NehalemPack7

AnUnexpectedMate

Aftersufferingfromyearsofabuse,CasperSampsonisfreetoliveanormallife.Fallinginloveneverfactoredintohisvisionsofthe
future,butafterjustonelookathismate,Caspercan’tcontrolhisfeelingsandwantstosurrenderhishearttothemanwho’sstolenit.

PhillipStefanohashuntedwerewolveshiswholeadultlife,butallthatchangedwhenhissonbecamematedtoone,andnowPhillipwill
doanythingtoprotectthewolveswhohaveacceptedhimintotheirfamily.

Whentheheadofcouncilheadquartersstopsinforanunexpectedvisit,Phillipgrowssuspiciousofhismotives.Tomakemattersworse,
Phillipfindshimselffallingforayoungwolfshifterwhohasawakenedfeelingsinhimthathethoughthaddiedyearsago.

WhenCasperturnsupmissing,Phillipknowswho’sresponsibleandwillstopatnothingtogethismateback,evenifitmeanshisown
death.

Genre:

Alternative(M/MorF/F),Paranormal,Vampires/Werewolves

Length:

50,330words

ANUNEXPECTEDMATE

NehalemPack7

AJJarrett

EROTICROMANCE

MANLOVE

SirenPublishing,Inc.

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ANUNEXPECTEDMATE
Copyright©2013byAJJarrett
E-bookISBN:978-1-62740-433-4

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TableofContents

TitlePage
CopyrightPage
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
ChapterFourteen
ChapterFifteen
ChapterSixteen
ChapterSeventeen
ChapterEighteen
ChapterNineteen
ChapterTwenty
AbouttheAuthor

ANUNEXPECTEDMATE

NehalemPack7

AJJARRETT

Copyright©2013

ChapterOne

“Comeon.”
He looked around at the secluded location Keith had talked him into going to and now he was

havingdoubts.Whatiftheygotcaught?

“You’restressingfornoreason.”Keithchuckled.“We’reallaloneouthere.”
Heturnedtolookoverhisleftshoulderthenhisright.Allseemedtobeclear.
“See?”Keithsangouttheword.
“I’maworrier.WhatcanIsay?”HesmiledatKeithasthemanrolledhiseyesathim.
“So,” Keith drew out the word. “Since we’re all alone out here, we could you know.” Keith

waggledhiseyebrowsathim.

“Outhere?”heaskedashelookeddownatthehardcoldground.
“Sure,whynot?”Keithgavehimasmilethatsaidhewasn’tgoingtotakenoforananswer.
“Ifwegetcaught,I’mblamingyou.”HepointedafingeratKeith,doinghisbesttosoundstern.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Keith said as he walked up to stand in front of him. “As long as we’re

together,I’lltaketheblametenfold.”

HegrinneddownatKeith’ssmilingfaceandknewhewasagoner.Justashereachedouttotouch

Keith’sface,asoundcomingfromthenearbytreeshadhishandfreezinginmidmotion.

“What’swrong?”Keithasked.
“Shh.”Helookedaround.Forcertainheheardsomethinggrowlinginthedistance.“Didn’tyou

hearthat?”

“Baby,Ithinkit’sjustyouroveractiveimagination.We’reallaloneouthere.”Keithrestedahand

onhisshoulder.“Iknowyou’rescaredaboutpeoplefindingoutaboutusbutIreallythinkit’sjustyour
nervesgettingthebestofyou.Whowouldbeoutherethislateatnight?”Keithspuninacirclewithhis
armsspreadwide.“We’reinthewoodsforheaven’ssake.We’resafefrompryingeyes.”

HestaredatKeithandhewasjustabouttoagreewhenheheardaloudhowlripthroughthesilent

night.Keithstoppedmovingandasheturnedaroundalargeblackwolfjumpedfromthetrees.

“No!” he shouted as the beast tackled Keith to the ground. Before he could reach Keith, the

grotesquesoundofbonesnappinghadhimstumblingtoastop.Thegleaminglightfromthemoonhigh
abovereflectedoffKeith’slifelesseyesastheystaredupatthesky.

Histhroatwentdryandhewasafraidhewasgoingtobesick.Themanhelovedwasdead.Just

asatearspilledfromhiseye,thelargewolf ’sheadlookedupathim.Blackascoaleyespinnedhimto
hisspot.Thewolf ’slipspulledbackinasnarl.Blooddrippedfromthebeast’slongteeth.

Thewolfstartedtowardhimbuthemadenomovetogetaway.Keithwasdeadandnowhewanted

tobe,too.

Hewokewithastart,sweatcoveringhisbody,gaspingforbreath.Thesheetsweretwistedaround

hisbody.Hisheartracedinhischestandonceagainhewishedhecouldmakethosememoriesgoaway.
Theeventsofthatnightwerestillasvividandrealastheywerethenightithappened.

“Keith,”hewhisperedashisheartpoundedinhisears.
Beep,beep,beep.
His cell phone sounded from where it sat on his nightstand. He reached over to answer it.

“Stefano,here.”

“Phillip,didIwakeyou?”
“No.”Philliprubbedhishandoverhiseyes.“Justwokeupactually.”

“Justnowwakingup?That’snotlikeyou.Iseverythingallright?”
It had been a month since his wife had taken her life, and Phillip assumed everyone was just

waitingforhimtofallapartbutthatwasn’tgoingtohappen.Hemissedandgrievedthelossofhiswife
but he had to be strong for his son. Aiden had taken the death of his mother extremely hard. To lose
anyonewasdevastating,butAidenandhismothernevergotthechancetoreconnect.

Phillip still blamed his wife for that. She completely overreacted to discovering Aiden was gay,

somethingthat Phillip couldnever forgive herfor. He spent somuch time tryingto convince her that
AidenwasstillthesamepersonbutshehaditinherheadthatitwasasinandtreatedAidenlikehewas
adirtysecretshehadtohidefromherfriends.

Knowing how she truly felt made Phillip become distant from her even before her death. If she

couldn’tacceptAiden,she’dneveraccepthimorunderstandthedailybattlethatwagedinhismindand
body.

“Bryce,I’mfine.”Hetriedtoholdbackhisannoyance.“WhatcanIhelpyouwith?”
“I’mflyingouttoSilverCreekandshouldbethereinafewhours.Iwashopingwecouldsitdown

andtalk.Thatisifyoudon’thaveotherplans?”

He did but he could change them. Phillip had been gone for almost three weeks on a hunting

mission.TheonlycontacthehadhadwithAidenwasoverthephone.Hereallywantedtoseehisson
butafewmorehourswouldn’tmakeadifference.

“Yeah,Icandothat.”HemadearrangementstomeetBryceatarestaurantintownthengotoffthe

phone.

He wasn’t sure why Bryce was coming to town but he assumed it was to get a report on his

findings from the last mission he had been on. Bryce had ordered him and Brandon to go and keep
watchonapossiblewolfpackinupperMichigan.HehatedtobegoneandespeciallywithBrandonin
tow.WiththemgonenoonewastheretowatchoutforAidenandAiden’smate’spack.

His good friend Noah, a retired member of the hunter’s council, said he’d keep a watch out for

Aidenandtheothers.Noah’spropertybackeduptoAiden’sandthatmadePhillipfeelalittlebetter.He
alsohadPaul,hisgo-toguyforanythingcomputerrelated,keepingtabsonNehalemwhereAidenlived.
IfateamofhuntersweresenttotheareaPaulwouldhavenotifiedhim.

Phillipkickedhislegsofftheedgeofthebedandstoodup.Hisbodycrackedandpoppedashe

stretched.Hewalkedtohisbathroomandturnedonthelight.Thebrightglowburnedhiseyesandhe
squintedashelookedathisreflection.

Ithadbeenalongfewweeksanditshowedonhisface.Hishairhadgottenlongerandhisbeard

hadgrownin.Whilehewasworkinghedidn’tbotherhimselfwithshaving.Withhiswifegonethere
wasnoonetocomplainifhedidn’thaveasoft,smoothface.

He turned on the shower and waited a minute before stepping under the hot water. His muscles

startedtoloosenandherestedhishandsagainstthetilewallandletthewaterrundownhisback.

Flashesofhisdreamdancedbehindhisclosedeyelids.Thedreamhadplaguedhimforyearsand

healwayswishedhecouldchangetheendingbutitwasallfornot.Apersoncouldn’tchangethepast
and he’d never be able to erase the image of Keith lying dead on the ground. If it hadn’t been for
huntersPhillipwouldhavediedthatnight,too,andsometimeshewishedhehad.

Once the wolf had charged him he blacked out. The next thing he knew he was waking up in a

hospital bed. Bryce sat in a chair beside the bed and explained to him what had happened. Phillip
couldn’t believe his ears at what Bryce was explaining to him. To believe that werewolves were real
soundedinsane.Buthehadwitnessedwithhisowneyestheabnormallylargesizeofthewolfthathad
attackedhimandKeith.Andtheferocityinthebeast’seyesasitattackedwasasiftheanimalthrived

ondeathandpain.

Bryceandhismenkilledthewolfbutbeforetheydidthewolfhadchangedbacktohumanform.

HeshowedPhillipthepicturesofthemanashelaydeadontheground.Bloodcoveredtheman’smouth
and a bit of flesh was stuck in the dead man’s teeth. The same black beady eyes that had stared him
down looked back at Phillip in the photos. He knew what Bryce spoke of was the truth because he’d
neverforgetthoseeyesforaslongashelived.

Withhimbeingaveterinarian,Brycewantedhimtojointhecouncil.Thecouncilwantedsomeone

theycouldtrainandtrusttostudythesebeings.Duringhuntingmissionsthey’dalwayskeeponewolf
aliveforstudyingpurposes.Thewolfwasalwayssedatedwhileinwolfform.Phillipwouldtakeblood
andonoccasiondidexploratorysurgeryontheanimalstoseewhattheanatomyofahalfhumanhalf
wolf was like. As soon as he got what he needed, he disposed of the wolf in a quick and painless
mannerunliketheirkinddidtohumans.

Phillip had been taught to believe that werewolves were bloodthirsty creatures who hunted

humans to feast upon. He’d learned firsthand the violence werewolves could unleash and had been
huntingthemforthepasttwentyyears.Hewantedtoridtheworldofthemonsterswhostalkedinthe
night.

He never felt bad for the things he had done. In Phillip’s mind he was doing what he had to to

keeptheworldsafeforhisson.IfhelookedalittledeeperitwasalsotogetrevengeforKeith.

Butlikemostthingsinlifehechangedhisopinionsaboutwerewolvesoncehissonbecamemated

toone.Ittookalittletimetogetusedtotheideathathissonwasinlovewithoneofthebeingshehad
sworn to rid the world of, but for his son he’d do anything. And along the way he discovered wolf
shifters,astheylikedtobecalled,werejustlikeeveryoneelse.Thereweregoodandbadwolfshifters
andAiden’smateDevonwasoneofthegoodguys.PhillipwasproudtocallDevonandhispackhis
family.

The water started to turn cold, and Phillip quickly washed his body and hair then got out of the

shower.Hewipedthemoisturethathadcollectedonthemirrorawayandappliedshavingcreamtohis
face.Hedesperatelyneededashave.IfAidensawhimlikethishe’dthinkhewashavingahardtime
dealingwithhismother’sdeath.ThelastthingPhillipwantedwastohaveAidenworryingabouthim.
Hissondidn’tknowthathismotherandhehadbeenlivingasstrangersoverthepastyear.Therewere
somethingsachild,atanyage,didn’tneedtoknowabouttheirparents.

ChapterTwo

“Phillip!”
“Bryce,goodtoseeyou.”PhillipshookBryce’shandwhenhereachedthetable.Hewasontime

butBrycestillbeathimtotherestaurant.

“Likewise.”Brycesatdown.“Sitdown,sitdown.”Philliptookhisseat.“Sohowdidthemission

go?”BrycegrabbedthenapkinandresteditoverhislapandpinnedPhilliptohisseatwitheagergray
eyes.

Howdiditgo?ItturnedupnothingtosuggestthatthepackofwolvesheandBrandonweresent

towatchwereinanyaspectdangerous.Theywerenormalindividualslivinginacommunitythatcaused
noharmtoothers.ButifhesaidthattoBryce,themanwouldstarttoquestionPhillip’sjudgment,and
hecouldn’taffordtobekickedoutofthehunter’scouncil.Toomuchdependedonhim.Hehadtostay
involved.

“Well,Bryce,I’msorrytodisappointyoubutwedidn’tseeanyevidenceofshiftingability.”The

waitressstoppedbythetableandheorderedanicetea.Hewaiteduntilsheleftbeforehespokeagain.
“Ifanythingtheylookedlikeupstandingcitizens.BrandonandItrailedthemansuspectedofbeingthe
alpha.Hevolunteeredatthefiredepartment.Hetookpartinhiskid’scarpool,satontheporchinthe
evening with his wife. Rather boring guy if you ask me. Not once did Brandon and I see any hairy
activity.”

ThemaninquestiondiddoallthosethingsbutwhatPhillipdidn’tsaywasthathedidwitnessthe

manshift.Thewholefamilytooklongrunsbutneveroncedidtheystrayintothecitylimitsorattack
anyhumans.InPhillip’sbook,thesewolfshiftersdidn’tposeathreattothehumanworld.

“Howdisappointing.”Brycepursedhislipsasifhewerethinkingaboutsomething.“Butifyou

and Brandon didn’t find anything I’m sure the man isn’t what we thought. I’ll be sure to have the
councilputtheman’sfileinactive.”

Phillip wanted to breathe a sigh of relief. If a person under suspicion’s file went inactive that

meantthecouncilnolongerfollowedupwiththatperson.IfBrycesentanotherteamouttoinvestigate
themanandhisfamilythey’ddiscoverthatPhilliphadlied.Lyingtothecouncilcouldgethimkilled.

“Iagree,sir.”Philliptookasipofhistea.“Anythingelsegoingonyouneedmetolookinto?”
Brycesmiledathim.“Ithinkyou’vedoneenoughanddeservesometimeoff.”
Phillipsatupfurtherinhischair.Notgood.“Excuseme?”Hedidn’tmeantoasksobluntlybuthe

didn’tneedtimeoff.Ifhewasalonewithhisthoughtshe’dgoinsane.

“After Emma’s death I thought it would be best to have you go on a mission to help take your

mind off of what had happened. But you’re looking great.” Bryce held a hand out motioning to him.
“Thetimeawaydidyouwell.PlusIthinkyoursonwouldlovetohavehisfatherback.Andwhenwas
thelasttimeyou’vehadavacation?”

It had been a while but the thought of having nothing but time on his hands for a few days, let

aloneafewweeks,scaredtheshitoutofPhillip.

“Bryce,IappreciatetheofferandIknowyoumeanwellbutIdon’tneedtimeoff.IfanythingI’d

liketostaybusy.”HestaredintoBryce’seyeswillingthemantoseethetruthinthatstatement.

Brycebegan to laughand pointed afinger at Phillip. “That’swhat I alwaysloved about you, so

dedicatedtothejob.Butwouldn’tyoulikesometimetogrievethelossofEmma?Shewasyourwife.”

“It sure didn’t feel like it the past few months.” Phillip didn’t mean to say that and wished he

couldpullthewordsbackintohismouth.Hedidn’tliketodiscusshispersonallifewithanybody.Asof

latePhilliphadbecomemoreparanoidthatthecouncilwoulddiscoverhe’dswitchedsidesanddidn’t
wantanyofhisweaknessestobeusedagainsthim.

“Wereyoutwohavingtroubles?”Bryceleanedforward,restinghiselbowsonthetable.
“Some.”Hesimplyanswered,butBrycejustkeptstaringathim.“Wedidn’tseeeyetoeyewhenit

cametooursonandhislifestylechoices.”

“Oh,that’sright.IthinkIrememberhearingsomethingaboutthat.He’sgay,right?”
DidIevertellthattoBryce?PhillipwastakenabackbywhatBrycehadjustasked.Hecouldn’t

remembertellinganyoneatcouncilheadquartersthathissonwasgay.Thecouncilwasn’taplacefor
personalissuestobebroughtup.Buthemighthavesaidsomethinginpassing.Brycewasagoodfriend,
andsometimeswhenhewasinthecity,Phillipwouldgooutandhaveadrinkwiththemansohemight
havementionedit.

“Yes. Emma thought Aiden being gay was an embarrassment. She refused to speak to him after

shefoundout.”Phillipcouldfeelhisthroatgodry.“Shediedlettinghersonthinkshedidn’tlovehim.”
Nomatterwhat,Phillipwouldnevergetoverthat.Hecouldn’tunderstandhowamothercouldabandon
herchild.

BryceleanedacrossthetableandplacedhishandoverPhillip’s.“Iknowthatmusthavebeenhard

onyouandbroughtupalotofmemories.”

Phillip’s head shot up and he stared wide-eyed at Bryce. He’d never discussed in detail what

happenedthenightKeithhadbeenattacked.Philliphadconvincedhimselfthatpeoplehadjustassumed
him and Keith were out camping. Not on a romantic date. He had lived so long as a straight man he
didn’tknowifhewasreadytoletothersinonwhatdwelledinhisheartandsoul.Andtobefair,the
onlymanhehadeverlovedwasKeithandafterhisdeathPhillipmetEmmaandshefilledthevoidin
hisheartleftbythemanhethoughthe’dspendtherestofhislifewith.

He loved his wife and he wouldn’t cheapen what they shared by saying being with her was the

easy choice for him to make. He and Emma had spent a lot of happy years together but even before
Aidendroppedthebombthathewasgay,she’dgrowndistantfromPhillip.Notthatheminded.Phillip
feltheandEmmawerebetterfriendsthanloversbuthetookavowandwouldn’thavelefther.

WhenAidenadmittedtobeinggay,itwaslikeaswitchhadbeenflippedandshedidn’tjustignore

Aiden but Phillip as well. Every time he tried to talk to her, she’d storm off and scream that he just
couldn’tunderstandhowshefelt.Thereweretimesshe’ddisappearfordaysonendbuthenevertold
Aidenthat.Hissonwasalreadydealingwithenoughknowinghowhismotherfeltabouthim.Phillip
didn’twanttopileonanymore.

“Sir?”Phillipcoughedtoclearhisthroat.
“Comenow,Phillip.”Brycepulledhishandbackandsmiledathim.Theolderman’sfacelitup

andhiswhiteteethgleamedinthebrightlighting.“I’mnotsuggestinganythingbutIthinkyouaremore
sympathetictothechoicesyoursonhasmade.”Bryceheldupahand.“NotsayingthatwhatEmmadid
wasrightbutsheneverhadtodealwiththingsofthisnature,unlikeyou.”

Phillip’sfisttightenedandhemovedhishandstorestonhisthighsunderthetable.Brycewasn’t

being rude but he was treading on some pretty shaky ground. What happened that night over twenty
yearsagowasbetweenhimandKeith,andBrycehadnorighttospeculate.“Nooffense,Bryce,butthat
isnoneofyourbusiness.”

“Phillip,youmisunderstandmehere,”Brycesaidinahushedtone.“I’mnotsuggestinganything.

I’mjustsayingyou’remoresensitivetowhatyoursonisgoingthroughthanEmmawas.”

“Iknow.”Phillipbroughthishanduptoruboverhiseyebrows.Tensioncausedhisheadtoache

andheneededtogetoutofthisrestaurant.Hewassickoftalkingabouthisdeadwifeandwassickof

havingtothinkabouthispast.“I’mjusttired.Ihaveyettocatchuponmysleep.”

“Then it’s good you’re taking a break.” Phillip looked up as Bryce waved over the waitress. “I

know you don’t think you need one but this isn’t an option. As of today you are on leave for two
weeks.”

PhillipsatdumbfoundedasBryceorderedhislunch.Whenthewaitressaskedhimwhathe’dlike,

Phillipdidn’tfeelhungryanymore.

“It’snotapunishment,Phillip.Thetimeoffwoulddoyousomegood.Thinkofitasarewardfor

workingsohardovertheyears.”

“Bryce,really—”
“It’sanorder,Phillip.”Bryceinterruptedhim,voicehard,givingnoroomforargument.
“Yes,sir.”Phillipdidn’tsayanotherword.ThewaitressbroughtoutBryce’sfoodandhesatthere

whilethemanateandtalkedabouttheweather.

Once Bryce finished eating, Phillip walked him outside. “So are you heading back to

headquarters?” Phillip was eager for Bryce to leave. He didn’t like having council members who still
believedallwerewolveswerebadsoclosetowherehissonlived.

“No,actually.”BryceledthewaytotheparkinglotwherehestoppedatablackSUV.“IthinkI’m

goingtostayintownforafewdays.I’dliketoseeNoahandCarsonwhileI’mhere.”Heturnedtoward
Phillip.“I’dalsoliketomeetAiden.”

Phillip didn’t think it could get any worse but it just did. There was no way he could introduce

Brycetohisson’smate,Devon.IfBrycegotoneounceofsuspicionhe’dhavehuntersswarmingthe
house.

“I’mnotsureaboutNoahbutAidenisreallybusy.Samegoesforhisboyfriend,Devon.”Phillip

couldfeelsweattrickledownhisbackevenwiththestiffbreezeinthefallair.“Itmightbebetterforme
to just bring Aiden to New York for a weekend visit.” He tried to calm his nerves and not sound so
anxiousforBrycetoleave.

“That’dbegreatbutsinceI’mhereI’dliketocheckoutthearea.”Brycefoldedhistallframeinto

thedriver’ssideofhiscar.“Istillcan’tbelieveinthisheavilywoodedareatherearenosignsofwolves.
I’dthinkthiswouldbeagreatstompinggroundfortheirkind.”

Phillip didn’t blink as Bryce’s steely gray eyes roamed over his face. Did the man think Phillip

waslying?

“Buttherehasn’tbeenanyreportsofattacksinthisgeneralareasoI’dsaythisisdefinitelyanice

placetolive,”Brycesaidthencrackedasmile.“Wouldn’tyouagree?”

“Yes,sir,”Phillipagreed.“That’swhyImovedouthereafterEmma’sdeath.I’mclosetomyson

andthistownprovidesanicequietatmospheretolivein.Ireallylikeithere.”

“That’s good, Phillip.” Bryce shut his door and rolled down the window. “I’m staying at Story

LaneBedandBreakfast.GivemeacallonceyoutalktoAiden.Let’shavedinnertomorrownight.”

“Willdo.”PhillipgaveBryceasalutethenwatchedasthemandroveaway.
“Fuck!” He snapped once Bryce was out of earshot. Phillip pulled out his phone and called

Brandon.They’dbeenpartnersforthepastsevenyearsandBrandonheldthesamebeliefsPhillipdid.
Notallwolveswerebad.BrandonbelievedinthatmorethanPhillipdidatfirst.

“Hello.”
“Brandon,it’sme.Wegotaproblem.”

ChapterThree

Casperstretchedhisarmsoverhisheadandayawnpulledathismouth.He’dbeenstaringatthe

computerscreenforthepasthour,alreadygivinguphopeofaccomplishinganymoreworkfortheday.
Hegotupfromhischairandwenttostareouthisbedroomwindow.

Leavesdancedalongthegroundasthewindscatteredthemupintheair.It’dbewinterbeforetoo

long,andCaspercouldn’twait.He’dalwayslovedthesnowandafterbeingdeniedseeingitforthepast
threeyearshecouldn’twaittogorunninginthefluffywhitestuff.

Ithadbeenamonthsincehe’dcomewithhisbrotherCarlandCarl’smateJaketoNehalem.He

couldn’t believe how much his life had changed. Casper loved Nehalem and all the members of the
pack.TheyalltreatedhimandCarllikefamilyinstantly.ThethingCasperappreciatedthemostfrom
these other men was that when they looked at him they didn’t have pity in their eyes. They treated
Casperliketheywouldanyoneelseandhelovedthat.

Beingthevictimofsexualandphysicalabusedidn’tnecessarilymeanhewasdamaged.Scarred?

Alittlebuthewouldn’tletthosebastardshaveanypoweroverhim.Hehadsurvived.

Casper was tired of being scared, and after the first year of the sick games Tobias and his men

likedtoplaywithhim,Casperjustkindofshutitout.Whenthey’dcomeforhimheknewwhatwas
abouttohappenandhejusttookit.Ifhefoughtbackthey’dmakethepunishmentlastlonger.They’d
stillbeathimthentaketurnsrapinghim.AfterawhileCasperjustbecamenumbtoitall.Whatthose
mendidtohimdidn’tdefinewhohewasorthemanhewouldbecome.

Sure, Casper didn’t like the nightmares that infringed on his dreams but they were a part of life

andhewascopingwithit.Hewasn’tdelusionalenoughtothinkhe’dcomeoutofthepastthreeyears
unscathedbuthewastryingtomoveonwithhislife.

The sound of a truck pulling into the drive grabbed Casper’s attention. He didn’t recognize the

vehicle.Hesatwithhisheadpressedagainstthecoolglasstogetabetterlook.Amanclimbedoutof
thetruck.

“Nice,” Casper hummed as he took in the man’s handsome face. The man had light blond hair.

Casper squinted his eyes and noticed that some were turning white with age, but the man didn’t look
old. His rugged tanned face spoke of maturity not youth but it didn’t take away from his looks. The
sunlight reflected off the man’s light blue eyes and Casper gasped in awe. There was something
welcoming about his man. After everything he’d been through, Casper thought for sure he’d end up
preferringwomentomenbutapparentlyitwasn’tthateasy.

Casper had known he was gay since he was a little boy. He remembered watching soap operas

with his mother and being mesmerized by the pretty men on the screen. They were always walking
aroundwiththeirshirtsoffandCasper,evenbackthen,knewhepreferredmenoverwomen.

The front door slammed shut and Casper plastered his head against the window to see who had

goneoutsidetogreetthisstranger.Ahugesmilelituptheman’sfaceashetookofftowardthehouse.
Caspercouldn’tseewhothemanhadmet.

Heblewoutanannoyedbreath.Itdidn’tmatterwhothemanwasmeetingorwhyhewasatthe

house.EveniftheguywassingleandintoothermenwhywouldhebeinterestedinCasper?Besides
being young and gangly, he came with a past that most men would probably shy away from. Who
wantedtobewithamanwhosebodywascoveredinscarsandhadbeenrapedonaregularbasis?

Pushingawayfromthewindow,Casperwalkedintothebathroom.Hedidn’tbotherturningonthe

light.Themarkingsonhisfacehadfadedandonlyafewwerenoticeablearoundhisforehead.Butthe

worst marks were on his chest, stomach, and back. Scars on top of scars marred his pale skin. The
pinkish tissue was thick and raised in spots. At times Casper thought he looked like a version of
Frankenstein’smonsterandthatnomanwouldeverbeattractedtohim.Butthenthereweretimesthat
Casperdidn’tcare.Allthesemarks,nomatterhowbigorsmalltheymightbe,madehimthemanhe
wastoday.Hewasasurvivorandhe’dweareachmarkwithpridebecausehisabuserdidn’twin.Casper
gotfreeandhadtheabilitytostartover.

Walkingoutofthebathroom,Casperheadedbacktohischair.Heneededtofinishstudyingbefore

supper time. No matter how much he complained about having to catch up on three years of missed
schoolingdeepdownhetrulyenjoyedit.Itmadehimfeelnormal.

CasperopenedtheEnglishtextbookhewasstudyingfromandfoundtheemailwiththelessonhis

onlinetutorwantedhimtoworkon.AshereadCasperkeptlosinghisspot.Visionsofatallmanwith
blondhairkeptflashingbehindhiseyelids.Hestartedtothinkabreakshouldcomesoonerratherthan
laterjustsohecouldgetabetterlookattheman.

****

“Wegotaproblem,”Phillipsaidaftergivinghissonawelloverduehug.
“Whatkindofproblem?”Devonasked.
“Bryceisintownandhewantstocomeoverherefordinner.Hewantstomeetthetwoofyou.”

Phillipstillcouldn’tbelieveit.WhatweretheoddshisbosswouldcometoNehalemnow?Phillipcould
justbebeingparanoidbuthehadaweirdfeelingaboutallthis.

“Who’sBryce?”Devonasked.
PhillipwasjustabouttoanswerwhenAidenopenedhismouth.
“Mydad’sbossatheadquarters.”Aidenturnedtofacehim.“Whydoeshewanttodothat?”
“He came to Nehalem to get my report on that last mission he sent me on after your mother’s

death.”Phillipwincedashurtflashedoverhisson’seyes.Aidenstillwascomingtogripswithherdeath
whereasPhilliphadalreadymovedon.Hehadtoremembertobemoresympathetictohisson’spain.
“AfterIgavehimthereporthestartedtoaskquestionsaboutyou.HealsowantstovisitwithNoahand
Carsonwhileheishere,too.”

“Doyouthinkheknowsaboutus?”DevontookaholdofAiden’shand.Phillipcouldtellbythe

hardsetoftheman’sjawthathewasworried.

“To be honest, son, I’m not sure.” Phillip had taken to calling Devon son after Aiden and him

becamemated.Philliplovedthemanasifhewerehisown.TheloveanddevotionheshowedtoAiden
helpedrelievehisstressabouthissonlivingonpackland.

“Thenlet’sjustinvitehimover.”Aidenspokeup.“Wecangetthroughoneeveningwiththeman.

Hecan’tproveanything.”

As far as Phillip knew, that was true but that didn’t mean he was right. If Bryce had become

suspiciousofhimtherewasnowayofhimknowing.ForallPhillipknewhewasbeingfollowedandso
wasBrandon.

Hispulsestartedtorace.Whatwouldhedoifthecouncilfoundout?They’dkillthemall.
“Dad,youokay?”Aiden’ssoftvoicebrokethroughtheparalyzingfearrunninginhisveins.
“Yes,Aiden.”Heleanedforwardinhischair,restedhiselbowsonhisknees,andlethischinsiton

hishands.“I’mjustworriedisall.It’sprobablynothingbutIdon’twanttochanceit.”Philliplookedup
tomeetAiden’seyes.“Ithinkyou’vebeenthroughenoughandIdon’twantthistocauseyoutolivein
fear.”

“Webothhavebeenthroughenough.”AidengotupfromhischairandwenttositnexttoPhillip.

“Ilostmymombutyoulostyourwife.Ican’teverimaginethat.”

Phillipsobadlywantedtotellhissonthatheandhismotherhadbeendistantformonths.Yes,he

lovedherandmissedherbutwhathemissedwasthetimeswhenAidenwasjustalittleboy.Hedidnot
missthewomanshehadbecome.Wherehefeltherlossitdidn’tcripplehiminanyway.Sheprovedto
beacruelwomannotdeservingoftheirson’sloveorhisanymore.

“Son, I’m fine.” He didn’t mean to snap at Aiden but so much was going on he was barely

hanging on to his sanity. Between being concerned for his son’s safety and the dreams that had been
wakinghimupeverynight,Phillipjustneededafuckingbreak.

Aidenputahandonhisknee,andPhillipshiftedtowraphisarmsaroundhisson.Aidenwasall

he had left. If anything ever happened to him, Phillip wouldn’t be strong enough to keep going on.
Phillip always thought suicide was the easy way out and he thought his wife a coward for taking her
ownlife.ButifhelostAiden,Phillipknewwithonehundredpercentcertaintyhe’dfollowafterhisson.

“We’llgetthroughthis.”PhillipdroppedakisstothetopofAiden’shead.“We’reStefanoswecan

handleanything,”hesaidinateasingmanner.

“That’s right.” Aiden’s grip on Phillip’s waist tightened. He couldn’t believe how strong his son

hadgotten.PhilliprealizedheneededtostartlookingatAidenasaman,notalittleboyanymore.

“I hate to interrupt,” Devon said. “But I think we should just invite this Bryce over for dinner.

NoahcantalktoCarsonandtellhimnottodoanythinglikeshiftandweshouldbegood.”

Phillipagreed.Itwasbesttogetthisdinneroverwithassoonaspossible.Theonlyissuewouldbe

Carson,Noah’slittleboy.Noahhadbeenonthehunter’scouncilforyearsbutleftwhenhisson,who
wasawolfshifter,gotoldenoughtoknowwhatDaddydidinhissparetime.Carsonhadlearnedearly
ontohidehissecretbutlivinginNehalemhedidn’thaveto.Itwouldbehardtoexplaintoasix-year-
oldboythathecouldn’tgoaroundshiftingintoawolfpuppywhileBrycewasatthehouse.Ahuman
childwashardenoughtohandle,andtheydidn’thaveanysupernaturalability.Phillipstartedtothink
thisdinnermightcausehimtohaveaheartattack.

ChapterFour

Casperfinallyputhisbookawayandheadeddownstairs.Ifhereadonemorepage,hesworehe’d

throwthedamnbookouttheflippingwindow.Imagesofthestrangerkepthimfromstudyingandhe
justhadtogiveup.Afterreadingthesamepagefiftytimeshethoughtitwastimeforabreak.

It was nearing six and his stomach started to growl on instinct. The Carsten house ran like

clockworkanddinnerwasservedeverynightatsixthirty.

Justashereachedthebottomstep,asmelltickledunderhisnose.Hestoppedandsniffedtheair.

ThesmellwassweetandalluringbutCaspercouldn’tplacetheexactscent.Itmadehimhungrybutnot
forfood.

Casperstartedwalking,lettinghisnoseleadtheway.Hewalkedthroughthelivingroombutthe

scent went faint so he turned around and headed in the opposite direction. His bare feet slid over the
hardwoodfloorashisnosepulledhimalong.Nomatterhowridiculoushemusthavelookedhecouldn’t
deny the aroma. Even more so he couldn’t deny the effect it was having on his cock. He had been
almost certain the damn thing didn’t work. After all the years under Tobias’s roof no one could fault
himfromnotwantingtohavesex,butnow,nowhethoughthe’dcomeundoneifhedidn’thaveitsoon.

“Cass,whatchadoing?”Jake,hisbrother’smate,steppedinhispath.
“Huh?”Caspercametoastopandshookhishead.“Notsure.”Heansweredhonestlybecausehe

hadnothingtohide.“Doyousmellthat?”Hesniffedtheairagainandthesmellhadgottenstronger.

“You’re probably smelling the blueberry muffins your brother made.” Jake eyed him wearily.

“You should go try one out.” Casper could hear his brother-in-law talking but he wasn’t paying
attention.“Dude,areyoufeelingokay?”

“Yeah, I’m great.” Casper started down another hallway. “Call me when dinner is ready,” he

holleredoverhisshoulder.

Casper rounded the corner and had just passed Devon’s office when the door swung open. The

sweet aroma hit him from behind and Casper spun on his heels. He closed his eyes and took a deep
breath.Sensationscrawledoverhisskinlikeawaveofelectricity.Warmthinfusedhisbodyandhefelt
atpeace.

“Casper.”
At the sound of his name being called, he opened his eyes. Aiden, Devon, and the stranger he

spottedafewhoursagostoodinthehallwayfacinghim.

Theman’sblueeyesstaredathimandCasperfoundhimselfcaptivatedintheirlightbluedepths.

TheyremindedhimofthesummerskyinJune.

Atthecloseproximityhegotabetterlookattheman’sface.Lighttracesofwrinkleswereinthe

cornersofhiseyesandlaughlineswerearoundtheedgesofhismouth.Casper’seyestrailedoverhis
faceandhestoppedatascarthatranfromthetempleontheleftsideofhisfacedowntohischin.It
lookedoldandleftonlyafaintmarkonhisgoldenskin.Casperwonderedwhathadhappenedtothis
man.

“Yo,Cass,snapoutofit.”Devon’sboomingvoiceknockedhimfromhismusing.
“Sorry.”Hisvoicecrackedwhenhespoke.
“Areyoufeelingallright?”Aidencametohissideandputahandoverhisforehead.“Youdon’t

feelwarm.”

HetookastepbackfromAidenandhiseyesmovedbacktostareattheotherman.“I’mfine.”His

cheeksheatedwithhisembarrassment.Hedidn’twanttobetreatedlikeachildinthisman’spresence.

“Good.”Aidenlightlygrabbedhimundertheelbowandescortedhimforward,closertotheman

hecouldn’ttakehiseyesoffof.“I’dliketointroduceyoutomydad,Phillip.”

“Dad?” He looked between the two. The resemblance was there but it made having a crush on

PhillipseemalittleawkwardknowinghewasAiden’sdad.

“Yeah.”Aidensmiledathim.“He’sbeenoutoftownbuthe’sbacknow.”
Dad.Caspercouldn’twraphisbrainaroundthat.Themandidn’tlookoldenoughtohaveagrown

son.

“Nice to meet you, Casper.” Phillip held out his hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you and your

brother,Carl.”

Casperstareddownattheofferedhand.Hedesperatelywantedtoshakeitbutcouldn’tmakehis

armmove.Phillip’shandstartedtowaverandCasperlookedfromtheman’sfacethentohishand.

Shakeityoumoron.Aren’tyoudyingtoknowwhathistouchfeelslike?Casper,withatrembling

hand, reached out to clasp Phillip’s. The man’s large hand engulfed his and Casper felt a shiver run
downhisspine.Phillip’stouchspoketohisbodyandsoulandCasperwantedtowraphimselfupinthat
feeling.

“Uh,”PhillipsaidashelookedfromCasper’sfacedowntowheretheirhandswerestillconnected.
“Shoot!” Casper snatched his hand back. He tried to calm his breathing. He had held onto the

man’shandforlongerthanwascustomary.“Nicetomeetyoutoo,Phillip.Hopetheydidn’tboreyou
with too much about my brother and I.” Casper silently prayed they had left out the fact that he had
beenabusedforthebetterpartofthreeyears.Forsomereasonhecaredwhatthismanthoughtofhim.

Butwhy?
“No, not at all.” Casper’s heart did a somersault when Phillip aimed a bright smile at him. He

couldhavesworntheheavensopenedandheheardangelssinginghallelujah.“DevonandAidenonly
hadnicethingstosayaboutyou.”

Casperhopedthatwasallthey’dsaid.
Afewsecondspassedandneitherofthemsaidaword.Casperrockedbackandforthonhisheels

searchingforsomethingtosay.PhillipheldhisgazewithsuchintentthatCasperhadtolookaway.

“Dinner’sready!”Jakehollereddownthehallwaybreakingthesilencethatsurroundedthem.
“Dad,youaregoingtostayright?”Aidenasked.
“Sure.”PhillipwrappedanarmaroundAiden’sshouldersandheadeddownthehall.
Caspercouldn’thelpbutfeelatwingeofjealousy.ItwasunfoundedsinceAidenwasPhillip’sson,

butstill,hewantedPhilliptotouchhim.

“Youcoming,kiddo?”Devonnudgedhimintheshoulder.
“Yeah,”Caspermumbled.HecouldfeelDevon’seyesonhimandheturnedtolookattheman.

“Ofcourse.”Hesmiled.“I’mstarving.”

Devonstaredathimforamomentlongerthennoddedhishead.“Okay,let’sgo.”
Inthediningroom,CaspertookaseatasfarawayfromPhillipashecould.Ifhegottoocloseto

themanhemightnotbeabletoeat.Asitwashisstomachwasallknottedup.Freshbreadandsaladsat
onthetableandheputsomeonhisplate.Sincehemovedinhehadn’tmissedamealandifhisfriends
noticedhimnoteatingthey’dstartaskingquestions.

Carl came out of the kitchen carrying a large baking dish. Steam rolled off the top and Casper

couldsmellthetomatosauceandcheeseasitbubbledontopofthedish.

“Hopeyoualllikebakedziti.”CarlsetthedishdownandtookaseatnexttoJake.
“Smellsdelicious.”Aidenwasthefirsttogetahelping.
Casperpickeduphisforkandpokedathissalad.Hisappetitehadgoneaway.Ittookeverythingin

himtokeephiseyesfromroamingbacktoPhillip.ThemansatbetweenAidenandDevon’sbrother,
Viktor. From the bits and pieces he heard they were talking about some guy name Bryce and how he
wantedtocomeforavisit.Phillipwavedhishandswhenhespokeandhiseyebrowsarcheduponhis
forehead.Helookedsolively.

“Phillip, don’t stress,” Viktor said. “We can get through one dinner with this guy and then he’ll

leave.”Viktorbrushedhishandstogetherasifthatwastheendofthediscussion.

“Iagreebutifthere’sjustonelittleslipupwe'reupacreekwithoutapaddle.”Philliptwirledhis

forkaroundandaround.

“Noah’sgoingtositCarsondowntonightandexplaintheimportanceofthisdinnerandhowwe

allneedtostayinhumanform,”Devonsaid.“Wecangetthroughthisonenight.”

CasperwatchedasPhillipsatmotionless,staringinfrontofhimatnothing.Afterafewsecondshe

shookhimselfthenturnedtosmileatDevon.“You’reright.I’maworrier.That’swhatusparentsdo.”
Hestartedtolaughandbeforelongtheothersjoinedin.

Caspersatandwatchedastheman’sfacelitupwithmerrimentbuttherewasdullnessinhiseyes

thattoldCasperthemanwasmorethanalittleconcernedoverthisplanneddinner.

Overthecourseofdinner,Caspersatquietlyjusttakingeverythingin.Thechatterneverfellsilent

andbythetimeeveryoneelsehadclearedtheirplates,Casper’sstillsatuntouched.Thefoodhadgrown
coldandthefewbiteshedidhavetastedlikenothingness.AllhecouldconcentrateonwasPhillip.The
wayhisheadfellbackonhisshoulderswhenhelaughed.Thewayhespokewithsuchexcitementwhen
hetoldtalesofhislastmission.HeseemedsohappybutCaspercouldsensealonelinessintheman.
PhillipmadeagoodshowofmakingeveryoneelsethinkhewasfinebutCaspercouldseethroughthe
front.

“Excuseme.”Casperstoodup.Hewipedhismouthwithhisnapkinthenlaiditonthetable.“I’ve

got some work to finish up on.” He bent down and kissed his brother on the cheek. “Dinner was
amazingasalways.”

“Really?”CarlstareddownatCasper’splate.“Lookslikeyoubarelytouchedit.”
Casper brushed off his brother’s concern and headed out of the room. He was just about to step

into the hallway when he heard Phillip’s rough, low voice call out his name. He stumbled to a stop,
catchinghisbreath,andturnedaround.

“Nicemeetingyou,Casper.”PhillipgavehimasaluteandCasperhadtoforcehisjawtomove.
“You,too.”Withanodofhisheadherushedoutoftheroom.Heheadedforthestaircaseandran

upthesteps.

“Where’sthefire?”
Casperjumped,clutchinghishandstohischest.“Shit,youscaredme.”
TheyoungestCarstenbrother,Erik,stoodattheentrytohisbedroom.“I’vebeentoldIhavethat

effectonpeopleattimes,”Erikteased.“Sowhat’sup?”

Casper had been so preoccupied he hadn’t noticed that Erik hadn’t been at dinner. Erik and he

werecloseinage,Casperolderbyayear.Evenwiththeclosenessinage,Erikseemedmoreimmature
thanhim.WhereasCasperwasgratefulforeverythingthatJakeandtheCarstenshaddoneforhim,Erik
took it all for granted. He’d come in at all hours, constantly argued with his brothers. Erik’s temper
seemedtobeonashortleashandhetookallhisangeroutonhisbrothers.

Hearchedaneyebrowathisfriend.“Whyweren’tyouatdinner?”HerakedhiseyesoverErik’s

face.

“IcanonlytakesomuchofthatfamilybullshitbeforeIlosemymind.”Erikturnedaroundand

walked back into his room, leaving the door open for Casper to follow. “It’s a load of crap the way

everyoneactslikeeverythingisallsunshineanddaisies.”

EriksoundedsocallousattimesthatCasperwantedtohitthelittletwerpandthiswasoneofthose

times.“Whyareyoulikethis?Igetthatyousawyourparentsgetmurderedandyouhavemateissues
but how is that your brothers’ fault?” All the frustration he felt for being drawn to Phillip had him
unleashinghisangeronErik.Buttobefairthebratneededtohearit.Yes,he’dbeendealtatoughhand
atlifeearlyonbuthehadtwobrothersthatwouldgothroughhelljusttomakehimhappy.Erikhadlost
somuchyethisbrothersgavehimalltheyhad.“Theyloveyouandwoulddoanythingforyoubuthere
youareinyourroomactinglikeababy.”

“Shutup,Casper.”Eriksneeredathim.“Youhavenocluewhatyou’retalkingabout.”
Casperlaughedbutwithouthumor.“You’reright,Idon’t.Myparentsweremurderedbyasadistic

alphawhokeptmybrotherandIlockeduplikeanimalsforthepastthreeyears.”Hecrossedhisarms
overhischestandnarrowedhiseyesatErik.“Ican’tpossiblyimaginewhatit’slikeforlifetoshiton
you.”

Erik’sfacewentpaleandCaspercouldseetearswellupintheman’seyes.“Fuck,Casper.”Erik

hunghisheadlow.“Ididn’tmeantosoundsoinsensitive.Whatyouwentthroughwasroughandmy
issuesdon’tevencompare.IguessI’mjustmiserableandtakingitoutonmyfamily.”

“You’reright,youare.”CaspertookaseatonErik’sbed,pulledhislegsupandhuggedhisarms

aroundhisknees.“I’mnotsayingit’sacontestonwhohasitworsebutdon’tyouthinkyoushouldtry
nottoblameyourbrothers?”

AlotofErik’sfrustrationcamefromthefactthathehadmethismate.Anyothertimethatwould

begreatnewsbutforErikitmeantnothingbutwaiting.He’dmethismateatthetenderageofsixteen
and still had a year before he could claim his mate. Erik took out all his anger on his brothers and
maybeitwaseasierthatway.TheywerehisfamilyandwouldlovehimnomatterwhatbutCasperhad
tothinkitwasgettinghardertojustletthehurtfulthingsEriksaidjustflyonby.

ErikgavehimablankstaresoCaspercontinued.“Igetthatyouaresufferingfrombeingseparated

fromBrandonbutyoudounderstandthatisn’tyourbrothers’fault,right?”

“Youdon’tthinkIknowthat?”Erikjumpedupfromhischair.“Ihatebeingangryallthetimebut

Ifeellikethere’sthisholeinmychestandIcan’tbreathe.”ThenailsonErik’shandshadextendedand
hisclawsdugintohischest.Caspercouldseebloodstarttodampenhisshirt.

“It’sokaytobeupset,andyoushouldbe,butnooneistoblame.It’sjustthewayitis,”Casper

simplystated.“Youcan’tletthisangerconsumeyou.I’mnotsayingtoforgetBrandonbutmaybeit’s
timetolethimgo.Atleastuntilyoucomeofage.”

“I know but it seems like a lifetime away.” Erik paced back and forth, wearing the carpet down

intoanicebeatenpath.“There’stimesIwishedInevermethim.”

Wow! Casper’s eyes widened. He had never heard Erik say those words. Granted he had only

lived there a month but he and Erik had become fast friends, staying up late at night talking about
anythingandeverythingandthosewordshadnevercomeoutofhismouth.

“Doyoureallyfeelthatway?”
“Yeah,Ido.”Erikfloppeddownonthebedbesidehimandfellbacktolayonhisback.“I’mso

sickoffeelingsoneedy.”HeturnedtolookatCasper.“I’mnotsureBrandonwilleverlovemetheway
Ilovehim.”

“Don’t say that.” Casper lay back, turning to face Erik. “You’re hurting right now and that’s

understandablebutaren’tyouhappytoknowyouhaveamateoutthere?Thatonespecialpersonwho
willloveyouforeverandever,noquestionsasked?”

“I am but sometimes”—Erik let out a heavy sigh—“sometimes I just feel like Brandon has no

feelingsformewhatsoever.Ijustwishthingsweredifferent,yaknow?”

Caspernoddedhishead.Hehadn’tfoundhismatesohehadnocluewhatErikwasgoingthrough.

Hewasn’tevensurehewantedtoknow.Erikbroodedaroundlikeademoncursingeverythinginsight.
Casperneverwantedtofeelthatwayaboutanything.

“IwishtherewasapillIcouldtakethatwouldnumballthesedesires.”Erikpulledhisarmsupto

restbehindhishead.“EvennowIcansmellhim.It’slikehisscenthasbeensingedintomynose.And
ohmygoddoeshesmellyummy.It’sashameonlyIcansmellit.”

Smell? Casper’s nose twitched and the sweet smell that had led him around the house filled his

senses.Didthatsmellmeansomething?

“Erik,canIaskyouaquestion?”
“Sure.”Erikrolledovertohisside,proppedhimselfuponhiselbow,andrestedhisheadinhis

hand.

“WhatelsebesidessmellmadeyouforcertainthatBrandonwasyourmate?”
“Well,thatnightinthewoodswhenheandtheotherhuntersambushedus,Ididn’tfeelscared.I

nevertoldmybrothersthisbutIdidn’tshiftbecauseIwasafraid.IshiftedbecauseIwantedBrandonto
seeme.Ifeltthispullinmybodythatkeptdraggingmeclosertohim.ItwaslikeIwastiedtohimand
couldn’tbreakfree.NotthatIwantedto.”Erik’seyeswenthazyasifhewererelivingthatmomentover
inhishead.“OnlywhenIsawthemshootmybrotherdidIstarttofreakout.”

Smell and a feeling of being pulled toward that person all sounded a little too familiar. Casper

started to sweat. All those things happened before he’d even laid eyes on Phillip. Once he saw him,
Casperwantedtoclimbupintohisarmsandneverletgo.

Thiscouldn’tbehappening.Hewasjuststartingtogethislifetogether.Hedidn’twanttoendup

likeErik,bitterandangryatlife.AndPhilliphadtobeatleasttwentyyearsolderthanhim.Hell,he
evenhadasonolderthanCasper.

After listening to Erik’s story what’s to say Phillip wouldn’t feel the same way toward him like

BrandondidtowardErik?Casperwasonlyeighteen,wouldbeturningnineteeninamonth,butstill.

“Dude,youokay?Youlooklikeyou’veseenaghost.”Erikgavehimafunnylook.
“No,I’mfine.Tiredisall.”Casperstooduponshakylegsandheadedforthedoor.“Seeyouin

themorning,Erik.”

“Surething.Hey,Casper.”HeturnedtolookatErik.“Thanksforlisteningandforhelpingpullmy

headoutofmyass.IguessItendtobeaspoiledbratattimes.”

“Really?Ihadn’tnoticed.”CasperchuckledwhenErikflippeduphismiddlefinger.
Nerves caused his adrenaline to pump through his veins. He felt jumpy and needed to work off

someofhisenergy.Runningtothewindowinhisroom,Casperpoppedthelatchandopeneditup.A
runwouldhelpclearhismind.

He shimmed his way down the side of the house. The drop off wasn’t too bad. He took off his

clothesandstartedtorun.Inmidstepheshiftedintohiswolfformandraninlongstrides.Themuscles
in his legs screamed from strain but he didn’t stop. Casper thought if he ran hard enough and long
enoughhecouldsomehowerasethememoryofPhillip.

Casper’ssymptomsallmatchedwhatErikhadsaidhappenedtohim.Hewantedtobehappybuta

partofhimkeptsayinghe’dneverbegoodenoughfortheolderman.Philliplookedexperiencedand
matureinwaysthatCasperwasn’t.Andtotopitoff,themanhadbeenmarriedtoawoman.Whatwere
theoddshewasevengay?

CasperranalittlefurtherthencametorestatthetopofthehillthatoverlookedtheCarstenhouse.

As he stared down at the picturesque scene he couldn’t help but wonder if Phillip could ever feel

anythingforhim.

Butwhywouldhewantto?Casperdidn’twanttofeelsorryforhimselfbutPhillipprobablyhad

heardthedisgustingdetailsofhispastandthoughthimdamagedgoods.Theyhadn’tspokeninlength
sothemandidn’tknowthatCasperwasstrongerthanhelooked,andhedeservedtobelovedandnot
pitied.

Casperstartedatarunbacktowardthehouse.Aftereverythinghehadbeenthrough,hedeserved

toseewherethingswithPhillipwent.Ifthemandidn’twanthimatleasthe’dknow.

Theclosertothehousehegotheslowedhispace.Phillip’sblacktrucksatinthedriveway.Hewas

stillthere.Casperwalkedaslightlyashecouldtowardit.Hestraightenedhisearswhenheheardthe
soundofvoicesgettingcloser.Hequicklyleaptupintothebedofthetruckandlaiddown.Thecoverof
nightshieldedhimfromview.

“Goodnight,son,”heheardPhillipsay.
Phillipgotintothetruckandstartedtheengine.Caspercurledupagainstthecabofthetruckand

kepthisbodyaslowashecould.Thewindwhippedabovehisheadandthecoldhardsteelunderneath
himchilledhisskin.

Thishadtobeoneofthestupidestthingshehadeverdonebutitwastoolatetoturnbacknow.

Casperhadtoseethisthrough.

ChapterFive

Phillip hummed along with the song on the radio and tapped his fingers on the steering wheel.

He’dlike to blameall the nervousenergy running through hisbody on thewhole Bryce situation but
that’dbealie.EversincehemetCasperhecouldn’tshaketheyoungmanfromhisthoughts.

ThemomenthelaideyesonCasper,Phillipfeltapopinhischestandhecouldbarelytearhiseyes

away from the young man. His dark blue eyes looked just as surprised as Phillip’s had been. Casper
lookedsoanxiousasheshookhishand,andPhillipcouldn’tdenytheelectricshockthattingledalong
hispalmattheconnection.

Overthecourseofdinnerhekeptstealingglancesattheman.Caspersatwithhiseyesdowncast

staringathisdinnerplate.EverysooftenhecouldfeelCasper’sstareonhimbuteverytimehe’dlook
overathim,Casperhadalreadyturnedaway.PhilliphadtoblameCasper’swolfinstinctformakingthe
mansofast.

Phillip sighed and relaxed back further in his seat. Every time he blinked he could see Casper’s

shaggyblondhairasitshieldedhisdelicatefeaturesfromPhillip’sview.Themanwasstilltoothinand
hishighcheekbonesseemedtobemorepronouncedthantheywouldhavebeenhadhebeenproperly
takencareofoverthepastthreeyears.

Anger surged in his veins as he remembered the sordid details of Casper and his brother’s past.

Aidenhadtoldhimaboutthebrothersandthelifetheyhadbeenforcedtolive.Rapeandphysicalabuse
could change a person but after meeting the two tonight they seemed to have adjusted to life beyond
theirprisoncellsquitewell.HehadtothankCarl’smate,Jake,andtheCarstenpackforthat.Theygave
bothmenaplacetocallhomeandtheyweremakingprogress.

PhilliphadastrongurgetowanttohelpCasper.Hehadjustmetthemanbuthecouldn’twaitto

seehimagainwhichmadenosense.Casperwastwenty-twoyearsyoungerthanhim.Fuckhisownson
wasolderthanCasper.Whatwouldotherpeoplesayiftheyknewhehadacrushonayoungerman?
They’dprobablylaughandpresumehewashavingsomesortofmidlifecrisis,andPhillipwouldhave
toagreewiththem.

“Stopthinkingabouthim,”Phillipmumbledtohimself.Sayingthewordsoutlouddidnothingto

influencehisbrain.

His cock twitched, and his pants started to grow tight. The innocence in Casper’s eyes pulled

Phillipin.Theshywayhehesitatedwhentheyshookhands.Thesoftnessinhistouch.Phillipcouldn’t
makehisbrainturnoffitsattractiontowardCasper.

Betweenthestresswiththecouncil,worryforhisson,andtheconstantdreamsaboutKeiththat

kept him up at night, Phillip blamed these factors as to why he desired the younger man. Under any
othercircumstanceshewouldneverhavelookedatCasperinsuchaninappropriatemanner.Withallthe
thingsCasperhadenduredinhisyounglife,hesureasshitdidn’tneedPhilliplustingafterhim.

Philliphadbeendisappointedwhenhedidn’tseeCasperbeforeheleft,anditwasprobablyforthe

best.LesschanceofhimembarrassinghimselfandmakingCasperuncomfortable.Fromnowonhe’d
havetohaveAidencomevisithimbecausehewasn’tsurehe’dbeabletostayawayfromCasperifhe
sawhimagain.

Phillip pulled into his driveway then shut off the truck’s engine. He stared up at his empty dark

house.Hisbodyachedwithexhaustionandhethoughtanicehotshowermighthelphimrelaxenough
tosleeptonight.Hopefullyallhisstresswouldmeltawayandhewouldn’tbeplaguedbymemoriesof
Keithorvisionsofayoungmanwithhoneyblondhairanddarkblueeyes.

****

ThetruckcametoastopandonceheheardPhillipgetout,Casperpoppedup.Helookedaround

theedgeofthetruckandsawthefrontdoorclosingasPhillipwentinside.

Casper jumped out and trotted up to the front door. No porch light had been turned on and the

blacknightgaveawaynothing.Casperlookedleftthenrightanddidn’tseeasouloutsidesoheshifted
to his human form. His body stretched and jerked back into place. Once he stood on human legs he
tiptoedtothefrontdoor.Hetriedtheknobbutitwaslocked.

“Darnit,”Casperwhispered.
He looked over his shoulder. The porch ran the length of the front of the house. Casper edged

closertothesidethenjumpedovertherailing.Hekepttotheshadowsashemadehiswaytowardthe
backofthehouse.Ahighprivacyfencesurroundedthebackyard.Casperbenthiskneesthenleaptover
thefence.Helandedlightlyontheballsofhisfeet.Thedrygrasscrunchedunderhisfeet.

A light on the far left of the house caught his eye and Casper walked in that direction. The

windowpanehadafoggyetchingonithinderingCasperfromseeinginside.Casperturnedbackaround
andheadedfortheslidingglassdoor.Hetriedthehandlebutitdidn’tgive.

“OhfortheloveofPete,”Casperwhined.Hejiggledthehandleinfrustrationandsomethingmade

aclickingsound.“Nofreakingway!”ThelockgavewayandCasperpulledonthehandle,slidingopen
thedoor.Thegodsmusthavebeenlookingoutforhim.

Caspersteppedintothedarkhouse.Arushofheatwarmedhischilledbody.Heblinkedagainst

the darkness until his eyes adjusted. The sounds of running water met his ears and Casper slowly
walked toward the small hallway. A strip of light came from a cracked door. Casper reached out and
pushedittherestofthewayopen.

Alargeunmadebedsatinthecenteroftheroom.ClotheslitteredthefloorasifPhilliptookoffhis

clothes and let them lay where they dropped. The blinds were drawn keeping any prying eyes from
lookingin.Caspersatdownontheedgeofthebed,bringinghiskneesuptohugtohischest.Thedoor
ontheleftwasclosedandlightspilledoutfromunderneath.Hecouldheartheshowerstillrunning.

Casper sat and waited. He didn’t have a plan on what to say. Sitting here in Phillip’s room, he

startedtofeellikeacompletedumbass.WhatwouldhesayoncePhillipemergedfromthebathroom?

Hey,Phillip,Ithinkyou’remymateandIhadtocomeseeyoutoconfirmmysuspicions.Ihave

thesestrongfeelingsforyouthatIcan’texplainandIthinkweshouldexplorethemtogether.Whatdo
yousay?

Casper let his head fall forward to rest on his knees. That sounded so stupid and desperate. He

didn’twantPhilliptothinkhewassomekidwithacrush.

WhatwouldhedoifPhilliprejectedhim?He’dneverlivedownthatdisappointmentbutcouldhe

reallyfaultthemanifhedid?Casperhadbeenusedinwaysthatnonormalpersonwouldwanttohear
about.Thesexwasneverconsensualbutitdidn’tmatter.Whatthosemenrobbedhimof,Casperwould
nevergetback.Buthewasn’tgoingtoletthatkeephimfromwantingtobenormalandhaveanormal
life.

Nomatterhowmuchhismindscreamedtogetupandrunheheldstill.IfPhillipwasinfacthis

mate,heowedittohimselfandtoPhilliptodiscussitandtoseewheretheywentfromthere.

ThewatershutoffandCaspersqueezedhiseyesshut.Hispulsepoundedinhisearsandhestarted

tosweat.Nothavinganycontrolofhisbodyheshiftedbackintohiswolfform.Ithappenedsofasthis
mindwasstillfuzzywhenthebathroomdoorswungopen.

Phillipexitedthebathroomwithanavybluetowellowonhishipsandonehelduptohishead,

dryinghishair.HehadyettonoticeCaspersittingonthebed.

Casper sat up on the bed for a better look. The light reflected off Phillip’s glistening skin,

highlighting every sinew of muscle as it contracted and rippled. Water sliced down the center of his
chest,drippingintohisnavalthenfallingdowntoilluminatethestretchofdarkblondhairvisibleabove
thetowel.

Casper’stonguesnakedouttolickaroundhislips.He’dneverthoughtanothermansohandsome

before.

“Holyshit!”
CaspersnappedhisheaduponceheheardPhillipshout.Outofinstincthehunkereddowncloseto

thebedfearinghe’dgethitforbeingcaughtdoingsomethingwrong.Hehatedbeingsoafraid.

****

Phillipcouldn’tbelievehiseyes.Alargewolfwithamixtureoflightbrownandgoldenfurlayon

hisbed.Hadthishappenedtwoyearspriorhe’dhavepulledouthisgunandshotthebeastwhereitsat
butnotnow.Nowheneededtofindouthowthiswolfgotintohishouseandwhyitwasherewhich
meantgettingthewolftoturnbackintoitshumanform.Phillipcouldtellbythesheersizeofthewolf
thatitwasn’tjustananimalbutashifter.

“Excuse me.” Phillip coughed to clear his voice. His throat had gone dry from shock. The poor

animalwhimperedandcovereditsfacewithitspaws.“Please,don’tbescared.”Hewantedtorollhis
eyes for apologizing to the wolf. It should be apologizing to him for breaking into his house. But he
heldbackhisanger.Therewassomethingaboutthiswolfthatmadehimwanttohelpitnotchastiseit.

Thewolfmoveditspawuncoveringoneofitseyes.Thedeepblueswirledwithemotion,pulling

Phillipcloser.Hetookaseatonthebedandreachedouttopetthewolf’shead.Thewolfshiedback,
andPhilliphesitatedbeforecontinuingforward.Hisfingerslightlycombedoverthebeast’slargehead.
The fur was softer than he had imagined it to be. The wolf closed its eyes and pushed its head into
Phillip’stouch.

“There you go.” He continued to stroke the wolf’s head, then moved to scratch behind its ears.

“See,I’mnotgoingtohurtyou.SowillyoupleaseshiftbacksothatIcantalktoyou?”Phillipdidn’t
know if it would work but hoped. If he had any chance of figuring out what to do with the wolf, he
neededtobeabletotalktoit.

The wolf opened its eyes, and Phillip watched as if by magic the air around the wolf started to

waverandbecomehazythenanakedmansatonhisbed.Notjustanywolfshiftersatonhisbedbut
Casper.

Phillip jerked his hand back and gasped for breath. This so wasn’t happening to him. The very

manhecouldn’tgetoutofhismindsatnakedonhisbed.

“Hi,Phillip,”Caspersaidinasmallvoice.Hisbodyshookashekeptdartinghiseyestowardthe

door.Phillipfearedthemanwouldmakeabreakforit.

“Casper,whatareyoudoinghere?”Hecouldn’tstophiseyesfromdriftinglowertotakeinallof

Casper’sbarepaleskin.Caspermightbeonthethinsidebuthedidhaveleanmusclecoveringhisbody.
Littlepinkmarksmarredhisflesh,oldscarsfrompastabuse.PhilliphadheardwhatCasperhadgone
throughbuttoseetheevidencecoveringtheman’sskinpushedPhilliptotheedgewherehesawonly
red.Hewantedtopunisheverysinglepersonwhocausedthosemarks.MakethemsufferlikeCasper
had.

“I’msorry.”Casperflinchedback,hiseyeswellingintears.“Pleasedon’tbemadatme.”
Hisbreathcameoutinrapidsuccessionandhisfistclenchedtight.ThefearinCasper’seyescut

throughhisblindfury.Hedidn’tmeantofrightenthemanfurtherbuthedidn’tlikeknowingsomeone
hadhurthim.

“I’mnotmad.”Hehelduphishandsinashowofdefense.“Atleastnotatyou.”Hiseyesdropped

totakeinaratherlongscarthatranfromCasper’srightshoulderdownunderhisleftnipple.Helooked
backuptomeetCasper’sgaze.“Casper,canyoutellmewhyyou’reinmyhouse?”

Casper pulled his knees up to his chest and hugged his arms tightly around his legs. “Because I

wantedtoseeyou.”

Phillip had to lean closer to hear the man speak. “Okay.” He drew the word out. “Why did you

wanttoseeme?Iseverythingokay?DidsomethinghappenattheCarstenhouse?”Hismindstartedto
racewithworry.HadBryceshownuptoAiden’safterheleftandseenoneofthewolves?

Caspermusthavesensedhisfearandreachedouttograbhishand.“No,nothinglikethat.”Phillip

watchedasthemannibbledonhislowerlip.Afterafewsecondshadpassedhespoke.“Boy,thissure
sounded like a good idea in my head.” Casper shook his head. “But now that I’m here I feel like a
completedope.”

Huh? Phillip narrowed his eyes at Casper. What did he mean? “Casper, what the hell are you

talkingabout?”Itwaslate,hewastired,andPhillipdidn’tfeellikeplayingguessinggameswithCasper
allnight.Notthathedidn’tappreciatetheman’scompany,butthelongerhesatinCasper’spresencethe
harder it was to control his desires. He longed to pull the man onto his lap and kiss his ruby red lips
untilhislungsburnedforthenextbreath.

“Sorry.”Casperchuckledthenrolledhiseyesuptostareattheceiling.“SayingwhatIneedtosay

isratherdifficult.”

“Listen,kid,I’mexhausted.Whydon’tIcallAidenandtellhimyou’rehereandthatI’llbringyou

back home.” Phillip started to stand up. “They’ll probably be worried sick once they realize you’re
gone.”

“Don’tcallmethat.”CasperwithspeedyreflexesgrabbedaholdofPhillip’sarmandpulledhim

backtositonthebed.“I’mnotachild.”

Phillip looked down to where Casper had a hold of him. The skin around where Casper’s

fingertipswerewasindentedfromthehardpressure.“Casper,”hesaidslowlyashemettheman’swild
gaze.“Ithinkyouneedtotellmewhatisgoingonhereandnow.”Phillipusedthebestauthoritative
voicehecouldmanageunderthecircumstances.JustfeelingCasper’stouch,eveninanger,wasdoinga
numberonhislibido.

Casperletgoofhisarmandstoodupfromthebedtopacethefloor.“God,thisisembarrassing.”
Casperbroughthishandsuptorunhisfingersroughlythroughhishairashewalkedtowardone

wallthenbacktotheother.PhillipdamnnearswallowedhistongueasCasperstompedabouttheroom.
Fromonedirectionhegotaglimpseoftheperkiest,bubbledbehindhehadeverseen.Thenwhenhe
turnedtowalkbacktowardhim,Phillipthoughthe’dbeenstruckbylightning.Shockwavesricocheted
througheverynerveendinginhisbody.

Casper’sdick,semierect,swayedfromsidetosideasthemanmoved.Lightblondhairsurrounded

thebaseandCasper’slightlyfurredballsswungintimewiththeman’sbeautifulcock.Hecouldhear
Casper rambling on about something but Phillip’s ears lost the ability to make out what the words
meant.Hesatmesmerizedbytheview.

“Phillip.”Henoddedhisheadbutcouldn’tbreakhisstarefromtheman’sequipmentashestood

directlyinfrontofhim.“Phillip!”Caspershouted.

“Yeah,”hesaidashelookedupatCasper’sflushedface.
“DidyouhearwhatIsaid?”
“Notaword.”Phillipglanceddownonemoretimethenrubbedhishandoverhismouth.“Doyou

mind?”HepointedatCasper’sbodyunabletosaythewords.

Casper looked down at his body. “Oh.” He grabbed the towel Phillip had discarded on the bed.

Casperwrappeditsnugglyaroundhiswaist.“Better?”

“Much.”Phillipusedhisthumbandforefingertopinchthebridgeofhisnose.
“Phillip.” Casper got down on his knees and pulled Phillip’s hand away from his face. “I came

heretonightbecause—”Casper’svoicecrackedandhisfacestartedtogopalerthanitusuallywas.

“Because?”Philliparchedhiseyebrows.
Casperblewoutabreathandthewarmmoistairfannedagainsthisface,andPhilliphungeredto

tastethehoneysweetscentcomingfromthisman.

“BecauseIthinkyouaremymate,”Caspersaidinarush.Hisfacescruncheduplikehehadtasted

somethingbitter.

Phillip’s eyes had been transfixed on Casper’s lips as he spoke. It took him a minute to realize

what the man had just said. “Mate?” he shouted. “That’s impossible.” Phillip shot up from the bed,
causing Casper to stumble back from his squatted position. He marched toward the bathroom then
turnedbackaroundtoheadtowardhiscloset.Hedidn’thaveanyparticulardestinationinmindbuthe
neededtomoveorhe’dlosehisfuckingmind.

“Thiscan’tbehappening,”hesaidmoretohimselfthantoCasper.“Thisjustisn’tmyweek,hell

my month. First, my wife kills herself.” Phillip started to number things off on his fingers. “Second,
nightmares rob me of any rest that I might get otherwise. Third, my boss from headquarters just so
happens to show up in town and wants to visit with my son.” Phillip still wasn’t buying that was the
onlyreasonBrycehadcometotown.

He stopped in midstep and bumped chests with Casper as the man ran into him. When Casper

started to stumble he reached out to steady him. “Then you tell me that I’m your mate.” His fingers
tingledfromwheretheytouchedCasper.“IfeellikeI’vefallendowntherabbithole.”

Andhedid.Hisfatheralwaystoldhimgodwouldonlygiveapersonwhattheycouldhandle,but

this? This was just too much. He was dealing with Emma’s death. He could live with the nightmares
andhecouldhandlehisbossifthingswentawry.Butthismanbeinghismate?

OnonehanditthrilledPhilliptoknowthatitwasokaytohavefeelingstowardCasperandthatthe

manmorethanlikelyhadthesametowardhim.Theonemajordrawback,Philliphatedtothinkit,was
the age gap. He didn’t want to feel like he was taking advantage of the situation. Plus, Casper still
neededtimetoheal.He’donlybeenfreeforamonthfromthehellhehadlivedthroughforthreeyears.
Hedidn’tneedPhillipjumpingintohislife.AndtobehonestPhillipdidn’tknowifhewasreadyforall
this either. Being a wolf’s mate was a lifelong commitment. Could he give Casper the kind of life he
deserved?

PhilliplethishandsfallawayfromCasper’sarms.Hecouldseetheconfusionontheman’sface.

“Casper,haveaseat.”Hemotionedtohisbed.“Weneedtotalk.”

ChapterSix

EvenCasperwithhiszeroexperienceinrelationshipsknewweneedtotalkwasn’tagoodthing.

Hetookaseatonthebedandclaspedhishandstogetherasifhewasprayingandmaybehewasjusta
littlebit.HeunderstoodthishadtobeashockforPhillipbutitwasalsoagoodthing,wasn’tit?Casper
sawhowinlovehisbrotherandJakewereandhewantedthatandhehadtothinksodidPhillip.Who
wouldn’twanttofindthatonespecialpersonthatwouldlovethemthroughgoodtimesandbad?Phillip
sat heavily down on the bed and the mattress dipped causing Casper to lean to the side. Phillip leant
forwardtoresthiselbowsonhiskneesandlethisheadhangdowntowardhischest.Thepositionhad
allowed Phillip’s towel to loosen and lower on his waist. Casper got an eyeful of the top crease of
Phillip’sbottom.Helickedhislipsandhadtofisthishandstokeepfromreachingouttotrailhisfinger
downbetweentheswollenglobes.

“Casper,haveyoutoldanyoneelseaboutthis?”Phillipasked.
AsmallgrincurledupCasper’supperlipashestaredatPhillip’smuscularback.Whentheman

shifted the muscles flexed and stretched showcasing the strength that the man held contained in his
body.Foranolderman,hehadabodyofamanstillcaughtinhisyouth.

IfonlyIcanjusttouchhimonce.
“Casper!”Phillip’sboomingvoiceshookhimfromhisthoughts.
WithmoreeffortthanhethoughtpossiblehetorehiseyesawayfromPhillip’sbody.Hebroughta

handuptopushhishairoutofhiseyesandstaredupatPhillip.

“Sorry,whatdidyousay?Iwasn’tpayingattention.”
“I could tell.” Phillip chuckled and Casper felt heat infuse his face. He had been caught staring

again. Phillip then reached down and adjusted his towel. “I asked if anyone else knows about this.”
Phillipwavedahandbetweenthem.“Aboutyouthinkingthatwe’remates?”

“No.”Caspershookhisheadfromsidetoside.“Iwasn’tforcertainandIdidn’tknowhowwell

youwouldtakethenews.”Heturnedtolookatthewall.IfhekepthiseyesonPhillipandhishandsome
face,hefearedhe’ddosomethingstupidliketryandkisstheman.

CasperdesperatelywantedtofeelPhillip’slipsonhisown.Hehadneverbeenkissed.Themen

whousedhisbodyneveroncetriedtokisshimandCasperwasgratefulforthat.Itwastheonething
thathecouldsharewithhismate.Somethingthathadn’talreadybeenstolenfromhim.

“Howareyoutakingthenews?”Casperasked.Beforehecontinuedtodaydreamaboutthisman

heneededtoknowifhisfantasiescouldonedaybeareality.

“Well”—Phillip pursed his lips—“I’m not sure. I mean how can you be certain that I am your

mate?Maybeyou’reconfusingthefeelingsyouhaveforme.”Phillipshrugged.“I’molderandIwas
nicetoyouthisevening.Itcouldbethatyouviewmeasasafeoptiontolike.”

“Excuse me?” Casper jumped up from the bed. “Don’t patronize me. Since moving to Nehalem

I’vehadplentyofmenbenicetomeandIdon’thavethefeelingsforthemlikeIdoforyou.”Casper
broughthishanduptocoverhisheart.“ThemomentIsawyou,Iknew.GrantednotuntilIspoketo
ErikdidIunderstandwhatexactlywashappeningtomebutIdonow.”Hishandsshookwithenergy
and he couldn’t believe this man thought so little of himself. It was like Phillip couldn’t see how
attractivehewas.ButworstofallhethoughtCasperwassonaïvehe’dfallforthefirstguythatwas
nicetohim.Whatanidiot.

Casperturnedinacirclelookingforsomethingtothrow.
Hefinallyopeneduptoanothermanandthisiswhathegets.Beforehecouldthinkbetterofit,

CasperbroughthishanduptosmackPhillipsquareontheforehead.Hedidn’tknowwherehegotthe
couragebutitfeltgood.

“Ouch!”Phillipcoveredhisforeheadwithhishand.“Whydidyoudothat?”
“Becauseyou’reactinglikeadumbass.”Hefloppeddownonthebed.“Iknowyouareawareof

mypast.I’mnotblindandseetheagedifferencebetweenusbutallthatcrapdoesn’tmatter.”Casper
reachedoutwithtremblingfingersandgrabbedPhillip’shand.“Nomatterhowhardyoutrytodenyit,
I’myourmate.Youjustneedtoacceptitandbelieveinus.Ifyoudon’twantme,allyouhavetodois
tellmeso.”

Phillip squeezed his hand around Casper’s and he had to swallow down his gasp. The rough

callousedpalmfeltperfectinhis.PhilliphadthepowertohurtCasperwiththesebighandsbutheknew
the man would never do something like that. Under Phillip’s hunter persona was a lover and Casper
wantedthemantosharethatlovewithhim.

“It’snotthatCasper.ButIdohaveason—”
“Oh my god!” Casper interrupted him. “I didn’t even think about that. You’re not even gay are

you?”HetriedtopullhishandbackbutPhillipwouldn’tletgo.“IguessI’mthefool.”

SubconsciouslyheknewthismightbeapossibilitybutCasperhadignoredit.Phillipdidhavea

childandhewasmarriedtoawoman.MorethanlikelyPhillipwasn’tacceptingofthisunionbecause
hepreferredwomen.Howcouldfatebesocrueltohim?Helosthisparentsandthreeyearsofhislife
andfreedom.Hadn’thepaidhisdues?Couldn’thejustforoncebeallowedtobehappy?

****

“No,you’renot.”PhillipkeptaholdofCasper’shand.Hedidn’twanttobreaktheconnectionjust

yet.Thewarmsmoothfingersfeltlikevelvetinhisworkwornones.“Casperwillyoupleaselookat
me,”hebegged.

AfteramomentCasperturnedredeyestowardhim.Casper’schinquiveredandtearswelledinhis

eyes.

“Fuck,”hewhisperedunderhisbreath.“Pleasedon’tcry.You’renotanidiotandallthethingsthat

arerunningthroughyourmindaren’tabsurd.”HecaressedafingerdownthesideofCasper’scheek.
Up this close he could see pale thin lines on the man’s face. More evidence of the abuse Casper had
suffered.TheleastPhillipcoulddowaselevatesomeofCasper’sfears.

“I’m going to tell you something that I’ve never told another living soul. Not even my son.”

Phillip gave Casper a small smile and the man gave a short nod of his head. “Yes, I was married to
Aiden’smotherandIlovedherverymuch,butshewasn’tmyfirstlove.”

Memories of Keith caused his voice to hitch. If he closed his eyes he could still see Keith’s

flawless smile and big blue adoring eyes staring up at him. In some ways Casper reminded him of
Keith.TheinnocenceCasperwieldedwassomuchlikeKeith’s.Bothweresoyoungandthoughtmore
with their hearts than their brains. Phillip didn’t know Casper that well but he had to think it was
Casper’sheartthathadhimbreakingintoPhillip’shouse,nothisbrain.

“Whatwashername?”CasperaskedandifPhillipwasn’tmistakentherewasalittlebitternessin

histone.

“HisnamewasKeith.”Casper’smouthfellopenandhiseyeswentaswideassaucers.“Iloved

himsomuchandIwouldhavedoneanythingforhim.”Phillipdidn’tlikethinkingaboutthepastbuthe
neededCaspertoknowbeingwithanothermandidn’tdisgusthiminanyway.

Casper’sjawmovedupanddownthenfinallyhespoke.“Whathappenedtohim?”

“He was murdered.” He looked away unable to meet Casper’s questioning stare. “By a wolf

shifter.”

“Ohmygosh!”Caspergotdownonhiskneesonceagaininfrontofhim.Phillipreallyneededto

getthemantostopdoingthat.CasperthenplacedhishandsoneithersideofPhillip’sfaceforcinghim
tolookathim.“That’swhyyoubecameahunter.”

“Yeah,well,thingsaredifferentnow.”Phillipbroughtuphisrighthandtolightlywraphisfingers

aroundCasper’swrist,needingtofeeltheman’swarmskinunderhisfingertips.

“Sotheideaofmeandyoutogetherdoesn’tdisgustyou?”
“No, it doesn’t.” Phillip honestly admitted but he wouldn’t be selfish with this man. “I just feel

youneedtimetolivealifewithouthavingtofeeltheneedtopleaseanotherperson.Youneedtimeto
justbeyou.”

“Ithoughtthatsamethingatfirst.”Casper’seyesdartedrapidlybetweenPhillip’s.“Butnowthat

I’mherewithyou,Ineverwanttostoptouchingyou.IknowitsoundscrazybutIdon’twanttodeny
myselfthisfeeling.”

Phillipwantedtodisagree.Heneededtobetheadultandthinkwithalevelhead,nothisheart.But

as he stared into the deep abyss of Casper’s eyes, all he could think about was making him happy.
Phillipwouldgiveanythingtoaccomplishthat.

Very gently, Phillip pulled Casper closer. Casper didn’t fight him. If anything, he rushed toward

him with great enthusiasm. When they were just mere inches from touching, Phillip stared at his full
rubylips.Heknewheshouldn’tbuthecouldn’tstophimself.Hehadtohaveonetaste.

Closingthedistance,PhillipleanedforwarduntilhislipsconnectedwithCasper’s.Thesofttissue

was so giving under his forceful tongue as he licked around the seam then pressed inside. Casper
whimperedandshiftedtowraphisarmsaroundPhillip’sneck.Hefeltasharppinchastheman’sclaws
dugintohisskinbutPhillipdidn’tcare.

Phillip slid his tongue alongside Casper’s, coaxing the man’s to dance with his. It only took a

moment’shesitationbeforeCaspersuckedandnippedathismouth.Thekisswassloppyandrushedbut
initsownwayperfect.Philliphadn’tfeltsuchpassionlikethisbefore,notevenwithKeith.Casper’s
kisstouchedapartofhissoulPhilliphadlongsincethoughtdied.

CasperwedgedhimselfinbetweenPhillip’sspreadthighs.Theman’shardnessbrushedagainsthis

leganditwaslikeajolttoPhillip’ssystem,remindinghimtoslowdown.Heverygentlyeasedback
fromCasper’sintoxicatingmouth.

“What’swrong?”Casperpanted.
“Nothing.”PhillipheldCasper’sgazebutdidn’tknowwhatelsetosay.Hewantedtobewiththe

manverymuchso.TofeelthosesoftswollenlipsaroundhiscockandtoalsogiveCasperpleasurein
returnbuttheyneededtogoslow.Hewasn’tamonsterandwouldn’ttakeadvantageofthesituation.

“You’relying.”CasperplacedhishandsonPhillip’schestandpushed.“Youdon’twantme.”
ItknockedPhillipoffbalanceforafractionofasecondbuthequicklyregainedhisbearings.He

grabbedCasperbyhisupperbicepsanddraggedhimuponthebed.Casperfoughthisholdeveryinch
ofthewaybutonlyhalfheartedly.IfCasperwantedtobreakfreeofPhillip’sholdhewouldhavedone
soeasily.

Phillipmovedtostraddletheyoungerman’shipsasheheldCasper’shandsdownbythesideof

hishead.Caspergrowledathimandhislipspulledbacktoshowcaseaverysharpsetofteeth.

“I’mnotlying,Casper,Iswear.”Herockedhishipsforwardlettinghishardenedcockpushinto

the soft swell of Casper’s stomach. The man stopped fighting him. His chest rose and fell in rapid
succession.“Iwantyoubutweshouldgoslow,gettoknowoneanotherbetterfirst.There’snorush.”

Casperglaredupathim.“Isitbecauseofmyage?I’mofconsentingageandIhaveabirthdayina

littleoveramonth.We’renotdoinganythingwrong.”

“Theagedifferenceisonlyapartofit.”PhilliplickedhislipsprayingthatCasperunderstoodhis

hesitation. “But the main reason is your past. I don’t want to force something on you that you’re not
readyfor.Hell,I’mnotsureI’mreadyforthis.”

“YouthinkI’mdirty,don’tyou?”Casper’svoicecrackedandtearsrandownthesidesofhisface.
“No,Iwouldneverthinkthat.”HeletgoofCasper’swristtocaresshisfingersdownthesidesof

Casper’sbeautifulface,wipingawayhistears.“Whatthosebastardsdidtoyouwasn’tyourfault.Ijust
don’twantyoutofeellikeyouhavetodothis.I’dbehappyjustgettingtoknowyoubeforewedecide
whatwe’regoingtodonext.”

“Soyouwanttobewithme?”
Didhe?Philliphadalotonhisplaterightnowtodealwithbutwhycouldn’theseewherethings

with Casper went? Even if it turned out they weren’t mates at least they both could enjoy some
happinessifevenforalittlebit.“IthinkI’dliketogiveitatry.”Caspersmiledupathimandstartedto
rubhishardenshaftagainstPhillip.

Hiseyesfellshutandhegroaneddeepinhisthroat.God,givemethestrengthtobestrong.
“ButIwanttomoveslowly.LikeIsaidthere’snorush,”Phillipexplained.
Casperfurrowedhisbrowbutthenquicklythelinescreasinghisforeheadrelaxed.“IthinkI’dlike

thattoo.”ThesmilethatPhillipfoundhimselffallingheadoverheelsforgracedtheman’slips.

“Good.” Phillip rolled off of Casper. “Now let’s get you home.” He walked to his dresser and

pulledoutapairofpants.Philliptuggedthemupwhileleavinghistowelaroundhiswaist.Hedidn’t
needtohavehisdickfloppinginthewindtauntingCasper.“I’lldriveyou.”Helookedoverhisshoulder
toseethatCasperdidn’thaveanyclothesandtossedhimapairofsweatpants.

“Iguessthat’sonlyfairsinceyoudrovemeallthewayoutheretobeginwith.”
PhillipturnedaroundasCasperpulleduphispants.“Huh?”
Casper started to laugh. “I hitched a ride in the back of your truck.” When Phillip didn’t say

anythingCaspersaid,“What?DidyouthinkIranallthewayhere?Iwouldn’thavetakenthechanceof
beingcaught.ImightbeyoungbutI’mnotstupid.”

WhatCaspersaidwasverymature.ForonlybeingeighteenPhillipwouldhavethoughttheman

wouldhavebeenirrationalwithallthehormonesrushingthroughhisyoungbodybutCasperhadthe
intelligence to think before he reacted. From a hunter’s perspective he wished other wolf shifters
thoughtthatway.

“Neverthoughtyouwere.”PhilliphandedCasperaT-shirt.Beforethemancouldpullthematerial

overhishead,Phillipkissedhimlightlyonthelips.

“Whatwasthatfor?”Caspergrinnedfromeartoear.
Phillipshrugged.“BecauseIwantedto.”Hesnatcheduphiskeysandheadedforthedoor.“Let’s

go.Idon’twantyourbrotherortheotherstoworryaboutyou.”

ChapterSeven

AfterPhillipdroppedhimoff,Casperclimbedupthesideofthehouseandthroughhisbedroom

window.OnceinhisroomheturnedtoseePhillipshakinghishead.Themanhadasmileonhisfaceso
Casperdidn’tthinkhewasupset.

CasperwatchedasPhillipdroveawayuntilthetaillightswerejustlittlespecksinthedistance.His

heartachedandhecouldn’tbelievehowmuchhealreadymissedtheman.

Heturnedawayfromthewindowandstartedtoremovehisshirt.Asheliftedupwardhecaught

Phillip’sscent.Casperputthematerialtohisnoseandtookadeepbreath.Thefreshcleanscentfilled
hissensesandhelongedtosniffthearearightwherePhillip’sneckandshouldermet.Theretheman’s
smellwouldbethestrongest.

Thinkingbetterofit,CasperlefttheclothesheborrowedfromPhilliponandclimbedintohisbed.

Thepantsweretoobaggyandtheshirttwosizestoobigbuthedidn’tcare.ItmadehimfeellikePhillip
wastherewithhimandhedidn’tmisshimasmuch.

Casperrestedhisarmsbehindhisheadandstaredupattheceiling.Beforehe’dgottenoutofthe

truck,PhillipaskedhimtokeepthewholematethingunderwrapsuntilafterthisBryceguycameto
dinner.PhillipwantedtositdownwithAidenandCarlandexplainthesituationtothem.Casperliked
thathismatewasold-fashionedandwantedtogetCasper’sbrotherandhisownson’sconsenttodate
him.Casperwassoexcitedhedidn’tknowifhecouldwaitbuthehadto.Itwastherightthingtodo.

Casperrolledtohissideandyawned.Hiseyesfeltheavyandforthefirsttimeinalongtimehe

welcomedsleep.Forsomereasonhedidn’tthinknightmaresfromthepastwouldhaunthimtonight.

****

Phillip woke to the sound of his phone ringing. He reached over to his nightstand and blindly

grabbedforit.

“Hello,”hesaidinagravellyvoice.
“Good morning, Phillip. I didn’t mean to wake you.” Bryce’s chipper voice came back over the

line.

Phillipsatupandkickedhislegsovertheedgeofthebed.Herubbedahandoverhiseyesthen

lookedattheclock.Thatcouldn’tberight?Theredflashingnumberssaiditwasaquartertillten.He
couldn’trememberthelasttimehe’dsleptsolateorthathehadn’twokeninapoolofhisownsweat.

“That’sokay.”Oncehisgrogginessworeoffheactuallyfeltprettydamngood.Nonightmares.He

thoughtithadtobeamiracle.“IguessIwasfinallyableforcatchuponmysleep.”

“That’s good to hear.” He heard a shuffling sound over the line before Bryce spoke again. “I’m

calling because I need to postpone dinner with you and Aiden. I’m heading up toward a town called
Camden.Therewasareportofamanattackinganothermanbecausehethoughthewasawerewolf.”

Ohno!Phillipknewexactlywhatthatwasallabout.Josh,oneofthemembersofDevon’spack,

hadbeenthatallegedwolf.AmanhadbefriendedJosh’smateJensenandheldhimatgunpointwhilehe
triedtoforceJoshtoturnhimwhichwasn’tpossible.Awolfshifterhadtobeborn.

Phillipknewthisinformationtobetruefromstudyingthecreaturesforthebetterpartoftwenty

years.Awolfshifter’sbloodpresentedashumanbloodwhileinhumanformandcaninebloodwhilein
wolfform.Itwasthewolfshifters’DNAthatheldthegenethatgavethemtheabilitytochangeforms.
Phillipcharacterizeditasbeinglikeadiseaseinthehost’sbloodstream,butitdidn’thurtthem.They

werethecarriersbutcouldn’ttransfertheabnormalitytosomeoneelse.WhichPhillipthoughtagood
thing.Theydidn’tneedaworldfullofuntrainedwerewolvesrunningamuckterrorizingpeople.

“Yeah,Aidentoldmeaboutit.He’safriendofthemanthatwasaccusedofbeingawerewolfand

hisboyfriendworkswithAiden’sboyfriend.”Philliphopedhimknowingtheduowouldbeenoughfor
Bryce and the man would take his word that they were just regular old humans. “From my
understanding the man was delusional and under a therapist’s care.” Phillip felt the prickles of a
headachecomingon.IfBrycegrewsuspicioushe’dhavethecouncilstartafileonJoshandJensen.All
it’dtakewasonemistakeandthefullforceofthecouncilwouldraindownontheirheads.

“Interesting.” Bryce drew out the one word. “Still, I’m going to go check it out. Who knows I

mightpickuponanotherlead.”Brycechuckled.“I’llcallyouwhenIgetbacktotown.”

Ofcourseyouwill.Philliprolledhiseyes.“Yes,sir.Ifyouneedanyassistance,justgivemeacall.

BrandonandIcanbeupthereASAP.”

Bryce said his good-byes and Phillip disconnected the line. Phillip’s stomach started to stir.

Somethingdidn’tfeelright.Forthepastyearandahalftheyhadmanagedtokeepthecounciloffthe
CarstenPack’sscentbutwithBrycewantingtomeetAidenandDevon,andhimcheckingouttheattack
onJoshandJensen,it’dbeonlyamatteroftimebeforesomethinggavewayandthetruthunraveled.

Phillip dialed Aiden’s number. He needed to get the pack together and explain what Bryce was

doing.Theyallneededtobeextracautious.Noshifting.Everyoneneededtostayinhumanformforthe
nextmonthatleast.Ifanyspottingsgotreported,BrycewouldstarttoquestionPhillip,andhecouldn’t
affordforthattohappen.Hedidn’tjusthaveAidentoworryaboutbutCaspernowaswell.

Hestillwasn’tsoldonthefactthattheywerematesbutCasperstillmeantsomethingtoPhillip.If

anythingeverhappenedtohim,Phillipwouldn’tbeabletolivewithhimself.Insuchashortamountof
timehe’dgrowntocareforCasperandthatcouldprovetobeafatalmistake.Tohavefeelingsforthe
verybeingshesworetodestroywasonethingbuttopossiblyfallinlovewithone?

Phillipwasn’tsomekidwhoconfusedhisemotions.WhathefeltforCasperrandeeperthanjust

somekindofcrush.Hedidn’twanttobutPhillipknewdeepdownsomewhereoverthecourseofthe
night he had fallen in love with the man. Casper’s shyness, his fierce anger when he thought Phillip
didn’twanthim.ThewayhekissedwithsuchabandonitevennowcausedPhillip’stoestocurl.

Hisbrainscreameditwastoosoon.Loveatfirstsightdidn’texistbuthisheartoverruledhisbrain.

Justbecausehefeltthiswaydidn’tmeanheneededtoactonitoreventellCasperaboutit.

It’dkillPhillipifdowntheroadCasperdiscoveredhedidn’tfeelthesameway.Casperwasstillso

young. No one was ever the same person they were at eighteen, hell even twenty-eight. Time could
change the way a person felt about another, and Phillip couldn’t stand to lose another person that he
loved.

“Hello.”
“Son, round everyone up and call Josh and Jensen. Tell them they need to head to the house.

There’ssomethingsweallneedtodiscuss.”Phillippulledonclothesashetalkedonthephone.

The sooner they all had an understanding, the less stressed out he’d be. The two wolves that

worriedhimthemostwereCarsonandErik.ErikwasahotheadedteenageboyinlovewithPhillip’s
hunting partner, Brandon. The kid ran all over the town in and out of wolf form. It impressed Phillip
thatthekidhadn’tbeencaughtyet.

“Iseverythingokay?”Aidenasked.Phillipcouldheartheworryinhisson’svoice.
“Itwillbe.”Phillippulledthephoneawayfromhisheadsohecouldpullonhisshirt.“I’monmy

way.Nowmakethosecalls.”

Phillipquicklybrushedhisteeththenranoutthedoor.Hereallyhopedallhisworryingwasfor

nothingbuthecouldn’tbetoosure.Ifthecouncilsuspectedhimofanything,he’dneverknowituntilit
wastoolate.AndwhatgoodwouldhebetohissonortoCasperifheweredead?

ChapterEight

Phillip pulled up the long driveway leading to Aiden’s house. A row of cars and trucks parked

alongthecurveddrive,andPhillipsuspectedhewasthelasttoarrive.Heturnedhiskeyandhistruck
shutoff.

Ashesattherestaringupatthehousenervousnessstartedtoswamphim.Hecouldn’tmakehis

handworktoopenthedoorandevenifhegotthedooropenhewasn’tsurehislegswouldbeableto
holdhimup.

He needed to explain to the others what Bryce was doing in Camden and that there might be a

possibilitythathe’dcomeandquestionJoshandJensen.Theyallneededtobepreparedforwhatever
scenariothatcouldpopup.

Butinthemidstofallthis,allPhillipcouldthinkaboutwasseeingCasperagain.Hismindraced

with would happen when he walked through the door. Would Casper have come to his senses and
realizedthatPhillipwasjustanoldmanandhecoulddobetter?Orwouldhelookathimwiththosebig
blueeyescausingPhilliptomeltintoapuddleonthefloor.Alovesickfool.

“Areyougoingtogetoutofthetruck?”
Phillip jumped at the sound of Casper’s voice outside his window. The young man started to

laugh,andPhillipdidexactlywhathefearedhe’ddo.Hemelted.

“Youknow,it’snotgoodtoscareanoldmanlikeme.Imighthaveaheartattack.”Phillipopened

thedoorandsteppedoutofhistruck.Oncehestoodface-to-facewithCasperhisfingersburnedwith
desiretotouchtheman.AstiffbreezesentCasper’sscentfloatingaroundPhillip’sheadandheinhaled
deeply.Thesmellofsoapandawoodsymuskbombardedhissenses.

Without thinking about who might be watching, Phillip wrapped his hand around the back of

Casper’s neck, pulling the man toward him. When they were mere centimeters apart Phillip’s gaze
landedonCasper’smouth.Theman’seagerlittletonguecameouttomoisthislipsandthatwasallit
took.

Phillip covered Casper’s mouth with his own and stole the kiss he’d been longing to have. Last

nightseemedsolongagoandheneededareminderofhowgoodthisfelt.Howmuchhisheartandsoul
neededtobeclosetothisman.

Alltoosoonhepulledback.PhillipgrinnedatthedazedlookonCasper’sface.Theyoungman

brought his fingers up to trace over his lips, and Phillip found himself jealous of those thin nimble
fingers.

Caspercaughthimstaringandsmiledupathim.“Youknow,you’renotthatold.”
“Ithankyouforsayingthat.”PhillipreachedoutandbrushedCasper’shairoffhisforehead.“But

ifyouremembercorrectlyIdohaveasonwhoisolderthanyou.Soit’sfairtosaythatIamold.”

Casper’sfacewentslack.“Nottoooldforme,”hesaidinasmallvoice.“Ithinkyou’reperfect.”
WhatCaspersaidtookPhillip’sbreathaway.HestartedtoreachforCaspertostealonemorekiss

whenheheardthescreendoorbangopen.

“Dad,areyoucominginorwhat?”Aidenshouted.
Phillipcoughedtoclearhisthroat.“Yes,son,”heholleredback.Beforesteppingoutofthesafety

ofthetruckhetookastepclosertoCasperandwhisperedintohisear,“IpromiseI’lltalktoAidenand
Carl about us but we might have to wait a bit longer. My boss is doing some snooping around and I
needtheentirepackfocusedonthatnotaboutyouandmepossiblybeingmates.”

“Iunderstand,”Casperwhisperedback.HelightlybrushedakissoverPhillip’scheekthenwalked

outbeforehimheadingforthehouse.

HefollowedbehindCasperandtheyoungmanhadabouncetohisstep.Casper’sassswayedfrom

sidetosideasheclimbedthesteps.Philliphadtobitetheinsideofhischeektokeepfrommoaning.As
itwashecouldn’ttearhiseyesfromthejeancladbottom.

“Dad,youfeelingokay?”Aidenaskedoncehereachedthetopstep.
“Yeah,whydoyouask?”PhilliptorehiseyesfromCaspertolookathisson.
“Your face is all red.” Aiden placed a hand on Phillip’s forehead. “Maybe you’re coming down

sickorsomething.”

Ifhissononlyknewwhatwasailinghim.“Aiden,I’mfine.”HereacheduptograbAiden’shand.

Phillip gave it a gentle squeeze then ushered Aiden toward the door. “Now let’s go discuss why I’m
here.”

Aidenledhimtothediningroom.Theentirepackandtheirmatessataroundthelargeoaktable.

HiseyesimmediatelysoughtoutCasper.Hesatattheoppositeendofthetablenexttohisbrother.He
gaveCasperasmallsmilethenlookedaway,notwantingtogiveanythingawaytotheothers.

Thesweetsmelloffreshlybakedcinnamonrollsmethisnoseandcausedhisstomachtogrowl.

Hecouldpracticallytastethecreamcheesefrostingasitfilledtheair.Twoplatterssatatbothendsof
the table packed with steamy rolls and a carafe of coffee sat next to each plate. The rich aroma had
Phillipwalkingmindlesstowardthetable.

Hepouredhimselfamugfullandsnatcheduponeoftherolls.Hiseyesfellshutandhehummed

hisdelight.“Skyler,yououtdidyourself.”Phillipopenedhiseyeslookingforthefeistylittlemanbut
didn’tseehimintheroom.“Where’sSkyler?”

“He’sgettingCarsonsettledinthelivingroom,”Aidenanswered.“Anditwasn’thimwhomade

therollsitwasCarl.”

PhilliplookedacrossthetableatCarl.“Theseareamazing.JustbetweenusIthinktheymightbe

betterthanSkyler’s.”HewinkedatCasper’sbrother.

“Thankyou.”Carlblushedunderthepraise.
“Youbetterwatchit.Skylerwouldskinyoualiveifheheardyousaythat,”Noah,Skyler’smate

andPhillip’sformerco-workeratthecouncil,teased.“ButIhavetoagree.Carl,thesearefabulous.”

“I heard that.” Skyler came sauntering into the dining room. “Who do you think gave my little

protégétherecipe?”SkylerwavedahandatCarl.“Ineverexpectedthelittleshittooutshineme.”

“Ah,babe.”NoahgrabbedSkyler’shandandplacedakissonhisknuckles.“Youcan’tbegreatat

everything.”

“I know but I like to think that I am,” Skyler said in a matter-of-fact tone. He then picked up a

cinnamonrollandtookabite.Thewholetablestaredathimashemoanedaroundthemouthful.“Carl,I
mustsaythesearetodiefor.”

“Areyoudonehavingsexwiththecinnamonrollorwouldyoulikeustoleaveyoutwoalone?”

Viktorasked.

“Whydon’tyougoblankyourself?”Skylertossedthehalf-eatenrollacrossthetable.
“Blank myself?” Viktor’s face scrunched up in confusion. “What the hell is that supposed to

mean?”

“I’mwatchingwhatIsay.CarsoniscopyingeverythingIdoandsay.Igotacallfromhisteacher

lastweek.Itseemsmysontoldakidtoshutthefuckup,soI’vebeenworkingoncussingless.”

PhillipstaredbetweenViktorandSkylerastheytalkedandhestartedtolaugh.“There’snevera

dullmomenthere.”

“Nope, there sure isn’t.” Devon smiled at him. “So if you two are finished I’d like to hear why

Phillipcalledusalltogether.”

Everyoneintheroomturnedtolookinhisdirection.Phillipwasusedtotalkinginfrontoflarge

crowdsbutashelookedoutamongthefacesonlyonestoodout.Caspergazedathimwitheagereyes
andPhillip’shandsbegantosweat.

“Brycehaspostponedwantingtocometodinnerforafewdays.”HeturnedhisstaretowardJosh

andJensen.“SeemshegotwordofanallegedwolfsightinginCamdenandhewenttocheckitout.”

“Fuck!”Joshslammedahanddownonthetable.
“Hey,”Skylersnapped.“Language.”
“Sorry.”JoshsneeredoveratSkyler.“Blankety,blank,blank,blank.”
Phillipthoughtallthepackmembersfoughtlikebrothers.Annoyingattimesbutalwaysmadefor

agoodlaughbutnowwasn’tthetimeforhumor.

“Guys, I’m sorry to interrupt.” Phillip cut in before the two started to argue. “But this could be

serious.BrycewillmorethanlikelystartafileonJoshandJensen.”

“Whatdoesthatmean?”Jensen’spalefacewentthreeshadeswhiterifthatwerepossible.
“It means he’ll have hunters watching you two. They’ll follow you around and document your

activities.ItoldhimthatIknewyoutwoandI’mhopingmywordwillbeenoughbutyoucannever
tell.IthinkBrycebeinghereinNehalemisanoddityinitselfsoweallneedtotakeprecautionsforthe
timebeing.”

“Whatkindofprecautionsareyouthinkingabout,Phillip?”Devonasked.
“Likewediscussedlastnightthemostimportantwouldbenoshiftingofanykind.”Agasprang

outalongthetable.

“Forhowlong?”Devon’sfacehadgonehardandhischeeksreddened.
“To be honest I’m not sure,” Phillip answered. He couldn’t put a time frame on something like

this.ForallPhillipknew,theycouldhavehunterswatchingthehouserightnow.

“Thisisinsane,”Viktorsaidashestoodupfromthetable.“Withallduerespect,Phillip,you’re

notevensureBryceknowsanythingaboutus.It’sallahunchonyourpart.”

ViktorwasrightbutPhilliphadgrownaccustomedtolisteningtohisgutanditsaidtonottrust

Bryce.Beforehecouldopenhismouthtospeak,Devonspokeup.

“I’m the alpha of this pack and if Phillip says this is what we need to do, then we do it.” He

leveledhiseyesonhisbrother.“Philliphasputhimselfatriskbyhelpingusonmorethanoneoccasion.
IfhethinksthisisforthebestthenIagreewithhim.”DevonturnedhisattentionbacktoPhillip.“What
elsedoyouneedfromus?”

“Notshiftingisthemainthing.Obviouslynotalkingaboutiteither.”Hiseyestraveledtowhere

Eriksat.Themanyawnedandhadaboredlookonhisface.ThesortofthingPhillipexpectedfroma
teenager.“Andnorunningoffonyourown.”

“Huh?”Erikraisedhisblondeyebrows.“Whyyoulookingatme?”
“Becausehalfthefuckingtimewedon’tknowwhereyouare,”Devonsaidinaharshvoice.
“Language.”Skylersangouttheword.
“Notnow,Skyler.”Devonswungbacktowardhiskidbrother.“Youwillonlyleavethishouseto

gotoschool.Ifthereissomewhereelseyouneedtogo,oneofuswillgowithyou.I’mshorteningyour
leash,Brother.Youwillnolongerhavefreereintodoasyouwish.Untilthisissettledyouhavetodoas
Isay.”

“Leash?”Erikstoodupsofasthischairwentsailingbehindhim.“ShouldIcallyoumasterand

bowatyourfeettoo?”

“Everyoneneedstocalmdown.”Philliptriedtointerjectanddefusethesituation.

DevongotupfromhischairandstompedtowardwhereErikstood.Hehoveredoverhisyounger

brotherwithangerinhiseverymovement.Philliphoppedupfromhischairtogobreakthetwoapart.

“I get that you are going through some stuff, Erik.” Devon’s voice had gone rough. “But

everythingwedoistokeepeachothersafe.I’msorryifyoudon’tlikeitbuttheweekyouweretaken
washellonViktorandI.Haveyourtempertantrum.Idon’tcarebutyouwillabidebymyrules.Mom
andDaddidn’trisktheirlivestoletyougoandgetyourselfkilled.”

“Comeonnow.”PhillipplacedahandtoDevon’schestandlightlypushedhimback.Aidengotup

tohelppullhismateawayfromhisbrother.“Erik,thisisonlytemporary.I’msorrytoevenhavetoask
thisofyoubutifBrycediscoverswhat’sgoingonhereI’mnotsureIcanprotecteveryone.”

Theyoungman’seyeswelledupwithtearsandhequicklywipedthemaway.Erikgaveastiffnod

ofunderstandingthenranoutoftheroom.

“IguessthismeansweneedtotalktoCarson.”Skylerstoodfromthetable.“Thatkidhasbeen

shiftingeveryfiveminutes.Ikeepfindingclothesallovertheplace,thebackyard,thekitchen,evenon
thestairs.”

“Carson and Erik are my main concerns,” Phillip admitted. “I might just be overreacting but I

thinkit’sforthebest.Bettertobesafethansorry.”

“Iagreewithyou,Phillip.”Noahreachedouttoshakehishand.“I’msurprisedtonotseeBrandon

here.”

“IcalledhimwhenIwasonmywayhereandhethoughtitbestthathenotcomeout,”Phillipsaid

inalowvoice.

Noah’seyeswidenedwithunderstanding.BrandonwasErik’smateandthecausefortheyounger

man’s need to run wild at all hours of the night. Erik was still too young to become involved with
BrandonandfromPhillip’sunderstandingBrandonwasn’tsurewhathewantedtodowhenitcameto
Erik.AverysensitivesubjectthatPhillipavoidedatallcost.Brandonwasagreatguyandanamazing
hunter. Phillip didn’t like the sad depressed man he had become. Erik thought he was the only one
hurtingandthatwasn’tthecase.WhereErikactedouthisemotions,Brandonkepthisbottledup.

Onebyoneeveryonestartedtofileoutoftheroom.PhilliphungbacktalkingtoNoah.Thehairs

onthebackofhisneckstartedtoriseandhelookedoverhisshouldertoseeCasperstaringathim.

“Dad,yougoingtostayforlunch?”
PhillipreluctantlylookedawayfromCasper.“Sure,I’dlikethat,Aiden.”
Aiden smiled wide and wrapped his arm around his shoulders and herded him out of the room.

Phillip glanced back toward Casper but the man had already left the room. He knew the man was
somewhere in the house but he couldn't help but worry. The more time he spent around Casper the
harderitwasbecomingtoignorehisattractiontowardhim.

ChapterNine

Lunch turned into dinner, and Phillip found himself not wanting to leave. He’d spent the day

talkingstrategywithDevonandViktor.Theyagreedstayinginhumanformwouldbeforthebestand
they’ddothataslongasneedbe.IfBrycediddiscovertheywerewolfshifters,theyhadtoactfastand
takeoutthethreat.Phillipdidn’tlikekillingpeoplebutifitmeantkeepinghissonandCaspersafethen
he’dgladlypullthetriggerandnotthinktwiceaboutit.

“Whydon’tyoujuststaythenight?”PhilliplookedupfromhischairtoseeDevonleaningagainst

thewall.“Ireallythinkit’dmakeAidenhappy.Hehasn’tseenyouinnearlyamonth.Hemissesyou,
Phillip.”

Philliprubbedahanddownhisface.“I’vemissedhimtoo.”
Devonsmiledathim.“Soyou’llstay?”
HewasjustabouttosayyeswhenhesawCasperpassbythedoor.Casper’sblondhairhunginhis

facehidinghiseyesfromPhillip’sview.Couldhereallydothis?BeunderthesameroofwithCasper
andbeabletokeephisdistance?Onlyonewaytofindout.

“Yes,I’llstay,”Phillipagreed.
“Good.I’llgoandtellAiden.”Devonlefttheroominsearchofhismate.
Phillipsatbackinhischairandfinishedhisbeer.Hetracedhisfingeraroundtherimofthebottle.

A nervous jittery sensation crept over his skin and he began to tap his foot. He wanted to be able to
sleepnexttoCasper.Towatchhiseyelidsflutterashedreamed.Tofeelthewarmthoftheotherman’s
bodyashefellasleep.Phillipwouldcutoffhislefthandtohavethat.

Aboutanhourlater,AidenledhimupthestairsandgothimsituatedintheroomnexttoErik’s.

AidenandDevonthoughtitmighthelpkeepErikinlineknowingahuntersleptintheroomnexttohis.
Phillipdidn’tmind.HehopedErikrealizedthathislifewouldbeatriskifhegotcaughtgoingallwolfy
aroundtownlikehadbeendoing.Butwhoknewwithteenagers.Theywereanemotionallot.

When Aiden was that age, he had been nothing like Erik. Aiden had always been more mature

thanhisfriends,nevergotintotrouble.PhillipassumedhegotluckywithAiden.

But Erik? That kid needed a good smack across the back of the head and Phillip would gladly

volunteer.Eriktreatedhisbrotherswithdisdainandaseriouslackofrespect.DevonandViktorwere
doingeverythingintheirpowertokeepthatkidsafe,andPhilliphopedonedayErikwouldseethatand
thankhisbrothers.

“So, if you need anything Devon and I are right down the hall.” Aiden stood at the doorway

shufflinghisfeetonthefloor.

“Aiden,isthereanythingyou’dliketotalkabout?”Philliptookaseatonthebedandpattedthe

spotnexttohim.Hecouldtellsomethingwasbotheringhisson.

Aiden nodded his head, shut the door, and came to sit next to him. He started to chew on his

fingernailsandPhillipreachedouttostophissonfromcontinuingonthatnervoushabit.“Whatisit?”

“Doyoumissher?”
“Missher?”
“Mom,”Aidenwhispered.
Phillipthoughtthatwasatrickyquestiontoanswer.Hemissedthewomansheusedtobenotthe

woman he had lived with for the past few years. Silence stretched out between them. Phillip didn’t
know if he wanted to have this talk with Aiden. His son should hold on to the good memories of his
mothernottheshittyonesthatshehadlefthimwithintheend.

“She wasn’t the same was she?” Aiden broke the silence. “I mean she just seemed different

somehow.NotthemotherIgrewupwith.”

“I’dhavetoagreewithyou.”Aiden’schinstartedtotremble.Phillippulledhissonclosertohim

andhuggedhimtohisside.“ItwaslikeovernightshejustchangedfromthewomanIfellinlovewith
toacarelessandlovelessperson.”

“It’smyfault.”AidencriedintoPhillip’ssidewherehehadhisheadburied.“Ishouldneverhave

toldherIwasgayandmaybeshewouldstillhavelovedme.”

SeeingAidenallgrownandlivinghislifethewayhewantedmadePhillipproud.TothinkEmma

stillhadthiskindofcontrolovertheirsontoreducehimtoasobbingmesspissedPhillipoff.Aidenwas
agoodpersonwhofellinloveandstartedalifewithagoodman.Itshouldn’thavematterthatAiden
wasgay.

“Don’tsaythat,Aiden.”Phillipgrabbedhissonbythearmsandpulledhimuptofacehim.“To

livealiewouldn’thavemadethingseasierforyou.Yes,shewasyourmotherandyoulovedherbutif
shecouldn’tacceptyouthewayyouarethenthatwasherlossnotyours.”PhillipwantedtotellAiden
aboutKeithandhowheknewwhathissonwasgoingthrough,thefearanddoubt,buthewasn’tready
yet.

“Howcanyousaythat?”Aidenasked.“Shewasyourwife.”
“Icansaythatbecauseshewasmywife.Ilovedherverymuchbutyouaremychild.TheloveI

haveforyoutrumpsanythingIfeltforher.Shegrewtobeabitterwomanthattossedherownsonaway.
Icouldn’tlivewithsomeonethatcoulddothat.”

Aiden wiped at his eyes, smearing the wet tears across his face. “You were going to leave her

weren’tyou?”

Phillippursedhislipsinthought.Aidenwasabigboy,nouseinhidingthisanymore.“Yes,Iwas.

Butshewastheonewhoaskedmeforthedivorce.She’dgrowndistantfrommeaswellandIcouldn’t
proveitbutIthinkshemighthavebeenseeingsomeoneelse.”Thereweretimesshe’dcomehomelate
at night and then there were times she didn’t come home at all. The countless phone calls she had to
takeinanotherroomforhimnottohear.Hehadhissuspicionsbuthedidn’twanttoconfronther.She
hadhersecretsandsodidhe.

“Whydidn’tyouevertellme?”
“Becauseyoumightbeanadultbutyou’restillmylittleboy.Andwhateveritwasyourmother

andIhadbeengoingthroughitwasn’tyourfault.Peoplechangeandifyou’reluckyyoucanchange
togetherbutsometimeschangejustjamsawedgebetweentwopeople.Nooneisatfaultinsomething
likethat.”Phillipheldupafinger.“ButIdoblameherfortreatingyouthewayshedid.Gay,straight,
whatever,sheshouldhavelovedyouregardless.”

Aidenusedthecollarofhisshirttowipeuphisfaceandunderhisnose.Heblewoutahardbreath

andlookedupatPhillipwithabrightsmileonhisface.“Iloveyou,Dad.”

“Iloveyou,too.”PhillipstoodupandpulledAidentohisfeet.“Nowofftobed.I’msureDevonis

waitingforyou.”

OnceAidensaidhisgood-byes,Phillipshutthedoorandheadedtothebathroom.Heturnedon

theshowerandremovedhisclotheswhilehewaitedforittoheatup.Steambellowedfromthetopof
theshowerstallandhesteppedinside.Thehotwaterhelpedrelaxhistensemuscles.

He wasn’t sure if he should have told Aiden those things about his mother but it looked like it

helpedhisson.Aidenneededtoknownomatterwhatlivingalietopleaseotherpeoplewasn’tlivingat
all.LovewasloveandaslongashissonfounditandhispartnertreatedAidenlikeakingthatwasall
Phillipcouldeverhopefor.Lifewastooshorttoworrywhatotherpeoplethought.Aidendeservedtobe

happyandDevonmadehimhappy,soinreturnPhillipwashappyforthem.

Phillipfinishedwashingupthenturnedoffthewater.Hedriedoffhishairthenwrappedatowel

around his waist. Without a spare set of clothes here he’d have to sleep in the nude. He preferred to
sleepthatwaybutwithCaspersonearPhillipthoughtitwouldbebesttokeephisdickcoveredup.

Phillipopenedthebathroomdoorandsteppedoutintohisbedroom.
“Hey!”
ThesoftsoundofCasper’svoicebothfrightenedhimandsentajoltofarousalstraighttohiscock.

Phillipdroppedhishandstocoverthegrowingbulgeunderhistowel.

“Casper, what are you doing in here?” He had to admire Casper’s courage for sneaking into his

roomespeciallyinahousefullofwolfshifters.Ithadtobeamiraclehehadn’tbeencaught.

“I couldn’t sleep and thought we could talk.” Casper’s hand shook as he shoved his fingers

throughhishair.“Youknow,togettoknoweachotherbetter.”HelookedupatPhillipwithasmallgrin
playingacrosshislips.

Casper wore a white sleeveless undershirt and a pair of blue flannel pajama bottoms. His hair

lookeddampasifhehadjustgottenoutoftheshower.Phillipswallowedaroundthedrylumpinhis
throat.CasperlookedallsoftandinvitingashesatonthebedandPhillipdidn’tknowifhecouldcalm
hisragingoldbodydownenoughtohaveaconversationwiththeman.

“Sowhatdoyousay?CanIstay?”Caspersatinthemiddleofhisbedwithhislegscrossed.By

thelooksofithehadnointentionsofleavinganytimesoon.

“Ishouldsayno.”Phillipwalkedtowardthebed.Casper’seyesdroppedtostareathisbarechest.

GoosebumpsbrokeoutacrossPhillip’sskinasifhecouldfeelCasper’stouchonhisbody.Maybethis
wasn’tagoodidea.

“Butyouwon’t,”Caspersaidwithconfidence.
Phillipcametostopatthefootofthebed.HetiltedhisheadtothesidetoexamineCaspermore

closely.Caspermightonlybeeighteenbutheseemedoldersomehow.Phillipcouldn’tputhisfingeron
it.MaybetheabuseCasperhadsufferedthroughchangedhim.Madehimastrongerpersonthananyone
gavehimcreditfor.

“No,Iwon’t,”hesaidinalowvoice.Hecouldn’tstopstaringatthedarkswirlsofblueswimming

in Casper’s eyes. Phillip felt hypnotized by them. “But nothing else. Just talking.” He reinforced the
issuebecauseifCasperstartedtotouchhimhewasn’tsurehe’dbestrongenoughtostophim.

“Justtalking,”Caspersaidwithabigsmile.
PhillipwavedahandtowardtheheadofthebedandCasperscooteduptoresthisbackagainstthe

headboard.Phillipwalkedacrosstheroomandturnedoffthelightthenpulledbacktheblanketsonthe
bed.

Hequicklyclimbedunderthecoolsheetsandpulledthecomforteruptohiswaist.Suddenlyhe

feltshyandalittletooexposed.Hedidn’tknowwhatpowerCasperhadoverhimtomakePhillipfeel
like a kid again. He just had to remember to be an adult about the situation and to keep the blanket
wrappedtightlyaroundhiships.

ChapterTen

Casper didn’t know what he was thinking when he snuck into Phillip’s room but now as he lay

nexttothemanhecouldn’tunderstandhowheeverthoughthecouldstayaway.

Phillipsatstiffasaboardstaringstraightinfrontofhimasifsomethingveryimportanthadbeen

writtenonthefarwall.Itwasgoodtoknowhewasn’ttheonlyonenervous.

Herolledtothesideandrestedhisheadinhishand.Hiseyeshadalreadyadjustedtothedarkness

andhelethiseyesroamoverPhillip’sbareskin.Phillip’snippleshadpebbledtotightlittlepointsand
his chest rose and fell with every heavy breath he took. Casper desperately wanted to reach out and
combhisfingersthroughthehairmattedtoPhillip’ssculptedchest.

“Sowhatdoyouwanttotalkabout?”Phillipaskedwithoutlookingathim.
“Whywon’tyoulookatme?”Casperaskedinaharshwhisper.Itmadehimfeelunwelcomeand

heshouldn’tfeelthatway.Theyweremates.Phillipshouldalwayswanthimaround.

“Becauseif I doI’m not sureI can keep fromkissing you again,”Phillip said through clenched

teeth.InthedarknessCaspercouldseetheslighttwitchtotheman’sjaw.

Heclosedhiseyesasthememoriesflashedbehindhiseyelids.ThesoftnessofPhillip’slips,the

moistheatthatfannedacrosshisfaceasPhilliptookhismouthinahungrykiss.

Casper reached down to adjust his growing cock. Now that Phillip had woken up that part of

Casper’sbodythedamnthinghadamindofitsown.

Not thinking twice about it, Casper rolled over and straddled Phillip’s lap. The man gasped in

shockandCasperbroughtuphishandsoneithersideofPhillip’sface.Phillip’sstrongfingersreached
out and gripped him low around the waist, his fingertips pressing into his hips. Before he lost his
courage, Casper leaned down and took Phillip’s lips in a passionate kiss. Instincts took over as he
nippedandlickedhiswayinside.Phillip’slipswerepliableunderhistouch.

HecouldfeelPhillip’sfingersastheyworkedtheirwayupunderhisshirt.Ashiverrolledoverhis

bodyandheshuddered.CasperletgoofPhillip’sfaceandlethisfingersroamdownwardtocaressover
thetannippleshehadbeenadmiring.

Casperpinchedthelittlenubbetweenhisfingertipsandrolledthesensitiveflesh.Phillipgroaned

intothekissandpulledCaspercloser.Ahardbulgepressedupagainsthisassandforthefirsttimeever
Casperdidn’tflinchawayinfear.Phillipwasn’tlikethoseothermen.Theywerematesnomatterhow
hardPhillipmightwanttodenyit.CaspercouldfeelthepullinhischesttellinghimPhillipwashisand
onlyhis.

Thekissgrewdeeperandeventheneedforaircouldn’tpullthemapart.Casperkeptfondlingone

nipple and let his other hand travel down toward the dusting of hair that would lead him to Phillip’s
cock.Hewedgedhishandundertheblanketandhisfingertipsbrushedtheswollenhead.

Phillippulledbackfromthekissandgrabbedhishand,stoppingCasperfromgettingagoodhold

onthethickhotlength.“Weneedtostopthis.”Phillip’svoicesoundedroughandhishandshookashe
heldhimselfback.

“ButIdon’twantto.”CaspertriedtoleanclosertokisshismatebutPhillipstoppedhim.
“We’removingtoofast.”Philliptookadeepbreath.“Aftereverythingyou’vebeenthrough—”
“Enough!” Casper snapped. He could handle everyone else treating him with kid gloves but not

his mate. “Don’t you get it?” Casper stared into Phillip’s eyes silently pleading for the man to
understand.“It’sbecauseofeverythingIwentthroughthatIneedthis.Needyou.”

“I don’t understand.” Phillip’s hold loosened and Casper leant forward bracing himself on his

hands,hoveringoverPhillip.

“AllIhavearebadmemories.Ineedgoodoneslikethistoreplacethose.Iwanttofeelwhatit’s

liketobetouchedinalovingway.”HeplacedalightkissonPhillip’slips.“Iwanttofeelyoutouch
me.”

Phillipstaredwide-eyedathimasifsearchingforsomething.“Idon’tknow,Casper.”
“Please,Phillip.Helpmeforget.”
After a long moment something seemed to flash across Phillip’s face, understanding or need,

Casper wasn’t sure. With gentle force Phillip pulled him down until they lay chest to chest. Casper’s
lipsfoundhisandtheydoverightbackinwheretheyleftoff.Tonguesduelingforentranceandcontrol,
handsgrabbingandstroking.PhillipliftedCasper’sshirtuphischestandCaspersatbackonhisheels
totugitoff.

Withtheshirtgonehesatstaringdownathismate.Phillip’seyesglowedinthedarknessasifa

fire smoldered inside them. In a fast movement he never saw coming, Phillip rolled them over with
Caspertrappedbeneathhim.Casperreacheddownpushingtheheavycomforteroutofthewayuntilit
laycrumpledatthefootofthebed.

HegaspedasPhillip’swarmhandsshovedhispantsdown.Phillipusedhisfoottokickthepants

outoftheway.ThefeelofPhillip’sbodyontopofhisdidn’tcausehimtopanic.Thepressureandheat
comingoffofPhillipleftCasperquiveringformore.

Casperspreadhisthighs,andPhillipslidinclosernotleavinganinchofthemnottouching.His

cockthrobbedandachedforrelease.Pre-cumleakedoutthetip,smearingacrosshisstomachasPhillip
gentlythrusthishipsforwardcausingtheircockstorubagainsteachother.

“Iwantyousobadly.”Casperpanted.
“I’m right here.” Phillip kissed down his neck until he reached Casper’s shoulder and bit down

gently.

Casper’s hips bucked up as he felt Phillip’s teeth graze over his skin. He could feel his balls

growingheavyandhisorgasmrightatthecuspwaitingtosendhimoverintooblivion.

PhillipsatupjustenoughtowraphisbighandaroundhisandCasper’sshafts.Hishandmovedin

afastpacekeepingintimewiththemovementoftheirhips.

Casper threw his head back and opened his mouth to scream as his release ripped through his

body,splashingwarmthoverhischest.PhillipcoveredhismouthwithhisotherhandsilencingCasper’s
shoutsofpleasure.JustashewascomingdownfromhisorgasmichighPhillip’sbodystilledoverhis.
PhilliprestedhisforeheadagainstCasper’sandhisfacescrunchedupasifinpainthenanotherfloodof
warmgooeynesscoveredCasper’schest,mixingwithhisown.Casperclosedhiseyes,lovingthefeelof
beingmarkedinhismate’sscent.

OncethetremorsstoppedrackingthroughPhillip’sbody,hefellforwardcrushingCasper.Casper

wrappedhisarmsaroundPhillipholdinghimtight,neverwantingtobeseparatedfromhim.Beingwith
Phillipmadehimfeelsafeandloved.

“Ireallydidn’tmeanforthattohappen,”Phillipsaidasherolledoffofhimtolayonhisback.
“Meeither,butIdon’tregretit.”Casperturnedtogazeuponthemanhehadfalleninlovewith.A

momentspentwithPhillipwouldneverbeclassifiedasregret.Phillipdidn’tknowitbuthewashelping
Caspergethislifeback,takecontrolofsomethinghethoughtwouldbeforeveroutofhisreach,love.

“Casper,baby,Ineversaiditwasabadthing,justsomethingIhadn’tplannedon.”Phillipsatup.

“Ilovebeingwithyou.It’sjustI’molderandshouldknowbetter.”

“Ifyousayit’sbecauseI’mjustakid,IswearI’mgoingtopunchyou,”Caspersaidteasinglybut

he meant it. Age shouldn’t matter when it came to love. In the eyes of the law he was considered an

adult,andhismateshouldseehimassuch.

“Am I that readable?” Phillip scrunched up his face with one eye shut, as if he were winking at

Casper.

“Justalittlebit.”Casperhelduphisthumbandforefingeraninchapart.
Phillipchuckled.“IknowIshouldn’tcarewhatothersthinkbuthell,you’reyoungerthanmyown

son.” Phillip got up from the bed and walked toward the bathroom. A moment later he came back
carryingawashcloth.“AndIstilldon’twantyoutofeelpressuretodosomethingyou’renotreadyfor.”

CasperlaythereandwatchedinwonderasPhillipwipedthecoolingcumfromhisbelly.Hetook

care to not be rough. The warm swipes of the cloth combined with Phillip’s touch had Casper’s cock
stirringbacktolife.

“Ilovethataboutyou.”CasperreachedouttostopPhillip’shand.“You’realwaysthinkingofme

andhowitmightaffectme.NoonebesidesmyparentsandCarlhaveeverdonethat.Thankyou.”He
satupandkissedPhilliponeachcheek.“Andageisjustanumber.”Heshrugged.“Ifitdoesn’tbother
us,whyshoulditmatterwhateveryoneelsethinks?”

“Howdidyoubecomesowise?”Phillip’seyesdartedbetweenCasper’s.
“MaybeIwasbornthisway.”
“Maybeso.”Phillipgrinnedathimthenlookedtowardthedoor.“Sinceyouarealreadyhere,do

youwanttostaythenight?”

FinallyCasperfeltlikePhillipwasacceptingtheirmatingbond.Asmilelituphisface.“Ithought

youwouldneverask.”

Philliptossedthewashclothinthebathroomthenwalkedbacktothebed.Casperreacheddownto

rearrangethecoversandscootedovertomakeroomforPhillip.Philliplayonhisbackandstretchedan
armout, beckoning himcloser. Casper curledin close, resting hishead on hismate’s chest. The little
hairscoveringPhillip’schesttickledhischeekasherubbedhisfaceagainsthismate’sbody.Heinhaled
thefreshscentofPhillip’ssoapandthesmellofhisheatedflesh,atranquilaroma.

“Whatwasitlikeforyou?”
Soenthralledwithsniffinghismate’sbodyhedidn’thearwhatPhilliphadasked.“Hmm?”
“Whatwasitlikeforyouthepastthreeyears?”Philliphesitatedforamoment.“Ifyoudon’twant

totalkaboutit,I’llunderstand.I’mjustcuriousisall.”Phillip’shandlightlystrokedoverhisback.

Casper knew this conversation would eventually come up. He just hadn’t mentally prepared

himselfforittotakeplacesosoonafterbeingintimatewithPhillip.

“No,it’sokay.”Caspertookadeepbreathasthememoriesrushedaroundhisbrain,alwaysthere

reminding him of where he came from. But Casper refused to let them win. Tobias had no hold over
himanymore.

“At first living with Tobias hadn’t been so bad. He had tutors come in to homeschool us. He

boughtuswhateverwewanted.Itwasniceforawhile.”

ThatwasthefuckeduppartforCaspertowraphisbrainaround.Tobiashadn’talwaysbeencruel

tohimandCarl.Themanhadtreatedthemkindlyinthebeginning.“AllthatchangedwhenCarltold
himhewasn’tinlovewithhim.”CaspercouldstillhearTobiasscreamingatCarlthatifCarldidn’tlove
him, he’d make him love him. “He promised to make Carl suffer for not wanting him by any means
necessary.”

“Tobiasusedyouinordertopunishyourbrother?”Phillip’shandstilledonhisback.
Henoddedhishead.“HethoughtitwasagoodwaytobreakCarlanditdid.Carldidwhatever

Tobias said but it didn’t stop him from letting his friends have access to me. It was a sick game for
them.”

“That’sawful.”PhilliptracedhisfingeroveroneoftheraisedmarksonCasper’sarm.“Andthisis

howyougotallthesescars.Fromthosemen?”

“Yeah.”Caspernodded.“Somejustwantedtohavesexwithmeandotherslikedtoseemebleed.”

He could still remember the crack of the whip or the crunch of his bone under some man’s fist as it
camedownhardonhishead.Thosememoriescausedhiseyestowaterbutherefusedtolethistears
fall.

“Fuck, Casper!” Phillip pulled him up until Casper stared into his eyes. “How did you survive

throughallthat?Idon’tthinkIcouldhavelivedthroughamonthofthatletalonethreeyears.”

“Itwasn’teasy.”Allthosememoriesstillinvadedhismindeveryday.Hehadtoworkhardtonot

think about what those men had done to him. “The first year I wanted to die but I knew if anything
happenedtome,Carlwouldtakehisownlife.Icouldn’tletthathappen.He’smybrotherandhedidn’t
askforthistohappentous.”

“Thatwasverynobleofyou.”PhillipplacedhiswarmpalmagainstCasper’scheek.Hepushed

intothetouch,gainingstrengthfromhismate.

“Not noble.” Casper shook his head lightly. “It’s what you do for someone you love. He’s my

brotherandallIhadleft.”

“Icanunderstandthat.”Phillip’sstareroamedoverhisface.“ButIhavetoaskhowdidyoucome

outofthisseemingsountouchedbyitall?”

Thatwasagoodquestion.Alotofitwasshowforeveryoneelsebutalotofitwasfromhisown

self-determinationtonotletthemwin.Hecouldbethevictimandleteveryonepityhimbutwhy?Sure
he’dbeenthroughaterriblethingthatnooneshouldeverhavetodealwithbutfeelingsorryforhimself
wouldn’tchangeanything.

Casperdidn’twantorneedsympathyfromanyone.Ifhedwelledonwhatthosemenhaddoneto

him,he’dlosehisfuckingmindandCasperdidn’twantthat.Hewantedtoliveandexperiencelife.He
wantedtofindhisownhappinesswithouthispastinfringingonhisfuture.

“TobehonestI’mnottotallyunaffectedbyit.Ijustchoosetonotletitconsumeme.I’mfreefrom

allthatandIhavesomuchtolookforwardto.”CasperbentdowntocoverPhillip’smouth,silencing
anyfurtherquestionshismatemighthavehad.Hecouldn’texplainitanyotherway.Themenwhohad
abusedhimmighthavedamagedhisbodybutnothismind.

“You’rethemostcourageouspersonIhaveevermet,”PhillipwhisperedagainstCasper’slips.
Casper’sheartsoaredatwhatPhillipsaid.Toknowhismatethoughthimbravewasastepinthe

right direction. Phillip was a strong man who deserved a strong mate. Casper wanted to be that for
Phillip.

“Thankyou.Itmeansalottohearyousaythat.”CasperkissedPhilliponcemorethenlaydown,

snugglingclose.“Nowlet’sgetsomesleep.”PhillipwrappedhisarmsaroundCasper,surroundinghim
inacomfortingheat.CasperclosedhiseyesandletthesoundofPhillip’ssteadybreathingcarryhimoff
tosleep.

ChapterEleven

“Tellmeyouloveme.”
“Iloveyou,”PhillipsaidashechasedafterCasper.Themanracedthroughthewoods,withthe

soundofhislaughtertrailingbehindhim.Phillippushedhislegshardertocatchup.

“Promiseyou’llalwaysbethereforme.”
Everythingwentdarkandhecouldn’tseeCasperanywhere.Phillipspuninacircletryingtosee

something,anything.

A light flashed on and he could see Casper standing in front of him, only an arm’s reach away,

withhisbacktowardPhillip.

“Sayyou’llneverletthemhurtme.”
“Ofcoursenot.”PhillipplacedahandonCasper’sshoulder,urginghimtoturnaround.“I’lldo

whateverIhavetotokeepyousafe.”

SlowlyCasperturnedaround.PhillipgaspedinhorrorashewatchedbloodoozefromCasper’s

neckpaintingthefrontofhisshirtinadeepcrimson.

PhilliprushedforwardtocatchCasperashisbodystartedtofalltotheground.Hisarmscircled

Casper but grabbed nothing but air. He fell to his knees screaming out his pain. A hole in his chest
where his heart once lay grew hollow, engulfing his entire body. This couldn’t be happening to him
again.Tofindloveonlytoloseit.

“No!”Phillipcriedoutashesatupinbed.Hisbreathcameoutinheavypantsandsweatcaused

hishairtosticktohisforehead.Thenightmareseemedsoreal.

Moistureleakedfromhiseyesasthedreamreplayedinhishead.Theterrorhefeltashechased

afterCasperandtheheartwrenchingacheashesawthemanhelovedbleedingtodeathandhimunable
todoanythingtosaveCasper’slife.Itwasaparalyzingfeeling.Onehedidn’tcaretorelive.

Something beside him shifted, and Phillip looked down. Casper lay sound asleep, oblivious to

Phillip’sdistress.

Caspergroanedandpulledontheblanketasherolledtolieonhisside.Phillipeasedbackdown

and curled in close to Casper. The man’s heated skin warmed him up and chased away the chill
hoveringoverhim.

EverytimeheclosedhiseyeshesawCasper’slifelessonesstaringbackathim,silentlybegging

forhelp.

I won’t let anything happen to you. I swear it, Phillip vowed to himself as he closed his eyes,

willingforsleeptocomeandcarryhimofftoaplacewherenightmaresdidn’texist.

SometimelaterPhillipwoketothefeelingofmovement.Thebedshookasifonaboatfloating

outtosea.HecrackedopenaneyetoseeEriksittinginachairnexttothebedwithhisattentionglued
tohisfancylittlephone.Hehadhisfootproppeduponthebedandwaskickingitinasteadyrhythm
shakingthewholedamnthing.Phillipfoundthishighlyannoying.

PhillipglanceddowntoseethatCasperwasstillasleep,hisbodydrapedoverPhillip’schestlikea

heavyblanket.Erikletoutanoverlydramaticsighashecontinuedtokickthebed.

“Excuseme!”Phillipsaidinasleepriddledvoice.
“Oh,thankgod!”Erikstraightenedinhischair.“Ithoughtyouguyswouldneverwakeup.”
“Huh?”CasperstirredinPhillip’sarms,thenjerkedinshockwhenhesawEriksmilingdownat

them.“Erik,it’snotwhatyouthink.”

“Sureitisn’t.”Erikrolledhiseyes.

PhilliprubbedhishandupanddownCasper’sbacktryingtocalmhisstartledmate.“Casper,it’s

okay.”

Caspersatupandpulledthesheetuptohischin.
“Ifitwasn’tthesoundscomingfromthisroomlastnight,it’dbethesmellofsexcomingoffyou

two.”Erikwavedahandinfrontofhisface.

NooneknewabouthimandCasper,andPhillipwantedtokeepitthatway.Hejustdidn’tknow

howErikwouldreactnowthatheknew.“Whatdoyouwant,Erik?”

“I’mgladyouasked.”AnevilgrinworkeditswayacrossErik’shandsomeface.“There’samovie

IwanttoseeandyouandCasperaregoingtotakeme.”

Phillipgavethekidastunnedlook.“You’reblackmailingus?”Hecouldn’tbelieveit.
“I wouldn't call it that.” Erik tapped a finger to his chin. After a moment he narrowed his eyes.

“I’dsaymorelikekeepingyoursecretforafavorinreturn.”

“Whatsecretisthatexactly?”Phillipasked.
“Ohcomeon.”Erikarchedaneyebrowatthem.“ReallyhowstupiddoyouthinkIam?”Heheld

upahand.“Waitaminutedon'tanswerthat.”

“Erik,seriouslythisisn’tcool.”Casper’sfaceflushedtenshadesofred.
“Oh,Ithinkit’sverycool.Congratsbuddy.Youfoundyourmate,”Eriksaidinajoyfulvoice.
“We’renot—”
“Don't even try to say you’re not mates.” Erik interrupted Phillip. “Hello, it’s so obvious. The

moaningcomingfromherelastnightandthefactthatyoutwoarelyingnakedinbed.”

Phillip might have been able to talk his way out of this but should he have to? So what if Erik

knew?Themorehethoughtaboutitthelesshecared.

“Erik,pleasedon’tsayanything,”Casperbegged.“Wehaven’ttoldanyoneyet.”
“Isitbecausehe’sold?”ErikpointedovertoPhillip.“Igetthatit’sanoddpairing.Hell,Phillip’s

gotasonolderthanyou.”

Tears started to well in Casper’s eyes and Phillip didn’t want his mate to feel embarrassed or

ashamed.“Erik,that’senough.”

Asifjustnoticinghisfriend’sdistress,ErikgaveCasperathoughtfullook.“Cass,Ididn’tmean

whatIsaidtohurtyou.AllIwastryingtosayisthatitshouldn’tmatter.IfyouandPhilliparehappy
thenthat’swhatcounts.Screweveryoneelseiftheycan’thandleit.”

“Yeah?”Casperaskedinahigh-pitchedsqueak.
Erik hopped out of his chair and plopped down on the bed trapping Phillip’s legs beneath him.

Phillipgruntedfromtheexcessweightonhisshins.“Yeah.Ifanyoneknowswhatit’sliketohavean
older mate it’s me. Age is just a number really. If this old lug makes you happy then that is all that
matters.”ErikleanedforwardhuggingCasperaroundtheneck.

PhillipthoughtwhatEriksaidwassweet,alittleinsultingtowardPhillip,butsweetnonetheless.“I

havetoaskwhyyouwantustotakeyoutoamovie.”

“Besides the fact that I want to go, I thought it’d be a good first date for you and Cass.” Erik

shrugged.“AndIcan’tleavethehousewithoutachaperone,thankstoyouImightadd.”

He wanted to argue with the little shit that it was for his own good to have someone with him

whenhewentout,buthedidn’tgetthechance.

“Adate?”Casperasked.“I’veneverbeenononebefore.Thanks,Erik!”CasperpulledErikinfor

anotherhug.

PhillipcouldseetheexcitementonCasper’sfaceanddidn’twanttotakethatjoyawayfromhim.

What harm could come to them by going to a movie? And Erik had a good point. It’d give him and

CasperachancetoactlikearealcouplewithoutstressingoutaboutCarlorAidenfindingout.“What
time’sthemovie?”

“Wecango?”Casperasked,purehappinessglowinginhisdarkblueeyes.
“Yes,wecango,”Phillipsaidwithasmile.
Beforehehadachancetobracehimself,CasperandEriktackledhimtothebedsingingachorus

ofthank-you.

“Let’sgetupandgetready.”PhilliplookedatErik.“Istillneedtoclearitwithyourbrotherfirst.”
“I’m not worried. They love you and trust you.” Erik jumped off the bed with the grace of a

ballerina. When he reached the door he spun back around. “May I suggest you two take a shower,
separately. You’re covered in each other’s scent. And besides being highly distracting it’s a dead
giveawaythatyoutwoaremessingaround.”Hepointedtohisnoise.“Rememberuswolfshiftershave
anexcellentscentofsmell.”

“Yes,wedo,”CasperwhisperedashelookedatPhillip,lustblazinginhiseyes.
“Yeah,totallygross.”Erikopenedthedoor.“Bereadytogobyeleven.”
OnceErikwasgonePhillipturnedtolookatCasper.“Thatwasalittleawkward.”
“Yeah,buthemeanswell.”Casperdefendedhisfriend.
Phillip’seyesroamedoverCasper’spaleface.Hisheartthumpedinhischestthreateningtobreak

freeofitsboneandtissueprison.Forsomereasonhewasn’tbotheredbyErikknowingaboutthem.The
world didn’t come to an end with the announcement. Granted having Erik know the truth failed in
comparisontoAidenandCarldiscoveringit.

“Ihavetoadmit.”Phillipbrokethesilencethatstretchedoutbetweenthem.“I’mlookingforward

toourdate.”

CaspertiltedhisheadandgazedupatPhillip.“Youare?”heaskedinashockedtone.“Ithought

you’dbefreakingoutandtryingtofindawayoutofit.”

Phillipflinchedatthehurtinhismate’svoice.Mate?Phillipwasn’tsurewhathadchangedbuthe

knewonethingforcertain.WhenhelookedtowardthefuturehesawCasperrighttherebesidehim.

“Never.” Phillip pulled Casper close and kissed him on the lips. “In fact I can’t wait to get you

aloneagain.”HerolledoverontopofCasper,kissinghiswaydownhisneck.

“We’realonenow.”Casper’svoicetookonahuskytone.
“That we are.” Phillip covered Casper’s mouth with his own and swallowed down his mate’s

needylittlemoans.

Phillipdidn’thavealltheanswersandhewasn’tlookingforwardtotellinghissonorhismate’s

brotheraboutthem.TherewasalargeagegapbetweenthembutPhillipdidn’tcare.Heconnectedwith
Casperinawayhehadn’teverdonewithanotherlivingsoulbefore.Nowthatherealizedthis,Phillip
hadnointentionsoflettingCaspergetaway.Hesilentlyhopedhissonapprovedbutevenifhedidn’t
Phillip didn’t think it’d matter. The beginnings of love started to take root in his heart and he didn’t
wanttodenyhimselfhisownhappyending.

ChapterTwelve

AfterafewlongkissesandalittleheavypettingleftbothhimandCasperspent,Phillipushered

his mate out the door. They only had a couple of hours before their date and if they were messing
aroundandrunningbehind,Erikwouldcomelookingforthem,andPhillipdidn’tneedaredoofthis
morningwiththatkid.

Phillipshoweredandputbackonhisclothesfromthepreviousnightthenheadeddownstairs.He

found Aiden and Devon in the kitchen. The rich strong aroma of brewed coffee lured him in that
direction.Hefilledamugofsteamingenergyandtookaseatatthetablenexttohisson.

“Devon,wouldyoumindifItookErikandCaspertoamovie?”Phillipaskedashetookasipof

hiscoffee.

“Sure.”Devonshrugged.“Idon’tseewhynot.”
Phillipwantedtobreatheasighofrelief.Thathadgoneeasierthanheexpected.
“Youwanttospendtheafternoonwithtwoteenagers?”Aidenasked,andPhillipwantedtosnub

outthatastutepartofhisson’sbrain.ItdidseemoddforhimtowillinglywanttotakeErikandCasper
tothemoviesandhecouldn’tbegrudgehisson’scuriosity.

“I thought it’d be a good way to entertain the pair.” Phillip was pulling this out of his ass and

hopedhissonboughtit.“ErikwillgostircrazybeingunderhousearrestuntilwegetthiswholeBryce
situationclearedup.”ThewayAidennoddedhisheadPhillipcouldtellhissonwasbuyingwhathewas
selling. “And Casper needs to get out and live a little.” He shrugged. “And I’m perfectly capable of
keepingthemsafe.”

Aideneyedhimquestioninglyforamomentlongerthensmiled.“Okay.”
“Phillip,ifI’veneversaidthistoyoubefore,I’mgoingtosayitnow.”Devonplacedahandtohis

chestcoveringhisheart.“You’reasaintandIloveyou.”PhillipstartedtolaughandAidenjoinedin.
“No,seriously.Ilovemybrotherbutthatkidhasbeenapainintheasstobearoundlately.Imissthe
quietsweetyoungmanheusedtobe.IswearifhewereagirlI’dthinkhewasonhisperiod.”

PhillipwincedatDevon’scrudecomparison.“AndwiththatI’llgocheckonErikandCasperto

seeiftheyareready.”Hestoodupfromthetableandheadedfortheentrywayoutofthekitchen.

“Dad!”Aidencalledafterhim.
“Hmm?”Heturnedbackaroundwitharaisedeyebrowashelookedathisson.
“Iloveyou.”Aidensmiledupathim,andPhillip’sheartsqueezedtightinhischest.
“Iloveyoutoo,kiddo.”Phillipwalkedbacktowardhissonandkissedhimontopthehead.Witha

wavetoDevon,PhillipheadedbackupthestairstoErik’sroom.Hehadnodoubthe’dfindthepairin
there.

Phillipgaveastern,steadyknocktoErik’scloseddoor.Thekidwasdoinghimafavorbysetting

him up on a date with Casper but he couldn’t help feeling a small amount of resentment for being
blackmailedeither.

“Enter!”Erikshoutedthroughthecloseddoor.
Phillipturnedtheknobandsteppedintothekid’sroom.Thewallswerepaintedadarkblueand

postersofmusicbandsclungtothewalls.Clotheslayhaphazardlyalloverthefloor.AsPhilliplooked
aroundthepigstyofaroomhenoddedhishead.Yep,Erikwasthetypicalteenager,atotalslob.

“Whatchalookingat?”Erikstoodupandgazedabouthisroom.
“Damn,boy,howdoyouliveinhere?”Phillipwavedhishandaroundtheroom.“It’safreaking

mess.”

Erikrolledhiseyes.“Whatever.”Theyoungmanletoutadeepsigh.“Don’tyourememberwhat

it’sliketobeakid?There’snotimeforcleaning.”

“That part of my youth must have been missed upon me.” Phillip stepped over a large pile of

shirts.“Where’sCasper?”

“Oh,heshouldbehereanyminute.”Eriksatbackdownathisdesk,fingersclickingawayonhis

keyboard.“Igavehimsomeclothestoborrow.”

“Ihopetheywereclean,”Phillipmumbledunderhisbreath.
“Whatwasthat?”Erikaskedoverhisshoulder.
Phillip opened his mouth to answer the kid when the bedroom door creaked open. Casper stood

nervously clasping his hands in the archway. The sight of his mate took his breath away. Casper was
wearing a pair of distress colored denim jeans and a form fitting royal blue polo. The color made
Casper’seyesstandout.

“What?”Casperlookeddownathisshirt,pattinghishandsdownthefrontofhisbody.“DoIlook

okay?”

Phillip opened his mouth but couldn’t say anything. Casper looked handsome in the borrowed

clothes.Hisblondhairglowedintheafternoonlight.ThesweetscentofCasper’ssoapradiatedoffhis
body. God, he’d never tire of seeing Casper. The man could wear a paper bag and Phillip would still
thinkhelookedlikeamillionbucks.

“Youlookamazing,”Phillipsaidinahuskyvoice.
Casper’sfacelitupandhiseyesshinedevenbrighter.Phillipmadeamentalnotetoalwayspraise

his mate. After everything Casper had been through the young man needed as many compliments as
possible.CasperemittedanaturalbeautythatwouldalwaysholdthepowertobringPhilliptohisknees.

“Damnrighthedoes.”ErikwalkedovertoCasperandwrappedanarmaroundhisshoulders.
Phillipgaveasharpshakeofhishead,bringinghimselfbackfromdaydreaming.“So,Erik,what

timeisthismovie?”

Erikgaveadetailitineraryoftheday’splansbutPhillipwasonlyhalflistening.Hisattentionkept

strayingbacktoCasper.

CasperleanedoverErik’sshoulderashepulledupshowtimesatthetheaterinSilverCreek.The

young man nibbled on the side of his lower lip as he contemplated the times and what movies were
playing. Phillip took a step closer and rested his hand on the small of Casper’s back. The man didn’t
flinchjustlookedupathimandgrinned.

Theydecidedonatwelvethirtyshowingofsomeactionfilm.Philliphadneverseenitadvertised

whichdidn’tmeanmuch.Hedidn’twatchalotoftelevision.Hewasjusthappyitwasn’tsomechick
flick.

Erikledthewayoutofhisroompracticallybouncingashewalked.Casperturnedtofollowbut

Phillipreachedouttograbhisarm.WhenCasperturnedhisbigblueeyesupathimPhillipfelthimself
fallingforward.Hegentlykissedhismateonthelips.Itwasasimplebrushoflipsagainstlipsbutit
wasenoughtocausehiscocktostiffeninhisjeans.

“Whatwasthatfor?”Casperaskedlookingintohiseyes,searchingforsomething.
“BecauseIwantedto.”Phillipkissedhimagainbutwithalittlemoreforce.Histonguepressed

against the seam of Casper’s lips and the younger man submitted to him, opening wide for his oral
invasion.

AlltoosoonPhillippulledbackandsmileddownatCasper.“Webettergo.”
Casper nodded his head, and Phillip waved the man to go before him. He thought it was the

gentlemanlythingtodo.

AidenandDevonmetthematthedoor,andPhillipreassuredbothofthemhewastotallycapable

oftakingErikandCaspertothemovies.Theysaidtheirgood-byesandheadedforhistruck.

Erikwasfirsttoreachthetruck,andPhillippoppedtheautomaticlocktounlockthedoors.The

youngmanopenedthedoorandstoodbackusheringCasperinbeforehim.Phillipnoticedwhatthekid
was doing and made a note to buy Erik any outrageously priced candy he wanted at the movie. With
ErikopeningthedoorforCaspertogetinfirstitdidn’tlooksuspiciousforhimtobesittingsocloseto
Phillip.

Philliphoppedinthedriver’ssideandpulledupthecenterconsoletomakeroomforCaspertosit

inthemiddle.Oncethedoorswereshutandtheengineon,Phillipturnedaroundinthedrivewayand
headedfortheouterroad.

As they drove further from the house, Phillip reached over and rested his hand over Casper’s

whereitlayonhisthigh.Theyoungermanlookedoverathimwithaninnocentgrinonhisface.

Butterflies flew around Phillip’s stomach from anxiety of not wanting to look stupid or make a

mistake.Hefeltlikeakidagaingoingonhisveryfirstdate.HewantedtopleaseCasperbyanymeans
necessary.PhilliphadtomakethisdateperfectforCasper,beingasitwashisfirstoneever.Ithadbeen
yearssincePhilliphadbeenonadatewhereheactuallyfeltthepressuretoimpresstheotherperson.He
couldn’thelpbutfeelalittlerusty.

ThedrivepassedinarushasErikchattedthewholewaynonstop.Phillipsilentlylongedfordays

past when the kid barely spoke. Every now and again he’d catch Casper staring over at him but the
youngermanwouldquicklylookaway.

“Here’sthedeal,guys.”ErikturnedinhisseattolookathimasPhillippulledintoaparkingspot.

“I’m meeting with some friends so you two are free to sit wherever the hell you want in the movie
theater.”

“Youdon’twanttositwithus?”Casperaskedinasurprisedvoice.
“Casper,dude,you’reonadatewithPhillip.Youdon’tneedmecrampingyourstyle.”Eriklooked

atPhillipandwinked.

HecouldkissthemanbecausehedidwanttobealonewithCasper.Evenifonlyinadarkened

movietheater.Phillipthoughtofallthepossibilitiesandlittletoucheshecouldindulgehimselfinwith
Casper.Afewkisseshereandthere,alittlehandholding.

“Erik!” Phillip said loudly as the kid jumped from the truck. Erik turned to him with a raised

eyebrow,lookingannoyed.“Idon’tmindyousitingwithyourfriendsbutIcannotallowyoutowalk
aroundbyyourself.”

“Fine.”Erikslammedthedoorwithmoreforcethannecessary.
Phillipopenedhisdoorandgotout.HeheldoutahandtohelpCasperoutofthetruck.Hismate

took his hand and the warmth coming from Casper’s slender fingers caused a chill to run across his
skin.

OnceoutofthetruckheletgoofCasper’shandandmotionedwithhisheadtofollowErikashe

headedtowardthefrontofthebuilding.Erikwalkeduptotheticketbooth,andPhillipkeptafewpaces
behindhimwalkingwithhismate.Ashestoodthereheputhishandsinhispocketsandlookedaround
atthesunlitstreet.

TheEarlyBeanCafésatdiagonalfromthenewlyconstructedtheater,andPhillipgazedoveratthe

shop.Whathewouldn’tgiveforacupofMargie’scoffee.Thesweetolderladywhoownedtheshop
hadtakenalikingtohimonceAidenintroducedthem.Shelookedafterhimlikeamotherwouldason
andshedidthatforallthemeninDevon’spack.Shane,Viktor’smate,workedtherewithherandhe
always had nice stories to tell about her. She had a big heart and a lot of love to give. Phillip only

wishedhiswifecouldhavebeenmorelikeMargie.

Phillip smiled when he saw Margie step out of the shop. She was talking to someone and for a

momentwiththesuninhiseyes,Phillipcouldn’tmakeoutwhothestrangerwas.Hebroughthishand
uptoshieldtheafternoonsunandhenarrowedhiseyes.

Amanwithgrayhairandtannedskinstoodnexttoher.Heworeapairofsunglassesandcasual

clothingbutPhillipwouldrecognizethemananywhere.ItwasBrycelaughingandtalkingwithMargie.

Justthenalargesemidroveslowlydownthestreet.Phillipturnedtowardtheboystotellthemto

stay put and headed for the curb to cross the street. Bryce hadn’t called to say he was back in Silver
Creek. Last Phillip knew the man was in Camden. He couldn’t understand why Bryce wouldn’t have
calledhimtoletPhillipknowhewasbackintown.

Oncethetruckpassedandhestartedacrosstheroad,Brycewasgone.Helookedleftthenright

butdidn’tseeanysignsoftheman.Notstopping,hecontinuedintotheshop.Abellchimedabovethe
doorashesteppedinside.

“Phillip.”Margiebeamedasmileathim.“Whatalovelysurprise.”Shecamearoundthecounter

andgavehimabighug.“Whatbringsyouintoday,sweetheart?NeedacupofJoetogo?”

“Nottoday,Margie.”Hethumbedoverhisshoulder.FromwherehestoodhecouldstillseeErik

andCasperstandingoutsidethetheater.“I’mplayingchaperoneforErikandCasper.”

Shelookedoutthewindow.“Didyouloseabet?”
“Nah.Doingthisoutofthekindnessofmyownheart.”Philliplied.Therewasnootherplacehe’d

ratherbethanwithhismatebutshedidn’tneedtoknowthat.

“Margiewhowasthatmanthatyouwerejustspeakingwith?”Hisfacewentsolemnashespoke.
Margietiltedherheadandgavehimacuriouslookasifsheweretryingtorememberthenalight

litupbehindhereyes.“Oh,Ididn’tgethisname.Hestoppedbytograbalatteandwespokeforafew
minutes.SaidhewasnewtoSilverCreek.Askedwhatthetownwaslike.Seemedlikeaniceman.”

Phillipdigestedthatinfo.Mostenemiesdidseemniceandnonthreateninguntiltheyhadaknifeto

yourthroat.

Calmdown.You’reoverreacting,Philliptoldhimself.Hedidn’thavedefiniteproofthatBrycewas

uptoanythingnefariousjusthisownparanoidsuspicions.

“Whydoyouask?”Margie’seyesheldabitofworry.
“Ohnoreason.”Phillipsmiledtryingtotakethatconcernedlookoffherface.“Helookedfamiliar

isall.”Hebentdownandkissedheronhersoftwrinkledcheek.“Ibettergetbacktotheboys.”

“Yes,youbetter.”Margiepointedoutthewindow.“LookslikeErikisarguingwithsomeone.”
Phillip spun around. To his surprise he saw Brandon standing there with Erik and Casper. And

fromthelooksofitErikwasnonetoohappytoseetheman.

Heleftcallingoutagood-byebehindhimashedartedbackacrossthestreet.Casperkeptgiving

worried glances over his shoulder as Erik spat his venom at poor Brandon. Brandon was a big guy
standingsixfeetfourinchesandbuiltlikealinebacker.Thehardsharplinesofhisfacehadmostpeople
running in the opposite direction but not Erik. The saucy young man stood toe to toe with Brandon
growlingathim.

“I’ll ask you one more time.” Brandon took a visible deep breath, nostrils flaring, forehead

glisteningwithperspiration.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“LikeIsaid,”Eriksaidinaclippedtone.“It’snoneofyourgoddamnbusiness.”
BrandonwasgearinguptorespondwhenPhillipreachedthem.“Brandon,how’sitgoing?”
Brandonturnedtohimandhisfacesoftenedwithrelief.“Phillip,it’sgoinggood.”Brandontooka

step back from Erik to shake Phillip’s hand. “You babysitting?” He nodded toward Erik and Casper.

Erik’syoungfaceturnedbeetredwithanger.

“Youcouldsaythat.”HeflashedanervouslookingCasperasmile.“CanIspeaktoyouprivately?

Boys,staywhereIcanseeyou.”

Erik stormed off toward the door and waited. Casper followed along whispering to Erik. By the

looksofithewastryingtocalmtheyoungmandown.

“What’sup?”BrandonaskedashisgazedartedbacktowardErik’sdirection.
“Bryceisintown,”hesaidbluntly.
Brandon’sheadwhippedbacktowardhim.“Areyousure?”Phillipnoddedhishead.“Iwassure

he’dbegoneafewdays.Seemsalittleodd.”

“Mythoughtsexactly.”FromthemomentPhillipmetBrandonsixyearsagoheknewthey’dmake

a good team. They had the same instincts and the drive to do good, not just be mindless killing
machines.

“Sowhatdowedo?”BrandoncastaworriedlookoveratErik.
“IguesswekeepaneyeoutandI’lltrycallinghimtonighttosetupameeting.”Phillipranahand

throughhishair.Thedayhadjustbegunandhewasalreadyexhausted.“There’ssomethingelsebutyou
havetokeepthisinformationtoyourself.”

“Whatisit?”Brandonaskedinahushedtoneandtookastepclosertohim.
Phillip crossed his arms over his broad chest and shifted to where he could see Casper. “I just

recentlydiscoveredthatCasperandIaremates.”

Brandon’seyesbulgedfromtheirsocketsandPhillipfearedtheman’seyeswouldpopouttoland

ontheground.“Areyouserious?”

“Ihadmydoubtsatfirstbut—”Phillipbroughtahanduptorubathisstrainingneckmuscles.He

justcouldn’tseemtostandstill.“We’remates.Justfoundthisoutyesterday.”Heshookhishead.“It’s
thecraziestthingever.Ijustmethimandit’shardtopicturemylifewithouthimorhowIevenexisted
before he came along.” He pointed a finger into his chest. “I’m a grown man for god’s sake. I don’t
believeinloveatfirstsightbutthere’sthispullIhavetowardhim.IthinkI’vealreadyfalleninlove
withhim.Howinsaneisthat?”

Sayingitoutloudsortoffeltfreeing.Brandonhadbeenhismainconfidantforthepastsixyears

andBrandonknewexactlywhathewasgoingthrough.Loveatfirstsighthadalwaysbeensomething
hethoughtonlyhappenedinmoviesbuthewasn’tinamovie.Thiswashislife.Alifehenowcouldn’t
imaginelivingwithoutCasper.

“Man, I know exactly how you feel.” Brandon’s shoulders slumped. “It almost feels like you’re

underatrancebutyoudon’tfeellikeyou’rebeingforced.”Heblewoutahardbreath.“Prettyfuckedup
feelingifyouaskme.”

“Itis.”JustthenCasperturnedtowardhimandsmiled.“ButI’mnotbotheredbyit.”
“Howoldishe?”Brandonasked.
“Eighteen. He’ll be nineteen in a month.” Still young but in the eyes of the law Casper was of

legalconsentingage.Plus,CasperwantedPhillipjustasbadashewantedhim.

“Wellyou’reluckyonthat.”Phillipcouldheartheenvyinhispartner’svoice.
Brandon found out the hard way that he and Erik were mates. Erik had only been sixteen at the

timeandhestillhadagoodsevenmonthsbeforeErikbecameoflegalage.IfBrandonfeltafractionof
whatPhillipfeltforCasper,ithadtobehellontheman.

“SodoesAidenknow?”
“Nah,Ihaventoldhimyet.Alittleafraidofhisreaction.Youknowwiththewholeyourdadis

gay and his mother just died. Seems a bit too soon to pile more stress on the poor boy’s shoulders.”

PhilliphadtoldBrandonaboutKeith.Hedidn’thaveachoice.Thenightmareshehadbeenhavingwere
wakinghimeverynightincoldsweatsandrobbinghimofanysleep.Brandonhadnoticedthechangein
himandhetoldhimstraightup.Brandondidn’tjudgehimbuthewasconcernedforhim.Theywere
friendsandthat’swhatfriendsdid.

“True but you won’t be able to hide it for long. This fucked up mating bond will drive you

insane.” Brandon scratched irritably at his forearm. “Best to come clean and the happier you will all
be.”

“Areyoutwodonetalkingyet?”EriksnappedmoreatBrandonthanathim.
“Yeah,”Phillipanswered.
“Good,myfriendsarehere,”Eriksaidcheerfullyasheturnedtowaveatagroupofyoungmen

walking toward him. “Casper, remember what I said. Sit in the top left or right corner. It’s more
secludedanddarkerinthoseareas.”HewinkedataredfacedCasper.“Noonewillbethewiserifyou
getalittlefrisky.”Erikmadeapoppingsoundwithhislipsthenturnedtogreethisfriends.

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” Brandon started after Erik. “How the hell would he

knowthat?”

“Brandon,letitgo.”PhillippulledBrandonbackbythearm.“He’sjusttryingtopissyouoff.”
“Wellit’sworking.”Brandonpulledouthiswallet.“Whatmovieareyouseeing?IthinkIneedto

helpyouwatchthesetwo.”

PhillipbitbackhischuckleandtoldBrandonwhatmovietheyweregoingtosee.Erikhadpushed

therightbuttonsonhismatetosendhimintoajealousmess.Brandonplayedagoodgameofnotcaring
butPhillipknewhowmuchthemandid.HehatedbeingdeniedaccesstoErikbutitwasforthebest.
Thekidwasstilltooyoungandbyhisactionstodayitjustproveditevenmore.

“Ishegoingtobeokay?”Casperleanedtowardhimtoask.
“Yeah.He’sabigboy.He’llbejustfine.”PhillipheldthedooropenforCasperastheyenteredthe

movietheater.Theyhandedaboredlookingteenagertheirticketstubsthenwenttotheconcessionstand
togetsomesnacks.Loadedupwithsodas,candy,andpopcorn,theyheadedtowardthetheatershowing
theirmovie.

AsErikhadsuggested,theytooktheseatsfarupintherightcorner.Thelightsweredimmerin

thissectionandprovidedthemsomeprivacyinapopulatedmovietheater.Philliptookhisseatandonce
CasperwassituatedhereachedoverandrestedhishandonCasper’swarmthigh.Ashysmilecreptup
Casper’sface,andPhilliphadthestrongurgetopullthemanintohislapandkisshimuntiltheirlungs
screamedforair.

Philliprelaxedbackinhisseat.FornowjustspendingtimealonewithCasperwasperfectlyfine.

Theyhadalotoftimeaheadofthemforeverythingelse.

ChapterThirteen

The lights went dim and the previews started to play across the large screen. Casper looked out

overthecrowdandcouldeasilyspotEriksittingwithhisfriends.HewatchedasErikthrewhishead
backandlaughedatwhateverhisfriendshadsaidlikeitwasthefunniestthinghehadeverheard.Erik
thenliftedhisarmandresteditovertheshouldersoftheboysittingnexttohim.

SittingabouttenrowsbehindErikwasBrandon.WithErikbeingawolfshifterheknewexactly

where Brandon was and Casper ventured to say the young man was putting on a show for his distant
mate.

CasperwantedtoshakehisheadatErikandtellhimtogrowup.OnedayErikwouldlookbackon

thisandfeellikeacompleteass.Casperbeinghisbestfriendthoughtheshouldcluehisfriendintohis
immaturebehaviorandassoonastheygothomehewould.

“Passthepopcorn,”Phillipwhisperedagainsthisear.
Casper’sfingerstrembledlightlyashehandedthebagovertohismate.Whenhisfingersbrushed

againstPhillip’sallthoughtsofErikvanishedfromhismind.Philliphadcrossedhislegsandrestedthe
bag in his lap. He kept his left hand on Casper’s thigh while he used the right hand to shovel the
popcornintohismouth.

TheimagesonthescreencauseddifferentshadesoflighttorippleoverPhillip’sfaceandCasper

couldn’tforcehimselftolookaway.WhenPhillipwouldbringthepopcorntohislipshistonguewould
dartoutslightlytolickthesmallpuffintohismouth.Casperfoundhimselfenvyingthesalted,buttery
food.

Hecontinuedtowatchhismate’slipsashechewedandswallowed,hisAdam’sapplebouncingup

anddownfromthemotion.Witheverymovementofhisjawthescarthatrandownthesideofhisface
shifted.Thethinmarkranfromhistemplerightnexttohishairlineallthewaydowntohisstrongchin.
Casper hadn’t paid much attention to it before but he thought it added to Phillip’s handsomeness. He
didn’tconsideritadisfigurement.

“Everythingokay,hon?”Phillipasked.
Casper quickly looked up from lusting over the side of Phillip’s face to see his mate smiling at

him.Hemaskedhisembarrassmentwithasmile.“Ofcourse.”Heshiftedinhisseatandrestedhishead
onPhillip’sshoulder.HecoveredhislefthandovertheonePhilliphadonhisthighandreachedwithhis
righthandtogetahandfulofpopcorn.

Aboutanhourintothemovie,Casperfoundhimselfgettingrestless.Phillip’sfingersstartedtorun

upanddownhisthighinaslowpattern.He’dstoprightatthecreasewhereCasper’sthighandhipmet.
Hiscockhadplumpeduptofullness,makinghispantsgotight.

HefranticallytappedhisleftfootashesilentlyprayedforPhilliptogojustalittlehigherandgive

himsomerelief.Theywereinadarktheaternoonewouldbeabletoseeathing.

Feeling bold Casper reached down with his right hand and cupped it between Phillip’s spread

thighs and lightly squeezed his bulge. He heard Phillip’s quick intake of breath and Casper smiled to
himself.CasperknewwhathewantedandhewantedPhillipnow.

LeaningoveruntilhewasrightatPhillip’sear,helickedouthistonguetotracearoundthesoft

earlobe.“Kissme,”hesaidbreathlessly.

Phillipturnedhisheadtolookathim.HispiercingblueeyesstaredintoCasper’sandhefelthis

heartskipabeat.

It seemed like time slowed down as Phillip closed the distance and touched his lips to Casper.

CaspermoanedintothelighttouchtheneagerlylickedattheseamofPhillip’sfulllips.Phillipopened
enoughallowingCasperaccess.ThestrongtasteofbutterandsaltwereheavyonhistongueasCasper
rubbedhisalongsidePhillip’s.

AsthekissgrewmoreintenseCasperpulleduponthearmrestseparatingthemandscootedcloser

to Phillip. He fisted his hands in his mate’s soft shirt, pulling him even closer. Phillip grunted in
responseandranhisfingersuptogripCasper’shairinhishands.

Casper nipped and bit down none to gently on Phillip’s sweet lips. Kissing was great but his

arousalhadskyrocketedandheneededmore,alotmore.

WithadeepsighPhillippulledawayfromhimandrestedhisforeheadagainstCasper’s.Hisheavy

pantingfannedoverCasper’sface.“Ican’tbelieveI’msuggestingthisbutlet’sgetoutofhere.”

“Areyousure?”MorethananythingCasperwantedtobealonewithPhillipbuthedidn’twantto

pressurePhillipeither.

“Verysure.”Phillipkissedhimlightlyonthelipsthensatupinhisseat.“Meetmeatthebottom

ofthesteps.I’mgoingtogotellBrandontokeepErikintownforafewhoursuntilwecomebackto
gethim.”Hewinked.“Can’thaveErikgoinghomewithoutyou.”

HenoddedhisheadandwaitedforPhilliptopasshimthenstoodup.Pullingouthiscell,hetexted

ErikthatheandPhillipweregoingtoheadoutbutwouldbebackinacoupleofhourstopickhimup.
Erikrepliedbackwithasmileyface.CasperthentextedthatBrandonwouldbehangingoutwithhim
untiltheyreturnedandErikquicklyrespondedbackwithafacethatwasscowlingathim.Casperheld
backhisgiggle.

A few seconds later Phillip came rushing down the stairs. He grabbed Casper by the hand and

headedforthedoor.Casperhadtoquickenhispacetokeepup.Phillippushedthroughtheexitdoorstill
withCasperfollowingathisfeetandheadedforhistruck.

Thecrispwindthatblewthroughtheparkinglotdidnothingtocooldownthefirestormragingin

hisbody.Hisdickpulsedinhisjeansandheplacedhisfreehanddownpressingonhisrockhardcock
butitdidnothingtohelprelievethepressurechurninginhisballs.

“Getin,”Phillipsaidinahuskyvoiceoncetheygottohistruck.
Casperhoppedupandsatinthemiddleseat.Phillipclimbedinbehindhimandslammedthedoor.

Heputthekeyintheignitionandreversedoutoftheparkingspot,tiressquealingastheywent.

As they drove the short distance to Phillip’s house, Casper remained quiet. He thought if he

openedhismouththeblissfultrancetheywereunderwouldbreakandPhillipwouldputastoptothem
beingalonetogether.

Phillip’s street came into view and he turned down his drive. Once the car was parked, Casper

couldfeelhisnervesrampup.HewantedtobewithPhillipbutnowthattheywereherehewasworried
hewouldsomehowletPhillipdown.Theonlysexhehadeverhadhadbeenforceduponhim.Henever
enjoyeditandtrulythoughthe’dneverdoiteveragain,butPhillipcausedsomethingtosparktolife
withinCasper.Thethoughtofmakinglovetohismatedidn’tscarehimbutfilledhimwithasenseof
wonderandjoy.Hewantedtoexperienceeverythingwiththismanandonlythismanfortherestofhis
life.

“Wedon’thavetodoanything,”Phillipsaidastheysatinthetruckstaringathishouse,neitherof

themlookingateachother.

“No, we don’t.” Casper turned to him. “I won’t lie. I’m nervous as hell but it’s a good kind of

nervous.”Henibbledonhisbottomlip.“MyonlyfearisthatIwilldisappointyou.”

Philliplightly gripped Casperby the chinand angled his headto look athim. “You could never

disappointme.Ifanything,IfeellikeI’lldisappointyou.”

“Huh?”Caspernarrowedhiseyesathismateunsureofwhathemeant.
“I’m older than you and you deserve to have someone as young and as beautiful as you are.”

Phillip shrugged. “I also don’t want us being intimate to drudge up any bad memories for you. I
couldn’tstanditifyoueverhatedme.”

CasperreacheduptocaressthesideofPhillip’sface,tracingthescarthatrandowntheside.“First

off, get over the age thing. It doesn’t bother me. And seriously, have you looked in a mirror lately?
You’regorgeous.”Caspergrinned.“Andsecond,whatthosemendidtomewillnevertarnishwhatwe
share. I want to experience everything with you. To me this will be my first time because this is
somethingthatIwant.Thisismychoice.”

Phillip’sgazeranoverhisfaceandCaspercouldonlysmile.Hehopedhismateheardthesincerity

inhiswords.

With a smile on his face, Phillip opened the door and stepped out of the truck. He turned and

offeredhishandtoCasper.Caspertookhishandandletthemanleadhimtothehouse.

OncetheywereinsideCaspercouldseethepinchedfeaturesofhismate’sface.Hehadalookof

uncertaintyabout him andCasper didn’t wanthim to change hismind. He walkedup close to Phillip
andreacheduptowraphisarmsaroundPhillip’sneck,pullinghimdownforasoftkiss.

PhillipgaveinandrestedhisbighandsonCasper’snarrowwaist.TheykissedlazilyandCasper

enjoyedthesoftsmashoflipsandwarmmoistnessofhismate’stongue.AsthekissgrewdeeperPhillip
urged Casper backwards and he trusted his mate to guide him. He would happily give anything and
everythingtothisman.

****

As he walked Casper back to his bedroom, doubts started to jump out at him like fucking

roadblocks,warninghimtoturnbacknowbeforeitwastoolate.HewantedCaspernodoubtaboutit
but it had been so long since he’d been with someone else let alone another man. He wanted to be
everythingCaspereverdreamedofbuthisowninsecuritieshadhimsecondguessinghimself.

Casper pulled back from the kiss and his heavy sigh blew over Phillip’s face. “You know, I

thoughtI’dbetheonetoonervoustogothroughwiththis.”Caspergiggled.“Phillip,wedon’thaveto
doanythingifyou’renotcomfortable.”HelightlykissedPhilliponthelips.“Wecanwait.”

“It’snotthatIdon’twanttoit’sjustthatIwanttomakethisperfectforyou.”Phillipdesperately

searchedfortherightwords.“Idon’twantyoutolookbackonedayandregretthis.”Hisvoicelowered
tojustaboveawhisper.“Toregretme.”

Casper’swarmsmoothfingersbracedthesidesofhisface.“Howcanyouthinkthat?Icouldnever

regretyou.”Theyoungerman’slipbegantotremble.

AshestaredintothedeepblueofCasper’seyesitdidn’tmatterifhethoughthimselfworthy,it

wasthatCasperdid.

WithoutsayingawordPhillipcapturedCasper’smouthinapassionatekiss,swallowingdownthe

younger man’s whimper. He probed his tongue into Casper’s sweet moist mouth. With great ease he
pulledbackfromCasperasthemanfollowedhimforwardnotwantingtoseverthekiss.Everyinchof
himwasawareoftheclosenessoftheirbodies,eachintakeofbreath,eachexhale.

Casper gave him a gift with his love and trust, and Phillip would never break this bond. For so

longhefeltlostandnowhefoundhimselfwiththehelpofthisman.

Casper’slipsweresoft,yielding,andexceptingofthedelicatepressurePhillipunloadedintothe

kiss. He held himself back, not wanting to rush this special moment between them. Every flick of

tongue every nibble of teeth against his, Phillip could feel the fire churning in his gut, begging to
becomeonewithCasper.

Casper’shandsmovedupthesidesofPhillip’sarmsthentohisneck,causinggoosebumpstoflare

overhisskin.AsoftsqueezetothebackofPhillip’sneckurgedhimcloser.Faintmoansencouragedhis
questingtongue.

Slowly Phillip reached down and gently cupped his hands around Casper’s tight little ass. His

fingers tingled from the touch and Casper pressed himself forward, rubbing the stiffness behind his
zipperintoPhillip’sthigh.

PhillipeasedonehanduptogounderCasper’sshirtandstucktheotherhanddownthebackof

Casper’sloose-fittingjeans.Heatlikeheneverfeltbeforewarmedhishandsandmadehimhungerto
exploremoreofCasper’sbody.

Phillipmoved his hipsforward letting Casperfeel his own excitementas it burneda hole in his

pants.Caspermoaned,ashisfingersgrippedtightlyintoPhillip’shair.Withasmuchfinesseaspossible,
PhillippushedCasperback,causingthemantofallbackontothebedwithPhillipcoveringhisbody.
HenestledintothewarmspacebetweenCasper’slegs,theirlipsneverbreakingcontact.

“Iwantyou,”Caspersaidinbetweenkisses.“Don’tmakemewait,please,Phillip.”
HisheartpoundedandhewasshortofbreathatCasper’srequest.Thisonemanhadtheabilityto

makehimhotwithlustanddizzywithemotionsasitcoursedthroughhisbody.

“What’sthematter?”Casperaskedsoftly.
“Notasinglething,”Phillipsaidwithasmile.“Butyouarewearingtoomanyclothes.”
CaspergavehimawickedgrinthenpushedatPhillip’sshoulders,sendinghimfallingtotheside.

Hequicklyrecoveredashewatchedhismate,inamovetoofasttobefromahuman,pullhisclothes
off,tossingthemtothefloor.PhilliphadtoballuphisfisttokeepfromreachingouttotouchCasper’s
body. No hair covered his thin, yet defined chest. In that very moment all the scars that covered his
mate’sbodyseemedtodisappear.Casperlookedflawless.

As his eyes went lower he inhaled sharply at the sight of Casper’s thick hard-on. Casper’s cock

sizematchedhisbodyperfectly.Velvetsoftskinpulledtightoverhishardness.Phillip’stonguedarted
outashecaughtsightoftheglisteninghead,onesmalldropofpleasuresatatthetip.

“Now,you!”Caspersaidexcitedlyashelookedathim.
Phillipstoodupandslowlyunbuttonedhisshirt.Aseachbuttonbecamefree,exposingmoreof

hischesttoCasper,theyoungermanlickedhislipsinanticipationmakingithardforPhilliptofocuson
thesimpletask.Finallyhehadhisshirtoffandhewentforthefasteningonhisjeansashekickedhis
shoesoff.Heshuckedhispantsdownhislegstakinghisboxerswithhispantsinonetug.

Caspersatuponhiskneesonthebed,eyesroamingoverPhillip’snakedbody.Hisheartpumped

bloodfasterthroughhisveins.EverywhereCasper’seyeslookedathimitwasalmostlikePhillipcould
feelitlikeatouchoftheman’sfingers.ThenfinallyhedidfeelCasper’stouch.Casperreachedoutand
trailedhisfingersdownPhillip’schest,circlingeachnipple,thengoinglower.

He closed his eyes as Casper closed his fist around his length and gave it an experimental tug.

Casper’s grip felt a little unsteady and awkward but he didn’t let up. Up and down, rubbing his palm
over the flared head, smearing the pre-cum oozing out the tip. His movement improved with each
motion.

Phillip’sbreathingspedupashisorgasmrushedtothesurface.Heneededtocomebuthepushed

thatfeelingaway.TheyhadjuststartedandPhillipdidn’twantittobeoverjustyet.Withmuchregret
heplacedhishandoverCasper’s,stoppinghismovement.

“Laydown,”hesaidasCasper’sbigeyeslookedupathimquestioningly.

Casperdidashewastoldandpositionedhimselfbackonthebed.Phillipbentatthewaisttoopen

his nightstand drawer and pulled out the lube he used to jack off with. Never did he think when he
bought the small tube that he’d be using it to have sex. He tossed it on the bed beside Casper and
climbed up between his legs. Casper spread them wider to accommodate Phillip’s broad shoulders. A
slightshakerippleduptheyoungman’sthighasPhillippositionedhimself.

Phillip dipped down and kissed along Casper’s bare chest. His mate whimpered and moaned as

Phillippaintedhiswettongueoverthesupplepaleflesh.HecouldfeeltheraisedfleshfromCasper’s
scarsashetastedhisskin.Goinglower,PhilliplethistongueencirclethendartinsideCasper’snavel
thenhewentevenloweruntilthetipofCasper’scockbumpedtheundersideofhischin.Phillipletouta
gruffmoanashetookthespongyheadintohismouth.

“Oh,Phillip,”Caspergasped.“Sogood.”
Ithadbeenagessincehe’dsuckedanotherman’scock.AfterKeithhaddiedheneverfelttheneed

tobewithanothermanuntilCaspercamealong.ButPhillipwasquicklylearningthatitwaslikeriding
abike,somethingthathewouldneverforget.

HetookmoreofCasper’slengthintohismouth,hollowinghischeeks,suckingatthehardshaft.

Phillip relaxed his jaw and took Casper down to the root, rubbing his nose into the soft curls
surroundingCasper’scrotch.ThesmellofwarmfleshandCasper’sownmuskyaromafueledPhillipon
tosuckharderandfaster.

Phillip used one hand to cradle Casper’s balls as he kept up his oral assault on his lover. Spit

drippeddown Casper’s shaft,and Phillip pushedhis finger into hismouth to coatit. He then reached
behindCasper’snutsactoswipehisfingeroverhismate’sentrance.

Caspercriedoutandthrashedaroundonthebed.HiscockbegantoswellinPhillip’smouthand

thenanexplosionofsaltydelightfloodedhisthroat.Phillipdrankdowneverydropashecontinuedto
lickandsuckCasperthroughhisorgasmwaitinguntilhismatestoppedsquirmingaroundunderneath
himbeforehereleasedhim.

He slowly made his way up Casper’s body, dropping kisses as he went. When he hovered over

Casper’sface,themanhadasillyrelaxedgrinonhisface.

“Willyoupleasemakelovetome,”Caspersaidashereachedup,beckoningPhillipclosertohim.
PhilliplaydownoverCasperandtookhislover’slips.Hecouldfeelhiscockbrushtheunderside

ofCasper’sballs,knockingathisbackdoor.Phillippattedthesideofthebedlookingforthelubeashe
took Casper’s mouth. His mate needed to be prepared properly. Unlike what Casper had experienced
before, Phillip wasn’t a monster and he didn’t get off by causing others pain. He’d make damn sure
Casper’sbodywasreadytoreceivehisthickcockbeforehetookhisass.

HisfingersfoundthesmalltubeandPhillipproppeduponhisknees.Hesqueezedadolloponto

his fingers then reached between Casper’s legs. Casper jumped and giggled as Phillip covered his
quiveringholewiththeclearliquid.PhillipstareddownatCasperlookingforanysignsofpainbuthis
matelaythere,eyesclosed,smilingupattheceiling.Casperwasenjoyinghimselfthatwasforcertain.
Phillip smiled as he looked down Casper’s body noticing his young lover’s cock had become hard
again.Hewasn’tquitecertainifitevenwentsoft.

AshefeltCasper’sholerelaxunderhisfingertip,Phillipveryslowlybreachedthetightmuscle.

Caspergroanedbutdidn’tpullaway.HeverycarefullyworkedhisfingerinandouttakingCasperwith
such ease his mate didn’t flinch when he added a second finger. Phillip stretched Casper’s tight hole,
goingdeepereachtime.

“Ohmygod,ohmygod,”CaspersaidrapidlyasPhillipbrushedupagainsthisprostate.
Phillip bent to suck a mark up on Casper’s hip and pegged the man’s prostate more thoroughly,

applyingpressurewitheachplunge.

As his own cock throbbed with excitement, Phillip pulled his fingers free and sat back on his

knees.Hesnatchedupthelubeandsmearedmoreoverhisrockhardshaft.Casperstaredupathimwith
aglazedoverlookinhiseyes.

Phillip tossed the tube toward the floor then moved back to hover over Casper. He stared down

intohislover’sbigblueeyes.“Areyousureyoustillwantthis?”Hehadtoask,hadtobecertain.

“Morethananything.”Casperwrappedhisarmsaroundhisshoulderspullinghimdowntolayon

topofhim.

Once Phillip was in position he reached down to slowly guide his cock into Casper’s awaiting

heat.Asthewideheadpushedatthetinystarburst,CasperwhimperedandPhilliptriedtopullbackbut
Casperhadotherideas.Hismatewrappedhisthinlegsaroundhiships,heelsrestingoneithersideof
hisass,andurgedPhillipforward.PhilliptriedtostoptheforwardmotionbutCasperwastoostrong.

Inch by agonizing inch, Casper’s smooth heated channel swallowed Phillip’s cock. He moved

deeper, the pressure easing enough to allow for Phillip’s thick rod to fit perfectly. He was planted so
deephecouldfeelCasper’spulseashesatnestledinsidehim.

AftergivingCasperafewminutestoadjusthepulledoutandgentlypushedbackin.Theyboth

moanedatthesizzlingfrictionitcaused.Phillipthrustinandoutincontrolledmovementsnotwanting
topummelhismate’sholetothepointofpain.

PhillipdroppeddowntocoverCasper’smouthandspeduphismovementsjustabitatCasper’s

urging.Hismate’sheelsdugintohisasslikeajockeyridingahorseinarace,sprintingforthefinish
line.

Sweat broke out over his body and dripped down his back. Casper’s hot breath blew across his

faceashegaspedforair.Lavastartedtopoolinhisballs,threateningtoexplodewithhiscumlikean
eruptingvolcanodeepintoCasper’seagerhole.

Phillip’s hips out of instinct sped up. His dick pulled out almost completely with only the head

insidethenpushedbackintoCasper’swelcomingheat.Anysecondnowheknewhe’dlosethebattle
andshoothishotloadintoCasper.NotwantingtofinishfirstPhillipreachedbetweenthemandfisted
Casper’scock.Hepumpedatafastrateurgingthemantoletgoandcomeforhim.

“Phillip,”Casperscreamed,andPhillipcouldfeelhismate’scockeruptbetweentheirbodies.Hot

ropesofspunkshotfromCasper’scocksealingPhilliptohischest.Casper’shipsbuckedupoffthebed,
forcingPhilliptoholdhismateharderwithhisfreearm.

CasperburiedhisfaceinPhillip’sneckandwithoutwarningsomethingsharppiercedthroughthe

sensitiveflesh.Hecriedoutjustashisorgasmsweptthroughhisbody,paintingCasper’sinnerwalls.
Hisbodytensedandshookasherodeouttheeroticwavesofpleasure.

Slowly his breathing came back to normal and Casper released his hold on his neck. Phillip

dropped down to lay over Casper, bracing his arms on either side to keep from crushing his mate.
BreathaftercoolbreathfilledPhillip’slungsandhecouldfeelthelighttrickleofliquiddripdownhis
neck.

HesatupandbroughtahanduptothebiteCasperhadgivenhim.Whenhepulledhishandaway

hesawthebrightcrimsoncoveringhisfingers.HelookeddownatCasper.

“Sorryaboutthat,”Caspersaidinasleepyvoice.Heyawnedwideashelightlystrokedhisfinger

overthebiteonPhillip’sneck.“Icouldn’thelpmyself.”

“Don’tbesorry.I’mnot.”
“Sodoesthismeanwecantelleveryonethegoodnews?”Casperaskedaroundanotherbigyawn.
“Soon.” Phillip chuckled. He didn’t want Bryce to know of his involvement with Casper.

Something in his gut told him not to trust his boss. “Right now why don’t we take a little nap.” He
rolled Casper to the side and snuggled the man from behind. “Brandon’s going to text me when Erik
startstodrivehimcrazy,again.”

CasperstartedtolaughandpulledPhillip’sarmtighteraroundhischest.Beforelonghecouldhear

thesoftrhythmicbreathingofhisloverasheslept.PhillipkissedthebackofCasper’sblondheadand
closedhiseyes.Thesoftsunlightcamethroughthewindows,warmingtheirnakedbodies.Atthisvery
moment,lifeseemedperfectandheplannedtosavoreveryminuteofit.

ChapterFourteen

All too soon a call woke Phillip from his sleep. Brandon started talking before he even got the

chancetosayhello.HetoldPhilliptocomeandgetErikbeforehetiedthekidtoatreeinthemiddleof
thewoodsforabeartoeat.

PhillipthoughtitsoundedprettyseriousandwokeCasperup.HesmiledasCaspertriedtopullthe

blanketupoverhisfaceandgrowledwhenPhillipyankeditaway.

They took a quick shower, separately, not wanting anyone to smell them on each other. Phillip

heldCasper’shandashewalkedhimouttothetruckandopenedthedoorforhim.Itmightseemsillyto
somebutPhillipwasold-fashionedlikethat.Helikedopeningdoorsforhisloverandhelpinghimin
andoutofhistruck.Casperdeservedtobecherished,andPhillipwouldseethathislovergotallthat
andmore.

WhentheypulleduptothetheaterhecouldseeBrandonleaningagainstthesideofhisbigsilver

truck.HiseyeswerenarrowedashelookeddownatErik,whowasshoutingathim.Theyoungman’s
armswavedaroundwildlyashespoke.

Phillipsortofregrettedhavingagreedtotakethekidout.Erikwasanemotionalteenagerandat

timesselfish.Hecouldn’tbelievethatCasperwasonlyayearolderthantheman.Casperwassomuch
morematurethanErik,andPhillipwantedtocounthisluckystarsforthat.“Thankgodyou’rehere.”
Brandon’seyeslituponcehesawPhillip.“Iseriouslycannottakeanotherminutewithhim.”Hejabbed
afingertowardErik.

ForabriefmomentPhillipcouldseethehurtontheyoungerman’sfacebutinaflashitwasgone.

“WellIcan’tstandtobearoundyoueither.”Erikstormedofftowardthetruck.

PhillipwatchedasCasperhelpedhisfriendinsidethenturnedtofaceBrandon.“Whathappened?”
Brandonstartedtolaugh.“Whatdidn’thappen?”Brandonranahanddownhisfaceandpinched

thebridgeofhisnose.“Whycan’theseethatthisisn’tanyeasieronmethanitishim?”

“Becausehe’sakid,Brandon,”heansweredhonestly.
“That’s not a good enough excuse.” Brandon shook his head from side to side. “I get that he’s

youngbuthe’sgoingtokeeppushinguntilhepushesmeaway.”Brandonletoutaheavysigh.“Ididn’t
askforanyofthis.TofindmyselflongingforamanIcan’tevenhave.Ifeellikesuchaperv,”Brandon
saidasifdisgustedwithhimself.

“IfeltthesamewayabouthavingfeelingsforCasper.”HerememberedmeetingCasperandhow

theyoungmanlookedsoshockedthatPhilliphadnoticedhim.Thenhethoughtbacktothenightinhis
roomwhenCaspershowedup.Thelonginganddesireinhisbigblueeyeswasnotthatofalovesick
teenagerbutofaman.

“I’mnotsureIcankeepwaitingandhopinghebecomesthepersonIneedhimtobe.”Brandon’s

loudvoicebroughthimoutofhismemories.“Iwantapartnernotaclingywhinykidwhothinksthe
worldrisesandsetsinhisass.”

PhilliplookedbacktohistruckandcouldseeCaspertalkingtoErik.Thestubbornteenstaredout

thesidewindowignoringCasper.

“Giveittime,Brandon.”Herestedahandonhisfriend’sshoulder.“Beingmatedisn’tsomething

youcanturnoffandon.Thisisforlife.”

“Iwasafraidyouweregoingtosaythat.”Brandon’sdroppedhisgazetostareattheground.“SoI

takeityouandCasperareanofficialthingnow,huh?”

Agoofygrincurledhisupperlip.“Youcouldsaythat.”

“Fuck,man,lookatyou.”FinallyagenuinesmilelitupBrandon’ssourmug.“You’reashappyas

apiginshit.”

Phillip hadn’t realized how happy he was. His life had always been good. He’d had a wife, an

amazingson,andworkedajobheloved.Butallthosethingslackedincomparisontohowhefeltfor
Casper.Thejobhelovedturnedouttobeafraudandhiswifeturnedintoaravingbitchwhodisowned
theirson.TheonlygoodthinghecouldholdontofromhispastwasAidenandheprayedhissonwasas
acceptingofhimandCasperashewasofAidenandDevon.

“Iam,”Phillipsaidwithasmile.HelonginglylookedtowardCasper.
“HatetotrampleoveryourgoodmoodbutanywordfromBryce?”Brandonaskedashestoodup

fromleaningonhistruck.

“No,”Phillipbitout.Hedidn’tlikeknowingBrycewasintownandevenmoresothattheman

wasbackfromCamdenandhadn’tcalledhim.“ButIhavefullintentionsoftryingtoreachhimonceI
dropCasperandErikoff.”

“Good.”Brandonnoddedhishead.“Callwhenyouhaveanynews.Itrustyou,Phillip,andifyou

think something is up, I’m behind you one hundred percent.” Phillip watched as Brandon turned his
hard gaze toward Erik. “Doesn’t matter if I like it or not, Erik’s a part of me and I can’t let anything
happentohim.”

PhillipadmiredhoweventhoughBrandoncouldspitnailshewassoangrywithhisyoungmate,

hestillcaredforhim.“Willdo.”HeshookBrandon’shandthenheadedforhistruck.

He opened the door and jumped inside. Casper gave him a worried smile as he kept his arm

wrappedaroundErik’sshoulders.

TheridebacktoNehalemwasinsilence.Erikkepthiseyesfocusedoutthewindow,neversaying

asingleword.OncetheypulleduptothehouseErikjumpedfromthetruckassoonasPhillipputitinto
park.Thekidranupthefrontsteps,lettingthedoorslambehindhim.

“Didhesaywhathappened?”PhillipaskedCasper.
“No.”CasperclimbedoutthepassengersideofthetruckandmetPhilliparoundthefront.“Just

saidhedidn’twanttotalkaboutit.”

“Whatthehellcrawleduphisbutt?”Aidenaskedfromthefrontporchwherehestood.“Wasthe

moviethatbad?”

“ThatwouldbeBrandon.”PhillipputhishandonthesmallofCasper’sbackandusheredhimup

thestairs.“Andtoansweryoursecondquestionthemoviewasgreat.”Oratleastwhathesawofit.

“Thanksforthemovie,Phillip.”AlightblushspottedCasper’scheeks.“Ihadagreattime.”
“Metoo.”Boydidheever.“We’llhavetodoitagainsometime.”
Casper gave him a wide smile then headed inside. Phillip hoped his son didn’t pick up on the

connectionbetweenhimandCasper.

“SowhathappenedwithBrandon?”Aidenasked,oblivioustoPhillip’sfeelingsforCasper.
“I’m not really certain. He was at the same movie as us and I think it annoyed Erik some.” He

shrugged.“Youknowteenagers.”

“NotsinceIwasonebutI’mlearning.”Aidenrolledhiseyes.“IfeellikeI’mhisparentmostof

thetimeandnothisbrother-in-law.IjustwishedhewasmorelikeCasper.Thatkidhashadashitlife
buthasmanagedtosurviveitandbeagreatindividual.ButErik?”Aidenshookhishead.“Ijustdon’t
know.”

“Son.”PhillipwrappedhisarmoverAiden’sshoulders.“Whatyou’refeelingiswhatit’sliketobe

aparent.Proudofalltheaccomplishments,worryoveralltheheartaches,andangeroverthebullshit
attitudetheygiveyou.”

“Hey,wasIlikethat?”
“Nope.”PhilliptightenedhisarmaroundAiden’sneckandbroughtuphisotherhandtorubhis

knucklesoverhisblondhair.“Youwereabsolutelyperfect.Theybrokethemoldafteryouwereborn.”

“Hardy,har,har.”Aidenrolledhiseyes.
“No,seriously.Ifyouwouldhavebeenthatmoody,”Phillippointedtowardthehouse,“allmyhair

wouldbewhite.”

AidenstartedtolaughandgavePhillipahug.Helovedhissonmorethananythingandhewanted

totellhimthetruth.TellhimhowhebysomemiracleofmiraclesfellinlovewithCasperandthatthey
weremates.ItsoundedcompletelyinsanetosaybuthewastotallyandundeniablyinlovewithCasper
buthejustwasn’treadytosharethenewswithAiden.

Phillipsaidaquickgood-bye,gotbackinhistruck,andheadedforhome.Hehadacalltomake.

OnthedrivebacktoSilverCreekhewentoverinhisheadwhatheshouldsaytoBryce.Themanhad
left town and said he would be gone for a few days but he wasn’t even gone for twenty four hours.
Something wasn’t right and it wasn’t like Bryce to keep anything from Phillip. He’d known the man
sincehebecameahunter.TheywereclosefriendsoratleastPhilliphadthoughttheywere.

Afterparkinghistruckinthedriveway,Philliplethimselfintohishouse.Hewenttothekitchento

getaglassofwaterthenpulledouthiscellphone.HekeyedinBryce’snumberandwaited.

Themanneverpickedupandthecallwenttovoicemail.Phillipcursedsilentlyashewaitedfor

thebeepsohecouldleaveamessage.

“Hey,Bryce,it’sPhillip.Justcheckingin.Givemeacallassoonasyougetbackintotown.”It

pained him to have pretend he still thought Bryce was out of town when he knew damn certain he
wasn’t.

Phillipwalkedtohisbedroomandtheheavyaromaofsexstillclungtotheair.Asmilecurledhis

upperlipatthememoriesofmakinglovetoCasperonhisbed.

Tearinghiseyesawayfromtherumpledsheets,Phillipopenedhisclosetdoorandsteppedinside.

Hepushedhishangingclothesoutofthewayexposingametaldoor.Phillipinsertedakeyandopened
thedoor.Severalrowsofhandgunsanddownlowerafewassaultrifles.

Phillip prayed he was wrong about Bryce but something in his gut said not to trust the man

anymore,andPhillipwasn’tonetoignoreawarning.

ChapterFifteen

“Erik, please let me in.” Casper banged on his friend’s door again but still no answer. He slid

downthewalltoplopdownonhisbottom.Atthehardcontacthewinced.Hewasstillalittlesorefrom
havingsexearlierthatday.

A goofy grin pulled at his lips and his eyes lost focus as he remember lying trapped in Phillip’s

embraceasthemanplungedinandoutofhisbody,showinghimwhatitmeanttobeloved.

Caspercouldneverhavefathomedthathavingsexwouldbesogood.Afterallthosethingsthose

men had done to him he thought sex was a barbaric and brutal act. Never did any of those men who
usedhisbodylikeadumpstertreathimwithsuchloveandcompassion.Philliptookthetimetoprepare
himandtouchedhiminawaythatsungtohissoul.

God,Ilovehimsomuchithurts.
“Hey, Cass, what are you doing out here all alone?” Carl asked as he came to a stop in front of

him.

Caspergaveaslightshaketohishead.“TryingtogetEriktoletmein.”HeturnedtowardErik’s

doorandshouted,“Youhearme?I’mnotleavinguntilyouletmein.”

“Itakeithe’sinamoodagain?”Carlasked.HekneltdowninfrontofCasper.
“Yeah,IguesshimandBrandongotintoittoday.”Casperrestedhisbackagainsttheharddoor

andlethisheadfallback.“PhilliptookErikandItoamovieandBrandonwasseeingthesameone.I’m
prettyconfidentinsayingitdidn’tgowell.”

“Well that sucks.” Carl’s eyes roamed over Casper’s face and Casper pulled at the collar of his

shirt,suddenlyfeelinglikehewaschoking.“Howaboutyou?Didyouhaveagoodtime?”

“Yeah.”Hisvoicehitched.
“It’sgoodthatoneofyoudid.”Carlstoodup.“I’mheadingdowntomakedinner.Ifyoutwodon’t

comedown,I’llsaveyoutwoaplateandputitintheoven.”

“Thanks,Carl.”
“Don’tmentionit.”Heheadedtowardthestairs.“Cass?”
“Yes?”Helookedupathisbrother,seeingthetelltalesignoftearsglossingoverhiseyes.
“You’reagoodperson.”HemotionedtoErik’scloseddoor.“Alwaysworryingaboutothers.Erik

isluckytohaveyouasafriend.”

Casperdidn’tknowwhattosay.HegaveCarlonemoresmileandhisbrotherturnedandheaded

downthesteps.ApartofhimfeltguiltyfornottellinghisbrotheraboutPhillip.HeandPhillipbeing
mateswasabigdeal,buthedidn’twanttojustdropthatbombonhisbrother.KnowingCarlhe’dfreak
outandworryabouthim.

HewaiteduntilCarlwasoutofsightthenstoodup.Heknockedonthedoorbutstillnoanswer.

He’dtriedturningtheknobbutthedoorwaslocked.TakingastepbackfromthedoorCasperstaredat
it.NotknowingwhatelsetodoCasperwalkedovertohisdoorandfeltaroundthedoorframeuntilhis
fingersbrushedoverthekey.HesnatcheditupthenwentbacktoErik’sdoorandinsertedthekey.Once
thelockedclickedopenCasperpushedopenthedoor.Heslowlypeekedhisheadinsidethedarkened
room.Casperturnedonthelightandwassurprisetofinditempty.Clothesstilllaidonthefloor,thebed
wasunmadeandthebackgroundonErik’slaptopflashedacolorfuldesign.

Acoldbreezecutthroughtheroom.Casperlookedtowardthewindow.Itstoodwideopenwith

thedrapesblowinginthewind.

“Thatbutthead!”Casperwalkedovertothewindowandstuckhisheadoutside.Darknesssettled

inforthenightandstarsglowedbrightlyabovehim.Abeautifulnightforarun.“Ohno!”

Casperclimbedoutthewindowandshimmeddownthesidetotheedgeoftheroof.Lookingleft

then right, he jumped down. When he landed he felt the mud under his feet squish. On the ground
leadingawayfromthehousewerefootprintsthatturnedintopawprints.

“TheytoldusnottoshiftbutIguessyouthinkthoserulesdon’tapplytoyou,”Casperwhispered

harshlyunderhisbreathashestartedtoremovehisclothes.

He understood that his friend was in pain but still. If Phillip was right there could be hunters

watchingtheproperty.WhatwouldhappentoErikifhegotcaughtagain?

TakingadeepbreathCaspercalleduponhiswolf.Heshiftedinahazeofstretchingmuscleand

poppingbones.Beforetoolonghestoodonfourpawsandgaveahardshaketohishead.Hesniffedthe
airandpickeduponErik’sscentandheadedtowardthetrees.

AsthetreesbecamethickerCasperslowedhispace.Helistenedwithhisearsandkepthiseyes

wideopenlookingforanysignsofhisfriend.AnowlhootedinthedistanceandCasperstoppeddeadin
his tracks. The hair on his back stood up and a low growl bubbled up from his chest. He could feel
someonewatchinghimbutcouldn’tseewhoitwas.

Keeping at a slow trot he maneuvered his way through the woods. He caught sight of a muddy

pawprintonadownedtreeandCasperheadedinthatdirection.Thetrailledhimupahillandwithall
thesmellssurroundinghimitwashardtomakeoutErik’salone.Butthefurtherupthehillhegothe
spottedthegraywolflyingonthegroundwithhisheadrestingonhispaws.

Relief washed over Casper at seeing that his friend was unharmed then frustration nipped at his

skin.Erikwasalwayssocareless.WhatwouldErikhavedoneifhewerecapturedorworseshot?

NottryingtohidehispresencefromErik,Casperran,lettinghispawslandheavyontheground

towardErik.Thewolfneverstirred.

Casper let out a sharp bark but still no response from Erik. The closer he got he could see the

wetnessmattingthefurunderErik’seyes.Justasfastastheangerinfusedhisbodyitdriftedaway.His
friendwashurtingandErikdidn’tneedhimtobeahardass.Erikneededhimtobeasoundingboard,a
shouldertocryon.

Heclosedhiseyesandbroughtbackonhisshift.Nowonhishumanlegshewalkedtheremaining

distancetowardErik.Onceathissidehesatdownonthecoldwetground.Achillworkeditswayup
hisbackatthecooltemperature.

“Hey,Erik.”CasperreachedoutandscratchedErikbehindtheears.
Thewolf’sheadturnedtolookupathim.AsmallwhimpermethisearsastearsfellfromErik’s

bigwolfeyes.InaflashErikshiftedinfrontofhimandCasperopenedhisarmsforhisfriendtocome
closer.

ErikburiedhisfaceintoCasper’sneckandbawledlikeababy.Tremorsrackedoverhisbodyand

Casperheldhimtighter.“It’sgoingtobeokay,Erik.”

“No,it’snot.”Eriksobbedagainsthisskin.
CasperusedonehandtorestonthebackofErik’sheadandtheothertorubalonghisback.He

tried his best to soothe his friend. “Take my word for it, it will be. If you have hope and belief that
everythingwillworkout,thenitwill.Don’tmakeyourselfthevictim.”

“That’seasyforyoutosay.”EriksatbackawayfromCasper.“Youhaveamatewhowantsyou.

Minedoesn’tevenwanttotouchme.”

“That’s not true and you know it.” Casper grabbed Erik by the shoulders and gave him a little

shake.“Youtwoarematesandthatmeanssomething.Haveyouthoughtthatmaybejustmaybeyour
childishbehaviorhascausedthereactionyougetfromBrandon?”Hedidn’twanttobehardonErikbut

hisfriendneededadoseoftoughlove.

“Casper,youweren’therewhenImetBrandon.”AllthefightleftErik’sbodyandheslumpedinto

Casper’shold.“EvenbeforeIstartedactingobnoxioushestillignoredme.Heneverwantedanythingto
dowithmesoIthoughtifIacteddifferentlythatmaybehewouldnoticeme.”Erikchuckledbutthe
tearsstreakingdownhisfacemadeitclearitwasn’tfromhumor.“Ithinkthatwhateverissupposedto
bebetweenusisbroken.He’snevergoingtofeelthesamewayIfeelabouthim.”

NotknowingwhatelsetodoCasperpulledErikintohislapandhuggedhimtightly.Thosesame

thoughtshaddancedaroundhismindwhenhediscoveredheandPhillipweremates.Self-doubtcould
playtricksonaperson’smindandcausethemtoactirrational.Timeandunreciprocatedfeelingshad
causedEriktobelikethis.CasperstartedtowonderifhisfriendwasaproductofwhatBrandonmade
him. Just because Erik was underage didn’t mean that Brandon had to cut Erik out of his life
completely.Theystillcouldhavebecomefriendsandspenttimetogether.Brandonwasjustasmuchto
blameforthewedgebetweenthemasErik.

CasperrockedErikbackandforthandrubbedhisnoseintohisfriend’ssoftsilkyhair.Thepain

ErikfeltwasaveryrealthingthatCaspercouldn’thelptakeawaynomatterhowmuchhewantedto.

“Onedayyouguyswilllookbackonthisandlaugh,”CaspersaidsoftlyagainstErik’shead.
“No,wewon’t,”Erikmumbled,notliftinghisheadfromCasper’schest.
“Yes,youwill!”CasperleanedbackandusedafingertoliftErik’schinup.“Erik,youjusthaveto

have faith.” He thumped Erik on the nose. “And stop being a total butt-head when you’re around
Brandon. It might be good for you to put yourself in his shoes.” At Erik’s confused look Casper
explained.“Thinkaboutit.Brandon’sanoldermanwho’sprobablyhavingsomeprettyvividthoughts
aboutyou.It’sprobablydrivinghimstarkravingmadontheinsidetowantsomethinghecannothave
justyet.”

“That’swhatAidenkeepssayingbut…”Erikstartedtonibbleonhisupperlip,pullingitbetween

histeeth.

“Butwhat?”Casperprodded.
“I don’t know.” Erik shook his head. “I guess I’m just sick of waiting around. Time is just

draggingbywhenIwantittofast-forwardsothatIcanhavetheonethingIwantsodesperately.”

“Yeah, it sucks.” Casper stood up and held a hand out to Erik. “But just know it’ll come.” Erik

grabbed his hand and Casper pulled him to his feet. “Now let’s get home before your or my brothers
findoutwe’vebrokentherulesandcomeandkickourasses.”

“Shit!”Erikgiggled.“Itotallyforgotaboutthat.”
“Howcomethatdoesn’tsurpriseme?”CasperwrappedhisarmaroundErik’sshouldersandthey

startedtomaketheirwaybackthroughtheheavytreeladenforest.

Theybothstartedtolaughandwiththenoisetheymade,Casperneverheardthemanapproach.
“Alittlechillytobeoutrunningaroundnakeddon’tyouthink?”
Theolderman’spresencefrightenedCasperatfirstandcausedEriktoomitalowgrowl.Casper

immediatelysteppedinfrontofErik,wantingtoprotecthisyoungerfriend.Eriktriedtosidestephim
butCasperthrewhisarmouttostophisfriend.

“Whoareyou?”heasked.“Thisisprivateproperty.”Casper’smindstartedtorace.Hehadnever

seen this man before and with what Phillip had said about the possible threat of hunters in the area,
Caspercouldn’thelpbutthinkthismanwasnothereforafriendlyvisit.

“Ohyouknowhowitis.”Themankepthishandsinhispocketsashelookedaroundatthetrees.

“Abeautifulnight,starsshiningbright.”Themanwinked.“Plus,Iwouldn’twanttomissthechanceat
seeingtworeallifewerewolves,nowwouldI?”

Ohshit!Caspertriedtoswallowaroundthelumpinhisthroat.Erik’snailsduginhishand.They

weresoscrewedandErikknewitjustasmuchashedid.

“Ihavenocluewhatyou’retalkingabout.”Casperdidhisbesttokeephistonesteadyandcalm.

“MyfriendandIwerejustoutspendingalittlealonetimetogether.”Heletoutanervouschuckle.“You
knowhowitis.Andnowwecan’tseemtofindourclothes.”

“Yeah,that’sright,”Erikchimedin.“Somepervprobablystolethemafterhewatchedusgettingit

on.”

Casperwaspleasedhisfriendcaughtontohislineofthinkingbutthelookontheolderman’sface

saidhewasn’tbuyingit.HisbeadyeyesboreintoCasper’sandhefeltachillrundownhisspine.

“Come now, boys.” The man grinned evilly at them. “You’ve been caught so stop lying to me.”

Hisvoicerosewitheachwordhespoke.

“Whatdoyouwant?”Casperasked,prayingthemandidn’tshoothimandErikrightonthespot.
“Iwantyou.”ThemanpointedafingerdirectlyatCasper’schest.
Hisheartstartedtobeatoutofcontrol.He’donlyjustbeenrescued,madeanewhomeforhimself,

and found his mate. Now this man wanted to take him away from everything he had built here in
Nehalem.

“Why?”heasked,hisvoiceshakingaswellashisbody.
“Phillip’sbeenaverybadboy.”Casper’seyeswidenedattheman’smentionofhismate’sname.

“SoinordertogetwhatIwantIneedbait.”Themantookastepcloserwithafingerraisedintheair.
“AtfirstIthoughtI’dtakehissonbutthenwhenIrealizedwhatyouweretohim,Iknewthatyouwere
amuchbetterprize.”

The wild gleam in the man’s eyes reminded him of what he’d seen in his old alpha’s eyes each

timeheorderedoneofhisfriendstobeatorrapehim.Therewasnotalkingthisguyoutofwhateverhe
hadplanned.CasperjustneededtofindawaytogetErikoutofthisalive.

“I’llgowithyou.Justpleaseleavemyfriendoutofthis.”CasperletgoofErik’shandandpushed

theyoungermanbackastep.

“Thehellyouare!”Erikshoutedthenreachedforhisarm.
“You’reinnopositiontomakedemandsfromme.”Themantookastepforwardandwrappedhis

coldsmoothfingersaroundCasper’sbicep.“ButIdoneedamessagetobegiventoPhillip.”Withhis
freehandthemanpulledoutagun.BothheandErikstoppedmoving.“Givehimthis.”Hehandeda
pieceofpapertoErik.

“Dude.”Eriklookedupwithadumbfoundedlookonhisface.“Thisisjustacoupleofnumbers.”
“They're coordinates, you idiot,” the man snapped. “Now listen and listen good. Tell Phillip he

needstomeetmethereintwohoursandtocomealone.Ifhedoesn’t,wellthentellhimtosaygood-bye
tohislittleboytoy.”

Erik started to laugh and Casper silently begged with his eyes for his friend to shut up. It was

commonsensetoneverangeramanwithagun.“Andwhatiskeepingmefromfollowingyounowand
rippingyourthroatout?”Erikraisedaneyebrow.“I’vedoneitbefore.”

“BecauseI’llkillhimrightnow.”ThemanraisedtheguntoCasper’shead.“Doyouthinkyou’re

fasterthanmytriggerfinger,boy?”

Erik’seyesdartedbetweenthemanandCasper.Caspercouldseehisfrienddebatinghisoptions.
“Erik,doashesays.”Caspergavehisfriendasmallsmile.
“Fine,”Erikmumbled
Erik turned his attention toward him and never saw it coming. Before Casper could shout out a

warningthestrangemanhitErikupsidetheheadwiththebuttofhisgun.Erikfelltothegroundina

heap.

“Erik!”hecriedout.Hetriedtopullawaybuttheotherman’sgripwassolid.“Whydidyoudo

that?”

“BecauseIcan.”Themanstartedtowalkaway,pullingCasperalongwithhim.
Caspercouldfeelhisteethpulsingathisgumtissueandhisfingernailsstarttolengthen.Arabid

snarlrosefromhisgut.Hetookadeepbreathandcouldsmellthedampwoodfromthetreesandthe
moist soil underfoot. His eyes traced every movement with acute accuracy and his hearing amplified.
Hecouldhearthethumpofthestranger’sheartasbloodcoursedthroughhisveinstopassthroughhis
blackheart.Casper’sfacepulledtightandhelungedfortheman.

“Idon’tthinkso.”Themanpulledthetriggeronthegun.
AmuffledshotrangoutandpressurehitthecenterofCasper’schestasifheranintoabrickwall.

He looked down to see a syringe type instrument sticking out of his chest. Casper reached for it and
yankeditfromhischestthenfelltohisknees.

“I was hoping you’d be a good boy but I guess I was wrong.” The man knelt down then lifted

Casperupontohisshoulder.

Casper could see the muddy ground and the back of the man’s boots as he walked out of the

woods.Hisbodystartedtogonumbandhisearsbegantotingle.Allsoundsseemedtobefarawayand
hedidn’thavethestrengthtomoveafinger.Casperwashelplessandinthisman’scompletecontrol.

ChapterSixteen

“You’vereachedBryceGrayson,leaveamessageandI’llreturnyourcallassoonaspossible.”
Phillipwantedtothrowhisphoneacrossthelivingroom.He’dbeentryingtoreachBrycesincehe

droppedErikandCasperoff.Timeseemedtopasssoslowlyandwitheachmessageheleftthatdidn’t
getreturned,Phillip’sbloodboiledinhisveinsandworryplaguedhismind.

Brandonhadcalledhimearlierintheeveningcheckingin.Hetoldhispartner“nowordyet”and

Brandonsuggestedthatmaybethemanhesawwasn’tBryce.Philliphadseenthemanwithhisowntwo
eyes.HeknewwhathesawanditwasBryce.Questionnowwaswhythemandidn’tcallhimback.

Frustrationandannoyancehadhistemperonatightpulltrigger.IfBryceeverdidgetaroundto

callinghimback,Philliphadfullintentionsoftellinghisbosswhatadickheadthingtodonotreturning
hiscalls.Itcouldhavebeenanemergency.

Phillip got up from his couch and headed toward the kitchen. He pulled a beer from the

refrigerator,leanedagainstthecounter,staringoutthewindowashetookadrink.Thecoldmaltyliquid
soothedhisdrythroat.

Memoriesofthedayplayedatthecornersofhismind.Casperandhehadmadeloveanditwas

themostpleasurableandenjoyableexperienceofhislife.Phillipwasanoldermanandhadhadplenty
ofsexinhislifebutsomehowallthoseprevioustimesdidn’tholdacandletowhathe’dsharedwith
Casper. It was as if his body came alive and all sensations inside him were heightened. It seemed
magical.

PhillipclosedhiseyesandcouldpicturethelookonCasper’syounghandsomefaceashispassion

over took him. His eyes shined so bright Phillip found himself hypnotized by the radiant blue. The
quiverinCasper’smusclesasheletgoandsurrenderedhimselftoPhillipwasenoughtosendPhillip
overtheedgebutitwasthebiteCaspergiftedhimwiththathadhimplunderingintotheabyssofsheer
ecstasy.

EvennowhisdickstartedtohardenatthememoryofbeingwithCasper.Phillipsmiledtohimself.

Hecouldn’twaittobewithhismateagainandhecouldn’twaittotellAiden.Hissonneededtoknow
the truth about him and what he felt for Casper. Like his son had told him when he and Devon got
together,itwassomethingthatcouldn’tbehelped.Theyweremeanttobetogetherandsowereheand
Casper.

Phillipsnappedhisheadtowardtheslidingglassdoorwhenasharpbarkfromthebackyardmet

hisears.HisbackyardsatindarknessandtherewasastillnessintheairthathadPhillip’shacklesrising.

Another bark sounded out then there it was. A wolf with gray fur leapt over his fence and

staggeredtowardhim.ThecloseritgotPhillipcouldseeadarkcoloredsubstancemattingitsfuronthe
rightsideofitshead.Thelargebeastcametoastopathisfeetandletsomethingdropoutofitsmouth.

Phillip knelt down in front of the wolf and picked up the damp piece of folded paper. When he

glanced up Erik sat on the ground in front of him. The kid was winded and his face was sweaty and
flushedwithcolor.Blooddampenedthesideofhishead.

“HesaidIhadtogivethattoyou,”Eriksaidbetweengulpsofair,pointingatthescrapofpaper.

“Hesaidyouonlyhadtwohourstogetthereorhe’llhurtCasper.”

“Who?”Phillipsnapped.HegrabbedErikbyhisshouldersandpulledhimuptohisfeet.
“I don’t know.” Erik shook his head, then winced. He reached for his head. “It was some older

guy.HesnuckuponCasperandIaswewereleavingthewoods.Weneverheardhimcoming.”

“Fuck, Erik!” Phillip released his hold on the younger man. “What were you two doing in the

woods?”

Erikdroppedhisgazetostareattheground.“Casperfollowedmeoutthere,”hewhispered,and

Philliphadtoleanforwardtohearhim.“Heneverwouldhavebeenoutthereifitweren’tforme.”

“Hey.” Phillip rested a hand on Erik’s shoulder. Erik looked like he was ready to have a mental

breakdownandthatwasthelastthingPhillipneeded.HeneededtogetasmuchinformationfromErik
aspossible.“It’sokay,Erik,I’llfindCasper.”

Eriklookedupathimwithtearsrunningdownhischeeks.“Youhaveto.He’smybestfriend.He’s

theonlypersonwhodoesn’tlookatmelikeI’malostcause.Ican’tlosehim.”

“We’re not.” Phillip wrapped his arm around Erik’s shoulders and walked him toward to the

house.“Ineedtoknoweverythingthathappened.”

EriktookaseatinthekitchenchairPhillippulledoutforhimandproceededtotellhimeverything

that happened. Casper had followed Erik into the woods. Erik was upset over the fight he had with
Brandonearlierthatday.OnceCasperwasabletoconsolehisfriendtheyheadedbacktowardthehouse
andthatwaswhenamansteppedintotheirpath.

“He’ssaidyouhadtogoaloneorthathe’dhurtCasper,”Eriksaidinafranticvoice.
“Okay,Igotthatpart.Canyoutellmewhatthismanlookedlike?”
Erik’sfacescrunchedupinconcentration.“Hewasolderbutnotlikegrandpaold.”Erikchuckled.

“Heactuallylookedprettygoodforanolddude.Silverhair,grayeyes,andhewasbuilt.Theguywore
ablackjacketbutIcouldtellhehadmusculararms.”

Phillip’s eyes fell shut and he silently cursed. Bryce. He’d been right all along. His boss wasn’t

here just for a friendly visit. The man had figured out Phillip’s secret and knew he had been keeping
thingsfromhim.ThatmeantBryceknewthatPhilliphadflippedsidesandnowprotectedwolfshifters.

“Erik,Iwantyoutoheadhome.”Phillipstoodupandrushedtowardhisbedroom.Heneededto

gethisweapons.CasperneededhimandifittookPhillip’slastbreathhe’dsavehismate.“Don’ttell
yourbrothersanything.Doyouhearme?”

“Fuckthat!”Erikshoutedfrombehindhim.“Casperismyfriend.It’smyfaulthegottaken.So

you’refuckingcrazyifyouthinkyou’releavingmebehind.”

Phillipwhirledaround,facingErikheadon.Thesnotnosepunkdidn’tflinchathisheatedglareor

thestrengthheposed.“Gohome,Erik.Ican’tsaveCasperifI’mworriedaboutyou.”Heturnedback
aroundandpulledouthisblackfatiguesandstartedtogetdressed.

“You’re not leaving here without me.” Erik grabbed his arm and Phillip turned to face him. “I

know I act like a dumb shit the majority of the time but I also know when to turn that crap off. I’ve
saved Brandon before and I can help save my friend.” At Phillip’s unrelenting look Erik carried on.
“What happens if you get hurt? Then what?” Erik didn’t give him a chance to respond. “If things go
south,IcanbetheretoatleastgetCasperoutandcallforhelp.”

Phillip thought about what Erik suggested and had to admit the kid did have a point. If things

didn’tgoinPhillip’sfavorErikcouldatleastgetCasperoutofharm’sway.

“I’ll let you come but only on one condition.” Phillip could see the crazed excitement in the

younger man’s eyes and it scared him just a tad. “You have to follow my orders. No going off
halfcockedlikeafool.Thisislifeanddeath.IknowthismanholdingCasper.He’llshootfirstandask
questionslater.Doyouunderstandme?”

“Yes,sir.I’lldowhateverittakes.”
“Good.” He tossed a pair of shorts to Erik then watched as the young man walked out of his

bedroom.Phillipgotdressed,strappedonhisguns,andastuckaknifeinhisrightboot.

Phillip had Erik get in the passenger side of his truck and had him lay down on the floor. If by

somechanceBrycewasn’tworkingalone,hedidn’twantanyonetippingthemanoffthathehadawolf
shifterwithhim.

Phillippulledoutofthegarage.HetypedinthecoordinatesintohisGPSandthescreenflashed

thelocationforHolmesView.ItwasalittlespeckofatownaboutfortyminutessouthofSilverCreek.

EriksaidhehadtwohourstogettothelocationandneitherPhillipnorErikhadacluehowmuch

timehadpassedsinceErikwokeup.Iftheydidn’tgetthereontime,Brycesaidhe’dkillCasper.

Pushingthosethoughtsfromhismind,PhillippushedonthegasandheadedoutofSilverCreek.

Hecouldn’taffordtothinkaboutthewhat-ifs.Casperneededhimtobestrongandthinkwithaclear
head. And he would and the last thing he planned to do once he saved Casper was to put a bullet in
Bryce’sheadandleavehimfortheanimalstoeat.

****

Casperopenedhiseyesandtriedtositupbutinstantlyregrettedtheact.Hisheadachedandhis

bodyfeltlimplikeanoodle.Hecrackedopenaneyetoseeafireburningafewfeetinfrontofhim.A
sharp wind whipped around him and Casper turned his head upward and saw the starry night painted
acrossthesky.

AthickblanketlaycoveringhimandCasperappreciatedthathiscaptorhadthoughttogivehim

that.Heshiftedtolieonhissideandtriedtousehishandstopushuptoaseatedpositionbutcouldn't
separatehishands.Lookingdownhebroughthishandsupandoutoftheblanket.

“Damnit!”Casperwhisperedharshly.Hishandswereboundatthewristbyatetherofthickrope.

Beingawolfshifterheshouldhavebeenabletobreakfreeofhisbindingsbuthisbodyfeltlikeitwas
on a delay. When his brain told his hands to move it happened in slow-motion and his vision was
hindered. Every time he looked at something he saw double. Whatever that man had given him had
reallydoneanumberonhisbody’sreactiontomovement.

“Iseethatyou’reawake.”Themancameintoviewandsquattedinfrontofhim.“I’dliketosay

I’m sorry about shooting you with that tranquilizer but that’d be a lie.” The man openly laughed in
Casper’s face. “But being as you’re barely a human, who cares if you feel any pain. You’re an
abomination that deserves nothing but death. And your friend, Phillip, well he’ll get that, too, for
harboringfeelingsforsuchabeast.”

Casperswalloweddownawhimper.Hecouldn’tbelievewhathewashearing.Thismanhadtobe

insane. No matter how scared he was, Casper prayed that Phillip didn’t come looking for him. There
wasnoreasonforbothofthemtobekilled.

Tearsstartedtofloodhiseyesandhecouldn’twipethemaway.Howcouldlifebesocrueltogive

himhappinessjusttosnatchitaway?Hehadtosaywhateverhecouldtosavehismate.

“Hedoesn’thavefeelingsforme,”Casperwhispered.“Andhedoesn’tknowwhatIam.”
“Don’ttrytolietome,kid.Isawyoutwotogether.Thewayhemauledyourfacethenfuckedyou

liketheanimalthatyouare,”themansaidindisgust.“Savethelies.Theywon’tsaveyouorhim.”

CasperfeltviolatedthatthismanhadspiedonhimandPhillipduringsuchanintimatemoment.

Whatshouldhavebeensomethingprivatebetweentwomates,thismanhadwatched.

“Whoareyou?”Casperasked,hisheadspinning.ThismanhadbeenstalkinghimandPhillipand

had access to drugs strong enough to take down a wolf shifter, and he knew what Casper was. That
couldonlymeanonething.

“Bryce,BryceGrayson.TheheadoftheEastCoasthunter’scouncil,”themansaidwithasmile

onhisface.“WhichmeansI’mPhillip’sbossandhimfraternizingwithyouisunacceptable.Butwhat

shouldIexpectfromhimbeingashisownsonhasbeenshackingupwithoneofyourkindforcloseto
twoyears?I’mstartingtowonderwhatotherrulesmygoodfriend,Phillip,hasbroken.”

TheknowledgethismanhadsmackedCasperstraightintheface.Evenifthismandidn’tknow

abouthimandPhillip,heknewaboutAidenandDevon.HeknewthatDevonwasawolfshiftersothat
meantheknewaboutthewholeCarstenfamily.Ifthismantoldothersofthis,theywereallinalotof
dangerincludinghisownbrother.

“Why do you hate us so much?” Casper asked. The hate in this man made his eyes glow with

venom.HelookedatCasperasifhewerelessthandirt.

“It’snotmyplacetohavetogiveyouareason.JustknowIwantyoudead.Allofyoudead.”The

man’ssteelygazesentashiveroverCasper’sbody,causingthehairsonhisarmstostandup.

Casper looked away from the man’s hard stare. Bryce stood up and walked back toward a bag

sittingontheothersideoftheblazingfire.WithamomentaloneCasperassessedhissurroundingsone
last time. He was in the woods, weak, and his hands were tied together. There was no way he could
escape.

Phillip would be walking into a trap and by the way Bryce was acting he wanted his pound of

fleshfromhimandPhillip.Therewasneveragoodoutcomewhendealingwithacrazyperson.

ChapterSeventeen

PhilliptooktheturnoffforHolmesViewandlettheGPSleadhimtothemarkeddestination.As

the road came to an end he parked his truck on the dirt road. “Erik.” Phillip kept his eyes up and
forward,lookingoutthefrontwindow.“I’mgoingtohavetowalktherestoftheway.Iwantyouto
followatasafedistancebehindme.”Onthewayuphehadn’tnoticedanycarsfollowinghimsohefelt
safeinsayingBrycewaseitherworkingaloneorhadhismenwithhimguardingCasper.

“OnceIfindBryce,I’llkeephimdistractedwhileyougetCasperoutofthere.Iwantyoutorun

backtomytruckanddriveasfarfromhereaspossible.Onceyouthinkyou’reasafedistanceoutcall
Brandon.Tellhimeverythingthathashappenedandhavehimrelocateallofyouassoonaspossible.”
Heopenedthedriver’ssidedoor.“IfBryceknowswhat’sgoingonthennoneofusaresafe.”

“Phillip,waitaminute.”Eriksnaggedhimbythepantleg.Philliplookeddownattheyoungman.

“Whataboutyou?Shouldn’tIhelpyousohedoesn’t,youknow,killyou?”

“Erik, do as I say. I can take care of myself better if I’m not worried about you and Casper.”

Philliphoppedoutofhistruck.BeforeheshuthisdoorhesaidonefinalthingtoErik,“GettingCasper
outofharm’swayismymainpriority.”

BeforeErikcouldsayanythingelse,Phillipshutthedoor.NothingErikcouldsaywouldtalkhim

outofanyofthis.BrycehadCasper.Gettinghismateoutofthatman’shandswasthemostimportant
thing,thengettingAiden,Devon,andDevon’spackoutofNehalemfollowedatastrongsecond.Ifhe
couldholdBryceofflongenough,justtogiveBrandonenoughtimetogetthepackoutofNehalem,he
coulddieahappyman.He’dsacrificehimselftokeephismateandsonsafe.That’swhathe’ddoforthe
peopleheloved.

Phillipfollowednorthasperwhatthemapsaidtodo.Thebitterstenchofburningwoodwafted

under his nose. He took a deep breath and followed the strong odor. In the distance he could see the
orange glow of a fire. He quickly scanned the area but didn’t see any signs of other hunters standing
guard at the location. No out of place movements, no light reflected off metal gun barrels, it would
appear that Bryce had come out here all alone. But why? The scene lay out before him seemed odd.
Why would Bryce be doing this? But more importantly how did he figure out what Phillip had been
keepingfromhim?Hehadalwaysbeensocareful,nevertogiveanythingaway.

Phillip scanned the ground thoroughly before taking each step. He didn’t want to give away his

presence.ThecloserhegothespottedCasperlayingonthegroundinafetalposition.Hecouldseethat
Casper’seyeswereopenandhestaredoffinfrontofhim.InthejumpywayCasper’seyesmovedfrom
side to side, Phillip could tell his mate was afraid. Why shouldn’t he be? He’d been kidnapped and
takentothemiddleofnowhere.PhillipvowedtomakeBrycepayforthis.

Hetookadeepbreathandsteppedoutintotheopen.Casper’sfrightenedeyesboreintohim.His

mateshookhisheadfranticallyasifgivingawarningbuttherewasnowayhe’dabandonhismatenow
orever.

Phillipmadesuretosteponeverytwigandkickedafewrocks,skiddingthemovertheground.

Likehethought,itcaughtBryce’sattention.Theoldermanstoodupandsmiledcasuallyoverathim
likehedidwhentheysaweachotherintheofficesatcouncilheadquarters.

Brycestoodtohisfullheightbutseemedtoberelaxed.PhillipknewBrycewellenoughthathis

age and laid-back demeanor was all for show. The man was a ruthless killer that Phillip had seen in
actiononseveraloccasions.Brycelikedthatpeopleunderestimatedhimbecausetheythoughthiman
oldmanbuthewasn’taweakling.

“Phillip,soniceofyoutojoinus.”Hetookasteptowardhim.
Phillip walked in the other direction toward Casper. “Like I wouldn’t come,” he snapped at the

man.

“Stop right there, Phillip.” Bryce held up a hand, and Phillip stopped in his tracks. He couldn’t

takethechancethemanwouldshootCasper.“Theanimalstaystiedup.”

“He’snotananimal,”heshoutedatthemanhe’doncecalledafriend.“HisnameisCasperand

he’sa person justlike you andI.” Phillip couldn’t believehow callous Brycesounded and more than
thathecouldn’tbelievethatheusedtobejustlikethat,thinkingwolfshifterswerenothingbutanimals
needingtobeexterminated.

“Phillip.”
Casper’ssoft,sleepheavyvoicedrewhisattentionawayfromBryce.Hetookasmallstepcloser

tohismate.“Casper,areyouallright?”

“Yes.”TearsfilledCasper’seyesbutthemandidn’tletthemfall.Phillipcouldseethathismate

wastryingtobestrong.

PhillipwantedtogotoCasperandwraphiminhisarmsandtellhimeverythingwouldbeokay.

Buthedidn’twanttopromiseCaspersomethinghehadnocontrolover.

“Bryce,pleaselethimgo,”Phillipbeggedtheman.Hewasdesperate.He’ddoanything.
BryceputafingertohischinasifhewerethinkingaboutitthenlookedPhillipdeadintheeye.

“No.” He chuckled. “If I did that I’d just have to hunt him down, along with your son and his new
family.”

Ohno!Phillip’sheartbegantorace.Brycekneweverything.
“You’reinsane,”Philliptriedtokeephisvoiceeven.
“Phillip,Phillip,Phillip.”Bryceshookhisheadfromsidetoside.“I’mnottheonewho’slosthis

mind.You’vebeenprotectingtheseanimalsforgodonlyknowshowlong.”HepointeddowntoCasper.
“I know about your son and his lover. I even know about Noah and his little half breed of a boy.”
Bryce’slipcurledupandhisfacereddenedwithrage.“You’realltraitorstothecause.”

Philliptookastepback,morefromshockthananythingelse.Bryceseemedtohaveinformation

on all of them, even Noah, who’d retired from the hunter’s council to raise his son. Never once did
PhilliporNoahsuspectBryceknewanything.Notuntilheshowedupoutofthebluewantingtospend
timewithPhillip’ssonandtomeetDevon.Brycewasanicemanbutheneverwentoutofhiswayto
spendqualitytimewithanyone.Itwasalwaysbusiness,nothingmore.

“Bryce, I don’t know what you think you know but you’re wrong.” He took a step toward the

older man, hands raised in the air. “I think you’re confused. You know Noah and I. We’ve fought
alongsideyou,we’dnevergoagainstthecouncil.”HespokeinacalmvoicehopingBrycecouldn’tsee
throughthelie.

“Phillip, I might be old, but I’m not delusional.” He barked out a sharp laugh. “If I hadn’t seen

certainthingswithmyowneyes,Emmaconfirmedmysuspicions.”

“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”Phillip’sfistsclenchedtightatthementionofhiswife’sname.

“WhatdoesEmmahavetodowiththis?”

“Everything.”Brycesmiledwildlyandcrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Seewhenyousleepwith

awomanshetendstospillallhersecrets,ormoretothepoint,yoursecrets.”

“You son of a bitch!” Phillip’s body tensed and he could feel his nails dig into the palm of his

hands. He had his doubts about Emma’s fidelity but to cheat on him with Bryce? Phillip kept his
huntingfromhiswifeandson.TherewasnowayshecouldhaveknownBryce.

“Oh come on, are you trying to tell me you’re jealous?” Bryce lifted an eyebrow as he eyed

Phillip.“FromwhatI’veseenyourtasteslieelsewhere.”Theman’sgazenarroweddownatCasper.

He looked down at his mate to see Casper’s big eyes staring up at him. The light from the fire

madeCasper’seyesglow.PhillipneededtoregainfocussohecouldgetCasperoutofthere.

“That’snoneofyourbusiness.”PhillipmovedmoreinfrontofCasperblockingtheyoungerman

from Bryce’s view. “How did you know my wife? She wasn’t privy to anything that involved the
councilorwolfshifters.”

“What’sthatoldsaying?”Brycetiltedhishead.“Whenthecat’sawaythemicewillplay.”When

Phillipdidn’tlaughBrycecontinuedtospeak.“Wemetbychancereally.Shewasstayingatthesame
hotel as me, we started to talk, and one thing led to another.” Bryce raised his hands in the air. “You
knowhowitgoes.”

Over Bryce’s shoulder in the distance Phillip could see the shine of two wolf eyes. Erik stayed

hiddeninthetrees.PhillipstartedtowalkawayfromCasperhopingtodrawBrycearoundandaway
fromCaspersoErikcouldgettohim.

“So you’re telling me you didn’t know she was my wife?” Phillip asked, trying to keep Bryce

talking.

“Not at first. The picture you keep in your wallet is rather old.” Bryce did as Phillip hoped and

followedhimaroundthefireawayfromCasper.“Butthenshestartedtotalk.Andletmejustsaythat
womancouldnotholdherliquor.Itdidn’ttakemuchtogetherintobed.”

Bile rose in the back of Phillip’s throat and the acid taste burned his mouth. He might not have

beeninlovewithhiswifebuthestillfeltthebetrayalofherinfidelity.

“IneverledonthatIknewyou.TobefrankIactuallyenjoyedhercompany.”Brycesmiledover

athim.“Shewasquitealovelylady.”

“I get it!” Phillip shouted. Bryce enjoyed telling him all this and that just made Phillip angrier.

“Gettothepoint,Bryce.HowdidEmmatellyouanything?LikeIsaid,shedidn’tknowaboutwhatI
reallydid.Youofallpeopleknowthat.Youandthecouncilcoveredmytracksperfectly.”Andtheydid.
EveryonethoughtPhillipownedhisownlittleveterinaryclinicinHollis,wheretheylivedbeforeAiden
movedinwithDevon.ThecouncilhadbuilttheperfectbackstorythatallowedPhilliptodohisrealjob,
hunting.

“Ofcourse,thecouncilisverythorough.Butreallyshefoundoutthetruthonherown.We’dbeen

seeingeachalittleoversixmonths.She’dgetawaywhileyouwereoutonassignment.Irentedoutan
apartment not far from Hollis and we’d spend long weekends together. One weekend she opened up
aboutAidenandhowshehadahardtimecomingtotermswithhimbeinggay.Shealsocommentedon
the wedge it caused in your marriage. Me being the nice man that I am suggested she go and talk to
Aidenandtrytobeunderstanding.”

Phillip couldn’t believe his ears. He’d tried for months to get her to go see Aiden. To try and

understandhislifeandtoseehowhappyhewaswithDevon,butshealwaysrefused.Butlisteningto
Brycetalkshetooktheadviceofherlover.Thepartofhisheartthatstillheldloveforhercrumbledto
dust.She’dnotonlybetrayedhimbuttheirson.

“Whatshesawwhenshegottherefrightenedthepoorwoman.ShedroveallthewaytoNehalem.

Bythetimeshegotthereitwasgettingdark.”Phillip’sheadshotuptomeetBryce’shardstare.“Iguess
bythelookonyourfaceyoucanseewhereI’mgoingwiththis?”

Hedid.Ifsheshowedupatnight,shemorethanlikelywitnessedthewolvesrunningabout.That

wouldn’thavecausedhertobeconcernedsoPhilliphadtosurmisethatshe’dseenoneoftheCarsten
Packshiftintowolfform.Emmahadnoknowledgeoftheirexistencesoitwouldbeonlynaturalforit
toscareher.

“Shesawthem,”Casperwhisperedfromwherehelayontheground.
“Ding, ding, give the young man a bone.” Bryce laughed at his own little joke. “What she saw

frightened her so much that she came running to me.” He pointed a finger into his chest and sneered
overatPhillip.“Shecalledinapanicandbeggedmetomeether.HowcouldIrefuse?”

“When was this?” Phillip tried to think if he ever saw anything different in his wife. If she had

seenthewolves,hewasforsureshewouldhavetoldhimbutthenagainshe’dbeensleepingwithhis
boss.

“Alittleoverfourweeksago.Shecalledandwantedmetocometoherhouse.Youwereouton

assignmentsoIknewyouwouldn’tbetheresoIwentover.Shewasinhystericstalkingaboutmenwho
couldbecomedogsandthathersonwasthere.Atfirstshethoughthewasbeingheldprisoneruntilshe
sawhimgetdownonthegroundtopetone.Iimmediatelytriedtocalmherbutshewantedtocallthe
policeandIcouldn’thavethat.”

Fourweeksago?ThatstuckoutinPhillip’smindalongwiththefactthatBrycehadgonetohis

house.“Whatdidyoudo,Bryce,”hewasafraidtoask.

“Ididwhatanygoodhunterwoulddowhenopposedwithathreat.”Bryce’stonewasice-coldand

itchilledPhilliptothecore.

“What.Did.You.Do?”heyelled,unabletocontrolhisemotions.
“I think you know what I did.” He chuckled. “Do you really think Emma would have killed

herself?Shelovedherselfwaytoomuchtoeverdosomethinglikethat.”

The knowledge of what Bryce said hit him like a Mack truck. Emma hadn’t taken her own life.

Brycekilledher.AlltheragebubbledoverinPhillipandhechargedBryce.Themanwasexpectingit
andbracedfortheimpact.Theyfelltothegroundinatangleofarmsandlegs.Phillipswunghisfist
andBryceblockedhim.

AstheyrolledaroundonthegroundhecouldfaintlyhearErikapproach.Hecouldn’ttakehiseyes

offofBrycesohehadtoprayErikcouldgetCasperoutoftherewithoutafightfromhismate.

Bryce’smeatyfistlandedonthesideofPhillip’shead,rightatthetemple.Hefelltothesideand

Brycemovedtostraddlehiships.Starsflashedbehindhiseyes,andPhillipbuckedhishipsuntilBryce
losthisbalance.

Phillip could take a beating no doubt about it and Bryce might be able to kill him but Phillip

wouldmakesurehetookBrycewithhim.Themanwassupposedtobehisfriendandhe’dhadanaffair
withPhillip’swifethenkilledher,makingitlooklikeasuicide.Brycetookamotherawayfromherson
and now Aiden would never get the chance to make amends with her. If it was the last thing he did,
PhillipwouldmakeBrycepay.

ChapterEighteen

“Let’sgo,”EriksaidinawhisperashefreedCasper’shands.
“No,Ican’tleavePhillip.”CaspertriedtopullawayfromErikbutheswayedonhisfeetandhad

tograbontohisfriendforsupport.“Heneedsmyhelp.”

“Help’s coming. We just need to be patient.” Erik pulled him toward the cover of trees in the

woods.“IcalledBrandonbeforeweleftPhillip’shousetocomelookingforyou.Phillipwouldkillme
ifheknewIdidthatbutIhadabadfeelingaboutallthisandfeltbetterknowingwehadbackup.Can
youshift?”

Casperclosedhiseyesandtriedtobringonhischangefromhumantowolfbutitwaspointless.

“No,whateverheshotmewithhasweakenedmybody.”HelookedupatErik.“Icanbarelywalk.”

“It’sokay,Casper.”Erikquicklyreassuredhim.“Ifit’sthesameshittheyshotmewithwhenIwas

kidnapped,it’llwearoffsoon.”

Casper nodded his head then turned to look over his shoulder, trying to see if his mate was all

right.Thegruntsandsoundsoffistagainstboneechoedinhisears.Thewetsoundsofskintearingand
bloodrunningdownopenwoundsasthetwomenbeatthelifeoutoftheother.Theyrolledaroundon
theground,kickingdirtupallaroundthem.

PhillipfoughtlikeamanoutofcontrolandCaspercouldn’tblamehim.Themanheworkedfor

and thought cared for him had killed Phillip’s wife. He killed her because she learned the truth about
wolf shifters and threatened to tell the police. The pain and sadness that must be ripping through his
matebrokeCasper’sheartbutalsoforselfishreasons.Hewonderedifhismatewassoupsetbecausehe
stilllovedhiswife.Ifthingsweredifferent,theycouldstillbetogether.

Shutup!You’rebeingselfishandstupid.Philliptoldyouhelovedyouandthathehadn’tbeenin

lovewithhiswifeforthepasttwoyears.Stopfeelingsorryforyourself.Philliplovesyouandisfighting
forEmmabecauseshewasmurderedbyamonster.Casper’smindshoutedathim,givinghimthepep
talkheneeded.PhilliplovedhimbuthealsolovedEmma.Shewasthemotherofhissonandwould
alwaysholdaspecialplaceinhisheart.

“Comeon,Casper,weneedtogetfurtheraway.”Eriktuggedhimintheoppositedirectionaway

from his mate. “I promised Phillip I’d get you out of here and that’s what I’m going to do. If things
don’tgoasplannedwe’reallscrewed.”

“What do you mean?” Casper grabbed Erik’s wrist. “If what doesn’t go as planned?” His lips

peeledbackexposinghisteethasthewordslefthismouth.

ErikcursedunderhisbreaththenmetCasper’sstare.“I’mhopingPhillipkillsthatprickandall

thisendsherebutif…”Erik’svoicetrailedoff.

“Butwhat?”Casper’sheartjumpedinhischestandhestartedtogaspforbreath.
“If Bryce gets the upper hand and kills Phillip, we all need to run far and fast because he’ll be

comingforallofus.He’sahunterandthat’swhattheydo.”

“Ohmygod!”Casperstumbledthenfelltohisknees.Tearsspilledfromhiseyestodripdownhis

barechest.Thiscouldbeit,overinablinkofaneye.Itwasn’tfair.Phillipandhistimetogetherhadjust
begun.Howcoulditbetakenawaysoquickly?“Ineedtogotohim.Heneedsmyhelp.”

“Areyouinsane?”ErikshoutedashepulledCasperback.“Brandonshouldbehereanyminute.

HecanhelpPhillip.”

“No, no, no,” Casper cried as he tried to crawl away from his friend. Phillip and Bryce stood

facingeachothernow,arguing.Thebloodrushinginhisearsblockedoutallsoundsbuthecouldstill

see.

****

“I’mgoingtokillyou!”PhillipshoutedashepushedBryceoffofhim.Heclimbedtohisfeetto

hoverovertheman.Brycewasonhiskneestryingtostaggertohisfeet,andPhillipkickedhiminthe
stomach. Phillip wiped the blood dripping from his forehead and felt his pockets for his gun but it
wasn’tthere.Heturnedfromsidetosidescanningtheground.

“Why?”Brycespatontheground.“Forthemorforthewhoreyoucalledyourwife?”
HelookedovertoseethatBrycehadmadeittohisfeet,andPhillipfelttherageinhischestandit

fueledhimforward.“Foreveryoneyou’veeverhurt,youpieceofshit.”

“Sonobleofyou.”Brycestartedtolaugh.“Don’tforgetthere,Phillip,nottoolongagoyouwere

taking out entire packs, men, women, children.” The man lifted an eyebrow at him. “So just because
yourkidisshackingupwithoneofthoseanimalsandapparentlyyoutoo,youthinkyou’rebetterthan
me?”Hepointedafingerinhischest.“We’reallcapableofkilling.It’sjustsomeofusdon’tfeelguilty
aboutit.”

WhatBrycesaidhurtbecauseitwasthetruth.TherehadbeenatimePhillipwouldpullthetrigger

withoutoneounceofguilt.AwolfshifterhadtakenKeithfromhimandwitheverykillhetriedtofill
thevoidhislover’sdeathhadcausedbutitneverworked.Bodiesjustkeptpilingupwithnoremorse
fromPhilliporsenseoffulfillment.Butallthathadchanged.Hewasn’tlikeBryceandhewouldn’tlet
thismanmakehimfeelbadabouthispastdeeds.Phillipdidn’tknowanybetterbuthedidnow.

“You’reright.”Phillipballeduphisfist.“Someofusdon’thaveaconscienceaboutthepeoplewe

killandIwon’tfeeltheleastbitremorsefulwhenI’mstandingoveryourdeadbody.”Hestartedforthe
oldermanhell-bentonrippinghisheadoffwithhisbarehands.Brycehadcommittedsomanywrongs
against him. He’d killed Emma, threatened his son, and took the most precious thing in his life away
fromhim,Casper.ForeverysecondBrycecausedCaspertosuffer,Phillipwouldrepaythemantenfold.

“Idon’tthinkthat’sgoingtohappen.”Brycepulledhishandoutfrombehindhisbackandaimeda

gunatPhillip’schest.“IhadhopedwecouldworkthisoutbutIcanseeyouhavefeelings,”Brycesaid
thewordsasiftheywereacidonhistongue,“fortheseanimals.There’snogoingbackforyou.”

ThefirelightreflectedoffthebarrelofBryce’sgun,andPhillipcouldfeelsweattrickledownthe

sidesofhisface.Itcouldn’tendlikethis.

Ican’tlethimkillme.IfI’mgone,whowillprotectCasper,Aiden,andtheothers?No,Iwillnot

lethimwin.I’llgodownfightingandI’llbetakingthisbastardwithme.

Phillipgrittedhisteethtogether.Brycemightbeabletogetoffoneshotbeforehecouldreachthe

manbutitmightjustbeenoughforPhilliptowrestlethegunfromhishands.

NotthinkingtwiceabouthisdecisionhechargedatBryce.Asingleshotrangout,echoingthrough

thenight.TheforceofthebulletinhischesthadPhillipstumblingbuthekeptmovingforward.Bryce
pulledbackthetriggertofireanotherbutPhilliplungedwithwhatstrengthhehadleft.

Theyfelltothegroundandthepainshotwavesoffiretoeverynerveendinginhisbodywitheach

move he made. Bryce easily pushed Phillip off him then moved to sit on Phillip’s chest, pinning his
armstohissides.

Hegruntedinpainfromtheaddedpressureonhischestandstaredupatthemanwhohadtaught

himsomuch.

“Didyoureallythinkyoucouldbeatme?”BryceslappedPhillipacrosstheface.“I’mtheonein

chargehere.Notyouoranyoneelse.Weplaybymyrulesandsooneveryonewillseethat.”

SomethingsharpnickedatPhillip’scalfthenhesuddenlyrememberedhisknife.Hewiggledhis

fingersdowntowardhislegandliftedhisrightkneeup.Brycewastoobusytalkinghedidn’tfeelthe
shiftinPhillip’sbodyashemoved.Hisfingersstretchedandhegraspedtheedgeofhisboot.Theback
ofthehandlestuckupandheusedhisfingertipstopullitfree.

BrycehadstoppedtalkingandraisedthebarreloftheguntoPhillip’shead.“Anythingyouwant

metotellyoursonbeforeyoudie?”

Phillipwrappedhisfingersaroundthehandlewiththebladededgestickingupfromhisfist.He

pulled on all his strength and forced his arm up. Bryce’s eyes widen and his mouth fell open as he
gaspedforbreath.

“Thanks,butIthinkit’syouwhoneedstosayhisgood-byes,”Phillipsaidashetwistedtheknife,

digging viciously into Bryce’s chest. Phillip kept turning the blade deeper in the man’s muscle and
flesh. Blood blossomed from the wound, darkening the front of his shirt. Phillip bucked his hips and
Brycefelltotheside,suckingingulpsofair,thensilenced.Hisdead,lifelesseyesstaredatPhillip.

ThesoundsofrunningandleavesblowinginthedistancefilledhisearsbutPhillipcouldn’tmove.

He lay flat on his back staring up at the midnight sky. He’d done it. Bryce wouldn’t be a problem
anymore.

“Phillip,no,godno!”Heheardthefaintcriesofhismate.
“Casper,”Philliptriedtosaybutbegantocough.Warmbloodfilledhismouthandoozedoutthe

cornerofhislips.

“I’mhere.”PhilliphissedinpainasCasperpulledhisupperbodyintohislap.“Justpleasehang

on.”

Phillipsmiledashefeltthewarmlovingfingersofhismateonhisface.Ifheweregoingtodie

thiswashowhewantedtogo.Wrappedinthearmsofthemanheloved.

“Phillip,pleasehangon.”Caspergentlycaressedhischeeks.“Iloveyou.”
“Iloveyoutoo,”Phillipwhispered.Hisvisionstartedtoblurandnumbnesscreptoverhisprone

body.“TellAidenIlovehimtoo.”

“Shutup,don’tsaythat,”Caspersnapped,histoneangryandroughunlikeanythingPhilliphad

heardfromtheyoungman.“You’regoingtobefine.Youcantellhimyourselfjusthangon.”

“Baby,it’sokay.”Heshookasanotherfitofcoughsravagedhisweakeningbody.“Youhelpedfix

somethingIdidn’tevenknowwasbroken,myheart.”

“Phillip,”Caspercried.“Pleasedon’tleaveme.”
Phillipwantedtosaysomuchmoretohismatebutthewordswouldn’tcome.
Thelightsgrewdimandhenolongerstruggledforeachbreathhetook.Hisbodyfeltwarmand

fuzzy, and Phillip welcomed the peace that death had to offer. In his heart he knew he would always
watchoutforhisboys.

ChapterNineteen

TwoWeeksLater

The sound of beeping pulled Phillip from a pleasant sleep. He’d been dreaming of Casper. The

soft shine of his blue eyes, the sleek feel of his body under Phillip’s fingers, the hungry gasps and
whimpershemadewhenPhilliptouchedhim.Yeah,awonderfuldream.

Phillip slowly opened his eyes. Bright light shone in through the windows and blinded him. He

broughthishanduptoshieldhisburningeyes.Atfirsthethoughthemightbeinheavenbutthesmell
ofbleach,beepingofmachines,andthecompressioncuffonhisarmsaidotherwise.

“Hello,Phillip,welcomebacktothelandoftheliving.”
Heturnedhisheadtothesidetoseeamansittinginthechairnexttohisbedwithasmilesowide

andbrightPhillipcouldn’ttellwhathurthiseyesmore,thesunlightpouringinthroughthewindowor
thisguy’sperfectwhiteteeth.Thestrangerhadshortbrownhair,styledinthecustomarymilitaryissue
buzz cut. His face was handsomely rugged, sharp edges forming his jawline and a nose that looked
slightlycrooked.Themanstoodup,unfoldinghislargeandverymuscularbodyfromthechair.

“Thename’sRoderick,”themansaidwithaslightSoutherndrawl.HeofferedhishandtoPhillip.

“I’mBryce’sreplacement.”

PhillipstaredatRoderick’shandthenbacktohisface.Bryce’sreplacement?Thismanwashereto

questionhim,Phillipjustknewit.HeprobablyknewallaboutAidenandCasper.NowaywasPhillip
goingtoplaynice.

“Whatdoyouwant?”Hisvoicewasroughandgrittyafternotbeinginuseforgodonlyknewhow

long.

“Nothing.”Roderickgaveaslightshaketohisheadthenshovedhishandsinhispockets.“Ijust

wantedtointroducemyselftoyou.YouandIaregoingtobeworkingtogetherandIthinkit’sagood
ideathatyouandIareonthesamepage.”

“Andwhatpageisthat?”Phillipcouldfeelhistemperbeginningtorise.Howlonghadhebeen

outofit?WherewasCasper,Aiden,hellwherethefuckwasBrandon?Hismindjumpedfromonething
tothenext.

RodericktookastepforwardandsatontheedgeofPhillip’sbed.Phillipshiftednotwantingthe

mantotouchhim.“YouhadnoideaaboutBrycedidyou?”

“Excuseme?”Philliptiltedhishead,hiseyesnarrowing.Painshotthroughhiseyeballscausing

hisvisiontoblur.

“Brandonwasn’tlying.”
“Lyingaboutwhat?”Phillipleanedforward,closertoRoderick.
“Brycehasbeenworkingonhisownagendaforthepastyear.Hewasunderinvestigationbythe

council because he wouldn’t implicate the changes in protocol when hunting.” Roderick crossed his
armsoverhisthickchest,andhisgazeroamedoverPhillip’sface.“Youreallyhadnoclue,didyou?”

Phillipcouldn’tbelievewhathewashearing.Brycewasunderinvestigation?Themanneverlet

on that anything was ever out of place. His cool and calm personality was larger than life. His
confidenceneverseemedtofalter.

“Idon’tunderstand,”Phillipwhispered.
“Andwhywouldyou?FromwhatI’veuncoveredBrycewasthoroughinhidinginformation.It’s

thecouncil’sfaultreally.Theybelievedhimeverytimehejustifiedthebrutalkillingsagainstshifters.

Weshouldhavetakenhimoutmonthsago.Hadweknownhewasplanningonkillingyou,wewould
have.”

“Whatareyoutryingtosay?”Didthecouncilnolongerwanttoeradicatetheworldofshifters?If

so,Phillip’slifejustgotaloteasier.

“WhatI’msayingiswenolongerkilltokill.FromwhatIunderstandfromBrandon,Brycenever

informed the East Coast council of the change in plans,” Roderick explained. “You know how the
council works. We have the West Coast headquarters, one located in the Midwest, and then the East
Coast. There are several hunting groups apart of each council but only three home turfs. The three
headquarterskeeptracksofshifterattacks,killings,andkeeplogofallhunters.Wearetryingtowork
togethertocoexistwiththeshiftersoftheworld.”

Phillip shook his head. “For the past twenty years all the council has ever taught was death and

destruction.Thatwecouldn’ttrustthesebeings.Whythechangenow?Whathappened?”Notthathe
wascomplainingbuthedidn’twantthistobeatrickbyRoderickinordertogiveinformationawayon
AidenandtheCarstenPack.Hewouldnotleadapackofkillerstohisson’sfrontdoor.

“ThemaninchargeoftheWestCoastcouncil’ssonfellinlovewithanicegirlwhohastheability

toturnintoawolf.”RoderickwinkedatPhillip.“Youcan’tgoaroundkillingfamilymembersnowcan
you?”

He knew. Phillip was certain of it. This man knew about Aiden, Devon, and probably him and

Casper.Phillipwantedtobelievehislifeoflivinginfearwasover.Constantlyworryingthathisfellow
hunterswouldfindouthissecretsandcomeandkillhimandhisfamilyhadbeeneatinghimaliveon
theinside.BeforeCaspercamealongPhillipthoughthishearthadbeenhollowedoutleavingbehinda
dried-uphuskbutCasperhadfedlifebackintohim.

“What now?” Phillip didn’t feel like he had to elaborate on his son or his mate. It was apparent

Roderickknewquiteabitabouthim.

“Nowyougetbetterandthengohome.”Roderickstoodupandheadedforthedoor.“FromwhatI

hear,thereisaniceyoungmanwaitingforyou.”

Phillip watched as the man left his room. Shock and disbelief were his only emotions at the

present. For the past year Bryce had been lying to him and inevitably tore apart his family. Phillip
wasn’tnaivetothinkhismarriagewouldhavelastedbutstillAidenwouldhavehismother.

A nurse came in a few minutes later to check on him. She sent in the doctor to go over his

condition.ThebulletBrycefiredintohischestmissedhisheartbylessthananinchbutdidpuncturehis
lung.Surgeryhadbeendonetorepairthedamageandhe’dbeeninandoutofconsciousnessforthepast
twoweeks.Thedoctorsaidwithhimbeingahealthyadultmalehe’dhealupwithoutcomplications.

Brandon showed up shortly after the doctor left the room and explained to him what had taken

placeoncehehadpassedoutthatnight.ApparentlyErik,thelittleshitthathewouldforeverbegrateful
to,hadcalledBrandonbeforetheyeverleftthehouse.ErikhadgivenBrandonthecoordinatesthatwere
onthepieceofpaperBrycehadgivenhim.BythetimeBrandonhadgottenthere,Philliphadalready
stabbedBryceandPhilliplayunconsciousontheground.BrandonorderedEriktotakeCasperbackto
NehalemwhilehetookPhilliptothehospital.HesaidCasperrefusedtoleavehimbutBrandonhadto
explain to him the severity of the situation. It’d look too suspicious, Brandon carting Phillip to the
hospitalwithtwonakedyoungmenwithhim.

CasperleftwithErik,andBrandontookhimtothenearesthospital.Hetoldtheemergencyroom

doctorsthatheandPhillipwereoutcampingwhensomeoneopenedfireonthem.Brandonstatedtothe
doctorsandthepolicethatheneversawathing.Hisnextcallwastothecounciltohavethemgoand
claimBryce’sbody.

OnceheknewPhillipwasinsafehandsatthehospitalBrandonheadedbacktothelocationwhere

theyleftBryce’sbody.Fourcouncilmembersarrivedtheresoonafter,onebeingRoderick.

“Man,Ididn’thowIwasgoingtoexplainwhathappened.”Brandonpacedbackandforthacross

his hospital room. “Roderick didn’t even ask. He just wanted to make sure you were okay. It wasn’t
untillaterthathesatmedowntoquestionwhatIknewandhowIfeltaboutshifters.Itwasreallyodd
yetsofuckingrelieving.”Brandonploppeddowninthechairbythebed,lettingoutaheavysigh.“It
feltliketheweightoftheworldwasliftedoffmyshoulders.”

“Ibet.”Philliprubbedhishandoverhisbandagedchest.Itwasnicetohaveeverythingoutinthe

openbutitdidn’tmeantheyweresafefromallhunters.“Sowhatnow?Dowehuntroguehuntersand
shifters?”

“That’swhatRodericksaidisournewpurpose.Tokeepallbeingssafe,beitfrommanorshifter.”

Brandon glanced at the door then lowered his voice. “I’ve been in contact with Aiden. He wanted to
comeandcampouthereinyourroombutItoldhimnotto.IwantedtolookmoreintothisRoderick’s
backgroundbeforeIlettheguyscomeherejustincaseRoderickwaslying.”

“Goodcall,”Phillipagreed.“Iwouldhavedonethesamething.”Hepulledtheblanketsoffofhis

legsandscootedtotheedgeofthebed.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Brandonasked,eyebrowsraisedinquestion.
“I’mgettingthehelloutofhere.”Phillip’slegsdangledoverthesideofthebed,swayingbackand

forth.Ithadtakeneverybitofhisenergytojustmoveafewinches.Hetookadeepbreathandclenched
hiseyestight.ImagesofCasper’ssmilingfaceflashedbehindhiseyelids,givinghimaboostinenergy.
Hewantedtogetbacktohismate.

“Hey, Phillip.” Brandon stood up and came to stand in front of him. “The doctor needs to

dischargeyou.Youcan’tjustleave.”

“LikehellIcan’t.”Phillipusedhishandstohelpholduphisbody.Hislegsfeltweakandwobbled

astheytouchedthecoldtilefloor.

“At least let me go get the doctor and have you talk to him.” Brandon put a hand on Phillip’s

shoulderpushinghimbacktositonthebed.

“Then do it,” he said through clenched teeth. His body hurt more than he thought while lying

down.SweatbrokeoutacrosshisforeheadashewatchedBrandonwalkoutthedoor.Nomatterwhat,
hewasn’tstayingamomentlongerinthishospital.Hehadfamilywaitingforhim.HehadCaspertoget
hometo.

Phillip’s memories of that night were jumbled but he remembered Casper hovering over him

begginghimtonotleavehim.ThepalefleshonCasper’slithebodyhadglowedinthefirelightandthe
scarsonhisbodystoodout.ThescarswereremindersofwhatCaspercamefrom,thepainandsuffering
hehadtoendure,andPhillipwaseagertostartmakingupforallthetimeCasperhadmissedouton.
CasperdeservedeverythinggoodtheworldhadtoofferandPhillipcouldn’twaittogiveittohim.

****

Threehourslater,thedoctorfinallyhadhisdischargepapersreadyandPhillipsignedhimselfout.

Brandonstoodshakinghisheadsmilingthewholetime.Hispartnerknewwhyhewantedtogethome
andhelpedgethimthere.

The Carsten house came into view. It was late in the afternoon but the sun still held high in the

sky. Phillip had his window down enjoying the fresh cool air. The leaves had begun to fall from the
treesanditwouldbewintersoon.Thecrispsmellsofautumnhelpedrejuvenatehim.Ithadonlybeen

twoweeksagothathethoughthe’dneverseehisfamilyorthechangingofseasonsagain.Butluckwas
onhissideanditwasn’thistimetogoyet.

Brandonputthetruckintoparkandturnedtolookathim.“Youreadyforthis?”
“YoubetyourassIam.”Phillipopenedthedoorandstartedtoclimbout.Whenhedidn’thearthe

driver’ssidedooropenhelookedbacktohisfriend.“Aren’tyoucomingin?”

“No.”Brandonshookhisheadandlookedlonginglyupatthehouse.“Notyet.”Heturnedtosmile

atPhillip.“Butsoon.”

Phillipnoddedhishead.He’dknownBrandonforawhilenowandknewhisfriendwasn’tready

tohavetopretendforeveryone.Brandon,nomatterhowhardhetriedtofightit,wasinlovewithErik
butErikstillhadsomegrowinguptodo.UntilthattimecameitwaseasierforbothErikandBrandon
tojustkeeptheirdistance.

“Iunderstand,Brandon.”HereachedovertoclaspBrandonbytheshoulderthenpulledhimcloser

togivehimahug.“Callmeifyouneedme,okay?”

“Willdo,boss.”BrandongavehimasaluteasPhillipclimbedoutofthetruck.
Phillipstaredupatthelargehouse.Nowthathestoodjustfeetawayfromwherehismatewas,

nerves started to churn his gut into a mess. His hands began to tremble as he stood there unable to
move.Hiswholelife,Phillipsuspectedhehadbeenwaitingtogettohere.Tothispointinhislifewhere
happinesswasn’tforced.He’ddonesomebadthingsinthepastbuthehadstartedtomakeupforthem.
Casperwashisprizeattheendoftheroadandnowitwashistimetogoandclaimhim.

ChapterTwenty

“Soareyougoingtocomeinorjuststandoutthereallday?”
ThesoundofAiden’svoiceshookhimfromhisthoughts.Asmilepulledathislipsandhehobbled

up the front steps. His movements were still a little shaky, but with each step he took, it was getting
easier.

“Aiden.”Phillippulledhissonintohisarmsandheldhimtight.Hethoughthe’dneverseehim

again, had made his peace with dying, only to be given a second chance. “I love you, son.” Phillip
sobbedintohisson’sshoulder.

“Iloveyoutoo,Dad.”AidenwascarefultonotbumpPhillip’swoundbutheldhimclose.“Don’t

youeverdothattomeagain!”

PhillippulledbackfromAiden’sembrace.“TrustmeIdon’tplanonit.”
Aidenusheredhimintothehouse,andPhillipsteppedinside.Thelargehomewasquietwithnot

another person in sight. Phillip’s eyes bounced around looking for any signs of Casper. He had to be
here.Phillipcouldliterallyfeelhispresence.

“He’soutside.”
“Excuseme?”PhilliplookedoverhisshoulderatAiden.
“Casper,he’soutsideplayingwithCarson.”Aidengrinnedathim.
“Youknow,don’tyou?”Phillipasked.Hewishedhehadtoldhissonsoonerbutnowwasasgood

ofatimeasever.

“Yeah,wedo.”Aidenwalkedaheadofhim,leadinghimtowardthekitchen.“WhenErikbrought

Casperhomethatnightitwaskindofhardforhimnottotelluseverything.Casperwasamess,”Aiden
explained.

PhillipstoppedbesideAidenastheystoodstaringoutthewindowsthatshowcasedthebackyard.

“I’msorryIdidn’ttellyousooner.”Phillipranahandthroughhishair,searchingforawaytoexplain.
“Itwasallunexpected,Aiden.Itjusthappened.”

“Don’tbesorry.”Aidenturnedtostareathimwithwideeyes.“Don’tgetmewrongIwasalittle

shockedatfirstbuthey,”Aidenshrugged,“whoamItojudge?”

“Thanks, son.” Phillip chuckled. Movement in the distance caught his eye. Casper was chasing

Carsonaroundthebackyard.Oncehecaughtthelittleboyhepickedhimupandintotheair,swinging
himaroundandaround.ThesunlitupCasper’sface,andPhillipcouldseehissmile.“How’shebeen
doing?”

Aidenfollowedhisgaze.“AtfirsthewasawreckbutBrandonkeptusupdatedonyourcondition.

Iguesswiththisnewguyinchargehedidn’twantustocometothehospitalwhichwashardonallof
us but especially Casper. But the last few days he’s been doing better. The doctors said you were
improvingandtheyexpectedyoutowakeupanydaynow.ThatgaveCasperhopeandhestartedtoget
backtohisnormalself.”AidenturnedtofacehisPhillip.“Hesaidheneededtobestrongforyou.After
everythingthatmanhasbeenthrough,it’samazinghowtoughheis.”

“Yes,itis.”PridefilledhischestandPhillipfellinlovewithhismatealloveragain.
“IknowyouwanttogotoCasperbutIhavetoask,haveyoualwaysbeengay?”Aidenlooked

confused,hisfacescrunchedup.

Phillip swallowed down his snicker as he looked at his son. It was a very good question, and

Phillip had no problem explaining it to Aiden. He told him about Keith and how he had died. After
Keith’s death, he met Emma and fell instantly in love with her. Phillip never thought himself gay or

straight just a man who happened to love both sexes. “Son, you can’t tell your heart who to love
becauseithasamindofitsown.”

“Icanagreewiththat,”Aidensaidwithasmile.
Hisson’sblueeyessparkled,somuchremindinghimofEmma’swhentheyhadfirstmet.Phillip

didn’tagreewithwhatshehaddonebutthegoodparts,theonesPhilliphadfallenlovewithstilllived
onintheirson.

Sometime soon Phillip would have to tell Aiden about his mother and her involvement with

Bryce,andhowshehadn’tkilledherselfbutnottoday.Hewasbeingselfishbuthewaseagertogetto
Casper.Toholdhiminhisarmsandtellhimhowmuchhelovedhim.

“Go.”Aidenshooedahandathim.“Gotoyourmate.He’swaitedlongenough.”
“Thankyou,son.”PhilliphuggedAidenonemoretimethenpushedopenthebackdoorintothe

coolfallday.

****

“Carson,golong.”Casperpulledbackhisarmandlaunchedthefootballintotheair.Thelittleboy

tookofflikeabullet.AstheballdescendedCarsonopenedhisarmsandspunaroundtocatchit.Casper
cheeredthelittleboyonashecaughttheball.“Goodjob,littleman!”

AshewatchedCarsonhustlebacktowardhimhefeltthehairsonthebackofhisneckstandon

end.Heslowlyturnedaroundtoseehismatestandingonthebackporch.“Phillip?”

Themanslowlywalkeddownthestepsasmilebeamingacrosshisface.
“Phillip!”Caspersaidlouderandtookoffrunningforhim.
PhillipopenedhisarmsandcaughtCasperashejumpedintohiswarmembrace.Hecuppedthe

sidesofPhillip’sfaceinhissmallhandsandstaredintohiseyes.“Ohmygod,it’sreallyyou.You’re
okay.”

“DamnrightI’mokay.”Phillippulledhimcloseruntiltheytouchedfromshoulderstohips.“I’m

notreadytoleavethemanIlovejustyet.We’vegottoomuchstilllefttodo.”

Casper’scheeksheated.“Wedo.”Henoddedhishead.
“Cass.”Carson’shigh-pitchedvoicebrokethroughtheirbubble.“IsUnclePhillipyourmate?”the

littleboyasked.

“Yes,Iam,”Phillipanswered.“Isthatokaywithyou,Carson?”
“Heck yeah!” Carson tossed the football in his hands in the air and caught it. “Cass is a good

personandsoareyou,UnclePhillip.Youguysdeservetobehappylikemydads.”

“Yes,wedo,”PhillipsaidthenrestedhisforeheadagainstCasper’s.
Casperclosedhiseyesasmemoriesofthatnightranthroughhismind.Itseemedlikealifetime

agothathismatehadbeenshotandthathethoughthe’dlosehimforever.

“Hey, Carson,” Aiden called for the little boy from the back door. “Lunch is ready.” Carson

shoutedaquickgood-byethenranupthebacksteps.

Casperlookedoverhismate’sshouldertoseeAidengivinghimathumbs-up.Hegiggled.Aiden

hadtakenthenewsofhisfatherandhimbeingmatesratherwell.Aidenwasalittleshockedatfirstbut
neverinanegativeway.HeinstantlyacceptedCasperandhadeventakentocallinghimDad.Itwasall
ingoodfunbutitmeantalottoCasper.Hewaspartofafamilynowevenifhisstepsonwasolderthan
him.Notallfamilieswereperfectbutaslongaseveryonelovedoneanotherthatwasallthatmattered.

“Doyoustillmeanwhatyousaidthatnight?”Phillipaskedhim.
“Whichpart?”Hegavehismateaslygrin.

“Thatyouloveme?”
“Phillip,I’velovedyoufromthemomentIlaideyesonyou.”HewrappedhisarmsaboutPhillip’s

neck,lettinghishardenedcockrubagainsthisthigh.“Andthatwillneverchange.”

Phillip’seyelidsloweredandhesuckedinabreath.“GoodbecauseI’mneverlettingyougo.”For

emphasishesqueezedCaspertightlyaroundthewaist.

CasperroseuponhistoesandbrushedhislipsoverPhillip’s.Hismateletoutahungrygrowland

CaspersurrenderedtothepassionragingthroughPhillip.AsthekissgrewmoreintenseCasperyanked
at Phillip’s shirt trying to reach bare skin. Sweat prickled along his forehead, and he felt like he was
goingtocombustfromsheerlust.

“Nothere,”PhillipsaidashepulledbackfromCasper.
Casper took a deep breath and nodded his head. He reached down and adjusted his hardened

lengthastonotbeasnoticeableasitpushedatthefrontofhisjeans.AslygrinliftedatPhillip’supper
lipandCasperletoutanexasperatedsigh.

“Followme.”CaspergrabbedPhillipbythehandandrushedthroughthebackdoor.Heignored

Aiden’squestionsastoifeverythingwasallrightandstompedupthestepsleadingtohisbedroom.The
wholewayhecouldhearPhilliplaughing.

“Alittleimpatientarewe?”
“Maybe.” Caper smiled as he shut and locked the door behind him. “I can’t express how much

I’ve missed you.” He jumped up into Phillip’s arms, forcing the man to bear his full weight. Phillip
hissedoutabreathandhisbodytensedup.“Whatisit?What’swrong?”Casperlethislegsfalltothe
floorandheldontoPhillip’sarmswithhishands.

Phillipblewoutabreathandhishandreachedforhischest.“Nothing,justlet’snotforgetIwas

shotinthechest.”HesmiledatCasper,relievingsomeofhisworry.

“Shit,I’msorry.”CasperreachedouttocoverPhillip’shandwithhisown.“I’mjustsohappyto

seeyouherestandinginfrontofme.”

“Me too.” Phillip put his hand over Casper’s and slowly worked his fingers up until he circled

Casper’swristandgentlypulledhimcloser.“WhileIwasunconsciousIrememberhavingdreamsabout
you.”PhillipbroughtCasper’shanduptohismouthandkissedthetopsofhisknuckles.“Aboutyour
captivatingblueeyes,yoursoftpaleskin,thewayyouwhimperwhenItouchyou.”

Casper’sheadbegantoswimasdizzinessconsumedhim.ThismanhadtheabilitytobringCasper

tohisknees.ThethoughtshouldscarehimbutCasperdidn’twanttofightthefeelingscoursingthrough
his body. Phillip was a good and honorable man that Casper wanted to share his life and body with.
Somethingthatfeltthisperfectcouldneverbewrong.

Withcarefulandsteadyhands,CasperwrappedhisarmaroundPhillip’swaistandtheotherover

his shoulder. Their lips met in a gentle kiss, one that wasn’t rushed because they knew now that they
hadallthetimeintheworld.

“I’mprettysurethisisn’tonalistofthingsI’mallowedtodorightnow.”Phillippanted.“ButI

wanttomakelovetoyou.”PhilliplookedupsohiseyesborestraightintoCasper’s.

Casper’s heart thumped loudly in his chest and he had to force his mouth to work to swallow

aroundthelumpinhisthroat.“Iwantthattoo,”Casperwhispered.

“Good.”Phillipsmileddownathim.“Justbegentlewithmyoldandbatteredbody.”
“Ohmygosh!”Casperrolledhiseyes.“Herewegoagainwiththatbeingoldnonsense,”helightly

teased.“HowmanytimesdoIhavetotellyouitdoesn’tmatter?Tomeyou’reperfect.”

AfireblazedtolifebehindPhillip’ssapphireeyes.“Thenshowme,”Phillipsaidinaraspyvoice

thatsentawaveofpleasurestraighttoCasper’scock.

NotneedingtobetoldtwiceCasperhelpedPhillipoutofhisclothes.ForabriefmomentCasper

staredatthebrightwhitebandagetapedtoPhillip’schest.Heleantforwardandkissedtheareasoftly
thenurgedPhilliptowardthebed.

Casper quickly undressed and tripped while trying to remove his pants. Phillip chuckled at him

andcontinuedtorunhishandupanddownonhisdeepredandveinycock.

Casper licked his lips and slowly crawled up on the bed. He pushed Phillip’s legs apart and

loweredhisheaduntiltheleakingtipofPhillip’scocktouchedhislips.Theclearsaltyjuicespaintedhis
lipsandhelickedouthistonguetotastethedeliciousflavor.

HecouldhearPhillip’sbreathingincreaseabovehimandtheman’sstrongfingerscombedthrough

Casper’s hair, lightly pushing him down. Casper answered the silent request and took Phillip into his
mouth.ThehotfirmstiffnessslidpasthislipsandCasperhummedouthispleasure.Caspermovedhis
headupanddown,enjoyingtheresponsesofPhillip’sbody.

Beforetoolong,PhillipwaspullinghimupbyhishairandCasperlookedup.
“Comeuphere.”Phillipcurledafinger,beckoninghimforward.“IwanttobeinsideyouwhenI

come.”

Casper moved to straddle Phillip’s waist then leaned forward to kiss his lips. Phillip pushed his

tonguepasttheseamofhislipsandCasperturnedovercontrolandletthemanmakelovetohismouth.

Phillip’shardlengthcaressedagainstthecreaseofhisassandCaspermovedupanddownletting

the thickness tickle along his sensitive flesh. The faster Casper moved the more aggressive Phillip’s
kissesbecame.Caspercouldfeelhisballstightenclosetohisbodywiththeneedtocome.

Pulling away, Casper reached for the bedside drawer. He pulled out the bottle of lubricant his

brotherhadgivenhim.AfterCarllearnedthatCasperhadbecomematedtoPhilliphesatCasperdown
and had the sex talk with him and gave him the supplies he’d need. Casper wanted to laugh at his
brotherbutunderstoodthatCarlfeltresponsibleforhimandappreciatedthatthemancaredsomuch.
Even with the things that had happened in Casper’s past, Carl still wanted to help Casper have that
normalcyinhislifeandthesextalkwassomethingmostpeoplehadtoendurefromalovedone.

PhilliplookedupathimasCaspersatuponhisknees.Hepouredouttheclearliquidintohispalm

andreacheddowntocoatPhillip’sshaftinthewetness.Phillipmoanedandhiseyesfellshut.Casper
smileddown,lovingthefactthathecausedthatreactionfromhisstrongandsexymate.

Caspersqueezedmorelubeontohisfingersandreachedunderneathtopaintitoverhisentrance.

Hegroanedoutloudashisfingerspiercedintohistightopening.Addingasecondfingerherodehis
hand.HejumpedslightlywhenPhillipbegantorubhishandsupanddownhisthighs.

“Idon’tthinkI’veeverseenamorebeautifulsight.”
CasperopenedhiseyestoseePhillipstaringupathimwithalookofaweonhisface.
Casper slowly removed his fingers from his bottom and grabbed Phillip around the base of his

cockandplacedthebulboustiptohisslickeduphole.Veryslowly,Casperstartedtolowerhimselfon
Phillip’s length. As the head breached his opening, Phillip hissed out a breath while Casper moaned
deeply. The stretch burned but all too soon melded into a mind-numbing pleasure that left his body
feelingrevivedandanxious.

His body slid all the way down Phillip’s length until his ass rested on Phillip’s muscled thighs.

CaspertookamomenttoenjoythefullfeelingofbeingfilledbyPhillipthenslowlyliftedupuntilonly
theheadremainedthenloweredhimselfallthewaydownagain,settinghisownpace.

“That’sit,baby.Rideme,takewhatyouneedfromme,”Phillipsaidashisbreathingpickedup.

HishandsgrippedtightlyaroundCasper’sthighsandsetoffasparkofdesireinsideCasper.

Casperspeduphismovements,likingtheanimalisticsoundscomingfromPhillipashenearedhis

release.

Casper leaned forward to crush his lips to Phillip’s. The new angle had Casper’s rigid cock

rubbing against Phillip’s hard muscled stomach. Casper wrapped his fingers around the slats in the
headboard and pounded his ass down on Phillip’s thickness faster and faster. He wanted to make this
feelinglastforeverbuthewastooclose.Theneedtoorgasmburnedinhisballsanddemandedrelease.

“Yeah,baby,that’sit.Rightthere.”PhillipgrabbedatCasper’sasswithbruisingforce.
“It’snottoomuchisit?Idon’twanttohurtyou.”Caspertriedtoslowdownhisthrusting.
“No,it’sperfect.”PhillipbroughthishanduptotouchCasper’scheek.“Justlikeyou.”
SweattrickleddownCasper’sbackandhelethisbodylosecontrol.ThefeelofPhillip’shardbody

againsthiscocksethisprickoffinanexplosionofcumthatsplatteredoverPhillip’sstomach.

AshisassclenchedaroundPhillip,CaspercouldfeelPhillip’scockpulseandwidenasthefirst

burstofseedleftthetip,paintingthemostintimatewallsofhisbody.CaspermilkedPhillip’scockasif
heneededthewhitehotgoodnesstosurvive.

Caspergaspedforbreathandfellforward,onlybarelyjustcatchinghimselfbeforehecollapsedall

his dead weight onto Phillip’s wounded chest. Lying off to the side, he rested his head on Phillip’s
shoulder.CasperstillkeptPhillip’ssofteningshaftinhisbody.

AfterafewminutesofblissfulsilencePhillipsaid,“IthinkIneedtochangemybandage.”Casper

satupinapanictoseeifhismatehadbeguntobleedorsomething.“Ithinkyourspecialsaucegoton
it.”

Casperlookedupfromthewhitebandagetohismate’ssmilingface.“Really?”Casperplayfully

swattedatPhillip’sshoulder.“Youaresonotfunny.”

WhenCasperwenttonudgePhillipagainthemangrabbedhimbythewristandpulledhimdown

forakiss.

“Iloveyousoverymuch,Casper,”Phillipsaid,thenbrushedakissoverCasper’snose.“I’llbe

thankfuluntilmydyingdaythatyoucameintomylife.You’vetaughtmehowtoliveagain.”

HappinessunlikeanythingCasperhadeverfeltbeforespreadoverhischest.“That’swhatyou’ve

doneformetoo,Phillip.”CasperpressedakisstoPhillip’slips.“TheloveIfeelforyouwillneverdie.”
His voice hitched as his emotions overcame him. Phillip rolled them to lie on their sides facing each
other and cuddled Casper to his body. With Phillip’s heated body surrounding him, Casper started to
driftoff.

Life hadn’t been easy for him but Casper wasn’t about to let his past horrors wreck the bright

future he had with Phillip. Finally for once things were going his way. Casper never lost hope while
beingheldprisonerbyhisoldalphaorwhenPhilliphadbeenshot.Tolosehopewouldbetogiveup
andifCasperwasanythingitwasafighter.Andhe’dspendtherestofhislifefightingrightalongside
his mate. Phillip meant the world to him and Casper was ready to start living their happy ever after
together.

THEEND

WWW.AJJARRETT29.BLOGSPOT.COM

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

AJ Jarrett currently lives in the Midwest with her husband and four children. A lover of M/M

romances, she has started writing her own stories for others to enjoy. She loves her characters to be
antagonistic toward one another but ultimately find their happy ever after. She believes love can be
found in the craziest of places, and a little humor along the way never hurt. To her, there’s nothing
sexierthantwomenfindingtheirsoulmateineachotherandfallinginlove.Whensheisn’tchasing
aroundherkids,shecanbefoundsittingonthecouchwithhertrustedlaptop,givinglifetothevoices
inherhead.

ForalltitlesbyAJJarrett,pleasevisit

www.bookstrand.com/aj-jarrett

SirenPublishing,Inc.

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