make sure the other man didn't feel bad.

"I don't think I'd ever get over it or be able to move on if I lose my brother." Roman's voice was low and gentle. It made Colt frown, albeit they had only known each other for a very short time, he had never seen the man be so vulnerable. "I wouldn't care how many years pass, I don't think I'd ever be...I'm sorry. This is not about me and I'm sorry for your loss. Fuck."