Chapter 52: Pete staying.

Chapter 52: Pete staying.

“IF YOU AIN’T want to study under me, go home, Pete,” Nigel said.

At this point, Nigel counted how often he’d said, “Go home, Pete.” This might be number seven or eight.

“No,” Pete finally responded, surprising him. “Actually, I kind of got that you weren’t Warrior Nightmen when we passed the burial site.” Pete grinned, a flash of genuine amusement. “I just didn’t say anything because you’re sensitive. And also, it was a little creepy that you dug your own grave. But also, that was kind of cut-throat because—I don’t know. It was like badass. Sloan would call it badass.”

Nigel blinked, processing the torrent of words. Yup. There were all the words, strung together in Pete’s unique, unfiltered way. That seemed accurate for the chap.

“I’m not sensitive.” Nigel retorted automatically, though a flicker of warmth sparked in his chest. Some tiny part of him was happy Pete didn’t want to leave. Weird.