It's A Hoot (mxm)

Chapter 31

"Are you cooing?"
He huffed and puffed out his cheeks. "It helps me calm down," he responded in a quiet whisper. He tilted his head towards Michael, his wide golden eyes blinking up at him. "Thank you for coming."
Michael took his hand, engulfing it in his palm. "How could I let you ever do something so dangerous by yourself? You're a walking magnet for danger."
Toren scoffed, but he was reluctant to say anything. It wasn't exactly an untrue statement.

"Was it always this... adventurous for you?" Alexander queried. He leaned forward in his seat with a creak of his leather jacket.
Toren knew the question was asked in jest by the way Alexander's lips quirked up, but he found himself mulling over it. "I don't suppose I've led what would be considered a normal life." He blinked slowly and turned his eyes back to Michael. "It was quiet, though, for the past few years."

Pop's truck that they were riding in hit a bump, and his shoulder collided with Michael's. The big bear let out a grunt, stretching his arm over Toren's shoulders to steady him.
"Road's a bit rough til we hit the highway," Landon explained from the driver's seat. He'd insisted on driving them. They were headed back to Sasquetcha, the same city Toren had run away from. The place where it all began. He'd thought losing his parents was the most he'd ever felt, but the conflicting emotions inside him trumped it. That empty pit they'd left was now twisting inside him. He just hoped that what they were about to do would settle everything.
He leaned his head against Michael and peered out through the window. It still hadn't snowed yet, but the sky was covered in heavy clouds, not a single spot of blue. He huddled closer to the warmth that was radiating off his bear. "I hope this works..." He whispered.

"If you even think about apologizing for bringing us into this, I'll smack you upside the head." Landon commented, drawing a chuckle out of him.
"He's right, this isn't your fault, Kiddo." Pops chimed, glancing at him through the rear view mirror. He probably would've full on turned and looked at him if it weren't for Decker sitting squeezed in the front middle seat. He'd insisted on coming. Taz had also tried to wedge his way in, but Pops turned him down and reminded him that he needed to stay and protect Onry, Gray, and little Autumn. Besides, they were already jammed in the truck, trying to fit one more person would've been nigh impossible.
Caledon's girls had gone with the cat. Geoffrey had suggested they only take a small party so that Zuzana wouldn't see them as a threat once she figured out what was going on. They were hoping she'd underestimate Toren's group and focus her forces on Geoffrey's assault. There was a small part of him that wondered if they weren't playing right into her hands. Going after the information would be leading her right to it.
He groaned and rubbed his temples. It was starting to give him a headache. The drive was giving him too much time to think. That's what he was good at, thinking. Thinking himself into the sick feeling gathering in the pit of his stomach.

"You know, our Alphas are probably gonna be pissed they weren't involved in this when we get back." Alexander chuckled, setting his hand over Toren's and giving it a gentle squeeze.
Michael chuffed. "Don't remind me."
Landon laughed bitterly. "Oh no, you will only get a tongue lashing since you're bear and not officially wolf pack. I, on the other hand, am going to get my ass handed to me. And Alex, your Alphas are like the chillest folks. You should be more worried about your sister beating the crap out of you, injury or not." Then he glanced at Pops and gave him the biggest puppy eyes, which looked funny coming from Landon. "So please vouch for me. Tell Nick these guys kidnapped me and forced me to help."
Pops gave him an amused smirk. "You realize Taz will tattle on you no matter what I say, right?"
It went quiet as Landon mulled over his options before setting a hand on Decker's shoulder, eyes fixed on the road. "So, Decker, have I ever told you that you're my favorite brother?"
"Taz would not listen to me," Decker stated, his words stiff and awkward but full of amusement.
"Pops, I think I want to live on campus this year," Landon concluded.