Page 70 of Always Watching
“Look,” Wylder says, leaning on a shovel and pushing his wild mane from his face, “all I’m saying is, it’s not safe. He could—”
“No, he won’t,” North says vehemently, “You don’t know Ranen. Hewouldn’tbetray me, Wylder.”
“North—”
“I won’t,” I cut in, shoving my hands in my pockets. “Wylder, you don’t have to believe me. Hell, I wouldn’t believe me. But I’m not going to say anything. I love your brother and he loves me. I’d rather die before I let someone take him away from me.”
Wylder studies me, his gaze boring into mine. I fidget—his stare is intimidating and I feel like he’ll incinerate me with his eyes—but I don’t look away.
I’m not sure what he’s thinking, since his face betrays nothing. We have a stare off, no one saying anything—the only sound is the wind blowing and the leaves rustling.
Finally, fucking finally, he drags a hand through his hair and he nods. “Okay, kitty. I guess the only thing left to say is welcome to the family.”
Chapter 24
North
“So, kitty, do youhave any friends as hot as you who can handle crazy the way you can?” Wylder’s voice comes out smooth and charming, and I wonder if I’m going to end up killing my brother tonight, especially when I see the slightest flush touch Ranen’s cheeks at the way the fucker smiles at him.
It’s a big, bright white smile. And I know for a fact it’s all for show, because Wylder is arguably more dangerous than I am. He’s better at hiding in plain sight, better at pretending he’s normal.
I would probably be more upset, but Ranen leans against me when he answers, dropping his head onto my shoulder as he pushes away the plate of food he just finished. “I could probably introduce you to my friend Olly.”
I want to roll my eyes at the name, but… that would be good, wouldn’t it? If my brother was busy wearing Olly out,Ollymight decide that he doesn’t need Ranen’s attention as much as he does now.
“That’s agreatidea.” I say, beaming brightly.
“I mean, I’m not sure if Olly would really be able to handle the news that you’re a killer, but…” Ranen trails off, but Wylder is already smiling and handing his phone over to Ranen.
“Why don’t you take down my number and give it to your friend. Punch his in for me so I know it’s him calling.” When Ranen opens his mouth, Wylder cuts him off. “Don’t worry, I won’t call until he does. I’m just… particular about who I answer.”
I can tell when he understands, because his mouth falls into the cutest little‘oh’shape, and he nods. When he hands Wylder back his phone after grabbing his number, I push back from the table and bring Ranen with me.
“I think it’s about time we head out. Wylder, you’re going to handle the apartment, right?”
The smile on his face only falters for a second, but he nods.
“Yeah, don’t worry about it. I’ll call you and let you know when everything’s clear.” He stands and Dad gives him a pat on the back as he walks past.
“Be careful.” Dad’s voice is softer than ours. He’s mostly been quiet during dinner, but he seemed happy to engage in conversation with Ranen whenever the chance arose.
I think he’s honestly just happy to have his family together again. It’s been a while since the last time Wylder came home. And now there’s Ranen…
And shit, Ranen is part of the family too. Before I have to question that, Dad comes around the table and actually pulls him into a hug.
“And you, make sure you keep North in line, all right? I really don’t want another call in the middle of the night about a body.” Dad’s voice is teasing, but Ranen’s cheeks still go a little pink.
“Sorry Atlas. I promise, I’ll… uh… keep him away from sharp objects. Even though he didn’t… use one… on…” Ranen trails off,looking back at me with a sheepish grin that makes something in my chest go warm.
“It’s all right. I’ll be careful from now on, Dad.”
And I will be… I’ll make sure from now on that every decision I make is made with keeping Ranen safe in mind.
He’s a part of this now too.
I’m not sure how I feel about what’s happening. On one hand, it’s amazing that my family seems so accepting of Ranen knowing our secret. I’m not sure if they can sense the sincerity radiating off him or what, but his landlord is worm food and Wylder said he’d go back to Ranen’s apartment to make sure there were no traces of our crime left.
If half the reason I asked him to do that was so he could double-check that there was nothing incriminating in Mr. Barlowe’s apartment or office, I don’t need to tell Ranen that. The less he has to think about it, the better.
