His wolf protector mm wo.., p.2
His Wolf Protector: MM Wolf Shifter Mafia Romance, page 2
Had Remy just called me? I wondered as my heart raced, washing away the confusion from an hour ago. What had been the purpose of his call?
He had said it was to get me to help Hil, but he had to have known I would have done that anyway. No, there had to be more to it than that. Was he seeking comfort for his father’s death? Because as much as I have wanted us to be, Remy and I weren’t that close.
So, could the reason for his call be something else? Could it be that he was secretly in love with me and that I hadn’t been crazy all of these years for dreaming that he was?
It was because of Remy that I confronted who I thought was my father. Well, not directly because of him. But it was because I had interacted with Remy so much while Hil was missing that I had noticed the gaping hole in my life. Could it have been the same for him?
Thinking about it, I immediately remembered the many reasons Remy would have no interest in someone like me. For starters, although I wasn’t normally a complete mess, around him, I was. There were two months after Hil and I became friends where I couldn’t even form words in his presence.
I was 14 years old, not 10. And yeah, he was super-hot, even before he could turn into a wolf. But there was no reason I should have lost the ability to speak around him.
Then there was the time Remy caught Hil and me watching gay porn in Hil’s room. I had asked Hil if he had locked the door, and he assured me he had. So, when Remy burst in, finding us with our dicks in hand, I could have passed out.
And finally, let’s not forget the time when I was 16 and Hil’s parents let me stay at their place while Hil’s family took my mother on vacation with them. I had school so I couldn’t go, but thinking I had the place to myself, I had a one-man naked dance party in their penthouse, complete with towel turban and hairbrush microphone.
Remy chose that moment to come by and check on the place. It wouldn’t have been so bad if little Dillon hadn’t been so excited to be out. But who could blame the guy? Show me someone who doesn’t like to bounce to the beat of ‘Bad Romance’ and I’ll show you someone who doesn’t know how to live.
My cheeks burned at the memories. But as I always did, I reminded myself that the humiliation I experienced in front of Remy didn’t matter. Because as much as I liked to fantasize about it, a guy like Remy, with his Greek God build, gorgeous hair, and alpha princeling status, couldn’t possibly be attracted to guys, much less a human like me.
Besides, this wasn’t the time for fantasies. I had a lot going on. I had just found out that I wasn’t human and I had no idea what I was. How was I supposed to deal with that?
Additionally, my best friend, Hil, was going through a difficult time. Despite their complicated relationship, I knew how much he loved his father. Yes, his father had locked him away in their penthouse never allowing Hil to have a social life outside of me. But that wasn’t because his father was a monster. Wolf shifters who run mafias have a dangerous life.
And, it wasn’t like his father was wrong. The one time Hil escaped his family’s protection, he ended up being kidnapped by one of his father’s rivals. Remy and Hil’s wolf shifter boyfriend, Cali, had had to rescue him. The guy shot Cali in exchange for letting Hil go. Cali was alright, but still. Hil and Remy lived in a crazy world and his father had had to protect Hil from it.
On the other hand, when it became clear that Hil was gay, his incredibly scary father accepted him for who he was. Hil told me that never once did his father make him feel bad for who he was attracted to. Hell, his parents even introduced the two of us and it wasn’t like anyone ever mistook me for straight.
So, despite everything, Hil’s father had been a way better dad than mine had ever been. And now his father was gone. My heart ached for him.
Taking a deep breath, I promised myself to set aside the mystery of who I was and any feelings I had for Remy to focus on being there for Hil in the coming weeks. And as the tingles I always got from thinking of Remy subsided, I again picked up my phone.
I wasn’t sure why I was nervous, but dialing Hil’s number, my heart pounded. When the call connected, Hil’s voice was shaky.
“Hey, Dillon.”
“Hey, Hil… I just heard about your father.”
There was a slight pause. “Really? How?”
“Remy just told me,” I said wanting so badly to share how amazing it was that he had.
“Oh. Yeah.”
“I’m so sorry, Hil. How are you doing?” I said wishing I could reach through the phone and hug him.
“It’s just so hard to accept that he’s gone.”
“I can’t even imagine. But I’m here for you, okay? Whatever you need, I’ll be there.”
Hil sighed, his voice cracking ever so slightly. “I appreciate that. I told Remy I wanted to handle the funeral.”
“Wow, that’s a lot.”
“Yeah, but I told Cali I was planning to and he asked if he could help me with it. So, I’ll be leaning on him for most things.”
“That’s great.”
“Yeah,” he said followed by a pause.
“What is it?”
“There is something you can help me with, though.”
“Of course! Anything. Just tell me when and where.”
The next day, Hil and I found ourselves in a boutique urn store. I didn’t even know there was such a thing. But there was and here we were.
The place exuded a somber elegance, with soft lighting casting a warm glow on the polished, hand-painted vessels. Being there, shopping for the last resting place of Hil’s father, felt surreal. It wasn’t just for the significance of it, it was also for the price tags.
With all due respect, urns were just vases with tops. How could one cost $22,000? Sure, it was marble with adorned gold filigree… whatever that was. But I could barely afford the bus I took here.
As we drifted through the aisles browsing the diamond urn collection, the topic of our conversation shifted from his father to Remy. I wasn’t the one who had changed it. But I wasn’t about to pass up on an opportunity to add material to my spank-box… when such a thing again became appropriate to do… to the thought of your best friend’s brother.
“I think I’ve come to peace with Father liking Remy best. I mean, I get it. He has my father’s need to take care of everyone. He even had it as a kid.
“There were times when we were growing up that he would do the worst big brother crap to me. But if you asked who I thought would protect me if something bad happened, it wouldn’t be a question. It would be him.”
I nodded, understanding how much Remy meant to Hil. “He’s always been there for you, hasn’t he?”
“Yeah, but at the same time, I can’t help but worry about him.”
“Why’s that?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.
Hil sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I just don’t think he’ll ever be able to leave pack life behind.”
“And by “pack life” you mean your family’s business?
“Yeah. And I know he made the deal that’s supposed to free us, but I’m not sure there’s any way out.”
“You got out,” I said referring to Hil’s new small-town life with his boyfriend in Tennessee.
“I did, but I was never a part of that side of my father’s pack. My father once told Remy and me that the only way to leave his world was in a body bag. I don’t think Remy could get out if he tried.”
I frowned, not wanting to believe that. “I think with the right person by his side, he could definitely leave that life behind.”
Hil glanced at me, his expression unreadable. “Dillon, are you talking about yourself?”
I hesitated, realizing how it must have sounded. “Well, I mean, not just me. But someone who cares about him and wants to see him happy.”
Hil shifted uncomfortably, clearly not liking the idea. “Can I ask you a serious question? Because I know you like to joke about things.”
“Of course you can. What is it?”
“Do you really think you and Remy…”
As soon as he began saying it, my face felt like it was on fire. I wasn’t sure if I was embarrassed or just hurt, but I couldn’t take hearing him finish what he was about to say.
“I mean, why not?” I interrupted. “Is it so ridiculous to think that I could be good for him?”
“No, Dillon, it’s not that.” Hil sighed, his voice strained. “I think he’s not good for you. You’re the greatest person I know. What if something were to happen between the two of you? The best-case scenario is that he drags you into his insane world.
“Dillon, I’ve spent my entire life planning my escape from that place. You could end up majorly regretting being with Remy.” Hil picked up an urn and held it between us. “Or worse,” he said with sadness in his eyes.
Looking down at the glorified jar, a shiver ran down my spine. But even with what Hil said, I couldn’t shake my belief in Remy.
“Hil, if something were ever to happen between me and Remy, he would protect me just like he protects you. Didn’t you say that’s what he does? Do you think he could stop protecting people if he tried?”
Again finding Hil’s eyes, I saw his frustration. As we returned to browsing, I thought the conversation was over.
“Do you even know if Remy’s into guys, much less humans?” Hil suddenly blurted out louder than any one should in an urn store.
Instead of answering, I thought about all of the stolen glances and lingering touches that had fueled my fantasies over the years.
“First, there have been moments when it’s just been the two of us that have made me think he could be,” I said honestly.
Hil raised an eyebrow. “Wait, when have you two ever been alone together?”
“It’s not been often,” I admitted, “but it’s happened over the years. And sometimes when it does, he looks at me in a way that can’t be straight.”
Hil still seemed skeptical.
“Secondly,” I said unsure if this was the time to tell him.
“Secondly, what?”
“Secondly, I don’t think I’m human. Scratch that. I’m pretty sure I’m not,” I said hesitantly.
Hil’s skepticism changed to confusion.
“What are you talking about?”
“I didn’t tell you this, but I decided to confront my father.”
“Confront your father? What do you mean?”
“I’ve never talked to you about this before, but I’ve never actually spoken to my father.”
“What?” Hil said confused and horrified.
“Yeah. It’s kind of a painful topic, so I’ve always avoided it.”
Hil looked dumbfounded. “When did you confront him?”
“Last night.”
“We talked on the phone. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because your father had just died.”
“You could have still told me. Confronting your father is a big deal.”
“Yeah. It’s even bigger when you add that the man I thought was my father was just a vampire who compelled my mother into believing she was pregnant and that I’ve seemed to develop powers.”
Hil mouth dropped open.
“What powers do you have?”
I looked at Hil wondering how I could explain it.
“I can tell you’re a wolf.”
Hil looked around to make sure no one was listening. “But you know I’m a wolf.”
“I know it. But now I can see it.”
“What do you mean?”
I paused and concentrated on Hil.
“When I squint, I see you, but I can also see a wolf made of light that’s standing where you are.”
“Like, on top of me.”
“It’s like you two are standing in the same spot.”
“Okay. Have you seen this with other people?”
“I saw it with my father… or, the man I thought was my father. But for him it was different. In your case, you are the real image and your wolf is the light casting. In his case, the person everyone saw was the light casting, and the creature within it was the real him.”
“And you think he was a vampire?”
“I’m sure he was.”
“How?”
“I just know.”
“And he told you that he compelled your mother to believe she was pregnant? Why would he do that?”
“He said he did it because his masters told him to,” I said ominously.
“Well, that’s disturbing.”
“Tell me about it. So, not only am I not human, but I have no idea what I am or why someone would make my mother believe she was pregnant.”
“It was so she could think you were her child,” Hil said confidently.
I paused to think about that. “So, you’re telling me that my mother isn’t really my mother either?”
Hil looked at me with compassion. “I’m sorry, Dillon.”
“Crap,” I said overwhelmed by everything.
As I became lost in my spiraling thoughts, Hil picked up an urn.
“This one,” he said holding up one that screamed stately elegance. “What do you think?”
“It’s beautiful,” I said struggling to return to my grieving friend. “I think your father would like it.”
“I’ll get it,” he said confidently. “And Dillon, don’t worry. I’ll help you figure out what you are. I’ve met people in Cali’s town who know about stuff like this.” Hil hesitated. “Which means that you don’t have to get involved with Remy to find out.”
Hil had seen straight through me.
“What if he knows something that your friends don’t? When I was in the vampire’s mind…”
“You were in his mind!” Hil interrupted me to say.
“Yeah. It was like I was reading his thoughts or seeing his history or something. Anyway, when I was doing it, I saw that he was scared of the wolves that ran the city. That used to be your father, right?”
“I guess.”
“So, wouldn’t it make sense that I should talk to Remy about it?”
Hil looked at me with empathy and took my hands in his.
“I know how Remy looks and how charming he can be. But I promise you, it comes at a cost. I couldn’t take it if I lost you too.”
Looking at him I saw the pain in his eyes. Pulling him into my arms I said, “I love you, Hil. I’ll always be here for you. No matter what.”
“I couldn’t take losing you,” he repeated hugging me back.
But holding my best friend in my arms, I came to a decision. As much as I loved HIl and cared about how he felt, and as overwhelming as my identity crisis was, I couldn’t ignore how I felt about Remy.
The vampire’s reference to the wolves had given me an excuse to talk to Remy, to maybe connect with him over it. So, I was going to use it to find out how he felt about me.
If he wasn’t into guys, then fine. I would accept it and move on. But if there was a chance he felt the same, I had to take it.
A few months ago Hil took a risk by disappearing on everyone who loved him. That risk led to him finding the guy he’ll spend the rest of his life with. If Remy was that for me, I had to know. And I was going to make my first move after the funeral.
Chapter 4
Remy
Glancing around the tastefully decorated conference room of the building I grew up in, I took in the soft lighting and elegant flower arrangements adorning the tables. The mood was heavy with a mix of grief and nostalgia, but it still felt like the celebration of life that it was supposed to be.
Surveying the guests, I spotted my drugged yet surprisingly sociable mother. She had been handling this better than expected. The miracles of modern pharmaceuticals, am I right?
Past her was my brother, Hil, and his boyfriend, Cali. Seeing Cali always brought a smile to my face. The back woods wolf shifter, who had the balls to openly date a guy, was amazingly easy to fluster. That made teasing him so fun.
‘Let’s see, what was I going to call him today?’ I wondered, walking over to them. Hillbilly? No, I called him that the last time. Redneck? Overused. Tractor-chaser? Mudflap-magnet? Flannel-fucker?
Approaching my grieving brother, I clutched his shoulder and squeezed.
“You did a great job with the wake, Hil. You really did. Everyone’s impressed. Dad would have loved it.”
Before Hil could respond, I turned to Cali. “And in this situation, a great job means that he didn’t put a single picture of cousins kissing anywhere in the place. I know that’s weird for you.”
“Remy!” Hil protested.
“What?” I asked innocently. “I was ensuring that your Redneck Prince here could follow the conversation. I was being inclusive.”
Cali stuttered, wanting to respond but knowing he couldn’t out of respect for the occasion. The tortured look in his eyes brought me endless joy.
“Remy, that’s not funny,” Hil snapped.
I feigned being hurt. “Hil, you’re gonna yell at me today? Here? We’re at our father’s wake. Hil, I’m grieving,” I said hoping my smirk wasn’t lingering.
Hil, at a loss for words, quieted long enough for me to look over his shoulder. Behind him, standing by himself, was Dillon. He had been watching us. When our eyes met, my wolf perked up.
As he lifted his glass to his lips, he looked away. But it was too late. My wolf was hooked. And for the first time since we had met, I was free to get what I wanted, which was, more of him.
“Remy, all I’m saying is…”
“…that you have no empathy for my grief. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know, but could we pick this up a little later? I have heartbroken guests I need to attend to,” I told my little brother, feeling rejuvenated.
Crossing the room to the man I had wanted for so long, I realized that this was it. I was going to tell him how I felt. I knew I should have been nervous, but I wasn’t. The life I had dreamed of and had planned for for years was within my sights. I couldn’t wait for it to begin.
Approaching Dillon, I couldn’t help but smile.
“Thank you for being here,” I said genuinely.
“Of course,” Dillon replied, his brown eyes soft and sincere. “If there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know.”
