Heart's Price (MxM)

Chapter 4

My first day in Spring Lakes passes in a blur. Dane and Julian help me take my things over to the main house, which lies about a quarter mile to the east in the middle of a small, natural meadow.

Grace and Chloe have turned the surrounding few acres into something of a miniature farm, where they keep horses, sheep and bees. Chloe makes her own wool and yarns, honey and candles, as well as natural herbal remedies, which she sells through an online store. For someone who grew up not knowing she came from a Shifter line, she's come a long way in a very short time.

The pair welcome me with open arms, and quickly get me settled in the little loft above their living area. It's just big enough for a futon bed, a free-standing full-length mirror, and a small dresser. The roof is slanted with exposed wood beams, and the floor is polished pine.

"It's like a little nest, just for you Noah-bird," Grace says, giving me a happy squeeze. She has dark brown skin and hair she wears wild and loose. She's willowy but strong, has a movie-star face, a big smile, and a personality to match.

Her girlfriend, by contrast, is pale, red-haired, and freckled. Chloe is pretty, too, but not remarkably so, and nearly as quiet and shy as I am.

If I'd had to guess which of them was the leader of a previously patriarchal Shifter clan, I'd pick Grace. I'd be wrong.

That role is Chloe's, and from what I've heard, she's good at it, too. Her gentleness and soft voice belie a strong core, and apparently, she has no problem speaking up and being heard when she feels the need.

In that, at least, we are not alike at all.

Once I'm settled, the five of us—Dane, Julian, Chloe, Grace, and I—spend the rest of the day talking, eating the delicious meals that Grace cooks (including an award-worthy cherry pie), and doing odd chores around their little farm.

By nightfall, I'm full of good food, sore in muscles I didn't even know I had, and pleasantly exhausted. After a warm shower and a final round of drinks with the girls, I brush my teeth, change into my PJs, climb the ladder-like steps to the loft, and fall into the welcoming embrace of the simple futon.

I'm so tired, I figure I'm safe from the memories that continually visit my dreams.

I'm wrong about that, too.

~ ☾ ~

"I'm sure it's nothing, Noah. You worry too much."

I stare unhappily at the letter in my hands. I'm seated at the dining table in the house I share with another man.

He's my colleague, my friend, and—for the last few months—something more as well.

"You really think so?" I ask, twisting to look up at Thom where he stands at my back, his strong hands holding my shoulders with a steadying grip.

He nods. "In fact, it's probably something good. You just had your review, right? If anything, they want to promote you."

I turn back and stare at the stark, almost threateningly bland text on the paper I hold. It's from the University's Board of Regents, and it says that they want to see me. In person. That afternoon.

I swallow, nerves already tingling with anxiety at the thought.

"Hey, relax," Thom says, leaning to kiss the side of my face. "You're brilliant, Noah. If they're not going to promote you, then they damn well should. You're a fine scholar, and a good man."

He gives my shoulder a final pat and then turns away.

"I got to go," he sighs. "Lectures until eight, tonight. Don't wait on dinner for me. I'll see you later."