Man in the Middle [Wolf Creek Pack 9] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour ManLove), Stormy Glenn [important books to read txt] 📗

conclusion that it was his sickness that was keeping Chase from claiming him. Even though it broke his heart to do so, Justin had walked away so that Taylor would have a chance at happiness.

And it had all been for nothing.

Chase was here and Taylor was here, and everyone was claimed. What had all of his heartache been for?

Justin’s eyes widened as he inhaled sharply and pushed away from Chase. As he glanced around the room, realization suddenly filled him. There was a part of him, a small part, that hated Chase in that moment.

“You claimed me because you think I’m a vampire, didn’t you?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Justin,” Chase replied sharply. “I claimed you because you are my mate.”

“I was your mate before,” Justin whispered, knowing beyond the shadow of a doubt that Chase was lying through his teeth. “But I was sick before. Now I’m a vampire, so that makes it more acceptable to claim me, doesn’t it?”

Chase grimaced as if he didn’t want to admit to what Justin already knew. “I’ll give you that you being a vampire instead of sick makes things a little easier, but—”

Justin tuned out the rest of Chase’s response as he turned away. He didn’t want to hear anything else the man had to say. He had heard enough. He always knew that Chase had never claimed him because he was sick, but to have it thrown into his face so blatantly hurt far worse than Justin thought it would.

In that moment, he almost wished that the Teacher had killed him as he had threatened to do so many times. Taylor didn’t even know about the nightmare Justin had lived through on a daily basis, the threat of death hanging over his head if he even considered stepping out of line or not obeying the Teacher. Justin had never wanted Taylor to know, so he kept that horror secret.

Justin knew how much Taylor had given up to keep him safe. If he ever knew that the Teacher was telling him one thing, and making deals with Taylor, and then turning around and threatening Justin, Taylor would have lost his mind.

Now, it just didn’t seem to matter. Nothing did. Whether he was sick or a vampire, he still wasn’t really wanted. Sure, Taylor wanted him, but Justin often wondered if it was a love of convenience. Taylor was so used to caring for him, protecting him, that Justin didn’t think Taylor knew how to do anything else.

That was why he had wanted Chase to claim Taylor. He knew, once Taylor belonged to Chase, that both men would find happiness together. They were both strong men with a deep need to protect those that they cared about. They were more alike than either of them wanted to admit. They were perfect for each other.

And, vampire or diabetic, Justin knew he just didn’t fit into their perfect little world. No matter what he was, he was different from them. His needs may have changed a bit if he was indeed a vampire, but he still had them. He would need blood instead of insulin. His diet would have to be carefully watched just like before. Justin didn’t even want to think about the whole garlic and no sunlight thing.

He was already a freak.

Justin turned and looked over at Danny and his mate, avoiding Taylor and Chase, who he could see staring at him with twin expressions of exasperation on their faces. “Is there somewhere that I can lie down? I’m feeling rather tired at the moment.”

The prince frowned as his eyes danced between Justin, Taylor, and Chase, and then back to Justin. He sighed deeply as Danny nudged him with his elbow, glaring down at his mate for a brief moment.

“I told you that you could stay as long as you wished, Justin. Please consider this your room for as long as you want it.”

Justin glanced at Taylor and Chase out of the corner of his eyes. “Somewhere private?”

Dominic’s eyes cut to Chase and Taylor, and then he frowned. “I suppose that can be arranged.”

“No, it cannot!” Taylor shouted as he rushed across the room to grab Justin’s arm and swung him around. He started jabbing his finger at Justin, his nostrils flaring with anger. “I don’t know what in the hell is wrong with you, Justin, but enough is enough. I didn’t go through all of that shit with the Teacher just to give you up because you have a fucking stick up your ass.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Justin pushed away from Taylor, feeling like the man was jumping up and down on the last thread holding his nerves together. Too much more, and he would be a blithering idiot.

“Damn it, Justin.” Taylor’s fists clenched at his sides.

“Vampire or diabetic doesn’t matter, Justin,” Chase said. “I’ve already claimed you. There is no going back now.”

Justin’s shoulders slumped. He walked over and sat down on the side of the bed, staring down at his hands. He refused to look up when someone sat beside him and the bed dipped. He knew it was Chase from the faded color of his denim jeans. Taylor was wearing dark denim jeans.

“Is being mated to me so bad, Justin?” Chase asked.

“No, but…” Justin just didn’t have an answer for Chase, not now.

“I thought you wanted to be my mate.”

“I did, but…” Again, Justin didn’t have an answer. It seemed like everything he wanted was mixed up with everything he had given up. He just didn’t know what the right answer was, or even if there was one. “You don’t understand.”

Justin instantly realized what he had said and how it might have sounded when Taylor started snickering. He rolled his eyes and then raised his head to glare at Taylor. The man quickly pressed his lips and then covered his mouth with his hand. It didn’t make Justin feel any better.

Neither did Chase’s response.

“So, explain it to me.”

Justin shot Chase a deadpan look. “You first.”

* * *