As Gabriel continued explaining the problems he was having with his client, Alex grew determined to wipe them all out for him. Hell, he’d comb Baltimore for the perfect foster family himself if that was what it would take, but he didn’t think it would come to that.

I can’t tell you you’re my hypercompatible mate. I shouldn’t kill that kid. I can fix things for your client, though. I can do anything you ask me to. I can make sure you’re safe tonight, too. And you gave me your number like an angel, and you even gave me a reason to talk again soon, so I can keep finding ways to trail after you like a stray puppy.  

When Gabriel looked down at his phone, Alex shot the younger Alpha a look that promised dismemberment. The younger Alpha looked away quickly and then got very busy reading something on his phone.

Not as satisfying as murder, but it was something.

When, a few moments after that, Gabriel mentioned biking home, Alex thought he had not sounded half as insane as he felt about the idea of Gabriel riding alone in the dark in a city known for its violent crime rate. He had done a good job of calmly persuading Gabriel to ride with him instead, keeping him inside a circle of protection for a few more moments. He had seen the brief flash of misgiving in those green eyes when he’d offered the ride, but Gabriel had acquiesced, thank god. Alex hadn’t had to beg.

Alex had ruthlessly controlled his pheromones in the car, not wanting to spook Gabriel, wanting to seem safe. Wanting to be safe for him. He’d half-run around the back of his car to get to Gabriel’s car door and open it, snatching a last lungful of scent in the process. Even if his mother had not raised him to be considerate and respectful, Alex would have rushed for every door just for the few extra seconds of proximity and the chance to do something for his mate. Where his mother had left off, Mother Nature had come in hot.

Fortunately, the family etiquette gave him excellent cover. His mother had always told him his lessons would come in handy. Victoria Anderson was rarely wrong. Alex hoped that when he had asked Gabriel text him when he got in, he’d sounded only moderately insane. Gabriel had indulged him, at least. And now he had texts to look at.

Well done, Alex.

Maybe it would be possible to walk this tightrope going forward. He’d help Gabriel out when he could. He’d just enjoy his presence as much as he could for as long as he could.

After canvassing Fell's Point for over an hour, Alex looked around him and realized he didn’t know where he was anymore. He checked the map on his phone and saw that he was a full mile away from his car. It was after midnight, and he hadn’t seen a single cause for alarm in the neighborhood, unless you counted rats, and in Baltimore, it was best not to count the rats.

It’s a nice area, he grudgingly acknowledged.

It was time for him to go home. Time to practice being normal. Time to cut the pathetic Romeo act. He wished he'd known that the previous night had been the last night he'd ever sleep soundly. He could have prepared a little better.

Prepared how? Ordered infrared cameras so I can watch him walk around in his apartment to be sure he’s alright?

No, preparation would not have helped.

When he found his car again, he checked Gabriel’s building and saw that only one window was still lit. He hoped it wasn’t Gabriel’s.

Reluctantly, he got back in his car and drove home.