In a Heartbeat (MxM)

Chapter 25

"They're probably worried about us." He nodded, before we walked back to our table, awkwardly sitting in silence as they both glanced at us.

Aspen looked at Sam first. "I apologize, I've been stressed out, and took it out on you."

Sarah rolled her eyes, lightly punching his arm. "You were a jerk, hun."

Sam took it in, before letting out a curt laugh, surprising us all. "Oh, no worries. I totally get it. Working long hours sometimes gets to me too, especially if I can't save one of my patients. My coworkers sometimes face the brunt of my frustrations too."

Aspen seemed shocked at Sam's forgiveness. "Still, it's no excuse."

Sam smiled, before looking at me, motioning towards the waffles I had barely touched. I started to eat, finding it still warm, the whipped cream the only thing that melted. The strawberry shake was divine, even if it had melted a bit.

Two pack members were looking for you at the motel, Aspen told me. Sarah said they were betas.

Xavier and Lucas probably. I don't like that they know where we live, he continued. I don't know why, and what they want, but I don't like it.

I know, I replied.

As much as I want you to come home, where I know you're safe with me, maybe it's best you stay with Sam. His clinic is well hidden from the pack. And if Michael is still a threat, there's a chance he won't suspect you're at a clinic either.

I gulped down some more of the shake before replying. But we need to find Cedar.

We will, but I can't lose you too. Not again. Sarah and I can search for him.

Are you sure?

Aspen smiled at me, glancing over at Sam who was struggling to finish the last bit of his waffles. I'm sorry I misjudged him, Aspen mind linked me. He's good for you.

I nearly dropped my fork. It's not like that, I mind linked back, frowning at him. He smirked before picking up some of the strawberries from my plate.

---

On our ride back to the clinic, I told Sam about Aspen, and how we had initially met.

"I'm sorry he's a bit overbearing," I told him.

He smiled, "It's a good thing, trust me. He's just looking out for you."

"He's a bit extreme."

"Maybe a tad."

We pulled out onto the main road, the rows of trees on the right side were soothing to look at. I was zoning out when Sam spoke again. "May I ask a question?"

"Of course."

"Sarah, she's his mate?" I told him yes, as he hummed.

He seemed to contemplate asking something, opening and closing his mouth before saying, "And this Vince guy? Why doesn't Aspen like him?"

I looked towards the trees again, not sure if I should tell him. I took a few breaths before replying, "Sarah was with Vince."

It was a cop-out answer, but it was true.

He hummed some more before saying, "I talked to her when you two went outside."

"Oh."

"She was the luna of your old pack," he stated. "Which makes Vince the alpha."

I chewed at my lip, not wanting to voice or confirm the deduction. A part of me wished he didn't have to know.

"She," he continued. "She feels guilty about it."