Kaden, wearing only a black apron and beanie, was standing in front of the stove. Nicholas’s eyes roamed over his backside, down to Kaden’s perfectly rounded ass.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
Kaden glanced over his shoulder. “I’m making breakfast.”
Nicholas chuckled. “Let me rephrase the question. What are you wearing? Not that I’m complaining or anything. I’m just curious.”
“I went for a run this morning. When I got here, I realized all my clothes were upstairs. I didn’t want to disturb you or Adam so”—he shrugged nonchalantly—“I just started making breakfast.”
“Feel free to cook nude anytime. I like the view.”
“Are you hungry?” he asked.
“Starved.” Nicholas rubbed his stomach.
“Take a seat.” Kaden tilted his head toward the counter.
Nicholas strolled into the kitchen. He pulled out a barstool and sat down. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Kaden turned around. He flashed a brilliant smile at Nicholas before emptying the contents of the frying pan onto a glass plate.
“I hope you like bacon, sweet potato hash, and eggs,” he said, sliding the plate toward Nicholas. “It’s nothing fancy...”
“It smells fantastic,” he interrupted. Kaden was wrong. The food looked like an intricate masterpiece that a chef would serve at a five-star restaurant. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Nicholas grabbed a fork and took a bite. The flavors exploded on his tongue, and he moaned. “Wow, this is delicious.”
“I usually do most of the cooking.”
“Thank goodness for that. Otherwise, we’d all starve. I’m useless in the kitchen,” Nicholas told him.
“Listen”—Kaden sighed—“I need to apologize.”
“What are you talking about?” Nicholas’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Why do you need to apologize?”
“Adam asked the pack to stay away. He wanted to spend time with you, but I…” Kaden paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. “We were lovers, Adam and I, and I was hoping that you would be my mate so that we could still be together.”
“You and Adam?”
“Yes.”
“You love him?”
“Yes.”
Although Nicholas appreciated the honesty, he couldn’t deny that his feelings were hurt. He didn’t expect his mates to fall instantly in love with him. That wasn’t how a mating worked. But knowing they had a history that didn’t include him made Nicholas question the future. How did he fit in with the two of them? Nicholas took a few bites of his breakfast, diving into the unanswered questions.
He wasn’t sure why he was hurt. He should be overjoyed at the prospect of all three of them together under the same roof. Perhaps he wasn’t secure in the mating because he hadn’t been claimed by Kaden? Whatever the reason, Nicholas shook it off. If he allowed any doubt to creep into his mind, both Adam and Kaden would start to question the dynamic.
“Adam is worried that his wolf might not accept you.”
Kaden nodded. “I figured as much.”
“How long have you guys known each other?”
“Since we were kids.” He smiled as if remembering the moment he’d met Adam. “I moved here with my parents when I was in second grade. Even then, Adam was popular. Everyone loved him. He was outgoing and athletic. I was shy and a little timid. I think he sensed my emotions and took me under his wing. We’ve been best friends ever since.”
“Are you scared of his wolf?”
Kaden shook his head. “No. He would never hurt me, although I’m sure his wolf would make me submit, but that’s to be expected. He’s an Alpha.”
“I’m not sure how this is all going to work.”
For some reason Nicholas had felt more confident about everything the night before when he was talking to Adam.
Kaden reached across the countertop, holding out his hand, and Nicholas mirrored his action. When their fingertips touched, he felt a spark pass between them. A wave of heat ran up his arm, warming his heart. Nicholas knew Kaden felt it, too, by the way his eyes widened in surprise. Any uncertainty he’d been holding on to seemed to dissipate completely. He might be the link that tied Adam and Kaden together, but he was wanted.
“I’m glad that you’re my mate,” Kaden told him sincerely.
“Do you wish it was Adam instead of me?”
Kaden shook his head. “No.”
“Why? You love him.”
“I’ve known him for a long time, but there’s plenty of space in my heart for you. Besides”—he shrugged—“things weren’t perfect with Adam. There was always something missing, and I think that something was you. We need you.”