CARNIVORE [MxM+]

Chapter 10 [Revised]

Another TW (slurs and overall homophobia), considering Tycho cannot keep his mouth shut. 

Tycho Black.

KACEY WAS STANDING IN THE KITCHEN DOORWAY, a towel on her shoulders and an extra one in her hand. "Tycho? What the fuck?"

"What?" Her tone set off alarm bells in my head. What could be wrong right now? I thought I was safe.

Kacey's eyes were focused on my midsection. I followed her gaze to the dark, deep blotches covering my ribs. 

I still couldn't catch that fucking break.

"What happened?"

I let out a sigh. I didn't want to have this conversation, considering I was soaked to the bone, beaten to shit, and still recovering from a slight hangover. Sure, I could lie, but I was tired. I'm not in the mood to explain myself. 

"It's nothing, Kace. Just give me the towel." Her eyes narrowed at my reaction as if it angered her slightly. 

She threw down her hands in defiance. "No, I want to know. I've never liked it when you hid shit from me, and I don't like it now." I felt my lip twitch in disgust. That's rich coming from her.

After what you did? Really?

I scoffed. "You know damn well you have no right to talk about hiding things, Kacey. " She took a step back with this offended expression on her face.

"That- that was different, Tycho. It was something I had to do, and you know that--" 

"Give me, the fucking towel, Kacey!" I spat the words at her and took a step forward with my hand out. She shrank back, and I immediately regretted my actions because of how hurt she looked. The anger drained from me, and all I was left with was a little more hatred to give to myself. 

She looked defeated, making me take another step toward her to comfort her. 

I exhaled. "Listen, please, just- please don't make me talk about this right now, okay? I'm- I'm freezing, and I need to sleep-"

"Step away from my fucking sister, you prick." Max's words sliced right through mine, drawing both Kacey's and my attention to him, where he stood at the other entrance to the kitchen. His words failed to register because my mind was stuck on his body language. 

His face was shrouded in darkness, but I knew he was angry. I could see it in his hands. I knew I had to explain myself before Max thought it needed to do something stupid, like pick a fight he wouldn't win. 

"The hell are you so mad about? Mind your damn business." His hostility confused me. I would get it if he thought I was harming Kacey or something, but I've never threatened her during our relationship, so why would I now? She knew that, and I did too. Maybe he didn't? 

"Max, it's okay--" He cut Kacey off. 

"I know what you did to Alexei, you fuckin' asshole!" His tone was accusing. Whatever was happening fucking bewildered me. 

What the hell are you talking about?

"What? Max, I don't know an Alexei." As much as I wanted to show Max he couldn't talk down to me, I needed to behave and clear up whatever bullshit he had circulating through his head. I needed to make sure Kacey didn't hate me. I wouldn't be able to take it. 

"Short, blond with blue eyes? You met him a couple of weeks ago. Had a little skirmish in front of Monet's?" Max's fury had grown, and he had taken a step forward. His eyes looked up at me with hatred.