15. Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

T odd had a container filled with the smores cookies Ulises said were his favorite. He grabbed his jacket, and the keys to the car Seryn had loaned him, and stepped out of his front door.

The beauty of living in Seryn's guest house was having his own driveway. It led to the main drive and gate, but it was nice because he could leave without everyone knowing it. Most of the time it didn't matter but he didn't want Seryn to know about his date with Ulises. Considering he was their employer, it seemed better to keep it under wraps. It was one date. If things turned serious, they could talk to Seryn together, but for now, he'd rather keep it quiet.

Things were finally looking up. He couldn't fuck it up like he had with his last job. Dating Evan had been a big mistake. He wouldn't have done it had he had known it would affect his job at Evan’s sister’s restaurant.

He probably shouldn't have asked Ulises on a date. He should have cut it off. But there was something about him that drew Todd in. The attraction was off the charts. He hadn't ever been more attracted to someone, and it wasn't just his looks, although it was also that. There was something almost tragically beautiful about him. Maybe it was all the blushing coupled with the hint of sass. Todd suspected Ulises had a boatload of the latter, but it was enough of a contrast to make Todd want more. It was also the years of trauma living in his gaze. He'd been through a lot in his short life. Maybe more than Todd. Instead of wearing it like armor, it was as if it gave him permission to be open with people.

Seryn leaned against the car as if waiting for him. He smiled in the deceptive, calm way that seemed natural.

"Is this where you tell me dating a co-worker is prohibited?" It wasn't too late to cancel, not that he wanted to.

"I might sign your check but as far as I'm concerned, we're a family here. That especially goes for Ulises. So date if that's that you want."

"But."

"No but. It's a threat actually." Seryn took a step toward him as though he were a predator stalking his prey.

Todd's instinct was to back away, but he felt if he did, Seryn would attack. "Not to hurt him. I won't."

Seryn crossed his arms over his chest and something about that made him seem even less approachable. "It's not as simple as that with Ulises. He's a warlock, Todd. He has a mate somewhere, and I suspect that's not you. He may find his and dump you. Your track record for handling breakups is shit. I will not live with constant bickering the way I have with you and Evan. That was a one and done situation. Understand?"

Todd stopped breathing for a moment, as if it would make him invisible. "Yes. Yep. Got it. Understood."

"Then there's the fact that Ulises is special in ways I won't tell you. Be gentle with his feelings."

"Maybe dating him isn't a good idea." Not if it was going to get him killed. Todd had seen Seryn kill before. He knew how capable Seryn was and how willing he was to do it again. He might consider Todd family, but Seryn wouldn't hesitate if he thought it was necessary. The only exception was Mitchell. He wouldn’t lay a finger on Mitchell and he would kill anyone who did.

"Go on the date. You'll see how great he is." Seryn patted him on the shoulder as he walked away.

"Are you going to kill me if I fuck it up?"

Seryn held up his hands and shrugged with a we'll-see-how-it-goes gesture.

"Dude, that's very scary."

Seryn chuckled, which scared him even more, but it also was sort of endearing at the same time. "Have fun."

Todd shook his head. "Now that I'm terrified, you mean. Yeah, thanks."

Seryn stopped and turned to meet his gaze. "All you have to do is treat him with kindness."

"And if it doesn't work out?"

"Let him down easy. And for the love of the gods, don't create chaos in the house."

Somehow, he knew he'd do exactly that. He wasn't sure how or when, but it would happen.