In a Heartbeat (MxM)

Chapter 35

I blamed it on insomnia, the lack of sleep, and possibly the effects of the lower dosage, but I reached my hand out, the urge to feel what the scar felt like overruling any sensible thoughts. I think a part of me also wondered if touching him would also feel freezing cold too.

But before I could make contact, Simon shifted, his back laying down as his face turned towards the ceiling. Immediately, whatever trance I had fallen into vanished, my hand shooting back into my chest with lightning speed, as I shut my eyes closed in case he had stirred awake. I waited a minute before peeking, relieved to see that he was still asleep.

But those scars? Sarah had mentioned he had gone through a lot, but I wasn't sure I'd ever really know. And now seeing just how he interacted, his mannerisms, and everything else to make himself feel small made me curious. What really happened in those sixteen years?

---

I had been called into the council room early to work on some paperwork for our next meeting that needed to be approved tomorrow, but I guess it was better than having an awkward morning with Simon. I wasn't sure if he'd quickly retreat when he realized he decided to stay in my bed the whole night, so I was glad I could get out of there this morning.

It had only been about an hour's amount of work, but I already felt drained. Reading through approval requests, plans, schedule changes, it was all so tedious. Now that Michael had been prepping major changes to the RCPP, as well as how managing the betas and the border was going, he was giving me more and more paperwork to do. Although it was easier than walking and patrolling with the betas, having to read, stamp, and correct papers was annoying as all hell.

I slammed the last of the papers on top of the completed pile before getting up and stretching my whole body. I was starved, so I made my way to the kitchen, hoping Loreta still had some leftover breakfast I could scuff down. But even if she didn't, I was fine with just stuffing my face with some stale donuts or even just a bag of chips at this point.

Loreta wasn't there, and only a few of the kitchen staff remained cleaning the remainder of the dishes when I walked in. I grabbed an apple before leaning over the sink, only to be shocked to see that Simon was up and talking with Xavier and some other pack members just outside the kitchen window.

Luckily, I don't think they noticed me, but I still shut the sheer lace curtain about halfway in case they glanced my way. I tried not to eavesdrop, but the window was wide open, and it was quite difficult with how loud they were being, especially the people Simon was with. Most notable was Brady, and his brother Grant. Them, paired with my brother was always a loud crowd. And our cousin Dwaine, who despite his typical stoic and silent demeanor, was actually participating and talking with Simon and Xavier.

"You haven't seen it?" Grant grasped Simon's hands. "Goddess, I have to show you."

"I'm sure he'd love to, but he's still adjusting, Grant."

"Oh shut up, Dwaine," Grant fired back. "We're having a movie night with Simon, and I'm putting you in charge of the food since you hate movie series so much."

"I'm just saying if it takes three movies to understand everything, why don't they just make it easier to understand in a two-hour movie to begin with?"

Brady stepped between them, "Alright you two, can we not fight about this right now? We have a lot more than movies to catch up with Simon."

"This ain't over, big guy," Grant glared at Dwaine before all of them laughed with each other. From this angle, I could see Simon smiling wider than I ever saw him. A dimple I never knew he had appeared on his left cheek, his eyes creased from his raised cheeks, as he looked at them with such ease. And the way the morning sun shone on his face made it seem like he was glowing.