Never mind that Xan had done most of the work, supervising the day-to-day activities, solving problems and disputes between contractors, and more, while Janus had scampered off most days to “make connections” at the gentlemen’s club, claiming that his aim was to “woo” the higher-ups in the community.
Virona wasn’t as affluent as the city, or the Capital, but it wasn’t without its aristocratic class. Xan hadn’t protested because he was happy to have Janus out from under foot, and it made it so much easier to follow Ray’s instructions to the letter, without having Janus there to question his every move.
Xan had imagined his father wouldappreciatehis focus and diligence, see that he didn’t get distracted, but actually stuck it out and got things done. But apparently only social connections were to be rewarded. “All that matters to my father is the company,” Xan bit out. “Happiness, joy, love—all of those are ambitions for lesser types of men. The kind of man my father doesn’t respect.”
Jason murmured, “I wonder how hisÉrosgápefeels about that?”
“Pater is…” Xan trailed off, his throat tightening and his eyes burning. He squeezed them shut and rubbed them with his fingers.
“Xan’s pater does whatever his father says,” Caleb said gently. “It’s his way.”
“Yes, I remember,” Jason said.
Murmurs of sympathy went all around, and Xan felt young and stupid in all the ways he hated most. But when he met Urho’s gaze again, staring at him from the chair opposite, all he saw was a warm determination that gave him hope.
Urho kicked off one of his shoes to rub his foot. “Forgive me for questioning it, but are the servants loyal? If any of them are in your cousin’s employ, they might report some unseemly behavior, and—”
“Ren would never allow it,” Xan said. “He’s been with me since I left Mont Nessadare, and he hires only servants he believes in and can trust.”
“Still,” Caleb said. “There is that new kitchen boy. He’s been homesick and saving for a train ticket back to visit his pater. And while most betas are very open to any expression of sexuality, there are a few who are very strict adherents to the Holy Book of Wolf.”
“In other words?” Xan said.
“I think I’ll send that new kitchen boy home. If the cook needs more help, then we’ll get someone from the village. Someone who can go home at night so there are fewer people in the house.” Caleb smiled, but his eyes looked haunted. “It won’t do to be lax, but in our home you should feel safe. I won’t have it any other way.”
“That would be a good start,” Urho said.
Caleb sighed and his eyes went distant. “Perhaps I’ll speak with Ren. Make sure that he’s informed the others that anything that happens on the premises is to be kept absolutely to themselves, and not even shared with Janus.”
“Luckily the servants’ quarters are isolated,” Jason pointed out. “So long as you act like gentlemen during the daylight hours, then no one will be the wiser.”
“It’s unfair and ridiculous to ask you to hide,” Vale said, rubbing his stomach. Then he groaned. “My back is killing me. Urho, you’ve seen a lot of babies. Promise me he’ll be cute.”
“You’ll think you’ve never seen one cuter,” Urho said, clapping his hands against his thighs and standing up. “Let’s leave this distressing topic behind for the night. Vale, I think you should let Jason take you to your room now.”
“Yes, it’s late.” Caleb glanced toward the clock, sighing. “We should all go to bed. Tomorrow I’d planned for us to take a nice long walk on the beach, Vale, and you’ll want plenty of strength for that.”
Goodnights were exchanged all around and hand shakes given.
After Vale and Jason left the room, Caleb kissed Urho’s cheek and then Xan’s, looking them both in the eye seriously. “Janus’s room is far from you both, but I don’t trust him. Try to keep the noise down tonight, no matter how lost you get in each other. If he even suggested to your father…”
Xan nodded and drew Caleb into an embrace. “We’ll be careful. Thank you.”
“I love you, Xan,” Caleb whispered in his ear. “Enjoy yourself, but keep us safe.”
Xan nodded, and Caleb tugged away. After another kiss on Urho’s cheek, he left the room on his bare feet, carrying his shoes in his hands.
“Should you go to him? Does he need comforting?” Urho asked, his hand resting on Xan’s shoulder. The heat tingled into the muscles of Xan’s arm, and he leaned back into Urho’s strong chest.
“He would have asked. Caleb isn’t shy about what he needs from me.”
Urho turned Xan around. “What’s between him and your cousin? What was that all about?”
Xan let his head fall forward, resting it against Urho’s chest, and he took slow breaths, enjoying Urho’s strong, musky scent. “It’s his story to tell. Suffice it to say, they were friends once, with the potential for more. It hurt Caleb when it was over, but he’s moved on. Seeing Janus again, being treated that way, it opens old wounds, I think.”
“Should we both go to him?”
Xan kissed the bottom of Urho’s chin. “You’re a good man. But no. He’ll want to be alone. He’s quiet like that.”
