Full Moon Dating: Coy and Denver

Torquere Press Publishers

1380 Rio Rancho Blvd #1319

Rio Rancho, NM 87124

Copyright 2014 by Julia Talbot

Cover illustration by BSClay

Published with permission

ISBN: 978-1-61040-636-9

www.torquerepress.com

All rights reserved, which includes the right to reproduce

this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever except

as provided by the U.S. Copyright Law. For information

address Torquere Press. Inc., 1380 Rio Rancho Blvd #1319,

Rio Rancho, NM 87124.

First Torquere Press Printing: January 2014

Printed in the USA

Full Moon Dating: Coy and Denver

By Julia Talbot

“Adelia, are you sure you sent all the paperwork to

Denver Allen?” Stone had called the eccentric vampire

millionaire to set up the initial meeting between him and

his potential match, Coy Martindale. Allen had been on

board. Intrigued. The paperwork had to be in place, though,

and the blood-borne pathogen waiver was missing, as was

the indemnity in event of wild animal mauling stuff that

always had to be signed if one half of the pair was a shifter.

His girl Friday (her words) glanced up from blowing on

her black and orange striped fingernails. “Of course I did.

He dislikes computers, so I sent it FedEx overnight. Should

be back here by three today.”

“Okay.” Damn. Coy was waiting for his call, and it was

a full moon tonight. He had to make that call before five,

Central time.

“Stop fretting, Boss. These two are gonna turn each

other down, anyway.” Adelia sniffed, the sound perfectly

encapsulating her feelings on Harve’s techno-matches as

opposed to her finding potential matches by gut feeling.

“Harve says they’re dead on, honey.”

“I didn’t say shit, the program did, and I’m right.” Harve

wandered through, glasses perched on his head, a sheaf of

print outs in his hand.

“Bullshit.” Adelia pouted, which was adorable with that

lipstick she wore. “That little wolf is going to fight back.

He’s not subby.”

“Who’s to say the other one isn’t? We’re not supposed to

be oogling the files. The computer does it.”

Stone looked at Harve. “Did you just say ‘oogling’?”

“I did.” Harve leered at him, one eyebrow gyrating

madly.

“Wow. That’s...” He didn’t have the words. Harve was a

nut.

“Well, I think there’s more to matching people up than

algorithms,” Adelia said, shrugging one bare shoulder. She

really needed more appropriate work clothes. Today it was

an off the shoulder pinup girl sweater and a poodle skirt.

“Uh-huh. That’s why you work for a computer dating

service?”

“Nah, I work here for the pretty geek bosses and hot

psychology computer dorks.” Now it was Adelia’s turn to

leer. “If I could just get them to hook up...”

Stone frowned at her, trying to repress her overtalking

tendency. The expression had no effect on her.

Harve muttered, heading out without responding to her.

Stone wasn’t sure if that was good or bad. He was

just gonna let it go for now, though. He had to get that

paperwork on file.

“Call the vamp, Ades. Make sure he knows he faxes the

papers or he doesn’t get a bite.”

“You got it. What time do they normally wake up?”

“Hell if I know.” He had no idea about vampire sleeping

habits. He’d never slept with one.

“Huh. Okay. I’ll call and leave a message.”

“Thanks, Ades.” He grinned at her before wandering to

Harve’s office, just to see what the man was up to. Well,

that and he liked to look at Harve’s ass.

Harve was pacing, looking at goddess knew what,

muttering under his breath.

“What’s up, man?” He watched. Back and forth. Uhn.

That ass.

“Hmm? Oh, a weird ghost in the code.” Harve smelled

good. Edible.

Stone licked his lips, wanting a piece of that so bad.

Harve’s body tightened, cock filling as he stared. Oh,

fuck. Surely it wasn’t code making the man get a happy,

right?

Harve went to sit, hide behind his desk, cheeks pink.

“You, uh, need any help with that... problem, you holler.

Okay?” He needed to go back to his office. Now.

Harve’s eyes were the hottest thing he’d ever seen. Stone

thought he might just burst into flames.

“Boss? Vamp on line two.”

Shit. Adelia’s timing sucked.

“I’ll be right there, Ades.”

Damn it.

He and Harve exchanged a look, then a tiny smile curved

Harve’s lips. “Later, Bossman.”

“Later.”

Much later. And more naked.

***

Denver, huh?

Both the dude and the place.

Weird.

Coy grabbed his little go bag and headed to the truck

he’d rented. It was a hot little GMC and he wanted to put

it through its paces. He was going to see this guy, fuck real

quick, then go run in the mountains.

He’d always wanted to try that, since he was a pup. Now

was his chance, because there was no way him and Mr.

Denver Allen were going to spend more than one night

together. The man was gloriously beautiful, if the picture

was real, but he was classy. Pinstripe and pussy shoes

classy.

Vamps were all prissy and shit anyway. He liked men,

hard, hungry, needy men, not... gentlemen.

He grinned when he slid into the truck. She was a beauty.

Oh, hell yes. He settled into the seat, tickled as hell that

the paperwork was all done and he could just head out of

the airport, as soon as he found some Luke Bryan on the

radio. He did love to sing.

He liked the air out here, too. Crisp, fairly clear, even

for a city with obvious smog. It looked like once he got out

into the trees it would clear up even more.

Okay. Supper with the bloodsucker in Golden, then, if he

was lucky, a pre-hike orgasm.

If he had his tail right now, it would be wagging. An all

expenses paid vacation was worth the few drops of blood

he’d probably lose.

Hell, he’d only signed up for the site on a dare from his

incredibly mated and oh-my-goddess pregnant sister. She’d

read something about the success rate of online dating for

gay werewolves or something. She was always reading

crazy lifestyle magazines.

He’d said no and then? Tears. Whoa tears. Hormones.

Jeez.

So, here he was, just because she wanted him to be as

happy as she was.

At least he wasn’t going to have to worry about little

half-fuzzy, half-toothy babies. He grinned at the idea.

Science probably said no on that one. Could vamps

reproduce that way? All he knew was what he read in

books.

Bitey nursing babies, though, that made his balls draw up

and hide.

He hit the highway, almost missing the turn due to his

thoughts. Crashing now would suck.

The directions on his phone led him to this... gate. Lord,

look at that place. It was something like out of a movie. Not

a horror movie, exactly, but maybe a gothic kinda thing.

There was a keypad on a stand right there by his driver’s

window.

He grabbed his phone, looked at the text he’d gotten.

Number. Was there a number?

Damn it. Oh. There was an intercom button, too. That

deflated the mad-on he was working up.

He pushed the button, nose working as the wind brought

in amazing scents -- pine and wood smoke and cold. He

wanted to run and run.

“Mr. Martindale?” The voice was... young. Not at all

cultured.

“Yep. Coy Martindale. I’m here to see Denver Allen,

please.”

“Mr. Allen is expecting you. Come on through.” The

gates clanked, then swung open.

“Okay.” Okay. Gates. How very Batman.

Maybe a vamp needed protection. That whole sunlight

thing had to be tough.

Oh, man. To never see all this in the daytime, that would

suck. That was why people came to the mountains, right?

Sun, trees, fresh air? Although the snow in the moonlight

would rock his sock... whoa. He pulled up to the house,

sitting there with his teeth in his mouth.

Goddamn.

This was like... Hill House. Like a movie mansion. All

turrets and stained glass.

Dude.

That sort of rocked.

Coy slipped out of the truck, nose working. The place

smelled so good, like wood smoke and earth, like clean air

and something undefinable. Something he’d never smelled

before.

He headed to the door, knocked. No more pussyfooting.

The door opened to reveal a young man with white blond

hair, wearing a pair of cutoffs and rainbow socks. “Hey,

you must be Coy! I’m Addison. The butler.”

“The butler. Howdy.” Jesus wept. “Nice socks.”

Addison struck a pose like a Greek statue. “Thanks. The

boss is waiting for you. He had me make lamb. Local. You

like Colorado lamb?”

“I don’t know. I’m sure I do. I like meat.” There weren’t

that many sheep where he was from.

“Well, if you hate it, I have a steak I can sear off real

quick. Come on. He’s waiting in the dining room.” Addison

trotted off, leaving him to shove his cap in his back pocket

and follow, his boots ringing on marble floors.

The place was so big that breathing echoed. Weird.

The doors to the dining room were those big sliding

things, pocket doors, maybe. The chandelier almost blinded

him, but he caught glimpses of dark wood and Persian rugs

before the scents made it impossible to concentrate.

His wolf started clawing up his spine, climbing and

wanting out, warning him that he was somewhere new.

Odd.

The meat had to be the lamb, and man, was he gonna like

lamb. He could tell. The earthy, spicy scent underneath all

that was even more an addiction. He’d caught a whiff of it

outside, but now it slapped him in the face.

He shook his head, trying to focus, to control himself and

ease back the urge to howl.

“Mr. Martindale?”

Coy finally saw the man at the end of the table when he

stood, extending a hand.

“I’m Denver Allen.”

“Coy. Hey. How goes it?” Why are you slumming?

Because this guy was slumming if he was going to

be fucking Coy. Denver Allen was tall, lean, but well-

built, with broad shoulders and narrow hips. He had pale

blond hair and icy blue eyes that damned near glowed in

the bright light from the chandeliers. His pressed jeans

probably cost more than Coy’s whole wardrobe.

Denver had an air about him, though, that was totally at

odds with the fine furnishings. He was a predator.

Too bad wolves weren’t prey. “Thanks for the invite to

your place.”

“Thank you for coming. I wasn’t sure you would.”

“The folks at the dating place seemed to think we were

perfect.”

“I know.” Denver Allen advanced slowly, coming to

offer a lean, pale hand. “I confess, I saw the profile they

sent and was intrigued enough to play along. Addison is the

one who signed me up, and nearly lost his job because of

it.”

“Oh.” Oh, well then. For sure this was a one-time deal.

No one knew someone well enough to fill those things out.

He felt a little bit like a rube, but politeness was beaten into

his bones, so he shook. “My sister asked me to do it. She’s

pregnant.”

“Is she? I imagine she’s utterly mood-swinging.” Denver

smiled, showing the slightest hint of fang, which was oddly

sexy. “Addison, I fear, did a lot of subtle question asking.

He’s forever poking me to tell him stories. I think he must

have had a checklist of items.”

“Yeah. It was a long form and I bet you didn’t expect a

cowboy from the sticks to show up.”

“Come and sit.” Denver took his hand and led him to the

table. The smell almost brought him to his knees.

“Lamb, your man said?” His mouth watered.

“Indeed. I love the smell of food.” They sat, Denver at

the head of the table, him one seat to the right. The butler

kid appeared and lifted the lid off all the trays. Jesus, that

was a feast.

He knew his nose had to be going a mile a minute and

his eyes felt hot, the shapes of the food more pronounced,

the colors leached away.

“There’s no need to play nice. You must be hungry.”

“I am and it smells stunning. Rich.” His tongue tripped

over the words. God, way to be classy, Coy.

“Then eat up. You will not offend me.” Denver pushed

the platter at him.

He nodded and pounced, the lamb rich on his tongue, his

wolf rejoicing in it. Goddess Moon, the meat was intense.

Cooked rare, the coppery tang was so good on his tongue.

One bite led to another and another, and no one stopped

him. Soon he had devoured the whole thing, wiping his

mouth on his sleeve.

Oh, wow. Way to make an impression, man.

Denver didn’t seem appalled. In fact the man sat there,

smiling, leaning his chin on his hand.

“Sorry. Sorry. It was good, thank you.”

“Not a problem. Trust me, Addison is happy to have

someone to perform for.”

Coy sat back, cheeks heating as he saw how much he’d

eaten.

“Are you upset?”

“A little embarrassed. I was hungry.”

“You’ve been traveling all day.” Denver studied him a

moment. “Would you like more?”

“No. No, it was delicious.”

“Mmm. Well, apparently, Addison agonized over dessert.

If you like, we can go to the drawing room and have a drink

while you let supper settle.”

“Surely. Would you like some help clearing up?”

“Oh, let Addison earn his keep.” Denver stood, waiting

for him.

“If you’re sure...” He stood too, still a little stunned by

the carnage he’d left.

“I am. Trust me, he gets bored.”

How could anyone get bored in a place like this? You

could do one room a day and stay busy for a month.

He followed Denver into a parlor that looked like it was

out of some weird old movie. The furniture loomed and

twisted, and carved faces stared down from the rafters. Like

a castle. Nuts.

“This place is something else...” Something crazy.

“Oh, you have no idea. An old friend of mine left it

to me. He brought it over brick by brick from Europe.”

Denver chuckled. “It’s a monstrosity.”

“He brought it? Wow.” He went and touched the wall.

How did that work? How long would that take?

“Yep. Took about a decade.” Kicking off his shoes,

Denver plopped on a grand settee, which was covered in

pillows with weird pop art on them.

Coy stopped, actually looked at Denver, saw the man.

There was an edge under the perfection. The man had

some hard angles and some beautiful planes to his face

and body. There was something predatory hiding under the

casual ease.

He liked the angle of Denver’s hips, the way the man

just... sprawled.

“Are you... I mean, I assume you’re into men. Have you

been with one of my kind before?”

“I haven’t, actually. Men, yes. Dozens.”

“Why... Oh, you didn’t. Your guy did.” That was why.

“Come sit.” Denver patted all those cushions, watching

him like a hawk.

He headed over, his boots sounding so loud. So fucking

loud. He sighed when he hit the Persian rug again, muffling

the sound. He sat, feeling graceless.

“Addison is well aware of my... interests. I am not

particularly good at meeting people, but I have wanted to,

erm, branch out.”

“Taste some shifter blood?” He gave Denver a half

smile, a wink.

“Yes.” The hunger that flared in Denver Allen’s eyes

actually made him sit back a bit, his heart starting to thump.

Denver’s eyes were on his throat, and he swallowed

around a lump, trying to focus. This wasn’t what he’d

expected. At all. Oh, it was about sex, for sure, but there

was an air of danger, which made him slide from willing to

turned on in about a second.

His chest rose and fell fast when Denver slid closer to

him. He expected body heat when someone was that close,

but it wasn’t there.

How fucking weird.

He shivered, hands wanting to curl into fists. Not that

Denver read as cold. No, those pale eyes burned for him.

He could see the man’s fangs, silvery and needle sharp, in

that smile.

“What happens now?” His voice was all growl.

“Well, there is dessert. Or perhaps I might have a sip of

your blood. See how we both like it.”

Coy nodded. “If it’s bad, I reckon we should find out

now.”

He held out one hand, offered his wrist.

“Oh, no. No, I prefer something stronger.” Denver

grabbed his hand, pulling him close, chest against his.

“Stronger.” He couldn’t fight the low rumble. He didn’t

offer his throat.

“Mmm. The wrist is too far from the heart. Not enough

force.”

“You only wanted a sip.”

“Yes, but why deprive myself?” The last two words were

said against his skin.

His balls ached and his heart was racing, thrumming

in his chest hard enough to make him dizzy. The feel of

Denver’s fingers around his wrist shocked him, cool when

he was hot. Then those fangs sank into his neck, hard.

Coy barked out his shock, lightning slamming down his

spine. He scrabbled at the couch with his fingers, trying to

find something solid. The pillows slipped from behind him

and he started to slide, his boots not getting purchase on the

floor.

Denver caught him with one arm around his back,

keeping him from falling. The suction felt intense, like all

of his blood tried to rise to the surface of his skin. The pain,

though, faded easily, morphing into blistering pleasure.

His cock thumped in time with his heart, his balls so

tight it scared him a little.

Denver groaned, nails scraping down his belly and he

yelped, chin lifting to offer more.

How long could this go on? He’d bleed to death, right?

Except he felt stronger, not weak.

Coy reached for his cock, needing to shift it, his jeans

too tight.

“Mmm. Yes. Get it out.” Denver licked at his throat,

right where the holes sat.

His hips rolled up, the zing of his nerves distracting him

from his needy cock.

“Coy. Get your dick out.”

“Right. Right, sorry. Stupid.” He was fucking flying.

“No name calling.” Denver smiled, his lips stained with

blood. Coy’s blood.

His zipper seemed complicated as hell, and his needy

prick wasn’t helping one bit, pushing at the teeth.

“Let me help, hmm?” Denver made quick work of it all,

leaving Coy blinking, gasping when cool air hit his cock.

No one did that, left him off center and gasping. No one.

He wasn’t sure if he approved or not. Didn’t matter, not

when Denver grabbed his dick.

The touch -- which he’d expected to be cold, damn it

-- was blistering, and he growled and started humping

immediately.

“So responsive.” Denver stroked in counterpoint, giving

him friction.

“I...” He didn’t expect to be so fucking turned on, so

goddamned excited.

“No. No self-consciousness. This is too good for that.”

Denver struck again, fangs cutting through his skin easily.

Later he would swear that time stopped, that his heart

ceased, and he howled, the sound tearing from him.

He thought he might just die, but he would be happy.

The fingers around his prick squeezed and tugged,

pulled hard and his balls drew up. He humped, his muscles

clenching as he pushed up.

The suction at his throat intensified, and he grabbed

Denver’s shoulders, digging in so he had something solid in

his world, which spun crazily. Those heated hands mapped

his body, dragged over his skin, driving him nuts.

He arched and wiggled, trying to get more, but he could

only have what Denver gave him. Those muscles were like

steel, Denver holding him still.

Finally his only option was to melt back, lips open as he

gulped in air.

Denver licked that spot on his neck again, kissing a line

up his neck to his mouth.

He blinked up, dazed, aching. “Need to come.”

“Anytime you need.” Denver made this noise that was

like a growl, sending shivers down his spine. Then a line of

stinging heat zinged along his slit, and he shot, howling out

his need.

Denver just made approving noises, stroking his cock to

ease the tiny snapping pain. Not that it mattered. Coy was

just gonna be a dry husk.

His head slumped back against the sofa, his throat

working.

Kissing the place where his pulse beat the fastest, Denver

smiled against his skin. “Yes. Yes, I can see why they

thought we might make a match. Stay the night.”

Before the question settled in his brain, he was nodding

in agreement. His bones were melted, his heart racing, and

he couldn’t fathom walking away. So much for a good fuck

and a nice hard run in the woods.

This shit could get really complicated.

Fast.

Denver murmured softly, hands dragging on his skin. He

shivered, feeling so good, so spent. Of course, he had no

idea if Denver needed to come or what.

“You need?” He wasn’t an asshole and he wasn’t one of

those men who took his pleasure and just left.

“Oh, I’ll have you tonight, love, but for now I have what

I desired most. Blood is everything to someone like me.”

“I can’t believe I let you bite me.” He felt drunk, baby-

headed. “We don’t know a thing about each other.”

“Mmm. I look forward to learning.” Denver rose, lifting

him as easily as a doll.

His eyes flew open, and he flailed for a second, just like

a puppy, and Denver vocalized for him, the sound soothing

and deep. When he relaxed, Denver moved, carrying him

up the stairs and down a long hall to an opulent bedroom

with heavy, industrial window shades.

The bed was the size of a Mack truck, and there were at

least a thousand covers -- all shiny and puffy and decadent.

Coy had the urge to wolf out and dig them up into a nest so

he could curl up. There was something about this guy that

had his wolf right on the edge.

He had to get his shit together. He couldn’t just go all

fuzzball with a relative stranger. Especially one who wasn’t

a fellow shifter. A vamp, for fuck’s sake.

A bloodsucker.

Fang-monster.

He was chuckling as Denver tossed him onto the bed.

“What are you laughing about so hard?”

“Giddy. Blood loss.” He started laughing harder.

Denver got naked and settled next to him, smiling easily.

“Do you need more protein?”

He opened his mouth to say no, then he got it, barking

out laughter.

Denver finally just kissed him to shut him up.

The kiss went wild in a hurry, both of them diving into

the caress like they were starving. He was, a little, his body

shaking with it. Denver’s prick blazed against his belly, and

he reached down, wrapped his hand around it. He’d thought

this man was cold? Christ.

Denver bared his teeth, snapped at the air a bit, and Coy

chuckled. Someone needed.

“Are you laughing at me, sweet?” Denver rode his hand.

“Yep.” Totally. It was the first time he’d felt solid since

the bite.

“Bitch.” Denver laughed with him, pinching at his

nipple.

“Not. All male.” He proved it, rolling his own prick

against Denver’s thigh while he worked that pretty dick.

“Mmm. Spicy, too. Tingly on my tongue. I like it.”

“Shifter blood’s not bad, hmm?”

“Not bad?” Denver rolled them, looming over him.

“Addictive.”

“Hey, there.” He had to force himself not to tense.

“Are you afraid of me?” Denver’s pupils dilated, like

he really liked that idea. Or maybe he was just ready for

another sip.

“I’m not afraid.” He was going to bite back, maybe.

“Oh. Well, that’s okay, too.”

Denver’s smile made him blink. God, that was beautiful.

The world felt a little dizzying, actually, like he’d been

smoking green. Maybe he did need a bit more protein.

Maybe there was too much blood in his dick, making his

brain deficient.

Maybe it was the light in Denver’s eyes. Denver licked

his throat. Fuck. Fuck, that was... He groaned, eyes rolling

back in his head.

“You like it, too. The edge of danger.”

“Fuck, yeah. Normal life is so... normal.”

“It is. I’ve been so bored, Coy. So very bored.” Denver

struck, puncturing his skin so easily.

He groaned, dragging Denver across the mattress, his

cock heavy like a club between his thighs. Denver rubbed

back and forth, teeth working his skin. The man was on fire

now, skin two degrees too hot, at least.

Coy jacked that sweet cock, working hard and fast,

thumb at the tip. The feeling of Denver drinking from him

spread from his neck to his toes, throbbing all the way. His

heart pounded, slamming in his chest, beating away. He

couldn’t breathe right, couldn’t get enough air.

Let it happen. Relax into it.

Relax? How the fuck could anyone relax? This was

enough to make him want to thrash, to throw Denver off

and run in circles chasing his tail.

Denver, though, had other plans, keeping him right there,

touching and biting and fucking flying. The man held him

down, one arm like an iron band around him, fangs just

impaling him.

Somehow his hand on Denver’s prick, it kept working,

kept jacking. He felt like it had a mind of its own, because

his was sure burning itself out.

The world went sparkly around the edges, tinged with

red, fuzzy. He snapped at the air, growling, and Denver

laughed. The sound was pure joy.

He rubbed the tip of Denver’s cock, fingers sliding on the

slit, dragging hard.

“That’s it, pup. I like it a little rough.”

God damn it. He was looking for tension, not that easy

laugh. Gritting his teeth, he gave Denver rough, scraping

his short nails down to Denver’s heavy balls.

“Good boy.”

He growled low. “Not a boy.”

“Yet you’re so hesitant.” Denver’s smile maddened him.

The wolf in him surged up, his pride stinging. He’d

fought the other males, made it on his own when other

bachelor males gave their bellies to the alpha and he

refused. He was far from fucking cowardly.

Denver hummed. “That made your blood tingle even

more.”

He pounced, biting down, going for Denver’s belly. The

man flipped him like a pancake, holding him against the

mattress, the casual, untapped strength making Coy blink.

Teeth snapping at the air, he fought that hardness, that

weight. He was his own wolf, damn it.

“Yes. Yes, just so. Don’t hold back.” Denver actually

reached around and patted his ass. Like he was a puppy.

He whipped around, teeth sinking into Denver’s upper

arm, and he shook it, like Denver was his prey.

The man finally sounded surprised, the yelp he got

utterly satisfying. Then Denver pulled him away. “Don’t

drink too much, love. It might make you sick. I have no

idea how my blood will affect a wolf like you.”

Then Denver took his lips again, fucking them good and

hard with that amazing tongue and they were off to the

races again.

Coy humped, the need so sharp it was almost pain.

They were fucking wild, the bedsheets sliding under

them, rips sounding as they struggled for more pleasure.

Denver was relentless, driving him higher and he threw

his head back, howled. His hips sawed back and forth, his

breath hitching.

He cried out, body giving it up again. He shot so fucking

hard he couldn’t see for a second. The roaring in his ears

refused to quiet down, his blood rushing in his veins.

Heat sprayed over his side, Denver groaning against his

skin and he soared, totally unsure what to do.

Denver decided for them, wrapping around him like an

octopus.

Okay. Okay, good. Sleeping.

Sleeping now.

He blinked once, and then he was gone, dreaming about

the moon.

***

Denver watched Coy Martindale sleep like a puppy, all

curled in and snoring a tiny bit. How had this wolf captured

his imagination so completely in such a short time?

His entire body was alight -- it was like he’d tapped

into pure electricity. He could power an entire city, for

goodness’ sake. He’d pushed a little too much, he could

tell, but Coy had taken it all beautifully.

Oh, he was having a ball. He should have tried a service

ages ago. Addison knew the world better than he did now,

he supposed. He’d give the lad a bonus.

He ran his fingers down along Coy’s spine, petting like

the man was in wolf form. Coy arched, shifting under his

touch. So responsive. Denver thought Coy’s reaction to a

little force was more surprise than distaste. The man had

been alone too long.

Wolves were pack animals, yes? Hierarchy oriented?

He grabbed his iPad and started searching. He needed

information. That was his stock in trade, after all. He was

good at gathering.

Sociology. Habits. Mating. Territory. Needs. Fuck, this

was fascinating. His hand kept touching, petting Coy’s

skin. That was even more fascinating, that amazing skin.

Every time Denver hit a hot spot, Coy shivered. This

man needed someone to belong to, and Denver had never

tasted anyone he wanted more.

He traced the line of the man’s nose, smiling as it

wrinkled. Then he pressed his finger against Coy’s lips.

They opened, then the suction started, slow and steady.

Oh, fuck.

He moaned, his cock rising, his body rather urgent in its

need.

Still sound asleep, Coy fellated his finger, soft happy

sounds on the air. Such a natural, so sensual.

God, Denver wanted that mouth around his cock.

He smiled, then licked his lips “Coy...”

The big brown eyes opened, blinked at him, sleepy and

confused.

He stroked Coy’s chin, his throat. “Suck me, sweet?”

Those sweet lips opened and he nodded, easing Coy

down. Yes. Yes, he needed. He praised, petting Coy’s hair

as he slipped his cock into Coy’s mouth, hot and wet and

perfect. The suction was heaven, Coy hungry for him, eager

to suck.

He pressed his hips forward, then pulled back, willing to

do the work for his sleepy new lover.

One heavy hand wrapped around his hip, warm and

solid, controlling the speed. So into control, his Coy. A

habit he would help break.

Coy’s tongue slid along his shaft, slapping the tip,

driving him mad. He moved faster, pushing Coy’s limits

a bit. The hand at his hip tightened, squeezed. No. No

warnings. He held Coy’s cheeks, not forcing anything, but

definitely owning the tempo. The happy little growl around

his prick was hot as fuck.

The point of surrender was always the sexiest thing.

Almost as good was the danger. Almost. One way or the

other, they needed to explore it all together.

He arched and pushed in deep, Coy swallowing around

him, over and over. Yes. That was perfect. Necessary. He

backed off, let Coy gulp in a few breaths, then pushed in

again.

The man was so natural at giving, so wonderfully open.

The suction increased and he swallowed back a cry, eyes

rolling. “Just there. There, pup. Fuck.”

Coy moaned for him, hands on his thighs, and Denver

took what he needed. He’d feed again soon, which was

crazy. He’d already fed more in one day than he had in

almost a year. The rush was addictive, though, the burn of

Coy’s energy like a flame.

He could live on it forever.

The thought shocked him into orgasm, his body rocking

back and forth with the violence of it.

Coy groaned, swallowing over and over, taking him in

like a natural. He petted that springy, dark hair, praising.

“Want to bite you now, love.”

Deep brown eyes met his, looking fuck-dazed. “Again?

Hungry vamp.”

“You make me so hungry.” He stroked Coy’s cheeks.

“Are you too tired? You can say no.”

“I just napped. I’m... buzzing.”

“Mmm.” He liked that idea. Electricity seemed to flow

between them, stronger every time they touched.

He drew Coy up, nibbling on the man’s lips, teasing.

Coy wrapped around him, arms and legs, clinging like a

limpet.

He got them settled, cuddled together, Coy’s hard cock

against his belly. Denver reached for it, pinching at the tip.

He licked his lips, his fangs tingling. He wasn’t famished,

just wanting, so he could play this time, tease.

Denver actually wanted to see what Coy looked like

when he came. He wanted to know what made Coy need.

He pinched the slit closed at the tip of Coy’s prick,

watching to see what that did. Coy bared his teeth, snapped

at the air, then humped his hand restlessly.

“I like that, sweet. How you need that.”

“You... you have some weird magic, man.”

“Do I? How so?” He stroked down, then up.

“I’m not so... wanting.”

“I think you are. I just think no one has ever known that

you really want to.”

Coy nodded, shook his head, nodded again. Someone

was conflicted. Denver would have to work on that a little

at a time. Too bad he wasn’t a patient man. He slapped the

tip of Coy’s cock with the palm of his hand.

“Fuck!” Coy arched like he’d been popped with

electricity.

The play of muscles under Coy’s skin fascinated him, so

he did it again, nipping Coy’s collarbone at the same time.

“Stop it!” Coy struggled, which just activated his prey

drive. Oh. Oh, he could hunt this one.

He growled low, getting an answering sound from Coy,

who pulled away, eyes flashing.

“Be careful, pup. I’m in the mood to play, but I play

rough.”

Coy’s lip curled. “Try me.”

The man shuddered and suddenly he was face to face

with another predator -- possibly the biggest wolf he’d ever

seen.

“God, you’re beautiful.” He touched the white and gray

muzzle, pleased that Coy didn’t bite him. “Run, love. I’ll be

right behind you.”

He got a toothy grin, a toss of the huge head and then

Coy was off running.

Denver whooped, running behind, trying to give Coy a

bit of a head start. Coy took off like a madman, barreling

wildly down the hall.

They careened around the corner and down the stairs,

thudding like crazy. Coy’s claws scrabbled, and Denver

slid, and they headed for the kitchen.

When Coy hit the tile, the wolf’s back end went

spinning.

Denver swiped out with one hand, but missed, coming

away with a few feathery hairs. Quick little shit. Okay, so

maybe not little. That wolf was bigger than Coy the human.

Coy scrambled around the kitchen island, claws

skittering on the floor.

“Shit! Wolf. Wolf in the kitchen!” Addison screamed,

hopping up on the counter.

Coy barked, nose wrinkling.

“Just Coy, Addison.” Denver grinned, feeling it stretch

his cheeks. “Open the back door, will you?”

“S-sure. Sure. He won’t bite me?”

“Pretty sure.” Denver wanted to chase and Coy wanted

to run. “I’ll be back before daybreak.”

“I’ll leave the back door unlocked.” Addison carefully

climbed down, headed for the back door.

Coy vibrated, but was kind enough to stay still until

Addison was out of the way.

As soon as it was clear, though, the wolf took off,

seeming to disappear in a puff of smoke. That made the

challenge all the better, and Denver ran, tasting the air.

Coy proved to be clever, zigzagging before heading for the

woods, the cover of the trees.

Yes. Yes, that would scramble the senses of most

animals. Vampires were a little more complex, though, as

Coy was about to find out. Oh, he didn’t sparkle or fly, but

he could leap into the trees pretty easily.

He started hunting, eyes searching the woods for the heat

mark of his pup. Blood surged through his veins, lighting

up his world. He could see the tiny animals, birds and

squirrels, but he wanted Coy. Now.

There.

A flash of energy moved, incredibly fast, but too big to

miss. He tracked it a moment, the pattern becoming clear

in his mind. He moved from bough to bough, speeding

over the leaves. Denver felt light, and so fast. It was almost

flying.

Coy turned suddenly, heading out into the open,

surprising him.

Keeping low to the ground, the wolf stayed to the

shadows, ears swiveling. That tail waved like a flag, telling

Denver how much fun Coy was having.

Denver slowed, letting the anticipation build. They both

knew how this would end. He would catch his pup.

It was inevitable.

The chase still excited them. His cock was hard again,

not really hampering him, just making it more interesting.

He threw himself from the trees, leaping for Coy, who

barked and took off like a shot.

Denver tore after the fool wolf, across the meadow and

into another copse of trees.

Goddess, he hadn’t had so much fun in centuries! He

stayed on the ground this time, skirting the trees to the

outside so he could keep speed up.

Coy turned, crouching, and suddenly he was prey.

Denver hooted and put on a burst of speed, letting his wolf

give chase.

The sound of paws slamming into the ground chased

him, drove him faster. He pushed himself harder, letting all

of his focus fall to the terrain. His wolf was close, breath

on the back of his neck. He dodged, sliding between two

trunks.

He heard Coy scrabbling, sliding on the leaves. Yes.

Such a good hunter.

Sniff sniff sniff. He could hear Coy searching for him.

Grinning, he moved faster than he had this whole chase,

coming back around behind Coy to grab that tail. Coy

whipped around, barking furiously.

He laughed, jumping back to keep from getting bitten.

His wolf pounced, as tall as he was, tongue sliding on his

face. Denver chuckled, rubbing that heavy fur, giving Coy

praise. Coy wagged and lapped him, those bright gold eyes

glowing.

“Good hunt, hmm? We should get back before it starts to

get light, though.”

Coy’s teeth nudged his shoulder, then the big wolf

jumped down.

There was no reason they couldn’t have fun on the way

back. He turned and raced back toward the house.

This time Coy ran with him, beside him, loping easily.

Yes. He moved faster, knowing Coy could keep up now

unless he put on his Superman cape. It was fascinating, the

economy of movement that his wolf had. Those muscles all

worked together, the tail constant temptation.

When they reached his home, they both slowed, cooling

down. He didn’t want Coy to get sick, Hell, he had no idea

if Coy could.

Coy stretched, skin rippling, muscles jerking and

moving. The man stood before him now, instead of the

wolf, grinning like a fool.

“Haven’t run in a bit?” Denver asked.

“Not like that. Not where I’m so close to Her. The

Moon.” Look at that amazing fucking smile.

“The moon is bright here, hmm?” He drew Coy close,

rubbing them together.

“Huge.” Coy’s prick was firm, heated against his thigh.

He hummed with pleasure, reaching to stroke it. “I like

how you feel.”

Long and curved, needy and fat in his fingers -- it was a

lovely cock. He stroked it up and down, loving the tactile

sensations. Coy made the most amazing noises, too, low

and deep and hungry.

“Sweet. I could get lost in you.”

“I-I thought I’d meet you and run.”

“Well, you did, technically.” He pulled at Coy’s cock a

little more, tugging hard.

“Uhn.” Coy’s eyes crossed and that was it for

conversation.

Worked for him. Denver wanted to get as much loving

in as he could before sunrise. Hell, he wanted Coy to have

enough that the wolf was still there when Denver awoke

at sunset. No running, no hiding. The urge to bite that fine

cock was so strong he actually moaned. Better to save that.

“Don’t stop.” Coy’s voice was pure growl.

“Not a bit.” No, he had no intention of quitting.

“Good. Damn, man, fucking amazing.”

“Oh, pup, we’ve barely started.” The words came out

like a promise.

The moonlight poured over Coy, limning the fine body,

the pulse in Coy’s throat. So beautiful. Denver licked that

spot, feeling life under his lips. His wolf arched, driving

into his touch, eyes fastened on the moon.

He knew what it was like to be tied so closely to

something. For him it was the blood. And this moon-soaked

life force he’d discovered was an addiction. He wanted

more of the spark that sent new life through his old body.

Coy’s fingers tangled through his hair, pressed his lips

more firmly against the heated column of Coy’s throat.

He hummed before he bit down, letting hot liquid flow

between his lips.

A sharp howl rang out, filling the air, vibrating against

his nerves.

He closed his eyes, pulling hard with his lips, his body

swaying, and all the while he was jacking Coy hard,

dragging against that sweet dick. He wanted his new lover

to come so much that all he could do was eat, sleep and

orgasm.

And hunt.

That had been exhilarating. He licked the wounds on

Coy’s neck. “Inside, pup. Before your moon leaves us.”

His fingers were wet with seed and he licked them clean,

too, the flavor so close to blood it make him groan. He

jerked a little, his body wanting more, but the sun was less

than an hour away.

“Inside. You’ll burn.”

“I will.” That sucked. He knew well.

One arm wrapped around him, drawing him in, the care

in that touch surprising him. Coy took him inside, almost

acting like the tiniest umbrella ever.

“You want me to stay? I can.”

“Of course I do.” What a ridiculous question. “Addison

will try to make you insane. He gets lonely.”

“I need a nap. He’ll have to wait.”

“He can. Sleep with me if it doesn’t bother you.” He

chuckled. “No coffins.”

“Are you going to be dead? I wolf out in my sleep and

I’d hate to gnaw on you.”

“A chew toy! No, I sleep like the dead, but if you tried to

eat me I would wake up, love.” What a good pup.

“Good. That would be awkward.”

“Yet somehow adorable.”

They settled in the bed, Coy almost immediately fuzzy

and curled up around him. Denver stroked the heavy fur,

fascinated. He had time before he dropped off, just enough

to fill his nose with Coy’s scent, let his body find a good

position.

The warm tongue groomed him, easing him down into

sleep. What an extraordinary night. He couldn’t wait to see

what happened next.

***

Coy slept hard, snoozing through the entire day only

waking from hunger around five. The sun was beginning

to go down, and he padded to the kitchen in wolf form

because he had no idea where his clothes were.

“Wolf! Wolf in the kitchen!” Addison laughed,

brandishing a wooden spoon, obviously not scared now.

He barked, wagging hard, hoping for a snack, a bite.

“Want some cheese, man?” Tossing him a bite, Addison

hummed a little, chopping things that smelled good.

He hopped up, front feet on the counter. Oh, yummy!

“Hey, now. No counter-surfing in my kitchen.”

He snorted, tossed his head. He had manners. Some.

Addison rewarded him with more cheese.

He snapped it up and then headed outside to do his

business and his rounds, look about a bit. It was cold,

smoke coming from his nose. Lord, that was freezy. His

paws ached a little until he got them moving. Everything

was icy, the crystals building between his toes. He licked at

one to see if it got better.

Ow.

It was stuck.

Pokey.

Ow.

He finally got loose, and limped back to the house. It

would take more than five minutes to be a snow wolf.

When he got into the kitchen a hot towel dropped over him.

Oh, yay. That was lovely, drying the frost off him.

Strong fingers dried him, ruffled his fur, warmed his

bones. He wagged, licking the air, and Denver chuckled.

“Look at you. You stayed.”

Of course he had. He’d promised he would. He arched

his back, digging in with his paws.

Denver’s fingers massaged heavily, pushing into his

muscles. That got his blood moving again, warming him.

“Did you want a glass of red, boss?” Addison asked,

grinning at them like a fool.

Denver really dug in, making Coy lose his butt a little.

“Not now, thank you. We’ll see how peckish I am later.”

The words were warm and happy and Coy really didn’t

pay too much attention to them. He just pushed into that

sweet touch.

“Have you had a snack, Coy?”

A bite, really. Snack suggested something else.

“I gave him some cheese. I’ll make him something

yummy,” Addison said.

“Thank you. Something with meat, please. He’ll need it.”

His tail wagged furiously. Meat.

“Yeah, he looks like that’s a good idea.” Addison

chuckled and went to the fridge.

Coy leaned into Denver, nudging the man’s balls.

“Are you being naughty?”

Was he?

Possibly.

He chuffed happily and did it again.

Denver laughed for him. “Eat. Then we can bathe

together.”

He nodded, muzzle rubbing as he did. Bathing was good.

He wasn’t a water hater. Meat first, though. Hungry. Coy

flopped down on the floor, watching Addison. Waiting.

“I got to sear it off, just in case. It’s from the Whole

Foods. If you hang around, I’ll find a local provider.”

Coy wagged once, happy to be settled here in the warm

kitchen. Denver sat, too, on a stool at the island, and that

must have been odd, because Addison stared at the man. He

rolled over, moving to mouth one of Denver’s ankles.

“Toothy pup.” Denver didn’t seem worried.

He wasn’t! He was just nibbling a little.

“Just don’t draw blood.”

He nipped Denver’s big toe.

“Trying to get me a piece at a time. I get it.”

He didn’t know about that. The smaller toes would be

challenging.

“Here.” Addison slapped a seared piece of meat down in

front of him.

The world went red and he pounced, snarfing it up. Oh, it

was still juicy inside, coppery and perfect. He lapped every

drop of the blood up, his belly happy and full. Better. He

hadn’t even known he was so hungry.

He went to Addison, headbutted the man in thanks.

“No prob.” Addison stroked his ears. “Go spend some

man time with the boss.”

That sounded like fun. He padded over, bit Denver’s

ankle, then took off running.

Denver laughed, and Coy heard the slide of feet on the

floor, following him.

Play!

He turned a corner and then stopped and spun, crouching

to leap. Coy flew through the air, and Denver caught him

right out of it, turning and tossing him down the hall.

Landing on his feet, he immediately turned to pounce

again. His paws skidded on the slick floor, but he got

purchase enough to run.

Denver’s laugh caught him, then those hands did, fingers

digging into his fur. Those strong arms cradled him a

moment before Denver threw him through the air once

more.

They did it three or four times before he shifted, meeting

Denver as a man.

Their bodies slapped together, Denver moaning,

grabbing him and kissing him. He pushed into the caress,

tongue fucking Denver’s lips, teasing the sides of those

sharp fangs. He got a tiny puncture wound for his trouble.

The tiny sting was nothing compared to the rush of

pleasure. The sensation made his heart beat harder, strain

to give Denver more. It was like his blood had grown

overnight, filling his skin. Like his body knew he had to

feed Denver. Crazy. Totally.

Still, he wanted those teeth digging into him.

“Bedroom, sweet. I want to bathe before I snack.”

“Bedroom.” He could have a bath.

Denver carried him, which was still so weird. He was not

exactly light.

“Am I heavy for you? At all?”

“Not really. I mean, I can tell you’re more solid than an

average human.”

“By at least one hundred pounds.”

“Mmm. I’m always so afraid humans will break.

Addison was meant to be a feeder, you know. He turned out

to be a bleeder.”

“Sick blood?”

“No clotting.” Denver let him slide to the floor in the

bathroom. “I had no wish to hurt him.”

Coy approved. “He’s a nice man.”

“And a good cook, apparently.”

“Yeah.” He leaned in, licked a line along the man’s

collarbone. Salty.

Denver slid one hand into his hair, holding him close.

“Water.” He licked again, nibbling a bit.

“Huh?” Denver pulled back a few inches to frown. “Oh!

Shower. Yes.”

“Mmmhmm.” He stepped in and went back to tasting.

The water poured down on them, making him hum.

Coy rubbed, sighing happily. He was glad Denver was

tactile. He liked contact, when he could get it.

This was so dangerous, all this focus on him alone.

It could be enticing, addictive. It felt amazing. Denver

touched him like he was the only man on earth, like he was

precious, but not fragile.

He bit down, letting it sting a bit.

“Toothy pup.” Stroking his hair, Denver chuckled.

“Don’t draw blood too much, love. I have no idea what it

would do to you.”

“No breaking the skin. Got it.” He bit again.

Denver moved, the motion sensual, sinuous.

Slowly, Coy moved to his knees, refusing to let his mind

do more than record how good this felt. He wanted to taste,

touch, learn Denver all over. He let his tongue drag over the

tip of Denver’s cock, the water making everything slick.

“That’s it, Coy. Suck it. You have a mouth made for

this.”

His cheeks burned, but his moan tore from him and he

took Denver’s cock in, tongue slapping the big vein along

the side.

“Yes.” Denver pushed into his mouth, demanding,

warmer than last night, and Coy took more, moaning as the

fat shaft spread his lips. Denver was like a force of nature.

Coy took Denver’s prick in to the root before backing off,

working the tip.

The sounds he got encouraged him. So did Denver’s

hand on the back of his head.

They found a rhythm, pushing deep, then letting Denver

slip almost free. The shower rained down on them, the

water hot, good, shutting out the world. Coy grabbed that

tight vampire ass and tugged, keeping them close. He

wanted everything, all Denver had to give him.

Denver groaned, fingers tangling through his hair,

dragging just enough to sting, to rev him up. He loved that

little tug, the way Denver humped back and forth with

those lean hips. He started swallowing with every thrust

in, pulling hard. Denver’s cock hit the back of his throat,

swelling even more.

The wild sounds pouring down over him made Coy want

to howl. He didn’t. He just sucked. Hard.

Denver offered up a cry that drew goosebumps all over

him, just before heat poured into him. It amazed him, how

hot Denver’s come felt sliding down his throat.

“Good. Good pup. Fuck.” Denver grinned down at him,

face feral and wild. The gleam of fangs just under Denver’s

lips made Coy shiver.

He stood up, pushing into a hard, wild kiss, his prick

heavy, pushing against Denver’s hip. Denver grabbed him,

holding him up with one hand, the other going to his cock,

helping him. Those fangs poked at his lips, making him

moan.

“More.” He needed. Now.

“Tell me, baby boy. Ask me.”

He growled deep in his chest, shaking Denver a bit.

“No. I want to hear it.” Denver stood fast, not letting his

growl intimidate.

“I want you. Now. Damn it.” He snapped at the air, teeth

clicking.

“No biting, pup.”

“Need you. Fuck me. Bite me.”

“That’s it.” Denver radiated a savage sort of satisfaction,

and the man pressed Coy against the shower wall, teeth

stinging Coy’s throat.

He arched, swallowing over and over. His body lit up

like a live wire. He shook, swaying, ass sliding on the

tile. He kept his feet, but barely. So slippery, but the water

warmed him so well, Denver’s bite making him cry out

over and over.

His hands scrabbled over Denver’s slick skin, trying to

get the man closer. Thank God Denver seemed to want the

same thing, because the man rubbed up on him.

They humped, rutting for a few long minutes, their cocks

dragging together. Then Denver’s slick fingers slid inside

him, wet with something not water. Soap? It didn’t sting.

He squeezed, then bore down, taking Denver in.

Those hard fingers stretched him, opened him up, and it

felt perfect, buzzing inside him. He pushed up on his toes,

then sank back down. Denver groaned, nodded against his

skin, so he did it again. Which was when Denver bit him

again. It was a cycle of amazing pleasure.

Coy wasn’t sure what to do, where to look, how to

breathe. So he let his head fall back, pushing his weight

toward Denver’s hand. Those long fingers stroked inside

him, lighting him up. He gasped when Denver touched on a

sweet spot inside him, pressing against his gland.

“Oh, there.” Denver muttered the words and then the

touch came again.

Coy howled with how good it was, his cock pushing up

against Denver’s belly. In a move so fast his brain couldn’t

figure it, Denver spun him, body pressing against his spine,

cock against his hole, teeth against the side of his throat.

Grunting, Coy pressed back with his hips, encouraging

Denver to push inside his body.

That thick, heavy prick pierced him, driving a deep

groan from his chest. Denver was relentless, not giving him

any time to breathe. The world started spinning, whirling

around them, slow and dizzying. Coy gulped air, his chest

rising and falling, his muscles tight.

The bloodsucker drove inside him, slamming into him,

stealing his sense. All he could do was lean on the wall and

hold himself up.

And feel. He was totally into feeling this.

Denver yanked him up a little more, teeth sinking into

the skin at the back of his neck. The sting made his toes

curl, made his hips jerk a few restless, random times.

“Mine. Is it too early to claim you?” Denver asked.

“Probably, don’t stop.” They could work out details after

orgasms.

“No. No stopping.” Those hips drove against his ass.

Coy’s entire body was on fire, lit up and hungry for it.

Denver took everything he had and amplified it, made him

crazy with need.

His hands slid on the tile, his cock caught where he

couldn’t reach it.

“Don’t worry, pup. I’ll take care of you.”

“Need.” He wanted it to go on and on.

“I have what you need.” Denver bit him again, making

him wail.

His balls drew up, his muscles jerking and rolling. His

heartbeat pounded in his ears, thrumming. His cock slapped

his belly, so hard he thought he might come without even a

touch.

“Wait for me.”

Like he could. His orgasm built in his balls, all the way

up to his belly.

Denver reached down and tugged his balls away from his

body, growling. “Wait. For. Me.”

“Denver!” He arched, hips jerking restlessly. Oh, fuck

him raw, that was blisteringly hot.

“That’s it, pup. Keep it together.”

Sharp little bites stung all against his skin, over and over,

making him need to howl. Denver stroked his cock now,

too, giving him friction. Still, the man whispered, “Not yet.

Not yet.”

He panted, his head hanging on his neck, his body

rocking with every thrust. He chanted to himself, “Wait.

Wait.”

There was no way he’d disappoint Denver, not now. Not

here.

“My sweet boy.” Denver’s fangs grazed his shoulder.

“Now, baby. Now.”

“Now.” The sting of Denver’s bite buzzed through him,

blazed inside him and he shot, emptying himself against the

wall, even as Denver spent inside him. It was another cycle,

blood, moon, seed.

He didn’t want it to end. At all.

“It doesn’t have to.” Denver’s words were soft, but he

heard them in every inch of his body. He vibrated, his wolf

fighting to get out and run in circles. He leaned back, head

rubbing against Denver’s chest.

Denver stroked his belly, easing him. Low sounds

bubbled out of him, and he melted back into the caress.

He thought vamps were evil or whatever. Denver was his

fucking hero. And the best lay he’d ever had.

“Stay?” Denver kissed his neck.

“You sure? So soon?” He had to nod.

“Yes. Yes, I mean it.” Denver helped him stand on shaky

legs and rinse off. “I thought there was no way the silly

dating people could give me a mate.”

“I didn’t know your kind mated.”

Denver laughed out loud, the sound purely joyful. “I

didn’t either.”

Coy hooted, turned and took a hard, happy kiss.

Yeah. He would stay, at least for now. He thought sure

he’d fight anyone who tried to out-alpha him. But damn.

Denver was it for him.

Good thing it looked like Coy was the right wolf for

Denver.

***

Denver watched Addison tease Coy with a piece of meat

the size of his head. The two of them were ridiculously

cute, and had no idea Denver was watching them.

Coy snapped, catching the edge of the piece and shaking

hard, growling playfully. The two of them wrestled all over

the kitchen, Addison starting to pant with effort.

“You’re strong. Christ, man...” Addison grabbed the

counter with one hand.

Coy backed up, tugging, that tail wagging like a flag.

Addison had no chance. None. Zero.

“Denver! Help! He’s winning!”

He grinned. “Oh, no, don’t get me involved.”

Coy chuffed around the meat in his mouth.

Addison snorted, then yanked the meat hard, which

surprised Coy enough to let go.

Addison tossed the steak toward him and Coy leapt, teeth

snapping. Such strong jaws. Denver was fast, though, and

ducked out of the way, laughing. Coy stalked him, teeth

bared, tail high like a flag.

“No biting, love.” He backed off, teasing, dangling the

steak.

Coy barked and pounced, the heavy weight landing

square on his torso. He laughed and rolled, tossing the pup

aside easily.

“You two are wrecking my kitchen!” Addison hollered.

He glanced at Addison, which took his attention off Coy

for a split second.

Coy snapped at the steak, teeth sinking into the fleshy

part at the base of his thumb. Shit! Denver yanked back, but

those razor sharp teeth just cut and dug in, blood spurting.

Coy yelped, jerked back, then pushed in with a bark,

lapping and trying to help stem the flow.

Denver pulled away. “No. Coy! No, it could hurt you.”

He had no idea what his blood would do to Coy.

His blood poured out and Addison screamed as Coy

pushed him down, frantically trying to stop the flow.

“No. Addison, stop him. Blood in the fridge.” Sparks

started to dance before his eyes.

“Blood. Right. Coy, feed him!”

Suddenly Coy was human, throat pressed against his

fangs, life pouring into him. Yes. Oh, God. He closed his

eyes and drank.

Coy slumped against him, heavy and hot, blood curing

him.

Denver blinked. “Coy? Love?”

“Den...” Coy’s eyes flashed, a sudden, wild light behind

them.

Denver caught him, hands on his arms. “Coy. Baby?”

“Denver. It burns.”

“No. Oh, no. Addison, help me get him upstairs.” He

would never forgive himself if Coy sickened and died over

something so fucking stupid as a piece of steak.

“I’m okay. Are you better? I didn’t mean to bite.” Coy’s

eyes rolled. “Not a bad dog.”

“No. Not bad.” He ran up the stairs, wanting to get Coy

in bed.

“I tried to make you better.” Coy twisted in his arms.

“Hot, Denver. It burns.”

“Shh.” He had no idea what to do with hot. He was so

cold. “Addison, he’s burning up.”

“What happens when someone drinks from you, boss?”

“I have no idea what happens with a shifter.” He didn’t

know. Humans it could kill or make slaves.

“I... I’ll get a cool bath started? Aspirin? Can dogs have

aspirin?”

“Yes. I’m fairly sure.”

“Okay, aspirin and cool water. I’m on it.”

Coy panted, staring at him, unblinking. “Mate.”

“Coy. I’m so sorry.” He stroked Coy’s cheeks, feeling

useless.

Addison came in, water and rags in hand. “Stop

apologizing and start helping.”

“What can I do?”

“Cool him off. I don’t know, you’re the ancient bitey

one.”

“You deal with sickness!” Denver hadn’t been sick in

centuries.

“Magical werewolf sickness?”

“Christ.” He grabbed the water and cloths. “We have to

get his fever down.”

“Yeah. I’m running the bath now.”

“Do it fast.” He dabbed at Coy’s chest, his face.

His pup whimpered softly, hands sliding over the sheets.

Blisters rose on Coy’s skin, and Denver rubbed ice over

them. Steam actually rose up at the contact. “Addison?

How’s that bath?”

“Bring him!”

He hoisted Coy back into his arms and pelted into the

bathroom. He needed Coy in the water.

Coy arched when he hit the water, eyes flying open.

“Cold!”

“Shh. It will help your fever.”

It took all his strength, but as soon as he had Coy

submerged, the struggles eased.

“Yes. That’s it, pup. I’m so sorry. Just breathe.”

It had been an accident -- had been inevitable, his pup

was mouthy as fuck -- but he hadn’t intended it to happen.

Now he had to figure out what kind of damage he’d done.

“Is it working, Denver?” Addison was pale as milk.

“He’s calming down. I--” He shook his head. “I don’t

know what to do.”

“I don’t either. How about... does he have a pack? Are

they going to come eat us?”

“Maybe.” He chewed his lip. “Call Full Moon.”

“You’re sure? Are you going to get in trouble? I can tell

them I did it.”

Addison was a good man.

“It was an accident. They might know someone who can

tell us what to do.”

“Okay. Okay. Right. I can do that. You keep his fever

down.”

“I will.” He tested the skin of Coy’s belly.

Coy grabbed his wrist, squeezing. “Mate. Mate. Mate.”

“I’ve got you.” He did. No matter what happened, he

wasn’t leaving.

Those eyes -- bright gold and glowing with an internal

fire -- stared at him, into him.

“What’s going on in there, pup?”

Burning. We’re burning up. Are we going to die?

“No. No dying.” Damn it all, he’d been around for ages

and he had no clue about werewolf physiology. When Coy

recovered he’d look into it. Educate himself.

Books. Coy laughed, the sound wild. Want to hunt in the

snow.

“We will, love. I promise. Not now, though.” He needed

ice to add to the water, but tap water would do for now.

Denver turned it on.

Never thought I could mate with you. Thought I’d come

and leave. Not find home.

Mine. He sent the word directly into Coy’s head, just like

his love was doing to him. My wolf.

In the center of his mind, a howl began to build, deep

and feral, tearing at his soul. He didn’t let go of Coy’s body,

even though he wanted to clap his hands over his ears.

“Let it out, pup,” Denver said aloud. “Let it out.”

It wasn’t coming from Coy, though, it was growing

inside him, like a roar, and when Coy screamed, Denver did

too. He flat-out howled, really, the sound foreign, a little

scary.

“Boss? Boss, are you okay?”

He blinked over at Addison, the man seeming to blur a

bit. Honestly, he had no idea if he was okay. He tried to

talk, but it came out growly.

“Oh, shit. He’s going fuzzy. The boss, not the wolf. Oh,

Jesus fucking Christ...”

He could hear Addison, freakishly loud next to him.

Coy groaned, twisting in the water, the sounds inside his

head constant.

Denver bared his teeth, snapping at the air. He hurt, his

body stretching.

Addison was screaming, but his mate’s call was louder,

infinitely louder. He pressed down into the water, holding

Coy down with his weight, his fur so wet now. His fur.

Coy convulsed, the sound in his head terrified. Mate!

Mate, I need you!

Here. I’m here. Tell me. He would do anything to help

Coy. Anything.

Here. Those glowing eyes met his, staring, burning.

Denver. You’re beautiful.

Are you better?

Coy looked... different.

You’re here. We need to hunt. Those eyes turned on

Addison. Run, human. You are good. Run. Now.

“Shit.” Addison knew. Smart Addison. Backing away

slowly, Addison babbled into the phone. “Panic room. I’ll

be in the panic room when you guys figure out what to do

here.”

There wasn’t any running, nothing to tempt the prey

response. Brilliant man. His heartbeat was enough to tempt

Coy, though, and Denver held him down.

Coy chuffed softly, a sudden sly wickedness in the

sound. Changing. We’re changing.

Yes, Both of us. He had no idea what that meant, had no

clue what he was now.

I’m sorry. Are you angry? Coy’s nostrils flared. You don’t

smell angry.

No. Not angry. No eating Addison.

Oh, that got him a laugh. He looks yummy. I’m hungry,

Denver. So hungry.

We’ll hunt, love. As soon as--

Addison’s voice came over the intercom. “I’m in the

saferoom. I have three day’s food and water. Let me know

when it’s safe to come out.”

Good man.

Coy was furry and Denver realized, distantly, that he had

no idea when it had happened. It didn’t matter. Nothing

mattered but them. He nipped at Coy’s muzzle, climbing

out of the tub and shaking furiously.

A sharp happy bark filled the air and water sprayed

everywhere, the scent of them like a drug.

He turned, slipping as his four legs reminded him he

hadn’t ever had that many before.

Coy headbutted him, keeping him upright, balanced.

Denver chuffed, the sound surprising him. So animal.

Hungry. Hungry, Mate. Hunting.

Coy encouraged him out of the house, out into the snow,

into the darkness. The world out there was quiet, the hush

of night and snowfall meaning they’d hear anything that

moved.

He spared a heartbeat feeling sorry for anything out here

that was alive. Then he ran, feeling even faster and more

agile than he had on two legs.

Coy drove him, nipping at his heels, laughing at him

when he snapped. He was used to chasing, not being

chased. And he was used to hunting men, not game.

Suddenly Coy stopped, sniffing hard, then he took off at

a run, paws digging into the snow.

Denver swerved, changing direction, biting back the

excited yelp that tried to escape him.

Deer.

Deer.

The heartbeat began to pound in his ears, the rhythm

punctuated by Coy’s growl.

Some tiny part of his brain apologized to the poor

animal, just like it always had his human feeders. Then he

put on a burst of speed, the snow flying up behind him. Coy

wasn’t working with him -- Coy was him, just as he was

Coy, both of them moving as one, a killing machine. He

could hear Coy’s thoughts in his head, teaching him, telling

him how to flank the deer.

Against them together the beast had no chance and they

feasted, Coy’s hunger near starvation.

They would need more. Now that Denver’s initial urge to

hunt was sated, though, he knew he could offer Coy a good

deal of meat at the house.

Those eyes gleamed at him, glowing. Hungry. Need,

Mate.

I know, love. I know. Can you come with me?

There was nothing left of the deer but fur and bones.

Hungry. HUNGRY!

Follow, love. I can get you all the meat you can eat.

For a long, terrifying moment he thought Coy would

fight him and Denver wasn’t sure if he could fight like this

without hurting his lover. His Mate. He refused to look

away, to back down, and Coy finally looked away, chest

working as the big head dropped.

Come. He made it a command, turning to go back to the

house.

Energy was zipping through him, and he growled,

resisting the urge to turn to his mate, sink his teeth into

Coy’s nape and hump. Later, when Coy’s fever had run its

course.

There was a litany of words blanketing his mind, Coy’s

song. Most of them related to hunger.

Denver ran, letting his legs stretch, feeling wind and ice

on his face.

Coy followed, only chasing down a squirrel and doing

his damnedest to catch a feral cat. Denver barked his

pleasure with his mate, amazed at the sounds that poured

out of him.

He felt more alive than he ever had, even at his first

feeding. His paws pounded the earth, and he ducked his

head to be more aerodynamic.

Coy sniffed around the house, tail like a flag.

He chuffed again, knowing Addison would be hiding. He

just had to get them inside.

Every inch of the foundation was explored before Coy

came to him. Safe.

Meat. He licked Coy’s whiskers, the feeling natural and

yet utterly foreign.

Meat. Coy agreed immediately, huge paws battering at

his back door.

The door swung open, and Denver leaped in front of

Coy. Addison had opened it that; he could smell the man,

but he wasn’t in the kitchen. Good man.

Coy bit his hindquarters, then jumped on the counter. Oh,

bad dog.

Denver reared up to nip at Coy’s foot. Rules!

Coy yelped and snapped back and suddenly Denver’s

sight went red, and they were fighting, tugging and

growling until Coy was under him, belly exposed, throat

between his teeth.

Mine. My wolf Coy. He was the alpha here, damn it.

Coy groaned, the sound vibrating inside him, and then

his mate relaxed, went boneless under him.

He gnawed a little, then shook Coy’s ruff, making an

approving sound. Now for the fridge.

He looked at his paws. How did he... He looked at Coy,

curious. How do we change back?

You think about your man self. About your skin.

No. He had to think of his vampire skin. He would never

be merely a man. He grinned at the thought, and before he

could blink, the world shimmered, his body convulsing.

Coy stared at him, tail wagging slowly. Just like that.

“Huh.” His voice sounded odd, but it was his voice,

his vocal chords accepting his will to speak. “Let me feed

you.”

Hungry. Hungry. Coy’s teeth were long, longer than he

remembered, wickedly sharp.

He stared a moment, then pulled packages out of the

fridge, knowing Addison had stocked up in case Coy

stayed.

His pup pounced, the song in Denver’s head almost

hysterical. Coy’s metabolism was going, ninety to nothing,

burning through everything. He had no idea what he would

do if it didn’t slow down. It had to, though. Denver knew

his body was made to take everything in through the blood,

to discard impurities immediately. Coy was much more

like a human and a wolf. His body had to fight the vampire

infection with fire.

One way or another, he was going to have to triple his

butcher budget.

***

Coy ate until he threw up, then he ate again before

heading outside, burying his nose in the snow.

Hot.

So hot.

Hot and hungry.

Burning.

The bath had helped and not, and now he didn’t know

what else to do but roll in the snow, trying to ease the ache

in his bones.

His mate was beautiful, stunning, the perfect alpha.

If anyone came to claim Denver, Coy would bite them.

Hard. Snap. He growled, jumping up, just to make sure that

idea was in his mind and not in the snow. Wet, icy stuff

flowed up with him and he bit at it, then turned and chewed

his tail.

“Coy. Coy, come in. You’ll freeze.”

He was burning alive. Wolves didn’t freeze. Not that he

was an arctic wolf. He was more the Texas kind, but it got

cold in North Texas.

Coy. Denver’s voice rang in his head. Come to me.

Mate.

He followed the voice, the sound laced with command.

Denver was wolf now, as well as vamp, which made it

easier to submit somehow. It was in his makeup, to be pack.

He loved Denver already, but this was chemical. They were

mates of the blood.

“Inside. The sun will be coming up soon. You’ll fry.”

Fry? Him?

“You had my blood, love. A lot of it. I went wolf. Who’s

to say the sun won’t burn you?”

Denver drew him in, closing the door, a bowl of chopped

up meat in one hand. “Come to the bedroom, love.”

Bedroom.

He liked beds.

Denver lead the way, more meat on a tray, which smelled

good.

Meat. Food. Food. Foodfoodfoodfood.

“Yes, love. You’ll need it.”

He let Denver lock them in the bedroom, in the dark,

before he pounced the meat, eating heartily. Yes. Oh, good.

Coppery.

Denver was already in the bed, curled up in the covers

before he finished eating, eyes watching him.

Come rest, love.

Rest.

Rest.

He could do that.

He leapt onto the bed, grooming Denver, entire body

growing heavy and still as the sun rose.

Warm.

Denver was cold. So cold. He wrapped his body around

Denver’s with the rest of his strength.

Protect you, Mate. Always.

He could feel Denver’s pleasure, and it took the last of

the pain right out of him, letting him fall into sleep like a

rock into deep water.

Oddly enough, the hunger followed him down.

***

Denver slipped from the bed early in the evening, the sun

barely down. Coy slept hard, his body human now instead

of wolf. The lean cheeks were sunken now, the flat belly

shrunken. Coy’s metabolism was burning, buzzing like fire.

Denver had to figure out how to fix this, how to keep Coy

from starving to death.

He would start with Addison, who would have done a

ton of research while they slept. He grabbed his phone.

“Addison? How are you? What did you discover?”

“That your wolf eats a lot.”

“He’s starving. You can see it.” He sighed. “I need help.”

“I talked to the service and they are sending someone.

He should be arriving within the hour. He’s a specialist in

cross-species issues.”

“No shit? A specialist.” He had no idea they made those.

“I guess? His name is Cole. Do people name kids Cole?”

“No.” Denver chuckled. “They name them Addison.”

“Butthead. Is Coy okay? I mean, right now.”

Sobering, Denver shook his head. “He’s sick. But he

should sleep another hour.”

“Then come out, have some blood. Feed.”

“Thanks.” He hoped he could feed on something not

Coy. The deer had sat fine.

He left Coy snoring, shutting the door with a click and

heading for the huge walk in closet so he could make

himself presentable. He had to meet with the expert. God,

he was cold. Layers. Sweater. Undershirt. Slacks. Two sets

of socks.

He made his way down to the kitchen, where Addison

had set out a steaming mug for him. No sign of the man

himself, which Denver totally understood. He drank deep,

his mind on his pup, sleeping and starving.

What if he’d killed the pup? What if they hurt Addison.

This was a fucked up mess.

A truck came to the gate, the intercom sounding. “I’m

looking for Addison. I’m Cole. The Full Moon guys sent

me.”

“I’ll buzz you in.” He hit the gate release, then the

intercom to the panic room. “The expert is here. Do you

want me to bring him up or should I deal with him?”

“I’m coming down to help.”

“Thank you.” He shivered, the world tilting a little.

The truck pulled up to the house, and Addison’s step

sounded behind him. He turned, reaching out, needing

something solid.

“I’ve got you, Denver. I’ve got you. We’ll make it

better.”

“I can’t let him die, Addison.” He clung to Addison’s

arms. “I have to help him.”

“We will. I swear. This guy’s a professional.”

“I hope so.” His body felt icy.

“Do you need a bite? Are you hungry?”

“Not from you. I might go too far.” He didn’t want to

upset Addison, insult him.

“Yeah, that would suck.” Addison squeezed his hand.

“I’ll let the guy in.”

“Thank you.” Denver sank down on a stool at the kitchen

island.

It only took seconds for Addison to bring back a dark-

skinned man with a hooked nose, ebony hair worn back

in a braid. “Cole Bytheway. Don’t ask, my mom is a nut.

Where’s the wolf?”

“Upstairs. Sleeping.” His joints creaked when he rose.

“Let’s go.” The gruff mannerisms would normally

aggravate Denver, but the air of urgency was a comfort.

He led the way, hurrying as much as he could. This was

for Coy.

His lover was awake, pacing, growls sliding from under

the door. Good man, though, not coming after Addison.

“He might try to eat you.”

“He won’t.” Cole didn’t look worried at all, just waited

for him to open the door. Coy surged out, barking and

dancing, letting Denver know that he was not supposed to

be locked away.

“I know, love.” Even the wolf looked skinny, ribs

sticking out.

“He’s starving.” Cole leaned down, looked at Coy, right

in the eye, and Denver tensed, waiting for an attack. It

didn’t come, though, and Coy’s head tilted, a curious sound

on the air.

“Can you help him?” Even if the man couldn’t warm

Denver up, it would be worth it if he could help Coy.

“I can help you both. Either that or kill you both.

The virus is killing him, you have to drain him, let him

transform.”

“Drain him?” He wasn’t sure he could do that. How

could a vampire turn a werewolf?

“His blood is being eaten by the virus, he’s starving. He

needs his blood to metabolize correctly.”

“Draining him will do this?” He raised his brow, rubbing

Coy’s ears.

“If it doesn’t, it will kill both of you, just faster than this

slow starving.” So straightforward, so blunt.

“Then we’ll try it.” The idea scared him. He’d never

even tried to create another vampire.

“Good.” Cole looked at Coy again, at the glowing yellow

eyes. “I’ll stick around. You’ll need someone here for

emergencies. You’ll also need food for both of you. Meat.

Lots of meat.”

“Addison?”

“I’m on it boss. I have a delivery coming to replace what

Coy ate, and he can get me more.”

“Double whatever you think. They’ll be ravenous,” Cole

said.

Addison stared at the Cole guy for a moment before

nodding and scampering off.

Denver stroked Coy’s head. “I need your man, love.”

Mate. The single word was worried and scared and tired,

all at once.

Please, love. He says this will work. They had to try.

He wants you to kill me.

No. He wants me to get rid of the blood that’s making

you sick. It was a fine hair, but he was willing to split it.

One way or the other, he needed to try and make his pup

whole, right.

Coy whined, then the wolf shimmered, the man

appearing, so skinny, eyes burning in his skull.

Cole groaned softly. “Soon. Soon, friend. There is no

time.”

“How do we know you’re not a liar?” Coy asked,

swaying.

“You have to trust me.” Cole had gone pale, like their

suffering weakened him somehow. “I know this can work.”

Denver growled a little, “Enough talk. Come to bed with

me.” He pulled Coy to the bed, knowing they’d need to be

horizontal.

“Growly old bloodsucker.” The tease was weak, but

there.

“I am.” He spread Coy out, covering the lean body with

his own before looking over his shoulder. “Get out. This is

ours.”

“I’ll be with your butler.” Cole lifted a hand and left

them, firmly shutting out the world by closing the door.

“I’m sorry, love,” Denver said. “You didn’t ask for this.”

“I don’t want to hurt you. Will this hurt you?”

“No. No, it’s what my kind do.” He stroked Coy’s jaw.

“You have to trust me, love.”

“Trust you?” Coy chuffed. “We’re mates. We mate for

life.”

“One way or the other.” Did Coy’s cheeks seem more

sunken?

He leaned in, nuzzled Coy’s throat, focusing on pleasure,

peace, hope. This wouldn’t hurt. It wouldn’t.

No, he would make it good for both of them He knew he

could. Denver focused on joining them, their minds. It was

almost laughably easy, Coy’s consciousness reaching for

him, wrapping about him.

All he had to do was send a wave of love and need to

Coy and his lover relaxed, melting against him. Denver

didn’t wait to strike. He sank his fangs deep into Coy’s

throat.

***

Coy dreamed about diving into volcanoes, swimming in

fire, screaming as he burned, calling for Denver.

A hand reached down from the smoke and he grabbed

it, knowing that the hand was Denver, was hope, was help.

The cool, pale skin should blister under his heat, but instead

it pulled the steam from his veins, his heart staggering

under the pressure of it.

He sucked in one deep breath after another, Denver

dragging him up into the moonlight, the cool, wonderful

moonlight. Every pull seemed to put out one more flame.

By the time he was out of the volcano, he was panting,

cool and comfortable, if hungry.

Very, very hungry.

Denver chuckled, the sound low, sensual. Then

something pressed to Coy’s mouth, liquid pouring into him,

filling him.

He fed, life buzzing through him like pure lightning.

MATE! Mate, FOOD!

Yes. I love you, so.

Love! He danced about, head tossing, tail wagging.

Denver laughed with him, the sound pure joy. It’s

working.

Run with me! Come. Show me your tail! He was so

awake, so alive.

Soon, love. Soon. We must finish.

Finish? He didn’t understand.

Just lie with me. Denver sounded so pleased.

He bobbed his head, flopped down beside his mate with

a happy growl. He felt so good. Did Denver feel good? He

hoped so. It felt like Denver was happy. He rolled over onto

Denver’s lap, paws batting the air.

Such a puppy.

Happy. He turned, nuzzled Denver’s belly with his

muzzle. You saved me.

We did it together. Denver stroked his fur.

The ground was soft, like a bed, warm. Stable.

Home.

He was home wherever Denver was, and that was the

truth.

Soon we’ll wake up, love. The Cole man will want to see

us.

The coal man... Oh. Oh! Did I die?

In a way. It’s still you, though, so I think we made it.

Can we run now? He wanted to play. To hunt.

No, love. Wake up with me. We’ll eat together. Denver

rubbed noses with him.

Wake up with you. He focused on his man self, on his

legs, on the scent of his vampire.

His eyes popped open, and he looked at Denver, who

still slept. He poked the man in the belly. “You said to wake

up.”

“Ow.” Denver’s eyes popped open, so ice blue and clear.

“Coy. No fever.”

“No. No, I’m not hot. Hungry, though.” He stretched,

baring his teeth as he did.

“So am I. Addison said there would be meat.” Denver sat

up, yawning, fangs showing.

“Am I better? I feel better, amazing.” Almost high.

“You are better. Let’s go get meat.”

“Meat.” He licked his lips, his teeth sharper than he

expected. “Am I like you now?”

“And I’m like you. I think.” Denver gave him another

smile, softer, happier.

“What does that make us?”

“Apex predators.” The strange voice made him growl,

deep in his chest. This was their den. Theirs.

Denver glanced at the door, which was open a crack.

“Eat before talking.”

“Yes.” And whoever that was at the door could be

breakfast.

“No, child.” The words were sure, strong, and they

rocked Coy back a little.

“What... what are you?”

“Nothing you need to worry about right now. Right now,

you need to eat.”

“Eat,” Denver agreed. “Is Addison safe?”

“He is. I sent him into town for a few things. He needed

some air.”

“Oh, good.” Denver seemed pleased, so Coy was too.

He headed to the kitchen, though, bare and stalking

the scent of fresh meat. By the time he hit the tile, he was

fuzzy, sniffing hard. Mate. Mate, come. Food. Eat.

Here. Here, love. Yes. Denver was like him, strong and

furry and beautiful, the wolf more white than gray.

Oh, there would be running and grooming and playing

and hunting and...

A platter of meat hit the floor and they pounced,

growling and tugging on pieces as they fed. There was no

worry about who might bite who, just teeth and chewing

and fresh, coppery food.

They cleared the platter, then settled into grooming each

other, both steadfastly ignoring the man who sat at the

table, sipping coffee. Stranger. He was a stranger, even if he

had helped them. The man had odd eyes, too, one dark and

one light.

“Did you two get enough?” The man moved like they

were family, like there was no reason to fear.

Denver didn’t growl, though, and it was his house, so

Coy settled for baring his teeth a little.

The coal-man chuckled. “I’m not a threat. Just someone

here to help. In fact, I’m much more interested in nibbling

on Addison than either of you. I’m not into the pack

hierarchy.”

Denver chuffed, a happy sound, like all was right with

the world. Interesting.

Coy curled up, muzzle on Denver’s back, tongue sliding

on his teeth. He’d figure it out later.

Or not.

Wolves cared not for strangers.

***

It had worked. The blood exchange had healed both him

and Coy, and Denver couldn’t be more pleased. They had

fed three times during the night under the watchful eye of

Cole, and napped in between. When dawn broke, they slept

like Denver always had, the sunlight lethargy taking them

both.

When he woke, Coy was still deeply asleep in the way

of youngsters, so Denver dressed and went downstairs to

check on Addison.

Addison was cooking, the smells of meat and sugar and

-- he sniffed -- potatoes redolent on the air. “Boss! You’re

awake and not fuzzy.”

“Indeed. And you are not eaten. Go us.” He gave

Addison a hug, ignoring the shocked expression he

received. “Thank you.”

“I’m glad you’re okay.”

A soft growl filled the air. “No hugging my boy.”

He spun, noting the large man lounging, watching.

“Your boy? Are you claiming him as barter for our cure or

something? That’s rather archaic.”

“No. No, the service pays me. I’m claiming him, full

stop.”

Addison wouldn’t look at him, cheeks deep red. Denver

poked the lad. “Are you all right with that?”

“He says we can stay, I can keep working for you. He

travels a lot and...” Addison lifted his chin, revealing a deep

bruised-looking bite mark. “You sleep hard, you and Coy.”

“We do, indeed.” He nodded at Cole. “Very well. You’re

welcome anytime as long as Addison is agreeable.”

“I find him very agreeable.” The wide grin, the glint of

teeth reminded Denver of a shark, somehow.

Addison mumbled something and went back to stirring.

Adorable.

“Thank you as well, Cole. For saving Coy.”

“There aren’t many of us -- crossbreeds -- and the

world can’t support too many of us. I’m called to save the

strongest ones.”

“Well, I appreciate it, at any rate.” There was a story

there, and some day he’d learn it, but for now, he had a

great deal of change to accept. Change was hard for a

vampire as it happened so rarely. He thought Coy would be

a great incentive toward accepting it.

Speaking of Coy... The sound of paws on hard wood

sounded, his pup padding in, cold nose pushing right

against his balls.

Denver squeaked, knowing the sound was undignified at

best. “Cold, love.”

Coy stepped back, chuffing softly, unrepentant. Mate.

Come to bed. Hungry.

Denver had the sinking suspicion Coy wasn’t asking for

food. He chuckled. Sinking. Who was he kidding. He was

doing far more rising. “You two behave,” he told Cole and

Addison, following Coy up the stairs.

He thought the laughter he heard from below was

exceedingly wicked and pleased.

***

“Shit, that was a close one. Never had to send in Cole

before.” Harve looked downright unnerved.

Adeila was the one with the unflappable, sunny smile.

“They’re still a satisfied couple, and I hear Cole hooked up

with the butler.”

“That’s creepy,” Stone muttered. He didn’t like to think

of the enigmatic Cole hooking up with anyone. That guy

was all teeth. “Make sure he gets his bonus for good work,

huh?”

Adeila chuckled. “Like I said. I think he already did.”

Harve grunted. “Well, at least someone got something.”

Stone gave Harve the fish eye. They’d never finished

what had started with those twin hard-ons in the office, but

he couldn’t really be blamed. Dying clients were bad. That

had to take precedence. He and Harve could work out their

sexual tension later on. Right?

A stack of folders hit his desk. “We got some good

referrals from the guys in Wyoming. A whole bunch of

lonely sheep-eating wolves have applied.”

“Adelia!” He bit back a chuckle, trying for stern. “We

don’t talk about clients that way.”

“Sure we do. We just don’t do it in earshot of the clients.

Who are we working on next?” Adelia asked, popping her

gum like some old-school detective movie secretary.

“Not them.” He waved the folders aside carelessly.

“You’ve had your shot, and so has Harve. My turn to match

up an unlikely pair.”

“Oooh.” Her eyes lit up, and she perched on his desk.

“Do tell.”

Harve came close, too, peering over his shoulder at his

computer, which wasn’t fair because the man smelled like

musk and soap and potential sex. His body tightened. Stone

ignored it.

“Well, there’s this Siberian tiger named Evgeni and

a snow leopard shifter named Feng. On paper they look

totally incompatible, but I have this gut feeling...”