(BL) Hunting The Field Guide novel Chapter 48

Chapter 48: Don’t push your luck (suggestive)

They arrived at the Guiding Division without having run into anyone. It was a small blessing, considering the mood the Captain was in. Scanning his way inside, Kellen headed straight for Casper’s office, having a feeling that was where they were. Kellen knew he was right when a young Esper came storming out of the office, his face red. The door hit the wall, and Kellen was able to peer into the room. Casper had his face in his hands, and Brent, well, he was grinning like a fool. Brent caught sight of Kellen first, getting to his feet with a wide grin.

"Where the hell have you been? You disappeared like smoke and I like Casper, but fuck man, I wanted to spend time with you." He punched Kellen’s shoulder with his hand, grinning, before looking up at the shadow following Kellen. "Holy hell. Is this your pair Kellen? I have to admit, he’s exactly your type." Kellen grew confused. Had Brent never met the Captain before? Then he processed what Brent had said, and he felt his cheeks heat.

"I’ve been, well, uh..." Brent was grinned like an idiot while a hand was offered over Kellen’s shoulder.

"Captain Rhys Thatcher, Mr. Woods’ other half. Nice to meet you." His voice was calm, which surprised Kellen given his current protective mood. Brent took his offered hand with a grin.

"Brent Jameson. I can see why Kellen hid you from me." He turned his attention to Kellen. "He calls you Mr. Woods? That’s cute as hell Kellen. So? Did you take a long time because you two were enjoying your guiding session?" He teased, wiggling his eyebrows, but when neither of them responded, he frowned, narrowing his eyes. "I’ll take that as a no since Kellen isn’t turning bright red. What happened while you were gone?" All business now, Brent stared at them.

"There was a terrorist attack when we were supposed to be having our guiding session. I went to respond to it immediately since my meeting dragged on a little longer. Mr. Woods and Hill showed up as soon as they heard about the attack to offer assistance." Brent’s eyes went wide at the Captain’s simple explanation.

"That was several hours ago, Kellen. How the fuck are you still standing? You should be monitored in a medical bay right now!" He was upset, but Kellen knew he was upset for the C Class Kellen used to be. Kellen raised his hands, placating him.

"I’m not a C Class anymore, and I had a full cooler of shakes that I used as energy replacement. I was more worried about the Captain, but he’s doing great." Brent, who knew the man best outside of Taylor, glowered at him. If he’d had both of his arms right now, he would have crossed them. Instead, he clenched his hand into a fist.

"C Class or not, I know you Kellen. Were you guiding the whole time? That would be almost," he pulled out his phone, checking the time, "two hours Kellen! If you had been guiding the whole time..." He trailed off with a sigh, shaking his head. "You’re going to have side effects soon. What the hell are you doing here right now? Captain Thatcher, you need to take this idiot somewhere safe right now. Any minute they could hit." Casper nodded, also concerned. He’d come out of the office as soon as Brent had greeted them, but had remained hidden behind the other Guide until now.

"I received a few updates while you were gone. You don’t need to be concerned Kellen. I’ve onboarded several Guides in my day, and I even gave you your tour of the tower." He spoke calmly, while Brent nodded, his face serious. Kellen sighed, defeated.

"I also wanted to offer a guest room to Brent. Is that alright Captain?" He glanced behind him at the yellow eyed demon with a tight grip on him. He nodded. "Great. Could you show him a room Casper? And sorry for dumping this on you." Kellen was clearly uncomfortable with this, but Casper waved a hand, smiling.

"Not at all. I’m glad to see that someone is looking out for Captain Thatcher. Now, it appears that you need someone to look out for you. Guide Jameson, if you’d follow me. Now that your contract has been approved, we’ll get you your keycard and uniform and I can show you to your new apartment." Casper turned to head back into his office, while Brent cast a concerned look back at Kellen.

"Go home Kellen. I’m fine." He warned, and Kellen smiled, waving his hand dismissively as he turned to leave the Guiding Division.

"I’m fi-"

BATHUMP

BATHUMP

BATHUMP

Kellen sucked in a deep breath, going stock still. Every nerve ending in his body lit on fire at the exact same moment. He could hear his heartbeat in his ears, and his vision went hazy. Gasping for air, every inch of his skin that came in contact with fabric rubbed and he trembled. The tingling, pins and needles sensation was amplified, covering his whole body and he was in immediate, excruciating pain. Kellen was deaf to the world, unable to hear those who were calling him over the sound of his own heartbeat in his ears. He could feel the sensation of his blood moving through his veins, the way his muscles moved under his skin, the feeling of his bones touching meat.

Reality shifted, Kellen tilted, and suddenly the Captain was carrying him in his arms, rushing through the hallway towards the elevators. Kellen was practically sobbing at the new feeling of wind against his skin.

"C-Captain?" He muttered, his lips feeling swollen and rough at the same time. He wanted to lick them, but the feeling of his own tongue in his mouth was too much. He shook in the Captain’s arms and he swore he could the Captain curse.

Time moved quickly, since Kellen was overwhelmed by everything he was feeling. He was drowning in a hell of his own making, cursing himself internally that Taylor had been right, as always.