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“There isn’t enough liquor in the apartment for this!” Kari’s response brought more laughter and did nothing to stop the conversation.

Lennon sipped at his drink and watched how Kari was with Bowie. It was the same as it was at work. He could see it now, with the way Kari gave his affection easily, despite it clearly being embarrassing the way they all talked about his brothers and sex. As they laughed and drank, a sense of unease grew inside Lennon, seeing Kari had a way about him that differed greatly from Kodi. Kari had a confidence that Kodi lacked.

Would Kodi ever behave this way with Lennon in public, around his family? A heaviness lodged itself in the center of his chest at the obvious answer.

Was this why Kodi decided to take a step back and learn about each other? Didn’t he want to tell anyone about them?

By the end of the evening, they learned Bowie had been the one keeping their relationship a secret, not Kari. It was easy to do a comparison. Except it was Kodi hiding what they were doing. It was subtle.

You haven’t asked him to tell anyone.

It was true, Lennon hadn’t. Why is that? In his heart, he knew Kodi didn’t want anyone knowing and by forcing the issue, he could lose him.

Where does it leave us? His animal’s sarcastic question was far too easy to answer.

In limbo land where the ground is littered with unseen booby traps waiting to blow things apart.

It’s not that bad.

Isn’t it?

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Alphaholes

Booker: Kodi, what’s with you at dinner tonight? You look like you lost a thousand dollars and found a nickel.

Silas: Was it a family Sunday roast? And if so, why wasn’t I invited?

Booker: It was, and you missed out big time. Laken brought Isley to dinner to meet the parents.

Laken: Fuck you, Booker!

Kari: You following my trend, Laken?

Laken: What? Hiding that you were mated to Bowie? Though, can you call it hiding when it was noticeable your scent changed? And Isley and I are just dating right now…

Jupiter: You keep telling yourself that.

Taylin: Jup, you know we’re gonna fry your ass when you finally give in and accept what we all know.

Jupiter: You keep believin’, Tay.

Kodi: They guessed Friday night, Kari, when you abandoned us for a PA inauguration. I never said a word about you and Bowie, so don’t believe Silas.

Silas: Your silence gave you away!

Kari: Don’t stress, I’m not worried about anyone knowing now, or before. Bowie was the one who didn’t want anyone to know.

Rue: It’s good to know you’ve finally come clean about Isley, Laken. Kari, why would Bowie not want anyone knowing you two were mated? Doesn’t sound good to me.

Jupiter: You mean I wasn’t the only one to know about Laken being in…

Laken: Jup, I swear I’ll kick your ass.

Kari: Bowie has spent a long time being rejected by people who should have loved him. He had trust issues that have taken some time to remove between us.

Laken: I get his reasoning.