Stuck in the Middle (MxMxM)?

Warning! Spicy chapter!

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Kendric had to follow up with his father, leaving Ryder alone with Adan. The two went to the police station to try and pull some metadata from the unknown number. Once Ryder had his phone back, he tried to think of ways he could meet up with the rogues discreetly.

He knew it was a stupid plan, but what other option was there? The local authorities were controlled by werewolves who would only operate in the pack's best interest. If they failed another stakeout, Delilah could die.

He didn't like having to break his trust with Adan and Kendric, but he couldn't sit by and risk her life for their convenience.

"I don't want to be around people right now," He whined to Adan, who had taken him out for a drive.

"We need to keep you protected until we find the rogues."

"I'm not saying to take me out to the woods. Let's get a hotel or something, in the heart of town. There will still be plenty of people around, and we can be alone in the room."

"We can be alone in my room."

"It won't be the same. Please?"

Sighing, the man gave in and texted Kendric. Then he called a few Betas to also come and help increase security.

While all that was going on, Ryder texted the unknown number, agreeing to a second meetup.

So far the rogues didn't know about his healing abilities. He could use that to his advantage and try to make himself more valuable to trade for Delilah's safety, but only after they proved she was safe.

Sure enough, the unknown number responded with a new time and place.

Keeping a mental checklist, he wondered how he was going to get away from Adan and insisted they check into the hotel ASAP. There, they sat on their phones while Ryder pretended to need to catch up on his assignments.

He didn't want to do anything that would hurt Adan or Kendric, but he was certain this would break their trust. Surely they'd be understanding if he explained it was to save a life?

"You okay?" Adan asked.

Ryder looked up from his phone. "Why do you ask?"

"You've been staring into space for a bit."

He'd been so deep in thought that it hadn't occurred to him that his hands had stopped moving. "Sorry. I guess I have too much on my mind."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Ryder got up and approached the other bed. He crawled onto Adan's lap and leaned his head against the man's shoulder. Adan carefully cradled him in his arms without another word.

He liked the comfort that came with his warmth. He let it soothe him and closed his eyes, wishing this nightmare would end and that when he woke up, everything would be fine.

The farm would still be there when he graduated.

His parents would be proud when he got his degree.

Delilah would be safe, and the rogues would be gone.

He allowed himself to drift off for a short while, dreaming of this fantasy until Adan shifted, trying to get him to lie on the bed. Ryder's eyes peeked open and he grasped his wrist, refusing to let him step away.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm just going to check on some things. Go back to sleep."

It was late in the evening now. He'd been napping for longer than he planned, but he wasn't ready to let go just yet.