Heat Rising [Brac Village 5] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic ManLove) by Lynn Hagen Page A

Bear outside.
    “I didn’t think Tommy was the type,” Spencer said as his eyes followed the small man walking down the street. “He’s so sweet and nice. Why would he get involved with someone like Harley Grouper?”
    Bear had no idea why some men fell for guys who were no good for them. He never understood the bad-boy image some men salivated after. They were only asking for trouble when getting caught up with those types of characters.
     
    * * * *
     
    “You have that look in your eyes,” Spencer said when he walked out of work and saw his mate waiting for him by his borrowed truck. Bear wasn’t sitting inside the truck. He was leaning by the passenger door, a shitty-ass grin on his face.
    “I stopped by the hospital. Leigh is doing much better. His jaw is wired shut, but the doctor said he didn’t suffer any other injuries. I also called the hospital where the cashier was taken. He’s recovered and at home resting. So , I had a little talk with Maverick and he’s agreed to allow you to visit with Recker.”
    The guy looked like he was bursting with pride at what he had accomplished for Spencer. He threw himself into Bear’s arms and hugged him. “Thank you.”
    “It’s only an hour, but I figure that was better than nothing.”
    An hour was plenty of time for Spencer to visit with his best friend. He missed the big lug head. Spencer was almost bouncing with anticipation as Bear drove him out to the Den. He knew this wasn’t going to be a joyous occasion. He wasn’t going to fool himself into thinking everything was going to be all right now.
    Recker had a long way to go. The man’s anger had been getting worse over the years, despite the help Spencer had tried to give him. He still firmly believed the rhino needed to find his mate. He doubted that solution would be a cure-all, but Spencer knew in his heart that it would help the guy tremendously.
    Regardless of what he was telling himself, when the large house came into sight, Spencer felt the anticipation building. The tires crunched over the gravel as Bear pulled up next to a row of trucks and parked.
    Spencer had never been to the alpha’s house before. The sheer size of the place was intimidating. Not only would he see his best friend, but Maverick as well. Maybe. Spencer wasn’t sure, but after their last meeting, he was hoping he didn’t run into the guy.
    His stomach rolled, though whether from the adrenaline that was pouring through him or the fact that he hadn’t eaten today, Spencer couldn’t be sure. For a second, he wondered if this was such a good idea. Now that he was here, a knot of dread formed in his gut. His emotions seemed to be all over the place, going from one extreme to the next.
    “Are you going to be okay?” Bear asked as he joined Spencer at his side, wrapping a large arm around Spencer’s shoulder. “We don’t have to be here if you’re not ready to face this.”
    “There’s nothing to face. He’s my best friend and Recker needs to know that he’s not in this alone.” A soft breeze blew by, Spencer lifting his face to enjoy the scents of pine, cedar, and an earthy smell that told him there was water close by. It was a light scent, probably a pond. There were woods running along the back property line, branches blowing at the top of the trees, giving the place such a serene appearance.
    The woodsy feeling made Spencer miss Bear’s cabin. He had yet to explore the forest in his mate’s backyard while in shifter form. Just the thought of drinking from the babbling brook and feeling the breeze skim through his fur had Spencer excited in ways he hadn’t felt lately. All he wanted was the peace and tranquility Bear’s home gave him.
    “Come on, baby. Let’s go see your best friend.” Bear slid his fingers around Spencer’s hand as they walked to the front door. Spencer noticed a camera perched up high in a corner, turning toward them when Bear rang the doorbell.
    When the door swung open, Johnny was standing