NehalemPack9

AWolf ’sForgottenLife

DominicGabardiislivinglifeonedayatatime.Afterwakingupfromacomahehasnorecollectionofhispastandstruggleseveryday
tofindsomesenseofnormalcy.EverythingchangeswhenRoderickMorganwalksintohislife.Rememberinghispasttakesabackseat
whenupagainsthisstrongattractiontowardRoderick.

Roderickisahunterwhoissetwiththetasktocreatepeacebetweenhisfellowhuntersandwolfshifters.Indoingso,hemustalsofinda
waytokeeptheirsecretfromthehumanworldthatshiftersdoexist,andhe’swillingtodowhateverittakestoguardthatinformation.

WhenRodericklearnsaboutDominic’sconditionheimmediatelywantstoeliminatetheproblemforthegreatergood,thatis,untilhe
meetstheman.NowRoderickmustfindawaytohelpDominicrememberhistruenaturebeforehelosescontrolofhiswolfandexposes
hissecret.

Ge nre :

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

Le ng th:

42,135words

AWOLF’SFORGOTTENLIFE

NehalemPack9

AJJarrett

EVERLASTINGCLASSIC

MANLOVE

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AJJARRETT

ChapterOne

Dominic closed his eyes then opened them again. He did it again only clenched his eyelids

tighter,beggingthatsomethinglookedfamiliarwhenheopenedhiseyes.

Nothing.Notasparkofamemory,justmorequestionsthananswersrattledthroughhisbashed-

inheadaboutthelifeheledbeforetheaccident.

Dominic sat in his sunlit room and the damn thing looked the same as it did when he was

broughttothishousetwoweeksago.Thelargeroomwithitsbeige-coloredwallsthatnothinghung
on. No pictures or decorative candleholders, nothing. The room was bare except for his bed, desk,
anddresser.

There were stacks of boxes that sat in the corner of the room that he had gone through but

nothingjumpedoutathimassomethingfromhisoldlife,alifehecouldn’tremember.

****

TwoweeksagoDominicwokeupinabrightlylithospitalroom.Machinesproducedaconstant

beep as they read his vitals, the strong stench of bleach and disinfectant burned his nose. When he
openedhiseyesamansatnexttohisbed,staringathimasifjustwaitingforthatverymoment.He
sighedinrelief,pulledouthisphone,andstartedmakingcalls.Dominicwatchedwithawaryeyeas
themanstartedtotalkasifheknewhim.

Dominictriedandtriedbuthecouldn’tplacetheman’sface.Thehurtexpressionthemangave

himmadeDominicfeelguilty.Nomatterhowhardhetried,everythingcameupblank.

“Dominic, it’s me, Devon.” The man paused, giving time for the information to sink into

Dominic’sbrain,butDominiconlyshookhisheadinconfusion.“Don’tyourememberme?”

He shook his head no, then asked, “My name’s Dominic?” Up until that point he didn’t even

knowhehadaname.

A doctor came in and explained that memory loss was common in cases like this. Dominic

didn’tevenhaveacluewhatthatdoctormeant.“Whathappenedtome?”

AccordingtoDevon,he’dbeenattackedandbadlybeaten.He’dsufferedextremedamagetothe

side of his skull and it had caused his brain to swell. A part of him was thankful that he couldn’t
rememberthat.Whointheirrightmindwouldwanttohavememoriesofgettingtheirheadkickedin?

Butnonetheless,hehadtoknowthecircumstancesthatlefthiminthiscondition.Apparentlythe

man he’d been dating decided to end their relationship by ending Dominic’s life. The whole thing
would have been more upsetting had he not learned that his attempted murder had also fooled the
townspeopleofSilverCreek.Dominichadgottenoffluckyconsideringthemanwasaserialkiller
andhadkilledtwomembersoftheSilverCreekswimteam.

Thethoughtthathehadbeenintimatewithapersonthatwascapableofsomethinglikethatstill

causedchillstorippleoverhisskin.

Dominicstayedinthehospitalafewmoredaysafterhewokeup.Morevisitorscametoseehim

butstillnothing.Noonetookoffensetohimnotrememberingthemandjustkepttellinghimstories
ofwhoheusedtobe.

A young man by the name of Erik came by every day and still did, since he’d been released

fromthehospital.FromwhatEriksaid,Dominicdidn’thaveanyfamilyandcametolivewithErik

andhisbrotherswhenhewasnineteen.TheoldDominicdidn’ttalkabouthispastandEriksaidhe
prettymuchkepttohimselfandburiedhimselfinhiswork.

DevonandErikbothravedabouthowgreatwithcomputershehadbeenbutDominiccouldn’t

eventellthemhowtoturnoneonnow.Itallcameupblankinhismind.

Dominiccouldreadandafteralittleworkwithatherapistwasabletodosomebasicmath,but

nowaydidhebelieveErikwhenhetoldDominichehadworkedasanaccountant.Justthelittlebitof
mathhe’dworkedonboredthehelloutofhim.Hecouldneverimaginedoingthatforaliving.

Threedaysafterwakingupfromhisfour-weeknaphewasreleasedfromthehospital.Dominic

didn’tknowwherehewasgoing,onlythatDevonwastakinghimtotheplacehecalledhome.Hewas
givenhisownroomandfreerangeofthehouse.

LifeattheCarstenmanorwasn’tbad.Everyonehehadmetwasreallyniceanddidn’ttreathim

like some freak. He did find it a little strange that all the men in the house were gay. Dominic
shruggeditoff.Whowashetojudge?Apparentlyhewasgaybuthehadnomemoryofthat.Hellfor
allheknewhewasbisexualanddabbledinbothsexes.Notknowingwhohewaskindoftrumpedany
kindofsexualdesireshemighthavetowardanyone,manorwoman.

****

Dominicgotupfromwherehesatonthebedandwalkedovertohisdresserandlookedintothe

mirror. His blue eyes seemed more gray than blue, and a little dull. His black hair looked a little
shaggy but he wanted to keep it longer. On the left side of his head was a wide scar, also a small
indentioninthebonewhereithadhealed.

He had no recollection of what he looked like prior to the accident, only what he’d seen in

pictures. The men in the house had shown him plenty of photographs of a smiling man with short,
spikyhairandpaleskin.Aglowseemedtoradiateoffhim,drawingDominicclosertothepictures.
Dominicthoughttheguyheusedtobewasprettydamnhandsomebutitwasn’twhohewasnow.That
Dominicfellasleepandneverwokeup.Allthatwasleftwastheoutershellofthemaneveryonehad
grown to know and love. The man he was now was a stranger in his own skin. Not the Dominic
Gabardifromsixweeksbeforehisaccident.

Dominicranahandthroughhishairbutthelifelessstrandsfellflat.Hemadesuretocombhis

hairtothesidetohelpcoverthehideousscarthenheadedforthedoor.Thesunwasoutandhefelt
like a little fresh air. Dominic felt his most relaxed while sitting outside. He didn’t know what that
meant.Maybebeforehisaccidenthewassomesortofnatureenthusiast,whoenjoyedcampinginthe
woods.Whoknew?

IntheweekandhalfoflivingintheCarstenhouse,hehadgottenprettyfamiliarwiththelayout.

He knew where the living room was, where everyone seemed to gather in the evening, and the
kitchen.Someofthemostwonderfulsmellscamefromthatbelovedroom.

Dominiccamedownthestairsandlookedaround.Everynowandagainhe’dwalkintoaroom

andclosehiseyes.Hopingbeyondhopethatsomethingwouldcomebacktohim.

“Hi,Dom,whatchadoing?”
He cracked open one eye and saw a little boy standing in front of him. Short, brown hair, the

brightest blue eyes he’d ever seen, and, well, a kid. He should be able to remember his name. It sat
rightonthetipofhistongue.

Forgodsakes!Dominic,youidiot.Youplayedkickballwithhimtwodaysago,hisvoiceechoed

inthehollowsofhishead.

“Uh,uh.”Dominicsnappedhisfingerstryingtospitthekid’snameout.
“Carson,”thelittleboysaidslowlyandloudlyasifhethoughtDominicwasdeaf.
“Shit,that’sright,”Dominicshouted.Thensomethinginsidehimremindedhimheshouldn’tuse

foullanguageinfrontofachild.“Damnit.”Heballeduphisfistandprayedthatthenextthingthat
cameoutofhismouthwasn’toffensive.“I’msorry,Carson.Ididn’tmeantoforgetyournameorsay
thosebadwords.”Hesquatteddownuntileyelevelwiththesmallboy.“Canyouforgiveme?”

“Sure.” Carson raised his small hand up and lightly stroked it on the side of Dominic’s head

where the scar was. He had to fight against his body’s natural instinct to flinch away. “It’s not your
faultyoucan’trememberstuff.Butmydadssayaslongasyoutrythat’sallthatmatters.”

The kid said it like that answered all the problems in the world and excused the fact that

Dominic’sbrainwasmush.

“Ilikeyourdads.”Hereturnedthelittleboy’ssmile.“Theysoundprettysmart.”
“Wellduh,theyare.”Carsonrolledhiseyes.
“Youlittlestinker.”DominicreachedforCarsonandstartedtoticklehissidesandthelittleboy

squealed in delight. He gave one last tickle then stood up. “You hungry?” Carson nodded his head.
“Me,too,let’sgoseewhat’sinthekitchen.”

Dominic let Carson lead the way. The sound of voices could be heard before he reached the

entry into the kitchen. Once he stepped into the kitchen, all talking ceased. That had happened a lot
lately but Dominic didn’t think he should be offended by it or at least he tried not to be. He was a
strangerintheCarstenhouseeveniftheyknewhimbeforehisaccident.

Skyler, one of Carson’s dads, Carl, and Aiden stood around the island in the center of the

kitchen.

“Dad,I’mhungry,”Carsonwhinedandstuckouthislowerlip.
“Youdorealizeyousoundlikealittlegirlwhenyoupoutlikethat?”Skylerteasedhisson.“I

thinkthatlittleTatumgirlisrubbingoffonyoutoomuch.”

“Sheisnot!”Carsontriedtolookappalledbythefactthathisdadhadjustoustedhiminfrontof

everyonethathehungoutwithagirl.

“Who’sTatum?”DominicaskedasheruffledhishandthroughCarson’ssoftbrownhair.“Isshe

yourgirlfriend?”

“Why? You jealous?” Carson asked in all seriousness without missing a beat. Dominic was

dumbfoundedanddidn’tknowwhattosay.

“Nowthat,myfriends,ismyboy.”Skylerhelduphishandtohissontogivehimahighfive.

“AndyouhaveextremelygoodtastebecausesheisthecutestlittlegirlIthinkI’veeverseen.Makes
mewanttohaveanotherchild.”

“Yeah,Idon’tthinktherestofuscanputupwithanotherlittleprotégéofyours.”Aidengotup

fromhisseattorefillhiscoffeemug.“Howyoudoingthismorning,Dom?”

“GoodIguess.”Hepulledoutthemilkfromthefridgeandfilledaglass.
“I still found it completely odd that you can’t remember liking coffee?” Skyler pointed to the

glassofmilkinDominic’shand.“Youusedtoliveoffthestuff.”

Dominicshruggedhisshouldersandtookadrink.“It’stoobitter.I’vetrieditacoupleoftimes

but I can’t stand the stuff.” He picked up one of the banana muffins sitting on a platter on the
countertopandtookabite.Hiseyesfellshutandhemoanedasthesweet,moisttexturerolledoverhis
tongue and down his throat. Dominic was surprised he hadn’t gained twenty pounds since being
releasedfromthehospital.Carlalwayshadsomethingbakingandreadytoofferhiminaheartbeat.

“Itakeityoulikethose?”Carlasked.

“Ilovethem,”Dominicsaidaroundamouthfulofmuffin.“You’rethebestcookever.”
“TherewasatimeyouthoughtIwas.”DominicheardthemumbledwordsSkylersaidunderhis

breathasheturnedaroundtorefillhiscoffeemug.

The room grew quiet except for the sound of Carson singing along to the theme song of

SpongebobSquarepantsinfrontoftheTVthathungonthewallinfrontofthekitchentable.Noone
seemedtomakeeyecontactwithDominicanditwastimeslikethishehatedmostofall.

“I’msorry,Skyler,”Dominicfoundhimselfapologizing.He’dbecomeaproatdoingthatlately.

It wasn’t his fault he couldn’t remember but it wasn’t these men’s fault for having these cherished
memoriesofDominicGabardi.HewastheirfriendandthisDominictheywerenowstuckwithwasa
lackingsubstitute.

“No,don’tbe.”Skylerbrushedahandunderhiseye.Dominiccouldn’tbesurebuthethoughthe

saw a tear slip out the man’s eye. “You’ll come to remember.” Skyler paused before correcting
himself.“You’llcometoseeIliketobethecenterofattentionandCarlkeepssteelingmyspotlight
withhisdamnbakedgoods.”

AidenandCarlbegantolaughandDominictookthatasacluetochimein.Skylersmiledand

laughedandjokedaround,butDominicknewhehadupsettheotherman.Ifhecouldjustremember,
episodeslikethiswouldn’thappenasoften.Butnomatterhowmuchhehopedandprayed,hismind
wasanemptyabyssofnothingness.

“Gentleman,I’msorrytosaythisbutIhavetogo.”Carlputthemuffinsinaplasticcontainer

and left them on the counter. “Margie has a doctor ’s appointment today and I promised Shane I’d
comehelpoutatthecafé.”

DominichadbeentothecaféinSilverCreekoncesincehecametolivehere.Helikedit.The

fresh,sweetscentofbakedbreads,muffins,cakes,andcookieswaslikeadrugtohissystem.Eventhe
strongaromafromthedifferentcoffeestheyservedthereweren’ttoobad.

“CanIcomewithyou?”Dominicasked,needinganexcusetogetoutofthehouse.Afterhurting

Skyler ’sfeelingsheneededtoescapetheawkwardnessthatmadehisskincrawl.

CarllookedoveratAidenwhogaveaquicknod,asifDominicneededpermissiontoleave,but

heguessedthathekindofdid.IfhegotseparatedfromCarl,hewouldn’tknowhiswaybackhomeor
aphonenumbertocallforhelp.

“Sure,”Carlsaidinachippervoice.“Letmeusetherestroomrealquickthenwe’llgo.”
Dominiccouldn’tcontainhissmile.Hewasfreeofthehouseevenifforjustalittlebit.Skyler ’s

disappointmentsatthickintheairanditfeltlikeanoosearoundDominic’sneck.Heneededtogetout
ofherebeforeitconsumedhim.

ChapterTwo

“Howwasyourtrip?”
“Exhausting,” Roderick answered Brandon as he threw his suitcase in the back of the man’s

truck.

Overthepastsevenweeks,heandanotherhunter,Phillip,hadstartedtheinterviewprocesson

all hunters that were current members of the East Coast section of the hunter ’s council. Phillip was
one of the only other hunters he trusted to assist with the interviews. There were hunters who truly
wanted to accept the new changes and those only saying they agreed but continuing to kill. It was a
clusterfucktotryandweedthroughthemess.

Roderick had grown tired of all the lies he had heard over the past few weeks. Most of the

hunters who worked with the council didn’t know Roderick’s background and he didn’t give the
informationtojustanyone.

Prior to working with the hunter ’s council, he had been a marine. Joined up right after he

graduatedhighschool.Helovedthedailylifeofasoldier.Heknewwhatwasexpectedofhimandhe
wasgoodatfollowingandgivingorders.

Hisabilitytopayattentionandkeepcalminanysituationmadehimavaluableassetasasniper.

To be able to sit for long periods of time and just watch his mark before he could take a shot.
Roderickhadbeengoodatthat.Butlikemostthingsinlife,thingschangedandaftertoomanyyears
ofkillinghumanbeings,andwatchingtoomanyofhisfriendsdie,heneededachange.

Killingwolfshifterswasdifferentforhimatfirst.He’dseenwhatacrazed,out-of-its-mindwolf

coulddotoaperson’sbodyanditwasn’tpretty.Roderickthoughthewasdoingapublicserviceby
riddingtheworldofthesebeasts.Itwasn’tuntilhemetonedidhisopinionstarttochange.

Justlikehumans,therewerebadandgood.Roderickhadonlybeenshownthebaduntilhemeta

sweetfemalewolfshifter.HisbossontheWestCoastcouncil’ssonfellinlovewithoneofthewolves
he was ordered to kill. The love those two shared was beyond anything Roderick had ever seen
before.WatchingthosetwotogetherprovedtoRoderickthatitwaswrongtokilloffanentirespecies
basedonwhatafewhaddonewrong.

Now Roderick worked to protect both humans and wolf shifters. There were humans who

hunted wolf shifters for sport and wolf shifters who did the same to humans. Evil was evil and it
didn’tdifferentiatebetweenhumanandnot-completely-humanindividuals.

ForRoderick,itgavehislifeabetterpurpose.Hedidn’twanthislifetobenothingbutblood

anddeath.Killingforthepasttenyearshadstartedtotarnishhissoul.Heneededachangeandsodid
thecouncil.

“But it’s for a good cause.” Brandon pulled away from the curb and headed for the highway.

Roderick eased his chair back and closed his eyes. “There are hunters out there who need to be
stoppedandthosethatwanttoprotectthosewhocannotprotectthemselves,beithumansorwolves.”

“Yeah,butit’stiringtohavetoreadbetweenthebullshittoseewhoreallybelieveswhattheysay

andthosewhojustwantmetobelievewhattheysaysotheycangoonliketheyhavebeen.”Roderick
rubbedahandoverhiseyes.“IfIseeonemorereportaboutakidwolfshifterbeingkilled,Iswear
I’mgoingtokillthehunterresponsible.”

“Ihearya.EversinceImetErik,Ifeelthesameway.AllIwasevertaughtwastobelievethese

beingswereevilanddeservedtodie.Untilyouseeitfirsthand,it’shardtoaccept,”Brandonsaid.

“Yeah, I know. It’s hard to accept change.” He looked over to Brandon. “But in this case it’s

eitherchangeorthecouncilwillfindawaytoeliminateyou.Don’tgetmewrong,therearesomebad
motherfuckingwolvesouttherethatneedtobeputdown,butwecan’tclassifythemallinthesame
manner.”

“True.”BrandonlookedathimandheldRoderick’sstare.“Thesenewchangesmakeourjobs

harder,butit’sworthit.Youknowthat,right?”

“OfcourseIdoandthat’swhyI’mnotbitchingaboutit.”Roderickturnedtofaceforwardand

closedhiseyesagain.

“OhIalmostforgot.Dominicwokeupwhileyouweregone.”
Roderickopenedhiseyesjustabittokeepthebrightsunoutofhiseyes.“That’sgood.Doeshe

rememberwhathappened?”

“Nope,notasinglething,andwhenIsayasinglething,I’mnotexaggerating.”Brandonblew

outadeepbreath.“Hedoesn’trememberanythingfromhisoldlife.Nothisjob,hishobbies,ifhe’s
gayorstraight.Nothing.”

“So are you saying this guy doesn’t remember he’s a wolf shifter?” Roderick waited for

Brandon’sanswer.He’djustgottenbackintownandhedidn’twanttohavetodealwiththis,too.A
wolfshifterwhodoesn’tknowhe’sawolfshifterwasaseriousproblem.

“That’sexactlywhatI’msaying,”Brandonanswered.
“Shit,”Roderickmumbledunderhisbreath.He’dnevermetDominicbuthehadtoassumethe

othermembersofhispackmightgetalittleupsetifhehadtoputDominicdownoutofsafetyforthe
community.“Doeshesuspectanything?Imean,fuck,howdoestheguynotremembersomethinglike
that?Forgettingwhatyourfavoritefoodisorifyoucandriveacarisonething,butthis?”Heshook
hishead.“Thisisbad,Brandon,andyouknowit.”

“I know and that’s why I avoided calling you. I wanted to give Dom time to remember.”

Brandon’s grip on the steering wheel tightened and Roderick could see the whites of his knuckles.
“It’sonlybeentwoweeks,Roderick.”

“Brandon,Iknowthisguyisamemberofyourmate’spackbutyouknowthiscouldendvery

badly.Best-casescenarioheremembers,butitcouldeasilygotheotherway.Whathappensifthisguy
shifts in the fucking grocery store or while at the movies?” he asked Brandon, knowing his friend
didn’thaveananswerforeitherquestion.“Himnotknowingwhatheisisathreattoeveryonearound
him. Knowing what he is could drive him crazy and a crazy wolf shifter is a bad thing, a real bad
thing.”

“Iunderstandwhatyou’resaying,butweneedtogivehimmoretime.I’vegotanidea.”Brandon

passedtheturnoffforhishouseandkeptdriving.“Domishelpingoutatthecafétoday.I’lltakeyou
thereandyoucantalktohim,getafeelforhowhe’sdoing.”

“Brandon.”Hisvoicelowered,conveyinghisexhaustion.Hejustwantedtocurlupinbedand

sleepforaweek.

“Comeon,Roderick.Youropinioncarriesweightatthecouncil.Ifyousayhe’sfinethenthey’ll

believeyou.”

Thatwastrue.Whatwasafewmoreminutes?“IguessIdon’thaveachoiceinthemattersince

you’redriving.”

“True,andsinceyou’restayingwithme,Iguessyou’reatmymercy.”Brandonchuckled.
“Yeah, so not funny.” Roderick rolled his head on his shoulders trying to work out the kinks

fromthelongplaneride.“I’llgospeakwithhimthenIneedtogoandtalkwithDevon.Heneedsto
knowwhatwillhavetohappenifthisDomguyloseshisshit.”

****

Dominicclearedtheemptymugsandplatesfromthetablethenwipeditclean.He’dbeenatthe

EarlyBeanCaféforthepastthreehoursandhewasn’tboredyet.Heenjoyedthehustleandbustleof
thedailycrowdthatfloodedintothelittleshop.Thepeoplewereniceandheenjoyedhelpingthem.
Granted he was only serving them coffee and snacks, but still it made him feel like he wasn’t
worthless.

Thecustomerswhocameindidn’tknowhimsoitmadeiteasytobearoundthemandtalkwith

them.Theycouldn’tbringupwhatheusedtobelikeandinadvertentlymakehimfeelguiltyfornot
beingthatsameperson.

Dominic hummed along with the song that played over the radio. He carried his tub of dishes

aroundthecountertothesinkandstartedtorinsethemofftoputinthedishwasher.Hewasn’tcuring
cancer,butdoingthisjobmadehimfeelspecial.Itgavehimapurposeinsteadofjustsittingaround
thehousewaitingforhismemorytocomeback.

“I’veneverseensomeonetakesuchpleasurefromdoingdishes,”Shanesaidwithasmilethat

Dominicreturned.

“It’sfun.”Heshrugged.“It’ssomethingIcan’tscrewupandIdon’tneedmymemorytoknow

how to wash dishes.” Dominic did his best to keep the irritation from his voice. He didn’t want to
offendorupsetthemenwhohadtakenhimin.

“True.”Shanetookasteptowardhim.“I’mnotgoingtolieandsayIknowwhatyou’regoing

through.It’djustbeaninsulttoyou,butIwillsaythis,weallstillcareaboutyou.Beitthisperson
you’vebecomeortheoldyou.Itdoesn’tmattertous.You’restillDominic.”

“YeahbutnottheDominiceveryoneremembers.”Heturnedaroundandrestedhishipagainst

thesink.“IhateseeingthedisappointmentintheireyeswheneverIdon’tremembersomethingorifI
saythewrongthing.It’shardtodealwith.”

“I can imagine.” Shane put a hand on his forearm and gave him a gentle squeeze. “Just keep

doingwhatyou’redoing.Weallloveyou.Andquitefrankly”—Shanecrossedhisarmsoverhischest
andblewhislightbrownhairoutofhisface—“Ilikethenewyou.Icanfinallyunderstandwhatyou
saywhenyoutalk.Before,allthatcomputerlingoyouusedtospoutoffaboutconfusedtheshitoutof
meanditmadeyoukindofscary.”

Dominicstartedtolaugh.“Ilikeyou,too,Shane.”AsShaneturnedtoleave,Dominicsaid,“And

thanks.”

“Forwhat?”Shaneraisedhiseyebrows.
“Forlikingthenewme.”
Shane grinned and gave a quick nod of his head and went back to the front counter. Dominic

turned on the faucet and started to hose down the dishware. The bell above the front door chimed,
indicating a customer had just come inside. With Shane manning the front counter, Dominic stayed
wherehewaswashingoffthedishes.

Dominicbeganhummingalongwiththeradioagainbutastrong,enticingaromamadehimlose

focus. He closed his eyes and took a bigger sniff, his nostrils flaring as he sucked it in. The scent
madehimthinkofthecrisp,coolmorningswhenhe’dgooutsidebeforeeveryoneelsewokeupto
watchthesunrise.Astrongpinesmellmixedwithmorningdew.Dominicdidn’trealizehowmuchhe
lovedthatsmell.Hispalmsgrewsweatyandwarmthfloodedhischest.

“Dom,youokay?”Carlaskedashesteppedaroundthecornercarryingalargebagofflour.
“Huh?”Helookedathisfriend.

“Areyouallright?”ConcernflashedinCarl’seyes.
“Doyou smell that?”The aroma grewstronger, to the pointof annoyance. Hehad to find out

wherethatsmellwascomingfrom.

“Smellwhat?”Carlaskedslowly.
“You know.” Dominic waved a hand around in the air, sending water droplets flying. “That

smell you smell first thing in the morning.” At Carl’s blank look he elaborated. “The crisp, cool
breezecuttingacrossthetrees,sendingthesmellofpineanddewrightupyournose.”Dominictook
adeepbreath.“It’smyfavoritesmell.”

“Hey,Dom…”Shane’sstoppedinmid-sentence,lookingbetweenhimandCarl.“What’sgoing

onhere?”

“Tellhim,Dom.”CarlpointedtoShane.
“Tellmewhat?”Shaneglancedoverhisshouldertowardthefrontofthestore.
“It’s nothing.” Dominic was quick to explain. “Really. I just got a big whiff of pine trees and

morningdew.”Hedidn’tunderstandwhatthebigdealwas.

“Huh?”Shanehadalookofconfusiononhisface.
“Thatsmelljustsohappenstobehisfavoritesmell.”CarlgaveShaneapointedlookasiftrying

totelltheothermansomethingwithoutsayingthewords.

“Letmegetthisstraight.”Shaneputthishandonhiships.“Youjuststartedtosmellthiswater

andtreescentoutoftheblue?”

“Yeah.” Dominic nodded. Even now the smell was so strong if he closed his eyes he could

imaginesittingontheporchasthesuncameoverthehorizonandseeingthelightglisteningoffthe
grass.Hesmiledatthewaythefreshnessandbeautyofthescenemadehimfeel.

Dominicopenedhiseyes,comingoutofthetrancehehadfalleninto.Hiseyeslandedonaman

sittingatoneofthefronttables.Themanwasn’talone.Brandonwaswithhim,butDominiccouldn’t
seemtopullhisattentionfromtheotherman.

“WhoisthatwithBrandon?”Themanseemedoutofplaceinthesmallcoffeeshop.Hislarge

framewasfoldedneatlyintoachair,onelegcrossedovertheotherasherelaxedbackintohisseat.
Dominic could see the man’s lips moving but couldn’t make out a single word over the blood
pounding in his ears. The rugged handsomeness of his face seemed to pull Dominic closer even
thoughhisfeetnevermovedfromwherehestood.Highcheekbones,slightlycrookednose,andthe
fullest bottom lip Dominic had seen since he’d woken up from his four-week nap. There wasn’t
anythingsoftandprettyaboutthisman.Hewasallhardlinesandmasculinity.Inaway,itreminded
DominicofthebeautifulsceneryofthelandsurroundingtheCarstenhouse.Untouchedbytheoutside
world,pure.

And god help him, the guy was drop-dead gorgeous. Every time his arms flexed, the man’s

muscles bulged at the cuff of the shirt where it was wrapped around his bicep. Dominic’s fingers
itchedtotouchthegolden,tannedskin.

Dominic took a deep breath and the smell seemed stronger, if that were possible. A tingling

sensation started low in his stomach and fanned outward toward his balls. In response, his dick
twitchedandhemovedhishandstocoverthegrowingbulgeinhisjeans.

“ThatwouldbeRoderick.He’safriendofBrandon’s.BrandonactuallybroughtRoderickhere

tomeetyou.Whydon’tyougoonupthere?”Shanepattedhimontheback,urginghimforward.“I
needtogoandcallErik.”

“Okay.” His voice sounded unsteady to his own ears. For some reason he was completely

nervous.HelookedtoCarlforhelp.

“It’s okay, Dom. I’ll be right back here if you need anything.” Carl gave him an encouraging

smile.

Dominic nodded his head and walked toward the front of the shop toward Brandon and

Roderick’stable.Thecloserhegot,themorehispalmsstartedtosweat.Hewipedthemonhisshorts,
tryingtodrythembeforehereachedthetable,thenheraisedhishandtonervouslypawatthebare
spotonhisscalp,embarrassedbywhatthismanmightthinkifhesawhisdeformity.

HemusthavemadeanoisebecausebothBrandonandRoderickturnedtolookathim.Thesoft

warm color of Roderick’s eyes took his breath away. At least now he felt safe in saying he knew
whetherhewasgayornot.

ChapterThree

Roderick yawned so wide his jaw popped from the strain. All he wanted to do was crawl into

bedandsleepforaweek,butdutycalled.

BrandondrovethemtotheEarlyBeanCafésohecouldspeaktoDominic.Hehadnevermetthe

manbeforebuthadheardalotabouthim.Accordingtothemembersofthepack,thisguywasscary
withwhathecoulddowithacomputer.Butthathadbeenbeforetheaccident.

Shane greeted him when he walked through the door with his usual sarcasm. Today it was

somethingaboutallworkandnoplaymadeRoderickadullboy.Hewastootiredtocomebackwith
awittycommentsohetookaseat.

BrandonexplainedthattheyweretheretoseeDominic,andShanewalkedtothebacktogetthe

man.

Roderick didn’t know what Brandon hoped to accomplish by bringing him here. Even if

Dominicdidn’trememberanythingnowandseemednormal,itdidn’tmeanhe’dalwaysbelikethis.
Roderick’sbiggestfearwasthatDominicwouldshiftinpublic,exposinghissecrettotheworld,or
thathe’dgocrazyknowingwhathetrulywas.Acrazywolfwasadangerousone.

EitherwayRoderickfeltlikeshitanddidn’twanttobetheonetotellBrandonorDevonthatthis

guyneededtobetakencareof.Theworldwasn’treadytoknowthatthethingsthatwentbumpinthe
nightwerereal.FearwasapowerfulemotionthatdrovecountriestowarandthelastthingRoderick
wantedwasforwolfshifterstobeinmoredangerthantheyalreadywere.

The sound of shuffling feet drew Roderick’s attention up. Brandon stood up and introduced

them.

ThesightofDominichadhistiredbodywakinguptotakenotice.Thesoftglowofhispaleskin

andthecrystalclearnessofhisblueeyesstoodoutlikeaspotlightdrawingallofRoderick’sfocus.

HestoodupandheldouthishandtoDominic.“Hello,Dominic.MynameisRoderickMorgan.

It’snicetomeetyou.”IttookamomentofDominicstaringathishandbeforehefinallytookit,and
whenhedidRoderickfeltasparkshootthroughhishandallthewaytohistoes.

“Hi,”DominicwhisperedsosoftlyRodericktookastepforward,stillholdingontotheother

man’shand.Dominicclearedhisthroatandspokeagain.“Hi,Roderick.”HelookedovertoBrandon.
“Andniceseeingyouagain,Brandon.”

Dominic’s grip was light but firm and Roderick found himself not wanting to let go. Damn, I

mustbemoretiredthanIthought.RoderickforcedhimselftoreleaseDominic’shandandpulledout
thechairbetweenhimandBrandonforDominictositin.“Pleasehaveaseat.”

Oncetheywereseated,Roderickleanedforwardandrestedhiselbowsonthetable.Helooked

fromDominictoBrandon,unsurewhatheshouldsayorwhatBrandonwantedhimtosay.

At the moment, Roderick was doing his best to keep his body in check. His skin sizzled with

awareness of Dominic sitting so close. The poor guy looked so frail sitting in his chair, arms
coveringhismidsectionlikehewasafraid.

“So,Dominic,how’sthingsbeengoingtoday?”Brandonasked,startingtheconversation.
“Good,Iguess.”Dominicbroughtahanduptotraceapatternonthetabletop.
“That’sgreattohear.”BrandonlookedtoRoderickbutheonlyshrugged.“Iwantedyoutomeet

myfriendRoderick.He’sstayingwithErikandIforthetimebeing.”

“IrememberErikmentioningthat.”Dominicglancedathimfromthecornerofhiseye.
Roderick looked over at Brandon and raised his eyebrows. Brandon tilted his head to the side

andnudgedittowardDominic.Roderickwasstillnotcertainwhatheshouldsayandsomehowasking
Dominicifhewantedtogobacktohisplaceandfuckseemedhighlyinappropriate.

AsharpstingshotuphisshinfromthekickBrandonaimedathim.“Shit.”Hebentdowntorub

attheknotformingonhisleg.HenarrowedhiseyesatBrandon,promisingtogethimbackforthis.

“Youallright?”Dominicasked.
“I’mgreat,”Roderickmanagedtosay.“SoBrandontoldmeyoulostyourmemory.”Heblew

outabreath.“Thathastobehard.”

“Itis.”Dominicsatupstraighterinhischair.“ButIthinkit’sharderforeveryoneelse.I’mnot

the one missing anything from my old life while everyone around me is suffering. I just wish
everyone just accepted me the way I am now, not what I was before.” A shocked look appeared on
Dominic’sfaceasifsurprisedhesaidsomuch.

Dominic’sbluntnessstartedtothawtheicearoundRoderick’sheart.Ithadtobetoughonthis

guytonothaveanyrecollectionfromhisoldlife.Andtoaddtothat,themandidn’tknowwhathe
wascapableof.

“Ican’tbelieveIjustsaidthat.”DominiclookedtoBrandon.“I’msorry.Ididn’tmeanittocome

outlikethat.”

“It’s okay, Dominic.” Brandon patted Dominic on the hand and a spark of jealousy coiled in

Roderick’sgut.“Icanonlyimaginewhatyou’regoingthrough.Ithinkyouarehandlingallofthis
prettywell.”

Roderickbeganaslowtapofhisfingersonthetable.Brandonhadn’tmovedhishandandthe

smilethatlitupDominic’sfacefromthekindnessBrandonwasshowinghimwasreallystartingto
pisshimoff.“So,Dominic,nothingelseaboutyournewlifefeelsoddorstrange?Anyquestionsyou
feeltheneedtoask?”

“No,notreally.”Dominicnarrowedhiseyesathim.“Whydoyouask?”
“Ohnoreason.”Roderickslappedhishandonthetabletop.BothDominicandBrandonjumped

atthesharpsound.“Weshouldbegoing.”HestoodupandheldhishandouttoDominiconcemore.
“Nicemeetingyou.”

“Samehere.”AsmilecurvedDominic’supperlip.
RoderickfollowedBrandonoutofthecaféandgotintohistruck.Hetookadeepbreath,filling

his lungs. While around Dominic, he couldn’t seem to think or function. That had never happened
before.Loverscameandwent,noonewaseverspecialenoughtogarnerasecondthoughtoncethey
leftRoderick’sbed,buttherewassomethingaboutDominic.Hefelttheneedtoprotecttheotherman
andtellhimitdidn’tmatterifheevergothismemoryback.AslongasRoderickwasthere,he’dtake
careofDominic.

It was an odd and eerie feeling. Roderick didn’t like it. He had a job to do and, like it or not,

Dominicwasjustanotheroneofhismanyjobshehadtotakecareof.Ifthewolfdidpaniconcethe
realizationsetinthathewasn’tlikeeveryoneelse,itwouldmeanputtingabulletbetweenthosepretty
blueeyes.

Whatiswrongwithme?WhydoIcarethismuch?Rodericksilentlyaskedhimself.Dominicwas

justaman,andtherewereplentyofothersoutthere.Noshortageinthemalepopulation.

He’dgonetoolongwithoutsexandwassuckedinbytheinnocenceinDominic’seyes.Ineedto

getlaid.

“Wheretonow?”Brandonasked.
“Devon’s.” Roderick buckled his seat belt. His chest felt tight with the thought of ever hurting

Dominic but what else could he do? He needed to separate his lustful thoughts from what his job

requiredofhim.He’dsworntoprotecthumansandwolvesandsometimesthatmeantfromtheirown
nature.“Weneedtodiscussouroptionsbeforethisgoesanyfurther.”

****

Dominic watched as Roderick and Brandon drove out of sight. He felt a twinge in his chest,

almostanache.Hishandcameupandhisfingersrubbedinacircularmotionoverthecenterofhis
chest.

“Dom,youokay?”Shaneaskedashecamearoundthecountertostandbyhim.
“Yeah.JusttiredIguess.”Hesteppedawayfromthewindowandwentbacktothesinktofinish

loadingthedishwasher.

“Youlikehimdon’tyou?”Shanefollowedbehind.
DominicturnedtolookathimandnoticedthatCarl,too,hadstoppedtostareathim.“Idon’t

know.”Theburningheatoftheflushthatcrawleduphisneckhadgivenawayhowhereallyfelt.

“Youdo!”Carlclappedahandoverhismouth.
“Iguessit’ssafetosaythatyou’regay,huh?”Dominichadastrongurgetosmackthegrinoff

Shane’sface.“Don’teventrytodenyit.Isawthewayyouweredroolingafterthatguy.You’retotally
smitten.”

“Wellduh.Thesmellthingwasatotalgiveaway.That’swhathap…”Carl’ssentencewascutoff

byShanethrowingawethandtowelathishead.“Whattheheck?”

Shane gave a slight shake to his head. It was like they were talking telepathically but Dominic

didn’tknowwhatabout.

“Whataboutthesmell?”Dominicasked.
“Nothing.”TheusualchippersparkwasbackinShane’stone.“Let’sgetbacktoworksowecan

closeupontime.Ican’twaittotelleveryonethatyouhaveacrushonRoderick.”

“Idonot!”Dominicsnapped.
“Whatever.Youtotallydo.”ShanepointeddownatDominic’scrotch.“Isawexactlyhowmuch

youlikedhim.”

Dominicsputtered,tryingtothinkofsomethingtosay,buthisembarrassmentmadehistongue

feeltooheavyforhismouth.

“Don’ttrytohideit.”Shanecalledoutoverhisshoulder.“It’sgoodtoseeyoulikeaguy.One

morethingweallhaveincommon.”DominiclaughedwhenShanewaggledhiseyebrowsathim.

“Areyousurewewerefriendsbeforemybraingotbashedin?”
“Ofcourse!”Shanelookedoffended.“Likethebest.”
“NowIknowyou’relying.”Dominicsmiledandgotbacktowork.
Ithadbeenanexcitingdaytosaytheleast.Hecouldn’tgetoverhowmuchheenjoyedhelping

outatthecaféandlovedhelpingCarldecoratethecookiesandcakes.Itwasafullday.Totopitoff,
hisheartgotaworkout,too.Forthefirsttimesincewakingupinthathospitalbed,hefelttrulyalive.
AliveinawaythathadeverythingtodowiththewayRoderickmadehimfeel.

“Just for the record.” Carl stood beside him and helped load the dishwasher. “Roderick was

totallycheckingyouout,too.”

“Really?”
“Yeah.”Carlbumpedshoulderswithhim.
Hecouldn’timaginewhatamanlikeRoderickwouldseeinsomeonelikehim.Roderickwasfit,

with rippling muscles covered by golden, sun-kissed skin. Like a Viking without the long hair. In

Dominic’sestimation,absolutelybeautiful.

DominiclackedincomparisontoRoderick.Hewastallandlanky,palelikeavampireandhe

didn’tevenknowwhothefuckhewas.Notrememberinghislifebeforetheaccidentwasbothering
him less and less, but what did he have to offer another person? He was broken in ways he wasn’t
entirelysurecouldbefixed.Ifitweren’tfortheCarstenfamily,Dominicwasn’tsurewherehe’dbe.

Carl didn’t want to think any more about what used to be and lusting after a guy he just met

shouldn’tevenbeapriorityatthepresent.Theonlythingthatmatteredwasthehereandnow,andhe
neededtofigureoutwhathewasgoingtodowiththerestofhislife.

ChapterFour

“Hey,guys.”Devonsaidasherushedintohisoffice,shuttingthedoorbehindhim.“SorryI’m

late.IleftthejobsiteassoonasIgotyourcall.”HetooktheseatacrossfromRoderickandBrandon.
“Roderick,it’sgoodtoseeyou.Whendidyougetbacktotown?”

“A few hours ago actually.” Exhaustion still lay heavy in his bones but images of Dominic’s

angelicfacekeptflashingbehindhiseyelids.

“No offense, but you look like hell. Are things not going over well with the hunters you’ve

spokento?”RoderickcouldseetheconcernonDevon’sface.Ifhuntersdidn’tfollowthenewcodeof
conductsetforthbythecouncil,itmeantbadthingsforthewolfshiftersoftheworld.Inordertokeep
the secret hidden from the world they had to rely on hunters to not come forth and spill the beans.
Theyalsodidn’twantahunteroutthereonapersonalmissiontokilleverythinginsight.

Roderickclenchedhiseyestightandrubbedahandoverhisface.Hejustsobadlywantedtolie

downandgotosleep.“Sofarsogood.Someofthesemenhavebeendoingthisforyears.Changeis
alwaysdifficultatfirst,butIthinkthealternativehadthemseeingreason.”Heleftoutthepartabout
theoneshecouldtellwerelyingtohimevenattheexpenseoftheirownsafety.

“That’s good to hear.” Devon crossed one leg over the other, resting his ankle over his knee.

“Sowhat’ssourgentthatIhadtorushhome?”

WhenBrandondidn’tsayanything,Rodericksatupinhischair.“Dominic.”
“WhataboutDominic?”Devonasked.“Isheallright?”
“Yes,he’sfine.”Rodericksteepledhisfingersandsearchedfortherightwaytosaythis.“Thisis

more about the fact that he doesn’t know what he is. What’s your contingency plan if he doesn’t
remember?”

“Idon’tknow.”Devonsatbackinhisseat,staringdaggersatRoderick.“Whatexactlyareyou

gettingathere,Roderick?”

“Devon,youhaveawolfshifterwalkingaroundtownthinkinghe’sjustlikeeveryoneelse.It’s

notsafe.”

“Whyisn’titsafe?”Devon’saskedinaclippedtone.“He’slosthismemory,nothismind.”
And herein lay the problem. Roderick knew he’d be the bad guy once he brought this up but

whatelsewashesupposedtodo?

“True,butwhatwillyoudowhenhisemotionsgetthebetterofhimandheshiftsinpublic?Or

ifheshiftsintheprivacyofhisownroomanddoesn’tknowwhatishappeningtohim?”Roderick
startedtogetangryonDominic’sbehalf.Itwasn’tfairtolethimfindoutbyaccidentwhathistrue
naturewas.TheshockandfearcouldripDominicapart,causinghimtolosehismind.“Whatthen,
Devon?”

“We’lldealwithit.”Devonsaiditlikethatstatementwasfinalandthatwasallthatneededtobe

said.“He’spackandwetakecareofourown.”

“That’syoursolution?”Roderickchuckled.“Wellthatwon’tsolvetheproblemifhegoesfrom

humantowolfinthemiddleofthefuckingstreet,nowdoesit?”Hestoodupandstartedpacingthe
room.Thisjustwasn’thisday.“Hecouldhurtsomeoneorputyouallatgreaterriskofdiscovery.”
WashetheonlyonewhosawDominicnotrememberingwhathewasasarealissue?Thiscouldbe
verybadforeveryoneinvolved.

“Sowhatdoyousuggestthen,Roderick?”Devonstoodupfromhischair.
RoderickhaltedinhisfootstepsandfacedbothDevonandBrandon.Brandon’sfacehadgrown

pale as if he were going to be sick. Some people couldn’t handle situations like this. Death wasn’t
alwaystheroutehewantedtotake,buttosparethousandshewouldsacrificeone.

“Pleasedon’ttellmeyou’rethinkingofputtingabulletinhishead?”TheharshnessinDevon’s

tonewouldhavefrightenedaweakermanbutRoderickjustignoredit.

“We can’t let him run around unaware of what he truly is.” He was hoping they saw his

reasoning.“Hecouldunintentionallyexposethewholelotofyou,thenwhat?”

“So killing him is your solution?” Devon shook his head in disgust. “I thought you were

differentthantheothers.IguessIwaswrong.”

TensionhadRoderick’smusclespulledtightandhishandsshaking.Beforehecouldsayanother

word,theofficedoorbangedopenandErikcamestompingin.Alookofpurehatredonhisface.

“Erik?” Brandon stood up and walked over to his mate. “What are you doing here? I thought

youwereathome.”

“Iwon’tletyoukillhim.”ErikignoredBrandonandzonedinonRoderick.“He’samemberof

ourfamilynotsomestrayoffthestreet.”

“Erik,IknowthissoundsharshbutwhatkindoflifewillyouallhaveifDominicexposesyour

secret? You would risk hundreds of lives to spare just one? How would you feel if he killed an
innocenthuman?”

“We’llfindawaytomakeitwork.”
“Erik,Iwishitwasthateasy.”PaincutthroughRoderick’schestlikeahotpoker.“Idon’twant

tokillanyonebut…”

“There’s no buts to it!” Erik shouted at the top of his lungs. “You can’t kill him, especially

consideringwhatheistoyou.”

TheroomwentdeadquietandRoderick,alongwithBrandonandDevon,staredatErik.“Erik,

whatareyoutalkingabout?”Brandonasked.

“Whatishetome?”Roderickasked,afraidtohearwhatErikhadtosay.
“Your mate.” A smile spread over Erik’s face. He seemed rather pleased with himself for

droppingthatgiganticbomb.“Knowingthat,doyoureallythinkyou’dputabulletbetweenhiseyes,
youegotisticalbastard?”

“That’snotfunny,”Roderickmumbled.TheroomstartedtoswayandRoderick’sheadfelttoo

heavytoholdupanylonger.HestartedtostumbleforwardandDevonreachedouttosteadyhimthen
helpedlowerhimintoachair.

“Iknowit’snot.”EriksatonthetableinfrontofhimandlaidagentlehandonRoderick’sknee.

“Butdoyouseenowwhykillinghimisn’tanoption?Atleastnotanoptionforyou.He’syourmate.
Somethinginsideyoumustfeelaconnectiontohim.”

Something did but Roderick had hoped it was the lack of sex that had these emotions racing

throughhisbody.“Howcanyoubecertain?Ifhedoesn’tknowwhatheishowcanhepossiblyknow
I’mhismate?”

“Hesmelledyouonceyouwalkedthroughthefrontdooratthecafé.”Erikstareddownatthe

floorashespoke.“Shanecalledandtoldmeeverything.Domwasbackwashingdisheswhenyouand
Brandon arrived. Carl said Dom started going on about this smell and asked if he smelled it, too.
TherewasnooneelseinthecafébutCarl,Shane,andBrandon,andhe’salreadybeenaroundthem
plenty of times since he woke up. You”—Erik looked up, meeting his gaze—“were the only other
personintheshopandtheonlypersonDomdidn’tknow.Likeitornot,he’syours.”

Roderick sat completely still for a moment, doing his best to absorb everything Erik just told

him.Dominicwashismate.CouldheevencallitbeingamatesinceDominicdidn’trememberhewas

awolfshifter?Itwasalltoomuchtohandle.Roderickalwayswantedtofallinloveandfindthatone
specialperson,butthis?Destinedtobewithamanhemighthavetokillifhegoesrabidandstarts
eatingtheneighbors.Deargodinheaventhiswasn’tfair.

“WhatthefuckamIgoingtodo?”Roderickshotupfromhischairandstartedtopacethefloor

again.Handsgrippedtightlyathishead,doingtheirbesttokeephisskullfromsplittingintopieces.

“Yes,”Devonsaid.“Whatareyougoingtodo?”
“What do you want from me?” A cool sweat dampened his palms and he could feel the first

beadsofperspirationtrickledownhisback.“Ididn’taskforanyofthis!”

“Andneitherdidhe.”Eriksteppedinhispath,blockingRoderickfromtakinganotherstep.“The

question is, now that you know, what will you do to help him and yourself?” Erik reached for his
hand and Roderick didn’t resist. “I can tell that you’re lonely and here’s your chance at happiness.
Don’tletitslipaway.”

“He’s right.” Brandon stood up and wrapped his arm around Erik’s shoulders. “I saw the way

youlookedathimtoday.Denyitallyouwantbutyou’reattractedtoDominic.”

“That doesn’t mean anything.” He pulled away from Erik and turned away from his knowing

stare.JustbecausehewasattractedtoDominicdidn’tmeanthey’dfallinloveandlivehappilyever
after.

“Butwhatifitdoes?”Devonasked.“Thiscouldbetheanswertoallourproblems.”
“Excuse me?” Roderick spun around to face the crazy alpha. “How can this in any way be a

goodthing?”

“Justhearmeout.”Devonheldhishandsinfrontofhim.“Dom’sdoctorssaidnottopressure

himintogettinghismemoriesback.Saidtoshowhimpictures,sharememorieswehaveofhimbut
nottoforcetheissue.Whatifyou”—Devonpointedathim—“areinfacthismate?Beingaroundyou
mighthelpwakethatsideofhimselfup.Ifhecanatleastrememberwhatheis,hecanlearntohandle
it.Andwithyoubeingaskilledhunter,whobettertowatchoutforhim?”

“Sowhatyou’resayingisyouwantmetobabysithim?”Notthatitwouldbeahardshipbeing

around Dominic, but what if things didn’t go as Devon suggested? What if Roderick grew to care
aboutDominiconlytohavetoputhimoutofhismisery?Howwouldthatbefairtoeitherofthem?
Roderickavoidedrelationshipsforthispurpose.Hedidn’twanttohurtanyoneorbehurtinreturn.
LovecoulddostrangethingstoapersonandRoderickdidn’twanttofallvictimtothat.

“Youcan’ttechnicallycallitbabysitting.Babysittersaren’tallowedtofuckthepeopletheyare

caringfor.”Eriksaidbluntly.“SoIthinkyou’llbejustfinespendingtimewithDom.”

“IhatetosaythisbutIagreewithmybrother.”
Ofcoursehewould.Rodericksatbackdown,takingadeepbreathbeforehespokeagain.“You

guysarebasingallthisonthefactthathelikedthewayIsmelled.”Feelingalittleself-conscious,he
sniffedathisarmpit.“Itwasagoodsmell,right?”

“AccordingtoShane,Domcouldn’tstoptalkingaboutit.”Erikgrinnedathim.
“Butstillyouguysareputtingalotofhopeinthefact,justbecausehelikesthewayIsmell,that

wearedestinedtobetogether.”Apartofhimwantedittobetruebutdidn’twanttoadmitanythingto
hisfriends.

“Roderick,youofallpeopleknowawolf’ssenseofsmellisvitaltotheirwayoflife.Typically

the first thing a wolf notices when they find their mate is their scent. Then when they see them the
attractionisundeniable.”

“Iknowthatbutitsureasshitdidn’tseemlikeDominicwashavingtoholdhimselfbackfrom

metoday.Heseemedratherindifferenttowardme.”NowhadDominicstraddledhislapandplanted

hisplushlipstohis,Roderickwouldbemorewillingtobelieveallthis.

“CanIcomein?”RodericklookedoverDevon’sshouldertoseeShanestandinginthedoorway.
“Sure,comeonin.”Devonwavedhiminside.
“I couldn’t help but overhear you guys talking.” Shane closed the door behind him and came

overtothem.

“Where’sDom?”Roderickcouldn’thelpbutask.Knowingthatthemanmightbeincloserange

hadhispulseracingandallhisbloodflowingsouthward.

“He’soutsidewithCarl.”ShanekneltdownbesideRoderick’schairandlookedupathimwith

sympatheticeyes.“Thisisn’tfairtoyoubutneithertoDom.He’sagreatguyanddidn’tdeserveto
havehisheadbashedinandhismemoriesstolen.Sincehewokeup,he’sjustbeengoingthroughthe
motionsoflivinguntiltoday.”AsingletearrandownShane’scheek.“Youshouldhaveseenhimafter
you left, standing by the window watching until you drove out of sight, and then on the way home.
Domhadthisgoofygrinonhisfacethewholeentiretime.Icouldsmellhishappiness.Fortwoweeks
thatmanhasbeenwalkingaroundlikeazombiethenyoucamealongandwokehimupinwayswe
couldn’t.” Shane took Roderick’s hand in his and squeezed. “I know what it’s like to be alone and I
can’timagineyouorDomwanttolivetherestofyourliveslikethat.SoI’mbeggingyou,helphim
andintheprocessyoumightjusthelpyourself.”

ThewayShanelookedathimmadeRoderickuncomfortable.Hedidn’twanttothinkthisman

sawthroughthefaçadeheputouttherefortheworldtosee.LikeDominic,Roderickwasaloneinthe
world. He kept that knowledge to himself, not wanting other people to pity him. If he only had to
countonhimselftherewasnowayanyonecouldeverdisappointhim,butnow?Nowhehadaman
whomightbetheonepersonwhowouldneverfailhim.Roderickjusthadtobestrongenoughtotake
achanceonsomeoneotherthanhimself.

“Fine,I’lldoit.”RoderickbarelyhadenoughtimetocatchhisbalancebeforeErikandShane

jumpedintohislap,hugginghimaroundtheneck.“Okay,nowgetoffme.”Hestoodupandheaded
forthedoor.

“Hey,Roderick?”HeturnedatthesoundofDevon’svoice.“Ifyouneedanythingdon’thesitate

toask.Hemightbeyourmatebuthe’sstillourfriend.”

Rodericknoddedhisheadthensteppedoutoftheroom.Hischestfelttightandanxietyprickled

athisskin.Datinghadneverbeenhisthingandheprayedhedidn’tfuckthisup.Butintheendalot
more was riding on this than him getting a boyfriend. If Dominic couldn’t handle being a shifter,
Roderickwouldhavetodotheonethingthatmightsendhimovertheedge.Andthatthoughtscared
Roderickmorethanfallinginlove.

ChapterFive

“Here.”Carlheldoutthemetalspatulatohim.Dominicstaredatitlikeitwasasnakeposingto

attackhim.“Comeon,Dom.Justflipthehamburgersovereveryfewseconds.It’seasy.”

Dominictookthespatulainhandandturnedoverthefirstpatty.Heflippeditovernicelywithout

itfallinginbetweenthegratesofthegrill.Itwasactuallykindoffun.

Thesunhadbegunitsdescentinthesky.Awarmbreezeblewacrosshisfaceandheclosedhis

eyes,takinginthewildscentsofthegreatoutdoors.

Thereitisagain.Dominic’shandbegantoshakeandthespatulafellfromhishandtoclankon

thewoodendeckfloor.Heturnedaround,followingthesmell.

“Dom,youokay?”HeheardCarlaskbutdidn’tanswer.
Hewalkedinthedirectionthesmellwascomingfrom.Witheyesshut,helethisnoseleadthe

way. The smell grew stronger and Dominic became anxious to find the cause of that smell. The
rationalpartofhismindsaiditwasnothing,butasmallpiecesaiditwasRoderick.Hehadbeenso
jitterywhenhemetthemanearlierthatday.DominichalfprayedthatRoderickwasattheendofthe
trailhisnosewasleadinghimon.

“Hey,now.”ApairofstronghandsclampeddownonDominic’sshoulders,stoppinghiminhis

pursuit. Dominic opened his eyes. “You need to be more careful. Don’t want you to fall and hurt
yourself.”Rodericksmileddownathim.

Dominiccouldn’tspeak.Themanhehadbeendaydreamingaboutsincehemethimstoodright

in front of him. Damn, he was even prettier up close. No, not pretty, handsome. Nothing about
Roderickwaspretty.Hewasallhardedgesandmasculineperfection.

“Thanks,”Dominicmumbled.“Justgotalittledistractedisall.”
“Icantell.”Roderickwinkedathim.
Dominicdippedhisheaddowntohidetheblushfanningoverhischeeks.Hedidn’twanttolook

like a total moron in front of this man. It was bad enough Roderick knew he suffered from brain
trauma.Hedidn’twantthemantothinkhewascrazy,too.

“SoIwaswondering,”Rodericksaid,lettinggoofDominic’sarms.“Wouldyouliketogofora

walkwithme?”Henudgedhischintowardthebackyard.

TheCarstenfamilyhousebackeduptoawoodedarea.Theyownedagreatdealofthelandand

SkylerandhishusbandownedthelandjustnorthoftheCarstenhouse.Socallingthebackyardayard
wasalittlesilly.Itwasmoreliketheirownpersonalforest.

Dominiclovedtakinglongwalksthroughthewoods,enjoyingallthescentsandsights.Attimes

Dominic swore his vision got sharper as he tracked a rabbit scurrying across the ground. A tingle
wouldcreepacrosshisskinandhehadthestrangesturgetofollowthesmallanimal.Butforthelife
ofhim,Dominiccouldn’timaginewhatfor.

“I’dloveto,”DominicsaidwithasmileandfollowedRoderickdowntheporchsteps.
“Youlikebeingouthere,don’tyou?”Roderickasked.
“I do.” He put his hands in his pockets and his eyes felt heavy as his body loosened from the

tensionofbeinginsideallday.“Beingouthere”—Dominiccantedhisheadtotheside,indicatingthe
wide-openlandinfrontofhim—“istheonlytimeIfeelreallycomfortable.It’slikemyskindoesn’t
feel so tight and my mind isn’t running rapid with questions I can’t answer. I’m at peace you could
say.”Itwashisfavoritethingtodo,oratleastitwasnow.Whatheenjoyedbeforewasstillamystery
tohim.

“Interesting,”wasallRodericksaidastheycontinuedtowalkouttowardthefurthestpartofthe

yard,leadingintothetrees.

Birdssquawkedastheynearedthetreesandtookflight.Thechirpingofcricketsfilledthenight

air.Dominic wanted torecord the soundsthat played in theforest at night.The animals doing their
nightlyrituals,thebreezehowlingthroughthethicketoftrees,andthenlistentotherecordingwhen
hewenttobedatnight.

HetookadeepbreathandtheusualscentsofthewoodswerelessenedbythesmellofRoderick

walkingbesidehim.Roderick’ssmellwassofreshandclean.Dominicthoughthavingthecomfortof
theforestaroundhimandRoderickbesidehimmadefortheperfectevening.

“Sotellmealittleaboutyourself.”
Roderick’s question pulled him out the calm tranquility he was feeling. He looked over at

Roderickandliftedaneyebrow.“Areyouseriouslyaskingmethat?”

“Fuckme,”Roderickwhispered.Hiseyesfellshutandhehunghisheadinshame.
“WellsinceIdon’tknowyouthatwell,maybearaincheck?”Dominicdidn’tknowwherethis

teasing side of himself came from. At seeing Roderick’s apparent distress, it seemed like the right
thingtosaytobreakthetension.

“Didyoujustmakeajoke?”
Dominicshookhisheadindisbelief.“IthinkIdid.”HestartedtolaughandsodidRoderick.
Thesoundsoftheirlaughtersentmorebirdstoflight.Dominic’ssidesachedfromlaughingso

hard.Itfeltgoodtofinallybeabletocutloosewithanotherpersonwhodidn’thaveanypreconceived
notionsaboutwhatheusedtobelike.

“I’m sorry about that whole tell-me-about-yourself comment.” Roderick said once he sobered

up.“Iguessitwouldbekindofhardforyousinceyoudon’trememberyourself,ortheselfyouused
tobe.”AlowandroughchucklevibratedoutRoderick’sfulllips.“Ihopethatmadesense?”

“Yes.”Dominicstartedwalkingagain.“Perfectsense,anddon’tfeelbad.Theysaymemoryloss

isquitecommonwhenapersonhastheirheadcavedin.”Hisjokedseemedtofallflat.

Roderick stopped walking and reached out a hand to stop Dominic as he tried to put some

distancebetweenthem.“Ididn’tknowyoubeforetheaccidentsodon’tfeellikeyou’renotmeeting
somechecklistofexpectationsthatImighthave.”

“It’sjust…”Dominiccouldn’tseemtobringhimselftomeettheman’seyes.
“What?” Roderick placed his finger under Dominic’s chin, lifting his face to meet his steady

gaze.

“Everyoneelsegetsthisfarofflookintheireyeseverytimetheaccidentisbroughtup.It’slike

they’reonthevergeoftearsbecausetheymisstheirDominic.”Histhroatgrewtightashisemotions
startedtogetthebetterofhim.

“I’msuretheydo,”Rodericksaid.“Butthatdoesn’tmeantheydon’tlikethewayyouarenow.

They’rejustgettingusedtoyouandrelearningyourlikesanddislikes.Trustme,itmustbejustasbig
of a mind fuck for them as it is for you. To know someone for so long and then, bam.” Roderick
snappedhisfingers.“Everymomentyousharedwiththatpersonisgone.Hastoberough.Butyou
alsocan’tbesomethingyou’renot.Theseguys”—Roderickthumbedoverhisshoulder—“aregood
people. They understand that, even if they don’t say it all the time. All they want is for you to be
comfortableinyourownskin.”

Dominic held Roderick’s stare. The fingers that held his chin had started to lightly caress his

jaw.ThewordshespokeandthewayRoderickmadehimfeelhadallhisdoubtsandworriesfloating
awayonthewind.Somehowthismanhadtheabilitytomakehimfeelgoodinawaythathadhisbody

comingalive.Itdidn’tmatterthathecouldn’trememberwhathisoldjobusedtobeorthathedidn’t
likecoffeeanymore.Thosethingsseemedsotrivialnow.

“Ilovethewayyouspeaktome.”DominicgaspedasRoderick’sroughfingertipscontinuedto

stroke his cheek. It was like a live wire sparked against his skin, jolting him out of his self-made
prisonofstressandworry.

“Yeah, well I love the way you look at me.” Roderick took a step closer. “It’s like you see

somethingthatnooneelsedoes.”

“Ifeelthesameway.”Dominictooktheremainingstepforward,bridgingthegapbetweenthem.

“Whydoyouthinkthatis?”

ThelinesaroundRoderick’smouthwentridgedasifhehadtoholdbacksomethinghewanted

tosaybutjustassoonasDominicnoticedit,itwasgone.

“I’mnotsure.”Roderick’seyesdartedbetweenDominic’sandheedgedevencloser.
Dominiclickedhistongueouttomoistenhislips.HesawthewayRoderick’seyestrackedthe

movement. The heat from Roderick’s touch burned a desire deep in his gut. Dominic wanted to be
closerbuttheywerealreadystandingchesttochest.

Roderick’s lips were right there. A buzzing sensation hummed over his skin. He was dying to

feelthewaytheyfeltunderhisown.TheupperlipwasthinnerthanRoderick’slower.Thebottomlip
wasfullandfatandmadeDominicwanttotakealittlenibblefromit.Heactuallyfeltthestrongurge
tojustbiteanyparthecouldoftheman’stanskin.

“IfIkissyou,youwon’tfreakoutandtripandbumpyourhead?”Roderick’slipscurledupinto

ateasinggrin.

“I’lltrynottobutIcan’tpromiseanything.”BeforeRoderickcouldinitiatethekiss,Dominic

roseuponhistoesandslantedhismouthoverRoderick’s.

The first contact of soft flesh against soft flesh had a moan seeping past his lips. Nothing had

everfeltsogood.Hewantedmore.DominicsnakedhisarmsuptowraparoundRoderick’sneckand
Roderick’sarmsmovedtocirclehiswaist.Thehardpressofsteelbehindhiszipperwasmetinkind
by Roderick’s. Roderick’s arousal seemed to have changed his scent. Made it stronger and spicier.
GodhowDominicjustwantedtoclimbinsidethemanandnevercomeout.

ThepointofRoderick’stonguetracedoverhislips.HegaspedinpleasureandRodericktook

thatasanopeningtosinkhistonguedeepinside.Thehot,moistheatandsweetflavorofRoderick’s
mouthsentpulsingwavesofneeddowntohiscock.

The skin covering Dominic’s cock grew tight and flushed with heat as a thrilling sensation

coiledinhisballs.Hecouldfeelwetnessdampenhisshortsfromwheretheheadofhiscockleaked.
TheharderRoderickkissed,theharderDominicrubbedhislengthintoRoderick’s.Roderickgroaned
and circled his hips as Dominic thrust forward, wanting more friction and more of that scorching
kiss.

Dominic’sorgasmsatrightattheedge,readytoplummetoversomeinvisiblewalltoecstasy.

HepulledRodericktighter,hisfingerscurlingintothesoftcottonofhisshirt.Roderickyelpedbut
didn’tpullawayandDominicdidn’tthinkhecould,evenifRoderickaskedhimto.

Roderickwalkedhimbackwardsuntilhewasbackedagainstatree,theroughbarkdigginginto

hisskin.HeliftedDominicupandDominicwrappedhislegsaroundRoderick’snarrowhips.

What are you doing? Dominic asked himself. You just met this guy and you have your tongue

downhisthroat.WasIthiseasybefore?

Dominicdidn’tknowanddidn’tcare.Somethingthatfeltthisgoodcouldn’tbewrong.
Roderick’shipsspedup,slammingDominic’sbackintothetree.Hebrokethekissandgasped

forair.RoderickmovedhismouthdowntokissalongDominic’sjawandnipatthesensitiveskinof
hisneck.TheactionhadDominicbuckingwildlyintoRoderick’shardlength.

A sharp piercing sensation pressed along his upper gum tissue, distracting Dominic as his

orgasmrockedthroughhisbody,floodingtheinsideofhisshorts.Roderickdoveinforanotherkiss
butDominicturnedaway.Hismouthfeltunusuallyfullandhecouldfeelpinpricksalongthesidesof
histongue.Itwasstrangeandawkwardbutjustasfastasithappenedthefeelingstartedtofadeand
Dominicwasonlyleftwithatoe-curlingpleasurethatfilledhisbody.

He reached for Roderick and met him in a hard kiss. Roderick’s tongue filled his mouth and

DominicsuckedlongandharduntilhefeltRoderick’sbodygostiffandhishipsjerkederratically.
RoderickburiedhisfaceintoDominic’sneckandgroanedashisbodyemptieditself.

Dominicgulpedforair,desperatetocatchhisbreath.HeclungtoRoderick’sback,unwillingto

let go. Since waking up two weeks ago to a crowd of sad faces, this was the first time he felt truly
happy.

“Goddamn,”Roderickmumbledagainsthisneckthenkissedthechaffedskin.Thewhiskerson

Roderick’s jawline scratched against his skin but Dominic thought it was worth it to have this man
holdinghiminhisarms.“Ineededthat.”

“I’mgladIcouldaccommodateyou.”DominicsmiledashefeltRoderick’sbreathbrushover

hisskinashelaughed.“Justpromiseyouwon’tthinklessofmeinthemorning.Ihaveareputationto
uphold.Ithink.”

Roderick pulled back enough to look at him. His lips pursed tight together keeping in his

laughter.“Aslongaswegettodothisagain,I’llonlythinkgoodthoughtsaboutyou,always.”

After they caught their breath, Roderick lowered his feet to the ground. Dominic shifted

uncomfortablyinhisshortsasthecoolingcumcausedthematerialtosticktohisskin.Hehadtohave
hadagallonofjizzinthere.Hedidn’tknowhowsexuallyactiveheusedtobebutithadbeenagood
sixweekssincehecameandnotellinghowlongbeforethat.

“We should head back to the house before the others start to worry that I injured you or

somethingcrazylikethat.”RoderickheldouthishandforDominictotake.

“Whywouldtheythinkthat?”
Thegriponhishandtightenedforabriefsecondthenloosenedagain.“They’reweirdlikethat.”

Roderickgavehimalopsidedgrin.

“Okay,”DominicsaidasheletRoderickusherhimbacktotheCarstenhouse.Hewasn’tready

forhistimewithRodericktobeover.WhenhewaswithRoderickhefeltfreeandabletobehimself
without feeling guilty for not being the person he was before. That Dominic was a ghost now and
Dominicwouldn’tchangeathingifitmeantnothavingRoderickinhislife.Itwassillyforhimtobe
so attached to a man he just met, but something inside himself felt connected to Roderick as if he
knewhimhiswholelife.

“So,Dominic,”Rodericksaidslowly.“Howwouldyoufeelaboutgoingouttodinnerwithme

sometime?”

“I’dloveto.”HerestedhisheadagainstRoderick’sthickarm.“ButIneedtomakesureit’sokay

withthemfirst.”Hepointedtowardthedeckwhereeveryonesatoutsideeatingdinnerunderthelight
ofthefallingsun.

“Dom,baby,you’reagrownmanwhodoesn’tneedpermissiontodoanything.”Hekissedthe

sideofDominic’shead.“Plusyou’rewithmeandIdon’tgiveafuckwhattheysay.”

“Weheardthat,asshole,”Viktorshoutedastheynearedthebackdeck.
“What?”RoderickkeptaholdofDominic’shandasheledhimupthestepstositatthetable.“It’s

thetruth.Ifyouwant,wecanboxitout.Whatd’yasay,Viktor,feelinglucky?”

“Blowme.”ViktorthrewhisnapkinatRoderick.
Dominic sat down at the table next to Roderick. Everyone was laughing and joking. The

atmosphere was lighthearted and comfortable. Dominic smiled and laughed when appropriate. His
handstilltuckedintightwithRoderick’s.TheworldcouldendrightnowandDominicwouldn’tcare.
Hehadn’trealizedhowunhappyhewasuntilRoderickwalkedintohislife.Nowhejustneededtofind
awaytokeepthemancomingbackformore.

ChapterSix

“SoyouandDomaregoingtogooutonadate?”Erikasked,themomenthesatdowninthe

kid’scar.

“IsthiswhyyouwantedmetoridebacktoSilverCreekwithyou?Soyoucaninterrogateme?”

Roderickhitthelevertopushthepassengerseatbacksohiskneesdidn’thitthedashboard.

“No!Never!”Eriksaidinamock-astonishedvoice.
“Yeah,right.”
“Butreally,didanythingbesidesyoutwogettingoffhappenwhileonyourwalk?”
Roderick knew Erik was concerned for Dominic and afraid of what actions would be taken if

Dominic went crazy after learning he was a wolf shifter. He got that. After just spending part of an
afternoonandalleveningwiththeman,Roderickdidn’twanttoseeanythingbadhappentotheguy.
Forthefirsttimeinyears,Roderickactuallylikedsomeoneasmorethanjustafriend.

“Firstoff,that,mylittlefriend,isnoneofyourbusiness.”Roderickreacheddownandpulledthe

frontofhispantsawayfromhisbody.Thedriedcummadethematerialstiff.ThenhethumpedErik
ontheear.Erikyelpedandclaspedahandtohishead.“Hey,bothhandsonthewheel!”Thecarhad
startedtoswervebutErikquicklyrightedit.

“Fuck, Roderick, it isn’t like we couldn’t hear you two moaning and grunting.” Erik glanced

downatRoderick’slap.“Pluswecansmellit.”AthoughtfullooktookoverErik’sface.“Iwonderif
Dom just thinks he’s a real good smeller and hearer. I mean, seriously, he might have lost his
memorybutnothisabilities.Thishastobetotallyweirdforhim.”

Roderick nodded his head in agreement. Poor Dominic probably just thought it was normal

though.Butwhenthemanfoundoutthetruth,wouldhebeabletoacceptitorbeindenialoverit?
Nowthatwasthetruequestion.

“He doesn’t know any different, Erik. He probably thinks we all have excellent hearing and

sense of smell.” Roderick positioned his elbow against the door and rested his head in his hand.
“Dominicdidmentiontometonightthathelikesbeingoutside.Howhefeelsathomeandfreeout
there.”RoderickcouldstillseethewayDominic’sfacelitupashetalkedaboutbeingoutsidewalking
throughthewoods.

“That’s a start, right?” Erik asked. “Wolves tend to be more comfortable when surrounded by

MotherNature.Thisisagoodthing.”

“Likeyousaid,it’sastart,”Roderickanswered.“Istillcan’tbelieveyouguyshavebeenableto

keephiminthedarkforthepasttwoweeks.Surelyyouguysarestillshiftingtogoonrunsatnight?”

“We are, but everyone waits until he falls asleep. It doesn’t feel right doing that without him

though.It’snotfair.”Erikwhisperedthelastpart.

Roderick didn’t like having to deal with emotions or when people were upset, but he felt the

needtomakeErikfeelbetter.“Erik,man,youshouldn’tfeelguiltyaboutthis.”

“It was my fucking swim coach who did this to him!” Erik shouted, tears streaming down his

face.“Ishouldhaveknowntheguywasdangerous.”

“How?” Roderick shifted in his seat to look at Erik. “You’re a shifter not a mind reader. And

needIremindyouthisisthesamemanwhowasplanningonkillingyounext?Theonlypersonto
blameisthatdeadpieceofshit.”

He hadn’t been in town when all that took place. Brandon had called him afterwards and

Roderickcouldn’tbelievewhathadhappened.Erik’sswimcoachseemedlikeaniceenoughman.No

onewouldhaveeverpeggedhimakillerofyoungmen.ButRoderickhadlearnedinlifepeoplewore
manydifferentfaces.

“Iknowbutitdoesn’tchangewhathappenedtoDominic.”Erikswipedahandunderhiseye.“It

mustbesolonelyforhiminsidehisownhead.Notrememberinganythingoranybody.”Eriklooked
overathim.“WhenwebroughthimhomeIcouldseethefearinhiseyes.Wearestrangerstohim.”

“But it’s getting better, Erik.” He pinched Erik’s cheek and Erik laughed. “He might not

remember you guys but he knows that you all care a great deal for him. Who else besides family
wouldgothroughallthatforhim?Trustme,heappreciatesit.”

ThatseemedtohelpErikandhistearsdriedup.Whentheypulledintothedrive,heheadedfor

thedoorwhileErikwaitedforBrandontoparkhistruck.

StayingwithBrandonhadbeenokaybeforeErikmovedinbutnowheneededtostartlooking

forhisownplace.Thetwolovebirdswerestillnewlymatedandneededtheirownspacewithoutthe
fear of Roderick walking in on them, or worse hearing them have sex. That was the last thing
Roderickwanted.

Roderick headed to his room and shut the door. He flopped down on the bed, relieved he was

finallyabletoliedown.

Thethoughtofbuyingahouseandsettlingdownwithsomeonehadneverseemedimportantto

himuntilnow.Hedidn’tknowifitwasbecausehehadbecomesuchgoodfriendswithBrandonand
Erik’sfamily.Butheknewifhelookedmoreclosely,underthetoughguyactheusedtomaskhowhe
reallyfelt,heknewithadeverythingtodowithDominic.NowhejustneededtohelpDominicmake
thattransitionfromthinkinghewashumantocomingtotermswithbeinghalfhumanandhalfwolf
shifter,andthentheycouldstartalifetogether.Roderickhoped.

****

AfterRoderickhadleft,Dominicwentstraighttohisroomandtookashower.Thedriedcum

ontheinsideofhisshortshadgrownuncomfortableoverthecourseoftheeveningandheneededto
getitcleanedup.

Asthewaterwashedoverhisbodyhesighedasthetensionworkeditswayoutofhismuscles.

Hehadn’trealizedhowtiredhewasuntilRoderickleftandnowhefeltdepletedandalittlelonely.

Oncefinishedwithhisshower,Dominicdriedoffandwalkedoutintohisroom.Heturnedoff

thebedroomlightandsettledhimselfinbed.Thegreenlightfromhisclockflashed9:50.Dominic
didn’ttypicallygotobedthatearlybutafterexperiencingallthosenewandexcitingsensationswith
Roderick,hewasbeat.

It didn’t take long for him to fall into a deep sleep. Thoughts of Roderick kissing him pulled

himintotheblissfulnessofdreamland.

Dominic sat up in bed, clutching his comforter to his chest, a fine layer of sweat coating his

skin.Helookedoverattheclockandsawitwaswellpastoneinthemorning.Dominicraisedbothhis
handstorubagainsthishead.EversincehecametoliveattheCarstenhousehe’dbeenhavingweird
dreams.Thethingshesawandfeltinthemweren’tpossiblebutstillseemedsoreal.

The dreams were always the same. He dreamed that he’d been running in the woods, jumping

overdeadtreebranchesandleapingoversmallhills.Thewindblewagainsthisfacecausinghiseyes
towater,buthejustranfaster.Everysoundheheardmagnifiedinhisears.Thebrightgreensinmany
differentshadesstoodoutlikeworksofartonlyallowedtobehunginamuseum.

Dominic took in all the sights and sounds and it fueled his body to go faster and faster. The

groundwashardunderhisfeetbutitdidn’tdeterhimfromcontinuingon.Hecaughtsightofadeer
inthedistancebentover,drinkingfromastream.Dominicveeredoffhispathandheadedtowardthe
animal.Ashegotcloser,thedeermusthaveheardhisapproachandtakenoff.Stoppingtocatchhis
breath,Dominicbentbythestream’sedgeandwastakenabackbyhisreflection.

It wasn’t his face staring back at him but that of a large brindled-colored wolf. As Dominic

gazedatthecreatureinfascination,hecouldn’thelpbutnoticethegrayishblueeyesstaringathim.
Hiseyes.

“Itwasjustadream,”Dominicwhisperedtohimselfasheclimbedoutofbed.Heheadedtothe

bathroom,notbotheringtoturnonthelight.Eveninthedarkness,hisvisionwaspristine.Hecould
easilymakeoutthetoilet,sink,andeventhesmalldecorativesoapsthatsatonthecounter.

Afterrelievinghisbladder,Dominicwalkedaroundhisbedtolookoutthelargewindowthat

overlookedthebackpartoftheCarstenproperty.Thecrescentmoonwasstillhighintheclearnight
sky,castingasoftglowtowardtheearth.

Dominicsighedandsatdownonthebenchseatthatsatnexttothewall.Justlookingoutintothe

openspaceofnaturetookawaytheuneasinessleftbyhisdream.Hecouldn’tfathomwhyhe’ddream
aboutawolforwhyhealwaysputhimselfintheplaceofthewolf.Itwasn’tlikeheeversawoneup
closeorevenownedadog,letaloneawolf.Heshruggeditoffasjustaweirdwiringmishapinhis
brain.

As Dominic looked out toward the black horizon with slices of light over the surface,

movementfromthetreestuggedhisattentionawayfromthewondroussight.Heglanceddownand
hisheartbeatspedup.

“Nofreakingway!”Dominicmumbled.
Sitting right at the edge where the trees began and the clearing stopped sat a wolf, no, two

wolves.Onewaslargewithlightbrownfurandonesmallwithdark,almostblack,fur.Theysatthere
staring up at the night sky. The little one nuzzled up close to the larger one and the one with light
brownfurlickeditslongtongueoverthetopofthesmallerwolf’shead.Theirfurhadaglossyshine
fromthereflectedlightofthemoon.

Dominicleanedclosertothewindowtogetabetterlookandbangedhisforeheadontheglass.
“Shit!”Dominicgrabbedhisheadatthesharpstingbloomingacrosshisforehead.Heclenched

hiseyestightandhissedoutabreath.Givingthespotagoodrub,heopenedhiseyes.Tohissurprise,
bothwolvesweregone.

Dominicpressedhisfacetothewindow,hisbreathfogginguptheglass.Hedartedhiseyesall

overthelawnbuthedidn’tseeanything.

Outofhabit,Dominicraisedhislefthandandtouchedthescargroovedintohisskull.Maybehe

didn’treallyseethosewolvessittingoutside.Itcouldbeacaseofhisoveractiveimaginationgetting
thebetterofhim.

Giving up any hope of seeing anything else, Dominic crawled back into bed. His eyes hung

heavywithexhaustionandDominicletthemfallshut.HepicturedRoderick’sstrong,handsomeface
andthickarmsholdinghimtight.TheheatfromRoderick’sbodysetafireofneedovereveryinchof
Dominic’s skin. The soft brush of Roderick’s lips burned his as Roderick kissed him with passion
Dominicneverknewexisted.

Just like before, Dominic fell into a restful sleep without incident. All thoughts of wolves

forgottenashissubconsciousbecameconsumedwiththoughtsofRoderick.

ChapterSeven

RoderickpulleduptotheCarstenhousejustpastsix.Hehadmadeareservationfordinnerin

theneighboringtownofAnderson.ThequietlittletownwasaboutanhourfromNehalembuthada
lovely little restaurant right on the lakefront that made it worth the drive. Roderick had been there
beforeandthoughtthehomeyatmosphereandbeingoutsidewouldbegoodforDominic.

Beforehecouldshuthistruckoff,Dominiccamehoppingdownthesteps,ahugesmileonhis

face.Heworeapairoffaded,dark-coloredjeansandaplaidbutton-upshirtwiththesleevesrolled
up. To top off the ensemble he had flip-flops on, his bare feet just as pale as the rest of him and
Roderickhadthestrongdesiretolickthehigharchoftheman’sfoot.

“Hey!” Dominic opened the door and climbed inside. The smile he wore made his lips look

fullerandhehadatwinkleinhiseyes.Hisdarkhairhadbeenstyledtotheside,coveringthescaron
thesideofhishead.

EverythingaboutDominichadRoderick’sbodythrummingwithdesire.Justbreathingthesame

airhadhisdickgoingfromsofttohardlikeflippingaswitch.Therehadtobemoreatplaythena
simpleattraction.Roderickwasn’tquitesureifthatscaredhimornot.

Roderick couldn’t tear his eyes from Dominic’s lips. The skin was moist from his tongue.

Unable to stop himself, Roderick reached out and wrapped his hand around Dominic’s neck and
pulled him close. He covered Dominic’s lips, not giving him time to do anything but accept what
Roderickwantedtogivehim.

Dominic’s lips were soft and silky. They parted at the first jab of Roderick’s tongue. A slight

whimper slipped past Dominic’s throat, vibrating against Roderick’s lips. He licked deep inside,
growlingatthewayDominic’scurvedagainsthis,suckingitfartherinside.

Roderick became lost in the kiss and the world outside seemed to fade away. As their tongues

tangled,Dominic’shandscurledintoRoderick’sshoulderspullinghimevencloser.Roderickwould
nevergetusedtothestrengthhiddenbehindthisman’sthinbody.

Roderick,nottobeoutdone,wrappedhisotherarmaroundDominic’swaistandliftedhiminto

hislap.DominicmoldedhisthinframearoundhimandRoderickpressedharderintotheman,body
andmouth. The kissseemed to shortcircuit all other thoughtsfrom his head.All that mattered was
gettingasclosetoDominicashecould.

TheneedforairhadRoderickpullingbackfromDominic’sred,swollenlips.Hegaveonefinal

nipatwhichDominic’seyesfellshutandhemoanedloudly.

The sound of birds chirping had Roderick coming back to his senses. If he didn’t slow down

he’d end up fucking Dominic right there in the front seat of his truck in broad daylight. He slowly
placedDominicbackintohisseatbutkeptagriponhishand.

“Weneedtoslowdown.”Hisvoicewasroughwitharousal.
“Ithinkyou’reright.”Dominicadjustedthesteelpolelyingagainsthiship.“I’mnotsureifI’ve

openly had sex in the past in front of an audience but I don’t think I’d like that too much now.”
Dominicchuckled.

“Meeither.”Roderick’seyesroamedoverDominic’sbody,stoppingtostareatthebulgeinhis

pants.Hequicklylookedup.“I’dhavetobeattheshitoutofanyonethatsawyounaked.Yourbodyis
formyeyesonly.”ThepossessivefeelingseemedtocomenaturallytoRoderickanditfeltright.He
hadnodesiretoshareanypartofDominicwiththeoutsideworld.

“Ifeelthesameway.”Dominic’scheeksbecameflushedandhebitdownonhislowerlipashe

staredatRoderick’sbodyinreturn.

“Youkeeplookingatmelikethatwe’llnevermakeittodinner.”Hiscockpulsedinhisjeans

and he reach down to adjust himself. “Regardless of what just happened, I’m not a cheap date.” He
turnedthekeyandhistruckroaredtolife.“Youatleasthavetofeedmefirst,”hesaidinaserious
tone.“Ihaveareputationtouphold.”

Dominicgavehimacuriouslook.Hisbodyhadgonetensewithuncertainty.Roderickshothim

a wink and then Dominic seemed to relax and laughed. “Well I wouldn’t want to soil your good
name.”

“Oh,baby,Ihavefullintentionsofsoilingyouplentylater,butfirst,weeat.”
He glanced over to see the small grin on Dominic’s face and his cheeks burned a bright red.

Dominicseemedsoshyattimesbutthenatothershewaslikeananimal.Lastnightinthewoodsand
todayinhistruck,grantedRoderickinstigatedbothencounters.Dominicseemedtocomealiveand
gavejustasgoodashegot.Roderickcouldn’twaittoseewhathappenedoncehehadtheotherman
underneathhim,beggingforhiscock.

“Sowherearewegoing?”Dominicasked.
“It’sarestaurantcalledtheLazyBlue.It’sinAnderson.That’saboutanhour ’sdrivefromhere.”
“Thatexplainswhyyoupickedmeupsoearly.”
“Areyoucomplaining?”heteased.
“Oh,no,never.”Dominicmadethegestureofcrossinghisfingersoverhisheart.“Justdidn’t

knowifyougotsomecrazydiscountforeatingearlyorsomething.Likeasenior ’sdiscount.”

“Excuseme?”RoderickturnedtowardDominic.“I’mnotthatmucholderthanyou.”
“Huh, really.” Dominic gave a thoughtful look. “I guess I don’t know much about you. Every

timewe’vebeenaloneyouhaveyourtonguedownmythroatandIcan’taskanyquestions.”Hecould
seeDominicfightingbackagrin.

“I sure as shit didn’t hear you complaining.” Roderick reached out and took Dominic’s hand

intohis.“It’salongdrivesoaskmeanythingyouwant.I’manopenbook.”

“Okay.”Dominicwassilentforamoment.“Howoldareyou?”
“Twenty-eight.”
“Areyoufromaroundhere?”
“Nope.Igrewuponthewestcoast.OutaroundSanJose.Icameherebecauseofwork.”
“California?”Dominic’seyesopenedwide.“IwonderifI’veeverbeenouttherebefore.”
“I’mnotsure.”RoderickgavealittleshaketoDominic’shand.“Icanalwaystakeyououtthere

ifyouwant?”Hecouldn’tbelievehejustsuggestedthat.Theofferhadcomesoeasilyfromhismouth
buthewouldn’ttakeitback.HelikedtheideaofbeingalonewithDominicoutontheopenroadaway
fromNehalem.

“Really?You’dcommittogoingacrossthecountrywithme?Apersonyoujustmet?”
“Of course,” he said without one doubt in his mind. “And to be fair, I think I know you better

thanjustsomerandompersonoffthestreet.”Hewaggledhiseyebrows.“Likeyousaid,Idoseemto
havemytonguedownyourthroatanawfullot.”

“Yeah, but I like it.” Dominic raised their joined hands and kissed the top of Roderick’s

knuckles.

Seemingcontent,theydroveafewmilesinsilence.Thequietdidn’tseemtobotherRoderick.

JusthavingDominicnexttohim,touchinghim,seemedtobeenough.

“EriksaidyouandBrandonworktogether.What’sitlikebeingabountyhunter?”
Roderick’s left hand tightened on the steering wheel. Erik and Brandon hadn’t informed him

that’swhattheysaidtheydidforaliving.Ifhethoughtaboutit,theywerekindoflikebountyhunters,
justnothuntinghumanstobringthembacktofacejustice.

“It’sokay.ImeanIgettotravelalot.”Heansweredhonestlybecausethatpartwastrue.
“Idon’tknowifIcoulddothat.Gosearchingforapersonthatmightshootmejusttogetaway.”

Dominicblewoutabreath.“Scarystuff.”

You have no idea, Roderick said inside his head. At times he’d rather be attacked by a person

withaguninsteadofathree-hundred-poundwolfhellbentonkillinghimoratrainedhunteratodds
withthenewcreedsetforthandwantingtokillhimjusttogetRoderickoutoftheway.Apersonwith
nothingtolosewasdefinitelyaterrifyingthing.

Theychattedalittlemoreabouttheirlikesanddislikes.RoderickdiscoveredthatDominichated

math and numbers. This was odd since the guy used to do accounting work all over Silver Creek
before his accident. What shocked Roderick the most was that Dominic said he had no use for a
computer.He’dratherbeoutsideunderthewide-openskyenjoyinglife.

A part of Roderick wondered if this was just due his head trauma or if Dominic hadn’t liked

whathedidinhispreviouslifepriortohisheadinjuryandnowhissubconscioushadhimdespising
everythingtodowithhisoldlife.Inaway,thiswasabrandnewstartforDominicandRoderickhad
noneedfortryingtogetthatpersonback.HelikedDominicjustthewayhewasnow.

“I really enjoyed working in the café the other day,” Dominic said out of the blue. “I like

workingwithmyhands.”

RoderickhadtoswallowhismoanasDominicstartedtomassagetheinsideofhispalmwithhis

fingers.Yes,helovedthatDominiclikedworkingwithhishands.

“IthinkMargieshouldexpandherstore,makethecafésidealittlebigger.Thatplaceisalways

sobusy,butit’ssmallandpeoplegettheircoffeeandgo.Justthink.Ifshehadalargerseatingarea
morepeoplewouldstayandspendmoremoney.She’dmakeakillingifshedidthat.”

“Youseemedtohaveputalotofthoughtintothis.”
“Some.”Dominicshrugged.“Ijustreallyenjoyworkingwithpeople.”
They had arrived at the Lazy Blue and Roderick parked his truck. He held his hand up to

Dominic,signalinghimtostayinsidethecab.Hewalkedaroundandopenedthedoorforhisdate.

Date.Thatstillfeltalittleawkwardbuttherewasnoturningbacknow.
Dominic gave him a shy smile and accepted his hand in helping him down. Roderick held his

handuntiltheyreachedthefrontdoorthenhehelditopenandusheredDominicinside.Thehostess
sat them outside, close to the deck railing overlooking the water. The wind swept over the lake,
sendingasoftbreezeintheirdirection.

The waitress took their drink order and left to give them time to look at the menu. When she

returned,theyplacedtheirorderandsatundertheshadeofthedeckoverhang.Dominichadahuge
smile on his face as he stared out over the water. Roderick new this would be the perfect place to
bringhim.Dominicneededtobeinwide-openspaceswithnatureallaroundhim.

RoderickhopedthatwhenDominicdidfindouthewasawolfshifter,he’dbeateaseknowing

thatitexplainedwhyhelikedbeingoutsidesomuch.Ifheconnectedwiththeland,itmightlessenthe
blowofhisreality.

“So what’s the plan for later?” Dominic asked. “Is dessert on or off the menu?” He lifted his

eyebrowsupanddown.

“WhatamIgoingtodowithyou?”RodericklaughedandreachedforDominic’shandagain.
“Hopefullykeepme,”Dominicwhisperedthenquicklyturnedtolookawayfromhim.
Roderick got up from his chair and walked over to kneel right in front of Dominic. Dominic

lookedaroundthem,eyesnervous.

“That isn’t even a question you need to ask.” Roderick couldn’t believe he was saying this. “I

likeyou,Dominic.SurewejustmetbutIknowwhenIlikesomethingandIlikeyou.”Hestraightened
onhiskneestobrushasoftkissoverDominic’s.

“Ilikeyou,too.”DominicclosedhiseyesandrestedhisforeheadagainstRoderick’s.
“Good.”HemovedbackandwaitedforDominictoopenhiseyes.“Nowlet’senjoydinnerand

ifyou’reagoodboyI’llletyouorderadessertthat’snotonthemenu.”

Whathesaidhadthedesiredeffect.Dominicstartedtolaughandseemedtobepulledoutofhis

melancholy.Morethanever,RoderickwantedtohelpDominicdiscoverhiswolfside.Thethoughtof
havingtohurtDominicmadehisstomachsour.

As he sat and watch Dominic talk about the café or point out a deer sprinting across the open

expanseoflandnexttothelake,hecouldn’tbringhimselftoimaginealifewithouthim.He’dnever
beeninlovebeforebuthehadthedistinctimpressionthiswasthebeginningofit.

ChapterEight

By the time the waitress came by with the check, Dominic couldn’t wait to leave. His fingers

itchedtoreachoutandtouchRoderick’shandsandface.Fuck!Anypartoftheman’sbodyhecould
getaholdof.

All through dinner he kept finding himself staring at Roderick’s lips. The top one was much

thinner than the lower one but it looked right on him, not disproportionate. Every time Roderick’s
tonguecameouttolickacrossthem,Dominichadtosqueezehishandstightlytogethertokeepfrom
jumpingoutofhischairandintotheman’slap.Hecouldstilltastethekissfromearlieronhistongue
andhecouldn’twaittodoitagain.

Thenifitwasn’tRoderick’smouthconsumingallhisattentionitwastheman’scaramel-colored

eyes.Thesoftnesswhenheshowedaffectionorthewildglintwhenhe’dteaseDominicthathadhis
ballstwistingtogetherinagony.Didthemannotrealizehowsexyhewas?Andwhatitwasdoingto
Dominic?

Roderick had a self-confidence about himself that Dominic could only someday dream of

having. Even in the mildly crowded restaurant Roderick never hesitated to reach out to touch him,
holdhishand,orplantasoftkisstohislips.Hehadnofearofwhattheotherpeoplemightthinkor
say.RoderickjustlivedhislifeoutloudandproudlyandDominicadmiredthat.

“Wheretonow,Captain?”Dominicasked.
“How about a drive around the lake?” Roderick opened the door for Dominic to get into the

truck.“You’reinnorushtogethomeareyou?”heaskedwithatiltofhishead.

“No,”Dominicanswered.“WhenI’mwithyouthere’snootherplaceI’dratherbe.”Andthere

wasn’t.Thismanhadbecomeadailyrequirementforhimtobehappy.

“Goodanswer,Dom,baby.”Roderickgavehimswiftkissonthelipsthenturnedhimaroundto

get in the truck. Dominic yelped when Roderick’s hand came down on his rear end, giving him a
goodsmack.“Hurryup.”

“Yes,sir.”Dominicsalutedhim.
“Sir?”HecouldseeRoderickmullingthatoverinhismind.“Ilikethesoundofthat.”
“Ofcourseyouwould.”Dominicrolledhiseyesthenstartedtolaugh.“Somethingtellsmeyou

mightprefermaster.”

Roderickflashedhimawinkthenwalkedaroundtogetintohissideofthetruck.Hepulledout

oftheparkinglotandheadeddowntheroad.

Nighthadfallenandthelightcamefromthestarsshiningbrightabovethemandthesoftglow

fromthemoon.Thewindowswererolleddownandthefreshscentofdirtandtreesfilledhisnose.
Dominicwouldnevertireofthatsmell.

Roderickdrovefurtherdownthemainroadthenhungaright.Thepavedroadturnedtogravel

andbecamebumpier.Beforetoolongthetruckbrokefreeofthecoveroftreesnearalittleopencove
thatfedintothelake.Roderickpulledtothesidethenreversedaroundsothebedofthetruckfacedthe
lake.

WhenRoderickgotout,Dominicfollowedhim.Roderickreleasedthelatchonthetailgateand

stepped up inside. He leaned down and pulled a blanket out of the truck box next to the cab. He
flattenedoutthethickblanketthanheldouthishands.“Whatdoyouthink?Doesitscreamromance?”

Dominiclookedfromthetwinklingstarsabove,outtotheglass-likesurfaceofthedarkwater,

andbacktoRoderick.Thewholesettingwasveryromanticandhadhisheartdoingflipsinhischest.

I could fall in love with him. Dominic’s smile widened. He could, and he was falling harder

everysecondhespentwithRoderick.

“It’sperfect,Roderick.”DominictookRoderick’shandwhenhehelditouttohelphimuponto

thebed.

RoderickwrappedhisarmsaroundDominic’swaistinaloosegrip.Dominicrestedhishands

onRoderick’schest.Roderickstartedaslow,side-to-sideswayandDominiclethimlead.Theonly
musicwasthatoftheinsectsinthegrassbutitwasenough.Dominichadneverdancedwithanother
person before, or at least that he remembered. It amazed him that this big, strong man held him so
gentlyinhisarms,armsthatcouldeasilycrushDominic.Itmadehimfeelspecial.

SlowlyRoderick’sarmsstartedtorubupanddownDominic’sback.“Isthisokay?”
ThehardpressofRoderick’scockagainsthisstomachhadhimstammering,“Yeah.”
RoderickstartedtorollhishipsforwardinasteadygrindandDominic’sachingcockpulsedin

hisjeans.EverytimeDominictriedtogetcloser,Roderickwouldtakeastepback.Dominicfeltlike
hisskinwasgoingtofalloff.HewantedRodericknow.

Dominic used his fingers to outline the thick corded muscle hidden under Roderick’s shirt.

Roderick groaned as Dominic’s fingers started to play with his nipples. Both peaks were tight and
hard and Dominic couldn’t seem to keep his fingers off of them. Roderick buried his face in
Dominic’sneckandstartedtonibbleonthesoftskinwherehisshoulderandneckconnected.Thewet
swipeofhistonguehadDominicgaspingforbreath.

DominiccircledhisarmsoverRoderick’sneckandliftedhisleftlegtorestonRoderick’ship.

ItopenedDominicupmoretogrindhiserectionharderagainstRoderick’sthigh.Hecouldfeelthe
rippleinRoderick’smusclesashetensedup.

RoderickloweredhishandstogripDominic’sass.Hesqueezedtightthenliftedhimup,causing

a whimper to break as Dominic’s body came into contact with Roderick’s. His flip-flops fell to the
groundashelockedhisfeetattheanklestoholdhimselfinplace.Thepositiontheywereinhadboth
theirhardlengthsaligned.

“There’snowaytogoslowwithyou.”RodericksaidashekissedhiswayupDominic’sneck,

headingtowardhismouth.

“I don’t want you to go slow.” He cried out at the sharp sting of teeth biting into his flesh. It

didn’t break the skin but it stoked the flames already burning inside him. Dominic pulled his face
away to stare into Roderick’s eyes. His fingers brushed along the stubble on his jaw. The light
reflectedtheneedinthebrowndepths,thesameneedclawingatDominic.“Ineedyou.”

Like a wild animal set loose, Roderick growled his victory and covered Dominic’s lips in a

bruising kiss. Roderick then dropped to his knees pushing Dominic down on his back, forcing
himself between Dominic’s thighs. The blanket softened the impact but it didn’t matter. Dominic
wouldletRoderickhavehimonthehard,dirtygroundaslongasitgothimwhathewanted.

DominicpusheduponthehemofRoderick’sshirt,wantingtoseemoreofhisbody.Roderick

satbackonhisheelsandthenpulleditofftherestoftheway,exposinghisrock-hardabs.Afinelayer
ofhaircoveredhischest.WiththeshirtgoneitgaveDominicfreereintodoashewished.

HisfingertraceddownthegroovebetweenRoderick’spectoralmusclethenlowerdowntothe

dips and valleys of his abs. Roderick’s chest rose and fell with every inhale of breath he took. He
couldhearthegrindofteethasRoderickclenchedhisjawtightlytogether.Dominiclikedthathisman
wasbarelyholdingontohiscontrolandhewantedtoseewhathappenedwhenthatcontrolslipped
fromhisgrasp.

Letting his fingers go lower, Dominic sat up with his legs still spread and started on the

fasteningtoRoderick’sjeans.HelookeduptowatchRoderick’sfaceashepulledhisthickandlong
cockfree.Hisfacetensedupandhislipspursedtogether.

Dominicloweredhiseyestostareattheprizeinhishand.Theplumppurpleheadhadabeadof

excitementglisteningatthetip.Leaningforward,DominictastedRoderick’sjuices.Roderick’shands
movedtothetopofhisheadbutdidn’tforceDominicdownonhislength.Dominiclappedhistongue
aroundtheheadashelethisfingersstrokeupanddowntheveinyunderside.

Thestrong,manlyscentofRoderickwaslikeadrugtoDominic’sbody.Hecouldn’ttouchhim

enoughortastehimenough.Therewouldbenowayhe’devergrowtiredofthis.

“Comeon,baby,”Rodericksaidinalowwhisper.“Takemoreinsidethathotfuckingmouthof

yours.”

AtRoderick’srequestDominicwentdowndeepuntilhisnosewastickledbytheshort,trimmed

hairsurroundingRoderickcock.

“Fuckme,youdon’thaveagagreflex,”Roderickmoaned.Dominiclookedup,mouthstretched

widearoundRoderick’sgirth.“Thisisgoingtobefun.”

Dominic didn’t get a chance to register what that meant before Roderick pulled almost all the

wayoutthenslammedforward,fillinghismouthandthroatwithhislength.Hesuckedandslurped
aroundtheshaft,drooldrippingdownhischin.

“That’sit.Takeitall.”Roderickgroaned.“Neverhadaguysuckmycockthisgoodbefore.”
ThethoughtofanothermandoingthistoRoderickpissedhimoff.Dominicreachedaroundand

curledhisfingersintothetightmuscleofRoderick’sass,forcinghimforward.Heneededtoprove
hewastheonlymanRoderickwouldeverneed.

“Fuck,Dom.”RoderickusedhishandtotryandurgeDominictolookupbutheignoredhim

and went down deeper, swallowing around the flared head. “Dominic!” Roderick snapped as he
simultaneouslypulledDominicbythehairtogethimtoreleasehiscock.Dominiclookeduppanting
forbreath.“Youneedtowatchthosenails,baby.”

RoderickrubbedhisthumboverDominic’slipsandDominicsuckedthedigitintohismouth.He

circled his tongue around it and hummed as Roderick pushed it in and out of his mouth. Dominic
didn’tlookawayasRoderickfingeredhismouthslowandsteadyoverandoveragain.

Dominic’s cock grew harder in his jeans and the material bit into the sensitive skin. Roderick

musthaveseenthefrustrationonhisfaceandpulledhishandaway.

“Take off your clothes but”—Roderick held up a hand—“don’t get up. I want you to stay just

likethatonyourback.”Roderickjumpedoffthebackofthetruck,hiscockbouncingfromtheeffort.

As Dominic yanked his shirt over his head, Roderick disappeared to around the front of the

truck.Bythetimehecameback,Dominichadhispantsflungoffandlaytherestrokinghisdick.

“DidIsayyoucouldtouchyourself?”Roderickaskedinasternvoice.
“No, sir.” Dominic shook his head from side to side and took his hand away from his aching

cock.“Youdidn’t.”

Roderick’s nostrils flared as he took a deep breath and Dominic could see the man’s hands

tremble. He tossed whatever was in his hand up on the blanket then climbed back up and wedged
himself between Dominic’s spread thighs. The blunt tip of Roderick’s cock jabbed at the sensitive
fleshrightbehindhisballsasherockedintoDominic,pullingmoansfromthelight,teasingtouch.

“I fucking love that.” Roderick braced his hands on either side of Dominic’s head then came

downtoattackhislips,assaultingDominicwithhisforcefultongue.

Dominicopenedwide,lettingRoderickhavehisway.Itfeltgoodtolosehimselfinthisman’s

touch.SuddenlyRoderickbrokethekissandstartedworkinghiswaydownDominic’sbody.Roderick

lickedandnippedathisnipples.Thesharppainlessenedbythewetwarmthofhistongue.

The lower Roderick went, the more Dominic started to thrash around underneath him. Only

Roderick’smouthtouchedandteasedhisbodyanditdroveDominicinsane.Hewantedtofeelthose
rough,hardfingerscaressinghim,bringinghimpleasure.

Asifreadinghismind,RodericksatupandgrabbedDominic’sankles,pushinghislegstoward

his chest. Dominic bent his knees and let Roderick position him until his knees nearly reached his
ears.

“Put your arms around your thighs and hold yourself open for me.” Roderick waited until he

did so before he let go. “Good boy. Now don’t move.” He gave Dominic a mischievous grin as he
loweredhishead.

“Yes,sir.”Dominic’swordsendedwithasquealasRoderickblewhisbreathoutonDominic’s

exposedhole.ThehotgustsentshiversoverhisskinandDominic’sgriponhislegstightened.

AtthefirsttouchofRoderick’stongueathisentrance,Dominiccriedoutandwouldhavepulled

histhighstightlytogetherhaditnotbeenforRoderick’sbroadshouldersbetweenhislegs.Roderick
licked around the rippled opening, flattening his tongue to paint his spit over Dominic’s hole.
Dominic moaned and pushed his ass back toward Roderick’s teasing tongue, needing more of that
sensation.

“Fuck, yeah,” Dominic shouted when Roderick’s tongue pierced his opening, breaching the

musclebarrier.Allthebloodinhisbodyrushedtohisinflamedcock,makingitharder.Hesobadly
wantedtowraphisfingersaroundhislengthandstrokehimselfuntilhecamebuthecouldn’tdothat,
notwithoutRoderick’spermission.

Hisbodyrespondedtothewet,softinvasionofRoderick’stongue,openingup,lettingRoderick

goindeeper.Afingerslidinbesidehistongue,goingsmoothfromallthespitRoderickshovedup
his ass. The dual sensations of tongue and finger had Dominic whimpering. “Please, sir, I need to
come.”

Roderick’s deep, rich chuckle fanned another breeze over Dominic’s oversensitized hole.

RodericksatupandpulledhisfingerfromDominic’sass.ThelossmadeDominicfeelemptybuthe
watchedRoderickreachforthecondomhehadtossedontheblanketearlier.

DominicpulledhislegsfurtherapartsohecouldwatchRodericksheathehisred,swollencock

inthethinlatexcasing.Hereachedforanotherlittlepackandusedhisteethtotearitopen.Roderick
squeezedtheclearliquidoutonhisfingersthenrubbeditalonghislength.

Roderickmovedcloserandlineduphiserectcockrightathisopening.Theheadbrushedover

thetenderflesh,smearingthelubeoverhishole.ThenwithoutwarningRoderickpushedforward,the
headbreachinghisentrance.

Atthesharp,burningsting,Dominicclosedhiseyes.Roderick’scockfelttoobigandonlythe

headwasinsidehim.Hefeltlikehewasbeingsplitintwoanddidn’tknowifhecouldtakeanymore
thanthesmallportionofthetip.

“Open your eyes and look at me.” Dominic unclenched his eyes and did as Roderick said.

“Good boy. I want you to watch as I fuck your ass.” The sharp tone he used implied there was no
roomfordebateontheissue.

So Dominic took a deep breath and kept his eyes on Roderick’s hard face. Slowly Roderick

rockedhishipsforward,feedinghiscockalittlefurtherinsidethenretreatingbutleavingtheheadin
him.Backandforth,overandoveragain,Roderickdidthisuntilhelaidallnineinchesofhispipe
deepinDominic’sclinching,tightchannel.

“Sofuckingtight.”Roderick’seyesfellshutandhisheadrolledbackonhisshoulders.“Likea

virgin.”

AftergivingDominicamomenttoadjust,Roderickpulledoutthenpushedbackin,settingupa

slow,easyrhythm.DominicgrewdesperatetofeelthefullnessandstretchofRoderick’sthickcock
claimhim,markinghimfromtheinsideout.

“Youokay?”Roderickasked.
“Yes,sir.”Dominicswiveledhiships,pullingaloudgroanfromRoderick.“Nowfuckme.”
Awild,animalisticlookcameoverRoderick’sfaceandhishandsgrippedhardonthebackof

Dominic’sthighs.Hepushedthemfartherup,kneesnearlytouchingthebedofthetruck,andslammed
home,forcingagaspfromDominic’slips.

SweatdrippedfromRoderick’sbodyashepoundedharderandharderintoDominic.Dominic

tiltedhisassuphigher,lettingRoderick’shotstaffgodeeper.Hewhimperedasthetipbrushedover
thebundleofnervesinhisass.FireworksflashedbehindhiseyeseachtimeRodericknailedthatspot.

No further words were spoken as they chased down their own release. Their loud grunts and

drawn-outmoansoverpoweredallothersoundscomingfromthewoodsbehindthem.

ApainedlookcameoverRoderick’sfaceandDominiccouldfeelhiscockswellinginsidehim.

Roderickspeduphismovements.HelifteduponehandtowraphisfingersaroundDominic’scock,
wantingthemtofinishtogether,butDominichadotherideas.

He knocked Roderick’s hands away and with strength he didn’t know he had, rolled over, and

pushedRodericktohisback.

“Whatthehell?”
DominicsilencedRoderickwithahardkiss.TheshiftinpositionshadRoderick’scockhittingat

a different angle inside him and he gasped out his delight at the full feeling and the pleasure from
everyupanddownglide.Heusedhisthighstomovefasterandfaster.Hisbodypropelledforward,
thetensioninhisballsboiling,demandingtobesetfree.

RoderickdughisfingersintoDominic’snarrowwaisttohelpguidehimdownoneachthrustof

his hips. They were moving so fast his balls slapped against Roderick’s creating an erotic tingling
sensationinsidehisbody.

Dominic let his head fall back on his shoulders and enjoyed the ride he was on. He couldn’t

believe how free he felt. Having Roderick’s cock buried so far inside him made Dominic feel
complete. He didn’t care if he ever remembered his other life. He had Roderick in this one and
nothingwouldevercompare.

Asharp,pricklyfeelingpushedathisgumsandDominic’sheadsnappedup.Roderickhadhis

headburiedintoDominic’schest,lickingandsuckingathisnipples.TheurgetopushRoderickaway
and wrench his head to the side became overwhelming. His mouth felt full and heavy and all he
wantedtodowasbitedownintothehardmuscleofRoderick’sshoulder.

“I’m close,” Roderick mumbled against his fevered skin, and Dominic jolted on Roderick’s

cockwhenhefelthishotfingerswraparoundhisleakingcock.

Dominic’svisionseemedtogrowsharperandhepantedforbreathashestaredforward,letting

thefireinhisbodyerupt.ThecockinsidehimbecamethickerandpulsedasteadybeatasRoderick
roaredouthisrelease.Theman’shandneverfalteredonDominic’scockandjustashefelthiscum
spurtoutfromthetiphebentforwardandembeddedhisteethintoRoderick’sshoulder.

The man cried out. Dominic couldn’t tell if it was from pleasure or pain at first. Then he felt

anothershudderrumblethroughRoderickringinganother,smallerorgasmfromtheman.

Astheirbodiesstoppedmoving,Dominicslumpedforward.Thecopperytasteofbloodflooded

hismouthandhejerkedaway.Hewashorrifiedbywhathehaddone.Blooddribbledoutred,angry,

piercingholes.Hecouldn’tbelievehehaddonethat.HeshiftedandtriedtoclimboffofRoderick’s
lap.

“Dom,stop.”ThekindnessinRoderick’svoicewastoomuchandhestruggledtogetfreebut

histired,sedatedbodywouldn’tlethim.

“I’m so sorry.” He covered his hands over his mouth, his fingers smearing Roderick’s blood

intoabiggermess.Hethoughthemustlooklikeamonster.“Idon’tknowwhatcameoverme.”Tears
randownhischeekstofurthercontaminatethemessonhisface.

“Shh.” Roderick pulled Dominic’s hands away from his face and cupped Dominic’s cheeks.

“Baby,it’sfine.I’mfine.”HeshookDominic’sheadlightly.“Yougotcarriedaway,sowhat?”

“Ihurtyou,”hestammeredoutasanothersetoftearsdrippedfromhiseyes.
Roderick glanced down the best he could at the bite mark then looked back up to meet

Dominic’sred,swolleneyes.“Thatisnothing.Ifanything,itwaskindofhot.”

Dominicdidn’tbelievehimandtriedtopullfreeofRoderick’sstronghold.
Roderick growled out a curse then crashed his lips to Dominic’s. His tongue licked into his

mouthandDominicknewthemancouldtastehisownbloodonDominic’slips.Afterathoroughkiss,
Rodericklethimgo.BloodhadbeensmearedacrosshisfaceandDominicthoughtifsomeonecame
uponthemnowthey’drunforthehillsinfear.

“You’renotmadatme?”Dominic’seyesdartedbetweenRoderick’ssearchingforthetruth.
“Fuck no!” Roderick said loudly. “That was the hottest sex I’ve ever had in my freaking life.”

ThegrinRoderickgavehimeasedDominic’sguilt.“PlusifIgotpissedatyouforthat,howwouldI
getmysecondhelpingofthissweetass?”Rodericksqueezedhisbuttcheektoemphasizehispoint.

“Seconds, huh?” At seeing Roderick’s smiling face, the weight he pressed down on himself

startedtolift.

“Let’sfaceit,Dom,baby.I’mnotsureifIwillevergetmyfillofyou.”
Dominic’sheartexpandedinhischestandhethoughthemightdiefromhappinessrighttherein

themiddleofthewoodsinRoderick’struck.

“Ilikethesoundofthat.”DominicrestedhisforeheadagainstRoderick’s.“I’mreadywhenyou

are.”

TheybothbegantolaughandDominiccurledhisbodytighteraroundRoderick.Somanythings

hedidn’tunderstandsincewakingup,butonethingheknewforsure,hewasfallingheadoverheels
inlovewithRoderickMorgan.

ChapterNine

After a little post-best-sex-of-his-life cuddling, they got dressed and headed back to Silver

Creek.

Roderickwasn’treadyforDominictoleavehissightafterwhatjusthappenedbetweenthemand

suggestedDominicstaythenightwithhim.ThatworriedlookthatDominicalwaysseemedtowear
cameoutinfullforceandwouldn’tgoawayuntilRoderickphonedtheCarstenhousetoinformthem
thatDominicwouldbestayingthenightwithhim.

Thedrivebacktohishousewasdoneinsilence.DominichaddozedoffandRodericksatinhis

seatwatchingasthewhitelinespassedby,tryingtoanalyzewhathejustlethappen.Hewasn’tstupid.
He knew what it meant when a wolf bit a person that they thought was their mate. It was like being
married.

WhatthefuckhaveIgottenmyselfinto?Roderickranahandoverhisheadandletoutaheavy

sigh.

Dominicdidn’tknowwhathewasandRoderickcouldn’tmusteruponeounceofangertoward

theman.Dominiconlydidwhatfeltnaturalforhimtododuringsex.

Roderick hadn’t realized until now as he drove in the silence of the night that he had already

acceptedthatDominicwashis.Eveniftheyweren’ttruemates,he’dneverletDominicgetawayfrom
him.IfonedayDominicwokeupandrealizedallthiswassomebigmistakeandlefthim,Roderick
knewhe’dhuntthemandownallovertheworlduntilhehadhimback.Thiswasn’tatypicalfeeling
hehadeverhad.Roderickblameditonthematingbond.Therecouldbenodenyingit.

Whentheyreachedhishouseheparkedhiscarinthefreespaceinthedriveway.Hegavealight

shaketoDominic’sarmtowakehim.“Dom,we’rehere.”

Dominicjerkedawakeandsatuplookingaroundhimasifhewereafraid.Ittookafewseconds

ofheavybreathingforhisfocustolandonRoderick.Dominic’sfacesoftenedandhesmiledathim.

ThehousewasdarkanditappearedthatBrandonandErikwerealreadyasleep,butnosuchluck.

Nosoonerhadtheyopenedthedoordidaloudpiercinghowlcomefromdownthehallway.Roderick
cringed internally at what he knew was taking place in that bedroom and that Erik just howled. Not
justanyhowlbutthesoundawolfwouldmake.Shit!

“Whatwasthat?”Dominicturnedtoask.
Roderick didn’t know what to say. Telling the truth wasn’t an option. “Oh you know.” He

swallowed around the lump of nerves in his throat. “Brandon and Erik having a little alone time if
youknowwhatImean.”

Dominic’slipsroundedintoanOandhiseyeswentwide.“They’resoloud.”Helaughed.
“Well,youweren’tallthatquietearlieryourself.”RoderickwalkedDominicbackwardsuntilhis

backcameflushwiththewall.“Ilovedthesounds”—hetracedafingeroverDominic’slips—“you
make.”

Dominicstaredupathim,hiseyelidsfallingshutashereachedtowardhim,andRoderickwas

justabouttokisshimwhenaloudbangingcamefromBrandon’sroom.Hehadtobitehistongueto
keepfromshoutingdownthehalltotellthemtokeepitquiet.

“Whydon’tyoushowmeyourroom?”Dominicreacheduptokisshislipsthengentlypushed

atRoderick’schest.“Itmightgetawkwardiftheycomeoutandknowweheardthemhavingsex.”

“Itwouldservethemrightthough.”HeledDominictohisroom.Hedidn’tbotherturningonthe

light.

Onceinhisroom,Dominicstoodtherewithalookofpanicinhiseyes.Aftereverythingthey

justdid,Roderickthoughtitwascutethathe’dbenervous.

“Comeon,Dom.”Roderickpulledoffhisshirtandwentforthebuttononhisjeans.“Let’sget

intobed.”WhenDominicheadedforthebed,Roderickheldupahandtostophim.“Clothesofffirst.
Anyoneinmybedhastosleepnaked.It’sarule,”heteased.

“Ohreally?”Dominicchuckled.“WhoamItodisobey?”Dominicsteppedoutofhisflip-flops

andremovedhisclothesandtossedthemtothefloor.

Roderick’seyesweregluedtoallthatpaleskinasDominiccrawleduponthebedandpulledthe

sheetsdown.InthedarknessDominic’sbodylookedlikehehadbeenmadeofmarble,soflawlessand
beautiful.

Withoutfurtherhesitation,Roderickyankedoffhisjeansandgotonthebed,curlingupbehind

Dominic.Dominic’sbodyradiatedheatandsmelledofmanandsex.God,Roderickcouldgetdrunk
on that combination. He dipped his head down to nuzzle his nose in the soft skin behind Dominic’s
ear.Itdidn’ttakelongforRoderick’sbodytorespondandhepositionedhimselfsothathishardened
cockfitperfectlybetweenDominic’sroundedasscheeks,rightinthecrease.

HefeltDominic’sbodytenseandherubbedahandoverhisbelly.Justasquickly,hecouldfeel

Dominicrelaxandmeltintohim,pushinghisassfurtherintoRoderick’slap.

“Haveyoueverhadsexinthispositionbefore?”Dominiclookedoverhisshoulderathim.
“Never.”RoderickshookhisheadashepulledDominicclosertohischestandstartedtonibble

onhisneck,ashegroundhishardnessbetweenhisslimcheeks.

“Liar.”Dominicwhimpered.
RoderickangledhiscockrubbingatDominic’screase.Thefeelofthebareskinagainsthisshaft

hadRoderickwantingtofuckhisloverwithnothingbetweenthem.Neverinhislifehadheeverhad
unprotectedsexbutwithDominicitseemedwrongtonotplungehisnakedcockdeepinsidehissilky
smoothbody.

“How do you feel, baby?” Roderick laid his hand over Dominic’s cock and gave a gentle

squeeze. All seven solid inches of Dominic’s manhood pulsed against his fingers. “You ready for
roundtwo?”

“Fuckyeah,”Dominicmoaned,archinghisback.
He pulled away from the comfort of Dominic’s body to grab a condom and the lube. As he

clutched the condom in his fist, it seemed such a waste. Dominic, being a wolf shifter, didn’t carry
diseases like humans did. He so badly wanted to toss it to the ground and feel how perfectly
Dominic’sclenchingholefeltaroundhisnakedcock.

“Everythingokay?”
Roderickputthefoilpackettohismouthandrippedthepackageopen.HeheldDominic’sstare

as he rolled the condom down his length then flipped the top on the lube and squeezed some out.
“EverythingwillbetteronceI’minsideofyou.”Aftercoveringhisshaftintheslicknesshemovedup
behindDominicandranhishanddownDominic’sflankuntilhishandrestedjustbelowhiship.“You
readyforme?”

Dominic nodded his head. Roderick grabbed the base of his cock and positioned the tip at

Dominic’shole.Withonesteadymovementhepushedinside,Dominic’sbodystillloosefromtheir
earlyencounter.

Dominic’sscorchingheatsuckedhimrightin,drawinghimdeeperanddeeper.Hedidn’tstop

untilhewaspressedflushagainstDominic’sback.RoderickmovedonearmunderDominic’shead
anddrapedtheotheroverhischestandheldstill,lettingDominicgetusedtothefullness.

With precise, measured movements, Roderick pulled out just a little then pressed back in.

DominicmoanedloudlyandwrappedhishandsaroundRoderick’sarminapinchinggrip.Roderick
kissedandlickedalongthebackofDominic’sneck,tastingthesaltashebegantosweat.

RoderickrolledhishipsandfuckedDominicinslow,longstrokes.Theymovedtogetherlikea

rollingwavecrashingtotheshore.Thebuildwasslowbutgettingstrongerwitheverythrust.

DominicpressedbackintoRoderickwithalittlemoreforceeachtime,drivingRoderickoutof

hismindwiththeneedtocome.HelosthimselftosensationanddrilledintoDominicwithpowerful
thrusts.HesqueezedhispalmaroundDominic’slengthandtuggedinshortpulls.Roderickwasclose
andwantedtofeelDominiccomeapartaroundhiscock.

“R–Roderick,”Dominicstutteredashotcreampumpedoverhisfingers.
HegrowledintoDominic’sshoulderastheman’sassclampeddownonhisinvadingpole,his

body relinquished its hold on his orgasm, and he came in a fierce grunt, hips twitching, filling the
condomwithhisseed.

Oncehegothisbreathingundercontrol,RoderickpressedakisstoDominic’sshoulderthenas

easilyashecouldslippedfreeofDominic’sbody.Heremovedthecondomandletitfalltothefloor
thenrolledbacktohislover ’sside.

“I can’t believe I don’t remember how much fun that is.” Roderick could hear the smile in

Dominic’svoice.

“Iratherlikeyounotrememberingthat.”RodericksmackedDominicontheass.
“Hey.”Dominicrolledovertofacehim.Hissmilingfacelikeagoldenrayofsunshineshining

downfromheaven.ThesightofitjustbrighteningupRoderick’sworld.“Whatwasthatfor?”

“Becausewhenyou’rewithme,Iwanttobetheonlypersonyou’rethinkingabout.”Thetruthof

whathesaidnearlytookhisbreathaway.“Orwanttobewith.”

“Ifeelthesamewayaboutyou.”DominicstaredoffatsomethingoverRoderick’sshoulderthen

afteramomentmethisstare.“WhenI’mwithyouthere’snootherplaceI’dratherbe.Ifeelwholein
here.” He laid a hand over Roderick’s chest, fingers feather light. “How can this be happening so
quickly?”Dominicflippedbackwardsonhisback,shuttinghiseyes.“Andwhatisthis?God,Imust
sound like some lovesick kid.” Dominic peeked out the corner of his eye. “Am I scaring you away
yet?”

“No.”Roderickstartedtolaugh.
“Whatthehell,man?”Dominicsatupandbracedhisweightonhisleftarm.“Ibaremyheartto

youandyoulaughinmyface.That’sit.Nomoreofthisforyou.”Hemadeasweepingmotionover
hisbody.

“Hey,now.Let’snotbetoohasty.”RoderickusedhisweighttopushDominicbackdowninto

themattressthenlayontopofhim.“YoulovethethingsIdotoallthis.”Hewiggledhishipswhere
theylaynestledbetweenDominic’sspreadthighs.

DominicmoanedandreachedhisarmsaroundRoderick’sneckandpulledhimdownforakiss.

Afterjustafewkisses,Roderickpulledawayandmovedbacktohissideofthebedanddrapedhis
armoverDominic’sstomach.

“I really do like being with you.” Dominic rolled to his side and toyed with the fine hair

coveringRoderick’schest.Theactionsentachilldownhisback.

“Ilikebeingwithyou,Dom.”NowwithDominicfacinghim,hekissedthetipofhisnose.
“CanIaskyouaquestion?”Dominic’slookedupthroughhisthickeyelashes,hesitationinhis

eyes.

“Shoot.”

“Doyouhaveafamily?Imeanobviouslyyoucamefromone,butdoyouhaveanyonebesides

yourfriendsthatareclosetoyou?DevontoldmeIcametolivewiththemwhenIwasateenagerand
neverspokemuchaboutmyfamily.JustthatIwasallalone.”Dominicrushedtoexplain.“IguessI’m
askingifthere’sanyoneelseyouneedtogetbackto?”

Roderickhatedthinkingaboutthepast.Itneverservedanyoneanygoodtodwellonthingsthat

couldn’tbechanged,buthedidoweDominicsomeinformationabouthislife.

“No,Idon’thaveanyonewaitingathomeforme.”Thestrong,bittertasteofhowlifecouldbe

cruelstungonhistongue.“MyfatherdiedwhenIwasjustababy.AfterhegotoutoftheMarineshe
becameacop.Onenighthestoppedsomeguyinaroutinetrafficstop.Theguyhadbeenspeeding.As
mydadapproachedthecar,thedrivershothim.Hediedlateratthehospital.”

“That’sawful.”DominiccuddledclosertoRoderick’sside.
“Itwas,butIwassoyoungInevergotthechancetoknowhim.Sometimesit’sbetterthatway.”

Losinghisfathersuckedbuthenevergotthechancetoknowthemanbeforehewastakenfromhim.
Allhehadwerestoriesofthemanhisfatherusedtobe.

“Butstillit’snotfair.”
“Noitisn’t,butwhat’sreallynotfairisthatmymotherwasdiagnosedwithbreastcancerwhenI

wasaseniorinhighschool.Bythetimethedoctorshadcaughtitthecancerhadspreadtoherlymph
nodes and there wasn’t much they could do for her.” The anger of that day still had the ability to
makeshisteethcringeandfiststighten.“Asifitwasn’tbadenoughthatgodhadtakenmyfather,now
hewastakingmymotherinaslow,painfuldeath.”Hisbodytensedandtearsburnedatthebacksof
hiseyes.Thiswaswhyhedidn’tlikethinkingaboutthepast.Toshowemotionwastoshowweakness
andRoderickneverwantedtofeelthatweakagain.

“Roderick,Idon’tknowwhattosay.”Dominicpressedasoftkisstothecenterofhischest.“I

don’tthinkI’veeverfeltthatkindofpainbefore,butifIhadI’mgladIcan’trememberit.”

“Yeah,it’ssomethingIwouldn’twishonmyworstenemy.”Heidlyranhishandupanddown

Dominic’s back, tracing each vertebra with his fingertips. “She died a month before I was set to
graduatefromhighschool.OnceshewasgoneIpackedupthehousewiththestuffIwantedtokeep
thenputthehouseonthemarket.Therewasn’tanythingleftformetheresoIjoinedthemarinesafter
graduationandneverlookedback.”

“Youdidthatallonyourown?”Dominicasked.“Nootherfamilymemberstohelpyou?”
Roderickshrugged.“Mymomhadasisterbutshewasyoungerandhadafamilyofherownto

raise.Shedidn’tneedanothermouthtofeedhangingaround.”

“Didyouevengiveherthechance?”
He hadn’t. If he got close to his aunt and her family and if something happened to them, then

what?Hecouldn’tstandtoloseanymorepeoplehecaredabout.“Let’stalkaboutsomethingelse.”

“Roderick—”
“Please,Dom.”Heheldhislovertight.“AllthatisinthepastnowandIwanttokeepitthere.”

RoderickusedhishandstoliftDominic’sfacetohis.“IwillnotregretasinglethingIdidaftermy
momdiedbecausethepathItookledmetoyou.”

“You believe that?” Roderick could hear the tears in Dominic’s voice and his body began to

tremble.

“With every part of my being. Yes, we just met, but I’ve never felt this way about anyone

before.”Heletthemagnitudeofwhathewassayingsinkin.“I’mnotjustinthisforagoodtime.I
likeyou,Dom.”

“Ilikeyou,too.”Dominicsniffled.

“That’sgood.”RodericksmiledandleaneddowntokissDominicpassionatelyonthelips.
Theylaytherekissingandcuddlingtightlytogetherforawhilelonger.AyawnmadeDominic’s

jawpopandRodericksuggestedtheygetsomerest.Sharinghispastwithanotherpersonhaddrained
Roderick both mentally and physically. But it felt good to tell Dominic. It made him feel closer to
Dominicandforthefirsttimeinforeverthatdidn’tscarehim.

ChapterTen

The next morning Roderick left Dominic sleeping, curled up in a ball on his bed. Dominic

lookedsopeacefullyingthere.ThesoftglowofhisskininthemorninglighttookRoderick’sbreath
away.Hisblackhairlayindisarrayonhishead.DominicwassowarmandcuddlyRoderickwouldn’t
havemindedstayingtuckedinclosetoallthatbarefleshofnakedmanalldaylongbutthefullnessin
hisbladderhadhimgettingup.

Roderickdraggedonhisdiscardedjeansfromthepreviousnightandpulledacleanshirtover

hishead.ThebiteDominichadgiftedhimwithwasabright,angryred.Thelastthinghewantedwas
forErikorBrandontosee.They’dwantanswerstoquestionsRoderickjustcouldn’tansweryet.

He shut the door behind him and walked down the hallway. He used the restroom first then

headedtowardthekitchen.Hecouldhearsomeoneclatteringaroundandfoundhimselfnotlooking
forwardtoanytypeof“DidDominicrememberanythingyet?”conversation.

To his dismay, Erik stood facing away from him, putting water in the coffee maker. The man

stood there in a pair of royal blue boxer briefs tight enough to leave nothing to the imagination.
Erik’sroundedlittlebubblebuttwasonperfectdisplay.ItwasagoodthingRoderickdidn’tfindthe
annoyinglittleshitattractiveorencounterslikethiscouldbereallyawkward.

“Stopstaringatmyass,”Eriksaidwithoutturningaround.
“Yeah,right.Don’tflatteryourself.”Roderickwenttothefridgeandpulledouttheorangejuice.

He took a drink straight out of the carton. “How did you know it was me standing there and not
Brandon?”

“Icansmellyou.”Erikturnedaroundandleanedagainstthecounter,crossinghisarmsoverhis

barechest.Hesniffedtheair.“SoItakeitDomstayedthenightaswell?”

“I understand it’s just your wolfy senses but that shit is creepy.” He pointed a finger at Erik.

“Andyouneedtowatchwhatyousay.”

Erik peeked around the corner then looked back to Roderick, lowering his voice. “So still

nothing?”

“It’s only been two days, Erik. I’m not a miracle worker.” Now that would have been perfect.

ThenhecouldhelpDominicrememberwithouthimfreakingout.Butmiraclesseemedtoruninshort
supplyinRoderick’slife.

Theyoungerman’sfacefellsullen.“Iknow,I’mjustworriedabouthim.”
“I know you are, Erik, but we can’t push him to remember either.” He patted Erik on the

shoulder as he walked past to retrieve a cup from the cabinet. “It’ll come. I have complete faith in
that.”

“Youhavefaith?”Erikcockedaneyebrowathim,thenaknowinglookspreadoverhisyoung

face.“Oh,my,god!You’vefalleninlovewithhimhaven’tyou?”

“What?” Roderick glanced over his shoulder to make sure Dominic wasn’t standing there

listening.Heabsentmindedlyreachedupandrubbedatthebitemark.“Don’tbecrazy.”

“Don’t deny it. It doesn’t suit you.” Erik filled his coffee mug to the brim. “It’s that mating

magic.”

Roderick rolled his eyes. He wasn’t a wolf and he wouldn’t say what he felt was because of

somemysticaloccurrencebetweentwomates.WhathefeltforDominicwashisandhisalone.

“Let’snotforgetI’mnotawolfshiftersothatshitdoesn’taffectme.”Roderickwantedtoplayit

cool.Thethoughtofgettinghisheartbrokenmadehisstomachacheandhismouthgodry.

“Bullshit.I’veseenthewayAidenisaroundDevonandhowNoahisaroundSkyler.Wolfornot,

youfeelit.”

Erik’sgrinningfaceshouldhaveannoyedhimbutthelittleshitwasright.Tryashemight,he

wasfallinginlovewithDominicbuthechosetobelievehewouldhavefeltthiswayevenifDominic
wasn’tawolfshifter.

“Like I said, it’s none of your business.” He took a seat at the table and busied himself with

lookingatthenewspaper.

“Idon’tmeantobeabusybody.Ijusthopeandpraythattheconnectionyouguyssharewillbe

strongenoughtohelpDominicdealwiththeinevitable,”Eriksaidinahushedtone.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”RoderickglancedupatErik.
“I’monlyspeakingformyself,butIcouldn’timaginenotknowingIwasawolfshifter.Tonot

haveanypreviousknowledgeofwhoandwhatyouareuntilbam!”Erikclappedhishandstogether.
“Youshiftintoahugefuckingwolf.”Heblewoutabreath.“Talkaboutmessingwithyourmind.”

Yeah, that’s what Roderick was afraid of. Before he had the chance to respond, the sound of

shuffling feet came from down the hall. A few seconds later, a bleary-eyed Dominic came into the
kitchen.

DominiclookeddownatErik’sunderwear-cladassthentohisface.“Dude,don’tyouownapair

ofpants?”

Rodericktookadrinkofhisjuicetokeepfromlaughingoutloud.
“Goodmorningtoyou,too.”Erikgrabbedthehandtowelfromthewallhookandputitoverhis

groinarea.“IguessI’llgoputonsomeclothessoastonotoffendanyone.”Hetriedtosoundasifhe
wereupsetbutRodericksawthesmalltracesofasmileonhislips.

“Ohcomeon,Erik!”Roderickcalledouttohimasheleftthekitchen.“Don’tbemad.Welove

you.Wejustloveitwhenyouhavemoreclotheson.”

“You don’t think he’s that upset do you?” Dominic looked over his shoulder in the direction

Erikleft.“MaybeIshouldgoandapologize.”

RoderickstoodupandgrabbedDominicaroundthewrist.HesatbackdownandpulledDominic

tositonhislap.“Heknowsyouwerejustkidding.”Heplacedatenderkisstovelvetysmoothlips,
losinghimselftothelusciousflavorofhislover ’smouth.“Mmm,Ilovethewayyoutaste.”

“Thanks,”Dominicwhispered,hiseyelidsgoneheavy.
“Didyousleepwell?”RoderickpattedhimonthehipthenmovedDominicaroundtositinthe

chairwhilehegotuptomakebreakfast.

“Igottosay,foronlygettingafewhoursofactualsleep,Ifeelgreat.”ThesmileonDominic’s

faceoverwhelmedhisyouthfulfeatures.“Bestnight’ssleepofmylife.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” As he walked around the table to grab the eggs and milk from the

refrigerator he looked in Dominic’s direction. “Any big plans for the day?” Roderick asked, not
wantingtojustassumeDominicwantedtostayandhangoutwithhim.

“Idon’tknow.”DominictookabiggulpoutoftheglassRoderickleftonthetable.Hisvoice

shookwhenhespoke.“DoI?”

“Dom,baby,Icankeepyoubusyalldayandnightlong.”Hesetasidetheeggsandwenttostand

infrontofDominic.RoderickcaressedonefingerdowntheleftsideofDominic’sface.“Sowhatdo
yousay?Feellikestayingtoplayforawhile?”

“Depends.”AbrightblushdottedDominic’scheeks.“Whatdidyouhaveinmindexactly?”
Grinninglikeawolf,RoderickbentoverandtookDominic’slipsinakissthatnotonlyhadthe

ability to curl a man’s toes but stiffen his cock as well. Oh the things Roderick looked forward to

doingtohisnewlover.

ChapterEleven

Thesunseemedtoshinebrighter,theskytobeaclearershadeofbrightblue,andthebirdssang

louderthanusual,oratleastDominicthoughttheydid.Lifewasgoodandgettingbetterbytheday.

He’dbeenseeingRoderickforalittleoveraweeknowandthemoretimethatpassed,themore

helplessly in love with the man he became. The way Roderick looked at him like he was the only
person in the world made his heart skip a beat. Roderick’s honey-colored eyes seemed to cut right
into Dominic’s soul and made him forget that he still hadn’t remembered the years stolen from his
memory. Why did he need to remember the past when his present and future held so much joy for
him?

WithRoderickhavingtowork,thereweretimestheyonlygottospendafewhourstogether,but

they made the most of them. Even just kissing Roderick’s full, supple lips was enough to feed
Dominic’shungerfortheotherman.Theybothcouldn’tkeeptheirhandsofftheother.Themoment
Roderickwouldwalkthroughthedoororpickhimupfromhishouse,theywereoneachotherina
blinkofaneye.

DominiclovedtrailinghisfingersdownRoderick’smuscularchestandrunninghisfingernails

underthegroovewherethemusclesonhislowerwaistformedaV.Themanwasbuiltsosolidand
firm Dominic could never get enough of touching him. He wanted to commit every line and hard
ridgeofmuscletomemoryjustincaseRoderickwokeupandsawthelightandrealizedhecoulddo
betterthanabashed-inheadcase.NotthatDominicfeltsorryforhimself,buthejustwishedhecould
remembersomelittledetailfromhispastsomaybepeoplewouldn’tlookathimlikehewasbroken
ontheinside.

EverythinghehadlearnedsofaraboutDominicGabardididn’tseemtofitwiththewayhewas

now.TheoldDominiclovedtoplayaroundonthecomputer,readcomicbooks,andhadafascination
with numbers. All those things didn’t hold one bit of interest for him now. Staring at a computer
screen gave him a headache and made him sleepy. Anything more involved than addition and
subtraction made him lose interest and he didn’t understand the appeal of a comic book. Brightly
coloredpageswithbubblesholdingthedialogseemedmorelikeachild’schoiceofreadingmaterial,
not something for Dominic. Now give him a science fiction thriller or murder mystery and that
wouldsuckDominicinforhours.

Besides those three major things, everyone else had commented on how different he was, but

notthatitwasabadthing.TheoldDominickepttohimselfmore.Aidenhadtoldhimthey’donlysee
DominicifhehadworktodoattheCarstenandSon’soffice.Otherthanthat,Dominichadlivedinan
apartmentinSilverCreekandrarelyvisited.

Dominic thought his old life seemed very lonely. He couldn’t imagine not being around Erik,

Aiden,Skyler,andCarl.Theywerehisfriendsandhelpedhimthemostwitheverydaytaskswhenhe
camehomefromthehospital.TheywouldsitandtalkwithDominicforhoursonendandneverseem
liketheywerebored.AndDominichadnoticedthattheystoppedtryingtoprodhimtorememberhis
oldlife.Thesadnessthatwouldflashacrosstheirfaceshappenedlessandless.DeepdownDominic
hadafeelingthattheywerestartingtorealizetheylikedhimbetternowthanbefore.He’dneverask
them,buthecouldsenseitinthewaythey’dsmile.

In between spending time with Roderick or hanging out with his friends, Dominic had been

goingintoworkwithShaneatthecafé.Summerwascomingtoacloseandtheirpart-timehelphadto
getpreparedforthebeginningofanewschoolyear.Dominicwouldn’twishanythingbadonanother

personbuttheirlosswashisgainandhelovedgoingintohelpout.

Hestartedaroutine.Dominicwouldgetupinthemorningandgoforawalk,butafterfewdays

hestartedtomakethatamorningrun.Thecoolmorningairfanningacrosshisfacehelpedwakehim
up and get the day going. He’d then go inside, shower and change, and ride into Silver Creek with
Shane.They’d get thecafé opened andDominic had really takena liking tohelping Margie get the
muffinsandcakesprepared.Dominichadbeensurprisedathowmuchfunhewashaving.

Dominicusuallyleftthecaféaroundoneortwo.IfRoderickwasn’tbusyhe’dpickhimupand

drivehimhomeorifBrandonandErikweren’tatthehousethey’dgothere.They’dmakeloveand
liearoundnakedandtalkabouttheirday.He’dstartedtonoticetheytalkedmoreabouthisdaythan
Roderick’s.Whenhe’dask,Roderickwouldshrugitoffasjustanotherdaytrackingdowncriminals.
Dominic didn’t know a lot about bounty hunting and thought that Roderick’s secrecy about his job
wasnormal.ItsoundedlikeadangerousprofessiontobeinandDominicdidn’twanttothinkabout
hisloverbeinginharm’swayonadailybasis.

Whentheyweren’twrappednakedaroundeachother,Roderickhadtakenonthetaskofteaching

him how to drive. Dominic owned a silver Honda Accord that sat parked in the Carsten house’s
garage. The sleek curves of the car and leather interior, along with the loud sound system, had
Dominiceagertolearnhowtodriveagain.Hedidn’tmindbeingchauffeuredallovertheplace,butit
madehimfeellikeachildattimes.Dominicwantedtohavetheoptiontogetupandgoifhechoseto.

Like clockwork Roderick came through the café door at two o’clock. The bell chimed

indicatingacustomerhadjustcomeinbutDominicdidn’tbothertolookupfromwherehestoodat
thecounterwrappingupthecookieshejustpulledoutoftheoven.Thestrongmasculinescentthat
belongedtoRoderick,soapandaftershave,flutteredunderhisnose.

AttimesDominicthoughtitwasweirdhecouldsmellRodericksostrongly.Heassumedithad

tobealovething.EverythingRoderickdidstoodoutamongsteveryoneelse.Thesoundshemade,
thesmellsthatwaftedoffhisbody.Andattimes,asoddasitmayseem,hecouldfeelifRoderickwas
happy,mad,orsad,justbythevibrationhummingoffhisbody.Dominicdidn’tknowifitwasasixth
sensehehadalwayshadorifitcamealongafterhisbraininjurybuteitherwayheenjoyedbeingthis
closetoanotherperson.

“Hey,babe.”Roderickwalkedaroundthecounterandkissedhimonthecheek.“Youreadyfor

yourdrivinglesson?”

“Ididn’tknowyouneededalicensetoridecock,”Shanesaidashepassedby.
Dominicnearlydroppedtheplateofcookiesinhishands.Roderickreachedoutandsavedthe

dishandthecookies.

“Shane!” Dominic took the plate from Roderick and sat it back in the display case. “I can’t

believeyousaidthat.”

“Ohplease.”Themanflippedovertheclosesignonthedoorandcamebacktoleanoverthe

counter. “You opened yourself up for that.” Dominic squinted an eye at Shane and shook his head.
Shane huffed out a loud breath. “It was a joke, man. Jeez, take it easy. Don’t get your undies in a
twist.”

“I’mnotupsetbuthell,Shane,whatifMargiewasstillhere?”DominicreallylikedMargieand

didn’twanthertohaveaheartattackfromShane’svulgarcomments.Funnyastheywere,butstilla
littleembarrassing.

“Really?Withthewayyoutwolookateachother?Shemightbeoldbutshe’snotblind.”Shane

pointedafingerintheirdirection.“Lookatyounow.Youguysarealwaystouchingeachother.It’s
obviousyoutwoarefucking.”

Dominicdidn’thavetolook.HecouldfeelRoderick’sarmwrappedlooselyaroundhiswaist,

holding him close to his side. The warmth of his thick fingers bled through Dominic’s shirt. The
sensation had become so familiar, Dominic didn’t notice it anymore. There was no awkwardness
when they touched. For Dominic it would have been weird if Roderick wasn’t touching him every
timetheyweretogether.

“ButIstilldon’tneedtoadvertiseit.”Heturnedhisheadtolookaroundthecafé.“Whendidshe

leave?”TheafternoonrushseemedtobebusierthanusualandnowthatDominicthoughtaboutithe
hadn’tseenhersincethen.

“Herhipwasbotheringhersoshewenthomeearly.Herdoctorthinkssheshouldgoaheadwith

the hip replacement surgery sooner rather than later,” Shane muttered. He quickly turned away and
busiedhimselfatthefrontcounter.

Shane had lived in Nehalem for the past two years and Margie had been the first person who

tookhiminandgavehimajobandaplacetolive.Shewasapartofhisfamily.Shanehadtoldhim
that he had lost his mother at a young age and Margie helped fill that void. Even though he didn’t
remember his own mother, Dominic knew that it had to be hard for his friend. Margie was getting
olderandanytimeapersonwentinforsurgery,therewererisksinvolved.Ifanythingeverhappened
toMargie,Shanewouldn’tbetheonlyoneheartbrokenovertheloss.

Margie was a caring woman who gave a person all her attention when they spoke to her. She

always made Dominic feel welcomed, even after learning he didn’t remember a single thing about
her.Sheshruggeditoffsayingthatitwasn’teverydayapersongotthechancetomakeasecondfirst
impression.ShewasasweetandfunnyladythatDominichadcometocareagreatdealfor.

Dominic looked up at Roderick and his lover gave a nod of his chin in Shane’s direction. He

smiledupatRoderickthenwalkedovertoShane.ThemanhadhisbacktohimsoDominicwrapped
hisarmsaroundShane’schestandrestedhischinonhisshoulder.

“It’sgoingtobeokay.”HegaveShanealittleshake,eruptingalaughfromhisfriend’sthroat.

“She’satougholdbird.It’lltakemorethanthattotakeherfromus.”

ShaneplacedhishandoverDominic’sforearmandrubbedhishandupanddown.“Iknow.Istill

worrybutIguesswealldo,huh?”Shanelookedoverhisshoulderathim.

“Yeah,wedo.”HekissedShaneonthecheekthenwentbacktofinishinguphisclose-upduties.
RoderickhelpedoutbymoppingthefloorinthekitchenareawhileDominicandShanecleaned

up the front area. Twenty minutes later, they were walking out the door and he waved good-bye to
Shane.

AllthetalkaboutMargieandherimpendingsurgeryhadsuckedtheairfromDominic’ssail.He

didn’t know if he had ever lost someone that he loved but the thought of losing sweet old Margie
caused a pain so deep inside him, Dominic felt like he couldn’t breathe. Death was so final and it
wasn’tfair.

“Babe,youallright?”RoderickaskedashecametohistruckandopenedthedoorforDominic.
“Yeah.”Heclimbedinside.“IjusthatetothinkaboutanythingbadhappeningtoMargie.She’s

been so good to me.” He remembered how earlier that day they stood in the back joking while she
helpedguidehiminpreparingthesugarcookiedoughthensatthereanddecoratedcookieswithhim.
Shetoldstoriesofwhenshewasyounger.Thewomanwasafountainofinformationthatstillhadso
muchtogive.

“It’shipsurgery,notadeathsentence.”Roderickstatedbluntly.“She’dprobablykickyourguys’

assesifsheknewyouweresittingaroundjustwaitingforhertokeelover.”

DominicswunghisheadaroundtostareatRoderick.Washebeingserious?

“Don’tlookatmelikethat.”RodericklightlyflickedDominiconthetipofthenose.“Whenmy

mom was sick she’d always get mad when I got all doom and gloom on her. She’d ask why I was
alreadyplanningherfuneralbeforesheeventookherlastbreath.”Roderickstaredstraightinfrontof
himandDominiccouldseetheslighttiltofhislipsashesmiledoverthememory.

“Soundedlikeshewasawisewoman.”
“Shewas.”Roderickleanedovertheconsoleandkissedhimonthelips.Dominicmoanedintoit

andopenedwideforthequickstabofRoderick’stongueinhismouth.HewhimperedwhenRoderick
satbackinhisseat.“Nowstopyourmopingaroundandthinkonlygoodthoughts.Margiewillneed
it.”

ItneverseemedtoamazeDominichowRoderickalwaysknewtherightthingtosayanddoto

makehimfeelbetter.Themanwasagiftfromheavendroppedinhislap.Dominicdidn’tknowwhat
hedidtogetsoluckybuthe’dspendeverydaymakingsureRoderickknewhowmuchhecaredfor
him.

“You’reright!”hesaidinachippervoice.
“I’malwaysright.”Roderickpulledawayfromthecurbandheadeddowntheroad.
Dominicrolledhiseyes.“Noonelikesasmartass.”
“Nobuttheyloveacockyone.”RoderickwaggledhiseyebrowsathimandDominicstartedto

laugh.

Duringtimeslikethis,Dominicdidn’tcareaboutwhathislifehadbeenlikebefore.Thislifehe

hadrightnowwastoogoodtotradeforabilliondollarsletaloneaglimpseintohispast.Ifitwas
somethingimportanthe’drememberitintime,butrightnowhewantedtoenjoytheride.Seewhat
lifehadtoofferhimnow.

ChapterTwelve

Roderickdrovetotheoutskirtsoftownwheretherewerelong,pavedcountryroadsthatwere

nearly deserted this time of day. It gave Dominic plenty of practice on those windy roads without
havingtodealwithtraffic.

RoderickpulledhistruckovertothesideoftheroadandDominichoppedoutwithoutwaiting

tobetold.HeloveddrivingRoderick’struck.Thelargepieceofmachinerymadehimfeelpowerful.
Thedrivewassmoothandhewasuphighenoughhedidn’tpanicwhenanothercarpassedhimgoing
intheoppositedirection.

“Okay,Dom,headdowntheroad.Inaboutfifteenmilesyou’llcometoHillsdaleRoad.Goleft

andgodownaboutanotherfifteenmiles.”

Dominic nodded his understanding, then adjusted the seat and mirrors. He latched his seatbelt

thenlookedouthiswindow.Nooncomingcarssohepulledoutontotheroad.Thenice,slowhumof
thetruckrelaxedhim.

Cloudshadrolledinanditlookedlikerain.Thewindowsweredownandthewindrushedinto

thecabofthetruck,whirlingaroundhishead.Dominictookalong,hardwhiff,nostrilsflaring.He
couldscentrainintheair.

Off into the distance, a flash of lightning streaked across the sky. The bright light against the

darkeningshadesofgraylookedstunning.

He glanced over to see Roderick with his head laid back on the seat rest and eyes closed. The

hardlinesofhisjawseemedtenseandthedeepsetofwrinklesaroundhiseyesstoodout,makinghim
lookolderthanhistwenty-eightyears.Evenhisscentwasdifferent.Morebitter,notsweetandsensual
likeittypicallywas.Somethingwasn’tright.

“Everythingokay?”heasked.“Toughdayatwork?”Dominicstilldidn’tknowwhatallbeinga

bountyhunterentailedbutheknewitconsistedoftrackingpeopledownwhowereevadingthelaw.
SeemedlikeastressfuljobtohimbutRoderickneversharedanythingworkrelated.SoifRoderick
was feeling the strain of his job he kept it all to himself and Dominic was sick of it. They were
togetherandhewantedtoknoweverythingaboutthisman’slife.Thegood,bad,andtheugly.

“Nah,justtired.”Roderickdidn’tevenbothertoopenhiseyes.
Anothervagueanswer.
“YouknowI’mheretolistenifyouwanttotalkaboutit.”
“I’ll keep that in mind when I have something to say.” Roderick’s tone was emotionless as he

spoke.DidhereallynotthinkofDominicassomeonehecouldconfidein?“Nowkeepyoureyeson
theroadanddrive.”

Dominic ground his teeth together and squeezed the steering wheel tightly in his hands. He

thoughtheheardthewheelcreakunderthepressurebuthedidn’tcare.TheturnforHillsdaleRoad
cameintoviewandhetookthecornerdoingfiftymilesanhour,causingthembothtojerktotheside.

“Whatthefuck,Dom?”Roderickshouted.
“Ohthisismyfault,”hegrumbledashecontinuedtodrive.“Youkeepingeverythingbottledup

hasnothingtodowiththis?”HelookedoveratRoderick.

Dominicpulledovertothesideoftheroad,threwthecarintopark,yankedthekeysfromthe

ignitionandjumpedout.

“Whereareyougoing?”Roderickcalledouttohim.
“For a walk to get some space from you!” He held the keys so tightly in his hand the metal

prongsdugintohisskin.Thebiteofpainfueledhisalreadypissed-offmood.Thedayhadbeengoing
so great but he couldn’t deny that Roderick seemed to be keeping a part of himself hidden from
Dominic.Itwasn’tfair.

“Seriously?” Roderick’s fingers wrapped around his bicep and pulled Dominic around. “Are

youpouting?Oristhisatantrum?”

With strength he didn’t know he possessed Dominic spun around and placed his hands on

Roderick’s chest and pushed. The man landed on his ass about ten feet from Dominic. Dominic
quicklymaskedhisshockwithanexpressionofrage.ItservedRoderickrighttobeknockedonhis
butt,buthowdidhedoit?Roderickoutweighedhimbyagoodfiftypounds.

Dominic wanted to hang on to his anger and not be sidetracked by his surprise strength. He

stalkeduptowhereRodericksatonthegroundstaringathimwithwideeyes.

“Imightnotremembermyphonenumber,address,orwhatthehellmylifeusedtobelike.”He

threwthekeysinhishandatRoderick.“ButI’mapersonnonetheless.Idon’tneedyoutoprotectme
fromanything.IfallIamtoyouissomeonetofuckthenI’mout.”Hehelduphishands.“Iwantaman
whoiswillingtosharehisdaywithme.Iwanttoknowaboutyourlife,Roderick,andthatmeanshow
yourjobisgoing.It’sobviouslyabigpartofyourlife.Whywon’tyousharethatwithme?”

****

AsRoderickstaredupataredfacedDominic,hecouldn’tbelievehisdaycouldgetanyworse.

It had gone to shit the moment he woke up. A call from council headquarters informed him that a
family of wolf shifters in Maine had been slaughtered. A mother, father, and their three children.
Accordingtothereport,thereweren’tenoughoftheremainstomakeapositiveIDonwhowaswho.
Andthecauseofdeathwasfrombeingtornapart.Basicallyeatenalivebysomerabid,enragedwolf.

The violence that people inflicted on each other never ceased to amaze him. Here Roderick

thoughtitwouldbehuntersdisagreeingwiththecouncil’sorderstonotkillonsightthatwouldbethe
causeofmorewolfslayings.Butno,itwaswolf-on-wolfattacks.Butwhy?

ThathadbeenthequestionRoderickhadbeenworkingonansweringallday.He’dmadecallsto

someofthehuntershetrustedtosetoutandcanvasthearea.Ifawolfhadgonerabidandwaskilling
itsownkind,therewasnothingstoppingitfromgoingafterhumansnext.

Theonlybrightspotinhisdaywasknowinghe’dbeabletoseeDominic.Itwouldn’terasethe

imageshehadseenortheknowledgeofwhatevilwalkedtheEarthbutithelpedrelievesomeofthe
stress.

AsRodericksatonthegroundlookingupathiswolfshiftermate,theangerinhiseyespinned

himtotheground.“BecauseIloveyousofuckingmuch,Idon’twantyoutothinkaboutthehorrors
thatareintheworld.”Hetoldhimapartialtruth.Therewasnowayaroundit.Dominicwouldn’tlet
himoffthehookwithoutsomesortofexplanation.

Holyshit!Hismindechoedinhisemptyhead.IjustsaidIlovedhim.DidDomhearit,too?Or

wasIjustthinkingthatinmyhead?

“I…um...I,”Roderickstammeredashetriedtobacktrackwhathejustadmitted.Theyneededto

stayfocusedononeissueatatime.

“Did you just say you loved me?” Dominic’s eyes lit up for a brief moment before he glared

downathim.“Saveit.Wecandiscussthatinaminute,butfirstIwanttoknowmoreaboutthehorrors
youarekeepingmefrom.Ineveraskedyoutoprotectmefromthebadthingsthathappeneveryday.”
Heblewoutanannoyedsigh.“Fuck,man,lookatme.Thebadthingsouttherehappenedtome,so

pleasedon’tpatronizeme.I’mnotstupidsoplease,fortheloveofgod,talktome.”

Andtellhimwhat?Thatseeingthebodypartsofafamilyrippedapartwasjustanotherdayat

theofficeforhim?HehadtotellDomsomething,heowedhimthatmuchbuthehadtodoitinaway
thatwasn’tacompleteandtotallie.

“I know you’re not stupid, I just don’t want you to have to deal with the shit I see on a daily

basis.Therearesomefuckeduppeopleintheworldwhodosomeprettyviciousshittoothers.”

“Icanhandleit.”Dominicsatdowninfrontofhimandcrossedhislegsunderneathhim.“Ifthis

isstuffyouhavetodealwiththenIwanttoknow.IwantyoutoknowthatI’mhereforyouandIcan
beyourshouldertoleanonwhenyouneedit.”Dominicgrinnedathim.“I’mtougherthanIlook.”

“Icantell.”Roderickrubbedahandoverhischest.He’dprobablyhavebruisingfromtheforce

ofDom’shandsonhischest.

“I’m sorry about that,” Dominic said shyly. He tore his gaze from Roderick. “I just got so

frustrated with you treating me like I’m not mature enough to handle what you have to say. Just
becausemymemoryisn’twhatitusedtobedoesn’tmeanI’macompletemoron.”

“I never thought that.” Roderick held out his hand for Dominic’s. He clasped the thin, warm

fingersinhisgrip.“Idon’twantyouhavingtolivewiththeimagesI’veseenburnedintoyourmind.
It’snotprettystuff,Dom.”

“IgetthatbutIdon’twantyoutohavetoshouldertheburdenonyourown.”Dominicsqueezed

Roderick’sfingers.“IknowI’malittlerustybutisn’tthatwhatpeoplewhoareinarelationshipdo?
Sharethingswithoneanother.Icouldbewrongthough.”

ThelookonDominic’sfacetoldhimtherewasnogettingoutofthis.Roderickcouldgivehim

piecesofthetruth.

“Okay,don’tsayIdidn’twarnyou.”Dominicusedhisotherhandtowavehimon.“Thecurrent

assignment I’m working on now is to track down the people responsible for killing a family in
Maine.Amother,fatherandtheirthreeyoungchildren.”Hepausedtolettheinformationsitinand
giveDomthechancetotellhimtostop.

“Afamily?”DominicaskedandRodericknodded.“Why?”
“I’mnotsure.”Heshrugged.“Butit’smyjobtofindoutwhyandbringthemtojustice.”Andhe

would.Thecouncilwouldstopatnothingtopreventthesebrutalkillings.Roderickjusthopeditwas
anisolatedincidentbecauseifnottheyhadbiggerproblemsonthehorizon.

“That’sawful,”Dominicsaidafterafewminutesofbeingsilent.
“See.” Roderick tugged on Dominic’s hand until he was able to pull the man into his lap.

Dominic’slonglegsstraddledhiships.RoderickdippedhisheaddowntomeetDom’seyes.“Thatis
exactlywhyIdidn’twanttotellyouanyofthat.”

“Iknowbutmenotknowingdoesn'tchangethefactthatyoustillhavetohandleallthatonyour

own.” Dominic brought his hand up to brush the hair out of his face exposing his bright blue eyes.
“Nomatterwhat,Ialwayswantyoutocometome.Sometimestalkingaboutithelps.”Dominicgave
himasmallsmile.“Itwillmakeyoursoulfeellighter.”

“I’llhavetorememberthat,”RodericksaidinalowvoiceashenearedDominic’slips.
“Ohnoyoudon’t.”DominicbroughthishanduptocoverRoderick’smouth.“I’mgladwegot

thatsettledbutwestillhaveonemorethingtotalkabout.”HenippedatDom’sfingerasittappedhim
onhislips.

“What’sthat?”heteased,knowingdamngoodandwellwhatDominicwantedtodiscuss.Forthe

firsttimewantingtosayIloveyoutoanotherpersondidn’tfrightenhim.Ifanythingitfeltfucking
good.

“Thatyouloveme.”Dominicprompted.“Remember?”
“Hmm.”Roderickleanedbackonhishandsandclosedoneeyeashelookedupatthedarkened

sky.“Idon’trecall.Areyousurethat’swhatIsaid?”Heasked,butcouldn’thidethesmiletuggingat
hisupperlip.

“Youjerk.”DominictickledalongRoderick’sribcageandhestartedtosquirm.
“Okay, I give.” He fell backwards to lie on his back. “Yes, I love you more than I thought

possible.”

Dominic hovered above him, hands braced on either side of Roderick’s face. “That’s very

flattering.”Dominicnoddedhisheadandsatup.“YoudounderstandI’llneedtimetothinkonthis.”

RodericknarrowedhiseyesandstaredupatDominic.Themanlookedsoseriousbuthesawa

slighttwitchontheupperrightcornerofhismouth.RoderickbuckedhishipsupandrolledDominic
underneath him. He used his knee to push Dom’s legs apart to make room for his body to lie snug
againsthis.

“Wasthatsupposedtobefunny?”BeingsoclosetoDominicandfeelingtheheatfromhisbody

hadRoderick’scockgrowingtofullhardness.HerolledhishipsagainstDominic’s,theman’smouth
fellopen,andalowmoanpassedhislips.“BecauseIdon’tseethehumorinit.”

Dominic writhed under him, arching his back to raise his hips up to get more friction from

Roderick.Thehardshaftinhislover ’spantsmadehisskincrawlwithdesire.

JustasDominicreachedforhim,Roderickpulledback.Dominic’slipstuckoutinapout.“Iwas

onlyteasingyou.”HereachedforRoderickagainbutheevadedhishands.

“I’mnotsureIbelieveyou.”Roderickmadeaclickingsoundwithhistongue.“Typicallywhena

person tells another person they love them, they tend to say it back. I’m pretty sure it’s proper
etiquetteorsomeshit.”

“Ohreally?”Dominiclaybackonthegroundandputhisarmsbehindhishead.
“Really.”RoderickmovedtosettleclosertoDominicuntiltheircheststouched.“Plusleavinga

guy hanging like that is worse than a case of blue balls.” His heart pounded in his chest waiting to
hear Dominic say those three words. He hoped Dominic felt the same way because if he didn’t
Roderickdidn’tknowwhathe’ddo.

“Roderick, Roderick, Roderick,” Dominic said after what felt like forever. His eyes were

glintingwithmischief.“AsmuchasIloveyourballs,andIdo,Iloveyoutentimesmorethanthat,
andifyourballsfelloffI’dstillloveyou.”

Roderickreleasedthebreathhe’dbeenholdingandcollapsedontopofDominic,bringinghis

lips down hard for a bruising kiss. He had an overwhelming desire to mark him. The whole world
neededtoknowthatDominicbelongedtohim.God,helovedthis.

“Babe.”Roderickeasedback.“Let’snottalkaboutourcocksandballsfallingoff.”Hecringed

internallyatthethought.Hegavehimselfagoodshake.

“Whateveryousay,mylove.”Dominic’sfingersmassagedatthemuscleonthebackofhisneck

andRoderickwentinforadeeperkiss.

Evenascloseastheywere,Roderickwantedtobecloserstill.HisloveforDominicseemedto

make everything seem brighter, more attainable, with this man by his side or underneath him
wigglingwithdesire.Roderickwouldnevertireofthisfeeling.

ChapterThirteen

DominiclethistonguedancealongsideRoderick’s,suckinginthemintytasteofhismouth.It

moved slow and sensuous to the point Dominic found himself clawing at Roderick’s shoulders. He
hadtogethishandsandmouthoneverypartofthisman’slusciousbody.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Roderickasked,asmiledancingacrosshislipsasDominicpushedhim

tohisside.

“Ihaveastrongdesiretotasteyou.”HeranafingerdownthefrontofRoderickchest,causing

themantomoanasherolledtohisback,eyesclenchedtight.Dominictrailedhisfingeralltheway
downuntilhishandpalmedatRoderick’sgenerousbulge.“Iwantthisinmymouth.”

“WhoamItodenyyouthat?”Rodericksaidasanotherloudmoaneruptedfromhisthroat.
Dominicwenttoworkonhislover ’szipper,pullingandtugginguntilhehadRoderick’s’pants

peeleddowntohisthighs.

HisbreathgotcaughtinhisthroatatthesightofRoderick’stanlowerabdomen,themusclesso

tauthisveinspushedagainstthesurface.HismouthfilledwithdroolattheviewofRoderick’sthick
andheavyshaftwiththebrightredcrown.Asmalldripofdesireseepedouttheslit.Dominiccouldn’t
resist.Hefellforwardandlickedtheroundedtiplikealollipop,takinginthesaltyflavor.

“Fuck, Dom,” Roderick growled. His fingers tunneled through Dominic’s hair, urging him

loweronhisthickpole.

Dominicrelaxedhisjawandeasedthetipfurtherdownhisthroat.Histonguedtheundersideof

theveinycockasRodericksliddeeper.Dominicpulledupandswirledhistonguearoundtheridgeof
thecrown,coatingRoderick’sdickinhissaliva.

Oncethepulsingfleshwasslipperyenough,Dominicswallowedhimdowntotheroot.Hischin

nudged up against Roderick’s balls and his nose was buried in the finely trimmed thatch of hair
surrounding his base. Dominic rubbed his face from side to side as he worked his throat on
Roderick’sdick.Thedualsensationshadhisstrong,handsomeloverpurringlikeakitten.

“That’sit,baby,”Roderickwhimpered.“Takeitall.”
Itwas a requestDominic was happyto oblige. He bobbedhis head upand down, savoring the

constantflowofpre-cumoozingoutthetip.

Hisowndesiresworkedtoafeverpitchandheneededtogivealittleattentiontohisthrobbing

cock.WhilehismouthworkedRoderick’sshaftheusedonehandtomassagetheroundedstonesin
hissac.Dominicusedhisfreehandtounfastenhisshortsandpullhiscockfree.

Hemoanedaroundthemushroomheadatthefirsttouchofhishandonhishotflesh.Theneed

forreleasesatrightonthetipofhiscock.HestartedtosuckRoderickfasterashishandpumpedwith
fiercemotion.

“Yeah,rightthere.”Roderick’shipsbuckedupofftheground.“Justlikethat,baby.”
Dominic relaxed his throat to take the brutal pounding Roderick gave him. He could feel the

shaftwideninginhismouthandhollowedouthischeeksforamplesuction.

“Oh,fuck!”Roderickshouted.“Hereitcomes.”
Dominicpulledbacktocatchthegooeyloadonhistongue.Afewsecondslaterthehot,bitter

creamfilledhismouthandheguzzleditdownlikeamandehydrated.Thethicknesscoatedhisthroat
allthewaydowntohisstomach,fillinghimwithwarmth.

The little whimpering sounds Roderick made as he sucked him dry and the heavy load in his

mouth,pushedhimovertheedge.Hiscumflowedfromthetip,sprayingthegroundbeneathhim.His

mouthwentslackashesuccumbedtohisownrelease.

Afterthejitteryshocklefthisbody,DominiclickedRoderick’scockcleanandsatup.Hewas

breathlessasifhejustranamarathon.

Roderickhadonehandbehindhisnecksupportinghisheadandonehandrestingonhisbelly.

His eyes were only halfway open. A look of utter contentment hung on his face. It was a look that
suited him. His cheeks were flushed pink, sweat dotted his brow, and his hard body looked relaxed
andlazyashelaythere.

“Thatwasamazing.”HeheldahandoutforDominictotake.
Dominic let Roderick pull him on top of him and he kissed his lover, sharing the flavor

Roderick’sseedleftinhismouth.Rodericksuckedonhistongueasifhecouldn’tgetenough.

Thunder cracked in the distance and Dominic eased away to look up at the graying sky. Rain

wouldbeuponthembeforetoolong.

“Webettergetgoingbeforewegetwet,”Dominicsaidashewenttohiskneesthenstoodup.He

tuckedhissofteningdickbackintohisshorts.

“Iratherlikeitwhenyou’reallwet,baby.”RoderickcametohisfeetandpulledDominictohis

chest.

Roderick’s pants were still down past his ass and his naked cock rubbed over Dominic’s. The

semi-erectshaftnudgedathis,threateningittostandupforanotherround.

“What’sthatwordpeoplesaywhenapersoncan’tgetenoughofsomething?”Dominictiltedhis

headbackasRoderickkisseddownhisneck.

“Insatiable.”Roderick’slipstickledhisneckwhenhespoke.
“Yeah,” he said on a sigh. “That’s what you are.” Dominic held Roderick’s head close to his

neckeagertofeelmoreofthelittlebiteshepepperedalonghisskin.

Anothercrackleofthunderrippedthroughtheafternoonsky.Asthesoundreceded,thedistinct

soundofawolfhowlingranglowanddirectlyinhisears.Dominic’sfingersfellslackanddropped
toRoderick’sshoulders.Helookedinthedirectionofthesurroundingtrees,curiousifhe’dseethe
largebrownwolfandthelittleblackone.

“What’sthematter?”RodericktookastepbackandfollowedthepathDominic’seyeshadtaken.

“Didyouseesomething?”

“Nobut…”Dominicchewedontheinsideofhischeek.Itfeltstupidtomentionthathethought

he saw two wolves from his bedroom window. So what if he did? He lived out in the country for
goodnesssake.Itshouldn’tbotherhimsomuchthathesawthem,butitwasmorethanthat.Therewas
somethingaboutthosewolvesthatstruckhimasfamiliarbuthecouldn’tfigureoutwhy.

“Butwhat?”Roderickpromptedhim.
“It’sstupidreally.”DominictorehiseyesfromthetreestolookatRoderick.
“Baby.”Rodericktookasteptowardhim,restinghishandsonDominic’ships.“Tellmewhat’s

goingoninthatgorgeousheadofyours.”

“Fine, but you can’t call me crazy once I tell you. Okay?” Roderick nodded his head. “A few

nightsagoIgotuptogotothebathroomandwhenIcameback,Istoppedtolookoutthewindow.
Nothingunusual.YouknowhowmuchIlovetheoutdoors.”

“Goon.”Roderick’seyesstaredintentlyintohis.
“It’s probably nothing, but I saw two wolves sitting outside staring up at the moon. One was

quite large, and a smaller one.” Dominic looked over Roderick’s shoulder as if seeing the two
animals right in front of him. “They looked so beautiful. The little one snuggled up close to the
biggerone.Thewaytheyinteractedalmostremindedmeofamotherandchild.”

Thememorywasstillfreshinhismind.Theglossyshineoftheirfurandthewaytheysatso

contentlytogether.Maybeheusedtobeananimalactivistorsomething.Whyelsewouldhecareso
muchorrememberinsuchvividdetailthesetwowolves?

“Did you see anything else?” Roderick grumbled as if he were angered by what Dominic had

said.

“No.” He looked at the man he loved. “Should there be? I mean hell, Roderick, it was two

freakingwolves.Nothingspecial.Thesightofthemjuststuckwithmeisall.”

“I’m sorry, babe.” Roderick smiled and Dominic could clearly see that it was forced upon his

handsomeface.“Let’sgetoutofherebeforetheraincomes.”

DominicletRoderickleadhimbacktothetruck.Likealways,Roderickopenedthepassenger

doorforhimtoclimbinside.Thesweetgesturealwaysmeltedhisheartandsoonenoughhewasn’t
upsetoverRoderick’soddreactiontohismentioningofseeingwolvesintheCarsten’sbackyard.

ChapterFourteen

Dominicdidn’tsayanythingelseaboutthewolveshesawontheCarstenpropertyandthatwas

probablyforthebest.Fromthedescriptionhegave,Roderickknewexactlywhoitwasandoncehe
gotDominicdroppedoffathomehewasgoingtospeaktoDevonaboutit.

ItpissedhimofftothinkthatSkylerwouldbesocarelessastogorunningaroundinwolfform

with his son knowing there would be a chance that Dominic could catch them. Granted Roderick
didn’t think that was their intention but still. Roderick had been given the task of watching over
Dominicandhedidn’tneedanythingcausinghimanyunneededstress.

RoderickhadalreadylosthishearttoDominicandhedidn’twanttotakeanychancesoflosing

him.ThethoughtofDominiccrackingunderthepressureandhurtinganinnocentpersonwouldbe
devastatingtohim.RoderickknewwhatwouldneedtobedoneifDominiclosthisabilitytocontrol
hiswolfandthethoughtofthatkepthimupatnight.

“Homesweethome,”DominicsaidastheypulledupthelongdriveleadingtotheCarstenhouse.
He’d been so consumed with his thoughts that the journey home went by in a flash. Roderick

wasn’t ready to say good-bye to Dominic just yet, but he had work that needed to be done and one
alphatotalkto.

“Iknowyou’rebusysoyoudon’thavetowalkmetothedoor.”Dominicleanedoverandkissed

hischeekthenturnedtoexitthetruck.

“Hey, wait a minute.” Roderick flung open the door and jumped out of the truck. He met

Dominicaroundthefront.“I’mnevertoobusytoseethemanIlovetothedoor.”Hegrinned,doing
his best to erase any signs of worry from his face. “My mama would roll over in her grave if she
thoughtIwasn’tusingthemannerssheinstilledinme.”

“Fine,youcanwalkmetothedoor.”Dominicrolledhiseyesanddidhisbesttosoundannoyed

butRodericksawtheghostofasmileonhisface.“Butthat’sit.Iknowthatyouarebusywithwork
stuffsonohanky-panky.Gotme,mister?”

“Yes,sir,”heleanedforwardandwhisperedinDominic’sear.Hefeltthemantremble.
“Shit,youwereright.”Dominic’seyelidslayhalf-hoodedandhehadalazygrinonhislips.“It

ishotbeingcalledsir.”

RodericktickledDominicrightunderhisarmpitsandthemansquealedinlaughter.“Let’snot

forget who the master is here.” He tugged Dominic by the hand until he stood flush to Roderick’s
chest.HeloweredhishandstogripatDominic’sass.

“Master?” Dominic cocked an eyebrow at him. “That seems rather kinky, sir,” he said in a

teasingtoneandlickedhislipslavishly.

“YouhavenoideahowkinkyIcanbe.”HemovedforwardtotakeDominicinaroughkissto

demonstratejusthowdirtyheintendedongettingwithhimbutthefrontdoorbangedopen.

“Sorrytointerrupt,”Aidensaid,andhehadthedecencytolookembarrassed.“ButIwantedto

catchyoubeforeyouleft,Roderick.”

Dominic buried his head in Roderick’s chest, doing his best to smother his laughter at being

caughtbyAiden.RoderickkissedthetopofhisheadandraisedhishandsupfromDom’sasstowrap
aroundhiswaist.HethenlookedupatAiden.“Notaproblem.IwashopingtospeaktoDevonbefore
Ileftanyways.Whatdidyouneed,Aid?”

“It’s your lucky day. He’s down at the office.” Aiden tilted his head in the direction of the

CarstenandSon’sofficedownthehillfromthehouse.“ButontowhatIwantedtoaskyou.Weare

throwingasurprisepartyforCarsontomorrownightandwantedtoseeifyouwouldliketocome.”

“I thought you said Carson’s birthday was in two weeks?” Dominic turned in Roderick’s

embracetolookatAiden.

“It is but ever since we threw Erik a surprise party the little booger has been busting balls to

haveoneofhisown.Plus,NoahandSkyleraretakingCarsononvacationsohewon’tbehereonhis
birthday.”Heclappedhishandstogether.“He’llbesosurprisedandhe’llgettocelebratehisbirthday
twice.”

“Youallspoilhimwaytoomuch.”RoderickpointedafingeratAiden.
“So?He’stheonlykidaroundhere.WithErikallgrownupandmovedoutallwehaveleftis

Carsontospoilrotten.”

RoderickrememberedhearingstoriesaboutErikbeforehemethimanditseemedallthatextra

attentionmadehimapainintheass.ButhehadhighhopesforCarson.Evenhelikedbeingaround
thelittleboy.Carsonstillhadthatglowofexcitementinhiseyes.Thefutureheldsomuchpromise
forhimandhedidn’tknowtheevilsoftheworldjustyet.Tobenaïvetotheharshrealitythatlayout
beforehimwasagodsendtoachild.

“So what do you say?” Aiden asked as he bounced up and down on the balls of his feet. “You

coming?”

“Hey!”DominicpulledfreefromRoderick’sembraceandwalkeduptheporchsteps.“Wereyou

goingtoaskme?”

“Sweetie,youlivehere.”AidenpattedDominicontheback.“Andyou’refamily.It’sagivenyou

willbehere.It’scorrallingyourboyfriendtogethereontimethatisthequestion.”

“Oh.”Dominic’ssmilewassowideitmethiseyes.“Thanks!”
“Well since you pointed out that my boyfriend will be here then count me in.” Roderick

shrugged.“AndIwouldn’tmindseeingCarson.Thatlittleguyisprettyawesome.”

“Yesheis.Nowbeheretomorrowbysix.”Aideninformedhim.
OnceAidenwasinside,RoderickwalkeduptheremainingstepsandgaveDominicalongand

hardkiss.Whenhepulledaway,Dominicgaspedforbreathandavibrantredstainedhischeeks.

“Iloveyou.”Hisvoicesoundedgraveandstrainedtohisownearsbutthismanhadtheabilityto

pullallkindsofemotionsfromhisbodyandsoul.

“Loveyou,too.”DominicnuzzledhisnoseagainstRoderick’scheek.
“See you tomorrow night.” As Roderick turned to leave, Dominic swatted him on the ass.

“Hey!”Hejerkedaround,coveringhisbottomfromanotherslap.

“Sorry.Icouldn’tresist.”Dominicgiggled.“Seeyatomorrow.”
Roderickchuckledtohimselfashemadehiswaydownthehill.Abrightlightlituptheoffice

andhecouldseeDevonsittingbehindhisdesk.Roderickwalkeduptothedoor,knockedoncethen
walkedinside.

“Devon,”Roderickcalledoutasheshutthedoorbehindhim.
“Inhere.”
Roderick went straight to Devon’s office and sat down in the chair right in front of the man’s

desk.

“What’s going on, man?” Devon shut down his computer as he waited for Roderick’s reply.

“EverythingokaywithDom?”

“Everythingisgreat.”Hecrossedhisleftlegoverhisright,restingtheankleonhisknee.
“Icansensea‘but’coming.”Devonlookedupathim.
“Domisdoingfine.Hehasn’trememberedanythingabouthispastorthathe’sawolfshifter.”

“Okay,sowhat’supthen?Youwouldn’tbehereifeverythingwasfine.”
Roderick respected Devon and admired his honesty and ability to be up front. There was no

beatingaroundthebushwiththisguy.

“Youneedtotellthepacktobemorecareful.TheothernightDominicsawtwowolvesinyour

backyard.”

“Ohshit,”Devonmumbled.Herubbedahandoverhiseyesthenpinchedthebridgeofhisnose.

“Whowasit?”

“FromthedescriptionI’mgoingtosayitwasSkylerandCarson.”HelaughedathowDomhad

describedthem.

“What’s so funny?” Devon pulled his hand away from his face and narrowed his eyes at

Roderick.

“Hesaiditlookedlikeamotherandchild.”NowRoderickcouldn’tcontainhislaughter.
“Fuckme.”Devonleanedforwardandhisheadthumpedonthedesk.Roderickcouldhearthe

othermanlaughing.Devonlookedup.“Skylerwouldbesooffendedbeingmistakenforawoman.”

“Iknow,right?”
DevonmetRoderick’seyesandtheybothstartedlaughingharder.Skylerlikedtoprancearound

andattimescameoffmorefemininethenmanly.EveryonelovedSkylerjustthewayhewasbuthe
hadhismomentsofbeingacompleteandutterdiva.

“Seriouslythough,isDomokaywithwhathesaw?”Devonaskedwhenhislaughterdieddown.

“Didhesuspectanything?”

“No,he’sfine.ButIcouldtellbythelookinhiseyesthatonsomelevelherecognizedthem.Not

themthem,like who itwas, just thatthey weren’t ordinary wolves.”His eyes gota faraway look in
themalmostasifheenviedthewolves.Dominiclovedbeingoutsideandifherememberedwhyhe
feltthatway,hemightcometotermswiththesituationquicker,butRoderickwasn’tinarushtofillin
the blanks for Dom. Roderick was so happy and in love, and he didn’t want anything to disturb his
happylittleworldhe’dcreatedwithDom.

“That’sagoodthingthough,”Devonsaidwithallsincerity.“Smallsteps.”
“Iagree.It’sjust—”Roderickranhishandoverhisheadsearchingfortherightthingtosay.He

didn’twanttokeepthetruthfromDominic.Hejustdidn’twanttolosehimeither.

“You’reafraidofwhatwillhappenonceheremembers.”Devonfinishedhisthoughtforhim.
“Yeah.”
“I’m not going to lie and say I know what you’re going through because this is uncharted

territoryforallofusbutyouhavetobestrong.You’rehismateandclaimingyoumightbetheonly
thingthatgroundshim.”

Roderick reached his hand up and laid it over the bite mark on his shoulder. It had already

healedbutleftbehindascar.WhatifbylettingDominicbitehim,he’dtakenawaytheonethingthat
couldactuallyhelphimoncethetruthcameout?

Hisfingerscurledintothecollarofhisshirtandheyankeditdown,exposingthescar.“Whatdo

wedoifhe’salreadydonethat?”

Devon’seyeswentaswideasbaseballs.HelookedfromthemarkthenbacktoRoderick’seyes

thendiditalloveragain.Afterafewmomentsofopen-mouthgapinglikeafishoutofwaterDevon
said,“Wehopethatthelovehefeelsforyouisenoughtocalmhimdownwhenthetimecomes.”

Itallboileddowntolove.AnemotionthatRoderickdidn’tevenbelieveinuntilafewdaysago.

Now he had to stake his whole life on it. He loved Dominic more than he had ever loved another
person,notcountinghisparents.Butwoulditbeenough?Roderickhadthoughtaboutitmanytimes

andifsomeonetoldhimhecouldturnintoafuckingdoghe’deither,one,thinktheywerecrazy,or
two,gofreakingberserkwhenheturnedintoafurrycreaturethatstoodonallfours.

The look on his face must have sent a warning to Devon. The man got up from his desk and

movedtostandinfrontofhim.“Doyoulovehim?”

“OfcourseIdo!”Rodericksaidmoreloudlythenheintended.“Whatdoesthathavetodowith

anything?”

“Everything,Roderick.Let’ssayhegoesferaloncehediscoversthetruth.”Hepointedafinger

atRoderick.“Youmightbetheonlythingtobringhimback.Allthisamnesiashitisnewtoallofus
andeveryoneI’veaskedaboutitsaidtherearenoknowncasesofthiseverhappeningbefore.Butwe
allagreeononethingandthatisitwillbeamajorshockforDominicwhenhedoesfindout.”

“That’s not very comforting.” Roderick sat up and rested his elbows on his knees. He wished

therewasaneasyfixtoallthisbuttherejustwasn’t.

“Roderick,”Devonsaidsympathetically.“Godonlygivesuswhatwecanhandleandthisisjust

oneofthosetimesyouhavetohavefaithandbelieveitwillallworkout.”

Roderick stopped believing in god when he put his mother in the ground but now he had to

make amends. If it took getting down on his knees every night and praying, he’d do it. He couldn’t
loseDominic.

“Hopeyou’reright,Devon.”Roderickstoodup.
“Me,too.”DevonpattedhimonthebackashewalkedRodericktothedoor.
“Justpleasetalktotheguys.”RoderickturnedtofaceDevon.“Tellthemforthetimebeingjust

don’tshiftwhileonyourproperty.I’msureNoahwouldn’tmindlettingthepackusehisland.Idon’t
wanttochanceDominicseeinganythingelsethatmightspookhim.”

“Itotallyagree.I’llcallNoahtonight.”
Rodericknoddedhisheadandstartedupthehill.
“Hey,Roderick!”Devonholleredtohim.“Rememberthatoldsaying,‘loveconquersall’?”
HedidandRoderickchuckledtohimself.“Yeah.”
“Justrememberthat.”Devongavehimasalute.“Seeyoutomorrownight.”
Roderick walked up the hill smiling to himself. If being in love could make a big guy like

Devonquotepoetryandbelieveingod,thenlovehadtobeoneverypowerfulemotionandRoderick
welcomedeverythingthatcamewithit.ForDominic,therewasn’tanythinghewouldn’tdo.

ChapterFifteen

BythetimeRoderickarrivedforthebirthdaypartyDominiconlyhadenoughtimetokisshim

onthecheekandgetbacktowork.Aidenhadeveryonepitchingintofillballoonsandhangstreamers
outsideforthebigevent.DominichadcomeinsidetograbmoretapewhenhesawRoderickcoming
throughthefrontdoorcarryingthebirthdaycakeMargiehadmadeforCarson.Margiewassupposed
tocomebutatthelastminutecalledtocancel.Shewasn’tfeelingwellanddidn’twanttospreadany
of her germs. Luckily Roderick had been able to stop by and pick the cake up on the way to the
Carstenhouse.

AfterdepositingthecakeonthekitchencounterRoderickfollowedDominicoutsideandlenta

handgettingeverythingsetup.

The back deck was alight with royal blue and neon green balloons. Carson’s favorite colors.

The streamers were in the same shade and Aiden had Viktor and Devon twisting them together to
wraparoundthedeckrailing.Thetwobrotherslookedratherflusteredaseverytimetheypulledon
thethin,rippledpaper,ittore.

Carl stood at the grill flipping hamburgers and hot dogs. Chips and dip sat on one table with

potatosaladandsomesortofmacaronisalad.Anicechestfilledwithsodaandbeersatunderneath
thetable.Itwasagoodold-fashionedcookoutthatCarsonwouldlove.

AsDominiclookedaroundthebackyard,hewonderedwhathisseventhbirthdaywaslike.Did

hehaveaparty?Ordidhejustspenditwithfamily?Themoretimethatpassed,Dominicdidn’tthink
he’dfindout.Hismemorystillhadn’tcomebackbutitdidn’tbotherhimasmuchanymore.Lifewas
beyondgood.Hedevelopedaroutine,goingtothecafétohelpout,spendingtimewiththeCarsten
family and all the extended family members, and spending time with Roderick. He couldn’t fathom
thathisoldlifecouldcomparetothisone.

“Hey,Dom,helpmehangthissign.”Shanewavedhimover.
Dominic pulled one of the lawn chairs over to stand on but he wasn’t getting high enough to

reachthetopoftheoverhang.

“Canyougetit?”Shaneasked.
“Hangon.”Dominicsteppedoutofthechairandupontotherailing.Heglanceddownandsaw

thatthedropoffwasfourfeetandhislegsgotalittlewobbly.Hedidn’tthinkhewasafraidofheights
anditwasn’tthatfarfromthegroundbutitwouldhurtlikehellifhedidfall.

“Aresureyoushouldbedoingthat?”Shaneasked.“Youlookalittleshakyupthere.”
“Justhandmethetape.”Dominicheldoneendupagainstthesideofthehouseandreachedout

forthetap.Oncehehadafewstripsstucktohisfingershereachedforthecorner.Hewasstilltoo
shortsohewentuponhistiptoesandstuckdownthesideofthehappybirthdaybanner.

Justthen,abeebuzzedhisheadandDominicswatteditaway.Helosthisbalancedandstartedto

tipbackwards.Hereachedoutforthesideofthehousebuthisfingertipsgrabbednothingbutair.

Ishouldhaveknownthiswouldhappen,Dominicsaidtohimselfashetoppledovertheedgeto

landontheveryhardground.Hisheadflungback,snappingagainsttheunforgivingsurface,andhe
sawstarsflashinginhisvision.

“Dominic!” He could hear Roderick shouting as he and the others ran to his rescue. “Don’t

move.”Roderickorderedwhenhetriedtositup.Roderickkneltinfrontofhimandfeltaroundhis
head.“Whathurtsthemost?”

Dominic reached up and rubbed at the back of his head. The spot where his scar lay felt very

tenderbutotherthanthat,theonlyotherthingthathurtwashisprideandmaybehisass.

AsRoderickhelpedhimintoaseatedposition,henoticedeveryonestaringathim.Theireyes

werewideasifwaitingforsomebigreveal.Hejustfellonhisbutt,nothingmajor.

“Doyourememberanything?”Viktorasked.
Helookedatthetallblondandtiltedhisheadfromsidetosidetryingtoshakesomethingloose

butstillnothing.“No,stillempty.”Hegrinnedaroundatthesmallcrowdthathadformedaroundhim.
“Were you all hoping that by conking myself on the head I’d remember everything that I had
forgotten?”

“Well,sure.”Erikshrugged.“Ithappensinthemoviesallthetime.”
“Youdork.”Viktorlightlyslappedhislittlebrotheronthebackofthehead.“Thisisreallife.If

anything,heprobablydidmoredamage.Maybeweshouldtakehimtothehospitaltomakesurehe
doesn’thaveabrainbleedorsomeshit.”

“He’s right.” Roderick helped him to his feet and cupped the sides of Dominic’s cheeks with

bothhands.“Idon’twanttotakeanychances.”

“Babe, I’m fine.” He wrapped his fingers around Roderick’s wrist and reluctantly pulled

Roderick’shandsfromhishead.“IfIstarttofeelsick,I’lltellyou.Promise,butrightnowwehavea
littleboyonhiswayhereforasuper-dupersurpriseparty.AndIforonecan’twaittoseethelookon
hislittleface.”

Roderick gave him an assessing glare before nodding his head. “Okay, but if you start to feel

bad and don’t tell me, I’m going to spank that tight little ass of yours,” he whispered low for only
Dominictohear.

“Thatsoundslikeitcouldbefun.”Erikchuckledashewalkedaway.
Dominiclookedaftertheyoungmanandcouldn’tbelievehehadheardwhatRoderickhadsaid.

Hecouldbarelyhearitanditwassaidintohisear.

“Come on, let’s finish up.” Aiden clapped his hands together, trying his best to get everyone

movingagain.“They’llbehereanyminute.”

They finished and sat around the deck whispering to one another. Skyler was supposed to text

Aidenwhentheygotclose.Thesoundsofcardoorsshuttinghadeveryonepreparingtoscreamhappy
birthdaybutitwasn’tCarsonthatcamearoundthecorner.

“Falsealarm,”Eriksaidashetookhisseat.
“I’msorryguys,”Casper,Carl’syoungerbrother,saidashewalkedupthestepsandsatnexthis

brother.HisboyfriendPhillip,whoalsohappenedtobeAiden’sfather,walkedovertotalktoDevon
andAiden.

Dominichadn’tspenttoomuchtimewithCasperorPhillipsincetheylivedfull-timeinSilver

Creek.Afewoftheothersatthepartylivedthere,too,anditwasharderforDominictoremember
themsincehedidn’tseethemonaregularbasis.Buttheyallwereverynicetohim.Alwayspolite,
asking how he was doing, and never pressuring him to remember them. Dominic guessed that he
mustn’thaveknownthemthatwellbeforetheaccident.

Finally,afterwhatfeltlikealifetime,Skylertextedthattheywereontheirway.Everyonewore

eagersmileswaitingtosurprisethebirthdayboy.Dominicwasoneofthem.Carsonwasalwayssweet
tohimandattimeswhenhefeltlonelyandwaslosinghopethathe’dneverrememberasinglething,
Carsonwouldcomeoverandaskhimtoplaycatchorgoforawalk.Itwasasifthelittleboyknew
exactlywhattodototakehismindoffofhistroubles.

Thesoundofdoorsslammingandgigglinghadeveryoneonalert.Dominicsquatteddownnext

to Roderick and peeked up over the table. The talking grew louder as Noah, Skyler, Carson, and

Carson’suncle,Holden,madetheirwayaroundthebackofthehouse.

“Whereiseveryone?”Carsonasked.
“Surprise!”Everyoneshoutedinunisonandleapedupfromtheirhidingspots.
ThefirstreactiononCarson’syoungfacewasfearfrombeingscaredbytwentyshoutingmen

thenalargebrightsmilelituphislittleface.Heturnedandhuggedbothhisdadsanduncle.

“Thisisawesome.”Carsondancedaroundandslappedatafewoftheballoonstiedaroundthe

railing.“Iknewyouguyswouldthrowmeasurpriseparty.”

Onceallthehellosweregiventothebirthdayboy,Aidendirectedalinetostartatthefoodtable.

Shane stood in front of Dominic and Roderick at his back. He could feel the warm press of
Roderick’sbodyashesteppedclosertohim.Dominicleanedbackjustalittletogetabettertouch.

“Dom,overhere!”Carsonpointedtoachairbesidehimatthetable.“Comesitbyme.”
“Doyoumind?”HelookedoveratRodericktoseeifhewouldbebotheredbyit.
“Ofcoursenot.”Roderickkissedhimsoftlyonthelips.“GohavefunandI’llbeoverhereif

youneedme.”HepointedtothetablethatPhillipandDevonsatat.

“Happybirthday,MisterCarson,”Dominicsaidashepulledoutachairandsatdownbetween

CarsonandErik.“Wereyoutotallysurprisedorwhat?”

“Very.” Carson took a bite of his hot dog then sat it down. “I mean, my birthday is still two

weeksaway,”hesaidmatter-of-factly.“SoyeahIcan’tbelieveit!Thisisawesome.”

Dominic sat and listened to the little boy go on and on about this and that. His dads had a trip

plannedtogotoDisneylandinaweekandahalf.He’dbeabletocelebratehisactualbirthdatethere.
ItsoundedlikealotoffunandDominiccouldn’thelpbutthinkthelittleguydeservedit.Hemightnot
rememberorknowalotofthings,butDominicdidknowchildrenneededtobelovedandtakencare
of.Fromwhathehadseensofar,NoahandSkylerwentaboveandbeyondfortheirson.

“PersonallyIthinkthetriptothegreatestplaceonEarthisbecauseSkylerwantstohavelunch

withCinderella,”Shanesaidwithawink.

“Youknowit.”SkylercoveredCarson’searswithhishands.“I’msogoingtostealthatbitch’s

tiara.”

Dominichadjusttakenabiteofhishamburgerandstartedtochokeonthemeatinhismouth.

Shanejumpedupandstartedtopoundhimontheback.“Breathe,”Skylerordered.“Weallknowyou
canbreathewithyourmouthstuffedfullofmeat.”

“Shane!”Skylersaidinachastisingvoice.“Language.”Hemotionedwithhiseyesdownathis

son.

Dominicswalloweddownthebiteinhismouthandstartedtolaughsohardhecouldn’tbreathe.

Theothersjoinedin,evenCarson,whodidn’tevenknowwhathewaslaughingabout.

“Anditwouldappearyoucanswallowlikeapro,”Erikquipped,followedbyanotherroarof

laughterfromtheirtable.

Thenightwentoffwithoutahitch.Asthesunfellintheskythestarstooktheirplacebylighting

upthenight.AidenbroughtoutthecakeandCarsonblewoutthecandles.Dominicwashavingagreat
timewithhisfriends.Allthelaughingandjokingmadehimfeellikehebelonged.

After Carson opened all his presents, Dominic snuck off to sit by Roderick. Roderick was

talkingquietlywithPhillip.

“Hey,baby.”RoderickputhisarmaroundDominic’sshoulders.
“Hello there, Dominic.” Phillip held out his hand for him to shake. “I’ll call you later on that

issue,Roderick.”Phillipstoodup.“I’mgoingtogoandfindCasperandseewhathe’supto.”

“Ididn’tmeantointerruptanything.”DominiccuddledinclosetoRoderick’sside.Thescentof

hisaftershavetickledhisnoseandhehadastrongdesiretolickifoffhislover ’sneck.

“Oh you didn’t.” Roderick shifted on the bench and wrapped his arm around Dominic’s chest,

hugginghimclose.“Sohow’syourheadfeeling?”

Dominichadalmostforgottenallaboutthat.“Fine.”
“Still, I think it’s for the best that I stay with you tonight just to make sure you really are all

right.”Roderickwiggledhiseyebrowsupanddown.“Whatdoyasay?CanIstay,baby?”Roderick’s
voicerumbledagainsthisearwherehenuzzledcloseandsuckedathisearlobe.

“Doyouevenhavetoask?”Asmallmoanedslippedpasthislipsbeforehecouldreinitbackin.

HisbodyinstantlyreactedtoRoderick’ssoftkissesandtouches.Ifhewasn’tcareful,he’dcomeinhis
shortsandreallyembarrasshimself.

RodericklightlystartedtokissdownthesideofDominic’sneckandgentlybitdownonthearea

offleshrightwherehisshoulderandneckconnected.Awarm,numbingfeelingbegantospreadfrom
hisballsoutward.DominicsatupandgrippedRoderickbythechin.Hewasjustabouttosuggestthey
goinsidewhentheloudest,mostpain-filledhowlcamefromthewoodsatthebackofthehouse.

“Whatwasthat?”someoneshouted.
Roderickstoodupandwalkedtotheveryedgeofthedeck.Dominicfollowedrightbehindhim,

alittleafraidofwhatwashappening.Anotherhowlfollowedbyafewsharpbarkssoundedoutnext.
RoderickshovedDominicfurtherbehindhim.

Devon,Viktor,Phillip,andNoahcametostandbesideRoderick.Therustlinginthebushesgrew

louder. Sweat prickled over his skin and Dominic was terrified of what he’d see break through the
trees.

A very large wolf came crashing through the trees, scattering leaves everywhere. The beast

looked to be massive, surely not a common wolf. The animal’s fur was a bight blond with brown
streaksswirlingarounditsbody.

BloodrushedthroughhisearsandDominiccouldn’thearanythingotherthantheconstantflow

ofbloodashismindtriedtocomprehendwhatitwasseeing.

Thewolfstumbledforwardafewmorestepsthanfelltothegroundhalfwayupthebackyard.

Dominic stood there gawking as a shimmering light surrounded the animal. Grotesque sounds of
popping and crunching wrenched through the shocked silence. He thought he was going to be sick.
Thenthelightstartedtofadeandanakedmanlayunconsciousontheground.

“Ohmygod.”Holdenpushedbyhimandrantowardtheman.“Seth!”heshouted.
Carl’sboyfriend,Jake,jumpedoverthesideofthedeck,landinggracefullyonhisfeetandtook

offafterHolden.Roderick,Noah,Phillip,andDevonfollowedquicklybehindJake.

Dominicstoodtherewatchinginshockaseveryonewenttowardthethingthatjustturnedfroma

wolfintoaperson.Weretheycrazy?

Carson zipped passed him and out of fear for the little boy, Dominic chased after him. He

reachedupandcaughtCarsonbythebackoftheshirt,stoppinghimfromgoinganyfurther.

“Carson,stayback.”Dominicbentatthewaistgaspingforbreath.Heglancedoveratthenaked

man.“Wedon’tknowwhatthatis.”

“Dominic.” Carson’s brow pinched together in what Dominic thought was confusion, then he

gavehimasympatheticsmile.HeplacedoneofhissmallhandsonDominic’scheeks.“It’sokay.He’s
oneofus.”

With that, Carson let go of him and ran toward the others. Dominic stood there staring in

disbelief.He’soneofus.Whatdidthatmean?

He looked at the scene in front of him and it felt like the world had started to spin. Dominic

touchedahandtohisheadtryingtostopthesickeningtwirlingsensationrollingthroughhisbody.A
visionofRoderickwaveredinfrontofhiseyesandhecouldfaintlyhearhimcallouthisnamebut
Dominiccouldn’trespond.

Hisvisiongrewfuzzyandhisbodytooheavyforhimtoholdup.Asharppainstruckhiminthe

shoulderthenanotherinhishipcausinghimdoubleover.Hefelltohishandandkneesgaspingfor
air.Dominiccurledhisfingersintothedirtunderhishands.Searingpainrippleddownhisspine.He
hadhiseyesclenchedtightunawareofhissurroundings.Theagonywastoomuch.

Somebody,pleasehelpme!

ChapterSixteen

“Whatthefuckiswrongwithhim?”Roderickshoutedashekneltdownnexttothenakedman.
“He’s bleeding from his right side.” Phillip prodded at the area with his fingers. “Looks like

he’sbeenattacked.”

“Seth.”Holdenshookgentlyathisfriend’sshoulderbutthemandidn’tmove.“Ishegoingtobe

allright?”PanichadHolden’svoicewaveringashespoke.

“I’mnotsure.Let’sgethiminside.”Philliphelpedhoistthemanupofftheground.
DevonsteppedforwardandcarriedSethbacktowardthehouse.
Roderickstoodupandturnedaround.Dominicstoodafewfeetbehindhim.Hisfaceaswhiteas

snowandhiseyesunblinking,staringstraightaheadofhim.Aslighttremblequakedovertheman’s
body.

“Dominic,” he said softly as he started toward him. Dominic didn’t say anything, didn’t even

flinchatthesoundofRoderick’svoice.“Dom,canyouhearme?”

SomethingsnappedinDominic’seyes.AvisibletremorshookhisbodyandDominiccriedout.

Heblindlygrabbedhisshoulderthenbentatthewaist,gaspingforair.RoderickwatchedasDominic
felltohiskneesandstartedtoshift.

“Ohgod,no!”Roderickshouted.
Dominic’sbodycontortedinanunnaturalaway.Hisfacescrunchedupinalookofintensepain.
A soft, glowing light shimmered around Dominic’s body then right before his very eyes

Roderick watched as Dominic’s body went from that of a human’s to that of a wolf. The pain must
havebeentoomuchbecausebythetimetheshiftwascompleteDominiclaypassedoutontheground
inwolfform.

Roderick walked over and knelt by Dominic. The large brindled-colored wolf lay on its side

breathing rapidly. He reached out a hand and caressed his fingers down the soft fur on Dominic’s
side. Dominic’s pulse beat so fast Roderick could feel every thump of his heartbeat as his blood
coursedthroughhisbody.

“Roderick!”HeheardViktorshouthisname.Thesoundofheavyfootfallsshookthegroundas

theothermangrewnear.“FuckingChrist.Heshifted.”

NowordscametomindandnosoundleftRoderick’slipsashesattherestaringatDominic’s

beautifulform.AnodoftheheadwasallhecouldofferViktorinawayofresponse.Hefearedifhe
openedhismouthhe’dlosecontrolofhisemotionsandcrylikeababy.

“Whathappensnow?”ViktoraskedashesquatteddownnexttoRoderick.
“Idon’tknow.”Heshookhishead.SuddenlytheideaofkeepingthispartofDominic’slifefrom

himseemedlikeanastronomicallybadidea.

Roderick like everyone else feared if they had told Dominic the truth up front about what he

truly was he wouldn’t have believed them. Dominic was already dealing with getting his memory
back on the everyday stuff that had been stolen from him. The knowledge that he was a shifter was
importantbutDominichadbeendealingwithenoughstressnoonewantedtoaddanymoreontopof
that. The truth about what he was coupled with trying to remember what his life was six weeks ago
couldhavecausedhimtohaveamentalbreakdown.

They had done what they did to protect Dominic but Roderick was left kicking himself now.

He’dbeenacoward,tellinghimselfitwasforDominic’sowngood,andpartlyitwas,butwhatdid
theydonow?Theonethinghefearedwouldhappenhappened,givingDominicacrashcourseintoa

worldhedidn’tevenknowexisted.Theyshouldhavetoldhimthetruthfromthebeginning.

“Fuck,thiscouldbereallybad.”Viktorstoodup.“I’mgoingtograbDevonandhavehimcome

outhere.”

Viktor headed back toward the house. Roderick didn’t bother to watch him go. His frustration

wasturninghisgriefintoanger.TheyshouldhavelistenedtohimandtoldDominichewasn’tafull-
fledgedhumanbuttheydidn’t.AndnowtheyhadtowaituntilDominicregainedconsciousnesstosee
howhewasgoingtodealwiththis.

“Thiscan’tbehappening,”hewhisperedtohimself.Roderickgazedupatthenightskyanddid

somethinghedidn’tthinkhe’deverbeabletodo.“Please,god,ifthereisevenagod.”Hechuckled
butitcameoutmoresoundinglikeachokedsob.“IknowIhaven’tspokentoyouinyearsbutIreally
coulduseyourhelpnow.PleasebringDombacktome.Ionlyjustfoundhimand,see,he’sallI’ve
got.”Tearsleakedouthiseyesanddownhischeeks.

Knowing that wolves existed and being one were two totally different things. A human like

himselfcouldhandleknowingthatthesecreatureslivedintheirworld.Mostlybecausetheycouldn’t
tellthedifferencebetweenashifterandaregularhuman.Butashifterhadtheknowledgeofwhatthey
were day in and day out. They knew what their abilities were and they grew up knowing that and
acceptedthatasapartoftheirlife.ForDominic,hehadnocluethatshifterswereevenathingandhe
sureasshitdidn’tknowthathe,too,wasone.

SittinguplateonenightwithBrandonandErik,RoderickhadaskedErikwhatitfeltliketobea

shifter. The young man said it was hard to explain but that he could feel a source of power always
turninginsideofhim.Atanymomenthecouldshift.Hesaidattimesitscaredhimbecauseifhelost
histemperhiswolfcouldtakeoverandtherewouldbenothinghecoulddotostopit.Itwasamatter
ofcontrolandtakingchargeovertheanimalinsideoneself.Atraitlearnedoveryearsoflivingwith
thewolfinside,butafterDominic’saccident,hedidn’tevenhavetheslightestmemoryfromhisold
life.Theyallwerehopinghejustaccepteditandprayeditallturnedoutforthebest.

One thing Roderick had learned as his years as a marine and a hunter was that best laid plans

alwaysfelltoshit.HeknewthisbutstillallowedthemtopersuadehimtowatchoutforDominicand,
ifneedbe,killhimifhewentferal.Notthatanyofthemwantedthat,butRoderickknewtoprotectall
humansandshifters,hewouldinfacthavetodothatifDominiccouldn’thandlethetruth.Butashe
stareddownathismatenow,heknewwithoutadoubtthathecouldneverhurthim.Ifhehadtoend
Dominic’slifeforthesafetyofthetownandthepackhewould,butthenputabulletthroughhisown
headinreturn.HecouldnotandwouldnotlivewithoutDominic.

“Hashewokenupyet?”DevonaskedashesteppedupbesideRoderick’skneelingform.
“No,notyet.”Roderickstoodup.Hishandsshooksobadlyheshovedtheminhispockets.
“SoI’mgoingtoassumehimseeingSethcomebustingthroughthetreesasawolfthenturning

intoahumaniswhatbroughtthechangeon?”DevonaskedashewalkedacirclearoundDominic’s
pronebody.

“Whatthefuckdoyouthink?”Rodericksnapped.Hispatiencehadwornthinandhedidn’thave

timetostatetheobviousforthepackalphawhoRoderickblamedforallthis.“Youshouldhavetold
himfromtheverybeginning.”HepointedanaccusingfingeratDevon.

“Isureashelldidn’thearyoucomplainingaboutthedecision.”Devoncrossedhisthickarms

overhisbroadchest.“IfIremembercorrectly,youwantedtoendhisliferightthenandthereandit
wasn’tuntilEriktoldyouthatDominicwasyourmatedidyoudecidetonotkillhim.Sopleasedon’t
pulltheholier-than-thouattitudewithme.”

“Yousmugsonofabitch.”RoderickrearedonDevonandpulledbackhisarmtolandapunch

onhisperfectlychiseledfacebutViktorandBrandonintervened.Hewasn’tsurewhenBrandoncame
outside but all he wanted to do was break free of his friend’s hold to kick the shit out of Devon.
Someoneneededtobeheldresponsibleforthisanditwasn’tpossibletobeatthecrapoutofhimself.

“Guys,stopit!”Viktorshoutedasheyankedhisbrothertowardhischest.“Fightingaboutthis

willgetusnowhere.Andwedon’tevenknowifthereisareasontobeupset.Dominicmightwakeup
andrememberhisoldlifeoratleastrememberbeingawolfshifter.Itmightnotbeasbadasyoutwo
think.”

RoderickstoppedfightingagainstBrandon’sholdandstaredatDevonwithnarrowedeyes.He

wantedtohavefaithinwhatViktorsaidbutRoderickwasapessimistanddidn’twanttoputhopeinto
anythingjusttohaveitrippedawayfromhim.

Thesoundofalowandmenacing-soundinggrowlhadhimtearinghisgazefromDevon.They

alllookeddowntoseethatDominichadcometohisfeetbutsatinalowcrouchasifgettingreadyto
attack.Hisearslaybackflatagainsthisheadandhislipswerepulledbackbaringhissharp,pointy
teeth.

“Dominic,” Roderick said in a calming tone. Brandon let go of him as he edged closer to the

snarlingwolf.“It’sokay,baby.”Heheldhishandsupinashowofsurrender.“I’mnotgoingtohurt
you.Nooneis.”

HetookanotherstepcloserandDominicsnappedhislargeteethathim,salivadrippedfromhis

meatyjaws.

“Dominic,please,don’tdothis.”Roderickpleaded.“Comebacktome.”
RodericktookonemorehesitantsteptowardDominicbuthesnarledandlungedathim,forcing

Roderick to stumble back a step. The blue of Dominic’s eyes looked murky, and the enraged
expressionsonthewolf’sfacedidn’tremindhimofDominicatall.

JustasRoderickreachedahandouttowardhismate,consequencesbedamned,ashriekinghowl

rippedthroughthenight.Dominic’spointyearsperkedup.Hespunaroundonhispawsanddartedfor
thewoods,neverlookingback.

“Fuck.”RoderickcursedunderhisbreathashechasedafterDominic,theothersnotfarbehind

him, but it was no use. Dominic was faster than he anticipated. The only sounds were of his heavy
breathingashefoughttocatchuptohismateandtheothersclankingaroundbehindhim.

The trees were full of dark-colored leaves, blocking out any light from the starry sky. There

wasastillnessintheairandthepitchblacknessshroudingoverthemleftnoroomtosearchwithout
proper equipment. Roderick was human and he could barely see five feet in front of him. He’d
alreadystumbledontheunevengroundseveraltimes.

“He’sgone.”Hebentatthewaist,bracinghishandsonhisknees,gaspingforair.“He’sfucking

gone.”Aburningsensationstartedinhischestasifhisheartweresplittingintwo.Dominicwasout
thereallalone.Anythingcouldhappen.Theyneededtofindhimandsoon.

“Comeon,Roderick,getup.”Devonpattedhisbackthenpulledonthebackofhisshirttoget

himstanding.“ViktorandIaregoingtoshiftandgoonfoot.YouandBrandonheadbacktothehouse
andgettheothers.WeshifterscantrackhisscentwhileyouandBrandongoonfoot.”Hepulledupon
thehemofhisshirtthentossedittotheground.“Haveyourtranqgunready.We’regoingtoneedit.”

DevonremovedtherestofhisclothesandViktorhadalreadybeguntoshift.Thetwobrothers

startedoffatafastrunwhensomethingoccurredtoRoderick.“Howwillwefindyou?”hecalledout
tothetwowolves.

Devon,thelargeblond-coloredone,lookedoverhisshoulderandreleasedalow,ear-piercing

howl, and Roderick understood completely. If they found Dominic they’d howl to get the others

attention.

ViktorandDevontookoffandbecameinvisibletotheeyeinthedarkenedwoods.Forthefirst

timeinhislife,hewishedhewereashifter.DominicneededhimbutRoderickwasheldbackbyhis
humancapabilities.

“Comeon,let’sheadback.”Brandonnudgedhiminthearm.“We’vegotworktodo.”
Roderick followed his friend out of the woods behind the Carsten house. A few of the others

were waiting for them as they emerged from the trees. Brandon quickly explained the situation and
whatneededtobedone.TheydetermineditbestforPhilliptostaywithSethincasetheshifterwoke
upandneededmorecare.SkylerandAidenstayedbacktokeepaneyeonCarson.Thelittleboywas
eagertohelpfindDominicbuttheyallrefused.Thelastthingtheyneededwasforthesmallchildto
becomelostinthedenseforest.

Roderick and Brandon pulled out their gear from their trucks and loaded the tranq guns. He

didn’twanttoshoothismatebutifhehadto,atleastitwaswithatranquilizernotabullet.

ErikstuckwithRoderickandBrandon.Theyfollowedthegraywolfandlistenedtotheothers

barkingandhowlingtocommunicatewithoneanother.RoderickhopedthatDominicwouldhearthe
othersandcomeback.Maybeifherealizedthathewasn’talone,hecouldcomebackfromtheshock
ofthisdiscovery.

ChapterSeventeen

HourshadpassedandtherewasstillnosignofDominic.Thehorizonwasstartingtolightenin

thedistanceandbeforelongthesunwouldbegintorise.Alongwiththelightofdaycamethebigger
chanceofexposurebythehumanworld.TheyhadtofindDominicbeforesomeoneelsedid.

“Any signs?” Noah asked over the earpieces he and Brandon had on. Roderick, Brandon, and

Noahwerestayingincontactjustincasetheygotseparatedfromthemuchfasterwolves.

Noah had offered to drive his SUV on the back roads surrounding the property on the off

chanceDominicwouldmovefurtherintotown.

“Stillnothing,”Roderickansweredback.
Over the past six hours they hadn’t heard or seen a single thing that would lead them toward

Dominic. Devon had shifted back to human form to explain that he feared that Dominic had waded
throughthesmallstreamthatranalongtheouteredgeofthepropertyline.IfDominichaddonethat
thenitwouldbeharderforthewolvestocatchhissmellanditalsomeanthewastravelingtoward
town,whichwouldbeaverybadthing.

Nehalemwasn’taverylargetown.Theydidn’tevenhavetheirownschools.Allthekidswere

bussedintoSilverCreek.CallingNehalematownwasbeinggenerous.Itwasmorelikeasubdivision
ofSilverCreek.ButjustbeyondNehalemwasSilverCreek,whichwasaconsiderablylargertown.If
Dominicmadeitthatfar,Roderickdidn’tknowwhatthey’ddo.

TheytrudgedalongandRoderickhadseenBrandonwinceafewtimesashewalkedalong.He,

too,wasfeelingthestrainofbeingonhisfeethikingforhoursonend,buthekeptgoingandsodid
Brandon.

Out of nowhere they heard a loud, long howl echo in the distance. Roderick hustled after the

wolves,Brandonfollowingbehindhim.

“I think we might have something,” Roderick said in his radio. “Howls coming from the

northwestside.”

“I’mheadingthatway.”Noahsaid.
Ifthewolveswerereactinginsuchawaythentheyhadtohavefoundsomething.Theytookoff

atafastcliptocatchupwiththeothers.ErikhungbackalittleastonotlosehimandBrandon.

Shaneinhistigerformwasmoreagileandsoaredpasttherestofthem.Thetigershifterdidn’t

haveasgoodofasmellingcapability.Afterworkinglonghoursinthecoffeeshop,Shane’snosewas
prettymuchofnouseunlesshetookacoupleofdaysoffwork.

Thesoundsofbarkingandsnarlingcouldbeheardonthewind.Roderickplacedhisrifleover

hisshoulderandranasfastashecould.Withtheclutteroftreesandundergrowth,itwashardtomake
outanythingvisible.

Upaheadinthedistancehecouldmakeoutmovement.Roderickmovedcloser,doinghisbestto

navigatetheuntriedterrain.TheyhadlongsincelefttheCarstenfamilypropertylinesandRoderick
didn’tknowforsurewherethehelltheywereexactly.

The growling grew louder followed by an ear-vibrating roar. The sound was so sharp and

distincttherewasnodenyingthatatigerwasoutinthewoodsrightnow.

“Whatthefuckisgoingonupthere?”Brandonaskedasheranforward.
Roderick didn’t answer, just kept moving. As they neared the commotion he saw his light

brown, white and gray-colored wolf rolling around on the ground with Shane. Shane, still in tiger
form, wasn’t attacking Dominic, but trying to stop him from running off. The other wolves were

beginningtosurroundDominicandbytheferociousnessinthewayDomwasfighting,hewasafraid.

“Easeup,guys!”Roderickshouted.“Hefeelstrapped.You’rescaringhim.”
TheblondwolfshiftedandDevonstoodtohisfullheight.Thefightingtigerandwolfstopped

andstared.Devonheldhishandsintheairandspokeinasoftandsoothingtone.“Dom,we’reyour
family.Pleasecomebackwithus.”

Dominic’s wolf head swept across the group and Roderick saw the panic infused in his deep

blueeyes.

“No!”hescreamedasDominictookoffupthehill.
Roderick followed, along with the others, after Dom. At the crest of the hill there was a steep

drop-off.Apavedroadsatatthebottom.Dominicdidn’tslowdownandtumbleddownthehill.

Headlightsupaheadlituptheroad.Roderickraisedahandtoshieldhiseyes,tryingtoseeifit

wasNoah,buthecouldn’ttell.

“Noah,isthatyouupahead?Doyouseeus?”heaskedinapanickedrush.
“No,Idon’tseeanything.I’maboutfifteenmilessouthofyourGPScoordinates.Why?Whatdo

yousee?”

“Ohgodno.”RoderickheldontotreebranchesashesliddownthehillcallingouttoDominic

tostop.

“Roderick,isthatNoah?”Devonaskedashemaneuveredhimselfdownthesteepincline.
“No.”Helostagriponthetreelimbhewasclutchingtoanditswungbackaround,whacking

himintheface.Rodericksuckedinadeepbreathandfellhalfwaydownthehill.

It was as if everything happened in slow motion. Dominic reached the bottom of the hill and

dartedacrosstheroadbuthewasn’tfastenough.AlargeblackpickuptruckslammedintoDominic’s
side.Thewolfletoutasharpyelpandthetruckskiddedsidewaysasthedriverhitthebrakes.

RoderickclimbedtohisfeetandraninthedirectionDominichadgone.Hecouldhearthesoft

soundsofbreathingbuthehadtopullouthisflashlighttosearchfurtherintheheavybrushbesidethe
road.

He saw the bottom of Dominic’s foot first. Somehow he’d managed to change back. Roderick

rushed toward him and gently rolled his lover onto his back. Blood seeped from a gash on his
foreheadanddirtandmudweremattedtohisskin.

“Dom,baby,canyouhearme?”Hefeltforapulse.Itbeathardandstrongagainsthisfingertips.

Roderickbreathedasighofrelief.

“Is he okay?” Shane asked as he stepped over the small dip between the road and where

Dominic’sbodyhadbeenthrown.

“He’salivebutbeyondthatI’mnotsureoftheextentofhisinjuries.”Herantheflashlightover

Dom’sbodyandcouldseesmallscratchesandbruisesformingontheleftsideofhisbody.

“Weneedtogethimtoahospital,”Shanesaid.
“We can’t.” Roderick put away his flash light and picked Dominic up. One arm under his

shoulders and the other under his knees and stood up. “If he wakes up in a panic claiming to be a
werewolf, they’d admit him to a psychiatric hospital. That would be bad for everyone if that
happened.”

“Damnit.”Shanehelpedsteadyhimashemadehiswaybacktotheroad.“Butwhatifhe’shurt

reallybad?”

“Phillipwillcheckhimoutwhenwegetbacktothehouse.Rightnowthat’souronlyoptionfor

keeping Dom safe.” Another set of headlights flashed as it approached and Roderick recognized
Noah’sdarkgrayEscalade.

Noah came to a stop and hopped out of the car. “In here.” He opened the passenger door and

foldedtheseatsdowntolayDominiconthefloor.

Once he had Dominic laid out on the floor of the car he rushed over to where Brandon and

DevonstoodwithaflashlightshiningintothetruckthathadhitDominic.

“Isthedriverokay?”Roderickasked.
“Yeah.”BrandontookastepbacksoRoderickcouldpeerinside.
Thestrongstenchofwhiskeymethisnoseandhiseyesbegantowater.Anoldermansatbehind

thewheel,bythelooksofitpassedout.Abitofdrooldrippeddownhisslack,openedmouth.

“Iguessyoucansaywegotluckyonthisone,”Brandonsaidwithasmallsmile.“Evenifhesaw

whathehit,who’dbelieveadrunk?”

RodericklookedatBrandonwitharaisedeyebrow.Themanhadapoint.“GiveCalebacall.I

believethisareaiswithinSilverCreek’scitylimits.Hecanhandlethis.”

“I’ll wait with the driver until Caleb shows up,” Brandon said. “Go ahead and get back to the

house.GetDominiclookedat.”

“Thanks, Brandon.” Roderick ran back to Noah’s SUV and pulled open the passenger door.

Devon sat in the front seat and Shane in the back combing Dominic’s hair off his face. Roderick
climbedinsideandsatontheothersideofDominicandheldoneofhissmallerhandsinbetweenhis
largerones.

The whole ride back to Nehalem, Roderick kept checking Dominic’s pulse. It beat at a more

steadyrhythmnow.Dominic’spoorbodytookonehellofabeatingashismaterancrazythroughthe
woods,thentobehitbyatruck.

Roderick felt like this was all his fault. If he’d only had told Dominic from the beginning.

Maybetheycouldhavebeenbetterpreparedforthis.

“Justsoyouknow,Iwasn’ttryingtohurthim,”Shanesaidsoftly.
“I never thought you were.” Brandon saw the way Shane in tiger form had tried to approach

Dominic, but not in a defensive way. But it didn’t matter because Dominic still attacked Shane. The
mansatcradlinghisarmtohischest.Drybloodcoatedhisfingers.“AndIdon’tthinkhewouldhave
donethatifhewasthinkingclearly,Shane.”Henoddedtotheman’sarm.

“Iknow.”Shanegavehimasmallsmile.“Iwasjusthopinghe’drecognizemysmellandnotbe

soafraidbut”—Shanehelduphisarm—“guessIwaswrong.”

“We’re here.” Noah pulled up the driveway to the Carsten house and threw the car into park,

joltingRoderickforward.

DevonopenedthedoorforRoderickandhecarriedDominicintothehouse.Aidenmetthemat

the door and ushered them to a room on the first floor. The room was small and Phillip stood by
waitingforthem.

“Boys you do realize I’m a vet, not an actual people doctor?” Phillip said as he took in

Dominic’sbatteredbody.

“Iknow,Phillip,butwecan’ttakehimintotown.”HelaidDominiconthebed.“Wedon’tknow

whathisstateofmindwillbeonceheregainsconsciousness.”

“Verytrue.”PhilliptoldhimtostepbackandhegottoworkexaminingDominic’sbody.
RodericksatdowninthechairbythewindowandwatchedasPhillipdidhisthing.Hewishedhe

couldhelpbuthedidn’tknowthefirstthingaboutfirstaidunlessitinvolvedputtingaBand-Aidona
cut.Bythelooksofit,Dominichadmorethanjustafewcuts.

“Thecutonhisheadisn’tdeep.Afewbutterflybandageswillworkforthat.”Phillipwavedhim

over.“Ican’tbecertainbutIdon’tthinkanythingisbroken.We’llknowmoreforsureoncehewakes

up.Bythelooksofit,thetruckclippedthesideofhisbody,notafull-onimpacthit.IimagineDom
herewasrunningprettyfast.”

“Yeah.”RodericksatdownontheedgeofthebedbyDominic.Thefistaroundhisheartstarted

toloosenandhecouldfinallybreathe.

“He’s going to be fine, Roderick.” Phillip rested a hand on his shoulder. “With everyone here

willingtohelphim.”HepointeddownatDominic.“He’sgoingtogetthroughthis.”

TearsstartedtopoolinhiseyesandRoderickcouldonlynodhishead,afraidthatifhespoke

he’dgetallchokedup,unabletosayanythingcoherent.

Somuchhadhappenedinsuchashorttime.HecouldstillseetheangrylookinDominic’sblue

eyesbeforehetookoffintothewoods.Wouldthemanhelovedwakeupinthatbed,oronlyaghost
ofhisformerself?

ChapterEighteen

Leavesbrushedoverhisheadwhileheran.Thehardgroundhelpedpropelhimupintheairand

overdownedtreelimbs.Hehadneverfeltsofree.

Thesmellofmoistdirtandpinewavedunderhisnose,beckoninghimfurtherintothedeepgreen

oftheforest.Birdssangawelcomingtuneasheranalong.Rabbitsandsquirrelsdartedoutoftheway
asheapproached.

The warm summer breeze ruffled his hair and Dominic grinned wildly as he ran faster and

harder.Nothingwastheretostophimandhewasn’tafraid.Theearth,wind,andsunabovespoketo
himbuthecouldn’tmakeoutthewords.Hejustkeptrunning.

Ashecameoverahill,hestumbledtoastopbutnotsoonenough.Hetoppleddownthehilland

landed at the bottom with a teeth-clattering thump. He gave a shake of his head and looked around
him.

Slowly a group of wolves emerged from the cover of trees and moved to surround him in a

semicircle. The one in front seemed to be larger than the rest and stood out in front of the group. It
gavealowhowlandtheothersjoinedinonhischorus.

Dominic reached up to cover his ears but he couldn’t feel his hands. He looked down to see

brown,fur-coveredpaws.Hisheartstutteredtoastopandhelookedupatthegiantwolfbeforehim.
Thebeastgaveoneslow,up-and-downnod.

Oneofus.
Dominicslowlyopenedhiseyes.Itwasonlyadream,butwasitreally?
Hetriedtositupbuthisbodyprotestedtheeffort.Asharppaininhissidekepthimrootedinhis

spot.Dominicraisedahandandrubbeditacrosshisforehead.Hisfingersbrushedagainstabandage
rightabovehislefteye.

Thewayhefelt,itwasasifhe’dbeenhitbyabus.
“You’reclose.ItwasaChevyTruck.”
“Huh.” Dominic looked up to see Roderick sitting in a chair beside the window. He hadn’t

noticedhimwhenhefirstwokeup.

“Yousaidyoufeltlikeyouhadbeenhitbyabusbutitwasactuallyatruck.”Roderickstoodup

andwalkedslowlytothebed.“Thedriverwasdrinkingandprobablydidn’tseeyouuntilitwastoo
late.”

Dominiclookeddowntostareathishands.Hehadn’trealizedhespokethatoutloud.
“Doyourecallanythingfromlastnight?”
Imagesflashedthroughhismindlikesnapshotsfromadigitalcamera.Herememberedbeing

soafraid,thinkinghewasamonster,butontheotherhanditfeltsoright.Forthefirsttimesincehe
woke up from his coma did he feel comfortable in his own skin, which was funny because it took
turningintoadogtoaccomplishthat.

“I do.” He met Roderick’s gaze. The man’s brow was knitted together as if he were afraid. “I

knowIshouldbefreakingthefuckoutbutI’mnot.”Dominiclaughedsoftly.“Ittookturningintoa
dogtofeelso—”Dominiclookedupattheceiling,searchingfortherightwordstosay.

“Normal.”Roderickfinishedhissentenceforhim.
“Yeah.”Hetiltedhisheadtolookatthemanwho,insuchashorttime,hadbecomeabigpartof

hislife.“Isthatodd?”

“No.”Roderickshookhishead.

SilenceseemedtodrawoutbetweenthemanditwasdrivingDominiccrazy.“I’mawerewolf,

huh?”Itseemedlikeaneasyfirstquestiontogetthisconversationgoing.

“Actually your kind likes to be called wolf shifters.” Roderick chuckled. “Something about it

beingaHollywoodclichébeingacalledawerewolf.Eithertheymakeyouguysouttobemindless
monstersorlovesickfools.”

“My kind?” Dominic shifted on the bed trying to find a more comfortable position, but the

movementpulledathissideandhehissedinpain.

“Areyouokay?”RoderickscootedforwardandgentlylaidhishandonDominic’ship.
“Just a little stiff is all.” When Roderick went to pull his hand away, Dominic latched onto it.

Roderick’sposturebecametense.“You’renotlikeme?”Hisvoicewasbarelyaboveawhisperwhen
hespoke.IfRoderickwasn’tlikehimthenwhatwashe?Anddidhenotwanttobewithhimanymore
knowingthis?

“Nope,I’mnothingasspecialasyouare.I’mjustaregularoldhuman.”Rodericksmiledathim

butitdidn’treachhiseyes.

“But how do you know what I am?” Dominic had to think not everyone in the world knew of

people with the ability to turn into other things. Even though he couldn’t remember his old life, it
seemedratherimpossibleforsomethinglikethistobecommonknowledge.

“BecauseI’mamemberofthehunter ’scouncil.”Hesimplystated.“Whichmeansit’smyjobto

knoweverythingaboutshifters.”

Dominic knew what the term hunter meant but for some reason that didn’t fit Roderick. He

didn’tappeartobeamanthathunteddownanimalsforsport.Becauseifhewere,whywouldhebegin
arelationshipwithDominicinthefirstplace?

“So what does that mean exactly?” Dominic could feel his throat start to constrict. He loved

Roderickanddidn’tknowwhatwouldhappennow.“Areyousupposedtotakemeintocustodyorkill
me?”Thefamiliarburningsensationstartedtofloodhiseyes.

“Ohgodno!”Rodericksaidloudly.HethenquicklygrabbedbothofDominic’shandsineach

oneofhis.“Letmeexplainthisbetter.”Hetookadeepbreathbeforehespoke.“Yes,therewasatime
when all the members of the hunter ’s council did was kill shifters. It was our job to eliminate the
threatagainsthumans,butastimewentby,welearnedthatnotallshifterswerebad,justlikenotall
humansaregood.There’sbadineachspeciesandit’snotourjobtotakeinnocentlives,beithuman
or shifter. We work now with other shifters and hunters with a common goal of keeping your
people’s existence hidden from human society and to protect both shifters and humans from any
threatcreatedbytheother.”

DominicabsorbedwhatRoderickhadsaid.Hetooktheunderstandingthatatonepointintime

themanhelovedkilledotherpeoplelikehim,butnotanymore.Hisjobwastoprotectallinnocent
people, human or not. Dominic saw that as a good thing. Sure, Roderick admitted to a time that it
wasn’t always like that but the man he had fallen in love with wasn’t some heartless killer and he
wouldn’t punish him for the things he did in his past. Dominic would be the last person to judge a
persononpastactionssincehecouldn’tevenrememberhisown.Hecouldhavebeenatotalasshole
inhisoldlifebutnoone,includingRoderick,heldthatagainsthim.

“Okay,”Dominicsaidwithasmile.
“Okay?”RodericktiltedhisheadtothesideandnarrowedhiseyesatDominic.“Ijustadmitted

tobeingakillerofyourkindand,let’snotforget,Ikeptthefactthatyouwereashifterfromyou.And
allyoucansayisokay?”

“It’ssimplereally.”DominicpulledhishandsfromRoderick’sandpositionedhimselfhigherup

on the bed so he could rest his back on the headboard. “You said you’re not here to harm me and
fromwhatyoujusttoldme,you’renotakillerofallwolfkind.”AtRoderick’sblankstareherolled
his eyes, but he did it good naturedly. “Roderick, I’d be a hypocrite to judge you on things you’ve
done in your past. I love you. All you’ve ever shown me is kindness and understanding. A person
can’tfakethosethingsandIdon’tthinkyou’dbehereifyoudidn’thavefeelingsforme,too.”

“I do love you.” Roderick reached out his hand and cupped the side of Dominic’s cheek, his

thumbrubbingthedelicateskinunderhiseye.“Butaren’tyoumadthatIkeptthetruthaboutwhoyou
reallyarefromyou?”

That thought had never entered Dominic’s mind. Everything had happened so fast he hadn’t

really had a lot of time to process all the details. Sure, it would have been nice to have a heads-up
beforehesawawolfturnintoanakedmaninhisbackyard.ButDominicknewforafactifanyone
wouldhavetoldhimhewassomesortofhalf-manhalf-wolftypeofcreaturehe’dhavethoughtthey
werecrazy.

“Icouldbemadbutwhatpurposewoulditserve?Youdidwhatyouthoughtwasrightandyou

didthatbecauseyouloveme.”HepulledonRoderick’shand,beckoninghimcloser.

RoderickslidupthesideofthebeduntilhewashiptohipwithDominic.“Idoloveyousovery

much,Dom,baby.”

“Iknow.”DominicleanedforwardandrestedhisforeheadagainstRoderick’s.
Roderick’s moved his fingers to the back of Dominic’s neck and pulled him closer until their

lipsmet.ThekisswasslowandpassionateandexactlywhatDominicneeded.

“Areyousureyou’reokaywithknowingthatyoucanturnintoawolf?”Roderickaskedashe

easedoutofthekiss.

Dominicgaveamoment’sthoughtaboutitthennoddedhishead.“Sureit’sdifferentbutifyou

thinkaboutititexplainsalot.Imeanmylovefortheoutdoors,thewayIcansmellstuffsointensely,
andmyvisionisimpeccable.”Dominicchuckled.“Andlet’snotforgetmyfetishforbitingthings.”
HewinkedatRoderick.

“Youtrulyareamazing,youknowthat?”Roderickgaveaswiftpecktohislips.
“WellI’mnotsureaboutthat.IdidhaveafreakoutwhenIsawthatguyandIdidrunofflikea

totaldramaqueen.”Dominicrolledhisshoulders,tryingtoworkoutsomeofthestiffness.“Andit’ll
takesometimegettingusedtomybodycontortinglikethat.Ithurtlikeabitch.”

“Ihearyougetusedtoitafterawhile.”Roderickkissedhislipssoftlythenstartedtoworkhis

waydownDominic’sjaw.

“Ihopeso.”HemoanedasRoderickworkedhiswaydownlickingandnippingathisneck.The

pleasurethatRoderickwasbringingtohimatthatverymomentwasovershadowedbyonelittlething
thathestillcouldn’tpiecetogetheraboutlastnight.“DidIreallyseealargewhitetigerorwasthat
partofmyimagination?”

RoderickstoppedhisoralonslaughtofDominic’sneckandsatback,laughingsohardheputa

handtohismouthtocoverthejoyoussound.

“Dom,baby,youstillhavealottolearnaboutyournewlifeandfamily.”

****

Dominic came to learn that Shane, one of his best friends, was a tiger shifter. If he thought

findingouthewasawolfshifterwasfascinating,hewentcompletelyoverboardbombardingShane
withquestions.

AttimesDominiccaughthimselflaughingknowingthatShanewasatigeramongstahousefull

of wolves. The preconceived notion that cats and dogs didn’t get along didn’t apply in the shifter
world.

Dominicstillhadn’ttriedtoshiftsincethatfirstnight.Betweenbeinghitbyatruckandfearof

feeling his bones pop out of place when he shifted, Dominic was in no rush. Erik and Shane didn’t
haveaproblemshiftingtotheirotherformsinfrontofhimandDominicfoundhimselfholdinghis
handstohisearsastheirbodiesmoldedintothatofawolfandtiger.

Every time he watched one of his friends shift he could feel a tingling sensation creep up his

spine.Hisskinprickledwithanticipationandhisteethwouldlengtheninhismouthbuthewasstilltoo
weaktogothroughwiththechange.

ThemanthathadunintentionallyunveiledtheshifterworldtoDominicwasstillattheCarsten

house.DominichadbeenworriedabouthimtoobutShanesaidthatSethwouldbeallright.Hehad
beenattackandhadsomebitewoundsthatwereintheprocessofhealing.Butallinallhe’dmakea
fullrecoveryaftergettingsomerestjustlikeDominicwould.

Roderickstayedwithhim,onlyleavinghissidetousetherestroom.Themanwasveryattentive

andshoweredDominicwithloveandaffection.

“Whatisamate?”Dominicaskedonenightastheylaidtherecuddlingtogether,staringoutthe

windowatthebrightlylitstars.ErikhadbrieflymentionedhimandRoderickbeingmatesinpassing
butdidn’telaborateontheissuemuch.

“How do you know about that?” Roderick propped on his elbow and pushed on Dominic’s

shoulderuntilhelayonhisback.

“Erik said something about it and that’s how he refers to Brandon.” Dominic started to worry

hisbottomlip.“Whatdoesitmean?”

“Wolfshiftersmateforlifewithonlyoneperson.Thatpersonisperfectforthemineveryway.

Theattractionandlovetheyfeelforeachotherisinstant.”Roderickkissedbothhischeeks.“Somuch
sothattheydon’tknowhowtheywouldsurvivewithoutthatperson.”

“Thatsoundsbeautiful,”hemumbled.DominicfeltallthosethingsforRoderick.
“Thankyou,mate.”
“Mate?”Dominic’seyebrowsarcheduphisforehead.
“Yeah,I’myourmateandyou’remine.”Rodericksatupandpulledoffhist-shirt,exposinghis

silkysmoothskin.Theglowfromthestarscastashimmeringlightonhismuscularchest.“Seethis?”
RoderickpointedtothebitemarkDominichadgiven.

“Yes.” Dominic caressed a finger up the curve of Roderick’s pectoral muscles where they

dividedbetweenhischestinadeepgroove,totracethemarkonhislover ’sneck.

“Youdon’tnecessarilyhaveabitingfetish.”Roderickchuckled.“Wolfshiftersmarktheirmates

inthisway.Itindicatestoothershiftersthatwebelongtosomeoneelse.It’sashowofourloveand
loyaltytooneanother.”

“Idoloveyoumorethananything,”Dominicwhispered.Hisemotionsweregettingthebetterof

himandhecouldfeelthetightnessinhisthroatandthestinginhiseyesastearsstartedtogather.

“I love you, too, Dom, baby.” Roderick smiled down at him and took his lips in a slow and

sensualkiss,theirtonguesglidingandtwirlingtogetherinarhythmicdanceoflove.

Roderick’s gentle fingers slid down Dominic’s body and tugged down his pants. Dominic

reached down and helped remove Roderick’s. The feel of Roderick’s heated skin made Dominic’s
cockpulseinneedandmadehisorgasmspringtothesurface.

They lay there kissing and Roderick ground his hips down into Dominic’s letting their

engorged shafts rub against one another. It sent waves of desire up Dominic’s body until he was
beggingRodericktotakehim.Tomakethemone.

Roderick reached over to the night stand and grabbed the lube. He covered his hardened cock

thenpaintedtheremainderinhishandonDominic’sexcitedentrance.Hejerkedandtwitchedatthe
wetglideoverhismostsensitiveskin.

Very slowly Roderick guided the rounded blunt tip to Dominic’s opening. Dominic’s breath

hitched as inch by slow inch Roderick filled his tight channel. The slight burn mixed with mind
blowingpleasurethathadDominicpantinginneed.

Roderick took him slowly and with kindness that made Dominic fall in love with him even

more.HewhisperedsweetwordsofloveintoDominic’searandallbecametoomuch.

ThemusclewallthatcoveredRoderick’sstomachrippledupanddownDominic’sshaftuntilhe

came crying out Roderick’s name. One, two, three thrusts of Roderick’s hips later had his mate
followingafterhim.

As they lay entwined together coming down from their blissful high Dominic started to think

abouthislife.Hestillcouldn’trememberhispast.Everytimehetried,hewasmetwithablackwallof
nothingness.Buthecouldn’tandwouldn’tdwellonitorfeelguiltyfornotrememberingit.Hemay
nevergetthosememoriesbackandthatwasokay.Dominichadtheloveofagoodmanandafamily
thatacceptedhimregardlessofallthat.Whatmorecouldheaskfor?

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,shehasstartedwritingherownstoriesforotherstoenjoy.Sheloveshercharacterstobe
antagonistic toward one another but ultimately find their happy ever after. She believes love can be
foundinthecraziestofplaces,andalittlehumoralongthewayneverhurt.Toher,there’snothing
sexierthantwomenfindingtheirsoulmateineachotherandfallinginlove.Whensheisn’tchasing
aroundherkids,shecanbefoundsittingonthecouchwithhertrustedlaptop,givinglifetothevoices
inherhead.

ForalltitlesbyAJJarrett,pleasevisit

www.bookstrand.com/aj-jarrett

SirenPublishing,Inc.

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Document Outline

Title Page
Copyright Page
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
About the Author

A J Jarrett Nehalem Pack 09 A Wolf's Forgotten Life

Document Outline