Page 23 of Finlay
Logan wasn’t the only one who laughed, but at least Calan and Evan were polite enough to try and hide it. “You know, it’s kinda normal for people to be out walking in the evening, right? I mean, ye were.”
“Technically I was swimming, and I’m also immortal. Pretty much, anyway.”
“He doesn’t know that. Does he?”
“Course not.” I blew out a breath. “But I get it. He was pissed off at me for asking him. Seemed to think I was telling him what to do or some bullshit.”
Calan shrugged. “Maybe that’s how it came across. Some men don’t like being told what to do, even if it’s an innocent comment.” We all turned to stare at him, and he huffed and rolled his eyes. “Aye, I’ll admit I’m one of those men.”
At least Calan was able to admit to his flaws. As our enforcer, he was great at following orders where his job was concerned.
It was in every other area of his life that he struggled. I thought the biggest reason he hadn’t found a woman to mate with was because he refused to concede even a scrap of his control. Compromise wasn’t a word in Calan’s vocabulary.
“I don’t know…” My voice trailed off as I tried to find the words to explain it. “Something about how he reacted got my guard up. After he snapped, it was like he was waiting for me to retaliate.”
That had the three of them stilling. It was Logan who spoke first. “As in, violently?”
“Maybe.” I tapped my fingers on my thigh. The more I thought about this, the more I agreed with Reid. Chester needed someone looking out for him. “Or just verbally. He wasn’t spoiling for an argument though. The opposite, in fact. It’s like he spoke his mind and was immediately fearful about it.”
Evan gave a low whistle. “If you’re right, that’s fucked up, man. Sounds like he’s been through some shit.”
Hearing Evan agree with me made it all the more real. The thought that someone might’ve hurt such a gentle soul such as Chester had me wanting to break bones. “I want to give him a protection detail. Just until we know he’s safe.”
“Hang on—” Calan brushed a hand over his thick dark stubble. “—I feel like we’re missing the point here. Why are ye bothered about this?”
I shifted in my seat. “I’d be bothered about anyone who might be being or have been abused.”
“Yes,” Calan said slowly, studying me closely. I willed myself not to shrink under his attention. “But this is more, isn’t it? This is personal.”
Logan put his drink down beside him to clap. “Oh my god, does the unflappable Finn have a crush?”
I scrubbed my hand down my cheek, stifling a groan. This had definitely been a mistake. “No, it’s not like that. I’m just worried about the bloke. He’s no one important other than that.”
My gut twisted at the lie.
Like he could read my thoughts, Calan smirked. “Oh, not important, but important enough to bring up in a meeting?”
I glowered at him. “Technically the meeting has ended.”
I may as well have not spoken. Evan tapped his fingers on his chin mockingly as he addressed Calan. “Has Finn ever brought a human up like this before?”
“Never.” If Calan kept grinning like that, I was going to officially revoke his grumpy badge. Or punch him in the face. One of the two. “Nor a supe. Definitely not stalked anyone either, as far as I know.”
I sighed. “Are you all done?”
“Nope.” Logan hopped off the desk. “And apparently,neither are you. Live in denial with us all ye want, Finn, but don’t lie to yourself.”
This was what I got for being more open with the circle. “I’m not. I just want to make sure he’s safe.”
Logan’s smile turned dangerous. “Okay, so have Evan watch him.”
My wolf snarled at the idea. “Absolutely not.”
Evan saluted me lazily from his chair. “Thanks for the ringing endorsement, chief.”
I winced, backpedalling hastily. “I’m not saying you’re not capable, but you’re very new to this role and?—”
“So send me or Logan.” Calan folded his arms over his chest and raised a brow. “Unless there’s a reason why it has to be you specifically?”
