The Seahorse Who Loved the Wrong Lynx by Scarlet Hyacinth

wanting Corbin not to
    be there. He just wanted to get this visit over with and then go see Preston. Wasn’t that telling?
    But there were so many questions in Layton’s mind, the most
    important one being whether or not he was using Preston as a crutch
    because Corbin had betrayed him.
    He didn’t see Corbin in the main part of the shop, but the door to
    the side office opened just after had Layton taken a few more steps.
    “Hey, Layton.” Corbin’s expression was one of relief, guilt, and
    apprehension. “How have you been?”
    Layton studied Corbin’s handsome face, mentally comparing him
    to Preston. He frowned. What had he seen about Corbin that was so
    irresistible? True, Corbin was gorgeous, and his handsomeness
    reached out to Layton’s libido. But thinking back, remembering
    Preston’s kisses, that feeling of dim arousal was empty.
    “Fine,” he said. “I’ve been with my family. You know Morgan is
    a dad now.”
    He didn’t mention he himself would have a child soon. The doctor
    had officially confirmed it. After they’d gotten over their slight
    dismay and shock, his parents had become thrilled and doted on
    Layton like crazy. It was only at Morgan’s insistence that they’d
    allowed him to come here in the first place.
    “I’ve heard, yes.” Corbin smiled tightly. “Preston told me. He also
    told me about your accident.”
    Layton supposed that it was bound to happen since Preston had
    still been very pissed at his brother when Layton had gone. “It was
    nothing. Don’t worry about it.”
    Corbin shook his head, his shoulders slumping. “It was all my
    fault. If I hadn’t treated you that way…God, you can’t imagine how
    sorry I am.” Corbin gave him a pleading look. “I’ve seriously never
    considered you as my mate. Perhaps I was wrong. Look, I broke up
    with Cherise. And if you’d just teach me…”

    The Seahorse Who Loved the Wrong Lynx
    47
    Layton stared at the lynx, giving the words time to compute. He
    couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Corbin was actually
    considering mating Layton because he felt guilty.
    A few months back, Layton would have punched Corbin. The
    mere suggestion was humiliating. It felt like a pity fuck, and a selfish offer from Corbin’s part, whether the lynx realized it or not. But now, Layton had reached a realization, and it allowed him to stay calm.
    “You’re an idiot,” he shot back. “I don’t want to be your mate. I
    don’t think I ever did.”
    Corbin gaped at him. “You can’t be serious. Layton!”
    Layton stopped Corbin with a raised hand. “No, look. I’m sorry
    I’ve been stalking you all this time. I don’t know why, but I was
    convinced that you were my mate. But recent events have made me
    realize I was wrong. So, let’s say we’re even and shake hands, okay?”
    It was true. In the end, Layton had been haunting Corbin’s steps
    for many years now, and Corbin’s reckless, insulting words were
    nothing compared to that.
    Corbin reached for his hand, still looking doubtful. “If you’re
    sure.”
    It was strange that Corbin questioned Layton, especially now,
    when Layton had finally found a certainty again. Oh, he still couldn’t understand many things, but one was absolutely clear. He’d been
    mistaken about one of the most important aspects of his life. He had no idea how that was even possible since he’d always been convinced
    shape-shifters could identify their mate on sight. But whatever the
    reason, Alexis’s powers seemed to have snapped him out of that
    mistake, and Layton intended to make use of this chance.
    He nodded and smiled at Corbin. “Take care, okay? I’ll be off.”
    “Are you leaving again?”
    Layton shook his head. “I need to talk to Preston.”
    “Ah.” Thankfully, Corbin didn’t ask what Layton meant to tell
    Preston. Instead, he asked, “Could you put in a good word for me?

    48
    Scarlet Hyacinth
    We’ve been at odd and ends with each other for weeks. I really need
    him to