Chapter 7

The observer glanced around at the carnival-like ambiance and sighed in happy appreciation. This was the sort of homey, everyday life situation that he’d
always craved, but never gotten because his mom needed to travel so much. And he hadn’t missed it, not really. At least that was he told himself—every time.

“Oh,” Rafe said in surprise. “I thought you and Jim were joined.”

Blair turned back to Simon’s mate and gave him a sad smile. “No, we’re just really good friends.”

“I see.” Rafe frowned, obviously not seeing. “You two are so close, I just thought you were together.” The taller man waved his hand, swatting an annoying fly away from his face.

“I wish,” Blair muttered. He thought Jim was too far away, and too distracted by all of the activities, to hear him. What Blair didn’t realize was that in this alternate world, Jim’s senses were better than ever.

From the other side of the fair grounds, Jim’s head snapped up. He’d been half-way listening to his Guide’s conversation and heard what Blair said. Ellison always kept a close eye, or ear in this case, on the younger man, who tended to be a trouble magnet.

“Yesssss!” his mind hissed jubilantly.

“Bla-ir!”

Ellison turned at the drawled out hail and watched with narrowed eyes as Elliot Jameson sauntered over to Blair. Rafe saw the intent look on the blond man’s face and made his excuses and left. Jameson barely acknowledged the other man, his gaze was so intent on Blair.

“How’ve you been, Blair?”

‘He purred,’ Jim thought in irritation. ‘That letch actually purrs when he talks to my Guide.’ Jealousy was running so rampant through his body that Ellison was sure his eyes were turning green in response.

“Fine,” Blair nodded, as if he didn’t have a care in the world, but Jim could sense the uneasiness he was trying to hide. Blair didn’t really want to be talking with his old friend.

In his mind, Jim’s Sentinel side was jumping up and down for joy. On the outside, Jim was calm and collected. At least that’s what he thought. People around him could see the way he was glaring at Jameson and wisely scuttled out of the way.

“You certainly look fine.” A hand trailed down Blair’s arm while bright green eyes roamed over the rest of him.
“Uh, thanks.” Blair took a deliberate step back. “What’s it like, living here I mean?”

Elliot shrugged. “Not bad. I’ve met some interesting people.”

“Yeah?” Blair looked over, his eyes unerringly zeroing in on Jim’s. The observer gave a little wave when he saw Jim watching.

Yeah.” Jameson smirked, and Jim gave a grimacing smile in response. He could tell that the explorer wasn’t impressed. Then, something seemed to catch Elliot’s eye, something behind and over to one side of Jim.

The Sentinel turned to look, not even bothering to be subtle about it. ‘Subtle is for people who don’t have anything to lose,’ he thought.

Across the park, there was another man watching the conversing pair. He didn’t look any happier than Jim. In fact, the smaller man, who looked a great deal like a blond version of Blair, looked so miserable that Jim wanted to go and comfort him.

Blair glanced from the young man across the field and back to Elliot. He raised an eyebrow and gave the other man a small smirk. “Looks like more than a little interesting,” he said drolly. The uneasy feelings he had at being around his old lover dissipated like a puff of smoke.

Jameson blushed and gave another quick look up. “Yes, that’s Tim. He’s special.”

The anthropologist crossed his arms and nodded. “So, why the hell are you over here with me then? Hmmmm?”

“Uhm.” Elliot frowned. He gave a little sound of dismay when he saw Tim turning away. “I’ve got to go,” he said quickly, before hurrying off across the carnival parkway.

“Good luck,” Blair offered quietly.

As Jameson passed by Jim, who was making his own way, but in the opposite direction, he seconded the sentiment. “Good luck.”

“Thanks,” the explorer gave a quick smile, like a flash of sunlight. “You too.”

Jim was grinning as he made his way over to the Guide who held his heart in the palm of one strong hand.