(BL) Hunting The Field Guide novel Chapter 252

Chapter 252: A lost little...lamb? Or a mummy?

"What on earth are you talking about Brent?" Kellen asked, getting to his feet and wincing. His thigh, honestly, didn’t feel as tight as yesterday. It might have something to do with Rhys massaging the cream that Taylor gave him into it before they’d started the day, but he’d also like to think he was slowly healing.

"Exactly what I said. A little lost lamb is at reception. He had your card, but that was it. He told them that you told him to come. Because they don’t know him from a random stranger on the side of the road, and we’re on high alert." Kellen’s eyes widened as he realised who it might be.

That was quick. They usually ruminated for a little bit longer before Kellen saw hide nor hair of them. But, it came at a good time. He was happy if the kid came to them. Even if he planned to put him to work, it would be nothing like what he’d experienced.

That being said, he was going right to Taylor before any other Esper even saw him. The boy needed a full check up from someone he trusted.

Kellen grabbed his cane, watching as Brent made a face just watching him and Kellen chuckled.

"Get used to it, Brent. Before I throw a fit and smash a chair over your head." Brent scoffed, placing a hand over his heart. He made sure to open the door for Kellen though as they approached.

"I am hurt! I didn’t even do that to you." Kellen slid his gaze towards him as he passed him, a smile on his lips.

"And I’m not you, am I? I am, apparently, considerably more violent." Kellen winked and Brent flushed.

"Fuck. You can’t flirt with me like that. I’m going to tell Captain Thatcher that you were seducing me!" He whined and Kellen shook his head, laughing.

"I was not seducing you. I was comforting you. Those are not the same thing. It says a lot more about you then it does about me." Brent pouted, rushing to open the next door for Kellen.

"No. Your version of consideration is very Esper coded. It’s a wonder more haven’t fallen head over heels for you. Thank goodness the Captain is so powerful, or else you’d be kidnapped on a daily basis." Kellen chuckled.

"I’m only injured right now, and I’d fuck up this injury in a second if it meant I didn’t get kidnapped." Kellen warned, and Brent glanced around. It was clear he was checking to make sure no one else was listening, but Kellen had a feeling it was already too late.

"Kellen, I don’t think that would stop anyone. You’re too...nice, most times." Kellen sighed, before reaching into the back of his pants, where he normally kept it and pulled out his gun. Brent’s eyes went wide as Kellen stopped, showing him it was loaded, before making sure the safety was on and then tucked it back into its holster back there.

"Brent, do you really think I’m as defenseless as I look right now? I’m going to get offended. I’ve never treated you this way." Brent’s cheeks flushed and he scratched his cheek.

"Fuck. Sorry. I’m still...working through it." He muttered as they got to the elevators. Kellen glanced at him, at the way he was slightly crumpled in on himself. It was clear he was beating himself up, and Kellen didn’t like it.

When they stepped into the elevator and had pressed the button to the lobby, Kellen reached for the man and wrapped his arm around his neck. He used the wall of the elevator to keep himself upright as he nuggied the other Guide.

Brent was sputtering, yelling as he tried to get Kellen to stop, but he only had one arm at the moment. Kellen was laughing heartily as Brent complained about his hair, trying to grab and smack Kellen hard enough to get him to stop.

Kellen only stopped when they got to the bottom floor, releasing Brent to grab onto his cane, his sides aching from his laughter and Brent’s slaps.

"You’re a demon!" Brent accused as he tried to fix himself in the reflective mirror inside of the elevator. Kellen made his way out, a grin on his lips.

He hoped the kid hadn’t minded waiting. He’d been in a meeting and it wasn’t a power move in the slightest. Kellen scanned the area, taking in the jungle-like interior, the several Espers who were in full Guild uniform in the lobby, and the tense, almost fearful energy here.

It was very different from the lobby he remembered.

One of the receptionists was the first to see him and got to her feet, her eyes wide.

"G-Guide Woods!" Her words had several people turn towards him and Kellen felt his back straighten. It was clear that he was a topic of great concern, and he couldn’t blame them. He was, after all, the reason the Guild was on high alert in the first place.