“Yeah, but I’ve had to watch them do it to you, and no man would flirt with me when I’m sitting at the table with you,” I accuse. “They’re not stupid, but these tarts don’t care if I’m here or not,” I scoff.

“I won’t let it happen again. I didn’t realize. It’s just how it always is. I’ve never thought to stop it. Now, have you ever seen that man before? Has he flirted with you?”

My eyes go round in shock. Is he joking? “He hasn’t even looked at me! I was just making an example.”

Masen’s eyes lift to the stranger and narrow. “Well if he wants to walk out of here, he better keep it that way!” he says, looking right at the terrified young man, making sure he hears every word.

“Oh my God, you don’t get to be mad right now.”

His face softens when he looks at me. “I’m not mad at you, baby, never you,” he says sweetly and kisses the inside of my wrist as the waitress drops off our meals. “Eat up, my boy’s hungry.” I roll my eyes. After our discussion at the table, he is more aware of his surroundings, never letting women touch him or engage in conversation. I count no less than five that try to reach out and touch him asking the time, the time? Seriously? When we’re in the shoe store?

On the drive home, I ask, “Did Sniffer tell you what’s going on?”

He nods, keeping his eyes on the road. “Sam’s had crushes. Hell, he’s even had boyfriends, but he’s never been totally engrossed in someone the way he is with this David guy. Cass is feeling abandoned and a little territorial.” He looks over at me, judging my reaction.

“Have they ever been together, together?”

“Not that I know of, Sam has been in love with Cass for years. Everyone knows it, but Cass has always dated females. I know he loves Sam. I just don’t know if he is in love with him and apparently neither does he.”

“Do you think he worries what people would think?”

“No, Little One. I think he’s just genuinely confused. Sam has always been in the background waiting for Cass, and now that he’s not, I think it’s got Cass running scared.”

“Well, what was so important he needed you right away?” Masen turns his head and looks over at me with sad eyes. “He’s thinking about leaving, going up to Pop’s place for a bit, then maybe going out to search for his Mate. He doesn’t want to ruin what Sam has with David, but he’s having a hard time dealing with it.” He sucks in a deep breath. “I think seeing us together has been hard on him, too. He’s surrounded by people who’ve found their Mates. I can’t blame him for wanting that.”

I think I might cry at the thought of him leaving. He was so kind to me when I had no one and hadn’t had anyone in years. “I don’t want him to leave, Masen.”