Free Clan and Conviction (Clan Beginnings) by Tracy St. John

men said simultaneously, “No mistakes this time.”
    A grin took hold of Gelan’s face, echoed by Wynhod’s laugh.  Just like the old days, they were on exactly the same page.  It was like the last seven years had never separated them.
    Wynhod stepped over to the two enforcers standing guard at Hurs’ door.  “No one enters the room unless they are medical personnel or the parents.  In all cases, no one goes in without an enforcer present in the room.”
    He got nods and a resounding, “Yes, sir.” 
    Satisfied by the stern expressions on his fellow enforcers’ faces, Wynhod came back to Gelan.  “What’s next?”
    “We’re at a standstill until Hurs is able to string together a few sensible thoughts or Forensics brings back their report on any evidence found in his living quarters.  It’s the end of the shift, so we’ll call it for the day.”  Gelan pursed his lips and looked Wynhod over critically.  “I guess you’ve done okay for your first go as my partner.”
    Wynhod snorted and raised an eyebrow at him.
    Gelan snickered.  “Yeah, yeah, you did great.  You don’t need me to tell you that.”
    “I still appreciate my due accolades.”  Wynhod’s voice was light, telling Gelan he only teased.
    Gelan took a breath and tried not to sound too hopeful.  “Want to grab dinner?”
    One side of Wynhod’s mouth edged up in a crooked grin.  “Are you buying again?”
    Managing not to come off as delighted as he felt, Gelan snorted, “I don’t recall you being such a mooch.  When did that get started?”
    “Right around the time you paid for my second breakfast this morning.”
    Gelan laughed and led his partner down the hall.  “If I’m paying, I get to choose where we eat.  You’re not spending my entire month’s pay on filling that endless gut of yours.” 
     
     
     
    Chapter 5
     
    Gelan couldn’t help but contemplate his dining companion.  He sat across from Wynhod at a small table at the dining establishment he’d chosen for their dinner.  The food here was good, inexpensive, and the atmosphere relaxed.  Intimate lighting made every one of the low tables seem a private oasis.  The seating cushions were comfortable, on par with what one might find in a private home rather than in an establishment where they would get a lot of use.
    The burly Nobek had a slight smile on his face as he contemplated his choices.  He poked a finger at the menu pad imbedded in the table.
    Gelan teased, “My next paycheck says you’re ordering both the ronka steak and sturnek shells.”
    Wynhod pursed his lips.  “Damn.  I was really looking forward to spending your paycheck too.”  He rolled his eyes up to meet Gelan’s gaze and grinned. 
    The knowing expression sent a jolt through Gelan’s body.  Once more, he thought how it felt like the last seven years hadn’t happened.  His stomach churned uneasily.
    He turned away, looking over the patrons at the other tables so he didn’t have to look into Wynhod’s purple eyes.  Gelan felt way too exposed to his former lover.  Though he couldn’t handle meeting the Nobek’s gaze, he acknowledged what had him so nervous.
    “This is too damned easy.”
    He heard the smile in Wynhod’s voice.  “Strange how it feels we can just pick up where we left off, right?”
    “Almost scary.”
    “I scare you?  Good to know.”
    Gelan looked at Wynhod to see his companion grinning from ear to ear.  The Dramok snorted.  “Fuck that.  You couldn’t scare me dressed like a Tra—” 
    He gasped at what he’d been about to say, his eyes growing large with horror.  Wynhod’s mother and one of his fathers had been killed by Tragooms, ambushed on a small outpost while on a trip.  Of all the stupid things to blurt out…
    “I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to say that.”
    Wynhod’s tone was devoid of emotion.  “I appreciate the respect and accept your apology.”
    Gelan felt sick inside.  He had no doubt the evening he’d been