Feral Northern Shifters 2

you.” It was spoken like an accusation which did funny things to Ethan’s heart, despite his discomfort over discussing his being illiterate. “Nobody else can do that. It means a lot to me.”
Ethan threw his arms out in frustration. “It means a lot to me too, Bram. But that’s not smart.”
“People-smart.” Bram offered a half-smile. “Or werewolf-smart.” They gazed at each other and this time it was Ethan who looked away.
“All right.” Despite himself Ethan felt a bit better. Stupid, but he’d take what he could. “I’m a little Bram-smart, at least.”
“I think you’re perfect.” With that Bram marched up to him and hugged him hard.
“Sorry,” said Ethan. It was his turn to apologize, and Bram shook his head against Ethan’s shoulder.
“I say things wrong.”
Ethan gave Bram another squeeze and backed up. “No, Bram. You can’t blame yourself because I’m unable to read and I find it limiting and upsetting and I don’t want to talk about it. But maybe, well, maybe don’t bring it up.”
“Then how will I teach you?”
Ethan sighed. “Maybe not now, okay?”
Bram gave him a small shake. “Why not?”
“I need time to get used to the idea.”
“We might not have enough time.”
Ethan frowned. “What do you mean? Are you going somewhere or something?” He had to work at not getting angry again. Dial it down, Ethan .
“That’s not what I meant. Just, the sooner the better.”
Ethan felt like demanding to know if Bram was planning to leave. But he’d made a point not to demand things of Bram. Because he hated seeing his lover cringe.
“Come here.” Then Bram did what Ethan was coming to love. He pulled him into his arms.
    Bram kissed Ethan’s neck, wishing he hadn’t distressed him so. He’d known reading was a sensitive topic, but felt it was important enough to raise the issue again. He wanted to teach Ethan, who would be vulnerable if he remained illiterate.
    Trouble was, Bram wasn’t sure how much time they had, and he wasn’t sure who would bother to teach Ethan after he was gone. It appeared the wolf friends were around occasionally, but nothing constant. And Ethan hadn’t really met people at his work, though he had no problem working with them.
    Bram knew he’d have to leave Ethan fairly soon. For Doug would never forgive Bram for what had happened, and Doug would never let Bram go unpunished. He refused to have Ethan caught up in that. If Doug set his sights on Ethan again, what had happened in the compound would simply be a warm-up before a second round of imprison the cat.
    Bram wanted Ethan to have no part of his punishment. He deserved to stay free of Doug. “I’m not upset anymore, Bram,” Ethan said quietly.
“I know.”
“You don’t have to sound so smug about your sense of smell.” Ethan ruffled Bram’s hair, or would
    have if it were long enough to ruffle, and he wanted to sink into Ethan and never leave. The doorbell ringing made him jump back. Ethan caught him in the cage of his arms. “Don’t worry.
Liam’s a nice guy. Honest.”
“Let’s make sure it’s him.” He escaped Ethan’s embrace and headed to the front door, breathing in
hard and long.
“Who else would it be?”
The scent came to him and it wasn’t Doug’s. Bram recognized the wolf’s scent from that night last
week when they’d briefly met.
Ethan came up behind him and kissed his cheek as he passed by. “Relax. Trust me.” Bram didn’t say anything, simply watched as Ethan unlocked and opened the door. “Hey, Liam.
Come on in.”
Liam smiled at them both, but his gaze returned to Ethan. The wolf was blond, golden really, and
beautiful. Gorgeous. Bram didn’t think he’d seen a more beautiful wolf. He ignored a pang of jealousy, set
it aside when there were so many things he was more concerned with.
Maybe Liam would look after Ethan once Bram was out of Ethan’s life. The way Liam looked at
Ethan indicated to Bram that he was pleased to see Ethan. But they didn’t kiss, just said hello while Liam
chucked Ethan on the shoulder.
“Bram?”
He blinked. Fuck, pay attention.
“This is Liam,” Ethan was saying. “You actually met, though you were wolf at the time.” “Hi, Bram,” Liam said easily, and they shook hands. “Pleased to meet you in person.” He nodded. “You too.” He breathed in again, not caring if it was rude to track Liam’s real feelings. “Checking me out?” Liam asked bluntly. “That’s all right,” he added as Ethan frowned at