Haven 1: Caution: Contents Under Pressure Read Online Free PDF Page B

else doesn’t mean he wants him. It sounds more like a spoiled child fighting over a toy then hiding it in the closet where no one can see it.”
    “I’m not explaining it right, but just trust me. No amount of instinct can make Boston want Malakai. If he sees him with someone else, and really doesn’t want him, he won’t react at all. I don’t think that’s the case, however. I’d recommend someone big enough to stand up to a shifter.”
    Stavion thought it over for several minutes before a slow smile worked its way across his lips. “A little nudge, right?” Boston wouldn’t claim Malakai right away. The man was much too stubborn for that. Plus, Flynn would have to claim Malakai as well, and the pair hadn’t even met. If Stavion could get the three together, though, he might be able to buy them a little time.
    Blaise smiled wickedly and dipped his head. “Just a tiny push.”
    “I know just the man for the job.” He stood from his desk, saw Blaise to the door, then went in search of his friend.
    The conversation with Malakai didn’t take long. Stavion was surprised that Malakai had actually agreed to let Raven accompany him to the wedding. He just hoped it all worked out, and Boston got a good look at what he stood to lose if he kept denying his mate.
    With one more thing off of his to-do list, Stavion went to talk to his own mate. He didn’t know what good it would do. It wasn’t like Jory every responded. Still, Stavion liked spending time with Jory, even if he did all the talking. Hopefully, if he kept up his nightly visits, Jory would eventually get used to him being there. Maybe he’d even start to relax a little instead of shaking in fear every time Stavion stepped into the room.
    He gave a precursory knock, then pushed the door open. “Good evening, Jory. Did you eat tonight?”
    “Yes,” came a whispered response.
    Stavion was so shocked, he didn’t know what else to say for a minute. Except for a few words when they’d first met, Jory never said anything. Deciding to play it off as if it was a momentous breakthrough, Stavion cleared his throat and smiled. “I’m glad. You’re looking much better.”
    “Thank you.” Jory sat in the middle of the bed, his legs drawn up under him, and he still wouldn’t look at Stavion. At least he was talking, though.
    “Have you been sleeping well? Is there anything you need?”
    “I’ve never had so much.” Jory peeked up from under his lashes as Stavion sat on the bed. “Thank you for helping us.”
    It was on the tip of Stavion’s tongue to inform his mate that it was his job. While that may have been true, there was more to it than that.
    He truly liked helping these young men and women. It gave him a sense of purpose to know that he’d done something to make their lives better.
    “It’s my pleasure,” he decided on instead. “I’m glad that I could help you and your friends.” God, he wanted to touch Jory in the worst way. “Do you remember the talk we had last week?”
    “About us being mates?”
    “That’s the one. Do you know what that means, Jory?”
    Jory nodded slowly. “That I belong to you.” He didn’t sound very happy about it either. If Stavion had lived through half of what Jory had, he figured he wouldn’t want to be someone’s property either.
    “Sweetheart, it’s a lot more than that. Yes, if you’d like, you’ll belong to me. You’re not my slave or a pet, though. You’re my mate. The choice is completely yours. I just want you to be happy.” On one level, the words killed him to say. Stavion knew he meant them, though. Even if Jory didn’t want to be with him, he just wanted to see the little man smile—even once.
    What he got was an unconvinced snort. “Just like that?”
    Stavion bit back his sigh and stood from the bed. “Just like that, Jory. I’m not going to force you to do anything. If you want to talk, you know where to find me. I won’t bother you anymore.” He’d give Jory the space he