“Well then, I guess you’re coming with.” Holden pulled him into a hug and Jake went willingly. Seth sat on the couch glaring up at him and Jake couldn’t help but grin in response.
They made plans to leave the next morning. Holden asked him again if he really wanted to go and Jake reassured his friend this was exactly what he needed. It gave him a purpose, plus it was something he decided on his own. It was his choice to go and he couldn’t wait to head out at daybreak. All he needed to do now was explain to his brothers and Devon that he would be leaving for a few days. Devon was his boss and new alpha and he didn’t think the man would have an issue with him taking time off, but his brothers would be a different story.
Chapter Two
When Jake got home that night Josh was still there. Jake and Cole lived with the Carsten pack but Josh had chosen to live with his mate Jensen in Silver Creek where Jensen had a house. His brothers and their mates were sitting on the couch watching a movie. He could hear their laughter as he came through the back door.
“Great you’re still here,” Jake said as he came into the living room.
“Yeah, little brother twisted my arm until I stayed.” Josh must have read something on his face because he grabbed the remote and paused the movie. “What’s up?”
“Nothing, you being here just saves me from having to call you.” He took a seat on the coffee table. “I’m going to be leaving for a few days.”
“Where are you going?” Cole asked.
“Away with Holden.”
“Oh,” Cole said real slow then started to smile like a fool. “I get it.” He nudged Jake in the knee.
“What is wrong with you people?” Jake asked his little brother. “Just because Holden and I spend time together doesn’t mean we’re sleeping together. Jeez.” He blew out an annoyed breath. It would seem everyone pegged them for being a couple.
“I just assumed.” Cole looked to his mate Josef then to Josh. “I think we all assumed that you two were dating.”
“Well, we’re not.” He slapped his hands on his thighs. “But back to what I was saying. I’ll be gone for a few days. Holden is going to visit a friend Seth and I’m tagging along.” When Cole made a sound of surprise Jake narrowed his eyes at his brother. “And, no, they are not dating either.” Or so he thought.
“So where are you going and what will you be doing while you’re there?” Josh asked.
Josh had been born mere seconds before him and it irritated Jake that his brother treated him like a small child in need of constant parenting. Jake didn’t need to answer to anyone. He could come and go as he pleased. But out of respect he would tell his brothers where he’d be unlike Josh had done a few months back. Jake didn’t want to make anyone worry about him.
“Clawson. It’s a small town in Vermont.” He looked to Josh. “Seth invited him for a visit.” Jake held back the part about the two stray wolves on Seth’s property. No need to make his brothers worry because then they would try and talk him out of going.
“That explains why Holden’s going but why are you?” Josh sat forward and pointed a finger at Jake’s chest.
“Not that it’s any of your business, Brother,” Jake sneered at Josh. “But I want to go. I need some time on my own. It seemed to work wonders for you.” It was a low blow but of all people Josh should understand him wanting to get away for a bit.
“Come on, you two.” Cole interjected before Josh could say anything in his defense. “Jake, I think it’d be good for you to get away and have some time to yourself.” Cole shifted to look at Josh. “You agree to, don’t you, Josh?” With a tight nod Josh gave his approval, not that Jake needed it.
“Okay then.” Jake stood up. “I’m going to go talk to Devon and let him know I’ll need a few days off work.”
Jake left the room without saying another word and headed for Devon’s office. Yellow light seeped out from underneath the door and he could hear Devon’s chair rolling back and forth across the hardwood flooring. He knocked once and waited.
“Come in.”
Jake pushed the door open and stepped inside. “You got a minute?”
“Of course.” Devon put his pen down and smiled up at him. “What can I do for ya?”
“I wanted to see if it would be okay for me to take a few days off work?” He took a seat in the chair in front of Devon’s desk.
“Sure, where you off to?” Devon asked him.
“I’m going to go out of town with Holden and his friend Seth.” He quickly explained how he just wanted to get out of the house, hell, away from his brothers for just a little while.
Devon understood and said he could relate. He had two brothers of his own that put him through the wringer on a daily basis.
“Hey, Jake.”
Jake stopped at the door and turned to look back at Devon. “Yeah?”
“If you need anything don’t hesitate to call me.”
Jake smiled and appreciated the offer from his new alpha. “Will do, boss.” When he stepped out of the office he wasn’t surprised to see his twin leaning against the opposite wall. “Josh, what are you doing out here?” He shut the door behind him.
“Waiting for you.” Josh pushed away from the wall and came to stand before him. “Are you sure it’s safe going out of town with two men you barely know?”
Jake wanted to roll his eyes. “Yes, Josh, I do. I’m not helpless. I can take care of myself. I don’t need you to hold my hand anymore.”
Josh flinched at his
