“That’s where you come in.”
He pointed to himself. “Me? Specifically?”
“Yup.” Adrian was pretty easy going, and of all my friends he showed the most interest in getting closer with the brujos. He was also the only one in the pack that had brujo blood in him, even if it was a few generations removed. “I’ve been reading everything I can get my hands on, and so far there’s nothing that would help Raphael. Claudia’s his best shot, but she’s more than a day of travel away. So, what do you think about going with Shane, Beth, and I dunno—someone else—to Peru.”
“He can’t get on a plane,” Adrian said. “Not if he’s that bad.”
No kidding. “I figured that—”
“Yeah, if he’s really bad off, I wouldn’t chance putting him on a plane,” Chris said. “It’s too risky. What if something happens mid-flight?”
I rolled my eyes. “I know. That’s what I’m trying to say. So, back to my original idea, you drive down.”
“We’ll get an RV. If they drive in shifts, they could be down there in a day or two,” Dastien said.
“It’ll take her at least that long to find a cure. That should be perfect.” I tried to keep any hope off my face as I turned back to Adrian. “So, you game?”
Meredith snorted. “For some nearly alone time with Shane, I’d say he’s in.”
What? Why does he want alone time with Shane?
Probably because he has a crush on him.
Wait. Adrian’s gay? How did I not know that? I tried to keep the surprise off my face, but Adrian narrowed his gaze, and I looked away.
Dastien shrugged. Why do you think we train together every morning at five? He’s not pairing up with any girls. He thinks his only shot at making a difference is being a Cazador. And it gives him cover from his parents—who are a couple of complete assholes.
My world had just been rocked. I’d been so caught up in my own shit that I didn’t really know the only friends I’d ever had.
Don’t do that. His romantic life is between him and whoever he ends up with. Just like it’s none of anyone else’s business what you and I do or don’t do.
That made sense, but I still felt like a moron. But you all knew?
That’s because we’ve known each other a long time. This isn’t about you.
Fine. I just feel selfish. Like a bad friend.
You’re not a bad friend.
Meredith cleared her throat. “You about done?” She turned to Donovan. “We’re not that annoying, are we?”
“Worse.” Adrian groaned. “You’re way worse. And being around the four of you is—”
“Nauseating.” Chris chimed in. “It’s nauseating. When I finally find my True Mate, I’m not doing any of this shit.”
Meredith threw a pen at him. “Big words, dork. You’re going to be the worst of the bunch.”
“So true,” I said. “You’re all into art and feelings. Which means you’ll be even more romantic than the rest of us.”
“Yeah, well, payback’s gonna be a bitch.” His voice had a hint of rasp to it as he laughed.
My smile faded as my mind wandered back to Raphael. “Okay. So, who else can we get to go on the trip? No offense, but I can only spare one of you. I figured Adrian was good to go since he’d get more time with the brujos.”
“Good call,” Adrian said. “I’ve been wanting to pick their brains. I feel like I could really get better at spells with their help, but there’s been no time.”
“Well, here’s your chance.”
“I’ll find someone to go. Someone not too alpha, but a good fighter,” Donovan said.