Chapter 4

Four

CALLUM

A s I stepped off the stage, I was caught in a bone-crushing hug from Simon. "You know you're going to have to sing at the wedding now."

"First you two need to decide a date." I gave them both a stern look.

"See, Daddy, I told you we needed to decide sooner than later." Rhys came up alongside Simon, wrapping his arms around his Daddy, looking smug.

"I promise as soon as Jakob lets me know when he can be here, we can set the date." Simon brushed a kiss across Rhys's head.

"You two are disgustingly cute together," I grumbled

"Jealous?" Rhys piped up from under his Daddy's protective arm.

"Nah, he's too bossy for my tastes and you're too sweet," I answered, earning a chuckle from Simon.

"He's right baby bear, he'd eat you up." Simon tickled Rhys, earning us both a scowl—which, coming from Rhys, was like having a kitten bare its teeth .

Unperturbed by the teasing, Rhys continued, "So, what you're saying is you need a naughty, bratty boy."

I let out a laugh. "I'm not falling for that trap, whoever you think would be perfect for me. I'm quite happy with my life right now."

Rhys let out an adorable huff. "You, Sir, are full of shit."

"Language, baby bear." Simon warned softly.

"Sorry, Daddy, but I'm still right. I am so done with people ignoring what's right for them and what's right in front of them." Rhys gave me a defiant look and tipped his chin up, challenging me to argue with him.

I crossed my arms and caught Simon's stare before I spoke. He gave a slight inclination of his head—it was Rhys's funeral. He'd decided to start this. "And who do you think I'm ignoring, boy?" I had to give Rhys credit, he didn't back down.

"You and Mouse are so caught up in your own shit you're not looking at what's right in front of you," Rhys stated.

"Rhys," Simon growled softly in warning, but I shook my head slightly.

"And what am I blind to?"

Rhys took a deep breath as he looked around the room. Most of the guests had gone back to dancing or eating and nobody was paying much mind to what the three of us were doing.

"Mouse is going to kill me," Rhys muttered, but then he looked me square in the eye. "You really want to hear this? "

"Lay it on me, Rhys. It seems like you've been brooding on this."

"I don't brood! I see what's in front of me and make informed decisions." Rhys turned a fierce look on Simon. "You need to keep your mouth zipped. Not a word to Mouse about anything I'm about to say, you hear?"

"Alright, but maybe let's pick somewhere a little more private for this conversation." Simon pointed to the door that led out to the courtyard.

"Good idea. I'm going to need more fruit punch for this," Rhys muttered, stalking forwards.

Simon shook his head as Rhys poured another large cup of punch. I opted for the non-alcoholic one, then followed them through to the quiet courtyard.

"Alright, Tiny Teddy, out with it." I sat down on one of the stone benches and waited. Rhys took a large drink from his cup and paced the small confines of the courtyard, fierce determination etched on his face. If it wasn't for the serious look on his face, it would have been adorable.

"Alright, look, we all know Mouse is still fucked up about his mum's death." Rhys shot Simon a glance. "And it's fucked him up in other ways. Like, he doesn't think he's worthy of good and decent relationships."

"I should have seen that." Simon slumped down onto the bench alongside me. "He's kept Dad and I at a distance for so long, it felt almost normal."

Rhys sighed. "Mouse puts on a good show, but he's still hurting, and he needs someone to help him."

Simon looked up, his expression sad. "I've tried. Dad's tried. "

"I know, but it's deeper than that. He needs someone like I needed you," Rhys said pointedly to Simon.

"Are you saying you think Mouse needs a Daddy?" I asked, leaning forward. "I'm not sure where I factor into this."

Rhys chewed on his lip. Simon raised a ginger brow, and Rhys stopped. "He does—well, I'm pretty sure he does. He might not recognise it in himself, but I see the signs. That's something he needs to discover for himself, but he's been looking for something else and this is the only reason I'm blabbing. I'm afraid he's going to get himself hurt, and the plain fact is you two idiots won't pull your heads out of your arses long enough to realise you like each other."

"We're not in high school, Rhys." I smirked.

Rhys huffed out an unimpressed breath. "Fine. The two of you want to fuck, is that plain enough for you? But it's more than that. Mouse is actually happy when he's around you, and you're the same. You're less—well, growly and scary."

I held my hand up. "Okay, so apart from that, which I'm not going to comment on, what's got your knickers in a twist? We all know Mouse is acting out and a damn sight crankier than his norm, but none of it's been what I'd call dangerous."

"He's getting people to hurt him!" Rhys yelled. "And he's going to do something stupid tonight, I know it."

"Hang on, lad. What do you mean he's getting people to hurt him?" I moved forwards on the bench, and Simon did the same.

"They use whips and shit on him, beat him up and stuff. I've seen the marks and bruises." Rhys said, more quietly. "I saw them when we were getting changed for swim class. I asked him about them, and he said that he wanted them to do that to him."

Okay, so Mouse had masochistic tendencies. "You know that some people like that. I'm sure Simon's told you about S/M. About how some people like to hurt or to give the hurt?"

Rhys rolled his eyes. "Duh. I didn't come down in the last shower. Of course I know, and I know all about consent and shit, oh wise one."

"Boy," I warned, even though Rhys wasn't my boy. I still had ingrained responses to cheeky subs and Littles.

"You're not my Daddy. And if you were Mouse's, then this whole mess wouldn't be happening."

Simon stepped in then. Standing, he pulled Rhys against him. "I know you're worried about Mouse, but we can't help if you don't explain properly, and with a little less sass." Simon looked over at me. "We've been to the Crimson playrooms a few times and Rhys got to watch a flogging display and a wax play demonstration. Let's just say he's not a fan, but understands why some people are."

I looked to Rhys and softened my expression. "Did your Daddy explain to you that I am a fan of those particular things? That I like to give my boys pleasure in a different way to your Daddy?"

Rhys blew a long, frustrated breath out and nodded. "Look, Mouse has gone off with Ziggy tonight. They're going to a club, The Pit, and it's not a good place. I've seen the aftermath on Mouse when he's been there, and it's not what any good Dom or Daddy would do. "

Fuck.

"Why the hell is he in contact with that twat again?" Simon said what I was thinking.

Rhys shrugged. "He's been lonely and down since Christmas. He hides it well, but I saw it, and I think he sees Ziggy as a plaster of sorts. Something familiar."

"Where is he?" I said as I pushed myself up from the bench. I needed to find Mouse and sort this shit out.

"He already left. I saw him leave while we were still on stage," Rhys answered quickly.

I knew the place Mouse had gone to visit. It had been a few years since I'd gone there myself, and at the time it had been run by a reputable Master named Marcus. The Pit had always been a club that catered to the S/M community, but if Mouse was getting hurt like Rhys said, I'd be having a few choice words with Marcus.

I addressed Simon who was still cuddling Rhys. The lad had to feel like shit giving up Mouse's secret, but he did it for the right reasons.

"Did you see if my mum was here yet?"

"Yeah, she was having a chinwag with Dad and Joe," Simon said. "What are you planning?"

"I know The Pit, and the Master who runs it. I'm going to give him a call then head over there and convince young Mitchell to come home with me, and he and I are going to have a talk. Not one I want Alice privy to," I said, moving towards the door.

M um was with Joe and Magnus like Simon had said. I let her know I was leaving earlier than planned, and I still wanted her to take Alice. She didn't hassle me for an explanation. I think she could tell by the look on my face that I had something important to do.

I found Alice with Benji, working on a couple of large colouring books that someone had given them.

"Hey, petal. Are you having fun?" I knelt by her chair, pulling her in for a hug.

"Yes, we're colouring now and after we are going to eat some more cake and get Doc to dance again," Alice answered, leaning against me.

Doc, who was sitting across from the kids, shook his head. "Little monsters."

That only earned a pair of giggles from Alice and Benji.

"Look, love, I have to pop out and do something, so Gran is going to take you home tonight. Is that okay?"

Alice nodded. Looking at me, she frowned. "Is it to find Mouse?"

"Why is that, love?"

"He left a while ago and he kind of looked sad."

I glanced over to see Doc watching me, his silver brow arched so high I thought it had become one with his hairline. "Yeah, something like that. Now can you promise me you'll behave for Gran?"

"I promise. I can even help her feed the ducks in the morning."

I kissed her head and got the usual scolding for my beard tickling her, before she turned back to Benji and started to tell him all about my mum's ducks.

Doc stood as I did and came around the table. "I'll keep an eye on her till your mum's ready to head home. Is everything okay?"

"Honestly, Cullen, I have no idea," I answered, shaking my head.

Sitting in my car, I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my contact list. I found Marcus's number quickly and hit call. I just prayed he answered.

The phone rang for what felt like forever and I was about to give up when Marcus answered with a rushed hello.

"Hello, Marcus, it's Callum Harris."

"Well, I'll be damned. I was just speaking to Eve about you the other day. How are you?"

"I'm good. The shop and Alice are keeping me busy."

"Still no special little pain slut in your life?"

"Ah no, not quite. Look, mate, I wish this was a social call but it's not. I'm a bit worried."

Marcus's voice became serious. "Of course. What can I do for you?"

"A friend has been going to The Pit. It seems he's been getting himself hurt, more than a sensible Dom would allow, and tonight he's headed there with someone who I don't think is even trained."

Marcus let out a slow breath. "I was worried about something like this. I sold The Pit going on eight months ago or more. I was pressured into selling. It was a whole ugly mess and the people who took over would not have been my choice, so needless to say I've heard some rumblings."

"Shit. I was hoping you were still there. Well, there's nothing for it. I'm just going to have to break a few speed limits. I think I remember how to get there."

"I'm sorry I couldn't be more help." There was a pause before Marcus continued speaking. "Actually, swing by and grab me. I want to have a serious word with the men who took over."

"I will. You still at the old place after the Leeds turn-off?"

"Same place. I'll be waiting for you."

I turned the ignition over as I finished up the call. I didn't want to waste any more time getting to Mouse. My stomach clenched at the thought of Mouse letting himself be hurt. As a sadist I enjoyed dishing out pain—but it was always consensual, and always with the knowledge that the submissive was getting something from it, be that catharsis, stress relief, or sexual pleasure. What Mouse was doing was looking for punishment—and as brutal as possible.