Cold Hard Justice

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COLDHARDJUSTICE

TheUmbraShifters,4

KarlyGermain

ChapterOne

Undercoverworksucked.However,JusticeCameronunderstooditwasvitalwithintheUmbranto

haveguyssuchashimwhocouldslideintoonedangeroussituationafteranotherwhilekeepinghissecret
identityintact.WithintheUmbra,orshadowworld,Justicebelongedtoasmallgroupofshadowhunters
whowerecalledinwhennormalinvestigationmethodshadbeenexhausted.

SohereJusticesatinarun-downmom-and-popmotelalongtheSouthShoreofNovaScotia,

waitingforEthanStonetoreturn.EthanusedtodoundercoverandnowworkedfortheCanadianbranch
oftheUmbranonasubcontractbasis.Theirassignment?Twofold,actually.FindthescumbagWerewolf,
PerryMunson,whoattackedandnearlykilledKillianMcNamee,andbreakupanillegaldogshifter
breeding/sex-slavering.Itseemedthetwowereinterconnectedandhadthemotorcycleclub,Prideof
Kings,asthecommondenominator.Ethan’sformerclub.

Yeah,therewereallkindsoftangledcomplicationsandpersonalramifications.Justicejustwanted

thiscase,orcases,wrappedupASAP.Hestalkedaboutthesmall,dingyroom,restlessandbored.Nota
goodcombinationforalionshifter.

Theold,beat-upCRTtelevision,setonatwenty-fourhournewschannel,dronedoninthe

background.WhocareswhowasdatingwhoinHollywood?Suchdreckconstitutedasseriousnews?
WalterCronkitemustbespinninginhisgrave.JusticerememberedwatchingoldWalteronthesnowy
cablechannelfromBangor,Maine.WhowastheCanadianguythatdidthenewsontheCBC?Right.
KnowltonNash.Hemustbespinning,too.Grabbingtheremote,heturneddownthevolume.

Justicewasfifty-twoyearsold,hencethereasonherememberedthedeceasednewscasters,but

beingashiftermeanthedidn’tlookmucholderthanthirtyandhewouldremainthatwayforanotherfifty
yearsyet.Hehadalotoflivingaheadofhim.Undercoverworkhadbeenhismainoccupationfortwelve
yearsandfranklyhewasgrowingwearyofit.Hewasarogue,anomad,norealroots.Nofamilyunitand
nofriends,untilhefellinwiththeStonesandMcNameesandbecamecaughtupintheirvariousdramas.
Hell,hedidn’tmindhelpingout.Hejusthatedthedamnedwaiting.

TheunmistakablesoundofaHarley-Davidsonmotorcyclecutthroughhisthoughts.Soon,Ethan

enteredtheroom,dressedinleatherfromhead-to-toe,hislonghairkeepingthescarredsideofhisface
hiddeninshadow.“Anybeerleftordidyoudrinkitall?”

“There’ssomeinthecooler.How’ditgo?”
Ethantwistedthecapoff,tosseditonthetable,satandtookalongswig.“Aboutasyouwould

expect.SitdownandI’llfillyouin.”Justicesatoppositehim.“Forgeteverythingyou’veheard,read,or
seenontelevisionormoviesregardinganMC.PrideofKingsisnothinglikeit.It’salionpride,based
verymuchonanimalkingdomcounterpart.”

“Ithoughtlionshiftersdidn’tformprides?”
Ethantookanotherdrink.“Theydon’tasarule.It’sveryrare.SinceI’maformermember,Iwas

allowedontheproperty,buttheatmospherewasrealtesty.Brianaisincharge.Therearefourother
femalesunderher.Thereisamalelionshiftercoalitionofthreeatthemoment,thenthere’stheoffspring.”

Justiceraisedaneyebrow.“Includingyours?”
Ethanexhaled.“Yeah.Imetthem.Theycouldn’tbemoredifferent.RexismycubfromBriana.Big,

arrogant,andtheheirapparent.Thenthere’sXavier.Iknow,don’tsayit.RexandX.”Ethanchuckled,
thensobered.“Xavieristhekeytoourundercover.Hismotherdiedyearsago.Brianabroughthimup,
poorkid.He’sshortforalionshifter,five-eleven,maybesixfeetifheliftshischin.He’sbetaalltheway.
Sensitiveandquietspoken.Brianasayshespendshistimealoneinhisownplaceonthefarborderofthe
pridecompound.He‘fixesbrokenthings’.”

Justiceshrugged.“Yeah?So?”
“You’regoingtobeabrokenthing.”
Justicelaughedroughly.“You’vegottobeshittingme.”
“WeneedawaytogetyouinsidetheprideandontheMCproperty.Mysponsoringyouforthemale

coalitionwon’tcutit.Brianamadethatplain.TheywantnopartofmeoranyoneIknow.Inever
mentionedsponsoring.TheyshutmedownbeforeIcouldevensuggestit.I’mpersonanongratis.Even
mysonscouldn’torwouldn’tlookmeintheeye.”Ethanshifteduncomfortablyinhisseat.“Myfault.I
should’vemadecontactwiththemyearsago.Anyway,I’llputabeatingonyourassandleaveyouinthe
woodsbyX’splace.He’llfindyou,takeyouin,andtendyourwounds.”

“Howdoyouknowwherehelives?”
“Isawwhatdirectionhecamefromwhenhearrivedforthemeeting.IinvestigatedbeforeIleftand

foundthecabin.Nootherstructureintheareasoitmustbehis.”

Justiceshookhisheadindisbelief.“Beatmeup?Thissoundslikeacheesygrade-Bmovieplot.

It’llneverwork.”

“That’stheexactreasonitwillwork.FromwhatlittleIobserved,Xisinnocentandnaiveasthey

come.”Ethandrainedhisbeerandreachedforanotherfromthenearbycooler.Hefrowned.“Ihatetouse
mysonlikethis,butwe’rerunningoutoftimeandoptions.IfPrideofKingsisofferingsanctuarytothe
Werewolf,PerryMunson,andisinvolvedwiththejackalshiftersandtheillegaldogshifterslavering,
you’regoingtofindout.Comeon,it’sachallenge.You’reupforit.Provetomehowgoodyouare.”

“Andhowwillwestayincontact?”Justicequestioned.
Ethanslidaflipphoneacrossthecounter.“It’saclone.Weloadedafewpicturesandfakecontacts

thatwillappearlegitimateifanyonechecksitout.Ipre-programmedanumberin.It’slistedunderPhil’s
Deli,arealplaceinHalifax,shouldtheycheck.Afewthings.Isensedtensionbetweenmysons.Lotof
animositythere,I’mguessing.Thethreeguysinthecoalition?They’reonlythereforscrewing/breeding
purposesandanyshitjobsthefemaleswantdone.Theyshouldn’tbeaproblem.Theoffspring?They’re
theinnercircle.Besidesmysonstherearesixorseven,maleandfemalealike.Theyaremoreinvolvedin
theeverydaybusinessoftheclub.Drugs.Guns.And,itmayturnout,slaves.”

“Soyou’retellingmeIhaveashortwindowhere.”
Ethannodded.“Veryshort.AssoonastheMCfindsoutaboutyourpresence,thatwindowisgoing

toslamshut.Probablyonyourneck.Igiveyouaweekifyou’relucky.Icalledtherestoftheguys.Kill,
Hudson,andDanewillbejoiningmehere.TorinandDaricwilljoinuslater.We’llonlybeaphonecall
away.Also,assoonasyougivetheword,wecanmoveonthoseslimyjackalsinvolvedintheillegal
breedingofdogshifters.”Ethanemptiedthebottleandslammeditonthetable.“Now,drinkup.Weneed
fortificationfortheasswhippingI’mgoingtolayonyou.”Ethansmiled,thecornerofhismouthnearhis

scarredcheektwistedinmaleficentglee.

Great.Ashit-kicking.JustwhatIneed.

****

XavierLennoxstillsatinthechair,inthedenwheretheMCheldtheirmeetings,longafter

everyonehadleft.Stillcouldn’twraphisheadaroundthefacthe’djustmethisfather.Oh,he’dheardof
himthroughtheyears.EthanStonewaswellknownwithinthelionshifterworld.Shadowhunter,biker,
rockmusician...andamanwithVampireblood.Thatrevelationwasmoreshockingthanactuallymeeting
thesix-and-a-half-footscarredmanface-to-face.Xaviertouchedhisleftcheek,examiningtheraisedscars
ofhisown.ThankGoditdidn’ttakeuphisentireface.Theworstofitremainedhiddenunderhisshaggy,
shoulder-lengthblondmane.Atageeight,hisstepbrother,Rex,heldhisfacetoahotstoveburneras
punishmentfordaringtotouchhisTransformers.Nowheunderstoodthereasonwhyithadhealedquickly.
Thescarsshouldhavebeenworse,buttheyweren’t.Vampireblood.Granted,heandRexapparently
possessedverylittle,butitwouldbeenoughtohealscarsandcutsfasterthanmerehumansorother
shifters.

Whatelsecoulditmean?“Youwillhavealongerlifespan,beyondwhatisexpectedfromashifter.

Youmayhaveincreasedstrength,aheightenedimmunesystem.Noonereallyknows.”Ethantoldthem.
Briana,whoalsoattendedthemeeting,waspissedoffbigtime.“Howdareyounottellmeyourblood
wastainted?You’vecursedRex.AndX!Youselfishsonofabitch!”

Couldn’tblamehisfoster-motherfortheanger,Leonnesdidn’tlikemixingbloodwithother

shifters,letaloneothercreaturesintheUmbra.Whydidn’tStonecomeforwardsooner?Atthismoment,
hewishedhisownmotherwasstillalive.Hemissedherandnomoresothanrightnow.Shediedof
breastcancerwhenhewastwelve.Damn.Herwisecounselwasjustwhathecraved.

Xavierstood.HemusttalktoRex.Theyweren’tclose,buttheyweretiedbyblood.Taintedblood

itseemed.Nodenyingthat.Theywerebornafewdaysapartfromdifferentmothers.Rexwasalphaall
thewayandabitofanasshole,buthewasfamilydespitetheups-and-downsoftheircomplicated
relationship.Theygrewuptogether,thathadtocountforsomething.

Pushingoutthroughthedoubledoors,XavierstrodetowardRex’strailer.Thepoundingbassof

rockmusicfilledhishearing.Herecognizedthesong,Metallica’s“EnterSandman,”andadeadgiveaway
Rexwashavingsex.Hisstepbrotherlikedtopoundawaytoclassicrock.Throughtheyears,Rex’svaried
carnalappetiteshaddisgustedXavier.Norestraint.Nodiscipline.Noemotionsorfeeling.Just
domination.

Xavierknocked,thenkickedatthedoortobeheard.ItswungopenandSpade,oneofthemale

coalitionlionshifters,pushedpasthim,zipperinghisjeansasheambledaway.Rexstoodinthedoorway
witharmscrossed,shirtless,withsheenofsweatcoveringhistorso.Hisleatherpantswereopenand
ridinglowonhiships.

“Ifyouhadcomefiveminutesearlieryoucould’vejoinedus.”Rexsmiledslyly.
“Idon’tletmycockrulemylifeasyoudo.”
“Yourmistake.There’splentyofasshere,maleandfemale,andallwilling,yetyouliveinthe

woodslikeamonk.”

Xaviershovedhimasideandsteppedintothecrampedtrailer,shuttingthedoorbehindhim.The

heavyscentofmalemuskandhotsexstillhungintheair.“IwanttotalkaboutEthanStone.”

Rexlaughedcruelly,andafterturningoffhisstereo,strodeintothegalleykitchen.Xavierfollowed.

Openingthefridge,hepulledoutabeer,holdingthebottletowardXavierinquestion.Heshookhishead.
Rexshrugged,slammedthedoorandtwistedoffthecap.HesatatthekitchentableandXaviersat
opposite.RegardlessofRex’s“whocares”attitude,hedidkeephislivingareaneatandclean,thougha

littleairfreshenerwouldbeaplus.

“Arealslamtothegut.HeshowsuptotelluswehaveVampireblood?Afterallthistime?

Asshole.”Rexsnorted.

RexactuallyresembledEthanStonemorethanhedid.Rexwasalsohuge,maybesix-foot-six,had

thesameambereyesandhandsomefeatures.Aswithmostlionshifters,hehadlongtawnyhair.But
Xavier,whoRexhadcalled“runt”allthroughtheircub-hood,wasnotashandsomeorasrugged.Ortall.
Thoughfive-elevenwasagoodheightforahumanmale,itwasn’tforalionshifter.Also,hewasn’tas
prettyasRex,scarredcheekaside.Xavier’seyeswereadullbrown.HestoodinRex’sshadowand
alwayswouldandhadaccepteditlongago.Bitternessandenvywerenottwoemotionsheindulgedin.

“Explainsalot,doesn’tit?Theabnormalstrength,thespeed,theover-ampedlibido.”
Rextookalongswigthenwipedhismouthwiththebackofhishand.“Explainsmine,nonethat

appliestoyou,though.Monk.”

Oh,itdid.Manytimeshewonderedabouttheincreasedstrengthandspeedthroughtheyears,but

hadkepthisthoughtstohimself.ThoughheneverindulgedsexuallythewayRexdid,heexperienced
plentyoflust.Hisrighthandtooktheedgeoffmostnights.Regardless,hewasn’tgoingtogetintoitwith
Rex.“Isitgoingtochangethings?”

Rexfrowned.“It’snoone’sbusinessabouttheVampireblood.Wekeepitinthefamily,bro.Briana

willmakesureeveryoneknowswhoisstillincharge.I’mtheking.WhatIsaygoes.Thisisourfamily’s
clubandit’sabouttimeyoupulledyourweight.Youhavetogetinvolved,X.Attendmeetings.Sitinon
thedecisions.Stophiding,forfucksake.”

“I’mnothiding.Idon’tlikethewhole‘pride’thing.Youknowthis.”
Rexslammedthebottleonthetable.“Thenleave.Nooneiskeepingyouhere.”
True.Butregardlessoftheweirdset-up,whichwasoutsidethenormforlionshifters,itwasstill

hishome.Hefelt...safe.HealmostlaughedatRexwhenhesaid“WhatIsaygoes.”Totallyand
completelydeluded.Brianaranthings,notRex.Xavierstood.“I’venowheretogo.Justlikeyou.Youlive
yourlifeyourway.Ilivemine—myway.Youwanttobekingofthismotleycrew?Haveitat.”

“Damnstraight.Andhere’sanedictforyou.NocontactwithEthanStone.Heisnotwelcomehere,

nordoIwanttohearhisnameeveragain.Gotit?”

XavierfingeredthepieceofpaperinhisfrontpocketEthanslippedhimashewasleaving.Aphone

numbersohecouldcontacthimifhewantedtotalk.Hisfather.

“Yes.Igotit.”Xavierturnedtoleave.
“AndyoubeatthedenFridaynightateight.Aboutdamnedtimeyoucarriedyourweightaround

here!”Rex’swordsfollowedhimoutthedoor.

Xaviermarchedthroughthewoodstowardhiscabinattheedgeoftheprideproperty.Anger

blurredhisvision.Whycouldn’teveryoneleavehimalone?

Ashefumbledinhispocketforhiskey,araggedgroanemanatedfromthenearbybushes.Xavier

frozeandlistened.Anotheragonizedmoanandarustleofleaves.Xaviermovedquietlytowardthesound.
Lyingonthegroundwasaman,beatenbadly.Arathergorgeousmanfromwhathecouldtellthroughthe
swellingandwelts.Themanraisedarm,almostbeseeching,thenhepassedout.

ChapterTwo

Justicecouldn’tremembermuch.Onethinghedidknow,he’dneverbeenworkedoveras

thoroughlyasEthanhaddonetohim.Christ,hehurt.Brokenribs,thatwasobvious.Dislocatedshoulder.
Sincehewasatrainedmedic,hecouldtellhereceivedaClass-Aass-kickin’.Whatelse?Dareheopen
hiseyes?Heflaredhisnostrilsandapleasantscentoffreshairandburningwoodfilledhissenses.But
therewassomethingelse,anaromahecouldn’tquiteplace.Itarousedhimandsethisheartbeating
double-time.Nodamnedway.Shifterscouldn’tscenteachotherunlesstheywereofthesamefamilyunit.
Therewasonlyoneotherreason.Themateconnection.Ethanmust’vescrambledhisbrainsduringthe
beat-down,becausenowayinhellwouldthatbewhy.Ormaybehewasasickfuckwhogotoffonbeing
thrashedandpoundedintohamburger.Yeah.Thatwasit.

Crackingopenoneeye—theotheronewasswollenshut—Justiceglancedaroundtheroom.Helay

onalargeleathersofa.Theinteriorhadalogcabinmotif,comfyandwarm,andafireburnedlowinthe
hearth.Twocatswerecurledupsleepinginfrontofthefireplace.Sincewhendidlionshifters,orany
Felineshifter,keepcatsaspets?Mostanimalshadashifterequivalent,butnotahousecat.Amanwalked
intohislineofvision.Acrow,perchedontheman’sforearm,wasbeingfedseeds.Whoisthisguy,
DoctorfuckingDoolittle?TheCrowWhisperer?

ThenJusticerecalledEthan’swords.Helikestofixbrokenthings.Mustextendtowounded

animals.Guesshequalified,andinmorewaysthanone.

“Ah,you’reawake.”
Thegentletoneoftheman’svoicecurledaboutJustice’slittle-usedheart,causingittothumpharder

inhischest.

“I’mXavierLennox.You’reinmyhome,suchasitis,andwelcometostayuntilyou’rebackon

yourfeet.”Hegentlysetthecrowonthetableandlaidapileofseedsnexttothebird.Heturnedhis
attentionbacktoJustice.Xavierwasnotbadlooking.Hehadapleasantface,evenifpartofhisleftcheek
wasscarred.ShortsuckerforaLeonne,heobserved,asmostalllionshifterswerebuiltthesame,very
tallandbroad.Xavierhadaslimmusculature,andworethosetight-fittingWranglersverywell.Blood
rushedtoJustice’scock,lengtheningandthickeningit.Thishedidn’tneed.ThiswasEthan’sson,for
shit’ssake.Stayfocusedontheassignment.

Formingwordswasdifficult.Adrycroakcameoutofhismouth.Damn,hisbottomlipwassplit

andswollen.Onedayandverysoon,hewouldpayEthanbackforthis.Bigtime.

Xavierrushedtohisside,gentlyliftedhishead,andlethimdrinkfromabottleofwater.Cold

ambrosia.Itsoothedhisrawthroat.Atthiscloseproximity,theunknownbutpleasingscentslammed
Justicehard.Heclosedhiseyeandreveledinit.He’dneverexperiencedthisbefore.Contentment.An
innerpeace.Andanarousalthatshotclearoffthecharts.Hiscockthrobbedinhisjeansinconcertwith
hisrapidlybeatingheart.

Lostintheoverwhelmingsensations,Justicedidn’trealizeXavierhadlaidhimflat,andnowsaton

astoolnexttohimtenderlywipingthebloodandgorefromhisface.

“Someonecertainlytriedtodoyouseriousdamage.AfterIcleanyouupabit,I’llletyousleep.I

cantapeyourribstomorrow.Isanythingelsebroken?”

XavierleftthecoolclothlyingacrossJustice’sforehead,andthenbeganexploringhistorso.Oh,

sweetJesus,histouch.Hisbodywasaflame,andnotjustinpain.Tryashemight,hecouldnotstopthe
long,raggedmoanfromleavinghislips.

Xavierfroze.“AmIhurtingyou?”
Justiceshookhishead.No,justkeepfuckingtouchingme.Please.Forever.

****

Themanclosedhiseye,shakinghisheadinreply.Okay,nothurting.Xaviersplayedhishands

acrossthebiker’simpressivechest.ThetightT-shirthuggedeverycarvedandmuscledplane.Atleast,he
assumedthemanwasabiker.Heworeablackleathercoat,well-wornjeansandmotorcycleboots.He’d
hadablue-checkeredkerchieftiedaroundthetopofhisheaduntilXavierremovedit.Notmuchgood
nowasitwassoakedinblood.

Bikerguygrunted.AsXaviersurmised,brokenribs.Hecouldfeelatleastone,maybetwo.Deal

withittomorrow.Hisgazerandownthelong,muscularlengthofthemanspreadoutonhissofa.Hiseyes
widenedatthesightoftheimpressivebulge.Damn.Theguyhadahard-on?Fromwhat?Metouching
him?

Xaviermovedhishandlowerandanothergroanlefttheman’sthroat.Hepulledhishandsbackasif

hehadbeenburned.Andtheshockingthingwas,Xavierbecamearousedinreturn.Enough.Herosefrom
thestoolandheadedtothebathroom,locatingthepainkillerswiththesleepaid.Aftersteppingbackinto
thelivingroom,hecroucheddownbythesofa.

“Openupandtakethese,washitdownwiththiswater.Kick-assibuprofenwithalittlesomething

extratohelpyousleep.”Bikerguyobeyed,andXavierplacedthetwopillsontheman’stongue,then
liftedhisheadandlethimdrinkmorewater.

Themansighed.Xaviergentlylaidathrowoverhim,stoodbackandwatched.Itwasn’teveryday

youfoundabeautifulhunkofmanbyyourdoor.Somewheredeepintherecessesofhissoul,alowand
insistentalarmbegantobuzz.Thismanwashugeandwell-built,moresothanyouraveragemale.Could
hebesomething...beyondhuman?OnelookatthisguyandXaviercouldtellhewouldbemoretrouble
thanhewasworth.Orwouldhe?

Timewouldtell.Inthemeantime...Don’tgetattached.Remaincautious.Wisewordshe’dbesmart

toremember.

ChapterThree

Justiceawokewhentheraysfromthehotsunshininginfromthewindowwarmedhisface.A

strangesortofpressurepushedonhischest.Hecrackedopenhisonegoodeyeandtwocatsweresitting
onhistorso,intentlywatchinghimwiththeirglowingeyes.

“JesusChrist!”heyelledinahoarsevoice.ThecatsjumpeddownattheloudnoiseandXavier

enteredtheroom,dryinghishandswithadishtowel.

“Iseeyou’vemetSimbaandLevon.Andyouare…?”
“Justice…JusticeCameron.”Damn,ithurttotalk.WhatdidEthando,steponhisneck?
“I’mgoingtoaskyouaquestionandIwantanhonestanswer.AreyouaFelineshifter?”
“Yeah,aLeonne.”
“Ah.Thatexplainsalot.Youhavethelook,thoughyourhairandeyecolorisdarkerthanmost.

HowIguessedisthedomestichousecatdoesnotasarulegetalongwithmostFelineshifters,except
Leonnes.Theyfeelabond.Theywereobviouslydrawntoyouandverymuchfascinated.”Xavier
blushed.

Justicefoundtheblushing…touching.SothisXavierwasalsofascinatedbyhim.Good.The

undercoverplanwasworking.HehadtohandittoEthan.

“You…alsoaLeonne?”Justiceasked.Xavierworetheskin-tightWranglersagain,withapurpleT-

shirtthatshowedthisguywasbuiltslim,butstunninglyformednonetheless.Again,theunusualbut
pleasantscentwaftedoverhimandarousalclutchedhimwithastubbornhold.Keepcontrol.

“Iam.Youwereattacked.Bywhom?”
“Twoguysdraggedmeintothewoods.Mybike!Didtheytakeit?”Justicetriedtositup,but

groanedinpain.

Xavierdroppedthetowelandrushedforward,assistinghimtositupright.White-hotstabbing

twingesassaultedeverymuscleJusticepossessed.AfterXaviergentlyhelpedhimoutofhisjacket,he
thenpulledtheblackT-shirtoverhishead.Theyoungmangasped,andJusticegathereditwasn’tin
admirationoverhisbarechest.

“You’reamassofbruises.Waithere,I’lltapeupyourribs,thenseeaboutyourbike.”
AssoonasXavierexitedtheroom,Justicefishedinhispocketforthephone.Stillthere.Heflipped

itopenedandhitspeeddial.

“Phil’sDeli.”
HerecognizedtheraspytoneofEthan.“I’min.YouSOB,I’mafreakingmess.”
“Worked,didn’tit?You’llheal.Onlyoneribiscracked.Iwascareful.You’llhaveafewachesand

pains,nothingmore.Suckitup.Now,findoutwhatyoucanassoonasyoucan.WhentherestofthePride
findsoutXhastakeninastranger,they’llkickyouofftheproperty.Orworse.”

“Worse?Icanbarelywalk.HowinhellcanIfindoutanything?”
“You’llfigureitout.Callus.We’reminutesaway.Benicetomyson.Ithinkhe’slonely.Makehim

yourfriendandconfidante.Butdoitquick.”JusticecouldheartheguiltandconcerninEthan’svoice.He
didn’tlikeusinghissonthisway.Truthofitwas,Justicedidn’tmuchlikeiteither.

Justiceslammedthephoneshutandstuffeditbackinhispocket.Thetwocatsweresittingside-by-

sidestudyinghim.Onehadatortoiseshadeoffur,theotherpureblackwithapatchofwhiteonhischest.
He’dneverheardaboutcatsandLeonneshavinganassociation.Thewaytheystaredathimcreepedhim
thehellout.Asiftheycouldreadhismind.

Xavierreenteredtheroomcarryingaplasticfirstaidkit.“Ipoppedyourdislocatedshoulderback

inplacewhenyouwereunconsciouslastnight.Youneverevenstirred.Iassumeit’sbeendislocated
before.”

“Yeah,ithas.Thanks.”Justicepointedtothecats.“Ithoughtmostshiftersdidn’tkeeppets,the

wholeownership-slavething.”

“Oh,SimbaandLevonarenotmypets.Theyaremycompanionsandfriends.Ifoundthem,took

themin,andtendedtheirinjuries.Igavethemtheoptiontoleaveandtheychosetostay.”

“Likethecrow?”
Xaviersmiled,andJustice’sbreathseizedinhischestatthesight.Damn,themanwasbeautiful.

“Yes.Hestayedtoo.Mostleavewhentheyrecover.Muchlikeyouwill,Isuppose.”

Didhehearregretinthisguy’svoice?ItmightbeeasiertogetinformationoutofXavierthanhe

thought.Seducethebugger.He’ddoneitbeforeforintelligenceandwouldnodoubtdoitagain.Toalion
shifter,sexwasasimportantasairandfood.Buthewasn’texactlyphysicallyabletogoallalphaatthe
moment.Inadayortwo,maybe.Ifhehadthatlong.Itwouldbeshittymethodtoextractinformation.
Somewheredeepinanunchartedpartofhissoul,hedidn’twanttouseXavierinsuchaway.

“Leave?IbetterseeifIgottransportationfirst,”Justicereplied.
Xavierbegantotapeuphisribs,andwitheverybrushoftheman’sfingers,flamesignitedJustice’s

skin.

“Youarewellputtogether,”Xaviermurmured.“Strong,Imean.Youshouldrecoverrapidly.”

Xaviersteppedback.“There,better.Here,I’llhelpyouputtheT-shirtbackon.”

Again,everytouchwasatorturous,livingblaze.WasXavier’sbreathingalittleshallow?Justice

chancedaglanceattheguy’scrouch.Damn,hehadanerection,whichonlyratcheteduphisownlusta
fewmorenotches.Theirgazeslocked.Nomistakingit.Theywerebothhotandready.Neverfeltthiskind
ofconnectionsoquickwithsomeone.God,hewantedinsidethisguy.

Possess.Dominate.
Xavierblinkedthenshookhishead,breakingthespellbetweenthem.Hescrambledtohisfeetand

backedaway,confusionplainonhisface.Yeah,Justiceunderstoodtheemotions.Hisfeelingswere
scrambledalltohellandback,too.

“Um…keys.I’llgolookforyourbikeandbringithere.Icanputitinmyshed.”
Justicepointedtotheleathercoat.“Intheleftpocket.It’sa2013Indian.”
Andwiththat,Xavierlefttheroom.Justiceexhaled.Thingsweregettingtoodamnedintense.When

heheardthebackdoorslam,heslowlygottohisfeet,groaningfromtheeffort.Perfectopportunitytolook
around.Findoutwhathecould.
****

Xavierwalkedatafastpace,andthensprintedintoajog.Hehadtogetawayfromwhatwas

happening.Assoonashehadsteppedintothelivingroomthismorning,histiny,isolatedworldtitledon
itsaxis.Itwasbadenoughheexperiencedaphysicalreactiontothestrangerlastnight.Buttoday?Afull-
blownconnectionwiththescentandeverythingthatwentwithit?Thefreshairwasclearinghishead,but
hestillhadaraginghard-on.Whendidhelasthavesex?Closetotwoyearsago,he’dpickedupaguyat
theMugandAnchorPubinMahoneBay,followedhimtoahotelroomandletthemanfuckhimforhours.
Abearshifterwhocouldseeminglygoallnight.Ithadmeantnothing.Xavierhadonlywantedtobewith
someone,whatevertheterms.Thoughheusuallybottomed,helikedtobethetoponoccasion,too.But
Bartthebearwouldn’tallowit,thoughhedidgiveonehellofablowjob.

XavierwouldbedamnedifhewouldallowanyoneintheMCtotouchhim,ashewantednopartof

thenever-endingprideorgy.LetRexhaveitall.Hehadnodesiretospawncubsandaddtotheconfusion

andstrangenessthatconstitutedalionpride.Slowingtoabriskwalk,hesteppedontothepathwhichled
toadirtroadnotfarfromtheedgeoftheproperty.HespottedtheIndian.Itstruckhim...whatwasJustice
Camerondoinguphereanyway?Guesshewouldfindouteventually.
****

Justicelimpedaboutthesmalllogcabin.Itwaswellkeptandspotless.Lotsofbooks,aworktable

withagluegunandothersmalltoolsandanold-fashionedtrainsetinvariousstagesofrepair.Soit
wasn’tonlyanimalshefixed.Nearbywasasketchpad,soJusticeflippedthroughthedrawings.Nature
scenes,flowers,animalsand…hisbreathcaught.Onthelastpagewasacharcoalsketchof
him…sleeping.Jesus,Xaviermusthavedoneitlastnight.Itwasquitegood.

Heslammedthebookshut.Openingthedeskdrawers,herifledthroughpilesofpapers.Nothing

substantial.FakeidentificationswhichallintheUmbraowned—nosurprisethere.ANovaScotiabirth
certificatefrom1982.So,hewasthirty-two,giveortakeafewmonths.Motherandfatherwerelisted.
TherewasEthan’sname.Hefoundanotebookandopenedit.Thedateswerefrom1998.Ajournal,from
whenXavierwasateen.

“Ididn’twanttodoit,butinthepride,afteryoucameintoyourinneranimalandwereableto

shift,youwereexpected…tobreed.Iknowaboutsex.MystepbrotherinsistedIknow.Lastweek,he
andSpadeescortedmetotheden…andmademewatch.Theyfuckedeachotherandtomyhorror,I
becamearoused.Ididn’twantthis.Reckless,meaninglesssexwithmaleandfemalelionshiftersalike.
AllIwantedwastobeleftalone.Tolivemylifemyway.ButIamacoward.Ican’tleaveasit’sthe
onlylifeIknow.Myhome.Ihavenoonebutthepride.Ihavetomakeaneffortorbebanished.SoIlet
SpadetakemyvirginitywhileRexwatched.Accordingtopriderules,awitnesswasneededandI’d
ratheritbeRexthanBriana.Afterward,RexinsistedIdothesametoSpade.Itwasexpected.The
prideway.SoIdid.Iwashorrified,disgusted,andGodhelpme,Ilikedit.Itwillneverhappenagain.
Nothere.Ihatethewholeprideset-up.IhatewhatIwasmadetodo.IhatethatIenjoyedit.Andat
thismoment,Ihatemyselfmostofall.”

Justice’shearttightenedinempathy.Poorbastard.Typicalteenageangst,butitwentwaaayy

beyondthat.Sothisispridelife?NowondertherestoftheLeonneslookeddowntheirnoseatit.Yet,it
followedtheanimalkingdommodelfairlyclosely,exceptforthemale-on-maleaction.Mostshifter
factionschosematesfromwhatevergendertheywanted.Noonecared.Noprejudicelikeinthehuman
world,thoughthingsweretakingasmallstepintherightdirectionatlast.Alionshifterprideresembleda
communefromthehumanhippieeraofthelateSixties.Sharingeverything,nooneknewwhosekidswere
who’smosttimes.Onebigfamily.Onlythiswasn’tabunchofhippie-dippiesstrungoutonweedhappily
growingcornandgreenbeanswhilelisteningtoTheDoorsorCream.

Thiswasabunchoftough-asslionshiftersdealingingunsanddrugsandusingsexforcontroland

dominance.Aidingandabettingthedogshiftersex-slavetrade.Hidingacrazier-than-a-shithouse-rat
Werewolfbentonrevenge.KillianMcNameewasnotsafeaslongasMunsonremainedontheloose.
Killian,acheetahshifter,hadkilledaWerewolfinthelineofdutyinhiscapacityasashadowhunter.The
sickwolffuckhadbeenabusingayoungdogshifter.Eversince,theWere’sfamilyhadbeenbenton
revenge,evenattackingKillinHalifax’sdowntowncorewhilehewasouttodinnerwithTorinStone,
EthanStoneandhismate,DaricMcNamee,Kill’sbrother.Theyhadalmostlosthim,andifitwasn’tfor
Torin’sinterventionasahalf-Vampire,Killwouldhavedied.

Yeah.Thishadtoend.ButafterreadingXavier’saccount,hewouldhavetotreadlightly.Thisguy

wasaskindandgentleasEthanhadsurmised,buthewasalsovulnerableandneededprotection.And
whydidthatmakeXavierallthemoreappealingtoJustice?

ChapterFour

BythetimeXavierreturnedtothecabin,Justicewasemergingfromthebathroom,holdingontothe

wallstokeephisbalance.Foolishman.XavierrushedforwardandplacedJustice’sarmaroundhis
shoulder.Hesteeredhimtowardthekitchenandsathimatthesmallwoodtable.

“Youhavetoeat.Areyouupforit?”
“Yeah.Food.”
“Coffeeortea?Idrinkboth.”
“Coffee.Black,nosugar.Andthanks.Foreverything.”
Xaviermeasuredthegroundsintothecoffeemaker,shruggingashedidso.“Ididwhatmostpeople

woulddo.Helpedsomeoneinneed.”

“Ihaveanewsflashforyou.Mostpeoplewouldhaveletmebleedoutintheweeds.”
Xavierbusiedhimselfaboutthetidykitchen,extractingtwolargefrypansfromthebottomdrawer

ofthestove.Soon,baconsizzledandsnappedinoneandJusticeinhaledthefantasticodordeepintohis
nostrils.Christ,helovedbacon.Asteamingcupofcoffeewasplacedbeforehim.JusticegaveXaviera
briefsmileinthanks.

“Makesmewonderwhatyouweredoinguphere.Wearewelloffthebeatentrack.”Xavier

watchedhim,waitingforareply.

Andhereitis.Hesippedthehotbeverageandalmostmoanedinecstasyatthetaste.“Well,Imight

aswelltellyouthewholestory.Iwasmakingadrugdeal.Ihadafewkilogramsofhome-growngrassto
sell.Iwastoldtomeetthebuyersinthatexactlocation.Theyjumpedmeandtookthedrugs.Servesme
rightfortrustingthem.Lessonlearned.”Heshrugged,andpainshotthroughhisshoulderlikeahotblade
throughbutter.

Xavierpattedhisarminsympathyandtheshockwassogreat,Justicenearlyspilledhiscoffee.

Again,asearing,sensualheat.Damn.Xaviermovedaboutthekitchen,settingthetable,thenturnedhis
attentionbacktothebacon.“Sorrythathappenedtoyou.Doyouhavemoretosell?”

“Iwillinafewmonths,why?”
Crackingtheeggsonthesideofthecounter,Xavieremptiedthecontentsinthehotpan.“Imight

knowofsomeonewhowouldbewillingtogiveyouagoodprice.Maybeworkoutadistributiondeal.
I’mpartofanMC.Weoftendothesesortsoftransactions.”

HecouldarrestXavierLennoxrightnowforintenttodistributedrugs,butthatwasnotwhyhewas

here.Thefactthemanhadgivenupatidbitofinformationshowedadegreeoftrust.Mightaswellfoster
it.“Iappreciateit.ThoughIwouldn’thavehadyoupeggedasamemberofanMC.”

Xavierflippedtheeggs.“Overeasy?”
“Cooktheeverlivin’shitoutofthem.Ihaterunnyyolks.”
Xavierturnedandgavehimaheart-meltingsmile.“SodoI.Hockeypucksitis.”Hefacedthestove

again.“Idon’tlookthepart,andIhaven’tbeeninvolvedmuchintheday-to-dayoperations.Thoughmy
stepbrotherisinsistingIstepuptotheplate.”Heexhaledandsaidinalowervoice.“Idon’twantto.”

Justice’sheartgaveanothertug.Thiswasinsane.Allhewantedtodowasholdthisguytightand

protecthim.Unreal.Whilelustroaredthroughhim,itwasthetendernessthatblewhismind.Him?
Tender?OthersintheUmbracalledhimColdHardJusticeforgoodreason.Notonlyforhisconcentrated
andefficienteffortinmetingouthisownbrandof“justice,”butalsoforthefactthatheallowedno
delicateorgentleemotionstointerferewithhislife,personallyorprofessionally.Ever.Untiltoday.

Theydidn’ttalkagainuntilXavierplacedafullplateofbacon,eggs,andtoastinfrontofhim.

Sittingopposite,hereachedforthepeppermillonthetableandgaveitafewtwistsovertheeggs.“Are
youpartofanMC?Orgroup?”Xavierasked.

“Nope.”Justicebitintothegoldentoastandswallowed.“Roguealltheway.Nofamily,no

affiliations,noties.JustthewayIlikeit.”

“Andnomate?”
Justicepickedupapieceofbaconandpoppeditinhismouth.“Nope.Noteveryshifteris

guaranteedamate.Infact,somegotheirentirelifespanwithoutfeelingtheconnection.Evenifyoudo,
youdon’thavetoacknowledgeit.Youcanwalkaway.Therearenodireconsequencesifyoudo.Butyou
knowallthis.”

QuietlysippinghiscoffeeandstaringatJusticeovertherimofhiscup,Xavier’smilk-chocolate

shadedeyeswereflashingallsortsofemotions,butbedamnedifJusticecouldfigureoutwhatones.

“IwanttotellyousomethingandIwantyoutolistencloselyandnotboltfromtheroom,orworse,

teartheroomtobits.MaybeI’mcrazyormaybeI’vebeenaloneinthiscabintoolong,butI’mfeelingthe
connection.Betweenus.”Xaviersaid.

Justicedidaspit-take.Coffeespewedfromhismouthinaspray,thedropletscollectingonthetable

infrontofhim.Hisreactionwasn’tacompletefake.Xavierhadshockedhim.Okay,hescentedtheguy,
buthadnoideaXavierfeltthesame.Howtoplaythis?Hecouldn’trejecthimasitwouldshutdownhis
undercoveropquickerthanawinkfromaneye.Thethingwas,hewasattractedtoXavier,andagainstall
theodds,maybeitwasthemateconnection.Yeah,howtoplaythis?Shit.
****

Xavier’scheeksflushedhotinembarrassment.Whatpossessedhimtobarehissoullikethistoa

manhehadn’tevenknowntwenty-fourhours?Washethatlonely?Yes,hewas.Heachedfor
companionship.Thoughhe’dbeenwithafewwomen,hepreferredmen.Alwayshad.Especiallythebig,
alphaguyslikeJustice.It’sthereasonheletBartthebearshifterridehisassforhoursonend.Heloved
it.Buthewantedmorethanhot,meaninglesssex.Hewantedafriend,alover.Amate.Afor-the-rest-of-
our-dayscommitment.Thiswasthefirsttimeinhislifehe’dfelttheconnection,scentedanother,andhe’d
bedamnedifhewouldletitpasswithoutitbeingacknowledged.

“Shit.Youknowhowtoshockaguy.”Justicegrumbled,shovingaforkfulofeggsinhismouth.
“Sorry.Iknowit’salottolayonyou.It’sjust...whenItouchedyoulastnight.Youreacted.OrwasI

mistaken?”

Justicelookeddownathisplateandthesilencebetweenthemstretchedandbecameawkward.

Well,somuchforthat.Xavierjumpedtohisfeetandgatheredupsomeofthedishes,tryingtoputdistance
betweenhimandthebroodingJustice.

Justicestood,wincinginpainashedid.HegrippedXavier’sarm.“Putthedishesdownandcome

here.”Hisvoicesoundedroughandsexy.

Xavierdid.Justicecuppedhisface,hiscallousedthumbsstrokedhischeekssotenderly,Xavier

thoughthewouldcry.“Thereis...something.You’renotmistaken.”Justice,beingsomuchtaller,leaned
downandcapturedXavier’slips.Gentleatfirst,aslowexplorationthatslowlyturneduptheheat
betweenthem.Xavier’sinsidestookafiercetumble.Yes.This.

Justicedelveddeeper,andXavierlethimin.Thekisstookarougherturn,possessive,butXavier

matchedtheinsistenttonguethrusts.Bothwerebreathinghard.Justicesteppedbackandstaggeredand
Xavierrushedtohisside.“You’dbetterliedown.I’lltakeyoutomyroom.Queen-sizebed,lotsofspace
foryoutostretchout.”

“Yeah.Jesus,theroomisspinning.”

ItwasforXavieraswell,butfordifferentreasons.Thekisswasarevelation.Startlinginitsdepth

andfeeling.Nowwasnotthetimetotalkaboutit.DidJusticehaveaconcussion?Probablynot.Worry
replacedXavier’sdesire.HehadtostayfocusedongettingJusticewell.
****

Justicelayonthebed,wideawake.Theroomreallyhadn’tspun,butheneededtogetthehelloutof

thekitchenbeforehedidorsaidsomethinghewouldregret.Heneeded...tothink.

Hecouldnap,asmostlionshifterssleptforlongperiodsoftimeanyway,andfactoringinhis

injuries,hecouldsawwoodfortherestoftheafternoon.Instead,helistenedtoXavierputteringabout
andhisthoughtsdriftedtowardthatkiss.HecouldlietohimselfandsayhedidittogetclosertoXavier,
toextractinformation.Biglie.Heachedtokisshim.Hehadtokisshim.Justicewantedtostrideintothe
kitchen,pullXavierintoatightembrace,anddoitagain.However,hedidn’thavetimetoexplorethe
attraction.Thejobcamefirst.Taketherestoftodaytorecover,andtomorrowhe’dhavetomakesome
calculatedmoves.Shadowhunterswerestandingbywaitingforhiswordtomoveonthejackals,and
TorinandDaricwerereadytorollinHalifaxtocoordinatethearrests.Attheshitholehotel,Ethanand
otherswaitedtotakedownPrideofKings.

Justicefrowned.HehatedlikehelltheideaofXavierbeingcaughtinthesting.He’ddonenothing

wrong.Asoftmeowinterruptedhisthoughts.Theblackcathadjumpeduponthebed.Thebedroomdoor
wasajarsothefelinemusthaveslippedin.

“Andwhichoneareyou?I’lltakeawildguessandsayLevon,”Justicewhispered.Thecatmoved

towardhim,tentativeandwary.HerubbedhisheadagainstJustice’slegandstartedtopurr.Well.Shit.
SuchafeelingofwarmthmovedthroughJustice,hewasshocked.Damn.Ifhehadknownthis,he’dofhad
acoupleofcatshimself.HereachedoutandscratchedLevonunderhischinandthepurringbecame
louder.Pettingthecatcalmedhim.Levonlaynexttohischest,curledupinaball.Justicesmiled,andthen
sleepovertookhimatlast.

ChapterFive

Aredautumnsunhunglowonthehorizon,castinggoldenilluminationthroughthemanywindowsof

thecabin.Xavierfilledhistimeallafternoonasheusuallydid,byreadingorfixingsomething.Nearly
timeforsupper,hecheckedonJustice.

Pushingopenthedoor,hegrinnedatthesightbeforehim.JusticelayflatonhisbackandLevonwas

curledupinaballonhisupperchest,hislongtailwrappedaroundpartofJustice’sneckpossessively.
Bothsleptpeacefully.Xaviertip-toedtothesideofthebedandcarefullylayonit,turningonhissideand
movingasclosetoJusticeashedare.Theheatemanatingfromthemancouldrivalawoodstove.Oh,
howhecouldgetusedtothis.Isittoomuchtoaskfromlife,tofindthatspecialsomeonewithwhomhe
couldshare...everything?Hishopes,hisfears,andhisdesires?Xavierunderstoodthemateconnection
couldhappenquickly.Itcertainlyhadhere.

WouldJusticebeinterestedinjoiningPrideofKings?Wouldtheprideallowit?Xaviercertainly

didn’twantJusticebecomingpartofthemalecoalition,ondemandforsexoranythingelse.Thethought
ofRextouchingJusticefilledhimwithapotentangerhehadnotfeltinalongtime.No,ifJusticejoined
theMC,itwouldbeashismateandnothingelse.Hewouldnotsharethemanwithanyone.ButXavier
knewthatwouldneverhappen.EitheryoujoinedandcontributedtothepridelifewithintheMCoryou
werebanished.XavierhadlastedthislongbecauseRexandBriananeverpressedthematter,thoughother
membersgrumbledoverhiscontinuedpresenceandnon-participation.HewouldgiveRexthat.His
brotherlethimlivehislife.Maybeitwasguiltoverthestoveincident.Regardless,howmuchlonger
Xavierwouldbegrantedareprievefromtotalandcompleteinvolvementwasupintheair.SinceRex
demandedhestartattendingmeetings,itseemedthingswereabouttochangewhetherhewantedthemto
ornot.

EvenifJusticewasgivenpermissiontostayashismate,Xavierdoubtedhewould.Mostlion

shiftersdidn’tlikethepridewayoflife.Hell,hedidn’tlikeit,butaccepteditwithintheMCbecauseit
wasallhe’deverknown.Hehadn’tventuredoffthepropertymuchinhisthirty-twoyearsoflife.Kindof
patheticwhenyouthinkaboutit.Justicewasarogue.Aloner.Sowasheinmanyways.Maybe—just
maybe—theyneededeachother.Completedeachother.

Withoutthinking,helaidagentlekissonJustice’swhiskeredcheek.Themanstirredandsodid

Levon,whojumpeddownandstretchedbeforeamblingoutintothehall.

Justicehadsleptlastnightwithacoldcompressonhisrighteyeanditmusthavehelped,ashe

openedbothandstaredathim.Hiseyeswereadarkbrown,darkerthanhisown,butlyingthisclosehe
couldseeflecksofgoldintheirises.Beautiful.

“Yousleptallafternoon,andIfoundLevonasleeponyourchest.Itseemsyou’vemadeafast

friend.”

JusticestrokedXavier’scheekwiththebackofhisfingers.“Notjustthecat,Ihope.”
Heleanedintothetouch.“No.Notjustthecat.”
Justiceexploredtheraisedscarsonhisleftcheek.“Howdidthishappen?Lookslike...”
“Astoveburner?”
“Yeah.”Justicefrowned.“Whohurtyou?”
SomethingwarmandtenderbloomedinsideXavier.Justicecared.Hopealsobloomed.Justice

spokethetruthatbreakfast.Themateconnectioncouldbeacceptedorrejected.Oh,God.Howhewanted
themtobothacceptit.Suchasoulbondshouldnotbeignored.Itshouldbenurturedandcherished.

“Mystepbrother,Rex.Wewereeight.Youknowkids.Iinvadedhisspace,touchedhisthings.

Actually,Ithinkhewassorryafterward,inhisway.Hehasn’thurtmesince.Hehas...angerissues.
Amongstotherthings.”XavierlacedhisfingersthroughJustice’s.Suchbighands.Sowarm.Sogentle.
Instinctively,heknewJusticewouldneverharmhimphysically.Hisheartwasanothermatter.

“Yourbrothersoundslikeanasshole.”Justicegrowled.
“Heis.Here’sthesurprisingthing.Ilovehiminspiteofit.Thoughwe’renotcloseandhavevery

littleincommon,weareblood.Taintedblood,itseems.”

Justice’seyebrowsrose.“Whatdoyoumean?”
Xavierlaughedbrokenly.“NotsureIwanttosay.ThereissomethingbetweenyouandmeandifI

tellyou,itmaykillit.Iknowthisisalltoofast,butit’stheshifterway.Iwantyouinmylife,Justice.I
wantustomaybe...atsomepoint...becomemates.”
****

ThatJusticedidnotexpect.Atleast,notyet.Sure,therewassomethingbetweenthem,but...mates?

AdmirationtookrootdeepinsideJustice.KudostoXavierforjustputtingitoutthere.Nobullshitwith
thisguy.Itwasrefreshing,buthowtoanswer?MaybeheshouldtakeapagefromXavier’sbookandbe
honest.AfterwitnessingthemateconnectionsbetweentheStonesandtheMcNamees,seeingthelove,
respect,andthemutualdesirewhichpulsatedallaroundthem,hebegantolongforsuchacommitmentin
hislife.Suddenly,hisundercoverpositionbecameascomplicatedasshit.

“I’mnotusedtofactoringinanotherpersoninmydecisions.NoramIusedtobaringmysoul.

Mates?Jesus,bigstep.I’mnotdismissingit.ButIthinkweshouldgettoknoweachotherbetterfirst.”
Justicewincedinwardly.Howfriggin’lame.

“Iagree.”Xavierleanedinandkissedhim.TheelectricchargethatshotthroughJusticeatthe

gentlepressureofXavier’swarmlipsstunnedhim.Justicemoanedanddeepenedthekiss,andhiscock
grewhard.God,heachedforthisguy.

“Layback.Letmetouchyou.LetmeshowyouhowmuchIcare.Iwillbegentle,Ipromise.Let

me...loveyou.”Xavierwhispered.

JusticeslammedhiseyesshutsoXaviercouldnotseetheyearninginthem.Noone,inallhisfifty-

tworough-and-tumbleyearsoflivinghadeversaidthosewordstohim.Heletthepotent,emotional
wordsseepintotheverymarrowofhisbones.

XavierpeeledoffJustice’sT-shirt,doingitslowlysoasnottoaggravatehisinjuries.Justicelaid

back,hisbreathinguneven.

“Inspiteofthebruisesyouarewonderfullymade,Justice.Stunning,infact.”Xavierlaidgentle

kissesacrosshiscollarbone,andJustice’sinsidesburstintoflames.“Thestrength,thepower.The
surprisingsoftnessofyourgoldenskin.”Xavierexploredfurther,trailinghishandsacrossJustice’supper
chest,caressinghischesthair.XavierleanedinandclampedhismouthonJustice’sleftnipple.The
sensationnearlyliftedhimoffthebed.

“Oh,Jeeeesus...”Justicemoaned.
Xaviersuckedharder,histongueflickingthenippleintopebbledhardness.“Soresponsiveand

passionate.”Xavier’svoice,softandsensual,madethehairsonthebackofJustice’sneckstandonend.
Whilestillsucking,Xaviermovedhishandslower,acrossJustice’sstomachtothewaistbandofhis
jeans.Coolairhithishardenedcock.XavierhadunzippedJustice’sjeans,andsincehewentcommando,
hisjunkwasonfulldisplay.

Sittingupright,Xaviersmiled.“Big.Beautiful.AsIknewyouwouldbe.”
“Allshiftersarebig,nosurprisethere,”Justicegarbled.
“Maybe.Butyouarereallyhard—formeandnooneelse.Ilikethat,”Xaviermurmuredashe

pulledJustice’sjeansdownfarenoughtogaingreateraccess.“I’mgoingtosuckthisgorgeouscock.Suck
youuntilyoucomeinmymouth.”

“Oh,Christ.Yeah.Doit.Doitnow.”
“Iwill.First,Iwanttosavoreveryinchofyourskin.”Xavierstraddledhim,sittinguprighton

Justice’supperthighs.“AmIhurtingyou?AmItooheavy?”

“Shit,no.”Pain?Whatpain?AllJusticecouldfeelwasexquisite,excruciatingdesire.Hisentire

bodythrummedwithawarenessandneed.

Xavierleaneddownandbegantokiss,lick,andtasteJustice’sentiretorso.Hedidn’tleaveany

partofJustice’sskinuntouched.Noonehadevergivenhimthiskindofconcentratedattentionbefore.No
one.Thetimeshehadsexusuallyconsistedoffast,hard,andquick.Theshifterway.Hell,hisway.No
foreplay.Noloving.Nolinkbeyondtheobviousphysicalone.

Howmuchtimepassed,Justicehadnowayofknowing,exceptthesundefinitelylaylowerinthe

sky.Xaviermadelovetohim,awakeningemotionsandsensationsJusticehadneverexperiencedbefore.
WhenXavier’smouthfinallyclosedoverthecapofhiscock,nowstrainingpasttheforeskin,Justice
yelledoutaraggedcryoftorment.Grippinghimtightattheroot,Xavierdovein,takinghimdeepand
twistingthebasewhilehesuckedandlickedforallitsworth.Justice’sballswereabouttoexplode.No
waycouldhelast,hiswickwaslit.Goforit.GrabbingahandfulofXavier’slonghairtoholdhishead
steady,Justicethrusthishipsup,gruntingwiththeeffort.Sure,hisbruisedbodyscreamedinprotest,but
hedidn’tgiveashit.

“Takeitall.Suckme.”Justicehardlyrecognizedhisownvoice.Gravellyanddemanding,andwhen

Xaviermoanedinresponse,thatdidit.ThefloodgatesopenedandJusticecamesohardhesawstars.
Friggin’stars.Socaughtupinhisownrelease,hehadn’tnoticedXavierhadloosenedhisownjeansand
pumpedhisowncockwhilehesuckedJustice’s.

Xavierlickedhimupandswalloweditall,thencriedoutwithhisownrelease,hiscumpouring

overhishandandontothebed.Heshudderedandshook,thecordsinhisneckstrainingfortheeffort.He
floppeddownnexttoJustice,pantingandtryingtocatchhisbreath.

Whattosay?Justicecouldhardlycatchhisownbreath.Bestdamnedblowjob—ever.
Xaviersnuggledinclose,layinghisheadonJustice’sshoulder.“Ihaveabeefstewintheslow

cooker,shouldbereadysoon.”

Justicecouldgetusedtothis.Beefstewandablowjob.Lifecouldn’tgetmuchbetter.

ChapterSix

Itwasnearseveno’clockbythetimetheysatdowntosupper.Theyhadcuddledforacoupleof

hoursasthesunsetanddarknessspreadthroughthecabin.Xavierhadneverdonethatbefore,notjustthe
cuddling,buttheextendedforeplay.Soamazing,heloveditandwantedtodoitagain.Hehadopeneda
bottleofredwinetohavewiththestew,soherefilledJustice’sglassalongwithservingupsecond
portionsforthemboth.

“Canyoutellmesomethingaboutyourself?Iwanttoknow,Justice.”
Justicesatupstraight,hisshouldersrigid.“There’snothingmuchtotell.I’venoideawhomyfather

is.Mymothergavebirthtomeandleftmewithanoldercouplewhosecubswerelonggone.IwishI
couldsaytheywerelovingandkind,buttheyweren’t.”Hesippedhiswineandfrowned.“Idon’treally
wanttogetintomychildhood,theneglectandthebeatings.WhenIcameintomyanimalandwasableto
shift,Ileftandneverlookedback.Beenonmyownsince.”

AsXavierhadfeared.HisheartachedforJustice.Butwashisownchildhoodanybetter?Atleast

hehadhismotheruntiltheageoftwelve.She’dbeenlovingandcaring,andwhenshediedandhewas
placedintoBriana’scare,thechangeshockedhissystem.Brianatoleratedhim,nothingelse.Stilldid.No
affection,becausewhatlittleshepossessedshegavetoRex.Brianafirmlybelievedintheprideway,
alpha,toughanddominant,allthethingsXavierwasnot.Afterthestoveincident,hismotherandBriana
hadahugefight,intheiranimalformsnoless.Hismothereventhreatenedtoleave.Xavieroftenwished
shehad.Buthismotherconcededthefightandtheystayed.He’dneverbeensureofthereason.He
dismissedtheunpleasantmemoriesandreturnedhisfocustoJustice.

“Wheredoyoulive?”Xavierasked.
“OnRoute7,headingtowardtheEasternShore.Ihaveabungalowsittingonafairsizepieceof

propertyshelteredbytreesandnotfarfromthebeach.It’squietandprivate,justwhatIlike.”

Xaviersmiled.“Soundswonderful.Isthatwhereyougrowtheweed?”
Justiceshrugged.“Nope.Tooclosetothehighway.Idoitupbackinthewoodsawayfromprying

eyes.”

“Isthathowyoumakeyourliving?Whatdoyoudo?Orwhathaveyoudone?”
Justicestaredathim.“Whyinhelldoyoucare?Howdoyoumakealiving?Orisitabigsecret?”
Justicesoundedtestyandannoyed.Xaviermust’veprobedtoodeep.Gettingclosetothisbrooding,

moodyroguewouldnotbeeasy.“Mymotherleftmesomemoney.Iliveofftheinvestmentdividend.I’ll
grantyou,Idon’tneedmuch.IalsogetasmallstipendfromMCbusiness.”

“IthoughtyouhadnothingtodowiththeMC?”Justiceglaredathimwithnarrowedeyes.
“Idon’t.”
“Sowhat’s‘MCbusiness’?”
Xavier’sinneralarmbegantobuzzlowandinsistentonceagain.WhywasJusticeaskingthese

questions?Heremainedsilent,notsurewhattosay.

“Iassumedrugs,sinceyouofferedtobuymyweed.Whatelse?”Justicecontinued.“Comeon,don’t

besodamnedcoy.Youwanttoknowallaboutme,butwon’tponyupinformationaboutyourself?Hardly
fair.”

“Smugglingguns.Granted,thereisn’texactlyahugemarketinCanada,butweshipmostofittothe

States.Wearepartofalargedistributingchainforillegalfirearms.It’slucrative,withminimalrisk.
NovaScotiabeingsurroundedbywatercomesinhandyforsmugglingofallsortsofthings.Illegalliquor

andcigarettes.TheMChasahandinthat,too.”Rexwouldskinhimaliveifheknewwhathehadjust
revealed.Maybehewasbeingstupid.Maybehedidn’tcare.Maybehehadfallenalittleinlovewith
Justicethisafternoonandwantedtoshare...everything.
****

Justicefoughttokeephisfaceneutral.HewouldbetdollarstoTimHortondoughnutsthatthe

numerouscorrugatedtinshedshehadseendeepinthewoodsheldsomeofthecontrabanditems.“You’ve
gotasweetset-uphere.Youprobablywillneverwanttoleave.”

Xaviercaughthisgazeandheldit.“Iwouldiftherightmanaskedme.”
Shit.Justicehadnoideahowtoplaythis.Continuetheruse?Seducehimuntilherevealedmore?

Orcomeclean?ByXavier’sownwords,hewasnotinvolvedintheday-to-dayrunningofthingsand
probablydidn’tevenknowiftheywerehidingMunsonsomewhere.Ifhedid,itwouldmeanrattingonhis
stepbrother.XavierapparentlylovedRex,buttheywerenotclose.Shit.Shit.Shit.

“Xavier,I’mnotthemanforyou.I’matemperamentalprickwhodoesn’tknowhowtogiveor

share...anything.LikethatsongbyHinder,“BetterthanMe.”Youdodeservebetterthanme.”Especially
afterallthelies.Yeah.Thelyricsfitthissituation.

“Iknowthesong.Icanplayitforyourightnow,it’sonmyiTunes.”XavierslammedhisiPhoneon

thetable.“Ialsoknowmyownmind.Getthis.Idon’tcare.Webelongtogether.I’mfallingforyouandam
notashamedtosayit.I’m...”

Justicedidn’tlethimfinish,ashehadshotfromhischairsofastitfellover.GrabbingXavier,he

broughthimtohisfeetandkissedhim,cuttingofftherestofhissentence.HeclaspedXavier’snape,
fistinghislonghairwhilehistongueprobeddeeperintoXavier’shot,lushmouth.

Thekissgrewfranticandrough.Xaviermoanedandkissedhimback,theirtonguescurledaround

eachother.Withaswiftmovement,heturnedXavieruntilheleanedagainsthischest.Justicewhispered
inhisear,“Iwant...tofuckyou.”HegraspedXavier’schinandheldhimstillwhilerollinghiships
againstXavier’sbacksohecouldfeeleverylong,thick,throbbinginchofhiscock.“Iwanttopossess
andmarkyou.Makeyoumine.Butforthefirsttimeinmydamned,miserablelife...Iwanttotakemytime.
Savor.Taste.Make...love.Onlyyou,Xavier.Onlyyou.Nooneelse.Noworever.”

Xaviergasped.That’swhenJusticefeltthewetnesshithisfingers.Tearsweretrailingdown

Xavier’scheeksanddrippingoffhischin.SomethinghitchedinJustice’schest.Something...shiftedand
opened,lettinginlightandlove.Theintenseemotionsintheroomwerealmosttoomuchtoendure.

“Don’t...cry.Forshit’ssake.”Justicemurmuredasheswipedawaythetrailofmoisturefrom

Xavier’scheeks.

“Youloveme,Justice.IhearitinyourvoiceandIhearitinyourwords.Wearemates.Weare

one.”

Whydenyit?Hisownbodyachedforthisman.Sodidhisheartandsoul.“Yeah.One.”
“Ihaven’thadsexinclosetotwoyears,”Xavierwhispered.
“I’lltakeitslow.Makeyoureadyforme.I’vegotcondomsinmypackonmybike...”
“Wedon’tneedthem.Shiftersdon’tpassonsexuallytransmitteddiseasesanyway.Besides,Iwant

youtocomeinsideme.Fillme.Markme.”

Justicegroaned.Heofferedtherubbersassomeshifterspreferredthem,especiallythefemaleones,

forobviousreasons,butsomemalesdidn’tlikeanothershifter’scuminsidethem.Itwastoopossessive.
Whatever.JusticenevercaredandhewasrelievedXavierdidn’teither.“Thenlet’sgotobed.”
****

Howcouldhislifechangesomuchinaday?Butithad.Xavierheadeddownanunknownpathand

wasgladofit.Theyhadlotstotalkabout.XavierhadthefeelingtherewasalotJusticehadn’ttoldhim.

AndhisinnerguttoldhimJusticeliedabouthisreasonforbeinghere.Lies.Howmany?Whatwerethey
andwhydidJusticetellthem?

Firstthingsfirst.They’dmoreorlessadmittedtheyweremates,destinedtobetogether.Nowthey

wouldsealthedeal—atleastphysically.ThankstotheUmbra,therewouldbeamountainofpaperwork
tobefilledout,aceremonywheretheywouldspeakthevowsofmates.Thatwouldallcomelater.
Hopefully.Whyinterruptthisheatedandintensemomentwithalotofconversation?

JusticepulledoffXavier’sT-shirtandtosseditaside.“Doyouhavelube?”heasked,asexysmile

curvingaboutmouth.

“Why,doyouhavethatoutinyourbikepack,too?”Xavierreplied.
Justicelaughedathisquestion.
“Yes.Ido.Inthedrawerbythebed.I’vebeenusingitformyownbusiness.”
JusticeunzippedXavier’sjeans,thenpushedthemdownuntilXaviersteppedoutofthemand

kickedthemaside.Boxerbriefsnext.Justicestoodback,hisgazemovingoverXavier’snakedbodylike
asearchlight.“Damn.Bigandbeautiful.Andallmine.”

“Yes.Yours.Takeoffyourclothes,”Xavierdemanded.Justicegavehimaslowstrip-tease,

revealinghismuscularbodyinincrements,rampingupXavier’sarousal.HegaveJusticeanadmiring
look.“Talkaboutbigandbeautiful.Areyouupforthis?Theribsandbruises...”

Justicecuppedhischeeks,leanedinandnuzzledhisneck,rubbinghisheadagainsthisshoulder.

“AsIsaid,we’lltakeitslow.Don’tworryaboutme.”
****

AfterlayingXavieronthebed,Justicebeganhisexplorationofeverysculptedangleoftheman’s

beautifulbody.Justicedidn’thavemuchexperiencetodrawnonwithregardtoslowlovemaking,sohe
recalledhowXavierhadworshippedhisbodyearlier.Nuzzlingandlickingweretwowaysalionshifter
showedaffection.JusticemadesureheleftnopartofXavier’ssilkenskinuntouched.Withlipsand
tongueandgentlenipswithhisteeth,Justicegloriedinthefeelandscentofhim.

Hehadthemanwrithingandmoaninginnotimeatall,andJustice’sheartswelledwithsatisfaction.

Trailinghistongueovercarvedhipbones,JusticeclaspedXavier’shardcock,givingitafewteasing
strokes.God,hewantedthisinhismouth.Later.Justicedidn’twantXaviertocomeyet.Beingashifter,
hecouldbereadytogoagaininnotimeatall,butJusticewantedtheanticipationtobuildforbothof
them.HespreadXavier’slegsandlickedfromXavier’staintallthewayuptheundersideofhiscock,
revelinginthefeelofthepulsatingveinsthatwrappedaroundit.

“Oh...Oh,myGod...”Xaviergroaned.“Suckme,please.”
WhilehedidenjoyhearingthepleadingtoneinXavier’svoice,hewasn’treadytosuckcockjust

yet.WithateasinglickacrossXavier’sballswhichcausedhimtoshudder,Justicereachedforthelube
andgreaseduptwoofhisfingers.Slowly,hegavefeather-likestrokestoXavier’spuckeredhole,causing
themantocryout.Tight,soithadbeenawhile.Itwouldmakethisallthemoreenjoyableforthemboth.

“Sucklater.First...”Justiceslidinonefinger,thenanother,stretchingXavierwithscissor-like

motions.Curlinghisfingers,Justicemovedupwarduntilhefoundthewalnut-sizedprostategland.

“Goon.JerkoffwhileIstimulateyou.Ipromiseitwillbeearth-shattering.”Justicerasped.God,

hewasclosetoblowinghimself.

Xavierdid,andJusticegrewharderashewatchedhisloverbecomecompletelylostinlustwhile

hepumpedhisprick.Xavier’smoansturnedtoharshgruntsandgrowls,ampingupJustice’sownarousal.

Withanagonizedcry,Xaviercame,hisheadbouncingonthepillowwitheachforcefuljerkofhis

cock.CumlandedonXavier’schest.Justicewatchedtheglorioussight.Hehadneverseensomeoneso
undonefromsexualrelease.Justicegavehislover...hismate...satisfactionandcompletegratification.

He’dneverdonethisforanotherbeforeanditfilledhimwithjoy.Hecouldn’twait,evenwithXavier
stillshudderingandmoaning,hehadtohavehim.Now.Justicelubeduphiscockandwhenhisfingers
touchedXavier’sass,Justicecouldn’tholdbackthetorturoussoundfromleavinghisthroat.

“Ineedtobeinsideyou,”JusticegrabbedapillowandslippeditunderXavier’ships.Tiltinghim

upwardwouldensurehiscockmadecontactwithXavier’sprostate.Thoughhelongedforhisown
release,hedesiredtogiveXaviermorepleasure.Thered,swollenheadofhisprickpushedinandthe
sensationofbeingclutchedandheldbytheringofmuscleshadJusticenearlyweepingwithgratitudeand
elation.Hetookhistime,anagonizingslowthrustuntilhewasmorethanhalfwayin.

HisinnerbeastwantedtopoundXavier,ridehisassuntiltheybothbrokeintoshards.Instead,he

settledfordeep,lingeringstrokes,makingsureXavierreceivedtotalandcompletesexualbliss.Yeah.
There.Perfect.Justicemovedalittlefaster,hisballsslappingagainstXavierwitheveryplunge.

Xavierwashardagainandclaspedhiscock,strokingintimetoJustice’srhythm.Neitherremained

quiet.Betweenthegrunts,growls,andgroans,theyencouragedeachother.Deeper.Faster.Fuckme.I
loveyourcockinsideme.Possessingme.Ilove...you.Throughhislust-filledhaze,Justicecouldn’tbe
sureheheardthewordscorrectly.DidXaviersaytheL-word?No,heimaginedit.Noonesaidthose
wordstohim.Neverhaveandneverwould.

Regardlessifheheardthewordsornot,theysparkedJusticetounchartedheightsofecstasy.Helet

hisinnerbeastfreeandthelovemakingturnedintoafranticfuckofepicproportions.Xavierdidn’tseem
tomindasheliftedhishipsandmeteveryforcefulplunge.Sweatrolledinrivuletsdownthevalleyof
Justice’sspine.Xavierwascoveredinathinsheenofperspirationaswell.Intense.Raw.Wild.A
claiming.AswirlingmixtureofcolorsswaminJustice’svisionandwithoutwarning,heshudderedwith
hisoff-the-chartsorgasm.HepumpedintoXavier,fillinghim.Possessinghim.Secondslater,Xavier
criedoutandcumseemedtobeflyingeverywhere.Okay,anexaggerationmaybe,butstill.Intense.

Justicehadtoadmit,thoughexhaustedandeverymusclescreamedinprotestfromhisinjuriesand

hissexualexertions,hefeltfuckingfantastic.HeloathedleavingXavier,butslowlypulledout.Standing
onrubberylegs,hegrabbedtheboxoffacialtissuesfromthenighttableandbegantocleanthemup.

Xavierwatched,alookofcompletesatisfactiononhisflushedface.“Justice.That...we...Inever,

ever.Ever.”Hewhisperedwithawe.

“Iknow.Meeither.”Andtothinkitcouldonlygetbetter.Iftheywereallowedthechancetotake

thisfurther.Justicehadasickfeelingthiswouldbetheonlytimethey’dshareabed.Sharetheirbodies,
hearts,andsouls.AssoonasXavierfoundoutthetruth,Justiceknewhe’dbeoutonhisass.Guilt
coveredhim.HeshouldhavetoldXavierthetruthbeforetheymadelove.Xavier’slong,leanframelay
beforehimininvitation.Justice’scocktwitched.Hecouldgoagain.Maybeallnight.Helaynextto
Xavier,tryingtocatchinghisbreath,tryingtosorthisfeelings.

“Soconcerningourconversationearlier.Whatisityou’renottellingme?”Xavierasked.
Sighing,hedecidedhewasdonewiththelies.Thenextfewminuteswouldsealhisfate.“I’man

UmbranandI’mheretotakedownPrideofKings.”

ChapterSeven

Thesilenceintheroomwaschilling.Xavierstiffenedinhisembraceandpushedawayfromhimto

theoppositesideofthebed.

“Youusedmetogainaccesstotheproperty.”Xavier’svoicewasflatandgrim.
“Toanextent.Hearmeout.Firstoff?Thisbetweenus?Notfakeinanydamnedway.I’mnotthat

goodofanactor.NoramIabletomanufactureamateconnection.Noshiftercan.Whathappenedbetween
usisreal.Tellmeyouatleastbelievethat.”

Xavierfrownedandsatupright,tossingthesheetacrosshiships.Justicedidaswell.Atleast

Xavierhadn’tbolted...yet.Justiceknewhewastakingahellofachance.Xaviercouldsoundthealarm,
Munsonwouldgetaway,andtheMCcouldexacttheirownjusticeonhim,nodoubtinvolvingbolt
cutters,knives,azipperedbagandashovel.

“Idon’tknowwhattobelieveanymore,”Xaviermurmured.“I’mawarethemateconnectioncan’t

befaked.Wehaveit,whichmakesthisallthemoretragic.”Hepausedandthenfrowned.“Getoutofmy
house.”

Justiceshookhishead.“No.NotuntilyouhearwhatIhavetosay.”
Xavierwavedhishandinsupposeddisinterest.“Makeitquick.”
“Doyouhavesomeonestayinghere,inhiding,aWerewolfnamedPerryMunson?”
Xavierglaredathimlikehehadsproutedhorns.“No.ButItoldyouIdon’tknoweverythingthat’s

goingon.See,atleastIwashonestwithyou.”

Justicebegantolosehistemper.“I’mbeinghonestnow,goddamnit.Munsoniswantedforthe

attemptedmurderofKillianMcNamee,andalsofortradingillegaldogshiftersforbreedingandsexual
purposes.WehavereasontobelievetheMCisinvolved.”

Xavier’sjawdroppedopen.“Slaves?Ican’tbelieveit.Iwon’tbelieveit.Ihaven’theardaword

ofthis.AndwhoinhellisKillianMcNamee?”

Shit.Howtoexplainthistangledweboffamily,mates,andcomrades?“Er...Killisthemateofyour

Dhampirgreat-great-grandfather,TorinStone.TorinisontheHighCouncilandthesourceforyour
family’svariouslevelsofVampireblood.That’swhatyoumeantwhenyousaidyouhave‘taintedblood’,
right?”

Xaviernodded,clearlyinadaze.
“I’mnotonlyanundercovershadowhunter,butalsoamemberoftheStoneCoalition,which

includesyourfatherandhismate,Kill’sbrother,Daric.AlsoanUmbran.Confusedyet?”

Xavierrubbedhiseyesandpinchedthebridgeofhisnose.“My...father.That’swhyhecamehere.

Nottomeetus—hissons—buttocasethejoint.AndI’llbethelaidthebeatingonyousoIwouldtakeyou
in.Wow,EthanStonesizedmeupthatquick?KnewIwouldbeasofttouchandaneasytarget?The
scarredlonerlivinginthecabin.Desperateforaffection.Patheticandneedy.”Xaviershottohisfeetand
pulledonhisjeans.“Iwantyououtofmyhouse.Now.”

Justicescrambledoutofbed,nearlybecomingtangledupinthesheets.Inthreelargestrideshe

caughtuptoXavierandclaspedhisarm,haltinghisexit.Standingbehindhim,Justicewrappedhisarms
aroundXavier,holdinghimstill.Heleanedinandwhispered,“Forgiveme.I’mtellingyouthetruth
becauseafterwhatweshared,Ican’tlietoyouanymore.We.Are.One.Mates.I...I...wantyouinmylife.
You’realreadyinmyheartandsoul.”
****

Witheveryfiberofhisbeing,XavieryearnedtobelieveJustice.Deepdown,hedidn’twanthim

leaving.Xaviermaynothavehadsexmuchthroughtheyears,buthe’dhadenoughtoknowwhatthey’d
sharedwastheraremateconnection.Itmeanteverything.Lifealtering.Soulsearing.Theheartfeltwords
Justicespokeinthatraspy,huskyvoiceofhisresonatedwithtruthanddeepemotion.

Makeachoice.Throwhimoutoragreetowhatheoffered.IfheacceptedJustice,Xavierwouldbe

rejectingtheonlylifehe’deverknownandplacinghisfamilyandMCinharm’sway.TheUmbranwas
nottobemessedwith.Theycouldteartheclubapart,grindthemintothedirt,andnotlookback.

“Talktome,forshit’ssake.Tellmewhatyou’refeelingandthinking.HaveIlostyou?”Justice

soundedworried.Vulnerable.Xavierhadthefeelingit’sthefirsttimeJusticeexperiencedtheseemotions.

“Idon’tknow.Howcanyouloseme?We’vebarelyknowneachotherforforty-eighthours.Thisis

happeningtoofast...”

Justicegrippedhimtighter.“Itcanhappenswiftly.Youknowthis.Sothat’snoexcuse.Itwon’t

wash.”

Justice’shard-onproddedhisback,hisscentcoveringandarousinghim.Xaviercouldn’tlie.Not

aboutthis.“Youhaven’tlostme.ButI’mtostandbywhileyoutearmylifeapart?TheonlylifeI’veever
known...”

“TheMCisbreakingUmbralawsandafewhumanones,too.They’renotinnocent.They’re

harboringthefugitiveMunson.Atleast,that’swhatourintelsays.Andiftheyareinvolvedinthissex-
slavering...Ineedconfirmation.Letmegetthat,atleast.I’llshiftandexploretheproperty...”

XavierpulledawayfromJusticeandhelethimgo.“Ononecondition.TheotherMCactivitiesare

offlimits.I’llfindoutiftheWereishereandifheis,youdealwithonlythememberswhoharboredhim.”

“Andwhatiftheclubisinvolvedintheslavering?”Justicedemanded.“I’mtogivethemapass?”
Xavierranhishandthroughhishairinfrustration.“Notforthat...no.Buteverythingelse.Theguns,

thedrugs...whatever.Off.Limits.”

Justicepacedbackandforth,quiteasightinhisnaked,arousedstate.Xaviercouldnothelpbut

admirehispotentpresence.“Okay,IthinkIcanmakethatwork.I’llevengivetheclubapassfor
harboringanUmbrafugitive.Buttheslavering?IftheMCisinvolved,I’mtakingthemdown.Hard.A
memberofourcoalition,Dane,escapedfrombeingusedinillegalbreeding.He’saGreatDaneshifter,a
goodguy,andamateofoneofyourdistantcousins,HudsonSummer,alsowiththeUmbran.Hedidn’t
deservewhathappened.Noneofthedogshiftersdo.SoI’mgoingscorchedearthifIfindproof.Justso
youknow.”

Xavierwincedattheharshwords,butunderstoodwhereJusticecamefrom.Heevenadmiredhim

forit.Underthecircumstances,heknewhewouldforgivehimforthefabrications.Justicedidn’tlieabout
whatreallycounted.Likewhatwasbetweenthem.“Iagree.Slaveryforbreedingandsexisdisgusting.
Scorchedearthitis.Onlyletmehavealookaroundinsteadofyou.Theguardsareusedtomegoingfora
runnowandthen.They’llrecognizeme.I’lllookforthisMunson.Whatdoeshelooklike?”

“Bighairybastard.Ugly,bluntfeatures.Can’tmisshim,lookstheexactoppositeofalionshifter.”
Xavierpulledoffhisjeansandstoodnaked.“Staybythedoor.IfIneedyou,I’llroar,longand

loud.I’llbecareful.”

Justicepulledhimintoafierceembrace.“Damnright,you’llbecareful.Thisguyisunpredictable.

SomemembersoftheStoneCoalitionarejustminutesaway.Onecallfrommeandotherunitswillmove
inontheremainderofMunson’spackandafewjackalswehaveundersurveillanceinthecity.”

XavierlingeredinJustice’sprotectionandwarmthforafewminuteslonger,thensteppedback.

Withafewsecondsofconcentration,heshifted.HepaddedovertoJusticeandrubbedhisheadagainst
theman’snakedthigh,thendartedhistongueouttolickhim.

“God,you’rebeautiful,”Justicewhisperedwithwhatsoundedlikeawe.Hetunneledhislarge

fingersthroughXavier’sfur.Justicetouchinghimwhileinhislionformmadehimpurr.Justiceopenedthe
screendoorandXaviersteppedoutside.HeturnedtolookatJusticestandinginthedoorway,snarled
withoutmalice,andtookoffthroughthethicket.

Runningthroughthewoods,Xavierreveledinthecool,autumnairrufflinghismane,thefeelof

twigsandstonesunderhispaws.Hebreatheddeep,takinginallthescentsoftheforestandofhisMC.He
wishedwitheverythinghebelievedinthattheclubwasnotinvolvedinthisslaveryring.WouldRexsink
tosuchlevels?Hardtosay.Briana,hewouldbelieve.Hisfostermotherwasahard,unfeeling,
tough...broad?Dame?Bitch?Thewordsfither.ShewouldgivematriarchGemmaTellerfromthe
televisionshow,SonsofAnarchy,pause.

RaisedvoicespulledhisthoughtsfromBriana.Rexandsomeonehedidn’trecognize.Xavier

slowed,carefulnottobeheard.RexstoodonthestoopofastructureXavierthoughtwasusedforstorage.
LeaningagainstthedoorframewasanuglybastardastallasRex,butbroaderifthatwerepossible.He
hadlongishbrownhairandafullbeardandsmall,crueleyes.Helookedangry.

“Ican’tstayhereforever!Whenissomeonefrommypackgoingtocall?”
Munson.Hadtobe.
“Keepyourgoddamnedvoicedown.Itwasn’tmyideatohideyouhere.Butmymothersaysyou’re

vitaltoourbusiness,sosittightandstopyourwhining.”

“I’msickofwatchingtelevision.Givememyphoneandlaptopback.”
“Nointernet,noGPS.You’reluckyyou’vegotaTV,”Rexsnapped.
“Foodsucks,too.I’msickoffrozendinners.I’malsocomingoutofmyskin.Ineedsomething...to

fuck.”Munsongrowled.“Gotanycubsaround?”

XavierhadtosuppresstheurgetoroarandripthisWeretoshreds.Rexclaspedhishandsaround

Munson’sthroat.“YoustayawayfromeveryoneintheMCorIwillpersonallypullyourgutsupthrough
yourslitthroatandtietheminabow.SuppressyoursickurgesorI’llcutoffyourWerecockandnailitto
thisdoor.Understand?”

AdmirationforRexkickedupanotchortwo.Good.Hisstepbrotherhadsomemorals,atleast.For

allhisarrogantassholeswagger,RexdidcareabouttheMC.Andhisfamily.

“Don’tgethighandmightywithme,Leonne,”Munsonrasped.“Yourclubisinthisuptotheir

necks.”

RexletgoofMunson.“Ihadnoideaabouttheslaves.Iwastoldweweredealingcrystalmethwith

yourpack.”

Munsonrubbedhisneck.“Guessmommydoesn’ttellherlittleboyeverything.She’sgotmoreballs

thanyou’lleverhave.Ishouldknow,I’vehadherandmorethanonce.Infact,sendmomdown,I’llfuck
herinstead.It’llbringbackoldandinterestingmemories.”

MunsonandBriana?Yuck.
Rexstood,seethingandclenchinghisfists.Foronce,Xavierwishedhisbrotherwouldgofull-

alphalionandshutthisguyuppermanently.RexwasabouttospeakwhentheWereliftedhisheadgiving
theairasniff.

“Someone’shere.”

ChapterEight

Justice,nowdressed,pacedbackandforthbytheslightlyopenfrontdoor.Severalagonizing

minuteshadgoneby.WhatpossessedhimtoallowXaviertoreconnoiterthecompound?Andwhat
possessedhimtobarehisownsoulthewayhedid?Vulnerabilitywasnotsomethingheexperienced
much.Asin—never.Alonemostofhislife,Justiceremainedcoldanddetached,asitcameinhandyinhis
lineofwork.Itbecamepartofhisbeing.OnenightwithXavierandthosewalls,whichtookyearsto
construct,cametumblingdownliketheyweremadeofpaper.

Throughtheyears,inhismanydealingwithshiftersofallsorts,he’dheardtalkofthemate

connectionandhowquickitcouldtakehold.Howpotentandrawtheemotionscouldbe.Justicehad
chalkedalotofituptoexaggerationorbraggingonthepartofthosewhobecamecaughtupinit.Noway
couldsomethinglikethathappen.Nottohim,atanyrate.

Butithad.Anditchangedeverything.Everythinghethoughthewasandwhathebelievedin.Justice

rubbedhischest.Hisheartached.Hewasn’tusedtothis.Ithurt.Justfuckinghurtalltohell.

Aloud,clearroarcutthroughthecoolnightair.Xavier.Hastobe.Justiceflippedopenhisphone

anddialedEthan.“Youguysgetyourasseshere,now.Comeinwithgunsandfangsblazing.From
Xavier’scabin,headduenorth.You’llhearthecommotion.”Hesnappedthephoneshutandtossediton
thechair.Stripping,heimmediatelyshiftedandansweredXavier’sroarwithoneofhisown.Pushingthe
screendooropenwithhishead,heranintothewoods.
****

Xavierbackedupabit,hopinghecouldleaveundetected,butit’shardtomissafourhundred

poundlionevenhiddeninthebushes.Sotohellwithit,heraisedhisheadtothestarsandletablood-
curdlingroargo.Nodoubthewouldbeheardformorethanafewkilometers.Toodamnedbad.He
steppedoutofthefoliage.

“Whothehellisthat?”Munsonpointed.
“X,thisdoesn’tconcernyou.Gobacktoyourcabinandmindyourownbusiness.”Rexyelled.
Xaviershiftedtohishumanform.“Toolate.Iheardenough.Whoisthis?Doesn’thavethelookof

ananimalshifter.Someothercreature?”

“Imeanit,X,leave.”
“YouwantedmetobecomeinvolvedmoreinMCbusiness,sohereIam.”
Munsonbegantotakeoffhisclothes.“Forgetyourmother,I’lltakethisguyforafuckbuddy.He

shouldkeepmeoccupiedmostofthenightandtomorrow,too.”

Rexsnarled.“Leavemybrotheralone.”
“Brother?Makesthisallthemoreinteresting.”
Aloud,roughroarcutthroughtheconversationandstoppeditcold.
“Idon’trecognizethecall.Whoisit,X?What’sgoingon?”Rexquestioned.
Meanwhile,Munsonhadfinishedremovinghisclothesandbonescrackedandmovedunderhisskin

ashebeganhistransitionintoaWerewolf.Werescouldn’tchangeasquicklyasshifters,adecided
disadvantage,butoncetheychangedintotheirWere,theywereasnastyanddangerousasanycreaturein
theUmbra.

Xavierwouldbedamnedifhewouldwait.Heshiftedand,withaspringingleap,sailedthroughthe

airandknockedMunsondowninmid-transition.Tempingasitwastotearoutthisguy’sthroat,Xavier
understoodtheUmbranwantedthisassholealive.XavierplacedhispawsonMunson’schestanddidn’t

seetheslashcoming.Munson’shandshadhalf-turnedintoclawsandthenailsrackedacrossXavier’s
face,justmissinghiseye.Thecutsweredeepandbledprofusely.
****

ItwasthatexactmomentJusticeburstfromthetrees.WhenMunsonclawedXavier,everything

withinhimturnedtofiery,hotrageandallhesawwascrimson.

Kill.Tearhimapart.
Hismatewasindangerandeveryprotectiveinstinctinhimroaredtothesurface.Hepouncedand

whilemid-air,heheardashot.Thenheheardnothingandblacknessdescended.

Justicefloatedinandoutofconsciousness.Heheardfragmentsofconversationasthestar-filled

skyabovespunatanalarmingrate.

“...Rex,whydidyoushoothim?Hewastryingtohelpme!”
“...howwasItoknow?Whois...?”
Morevoices.Ethanandothers.Confusion.Brianascreamingandcursingasshewasledawayin

cuffsbyDaric.Munsontiedandgagged,strugglinginhisbonds,buttonoavail.DaneandHudsonhad
him.Good.Darknesscoveredhimagain.Nexttimeheopenedhiseyes,Xavierwasinhislineofvision,
holdinghishand.GuessIshiftedbackatsomepoint.Hmm.MoremembersoftheMCwerealsoled
away,includingRex.Heheldhischinhigh,defianttotheend.

SeeingtheopencutsonXaviersenthisheartpoundinginfear.“Your...face...”hecroaked.
Xavierclutchedhishandtighter.“What’sanotherscarorthree?Hangtight.EthanhasanUmbran

doctoronroute.”

“Where...amIshot?”Hecouldn’ttell,hefeltnumb.Shit,thatcouldn’tbeagoodthing.Atleasthe

couldtalkandwassomewhatcognizant.Whatmedicalknowledgehedidhavereassuredhimhisoutlook
wasnotcompletelybleak.

“Theleg.Itdidn’thitamajorartery,soall’sgood.”XaviertookJustice’shandandnuzzledit

againsthischeek.“God,whenyouhittheground...IhopeIneverexperiencethatagain.IthoughtI’dlost
you.Ican’tbearit.Iloveyou,Justice.”

Ethanstoodnearby.Thoughheraisedaneyebrowattheexchange,hesaidnothing.
“Iloveyou,too.WitheverythingIam.”Justicefelthimselfdriftingoffagain.Lastthinghe

remembered?Xaviertenderlykissinghishand.
****

Justiceopenedhiseyesandwincedatthebrightsunpouringinthroughthewindows.Ittooka

momenttoorienthimselfandrealizehewasbackinXavier’sbed.Alone.

“Awake?”
Ethan,sittinginachairnexttohim,helduphisheadandlethimdrinkfromabottleofcoldwater.

Hedrankhalfofitdown.Sweetrelief.Justicelookedabouttheroom.Theywerealone.Hewasnaked,
halfcoveredbyasheet,hisinjuredlegbandagedandrestingontwopillows.

“BeforeIcallXavierin,we’rehavingatalk.Oratleast,I’lldomostofthetalking.Tobringyouup

tospeed,thestingwentoffwithoutahitch.Well,exceptforyoubeingshotandXavierattackingMunson.”

Hetriedtositup,butEthanhelduphishandtohalthim.
“He’sfine,mightnotevenleavescarsthoughonecutrequiredafewstitches.Thedocgavehima

tetanusshotaswellforgoodmeasure.”

Justiceexhaledinreliefandlaybackdown.
“TorinandKillsupervisedthearrestsoutsideofHalifaxatthejackalcompound.”Ethancontinued.

“Wefoundpupsofalldogbreeds.Theslaveringisnomore.AndTorinhasmanagedtosetupan
immediatehearingtohavethosestupidcollaringlawsondogshifterslifted.Theywillsoonbefreeto

liveandloveliketherestofusintheUmbra.Also,itlooksasthoughKillwillbereinstatedbackintothe
Umbran.Goodnews.”

Justicenodded.Goodisright.Tobehonest,beforehebecamepartofthecoalitionhedidn’tgive

dogshiftersmuchthought.Theywereintheminorityasfarasshifterswentandtheweakestofthebunch.
Theyweretreatedterribly,keptsecludedonreservations,theirbreedingcontrolledandtheirmovements
monitored.Umbrarightsdidn’tapplytothem.Bestthingthatcouldhappenwouldbetohaveallthoseold
restrictionsandlawsrescinded.

“Munson’sincustody.TorinandKillidentifiedhimasoneoftheWeresthatattackedthem

downtown.Oneofthejackalsalsofingeredhimforthetradingandabuseofthepups.Therestofhispack
—ofwhichonlyafewstragglersremained—wereobliterated.TheMunsonpackisnomore.”

“Yeah.Wedidsomegood.”Justicecroaked.
“Thatwedid,mybrother.”
“And...AndtheMC?”
Ethanfrowned.“Yeah.Xavierispesteringmyass,sayingyougaveassurancesregardingtheclub.Is

thattrue?”

“Yeah.I...Idon’tthinktheyallknewwhatwasgoingon...”
“SoXsays.HeclaimsRexhadnoideaaboutthetradingofslaves.Maybe.Theothersintheclub

arenottalking,includingRex.Infact,Ithinkhisexactwordstomewere‘gofuckyourself.’Lovelylad.”

“He’syourson,allright.”
Ethansnorted.“Yeah.SoI’mtolethimgo,andhe’llgorightbackintohisillegalactivitieslike

nothingeverhappened.SamewithSpadeandtheothers?That’salottoask.”

“WhatdoesXavierwant?”
Ethanrubbedhiswhiskeredchin.“Heclaimshe’llagreetowhateveryousay.Soit’sallonyou,

Justice.Yourcall.TheUmbranusuallylookedtheotherwaywithregardtoshifterclubsandassociations
involvedinsmuggling.Shiftershavetomakealiving.Aslongasitdidn’tharmothers,shiftersand
humansincluded,weletitpass.Wecandosoagain.IfPrideofKingswantstocontinueunderparameters
wesetout,I’venoproblemwithit,doyou?”

Justicethoughtaboutit.HedidpromiseXavier.Also,Ethanwasright,shiftershadtoeat.
“Drugsareout,exceptweed.”
Ethannodded.“Soundslikeaplan.Theguns?”
GunswerenotabigcommodityinCanada.Justnotinthenation’scharacterasawhole.And

tradingtotheStates?Addingtotheproblemsdowntheredidn’tsitwellwithhim.“Noguns.”

“Done.Abouttimetheyopenedalegitbusinessanyway.Agarage.Arecyclingdepot.”
Justicelaugheduntilhisribshurt.Hecouldn’tpictureRexandtherestsortingbottlesandcans.He

sobered.“WhataboutBriana?”

Ethan’sfeatureshardened.“She’sgoingdown.Shetraffickedinslavesforsexandbreeding

purposesandshe’sgoingtopay.WhyIeverbecameinvolvedwithherallthoseyearsago...”Ethan
lookedoff.“Shewasalwaysahardcase,butIdon’trecognizethewomanshe’sbecome.I’mgoingto
makesuresheservesthemaximumpenaltyforallthecharges.”

“Rexwon’tlikeit.”
“Toughshit.Hehatesmeanyway.Abouttimehelearnedwhatamonsterhismotheris.Ormaybehe

knowsanddoesn’tcare.Whatever.”Ethanshruggedasifhewasindifferent,butJusticeknewdeepdown
Ethan,thestonecoldbeast,feltplenty.“Anyway,what’supwithyouandX?”

“Man,Idon’tknowhowtodescribewhathappened.Itwaslike...bam.Neverexperiencedsuch

intenseemotionsbefore.”

Ethannodded.“Youdon’thavetotellme.So...mates?”
Justice’sheartsqueezedinhischest.“Yeah,”hewhispered.“Mates.IlovehimwitheverythingIam

orhopetobe.”

Ethansqueezedhisshoulderashestood.“Good.Youbothdeservehappiness.I’llsendhimin.We

hadalongtalk,XandI.Ithinkwe’regoingtogetalongfine.Ifhewantstojoinourcoalition,I’dbe
proudtohavehim.Letmeknowwhatyoubothdecide.”

Shit.Tearsweregatheringonhislashesandalumpformedinhisthroat.Hewasn’tusedtopublic

displaysofemotion.Ethanmust’vesensedit,becausehegavehimareassuringpatandthenexitedthe
room.

Justicelayalone,deepinthought.Alothadhappened.Alottotakein.Anewchapterlayopenfor

everyoneinthecoalition.WouldXavierwanttojoinhim?Itwouldmeangivinguphisquietlifehere
withtheMC.Beingpartofthecoalitionmeanttheguyswouldbearoundquiteabit,notonlyregarding
work,butsociallyaswell.IthadtakenJusticeawhiletogetusedtoit.Hell,hestillwasn’tusedtoit.
HowwouldalonerlikeXavierfeelaboutthewhole“bandofshifterbrothers”thing?Abigchange.After
allthis,Justicecouldn’tseeXavierwantingtoremainwiththeMC.Orwouldhe?

AllJusticeknew,helovedtheguyandwantedhimwithhim.Somehow,someway,theywouldwork

itout.

ThedooropenedandXaviersteppedacrossthethreshold.HisbandagedfacegaveJustice’shearta

tug.God,helovedthisguy,andwoulduntilhedied.
****

XavierpacednervouslythewholetimehisfatherwasinthebedroomwithJustice.Seeinghimlying

therehelplessdidallsortsofquiverythingstohisinsides.XavieragreedwithEthanabouttakingthe
wholefather-sondynamicslow.EthanalsoexplainedwhatwasaheadfortheMC.Theywouldbeapale
shadowoftheirformerselves,butXavierwasgladmostofthemwouldescapeUmbranjustice.Fornow.

AndhisownJustice?No,hedidn’twanttoescapehimatall.Infact,hedidn’ttellEthanthis,buthe

hadalreadymadethedecisiontoleavetheMCbehind.He’dfollowJusticewherever.Helovedhimthat
much.

HeleanedintokissJusticeonthecheek,buttheshifterwasquick,turningsotheirlipsmetinstead.

Xavierlingered,nibblingonJustice’sfullbottomlip.Whentheybothmoaned,Xavierbrokeaway,not
wantingthingstogofurtherbecauseofJustice’scondition.Hesatontheedgeofthebedandstroked
Justice’scheek.Hecouldn’tkeephishandsoffhim.

“Ethantoldmeyoufixbrokenthings,”Justicemurmured.
“Yes,IsupposeIdo.”
JusticerubbedhischeekagainstXavier’spalm.“Ineverletanyonegetclose.Ishutdownmy

emotionsandwalledupmyheartyearsago.Yourepairedthedamage.You...fixedme.”

Xaviersmiled,andtracedthesmallcriss-crossedscarJusticehadonhischinwiththetipofhis

finger.“I’msoglad.”

“Iwantyouwithme.Iwantyouinmylifeandsharingeverything.ButIdon’twantyoutoleave

if...”

XavierlaidafingeronJustice’slipstosilencehim.“I’mdonewiththeMC.Evenifwe’dnever

met,IthinkI’dbewalkingaway.Thepridelifeisnotforme.There’sonlyonemanIwant...you.Mates,
foraslongaswedrawbreath.We’lldoitproperwhenyou’refullyrecoveredandyourfriendscanbe
theretowitnessit.Ethanalreadymentionedthecoalition.I’dliketojoin.Really,whenyouthinkaboutit,
it’slikeanMC.Tight-knit...family.Iwantthatinmylife,andIwantitwithyou.”

“Iwantittoo.Allofit.Bringthecats,thecrow,whatever.Themorethemerrier.Family.Ilikethe

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