Chapter 6: A Touch of Interest

“Please tell me you’re not trying to stalk me in my daily routines just because I’m Theo’s older brother.” The words passed Scott’s lips before he could stop them, he’d sensed the pull that alerted him of Lance’s nearby presence, and he barely spared the man a look when he heard the bell ring and the creak of the door.

To say that Lance was at a loss for words was an understatement, he certainly didn’t expect this sudden hostility from Scott.

“I just, uh, wanted to see about ordering some, uh, books for class.” Lance stumbled with his words and he tried not to shrink under the man’s gaze, even as he felt that foreign pull towards the wolf-shifter.

Lance still couldn’t place the pull, couldn’t understand it, but he also knew that he couldn’t avoid the bookstore. Not if he wanted to figure out his feelings and thrive at work with his students. As much as Lance might be intimidated around Scott, he wouldn’t let that stop him from moments like these. Moments where he felt at home, surrounded by books.

“I’m joking. Partially, anyway. I’ve had some folks take an interest in me and take it to an extreme level. It’s annoying and irritating and I’d rather not deal with that kind of trouble from my brother’s favorite teacher.” Scott teased with a wave of his hand as he leaned back in his seat. It was obvious to the wolf-shifter that Lance flustered easily. ‘Good to know.’ The thought crossed his mind.

He couldn’t help the way his eyes raked over Lance, the loose button-up shirt showing off the slightest bit of olive skin, and the way the blue jeans hung loose on his frame. Scott had to force his eyes away from the man, afraid that Lance might have noticed his watchful gaze, and silently cursed himself for giving in to the pull. Or at least, that primal part of Scott that was thriving at being so close to his mate.

“So, Lance Robbins, what kind of books are you looking for?” He’d asked as he hopped out of his seat and moved around the counter.

“Every now and then I like to mix it up for the class, follow the outline I made with all the school-approved books, and keep everyone happy. Then I’ll follow it up with a book of my choosing, something that I think the class might enjoy and it could start up a great debate in the classroom.” Lance explained as he walked with Scott, both men eyeing the rows looking for something that could have piqued the interest of a group of teenagers.

“Now depending on those kids, you could always go with something that’s based on reality. There are always books on your local serial killers or spooky, scary mystery books.” Scott began to say with a wave of his hand and a small smile, it was easy for him to get into this job because he truly loved books. But once he heard Lance’s quiet chuckles, he felt the heat rise to his face and quickly turned his back to the man.

‘This is a human. My supposed-to-be mate. Idiot.’ He cursed himself.

“I want what you think is best, Scott. You work in this bookstore and you should especially know what your brother’s tastes are. What would you suggest to a class of pre-teens?” Lance asked as he reached out to rest a hand on Scott’s back. Lance felt the hitch in Scott’s breath followed by a spark in his own body. Lance could only hope that he hadn’t embarrassed Scott, but he was also painfully aware of just how close he got to the man.

Scott tried to focus on the books around him, and find something that the students would enjoy reading. Anything to keep his attention off of Lance and the hand that was on his back, it took all his effort just to swallow the predatory growl building up in his chest.

“I’d have to order you a set of books for your class…” He started to say once he managed to calm himself down, releasing the breath he’d been holding before he turned back around to face Lance. Scott refused to let Lance see the hold he had over him, Scott kept his walls up for a reason.

“It’s a sci-fi thriller and it’s actually pretty good, in my opinion. Once you really get into the story, your students should find themselves suspicious of every character they meet. Not to mention it should put up a good debate in terms of humanity dropping down on the food chain.” Scott explained with a smirk as he handed over the book.

With Lance’s attention focused on the book in his hands, Scott took the only chance he felt he had to get a good look at the man. Lance was certainly easy on the eyes, even for a human, and the longer he stared the stronger that pull became. He tried not to stare, tried not to let his eyes drift over the man’s body, and when Lance had met his gaze he could only snap his gaze away and hope he hadn’t been obvious.

‘I hate that my mate is a human. Theo’s favorite teacher no less!’ Scott thought before motioning for Lance to follow him.

“How long will it take to order enough books for the class?” Lance had asked with a raised brow, watching nimble fingers type away at the computer. While silver eyes were focused on the computer, most likely looking up the book and setting up the order request, Lance found himself noticing the small things about Scott all over again.

The furrow in his brows whenever he became focused, or the slightest flash of his tongue out of the corner of his lips. There was the way Scott mouthed whatever he was reading and how his eyes danced between the computer screen and the book in front of him.

“Okay, so it should take a week, give or take a few days. I put in a few extra notes to try and get it prioritized…” Scott’s voice broke the comfortable silence, Lance jumping at the sudden noise, followed by him handing the book over to Lance. Lance could only hope that Scott wasn’t aware of his staring, or at the very least he wouldn’t mention it.

“Your order should show up on the screen, just need to know if you’re paying with cash or card?” Scott said only for Lance to immediately hand over the money with a glance at the total.

“If it helps I can, uh, bring the books to your class for you as soon as they come in,” Scott added with a small smile, it felt like he was treading on thin ice. Perhaps that was because of the pull between them? That had to explain why Scott found himself so fidgety around this particular human.

When Scott had offered to hand deliver the books, Lance had to stop himself from immediately saying yes. He knew that his eagerness was chalked up to these foreign feelings, feelings that he still didn’t entirely understand.

“If you’d like, I’m sure your little brother would be ecstatic to see you in his classroom.” Lance chose his words carefully even as he felt the smile tugging at his lips. The tension had slowly eased up, allowing both men to be a little more comfortable with each other.

Scott tried not to focus on how close he’d gotten to the man when he shifted to lean his weight against the counter, a blank look on his face before the smirk crossed over his lips.

“Give it a week max. By then, your books should get in and I’ll be sure to drop them off at the school.” He responded with a nod of his head, leaning his head against the palm of his hand and noticing how Lance seemed to falter at the sudden closeness.

“I should get going. I’m, uh, meeting up with a friend for some lunch.” Lance mumbled once he managed to pull himself away from Scott, blushing at how much he enjoyed the sound of Scott’s laughter before slipping out the door.

Both men were far too aware of the tension that grew between them, but where Lance was willing to embrace it Scott wanted to avoid it. Better for the wolf-shifter to avoid the pull, not only for his own sake but for Lance’s. At least that’s what he liked to tell himself.

‘I let my guard down around that human. My mate, or supposed to be, but a human first and foremost. Idiot. I let the pull get to me.’ Scott scolded himself once Lance was gone, hands clenching into fists as the anger bubbled up inside of him.

He knew he’d enjoyed the man’s presence far too much, and he knew that it was easy to chalk it up to the pull. But he also hated that he was so quick to let his guard down, he shouldn’t have Lance get as close as he did.

‘Maybe he feels the same thing I do. What if he really does like me?’ Lance questioned as he pulled away from the bookstore, a smile tugging at his lips with a newfound sense of giddiness at the prospect.

“Maybe things are finally looking up and it’ll work itself out,” Lance said with a hint of hopefulness in the tone of his voice.