With Abandon: With or Without, Book 4

Howard crooked his finger at Matt and turned to leave the
    room.
    Oh shoot, he knows. Matt’s stomach rolled. Okay, don’t be a dork, he can’t know. It’s something else.
    Matt forced himself to move. He followed Howard out of the dining room into another room. This wasn’t
    something he could avoid no matter how badly he wanted to. More than likely, it was his overactive
    imagination anyway. Howard probably wanted to welcome him to the pack officially and lay down some
    ground rules.
    When he stepped inside he recognized it as a study. It was masculine, dark woods and leather
    furniture. There was a bar, a big desk, a fireplace and French doors leading out onto the veranda. Even with the real threat of being banished or worse, he thought the room fit Aubrey to a T. It was an intimidating and comforting room all at once, depending on which side of the desk you were on.
    Taking up the place of importance, Howard slid behind the desk and motioned for Matt to have a seat.
    “Would you like a drink, Matt? I suppose given who you are I can offer you one. I seriously doubt my son will have a problem with it.”
    Shaking his head, Matt swallowed the lump in his throat and sat in one of the high-back leather chairs
    in front of the desk. “How did you know?” Had Matt done something to give them away?
    Howard shrugged. “I just do.”
    “This is where you warn me off and tell me to leave, isn’t it?”

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    J.L. Langley
    Howard’s brow furrowed. “No.” The corner of his mouth lifted just a bit then lowered, like he hadn’t
    smiled at all. “This is where I tell you that I’m sorry, and I’m here if you need me.”
    What? Matt’s pulse sped up. “Sorry?” Oh God, why was he sorry? Was he going to kill Matt or something? Matt’s breath hitched and shuddered. Survival instinct had him checking his nearest exit,
    wondering how quickly he could get out those French doors.
    Jumping to his feet, Howard came around the desk. “Relax, Matt. You’re okay.” He knelt by Matt’s
    chair and caught his hand. Matt wanted to jerk it back, but he didn’t. He focused all his attention on the man before him. He didn’t sense any malice, but Howard was powerful enough Matt didn’t know if he
    would be able to sense it if Howard didn’t want him to. Keaton was this strong, and he was able to hide things because of it. Was his father the same way?
    Howard brushed a strand of hair from his forehead. “Good Lord, you really are young.” He patted
    Matt’s hand. “I’m sorry this is so hard for you. Give him time. He’ll come around, I promise, but if I know Aubrey like I think I do, it’s not going to be easy. Giving in gracefully has never been one of his strong points.”
    Matt tried to slow his breathing, but he didn’t let his guard down. “I— You— We—” He shook his
    head, wanting to smack himself to make his darned mouth work. It was difficult to concentrate.
    Letting go of his hand, Howard stood and crossed the room.
    Glass clinked against glass followed by the sound of liquid being poured.
    Howard returned and pressed a tumbler into his hand. “Take a drink.”
    Matt stared at the glass, wrinkling his nose at the strong alcoholic smell. “You are trying to kill me.
    Just like Aubrey. This stuff doesn’t agree with me.”
    Chuckling, Howard went back to his chair behind the desk. “I just want you to take a sip, not down
    the whole thing.”
    Matt took a sip. He couldn’t afford to offend. This time he barely even sputtered.
    “Talk to me, son.”
    The knot in his stomach eased some, and Matt blinked back tears. Was it possible that Howard wasn’t
    mad at all, but on his side? “Why?”
    “I love my boys, and I want them happy. I want them to have what I have with their mother.” He
    shrugged. “I admit I was a little upset when Keaton first told us he was gay. But after I found out about Chay it all made sense. And frankly, I’m glad. I don’t think there’s anyone who can handle Keaton as well as Chay does. God knows I’ve wanted to strangle him most of his life.” He leaned forward, putting his
    elbows on the desk. “It only took me a few minutes after meeting you to realize you’re perfect for Aubrey, and shortly after that I figured out why. You’re what he needs whether he knows it or not.”
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    With Abandon
    Wow. Okay, this was weird. Matt had the urge to pinch himself to make sure he was hearing things right.