"Me too," Jack replied, his voice barely registering over the sound of the rain splashing down around them.

Marius hid his bright smile behind his hood and kept walking. The initial rush was wearing off for most of the walkers, though some of them were way out in front and hurrying along as if they treated this event like an actual race. "Most of the dogs here were adopted from us," Marius said casually. He was proud of that fact and also that he remembered many of their names. Or at least what he'd called them. He didn't usually get to know what the new owners changed it to since he didn't see them again. Unless they were visiting and coming back to say hi, he never wanted to see the pets return to his rescue for any reason. He hoped that every adopted animal became a lifetime member of that family. But it wasn't always the case, and he understood that life got in the way of even the best intentions sometimes.

"In a perfect world there'd be no reason for rescues," he mumbled aloud.

Jack nodded. "Or reasons for a gay man to hide."

Marius's gaze went to him. He hadn't thought of the elderly woman's words since that afternoon. They were the angry ramblings of a hateful person and nothing more. People had enough reason to dislike him because of his ability to change into a wolf at will. Many didn't know he was gay on top of that. He'd never exactly made a point of hiding it. He just didn't run around with a rainbow flag sticking out of his back pocket.

"She must be hard to live near," Marius replied.

Jack shrugged. "She's not the first person to treat me like that. She won't be the last."

"I heard you listening at the door. I can hear heartbeats." His face was mostly hidden by his hood but Marius caught the slight flush of Jack's cheeks. And, he was surprised to notice, his heartbeat sped up.

Jack swallowed thickly and moved back. Marius moved with him, not wanting to let him get away as he said, "It's okay," he quickly said. "I don't mind you listening. I don't mind if you're gay. As you learned, I am too. It's strange being like us in a small town like this on a lot of levels. So if you ever want to hang out and talk, or if you still want to see a movie, I'm fine with that."

Jack stopped walking, and though it might have just been his imagination, Marius thought he could see the indecision weighing in the man's dark eyes. "She was right."

Marius shook his head. "No, she wasn't. She spouted a bunch of crazy, bigoted, h.o.m.ophobic bulls.h.i.t at me while I was leaving. None of it was true. Not even a little bit."

"I'm gay," Jack whispered, surprising Marius.

He grinned. "Then there's another thing we have in common. Good for friends. At the very least."

Jack flushed bright red again and didn't reply. Not wanting to get left too far behind, Marius held out his hand for the other man to take. Jack stared at it for a long moment, and Marius was about to put it back into the pocket of his sweatshirt when Jack's fingers slowly slid against his hand.

The walk wrapped up quicker than any other in the history of the rescue. Honestly, Marius couldn't have even said how far they all walked, just that they made it back to the rescue in record time, and he was glad to be back inside. As soon as the doors closed behind him and Jack, he started shedding his wet layers. He'd have liked to strip down even more but being in the presence of so many people eagerly watching to see what he'd do wasn't exactly helpful. Flushing brightly, he accepted the towel Seth handed him and pa.s.sed it off to Jack, who took it and started wiping himself down as well.

"Well, everyone, thanks for coming out," he said sheepishly as thunder rolled across the sky behind him. Some of their guests laughed, others groaned as they lounged in the extra chairs he and Seth had rustled up from the back rooms. He grabbed a cup of water and stood off to the side, watching everyone talk quietly amongst themselves and Marius scanned the room until his gaze caught on Jack.

His hair was already short and sticking up in black spikes but the bit of rain that had made it past his hood had made Jack's hair even more untidy than normal. He reached out to touch it, wondering if the spikes were soft or hard, but Jack quickly ducked. His eyes were wide, and his hands up, as if to defend himself from whatever Marius had tried to do to him. Few people noticed, but Marius still felt they were too exposed.

"Come with me," he whispered, hoping that no one could hear them.

Jack shook his head. "Why?"

Pressing his lips into a fine line, Marius tried to think of a viable reason why the man should do as he said. Because he'd asked nicely didn't really work. "Please?" he tried, though he didn't have much faith in it. Not when Jack looked wild and was quickly inching toward the door behind him. Marius took a step forward, and those inches turned into full footsteps. The man had been flighty since they'd met earlier that week. But with him coming to the animal shelter, and then coming back even after he'd adopted Missy, Marius thought something had changed. Obviously not, and he felt stupid for thinking that it had. He stepped back and put his hands on the wall behind him. People kept talking, most not even noticing him and Jack. After a moment in which neither man moved, Jack took a step toward him. Marius watched him, barely breathing, as he waited for Jack to decide what he wanted to do. Marius didn't think he was asking much of the man, just a chance to talk. But since they'd barely spoken yet, Marius didn't have high hopes for that happening either. He reached behind him and opened the office door. It was Clara's office technically, but she rarely used it and wasn't here, so Marius didn't feel bad about wanting to spend some time talking to Jack in there.

Jack took another step forward. People were getting up to leave, many of them smiling and laughing behind him. Marius tried not to let any of them take his attention away from the man in front of him. Seth could handle them.

Jack came fully into the room and closed the door behind him. "You wanted to talk?" he quietly asked. Outside the thunder continued, and though the blinds were down, Marius could see the flash of lightning through the s.p.a.ces between them.

"Yeah. I did. Want to sit?" Marius asked as he pulled out a chair.

Jack shook his head, folding his arms over his chest as if to protect himself, and leaned back against the door. He didn't look defensive or angry, as many of the people that Marius had seen take up that position over the years tended to. Instead he looked frail and frightened. As if he was ready to bolt the instant Marius said or did something he didn't like.

"I'm sorry for trying to touch your hair," Marius began. "I didn't mean to scare you."

Jack flushed brightly and looked away.

"Since it's not because I'm a werewolf, will you tell me why you're so afraid of me?" Marius asked. He wanted to go closer to Jack, to hug him and tell him that he'd never intentionally hurt him. But every time he took even a small step closer, Jack's heart sped up dramatically. Jack shook his head and refused to look at Marius.

Sighing, Marius took a seat in one of the large, comfy chairs Clara kept in her office. "All right. Okay. We can stop, then. I'm sorry."

"What?" Jack asked, turning to him and looking startled.

Marius twisted his hands on his lap. "I don't want to scare you. And I don't know how I'm doing it. So I'll stay away. I won't say hi or anything like that. And for your six-month follow-up home check I'll make sure Clara or Seth do it. Whatever is bothering you about me won't have to continue. I won't do that to you."

It sucked for him because what little he'd actually seen of the man was enough to make him curious. He just didn't know why they couldn't get past whatever this was. Marius shrugged, feeling helpless and a bit overwhelmed. He didn't have many friends, especially not ones who were also gay. He'd hoped for something more with Jack and that it wasn't going to be possible left him feeling a bit empty and sad.

He rose from the chair and stepped toward Jack. "I'm going to leave the office now. I said what I wanted to. Unless you have anything else to add?" Jack silently stared at him. "So that's it, then. I need you to move out of the way, though, if I'm going to go. And, Jack, I really am glad that you came in and adopted Missy. Even if we can't be friends, I'm glad she has you."

He was surprised to see tears br.i.m.m.i.n.g in Jack's lashes but tried not to let it bother him as he moved toward the door. When Jack didn't move aside, he stood there, a good three feet from the door with Jack blocking his path. Jack's hands slowly rose, his fingers outstretched. Marius watched him curiously, unsure of what he was doing, especially as he closed his eyes, and his face scrunched. His chin lowered to his chest, and his fingers trembled.

Taking a deep breath and a chance, Marius lifted his hands to meet Jack's fingers. It was the smallest brush of contact, just Jack's fingertips against Marius's palms. Jack's heart was racing, but he didn't pull his hands back, not even as their palms touched.

"Jack," Marius whispered. "Look at me."

His eyes slowly opened, and his head lifted. He was frightened, and whatever had brought out that reaction in him, Marius wasn't able to do anything to stop it. So he stayed still and waited for Jack to make his own decision. After a long moment he stepped forward. But instead of pushing Marius back with his hands pressed against Marius's palms, he bent his own elbows, and his steps brought him closer. Marius gave him a soft smile, glad to see him taking the chance until both their elbows were bent, and their palms pressed fully together. Jack was a full head shorter than he was and smelled like the rain outside. His heart was still racing, but Marius tried not to think about that as Jack looked up at him, his dark eyes appearing to search his.

"Are you scared?" Marius whispered.

Jack nodded. His pink tongue darted out to lick his dry lips.

Marius opened his fingers, providing a s.p.a.ce between them in case Jack wanted to hold his hands as much as Marius wanted him to. Without looking away from him, Jack took his silent offer and curled his fingers over Marius's hand. He did the same to Jack's before smiling down at him.

"I don't want you to be afraid," Marius said.

Jack nodded. "I know. I don't want to be either."

Marius gave him a soft smile. "Anything I can do to help?

Frowning, Jack shook his head. "Can't."

He didn't understand it but Marius tried to. "Well, then, can I kiss you?"

Jack gasped, and Marius's stomach fell, thinking that he'd really messed things up even worse than they already were. But then heat rose in Jack's cheeks, and he lifted his face to Marius's, who took a breath before gently pressing his mouth against the other man's lips. It wasn't nearly everything he wanted to do, especially since he couldn't actually hold him with how their hands were pressed together. But it was more than he'd had before Jack had shown up for the walk.

Marius took a step closer and felt Jack's body against his. The sensation sent heat through him, and he smiled against Jack's lips. Jack opened his mouth, deepening the kiss, and Marius took him up on his offer.

He slid his tongue into the warmth of Jack's mouth and moaned softly at his taste. He was still enjoying that sensation as Jack jerked away from him. He scrambled back, looking wild as he shook and his wide eyes darted around the room. Marius could only stare after him, too stunned to move as Jack bolted from the room. Moments after he heard the front door of the rescue slam closed, Seth came into the open doorway of the office and stared at him.

"What the h.e.l.l did you do to him?" Seth demanded, looking dangerous for the first time since Marius had met him.

He could only shake his head and shrug, though, having no idea how to answer. "Nothing," he whispered.

Seth didn't look convinced, but Marius didn't really care.

Chapter 9.

IT WAS WAS still pouring down rain on Sunday morning. They weren't open for long during the weekends but Marius still tried to be there for a little while at least. Even if his work that day consisted of watching old movies with some of the dogs behind the desk. There were cookies left over from the race and water in the pitcher in case anyone came in and wanted some. He wouldn't be eating them, so someone else might as well. He'd pulled three of the smaller dogs out with him. They got along well and didn't take up huge amounts of the floor around his chair. He'd tried sitting at his desk and watching the TV with them around his feet, but that didn't work out too well as they competed for positions on his lap. So he'd pulled out a few blankets and made a pile on the floor. He could still see the TV and anyone coming into the rescue, and the dogs were able to climb over his legs. still pouring down rain on Sunday morning. They weren't open for long during the weekends but Marius still tried to be there for a little while at least. Even if his work that day consisted of watching old movies with some of the dogs behind the desk. There were cookies left over from the race and water in the pitcher in case anyone came in and wanted some. He wouldn't be eating them, so someone else might as well. He'd pulled three of the smaller dogs out with him. They got along well and didn't take up huge amounts of the floor around his chair. He'd tried sitting at his desk and watching the TV with them around his feet, but that didn't work out too well as they competed for positions on his lap. So he'd pulled out a few blankets and made a pile on the floor. He could still see the TV and anyone coming into the rescue, and the dogs were able to climb over his legs.

The bell above the front door chimed as someone came in. He couldn't see them until they got closer but he called out, "h.e.l.lo. Welcome to a Forever Home. Go ahead and sign in."

Clara came around the side of the desk and joined him in the back. Her face was beet red, and the circles under her eyes were bright and puffy. A crumpled tissue twisted in her hands, and she grabbed another on her way to the floor beside him. His hands went around her the instant she was there. The dogs were also quick to lend their comfort as they climbed on top of her, each trying to lick at her trembling hands and face. He kissed her shoulder and hugged her tightly, offering his comfort as well.

"Is it Mitch?" he asked. It was the wrong question, though, as she smacked his hand and sobbed loudly.

"It's-It's-It's my dad!" she cried out.

Marius's stomach twisted. "Ben?" He was friends with her dad, a good guy who helped paint the walls in the rescue and built most of the dog kennels by himself after declaring that Marius had no idea what he was doing. What the h.e.l.l had happened to him to get Clara so upset? "What's going on with him?" Marius asked, holding her tighter.

The front door chimed again, and he barely resisted the urge to groan. As much as he wanted to have an adopter come through today he didn't want them to see Clara like this. She was vulnerable, hurting and- "Clara?" a man called.

He sighed with relief. "She's back here, Mitch," Marius told her husband. He came into the gated s.p.a.ce behind the desk as well and looked down at them for a long moment until Marius rolled his eyes. "Really? You're staring. Sit. Get comfortable."

Mitch sat but didn't look too excited about it. In fact, he looked as if he'd been crying as well. "Is this what you do all day?" he asked as he looked around.

Marius's gaze narrowed. He was Clara's husband but that didn't mean he could be rude. "Yeah. I like old movies and dogs."

"Well, you are an animal after all."

Marius raised his brows, and Clara's sobs were interrupted by a gasp. "Mitch!" she yelled.

Her husband instantly looked away. "Sorry. This morning's been hard."

Marius nodded, already forgetting about the insult. It wasn't as if he could be mad at the husband of one of his friends, after all. That'd hardly work well when they had to see each other nearly every day.

"So what happened to your dad? Is he okay?" Marius asked her.

Clara shook her head, and more sobs came bubbling up, so Marius looked to Mitch to explain what was going on.

"Ben had a stroke. He's in the hospital now, and the doctors say it doesn't look great. He can't live alone anymore at the very least. So we're trying to figure that out. And she wanted to come tell you that she needs some time off." Mitch stuffed his hands in his pockets and pressed his lips together, looking as if he expected Marius to argue with him. If it had been any other reason he'd have rolled his eyes and told Mitch off for expecting the worst out of him. But not when it came to Ben.

He turned to Clara and kissed her forehead. "You go. Take care of him. Your job will still be here when you get back. You're my partner in this place. We'll be waiting for you when you're ready to come home. Until then you go out there and make sure he's okay. Give him love from me too."

She nodded weakly and sniffled. Mitch came forward and helped her to her feet. The dogs whined around them, unsure of what was going on but knowing there was something different about the situation. Marius agreed with them. He felt helpless as he watched Mitch take her through the rescue's small lobby and out the front door. She was one of his closest friends, and she didn't deserve that kind of pain in her life. No one did.

As the car door closed outside he pulled out his cell and leaned his head against the wall behind him. He called Seth, knowing he would want to know what was going on with Clara immediately and not tomorrow when he came into work.

"Hey," Seth said, answering nearly instantly.

Marius pinched the bridge of his nose. "Hey. Clara's dad had a stroke. She's going to be taking care of him for a while."

The music wherever Seth was cut off instantly. "d.a.m.n. s.h.i.t. d.a.m.n."

"Yeah," Marius agreed, sighing. "Poor Clara."

"Uh-huh. When do you think she'll be back?"

Marius shrugged and rubbed one of the dogs on the head. "Not a clue. Hopefully soon but I told her to take all the time she needed. So work might be a little tougher for a while until we find some temporary help. We might not need it, but I'm throwing that idea out there."

"Yeah. Sure. Of course," Seth said, sounding like he wasn't really thinking about it. Marius supposed he shouldn't be either. His mind had just gone there, the practical side of him knowing that they had three people working at the shelter for a reason. Two people could handle it, probably. He hoped. Otherwise there would be a lot of long days ahead of them. Maybe even weeks.

His phone beeped, and he pulled it away from his ear. Frowning at the unfamiliar number, he shook his head. "Hey, Seth, I've got another call. Don't know who, though. Can we talk later?"

"Sure. I'll see you tomorrow morning. Should I come in an hour early?"

Marius smiled. "Yeah. That would be amazing, if you don't mind. But if something changes, don't worry about it, and just get here on your normal time."

"Will do. Bye."

Marius hung up on him and called the unfamiliar number back since they'd hung up after having been kept waiting.

He dialed the number and waited, his hand on a small dog's back until he heard the line pick up. When there was no answer on the other side, though, he started to get a bit suspicious. "h.e.l.lo?" he asked, his head hurting far too much after the news of Ben's stroke to be bothered with someone trying to play games with him. He heard breathing but nothing else and quickly rolled his eyes and started hanging up on whoever it was that was trying to mess with him.

"Marius?"

He frowned. "Jack?"

"Can you come over?"

Marius blew out a surprised breath. "You okay?"

"Um. No. Maybe. Missy is scared. Thunder. And I need help."

He sounded worried, and Marius wasn't sure what help he'd be for the dog. "You've already been better with her than any of us were. But I'll come over and do what I can for her too. I didn't know that the storm was starting up again."

"It is. Thanks. Bye."

He hung up before Marius could say anything more. Not that Marius really expected anything else from him. After all, the man had barely spoken to him, and he honestly never expected him to call. And yet, the idea of spending time with him again was enough to make Marius's stomach knot nervously. His hand tightened on his thigh, and he quickly put his phone away.

"All right, you three," he called to the dogs. "You're going to have to go away now. I have to put you back in your kennels now. I need to get going for a bit." Technically, the rescue didn't close for another hour. But with the storm coming in and the clouds turning a deep blue-gray outside, he doubted anyone would be stopping by. He decided to leave a note on the front door explaining that they were closed early for personal reasons. He stored the cookies in Clara's office and locked up. As he stepped outside, thunder and lightning broke through the churning late-morning sky. He took a moment to look up at the beauty of the angry sky before walking quickly through the streets of their small town. The rain started when he was barely away from the rescue, and by the time he made it to Jack's apartment half an hour later he was wet and shivering. But he was glad he'd come since Jack had needed him. He tried to always be there for the people that needed him, no matter what else was going on in his own life or what it cost him. His father had called it a fault. Clara said he was too giving. Marius wasn't going to change who he was just because he'd been burned a few times. That was no reason to swear off an entire aspect of his personality, even if it did hurt sometimes.

He knocked on Jack's door and found himself being let in seconds later as a worried Jack ushered him into the apartment.

"Hey," Marius said, kneeling next to Missy as she huddled in a s.p.a.ce she'd wedged for herself between the back of the couch and the wall.

Jack nodded and sat down next to him. He held his hands out to Missy, but although her tail wagged briefly she didn't come out any farther. Thunder shook the building, and she whined loudly as the power flickered.

"Sounds like it's getting worse," Marius said.