Hunter(Zeus's Pack 5)(9)

Okay, no need to panic. He was an adult. He could handle being by himself. But what if Xavier found him? How would he get help?

The idea terrified him.

“You hungry?” Quinn asked Tristan as they got into the truck. Not really, but if Quinn wanted to go...

“Yes, sir.” Tristan’s earlier good mood was gone now. He couldn’t understand why he felt so depressed now. As if Quinn would leave tomorrow and Tristan would never see him again.

“Good, then we can head over to Theo’s.” Quinn started up the truck and pulled from the jobsite. Tristan snuck a peek at the handsome man. He looked like a well-rounded, happy person. Could Tristan bring all his baggage to Quinn’s doorstep? That wasn’t very fair. All the man had done was be nice and helpful.

Maybe it would be best to leave before Xavier caused his mate any trouble. Quinn had plenty of friends and a good life. He wasn’t about to spoil that. Tristan felt as if there was a large hole in his chest where his heart should be. The thought of leaving Quinn was agonizing, but it was for the best.

“Here we are, jellybean.” Quinn pulled into a spot in front of a tavern, and it looked lively inside. Maybe he could have a little fun before he left.

Tristan hugged his sketchpad as he got out and followed Quinn inside. The music was loud, multiple televisions were playing, and he could hear pool balls cracking somewhere in the back.

Laughter drifted all through the place, and a few loud cheers as some people whooped at the sports game they were watching. The smell of food wafted by him, and Tristan’s stomach growled. It smelled delicious.

They took a seat right at the bar, Tristan laying his pad in his lap. A ruggedly handsome gentleman walked over to them from behind the bar. “What can I get for you, Quinn?” The man smiled at Tristan, making him feel welcome. “I really like your hat.” He pointed with his dishtowel. “It’s cool as hell.”

Tristan’s hand fluttered up, touching the brim. “Thank you, si—” Tristan caught himself at the last second. He could see Quinn’s head snap around to him, a frown on his face. Tristan lowered his eyes and began to softly sing to himself. He didn’t want Quinn to look at him disapprovingly.

“I’ll take a Michelob.” Quinn gave a gentle tug on Tristan’s shirt. “What do you want, jellybean?”

“A water is fine, sir,” he responded quietly. Fear kept him from looking up and seeing that look still on Quinn’s classically good features.

“Are you sure? You can have whatever you want.”

Tristan nodded.

“I tell you what, I’m gonna order you something else. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to drink it, okay?”

Tristan nodded again.

“Give him one of those virgin margaritas.” Quinn tapped him on his leg, gaining Tristan’s attention. “Or do you want alcohol in it?”

“No, what you ordered is fine, sir.” Tristan looked around the tavern. It was very homey, comfortable feeling. He stiffened when he recognized the men who found him wandering the dark and lonely country road and brought him here to this town.

Crap. His purpose wasn’t to deceive them when they found him and thought he was someone else, but it helped him get away from Xavier. But now he felt guilty as hell.

One of the men got up and walked over, a wide smile cutting across his face. “It’s good to see you feel better. Hi, I’m Sidney.”

Tristan shook his hand. “Hi, Tristan.”

The man laughed, his face lighting up. “I remember. Your hat is pretty cool.”

“Thank you.” He knew he made a right choice when he picked it out.

“Why don’t you come join us at our table? I ordered appetizers and wings.” He wiggled his brows and laughed.

Tristan looked up at Quinn. The man had his ever-present smile on his face. “Sounds good, we’ll be right over as soon as Theo’s slow ass brings our drinks.” Tristan smiled when Theo grunted and slammed Quinn’s beer down on the bar.

“Kiss my slow ass, fucker.”

“I love you, too.” Quinn laughed and grabbed his bottle, and Tristan felt his claws trying to emerge. Joking or not, he didn’t like it. He reached out and punched Quinn in his arm.

“What the hell was that for?” Quinn rubbed his arm.

“What was what for, sir?”

“You just punched me,” Quinn said in surprise.

“No I didn’t, sir.” Tristan slid off of his stool and walked over to Sidney’s table, feeling like hitting Theo.

“They’re only joking,” Sidney whispered to Tristan. “Quinn seems to have taken to you like a mama bear to a cub.”