“Murder.” Nester chest felt tight to the point he could hardly breathe. “I killed my ex-boyfriend.”
It sounded really bad when he said it out loud.
“Did he deserve it?” Hondo took a sip of his coffee. The guy didn’t look at Nester like he needed to be thrown under the jail. His features were composed, as if he dealt with this kind of thing all the time.
What kind of friends did Pyke have that they wouldn't bat an eye at someone being killed? Then again, Hondo was a demon, so Nester was pretty sure he didn’t want to know the answer.
Pyke crossed the room and cupped Nester’s face. The warmth of Pyke’s hands, his masculine scent, and just being touched by him settled something inside Nester. “That wasn’t your fault. It was either you or him, and I’m glad you won. Stop blaming yourself, hon.”
“Aw,” Hondo said. “I’m gonna head out and give you guys some alone time. If you need me, just holler.”
Nester ignored Hondo’s exit from the kitchen. He was too busy staring into Pyke’s pretty eyes, too busy trying not to think about Hondo being a demon, and way too busy to think about his mom going to the cops.
He also shoved thoughts of Dublin out of his mind.
“You can trust me.” Pyke gave him a quick, sweet kiss that made Nester’s heart flutter. “I promise I’m on your side, Nessie.”
“If you ever want to have sex with me again, you’ll never utter that nickname again.”
Pyke chuckled. “Duly noted.”
In truth, it was nice having someone on his side. Nester was sick and tired of dealing with the crap Scott had created. He didn’t want to do this alone anymore.
“That picture.”
“Yes?” Pyke slid his arms around Nester and pulled him close as he leaned against the counter, tucking Nester between his legs. “Talk to me.”
Nester sighed and rubbed his nape. “I don’t want you looking at me any differently. You’ll want to know why I put up with Scott for as long as I did, and I don’t have an answer for that.”
“Hon, I’m not going to judge you. I’ve done some things I’m not proud of.”
“Scott got mixed up with some Irish thugs. He owed them a lot of money, and since he’s dead, I guess they’ll be coming after me for their cash. I just need my phone,” Nester said. “I have video of Dublin killing someone, proof that he’s a piece of shit. I just want that insurance to save my ass, not go to the feds like Scott suggested.”
Nester couldn’t believe how good it felt to get that off his chest, to tell someone the crap he was dealing with.
Then he panicked when Pyke pulled his cell phone from his back pocket and dialed. “Hey, Grayson, this is Pyke.” He paused. “No, no. I’m doing good. Hey, listen, I need you to stop by, and can your bring Nester’s phone with you?”
Pyke listened as Nester’s heart nearly gave out. The cops were the last people he wanted to see. What if the sheriff arrested him? Nester should have gotten Hondo’s phone number in case he needed a place to lay low.
But where in the hell was the demon realm, and did he really want to know?
“Okay, I’ll see you soon.” Pyke hung up. “Relax. You look like you’re about to bolt.”
“I am.”
“No need.” Pyke put his arms back around Nester. “Grayson already knew you were here. Lewis talked to him, and the sheriff agreed to let me handle this. He’s bringing your phone.”
Nester still didn’t feel relieved. He wouldn’t until this whole mess was behind him.
Chapter Seven
For a moment Pyke thought he would have to tie his mate down to make sure he didn’t take off. Nester paced the living room, biting his nails and glancing at the front door every few seconds.
Although tying him down made Pyke smile with curiosity, he knew he couldn’t do that to his mate. Not unless Nester was into that kind of thing.
But his pacing was making Pyke anxious, and he didn’t want to feel that way. Even so, as they waited for the sheriff to arrive, Pyke thought back to Dublin, the Irish thug Nester had mentioned.
If it was Dublin who’d left that photo, Pyke needed to go on the offense. He had plenty of friends in town, and one phone call would rally them to his side.
Not yet, though. Not until Pyke had more information about the guy. Not until he knew Dublin’s motives. Nester suspected it was the thug, but they didn’t have proof.
Pyke also wanted to see that video. He wanted to put a name to a face so he knew who to look out for. Pyke also wanted to keep Maple Grove safe. He loved this small town, the people, and the vibe it gave off.
Maple Grove was dear to him, a place to raise children, a community that looked out for each other, with festivals he thoroughly enjoyed. It was a place where one could set down roots, a town worth being proud of, and he didn’t want to see it destroyed by thugs.
He’d considered paying Dublin off, but with men like that, whatever you gave them would never be enough. Once you were in their pocket, you were never getting out.
Pyke was familiar with the type. He’d meet guys like Dublin, and the only way he could shake them off him was to kill them. That was the only way to stop a rabid dog.
Nester’s safety was his number-one concern. Not Payton and his games, not the death of Scott. Nothing mattered to him except keeping Dublin and his deranged morals as far away from Nester as possible.
“How long should it take him to get here?” With his arms wrapped around his midsection, Nester walked to the window and peered out. “The suspense is killing me.”
The tightness in Pyke’s chest drew him across the room. He rested his hands on Nester’s shoulders, his chest to his mate’s back, as they stared out the window.
“Nothing is going to happen. You tell the sheriff what took place, and we’ll get this matter behind us.” Pyke wanted to say more, to reassure Nester that Dublin wasn’t going to get near him, but…he hesitated.
Of course Pyke would do everything in his power to keep that promise, but Dublin had already sent that picture, which meant he was close. Or one of his lackeys was in town. Men like Dublin never got their own hands dirty.
Except for that video. Lewis had told him how they’d gone through Nester’s pictures in his phone to find out the identity of the dead man—Scott. Pyke was surprised they hadn’t seen the video and played it.
That oversight just might have saved their lives.
“I still don’t see why I inherited Scott’s debt.” Nester placed a hand over one of Pyke’s. “It’s not like we were married.”
“Men like Dublin don’t care who they destroy to get what they want.”
Nester turned and gazed up at him. “That’s just it. I didn’t want to tell you because I’m afraid he’ll try to destroy you. You’ve been nothing but nice to me, although you scared the crap out of me in that alley. Still, I don’t want his ugliness anywhere near you.”
The deep concern in Nester’s eyes touched Pyke. His mate pressed his hands against Pyke’s chest, scorching his skin and making Pyke’s breathing pick up. “I’m not without my assets.”