Beau winced at Nathanâs words, a flicker of guilt settling in his chest. He hadnât thought of it as avoiding his family, but looking at it from the outside, he could see how it seemed that way. Running a hand through his hair, he let out a sigh, shaking his head when Nathan asked if he wanted him to break the news about Jay.
âNo, no. Thatâs my responsibility.â His brows knit together as he met Nathanâs gaze. âItâs not a secret. Iâm proud of JayâIâd never try to hide him.â But even as he said it, his jaw tightened. His gaze drifted toward the window, watching the relentless snowfall as his thoughts churned.
âYou know how they are,â he muttered, fingers curling into fists against the table. âAbout⌠certain kinds of people.â The full moon was pressing against his skin, amplifying everythingâhis frustration, his protectiveness, the slow burn of anger at the thought of his family rejecting Jay just because of what he was. Beau could handle a lot, but the idea of his family hating the person he loved? That settled deep, sharp and unshakable.
His fists unclenched as he exhaled, finally looking back at Nathan. âBut Iâll tell her,â he said, his voice quieter now. âIâm sorry for putting you in that position. I didnât mean toâitâs just⌠Iâve been in my own little world lately, and itâs been nice.â His face softened as he thought about Jayâthe quiet comfort of his presence, the way it felt like home in a way Beau hadnât known he needed.
He glanced back at Nathan, a small, knowing smile tugging at his lips. âI hope you find this one day.â His eyes crinkled. "Or it has already happened. What did happen after the masquerade with your cute, blonde friend?"