Claimed

Chapter 22: Secrets

Hunter's POV:

There had to be some insane timing in the universe for me to almost punch Mia because I raised my hand to knock on her door at the same time she opened it. Thankfully, she had quick reflexes and grabbed my fist as it fell towards the now open door, her other arm holding a box against her hip.

"Oh Goddess, what do you want?" She sighed.

"I came to help Dean move," I said, setting my hand on my chest. "Geeze, Mia. What a way to greet a guest."

"Guest implies I invited you," she said, releasing my fist and stepping through the door. "I didn't. What do you want?"

"I told you," I frowned. "I came to help Dean."

She narrowed her eyes at me. "I don't believe you."

"Well, what are you going to do about it?"

She shrugged. "Nothing. He's a big boy. He can kick your ass without me. Just don't piss him off too much, please. I love him but I want my personal space back and I won't get it if he doesn't want to move in next to you."

"I will be on best behavior," I promised, saluting her.

She made a face but just shook her head and continued walking towards the packhouse. I slid inside, closing the door behind me and listening for movement. The sound of shuffling led me to the back room that was a living room before but Mia must've changed it to a bedroom for him.

Dean and Kane's smiles were so rare, their appearance stopped you in your tracks. Dean's smile stopped me. Other than his smile once Kane gave him a trial period as Gamma, I couldn't remember the last time I saw him smile. But he was. The box Nessa gave him from Xavier sat on the edge of the bed, the contents spread out. In his hands was a notebook he brought up, inhaling the scent. Whatever significance it held, I'd never seen him smile that big.

He had to be focused to not notice I walked in. He was always on edge. If the weird behavior and smile didn't convince me something was going on between him and Xavier, him so lost in staring at and smelling that notebook sure did. I cleared my throat to make my presence known and his smile faltered.

"What do you want?" He asked, putting everything back in the box.

"Came to help you out."

He scoffed. "Bullshit. Get to the point."

"Just curious... There something going on with you and Xavier?"

His jaw clenched and he tossed something else in the box. "We're friends."

"Just friends?"

"What the fuck else would we be?" He said, sending me a glare and closing the box.

"You tell me."

"There's nothing to tell," he said, picking up the box and brushing past me towards the door.

"Okay, cool," I nodded, turning and leaning a shoulder against the wall. "That's good. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't starting any trouble."

Dean paused, glancing back at me. "Trouble?"

"Yeah, you know," I sighed, shaking my head. "I think I'm bi-curious. I don't know that I'm into it but I'm adventurous and you know, how can I know if I don't try? Anyway, I thought about who I could test the waters with and there really isn't anyone better than Xavier. We already talk all the time, I know we can get along, plus he's just really fucking cute, isn't he?"

Dean growled and had me slammed against the wall before I even registered movement. "You lay a fucking hand on him, I will rip your fucking throat out, you understand?"