NehalemPack8

AMateatLast

FortwolongyearsBrandonWallacehasavoidedanyandallcontactwithhisfatedmateErikCarsten.WaitingforEriktoturnoflegalage
hasbeentortureforBrandon,andErik’ssnottyattitudehasn’thelpedmattersintheleast,butnomatterthecircumstanceBrandoncan’t
denythelovehefeelsforthelittlebrat.

Erikhasabigheartbutkeepsitshiddenbehindabadattitude.HefeelslikeBrandonabandonedhimwhenErikneededhimthemostand
hasbeentakinggreatpleasureintormentingBrandon,pushingalltherightbuttonstodrivethemaninsane.

BrandonhasfullintentionsofclaimingEriknomatterwhat,butakillerontheloosetargetingyoungmenhastheresidentsofSilverCreek
inastateoffear,derailingBrandon’splans.BrandonmusthelpsolvethemysterybehindthekillingsbeforeErikbecomesthenextvictim.

Genre:

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

Length:

36,016words

AMATEATLAST

NehalemPack8

AJJarrett

EVERLASTINGCLASSIC

MANLOVE

SirenPublishing,Inc.

www.SirenPublishing.com

ABOUTTHEE-BOOKYOUHAVEPURCHASED:

Yournon-refundablepurchaseofthis

e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own
personalcomputerordevice.

Youdonothaveresellordistributionrightswithouttheprior

writtenpermissionofboththepublisherandthecopyrightownerofthisbook.

Thisbook

cannotbecopiedinanyformat,sold,orotherwisetransferredfromyourcomputertoanother
throughuploadtoafilesharingpeertopeerprogram,forfreeorforafee,orasaprizeinany
contest.SuchactionisillegalandinviolationoftheU.S.CopyrightLaw.Distributionofthis
e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method
currentlyknownoryettobeinvented,isforbidden.Ifyoudonotwantthisbookanymore,you
mustdeleteitfromyourcomputer.

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is
illegal.Criminalcopyrightinfringement,includinginfringementwithoutmonetarygain,is
investigatedbytheFBIandispunishablebyupto5yearsinfederalprisonandafineof
$250,000.

IfyoufindaSiren-BookStrande-bookbeingsoldorsharedillegally,pleaseletusknowat

legal@sirenbookstrand.com

ASIRENPUBLISHINGBOOK
IMPRINT:EverlastingClassicManLove

AMATEATLAST
Copyright©2013byAJJarrett
dpg

FirstE-bookPublication:November2013

CoverdesignbyHarrisChanning
Allartandlogocopyright©2013bySirenPublishing,Inc.

ALLRIGHTSRESERVED:Thisliteraryworkmaynotbereproducedortransmittedinanyformor
byanymeans,includingelectronicorphotographicreproduction,inwholeorinpart,withoutexpress
writtenpermission.

Allcharactersandeventsinthisbookarefictitious.Anyresemblancetoactualpersonslivingordeadis
strictlycoincidental.

PUBLISHER
SirenPublishing,Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com

LettertoReaders

DearReaders,

If you have purchased this copy of A Mate at Last by AJ Jarrett from BookStrand.com or its official
distributors,thankyou.Also,thankyoufornotsharingyourcopyofthisbook.

RegardingE-bookPiracy

This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction
rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this
book.

The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading
entertainment.

ThisisAJJarrett’slivelihood.It’sfairandsimple.PleaserespectMs.Jarrett’srighttoearnalivingfrom
herwork.

AmandaHilton,Publisher

www.SirenPublishing.com

www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION

I’dliketosayabigthankyoutoTR.Withoutyouthisjourneywouldn’tbehalfasfun!Andtothe

readerswhohavewaitedpatientlyforErikandBrandon’sstory.

AMATEATLAST

NehalemPack8

AJJARRETT

Prologue

The cool breeze ruffled his fur as Erik took off, chasing after his brothers. He always lagged

behind,unabletomatchtheirpowerfulstrides.Butitdidn’tmattertohim.Heknewnomatterhowfar
hefellbehindthey’dalwaysbewaitingforhimjustupahead.

AsErikleaptoveradownedtreehecaughtsightofhisolderbrotherViktor’swhitefur.Notmuch

furtherandhe’dbeontopofthem.Eriksmiled,certainthateveninhiswolfformtheemotionwouldbe
evidentonhisfurryface.

Picking up his pace, Erik dug his claws into the ground and used his muscle to propel himself

forward.Hedidn’tusuallycatchuptohisbrothersuntiltheendoftherunbuttonighthewasonfire.
Hismusclesburnedandadrenalinefueledhiseverystep.Beingtheyoungestinthepackwasn’talways
easy.Erikconstantlyfeltlikehehadtoprovehimself.

The wind picked up and a sweet and spicy scent had Erik tumbling over his feet. Sugar and

cinnamon filled his nostrils, reminding him of the sweet bread Skyler would make for breakfast, but
onlynowthesmelldidn’tmakehimhungryforfood.No,theintoxicatingsmellmadehimhungerfor
somethingelse.

Hisheartratepickedupandhebegantopantasthetinglingsensationhefeltwheneverhesawa

good-lookingguywalkbycreptalonghisskin.Erikslowedhisrunningandturnedhisheadfromside
to side. He didn’t see anything out of the ordinary but the scent grew stronger the further he walked
ahead.

Aloud,ear-piercinghowlhadhimstoppinginhistracks.He’dknowthathowlanywhere.Itwas

hiseldestbrotherDevon,thealphaoftheirlittlepack.Somethingwasn’tright.

Erik rushed forward, breaking through the low-hanging tree branches and the wild growth of

underbrush. The sound of gunshots rang out, causing Erik’s stomach to heave. He’d witnessed his
parentsbeinggunneddownwhenhewassixyearsold.Gunsscaredhimandwithgoodreason.Hearing
thegunshotsnowhadhimfearingforhisbrothers’andotherpackmembers’safety.

At only sixteen, Erik knew he wasn’t much of a threat, but he had to help his brothers. A soft-

sounding whimper carried on the wind, followed by harsh growling and more gunshots. Erik’s heart
droppedandarushofpanichadhischestaching.

“Weneedthemalive,”asteadyvoicesaid.“Oratleastoneofthem.”
Erikbrokethroughtotheclearing,mayhemlaidoutbeforehim.HisbrotherViktorlaidsprawled

outontheground,bloodmattinghisfur.AlittlewaysawayfromhimwasJosefcrumpledontothehard
ground.

His ears twitched as he spun in a circle looking for Devon, but he didn’t see his older brother

anywhere.Eriksniffedtheairbutthespicyscentoverpoweredhisbrother’swoodsysmell.Thehorror
atseeingViktorunconsciousonthegroundstartedtosubside.Thesmellseemedtoeasehisfears.He
searchedaroundhim,tryingtoseewhereitcamefrom.

JustthenamanemergedfromthetreesandEriklosthisbreathalongwiththeabilitytothink.The

manstoodoversixfeettall,appearinglargerthanlifeasErikstoodonallfourlegsinhiswolfform.
Themoonlighthighlightedtheman’sfeatures,showcasingalong,straightnoseandasharpjawline.The
planeslookedsosymmetricalErikwasconvincedthemanwasn’treal,hecouldn’tbe.

The man raised a gun at Erik but a look flashed over his narrowed eyes and the gun fell just a

fractiontopointattheground.

AsenseofbeingpulledforwardhadErikfollowinghisinstincts.Withallhiscontrolgone,Erik

felt his body start to convulse and begin the shift back to human. The air around him pulsed and
shimmered as the change overcame him and once all his bones stretched and popped back into place
and all the fur receded, Erik knelt on his knees before the man. The hunter’s eyes were huge as he
stared,mesmerizedbywhatErikhadjustdone.

AsmallsmileathavingshockedthemancurledErik’supperlip.Ashestoodup,awarninggrowl

soundedbehindhim.Heturnedtoseealargewolfwithblondfurlumbertoitsfeet.ItwasDevon.His
lipspulledbackinasnarlashelimpedcloser.

Eriklookedawayfromthewolfbacktothehunter.ThemantookaimandbeforeErikknewwhat

hewasdoingheleapttowardhisbrother.Hecouldn’tletthismanshoothisbrother.Erikracedtoward
Devon and something sharp pierced his flesh. Warmth radiated from the wound and Erik fell to his
knees. Another shot rang out and Erik watched as Devon fell to the ground, blood oozing from his
chest.

Theurgetoshout,calloutforhelp,anything,satdormantonhistongue.Whateverhe’dbeenshot

withhadhismindgoingfuzzyandhisbodynumb.Hecrumpledtotheground.Hismindgrewsleepyas
helaynakedandcoldontheharddirt.

Thiscan’tbeit?Hismindscreamed.I’mnotreadytodie.Pleasegodsavemyfamilyandmefrom

thisnightmare.Tearsfellsilentlyfromhiseyes.Thiscan’tbeit?

Erik lay motionless and helpless as a booted foot rolled him to his back. The man knelt beside

Erik,staringdownathim.Erikwantedtosaysomanythingsbuthisjawandtonguewouldn’twork.He
pleadedwithhiseyes,beggingthismantohelphim.

“Brandon,grabhimandlet’sgo,”themanstandingbehindBrandonsaid.“Therecouldbemore

lurkinginthewoods.”

BrandonhesitatedforamomentashebentdownclosetoErik’spronebody.HeheftedErikinto

hisarmsandcarriedhimawayfromhisfamily.Erik’sheadlolledtothesideandhecouldseethebodies
ofhisbrotherslyingthere.Withhisabnormalhearinghecoulddetecttheirheartbeats.Theywerefaint
butatleasttheywerestillalive.Erikjustdidn’tknowforhowmuchlonger.

His breathing started to pick up and tears ran down the sides of his face to drip to the ground

below.

“Take it easy, kid,” Brandon said in soft tone. “If you just relax the drugs will take effect and

you’llfallasleep.”

EriklookedupatBrandonthroughhalfopenedeyes.Drugs?Sotheyhadn’tshothimwithabullet

butsomesortofnarcoticstrongenoughtotakeoutawolf.Asobbubbledfromhisthroat.Hewasso
fuckedandheknewit.

Itdidn’ttakeageniustoknowthesemenwerehuntersandhehadbeentakenprisonerbythem.

Huntersdidn’tleaveawolfshifteralivetokeepasapet.No,Erikcouldonlyimaginewhattheyhad
plannedforhim.

TherockingmotionasBrandoncarriedhimcausedEriktostarttodriftofftosleep.Hisbodyhad

gonecompletelynumbandhecouldn’tresistthepullofdarknessanylonger.Ashiseyesfellshuthe
couldhaveswornhefeltBrandoncradlehimcloserandsoftenhisholdonhim.Erikdidn’tknowwhat
itwasaboutthismanbuthecouldstayinhisarmsforever,hunterornot.

****

“Ineedtoexaminehimwhilethedrugsarestillinhissystemandhe’sunconscious.”
Erikwokeuptothesoundsofshouting.Helayonasmallbed.Whenhetriedtogetupsomething

yankedhisarmback.Ametalcuffencompassedhiswristandattachedtothatwasachainlinkedtoa
hookinthewall.

“Whatthehell?”Erikwhisperedashepickedatthecuff.
“Phillip, you know I think of you as family but I swear if you go in that room I’ll fucking hurt

you.”

The sound of Brandon’s angry voice echoed throughout the house. Erik stopped his struggling

withthemetalchainandstaredatthedoor.

“Brandon,whathasgottenintoyou?”themannamedPhillipasked.
TherewasalongpausebeforeBrandonspoke.Erikwaseagertohearwhatthemanhadtosay.
“Nothing,IjustthinkIshouldbeallowedtoquestionitbeforewedestroyit.Imightbeableto

findouthowmanymorethereareinthisarea.”

It!Erik’smindscreamed.Hethinksofmeasanit?Andhewantstodestroyme?Theacheinhis

hearthadhiswholebodytrembling.

“Okay,butjustsoyouknow,ifIdon’texaminehimnowhe’llbehereafewdays.I’mtakingthe

weekendofftospendwithmywifeandAideniscominghome.”

“IthinkIcanhandleit,”heheardBrandonsayinamuchcalmertone.
Erik heard the footsteps walking away from the door. He instantly pulled on the cuff, trying to

wrenchhisarmfree.Theskinstartedtotearandblooddrippedfromhiswrist.ItburnedbutErikdidn’t
giveup.BesidesbeingmadatthewordBrandonusedtodescribehim,hewasheartbroken.

Knowing that this man didn’t think of him as a person stung like salt to an open wound. Erik

couldn’t explain his feeling toward Brandon. Granted, he was a sixteen-year-old boy with hormones
ragingoutofcontrol,butitwasmorethanasimpleattraction.Itfeltstronger,moreintense.

Erikstoppedstrugglingwiththechainandstaredstraightinfrontofhim.
“Oh,god,no,”Erikmumbledtohimself.“Couldthisbewhatfindingmymatefeelslike?”Heran

ahandoverhischestwherehisheartlie.

As a child he had remembered his parents referring to each other as mates. And in more recent

years he had overheard his brothers discussing finding theirs. A mate was the one person put on the
planetforawolfshifter.Themissingpiecetotheirsoul.Someonetheywillloveunconditionallyand
nevereverwanttobeseparatedfrom.Therearewolvesthatspendtheirwholelivessearchingfortheir
mates but never find them. Erik thought it awful to think some wolves never found the loves of their
lives,butbeingpairedwithahunterseemedlikeaworsefate.

The sound of the doorknob twisting yanked Erik from his racing thoughts. The man in question

steppedintotheroomandonceagainErik’semotionswenthaywire.Hisbodyinstantlytooknoticeof
theyummy-smellingmaninvadinghisspace.Hesodesperatelywantedtobenearthisman,butonthe
otherhand,theguydidrefertohimasanit.Mateornot,hecouldn’tstandtobeinthesameroomwith
him. With renewed earnest he started to pull at the cuff, tearing into his flesh. He’d be damned if he
wastedanerectiononthisjerk.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Brandonrushedtowardhim.“You’rehurtingyourself.”
EriktriedtoflinchawaybuthewastrappedonthebedbetweenthewallandBrandon’sgorgeous

body.“Likeyoucare!”Erikscreamed.“I’mjustathingtoyou.Anit!”

Hewaspoutingandheknewit.Beingfacedwithpossibledeathandthepossibilitythatthisman

wasinfacthismateanditwasobvioushedidn’twanthim,hurtasifsomeonewasrippinghisheartout.

Brandon’seyesnarrowedandhisbreathingpickedup.Itlookedlikehewantedtosaysomething

butthoughtbetterofit.“Youheardthat,huh?”

“Uh,yeah.”Erikpointedtohisear.“It’sawolfthing.”

“Iguessitis.”Brandonchuckled.“Butit’sstillrudetoeavesdrop.”
ErikheldstillasBrandonbroughthishanduptocaresstheshellofhisear.Thegentletouchmade

hiseyes fall shutand he inhaleddeeply. Brandon’s masculine scentfilled his noseand he leaned into
Brandon’spalm.

SilencecarriedonbetweenthemandBrandoncontinuedtotouchhim.Hemovedhisfingersfrom

Erik’seartohischeekandpettedhimsoftly.

AcurrentofelectricitytraveledoverErik’sbody.Hiscocktwitchedtolifefromundertheblanket

thathadbeenplacedoverhim.Thepoundingofhisheartthuddedwithforceinsidehischest.

He opened his eyes and found himself held captive by the bright blue of Brandon’s. The man

staredintentlyintohiseyes.Erikcouldn’tbreathe.Sweatstartedtobeadupacrosshisforehead.

“What’s happening to me?” Brandon whispered more to himself. Erik didn’t know if the man

realizedhesaiditoutloud.

“Nothing,you’rejustmymate,”Eriksaidsoftly,unsurewhatwouldhappennext.

ChapterOne

TwoYearsLater

“Swimmerstaketheblock,”theannouncersaidoverthespeaker.
Eriksteppedupontothewhiteplatform,bentatthewaistwithoneleginfrontandtheotherin

back.Hecurledhistoesovertheedgeandwaitedforthewhistletoblow.ItsoundedandErikdoveinto
thewater,skimmingrightunderthesurface.Ashecameup,hebeganhisfreestylestroke,onearmover
thenext.

SwimminghadneverbeensomethingErikhadparticipatedininhighschool.Runningtrackhad

always been his sport of choice. But when the school year ended so did running for the high school
squad. At graduation his track coach had suggested he join the swim team in Silver Creek over the
summermonths.Afewofhisteammateshadjoinedinordertostayinshapebeforetheystartedtheir
freshmenyearatHemsworthCollegerunningtrackfortheirteam.

Erikdidn’thaveanythingelsegoingontoeatuphissummerbreaksincehisbrothershadrefused

tolethimtravel,sohefigured,whynot?

Hecouldn’tblamehisbrothersfornotallowinghimtoleavethesafeconfinesofNehalem.Over

thepasttwoyearshehadbeenoutofcontrol,doingwhathewantedwhenhewantedwithnothoughtto
anyoneelse.IthadtakenhisbestfriendCasperalmostgettingkilledtoscarehimintofollowinginline
andobeyingtherules.

Evennow,memoriesofthatnightflashedthroughhismindinvividcolor.Thefearhehadfeltstill

caused his body to tense and his pulse to race. If it hadn’t been for Casper’s mate, Phillip, his friend
wouldhavedied.

Eriknearedtheendofthepoolandcurledhisbodyintoitselfandflippedover,pushinghisfeetoff

the side to head back to the other side of the pool. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the sun beat
down,makingthewaterapleasanttemperature.Heglidedthroughthewater,racingtowardtheend.As
he turned his head to the side to take a breath he noticed his biggest competition, Marcus Wheeler,
keepingupwithhim.TheywereneckandnecksoErikkickedhislegsharderandforcedhisarmsto
slicethroughthewater.

Witheveryturnofhisheadhecouldhearthefaintcheeringcomingfromthecrowd.Beforethe

racebeganhenoticedhisolderbrother’smateAiden,hisfriendSkyler,andSkyler’slittleboyCarson,
sittinginthecrowd.Theyalwayscametosupporthim,butpartofhimthoughtAidencametokeeptabs
on him. It didn’t bother him too much anymore. Erik had done this to himself, losing their trust.
Running off at all hours and blatantly disobeying the rules had caused his family to treat him like a
baby.ButErikwasworkingonchangingthat.Hedidn’twantthemtothinkofhimasatotalfuckup
anymore.

Through his goggles he could see Marcus get his second wind and dart out ahead of him. Not

wantingtolosetherace,Erikpulledonhisentirehumanandanimalisticnaturetopropelhimforward.
Being a wolf shifter did at times give him an unfair advantage, but he couldn’t let Marcus beat him.
He’dneverbeabletoliveitdown.

Ashegrewclosertothewall,Erikreachedouthisarmtoclasptheedgeofthepoolafewseconds

beforeMarcus.Hepulleduphisgogglesandlookedoverathisfriend.

“Youloseagain,Wheeler,”heteased.
“Whatever,Erik.Ialmosthadyouthattime.”Marcusgulpedforbreath,obviouslyexhaustedfrom

therace.

“Yeah,well,almostisjustanotherwayofsayingyoulost.”Erikduckedunderthewaterandswam

undertheropeseparatinghimandMarcus.Hebrokethesurface,sprayingwaterintoMarcus’sface.

“Fuck you, Carsten!” Marcus smacked his hand down on the water, splashing water into Erik’s

face.

“Hey,forthatyouatleastneedtobuymedinnerfirst.”Eriklaughedasheclimbedupandoutof

thepool.HeyelpedasMarcus’shandcamedownhardonhisass.

“Youwish,”Marcussaidwithawickedgrinonhislips.
“Erik.”CoachAllencalledouttohimashenearedtheedgeofthepool.“Amazingjobasalways.”

HelookeddownatMarcus.“Marcus,youalmosthadhim.I’dsaybythenextmeetyoucouldprobably
beatourlittlegoldenboyhere.Givehimarealrunforhismoney.”CoachAllenwinkeddownatErik
thenwalkedaway.

“LikedI’dletyoubeatme.”Erikhuffed.
“You just wait,” Marcus said as he pushed up out of the water and stood up beside him. “I’m

totally going to kick your ass before the summer is out.” A mischievous glint shined in his honey-
coloredeyes.

“Bringiton.”Erikgrinnedatthemanashewalkedofftowardthelockerrooms.
EriktookthetimetoadmireMarcus’slean,muscledbodyashewalkedaway.Theshortdarkhair

on his head reflected water droplets as he ran a hand over his scalp. The muscles in his back rippled
from the action. Erik’s eyes drifted lower to follow the sway of his ass in his tight little speedo. The
damnthingfitlikeasecondskin.

Erik had met Marcus when he joined the swim team. They both were attending college at

Hemsworthinthefall.Theyflirtedwithoneanotherbutnothingwouldevercomeofit.Erikthought
the man was attractive but that was it. He didn’t have any romantic feelings or intentions to seduce
Marcus.Sure,hewashot,butErik’shearthadbeentakenbyanotherman.

Anothermanwhodoesn’twantyou.Thelittlevoiceinhisheadremindedhim.Hewantedtogrowl

outhisfrustrationbutwhatgoodwoulditdohim?

“Erik!”HeturnedintimetocatchCarsoninhisarmsasthelittleboyjumpedintotheair.“You

won!”

“Isuredid.”Erikshiftedthelittleboytositonhiship.
“Congratulations,Erik.”AidenrubbedahandoverErik’shead.“Yourbrotherswouldbeproudof

you.”

“Thanks,Aiden.”ThesummermonthswerethebusiesttimeforCarstenandSonsConstruction.

DevonandViktortriedtocomewhentheycouldbutsomeonehadtorunthefamilybusiness.

“But seriously, you need to tone it down a little,” Aiden whispered. “We don’t want anyone

findingoutyourlittlesecret.”

Erik rolled his eyes. This topic had always been a big issue with his family. Yes being a wolf

shifter made him faster, but most of these humans were just as fast in the pool. He had to work hard
everydayinordertocompeteagainsttheboyswhohadbeenswimmingsincebeforetheycouldwalk.

“SweetJesus,Aiden,”Skylersaidinanannoyedvoice.“Winningisalotmorefunthanlosing.”

HewinkedatErik.“What’sthatsaying,youdon’twinsecondyoulosefirst.”

“Goodgod,whatiswrongwithyou?”AidenpointedtoCarsonwhosatinErik’sarms,giggling.

“Youhaveachild.Youshouldn’tbesayingthingslikethat.”

“AllI’msayingisthateveryonewantstowin.”Skylershrugged.“CarsonknowsIlovehimand

willlovehimregardlessifhe’ssomesuperathlete.”HenudgedErikintheshoulderandgrinneddown

athisson.“Butwealllovetowin.”SkylerhelduphishandforCarsontohighfivehim.

“ThankgodthatyouandCarsonhaveNoah.”Aidenshookhishead.“Anadulttohelpguidehim

andyou.”

“Trustme,Noahthankshisluckystarshehasmeeveryday.”Skylersnappedhisfingers.
“Yeah, we don’t want to hear about that.” Erik looked down to Carson. “So what do you think,

Carson? Should we have them”—he tilted his head toward Aiden and Skyler—“take us for some ice
cream?”

“Wecan’tdothat,”Carsonsaidashislittlefacedscrunchedup.Thelittleboyleanedcloser.“It’s

yourbirthdayandthey’rewaitingforus.”

“Huh?”HelookedupatAiden,narrowinghiseyes.“Who’swaitingforusandwhy?”
“CarsonThompson!”SkylerreachedouttotakeCarsonintohisarms.“Thatwassupposedtobea

surprise.”Hewhisperedoutthesideofhismouth.

“Oh.”Carsoncoveredahandoverhismouth.“I’msorry,Dad.”
“Surprisebirthdayparty,Itakeit?”Erikasked.
Aiden’s face flushed brightly as he gnawed on his lower lip. “Just a little one.” He held up his

thumbandpointerfingeraboutaninchapart.“Youturnedeighteentoday.”AidenwentsilentandErik
couldseetheglossyshineoftearsinhiseyes.“You’reanadultnow.”

AidenwasErik’solderbrother,Devon’smate,andhadonlybeenapartofErik’slifeforthepast

two years, but by the way the man treated him one would think Aiden had raised him. And in some
wayshehad.

WhenErikhadbeenabducteditwasAiden’sfather,Phillip,whowastheoneresponsible.Ithad

beenbeforePhilliphadseenthelightandrealizednotallshifterswereevilmonsters.Butthatonenight
had changed Erik’s whole life and turned it upside down. Brandon, a hunter, had been a part of the
missionthenightErikhadbeentaken.Theybothweresurprisedtodiscovertheywerematesanditwas
Brandonwhodecidedtoenforceano-communicationboundarybetweenthem.

Somanynightshe’dlayawakeinbed,tryingnottocrybutfailingmiserably.IthadbeenAiden

who’dcomeintohisroomandtalkwithhimandtriedtomakehimseereason.Erikwasn’tstupid,he
knew he was too young to be with Brandon at the time, but when it comes to matters of the heart
sometimes the brain can’t think clearly. “I swear you cry more than a teenage girl on prom night.”
Skyler shook his head as he stared at Aiden. He then looked to Erik. “Your brothers thought you
deserved it. You’ve changed so much in the past few months. They’re so proud of the man you’re
becoming.”AsingleteartrackeddownSkyler’scheek.“Shit!NowI’mgettingallmistyeyed.”

Erikchuckled.Turningeighteendidn’tflipsomemagicalswitchthatmadehimfeelanydifferent

ormoremature.Buthewaspleasedthathisfamilywouldwanttothrowhimaparty.Therehadbeena
timehebelievedtheycouldn’twaittowashtheirhandsofhim,buttheystuckbyhimevenathisworst.

“Ithinkapartysoundsfantastic.”Eriksmiledatthetwomen.“I’llevenactsurprised.”
“Good,becauseViktorhasbeenlookingforwardtoseeingthelookonyourfacewhenyouwalk

throughthedoor,”Aidenadmitted.“Ifheknowswespilledthebeanshe’llpoutforamonthandShane
willneverletusheartheendofit.”

ShanewashisbrotherViktor’smate.ThetigershifterhadatemperandlivedtopleaseViktor.So

ifViktorwasn’thappy,Shanewouldmakewhoeverwasresponsibleforitpay.

“I got it. I’ll totally act surprised.” Erik pointed over his shoulders toward the locker room

entrance.“I’mgoingtogochange.Meetyouguysatthecar.”

Erik turned around and headed for the locker room. He smiled to himself at the thought of his

brothersthrowinghimaparty.Tothinktheytooktimeoutoftheirbusylivestodothisforhim,Erik

had to admit it was very thoughtful of them. Typically they only celebrated with a cake and gifts but
neveraparty.

He opened his locker and took out his clothes. He slipped off his speedo, avoided putting on

underwear,andtuggedonhisloose-fittingmeshshorts.Mostoftheotherguyshadclearedoutbutafew
stilllingeredaround.

“Hey,Erik,gotanyplansfortonight?”Robby,anotherswimmerontheteam,asked.
“ActuallyIdo.”Hepulledhisshirtoverhisheadthenturnedtolookathisfriend.“Myfamilyis

throwingmeasurprisebirthdayparty.”

“Notmuchofasurpriseifyoualreadyknowaboutit.”Marcuslaughed.
“Mylittlenephewspilledthebeans.”ErikhadstartedtorefertoCarsonashisnephewbecausethe

littleguycalledhimuncleandhelovedit.“ButIhavefullintentionsofactingsurprisedandfakinga
fewtearsforthissplendidoccasion.”HewinkedatMarcus.

“Neverdoubtedtheprincesscouldcryoncue.”Marcusnudgedhimintheshoulder.“Whatdoyou

havegoingonafter?Wordhasitthere’sgoingtobequitethepartytonightoncethesungoesdownat
the campgrounds off Woodson Road. Robby, Kevin, and I are going to stop in and check it out. You
in?”

Eriklookedupattheclockandsawthathehadagoodthreehoursuntilthesunwentdown.He

couldgohome,celebratehisbirthdaywithhisfamily,thengopartywithhisfriends.He’dbeenagood
boylatelyandhedidn’tthinkhisbrotherswouldhaveissuewithit,buttheydidgotoallthetroubleto
throwhimapartyanditwouldberudetojustleave.

“I’m not sure. My brothers planned this party for me. It would be wrong to just up and leave.”

Erikstuffedhisswimsuitintohisbagthenputthestrapoverhisshoulder.“SpeakingofKevin,whereis
he?He’snevermissedameetbefore.”

“Whoknows?”Robbyrolledhiseyes.“Probablyhung-overandsleepingitoffsomewhere.”
Erik shrugged his shoulders. Sounded about right for any of his friends since graduation. “Well

I’mstillout,buthopeyouguyshavefun.”

“We will, princess.” Marcus swatted his ass as he walked by, his hand lingering for a second

longerthanitneededto.

Whycan’tIjustfeelsomethingtowardMarcus?hesilentlyaskedhimself.Hismatedidn’twant

him,soheshouldbeallowedtoexperimentwithotherguys.Thethoughtofgoingthroughlifeavirgin
didn’tsitwellwithhim.HowlongdidhehavetowaitforBrandontofinallycomearoundandrealize
hewasmadlyinlovewithhim?

ErikhadstoppedtextingBrandonandgoingbyhishouse.Inhismindhehadproventhathecould

respectBrandon’swishestostayawayuntilhecameofage.Butturningeighteenchangedeverything.
ByhumanandwolflawshecouldbewithBrandonlegally,buthejustwasn’tcertainifBrandonwanted
tobewithhim.

“SodidBrandonevercallyouback?”ErikheardSkyleraskedAiden.
Stayinghiddenintheshadowsoftheentryway,helistenedtothementalk.Withthehighamounts

ofchlorineinthepool,thevaporshungintheairdrowningoutallotherscentsandSkylerwouldn’tbe
abletosmellhim.

“He sent a text saying he wouldn’t be able to attend. Something about work. I think it’s just an

excuse,”Aidenresponded.

Skyler let out a low whistle. “Damn that’s cold. I was for sure once Erik turned eighteen he’d

comearoundandwanttoclaimhim.IguessIwaswrong.”

To hear that his mate was going to be a no-show to his party hurt more than he cared to admit.

Turningeighteenwaswhattheyhadbeenwaitingfor,orsoErikhadthought.

“Idon’tknow,Skyler.”Aidensighed.“Iknowthey’rematesbutmaybetheybothshouldjustgive

itmoretime.Erik’ssoyoung.Heshouldbeallowedtodateotherguysandlivealittlebeforehemakes
alifetimecommitmenttooneman.”

“Yeah,you’reright,butcanyouimagelivingwithoutDevonfortwoyears?”Erikpeekedaround

thecornertogetabetterlookatthetwomen.“NoahtoldmethatBrandon’sbeenspendingalotoftime
withRoderick.He’ssaysit’sworkrelatedbutI’mnotbuyingit.I’veseenthemtogetherlaughingand
jokingaround.Doesn’tlookgoodifyouaskme.”

Erik’seyesburnedwithtears.He’dmetRoderickwhenhestoppedbythehouse.Themansaton

thehunter’scouncilandwashelpingtoenforcethenewlawsofnothuntingdownandkillingallwolf
shifters.Theonlyonestobeputtodeathwerethewolvesthatattackedinnocenthumans.He’dseemed
like a nice guy and all that niceness resided in a gorgeous, flesh-and-muscle-covered package. There
wasnowayhecouldcompetewithRoderick.ThemanwasbuiltlikeaGreekgod,withthickmuscles
cordedaroundhistanbody.AdeepvoicethathadErikdroolingovertheguy.

“Hey, Erik.” Marcus shouted at him from behind. “You sure you don’t want to come with us

tonight?Shouldbealotoffun.”

Erik clenched his teeth to keep from screaming. If Brandon could move on, why couldn’t he?

Feelingsornot,hewassureashellgoingtoseewhatMarcushadtoofferhimtonight.

“Youknow,IthinkIwillcome.”
“Sweet.I’lltextyouwhenI’monmywaytoyourhouse.”
Erik smiled and watched as Marcus walked out the double doors. Doing his best to conceal his

emotionsfromAidenandSkyler,hesteppedoutthedoor.

ChapterTwo

“Sotoday’sthebigday?”Roderickaskedashefloppeddownontheotherendofthecoach.
“Yep.”Brandontookabiggulpofhisbeer.
Erikturnedeighteentoday.Hecouldfinallygototheyoungmanandkisshimthewayhe’dbeen

dyingtodoforthepasttwoyears,buthecouldn’tbringhimselftogetoffthecouchandgotohim.In
hisdefense,thekidhadbeenathorninhissidefortwofreakingyears.He’ddropbyunannounced,text
himatallhours,andwhenErikdidn’tgethisway,he’dthrowatantrumlikeafiveyearold.Didn’tthe
kidknowitwasjustashardforBrandontostayaway?

SincethedayhehadmetErik,hislifehadneverbeenthesame.ThemomentBrandonsteppedout

ofhistruckthatchillyautumnnight,heknewtroublelaidahead.Hecouldfeelitinhisgut.Andboy
didhecallit.

Once they had taken out the three larger wolves, a smaller one came into view. It had charged

toward Brandon but didn’t attack. The pup just stared at him with his big blue eyes and Brandon felt
somethingsnapinsidehischest.Hefeltaninvisiblepulltowardtheanimal,tellinghimtonothurtit.
Brandondidn’tknowwhatitmeantbuthecouldn’tbringhimselftoharmthebeast.

Themomentthewolfchangedfromanimaltohumanformtwothingsflashedinhismind.One,it

was fucking amazing to see a person do that. The way his body jerked and twitched and grew into a
humanformwastheneatestthinghehadeverseen.Two,hehadtofighttheurgenottotackletheguy
tothegroundandmaulhisface.

God,hestilllosthisbreathwhenherememberedthefirsttimehelaideyesonErik.Atthetime,

he didn’t know the young man was under age. He just knew he wanted to protect the wolf. Upon
learningthatErikwastwoyearsshyofbeingoflegalconsentingage,Brandondistancedhimselffrom
Erik. Discovering that they were mates was one thing, but to have all these arousing feelings and
thoughts toward a sixteen-year-old downright disgusted Brandon. And to make matters worse the kid
wasalwayscomingaround,flauntinghiscuteness,knowingdamngoodandwellthatBrandonwould
neveractonit.

“Wellshouldn’tyoubegoingtoclaimwhatisyours?”Roderickasked.“Onlyseemsappropriate.”
Brandon glared over at Roderick over the edge of his beer can. Roderick was his new boss,

appointedbythecouncilafterthedeathoftheirlastone.HelikedRoderick.Theywerecloseinageand
hadsimilarinterests.Theybothdrankbeer,watchedsportsontheTV,andtheylikedtoliftweights.He
thoughtofthemanasabrother.

“Buttout,Roderick.”Brandonsethiscandownonthecoffeetableandkickedhisfeetuptorest

onthetable.“Thatpuphasputmethroughthewringer.Idon’tknowifIcansurvivethetantrumshe
throws.It’slikebeingaroundafiveyearold.”

Brandonbelievedwhathesaidtohisfriendbuthe’dbeinglyingifhedidn’tadmitapartofhim

wasdyingtojumpintohistruckandraceovertoErik’shouse.Yes,themangotemotionalandtookhis
frustrationoutonBrandonbuthe’dprobablydothesamethinghadtheshoebeenontheotherfoot.It
was just as hard on him as it was Erik to stay away, but Brandon knew it was for the best. If he got
involvedwithErikbeforeheturnedeighteenhefeltasifhewouldhavebeenstealingErik’schildhood
fromhim.AsitwaseighteenwasstillprettyyoungtomakealifetimecommitmentandBrandondidn’t
wantEriktocometoregrethisdecisiononeday.Ofcourseheknewwolvesmatedforlifebutwhatif
hisandErik’scircumstancesweredifferent?Hedidn’twanttogetErikonlytolosehimalloveragain.

“Well,heisonlyateenager.”Roderickpointedout.“Don’tyourememberwhatitwasliketobe

thatage?Hormonessooutofwhackyoujerkedofffiftytimesaday.”

Just the thought of Erik gliding his thin fingers up and down his hard length, teasing his thumb

over the moist tip, had Brandon’s cock twitching in his jeans. He had seen Erik naked enough times
overthepasttwoyearstoknowthekidpackedsomeseriousheatinthecockdepartment.Brandonoften
foundhimselfwonderingwhatitwouldbeliketobefuckedbythepupthentoflipoverandshoothis
own load deep inside Erik’s tight ass. It’d be perfect, but in his daydreams Erik was older and more
maturethanhisteenageself.Brandonwastoooldtobeplayinggames.Hewantedtofallinloveand
starthislifewithsomeonewhocouldbehisequal,notsomeonehehadtoraiseintothemanhewanted
himtobe.

“Stilldoesn’tmakealltheshitthatlittlefucker’sputmethroughokay.”Themostrecentincident

hadbeenatthemovietheaterafewmonthsago.Erikhadshownupwithsomeofhisfriendsandthekid
kissed, hugged, and groped his friends the whole damn time, then proceeded to make a scene when
Brandoncalledhimonit.Brandonhadn’tbeenwithanotherpersonintwofuckingyearsandhe’dbe
damnedifthemanmeanttobehisflirtedandtouchedanotherinfrontofhim.Brandonhadalwaysbeen
the jealous type and knowing that other men, men closer to his mate’s age, lusted after Erik, drove
Brandoncrazy.

Erik’souterbeautyhadpeoplestoppingtostare.Brandonhadwitnesseditonseveraloccasions.

TheyouthfulroundnessofhispalefacehadBrandonwantingtonibbleacrossthesweetflesh.Hisshort
blondhairglowedlikeahaloaroundhisheadandhislithelittlebody?DamnhowBrandonwantedto
lickErikfromheadtotoe.Erikhadarunner’sphysique,thinandlean,withmuscle.Hestoodaboutsix
inchesshorterthanBrandon,justtherightheightforBrandontobeabletolookhisnosedownatErik.
Theunrulypupneededastronghandtohelpguidehimbecauseifthatlittleshitkeptuphisconstant
displaysofignorance,Brandonwouldhavetobendhimoverhiskneeandteachtheyoungmansome
manners.

There was a thirteen-year age gap between him and Erik, which explained the differences they

had.Brandonrememberedbeingyoungandallthestupidshithe’ddonebuthedidn’thavethepatience
towaitarounduntilErikgrewupandfigureditout.

“I’mnotsayingitdoes,butI’veonlyknownyouashorttime,anddamn,you'rewoundtight.Ican

only image how a teenager must be handling all this pent up tension.” Roderick sat up and turned to
faceBrandon.“Listen,allI’msayingisextendtheolivebranchsotospeak.Maybenowyoutwocan
gettoknowoneanotherwithouttheageissuegettingintheway.”

BrandonpursedhislipsashethoughtaboutwhatRodericksaid.Themandidhaveapoint.Maybe

now since the age difference wouldn’t be as big an issue they could be around each other without
fighting.

ErikalwaysassumedthatBrandonjustdidn’twanthim.Thepuphadsaiditenoughtimesthatit

wasnosurprisetoBrandon,butthatwasn’tthetruth.HewantedtobewithErikmorethananythingbut
out of respect for Erik’s brothers, who came to him asking that he give Erik time to grow up before
layingclaimtohim,hepushedhisownneedsaside.HewantedEriktoenjoytherestofhischildhood
before the real world came knocking at his door, but Erik thought Brandon had abandoned him and
actedoutbecauseofthat.

Brandonpulledouthisphonetocheckthetime.Thepartyhadstartedoveranhourago.Ifheleft

now he could be to Nehalem in thirty minutes and just be considered fashionably late. He owed it to
Eriktoatleastwishhimahappybirthday.

“Okay,I’mgoing.”Hestoodupfromthecouch,determinedtonottalkhimselfoutofgoing.
“Sweet.”Roderickpunchedhimlightlyinthearm.“DoyoumindifItagalong?”

“Whywouldyouwanttocome?”HenarrowedaneyeatRoderick,raisinghisbrow.
“Becausetherewillbecakethere.”Roderickrolledhiseyes.“Jeez,you’rethick.”
Brandonchuckledandshookhisheadashewalkedbacktohisbedroom.Hewalkedovertohis

dresserandopenedthetopdrawer.Thesmallblackboxhehadtuckedawayalmostayearagostilllay
coveredbyhisboxers.Shovingthemoutoftheway,hegrabbedthelittlebox.Heflippedopenthelid
andlookeddownatthesmallroundtitaniumband.Theinfinitysymbolhadbeenengravedontheside.

TheringheldapromiseforafuturetogetherwithErik.HesodesperatelywantedtogiveittoErik

butwasafraidthemanwouldn’tacceptit.Aftereverythingthey’dbeenthroughthelasttwoyearswho
wouldblamehim.Theywerebothguiltyofbeingunwillingtocompromise,butinBrandon’sestimation
itwasErikwhohadbeenthemoreirrationalone.

“Letgoofthepast.”Brandonlookedupathisreflectioninthemirror,knowingwhathehadtodo

andprayingErikwasreadytodosoaswell.

BythetimetheyleftSilverCreek,thesunhadstartedtoset.Theskybledintoshadesofredsand

yellow,twilightjustatthehorizon.ThedrivefeltlongerthanusualandwithRodericksingingtoevery
songontheradioevenmoreso.Helikedthemanbuthecouldn’tholdatuneforshit.

They crossed into the Nehalem city limits and Brandon felt butterflies start to stir in his gut. A

nervoussweatbrokeoutacrosshisupperlipandhequicklywipeditaway.

“Relax,man,”Rodericksaidashetappedhisfingersonthepassengerdoortothebeatofthesong

ontheradio.“YouandErikaremates.Onceyoureyesmeetallwillbeforgotten.”

Brandonglancedoverathisfriendtoseeifhewasjoking.
“What?”Roderickaskedwithanannoyedlookonhisface.“Youguysaredestinedtobetogether.

I’mjuststatingtheobvious.PlusI’masuckerforahappyending.”

Unabletoholdhislaughterin,Brandoncroakedoutalaugh,gaspingforair.Roderickstoodtwo

inchestallerthanBrandon’ssixfootfourandhisbodywasencasedinthickandveinymuscle.Roderick
lookedintimidatingbutinactualityhewasasweetheartofaman.Hehadabigheartandanoptimistic
outlookoneverything.

TheturnthatledtotheCarstenhousecameupandBrandonhithisblinker.Hedroveupthelong

driveandparkedalongthesideofthehouseinfrontofthegarage.Aidenhadsaiditwasgoingtobea
smallparty,familyandclosefriendsonly.

Brandonfiddledwiththelittleringboxwherehehadtuckeditintohisfrontpocket.Doubtstarted

torearitsuglyheadandBrandondidn’tknowifgivingittoErikwassuchagoodidea.

Whatifthelittleshitlaughedandthrewitbackinhisface?Brandonwasn’tsurehecouldhandle

thattypeofrejectionfromthemanheloved.

Roderick walked ahead of him and rang the doorbell. Brandon hopped up the porch steps and

waiteduntilthedoorswungopen.

“Brandon,” Aiden said in a surprised voice as he looked between him and Roderick. “I didn’t

thinkyouweregoingtomakeit.”

“Ichangedmymind.”Heshruggedhisshouldersandsteppedintotheentryway.Aidenshiftedout

ofthewayasheshotnervousglancesbehindhim.“What’sthematter?You’reactingweird.”Hecould
seesweatbeaduponAiden’sforeheadandtheman’sAdam’sapplebobbedupanddownlikeabobber
onafishingline.

“It’snothing.”Aidenlaughednervously.“It’sjust…”
“Hey, Brandon.” Viktor gave him a chin nod as he came to stand next to him. “You’re late. E’s

alreadyleftwithsomefriends,butfeelfreetostayforsomecake.”

“What!”Brandonsnappedmoreharshlythenheintendedto.Inacalmervoiceheasked,“Where

didhego?”

“Outwithsomeguysfromtheswimteam.”Viktor’sfacescrunchedupinconcentration.“Ithink

onewasnamedMarcus.”

Motherfucker! Brandon knew exactly who Marcus was. He’d seen the young man at the swim

meets.TheguyalwayshungoutwithErik.HehatedthewayMarcuswouldsmileandplayfullytease
Erik. Even more so that Erik reciprocated the flirtation. But what could he do? Marcus was a good-
lookingkidandsomeonethatwasErik’sage.MaybeErikhadmovedon.Brandoncouldhavelosthis
chancetoclaimErikforhisown.Hecouldn’tblameErikforlookingelsewhereforaffectionsincehe
pushed him away every chance he got. But damn, in the back of Brandon’s mind he always thought
they’dworkouttheirdifferencesandbetogether.

HismindbegantoracewitheverythingthatErikandMarcuscouldbedoing.Thiswasn’tover.He

hadtoatleastlayhisfeelingsoutonthetableforErik.Todaywasthemarkofafreshstartforthem.
Brandonwaswillingtowipetheslateclean.

“We’renotsurewhattimehe’llbehomebutwecantellhimyoustoppedby,”Viktoroffered.
“Wheredidhegoexactly?”Brandonkepthistoneevensonottogiveawaythathewasfreaking

thefuckout.

“Brandon.” Aiden reached out to rest a hand on his forearm. “Why don’t I have Erik call you

whenhegetsbacktonight?”

“LikehellI’mgoingtositathomewhilemymateisouttherepartyingitupwithsomeotherguy.”

Helostit.Hedidn’tmeantoshoutatAidenbutfuck,Erikwashismateandnomanhadtherightto
touchwhatwashis.

All this mate crap didn’t mean shit to him until he met Erik. Now that’s all he thought about.

Brandon was a human for god sakes and humans didn’t have life mates. So all these crazy emotions
coursing through his body were Erik’s fault. Had they never have met Brandon wouldn’t be in this
predicament.Erikbelongedtohimforbetterorworse.

“Everything okay in here?” Devon, Erik’s oldest brother and alpha of the pack, asked as he

wrappedanarmoverAiden’sshoulders,givingBrandonasympatheticlook.

ViktorwavedahandtowardBrandon.“Lookslikethehunterhasfinallydecidedtostakehisclaim

tohiswolf.Onlyproblemislittlebrotherisn’theretoaccepthisoffer.”

“IneversaidIcameheretoclaimErik.Ijust…”Hisvoicetrailedoff.Hewasn’tquitesurehowto

finishhisthought.YeahhewantedtoseeErikbutdidhereallywanttomakethatsortofcommitment
tonight?

“Youjustwhat?”Devonpushed.“IknowIaskedyoutokeepyourdistancefromErikbuttodayof

alldaysyoushouldhavebeenhereontimebutyouweren’t.”

“Iknowbut…”
“No buts, Brandon.” Devon cut off his thought. The man’s eyes took on a shimmering glow.

Brandonwasn’tpackandhedidn’tlikethewayDevontalkeddowntohim.“You’reanadultandyou
couldn’tevenshowuptoyourmate’sbirthdaypartysoyeah,Ilethimgooutwithhisfriends.”

“Youactlikehe’sinnocentinallthis!”Brandonshouted.“It’sbeenhardonme,too.Himtexting

meandshowingupatmyhousewheneverhewanted.Itwashardtostayawayfromhim.”Hefistedhis
handstokeepfrompunchingaholeinthewall.“ItkilledmeeverytimeIhadtosendhimawaybutI’m
notsomepervert.Iwouldn’ttakeadvantageofEriklikethat.Irespecthimandyoutoomuchtoeverdo
that.Sowhydon’tyoucutmesomefuckingslack.”

“WhyshouldI?”Devontookastepforwardtostanddirectlyinfrontofhim.
“BecauseIlovehim,”hesaidthroughclenchedteeth,hisfistballedupathissides.

Theroomhadgrownquiet.Devonmethisgazeandsmiledathim.“He’satthecampgroundsoff

ofWoodsonRoad.”BrandonturnedtoleavebutDevon’svoicehaltedhim.“Ididn’tmeantopushyou
sohard,justwantedtomakesurewhatyourintentionsare.”

“Igetit,butjustbecauseIfeelthiswaydoesn’tmeanhedoes.”Brandonvoicedhisbiggestfears.

HelookedovertoRoderick.“Youcomingwith?”

“Nah,youneedtodothisonyourown.I’djustbeintheway.”Roderickgrinnedathim.
“I’llgivehimaridebacktoSilverCreek.”Devonoffered.
Brandon nodded his thanks to Devon then walked out the front door. He needed to get to Erik

beforehedidsomethingstupid.Overthepastmonthhe’dwatchedasMarcusandErikhadgrownclose.
NooneknewthatBrandonattendedErik’sswimmeetsbuthehadn’tmissedaone.Hehungbackinthe
crowdsonoonecouldseehim.Erikdidn’tneedanyextradistractions.ButthecloserErikbecameto
Marcusitwasbecominghardertositidlybyanddonothing.

NothingstoodinthewayofhimbeingwithErikandnowhecouldgoclaimtheinfuriatinglittle

punkbecauseErikbelongedwithhim.

ChapterThree

ThebeerinErik’shandtastedstalebuthecontinuedtosipit.Erikandhisfriendswerealittlelate

tothepartyandeveryoneelsewasalreadysportingahealthybuzz.AndbythelooksofitMarcuswas
makingupforlosttime.Hisfriendstoodaroundthekegwithsomeotherguyswithathickcleartubein
hismouthleadinguptoafunnel.BeerfloodedthetubeandMarcusgulpeditdown.

Erikhatedthetasteofbeeranditwouldtakehimliterallydrinkingthewholekegtogeteventhe

slightestbuzz.Sohewascontenttostandbackandjustenjoythechaoticatmosphere.Musicblaredand
peopledancedaroundthebonfire.Erikcoulddanceandlaughwithallhisfriendsfromschoolbuthe
couldn’tmustertheenergytoevensmile.

WhathehadoverheardSkylerandAidentalkingaboutearlierstillechoedinhismind.Ithadbeen

overamonthsincehehadseenBrandon.ForallheknewthemancouldverywellbedatingRoderick.
Roderickwasagood-lookingguyandclosetothesameageasBrandon.Hecouldn’tfaultBrandonfor
movingon.Hehadn’tgivenhismateanyreasontowaitaroundforhim.

Ever since he met Brandon, Erik had pictured in his mind in vivid clarity how they would

eventuallycometogether.HeenvisionedthatBrandonwouldcometohimandconfesshisloveinsome
grand gesture, proving to Erik just how much he cared about him. Then Brandon would whisk him
away and they’d make love for days until there was no doubt that they were mates. It seemed so
childishbutinhissixteen-year-oldmindithadseemedperfect.

IntheyearssincetheyhadmettheyonlysharedonekissanditprovedtoErikjusthowmuchhe

would always crave this man’s touch. It had been right after a fight between a pack of wolves
threateningtotakeCarsonfromhisfathers.Phillip,Brandon’spartneronthecouncil,andBrandonhad
cometohelpkeepthelittleboysafeandeliminatethethreat.

DevonhadorderedEriktostayawaybuthecouldn’tdothat.Hismatesatrightinthecenterof

dangercentral.Brandonbeingahunterdidn’tmeansquattoErik.Peoplediedeverydayandhedidn’t
wanttoloseBrandonbeforeheevergotthechancetotellhimjusthowmuchhelovedhim.

WhennightfellErikhadsnuckoutofhisbedroomwindowandshiftedintowolfformandhiked

up the short distance separating the two properties. The closer he got a scent he had never smelled
before carried on the wind fluttering under his nostrils. Erik took the long way around and came up
behindamanhe’dneverseenbeforebutcouldtellbyhisscentthathewasawolfshifter.

The man had positioned himself behind a fallen tree with a big black rifle aimed at the house.

Beforehecouldmakehispresenceknownthebastardfiredoffashot.Notknowingwhothemanshot
at, Erik attacked. He caught the man totally off guard and his surprise gave Erik the advantage. He
rippedouttheman’sthroatbeforehecouldcompletehisshifttowolfform.

OncehetookcareofthethreatheheadedforSkylerandNoah’shouse.Hewentthroughthefront

doorandgotinsidejustasafightbrokeout.Erikranupthestairs,amidstthegrowlingandsoundsof
fighting behind him, following Brandon’s scent. He found his mate laying on the floor. A frightened
CarsonsatonthefloorbesidethebedandthewholetimeBrandonwaswhisperingsoftwordstotryand
calmthesmallchild.

ErikhadrushedtoBrandon’sside,terrifiedofwhathe’dfindbutluckilythebulletonlystruckhim

intheshoulder.Butstillatthesightofseeinghismatehurtandbleeding,Erikstartedtocry.Brandon
had been so loving that day and managed to sit up and pull Erik close, trying to comfort him. Erik
pulledawayandstaredatBrandonthroughred,tear-swolleneyes.Brandonwipedawayhistearsthen
leaned forward to brush his lips over Erik’s. The sweet gentle kiss stole his breath away and Erik

hungeredformore.

But like everything else, Brandon put a halt to their one splendid kiss. To be fair a battle to the

deathwastakingplaceonthefirstfloorandErik’sbrothersweredownthere.HelpingBrandontohis
feet and getting Carson to climb on to his back, they headed downstairs once the sounds of fighting
receded.

TheyneverhadachancetotalkaboutthekissbecausethenextdayBrandonhadstoppedbythe

house.HetoldErikhowitwaswrongandthattheycouldn’tletithappenagain.Erikthoughtforsure
he’ddieofabrokenheartathearinghismatesaythat.FromthatdayforwardErik’sattitudehadturned
more snotty and he became rude to his family and friends. Anger was an easier emotion to deal with
thandepression.Hesworehewouldn’tletBrandon’srejectionruinhislifeandhehadn’t.

Erikspentalotoftimewithhisfriendsfromschoolandavoidedgoinghomeatallcosts.Aiden’s

dad,Phillip,wouldcomebyunannouncedandsometimesBrandoncamewithhim.Hewasn’treadyto
dealwithhismateandhewantedthemantobelievehehadmovedonwithhislifeandwaslivingitup
eventhoughhehadn’t.

It seemed the more Brandon showed his lack of interest in whatever Erik had been up to, the

angrier he got. Playing it cool and going with the flow always sounded good in his head but once he
camefacetofacewithhismateallhewantedtodowasscreamathimanddemandwhyhedidn’twant
himoratleastcarethatotherguysdesiredhim.ErikstartedtothinkmaybeBrandondidn’thaveaheart,
justadriedupblackholewhereitusedtobe.

“Yo, Erik,” Marcus called out to him. Erik smiled as Marcus stumbled. By the looks of it his

friendhadsucceededingettingdrunk.“Whereyabeen.”Hiswordsslurred.

“I’vebeenrighthere.”HerestedhishandsonMarcus’sshoulderssteadyinghim.
Marcusleanedintohimandsmiled.“Willyoudancewithme?”
Eriklookedaround,notseeingawaytogetoutofit,andnodded.“OnedancebutIswearifyou

pukeonme,I’llspankyou.”

“Eww,Imightlikethat.”MarcuswrappedhisarmslowonErik’swaist.
“Whatever,dude.”EriklaughedasheloopedhisarmsaroundMarcus’sneckandswayedwithhim

sidetoside.

“HaveIevertoldyouhowhotIthinkyouare?”MarcusmumbledintoErik’sskinasheplaceda

sloppy wet kiss up and down his neck. Erik didn’t need Marcus to say it, he could feel his friend’s
arousalpressedagainsthisleg.“EverytimeIseeyouinthatlittleblackspeedoIgetsofuckinghard.
Shit!I’mgettinghardjustthinkingaboutit.”

“Oh,Icantell.”Erikshiftedastepbackputtingalittledistancebetweenthem.HelikedMarcus

andwishedhecouldgiveintohisbody’swantsanddesiresbutthewolfinhimknewMarcuswasn’t
theirmateandrefusedtoevenrespondphysicallytowardMarcus.Itdidn’tmatteranyway.EvenifErik
didgetnakedwithMarcushe’dbewishingitwasBrandonthewholetime.

Marcusstoppeddancing,straightenedhisshouldersandyankedErikagainsthischesthard.When

hewentinforakissEriklookedaway.Thebitterstenchofbeermadehisnosehairscurlindisgust.

“Comeon,Erik.”Marcusnippedathisjaw.“Youknowyouwantit.”
Erik didn’t know what to say or do. He could easily push Marcus to the ground and overpower

himbuthedidn’twanttocauseasceneorembarrasshisfriend.OncehewassoberMarcuswouldbe
mortifiedbyhisbehavior.

“Hey,kid.”AdeepvoicesnappedfrombehindMarcusandEriksteppedonhistiptoestopeerover

hisfriend’sshoulder.“That’swhateveryrapistsays.NowtakeastepbackbeforeImakeyoutakeastep
back.”

The sight of Brandon standing there took his breath away. Fury lit up Brandon’s blue eyes and

Erikcouldseehishandsshakewithbarelycontrolledrage.MaybeBrandoncaredmorethanheleton
butliketheysay,toolittletoolate.

Notthinkingtwice,EriksteppedinclosertoMarcusandrestedhisheadontheman’schestand

looked up at Brandon through his thick eyelashes. “Brandon, I didn’t know you were invited to this
party.Thoughtabunchofteenagerswouldboresomeonelikeyou.”Hecouldn’thidethegrincurling
hisupperlipatthepissed-offlookmarringBrandon’sflushedface.

****

BrandonlefttheCarstenhouseandspedthewholewaytothelittlesecludedlocationoffWoodson

Road.Asmallshelterwithbathroomswasallthatfurnishedthecampsite.Itwasagoodplacetohavea
party and with a bunch of underage kids no telling what kind of trouble they were up to. Brandon
remembered being a know-it-all teenager and all the shit he got himself into. Alcohol and sex were
alwaysabighitatthepartieshehadattendedinhisyouth.

“Shit!”Brandonpushedharderdownonthegaspedal.Inthebackofhismindheknewthatitwas

realpossibilitythatErikmighthavesexwithanotherpersonbuthesureashellwoulddoeverythinghe
couldtostopit.

The turn for Woodson Road came up and Brandon hit his blinker. Cars filled the small gravel

parking lot and young men and women occupied the campsite. Music blared and empty plastic cups
litteredtheground.

WhenBrandonsteppedoutofhistruckhewasinstantlybombardedwiththestenchofbeerand

thefaintscentofmarijuana.Heshookhisheadindisgust.

“Dude,didsomeonecallthepolice?”abelligerentvoicecalledoutinhisdirection.
“Not the police, just looking for a friend. Maybe you’ve seen him, Erik Carsten?” He smiled,

doinghisbesttolooknonthreatening.

“He’sovertherebythebonfire.”Apetitelittlebrunettespokeup.ShegaveBrandonanappraising

look as her gaze traveled up and down his body. “If Brandon turns you away, come find me. You’re
hot!”Shewinkedathimasshestumbledawayclutchinghercup.

Thecomplimentmadehimsmile.Granteditcamefromawomanwhoprobablydidn’tevenknow

herownnameshewassodrunkbutstill.Brandontookprideinhisbody.Inhislineofworkhehadto
stayfit.Bynaturewolfshifterswerefasterandstrongerthanhumans.Brandonasahunterhadtowork
twiceashardtokeepup.

Brandonlookedoverinthedirectionthegirlhadpointed.Hewalkedaroundtheedgeofthefire,

sidesteppingdrunkenteenagerswitheverystep.Ashecamealongtheoppositesidehesawhim.Erik
stoodtalkingwiththekidnamedMarcus.Boy,hehatedthatguy.

MarcusgrabbedontoErikandpulledhimcloser.Brandonrushedforward,wantingtosmackthe

littlepunkupsidetheheadforlayingafingeronErik.Erikbelongedtohimandbygodifanyonegotto
enjoythepleasureshisbodyhadtoofferit’dbehim.

HewatchedasMarcusbecamealittlegrabbierwithErik.Thehordeofdrunkenteenagersblocked

hispathtogettoErik.DeepdownheknewErikcouldtakecareofhimself.Beingawolfshiftergave
himanadvantageoverhumans.Butitstilldidn’tmeanBrandoncouldn’tprotecthismateandrightnow
hisinstinctssaidtogettoErik’ssideandkickMarcus’sass.

FinallyhesteppedupbehindMarcusandcouldhearthecornylinehetoldErik.“Comeon.You

know you want it.” Brandon wanted to rip the kid’s throat out. Did the guy borrow that line from an

after-schoolspecial?Seriously!

“That’s what every rapist says. Now take a step back before I make you take a step back.”

Brandonsaidthewordsthroughclenchedteeth.Hisjawachedfromgrindinghisjawstogether.

ThemomentEriksawhimstandingtherehiswholedemeanorchanged.Suddenlyhewasallover

Marcus where a few minutes ago he held the man at an arm’s length away. The little shit wanted to
makehimsufferanditwasworking.

Erik cuddled close to Marcus and rubbed his fingers over his chest. He purposefully taunted

Brandonwithhiswords.Yeah,hedidn’tcaretobearoundbunchofteenagers,butErikwasdifferent.
And his behavior now only reminded Brandon even more that Erik was a spoiled little brat who still
hadn’tgrownup.

“Weneedtotalk.”BrandonreachedforErik’swristandyankedhimforward.
“There isn’t a damn thing we need to talk about.” Erik wrenched his arm free from Brandon’s

hold.“Nowwhydon’tyourunalong.”Hemadeashooingmotionwithhishand.

Thatlittleshit!
“Erik!”Brandon’svoicebegantoraise,causingthemtogatheracrowd.
“Dude,hesaidtogo.Sowhydon’tyougo.”TheyoungmantriedtoshoveatBrandon’sshoulder

butswayedonhisfeetandErikhadtocatchhim.“Fuck,thewordisspinninglikecrazy.”

“Marcus!”Erikshoutedasthemanstartedtotoppleover.Theteen’seyesfellshutandhepassed

outinErik’sarms.

Brandonbegantolaugh.ItlookedlikeErik’sploytomakehimjealousbackfired.
“Shutup,”ErikgrowledathimoverhisshoulderasheheldMarcus’sunconsciousbodytohim.

“Thisisn’tfunny.”

“Ohfrommyendit’sthefunniestthingI’veseeninalongtime.”
“Willyoujustpleasehelpmegethimtothatchair.”ThelightcaughtErik’sblueeyesandBrandon

foundhimselffixatedintheshinyorbs.“Please,Brandon.HeweighsatonandifIthrowhimovermy
shouldertheotherswillnotice.”

AtErik’spleadinghewalkedovertohelphimout.Marcus’sheadlolledtothesideandhislegs

draggedinthedirtastheyescortedhimtoavacantlawnchairinfrontofthefire.

“Sothisisthekindofguyyougofor,huh?”Brandonaskedsarcastically.JustthenMarcusletout

aloudsnore.“Damn,Erik,thiskid’sawinner.”

Erikballeduphislittlefistandnarrowedhiseyesathim.Nowittycomebacklefthislips.Justa

lookofpureloathing.WithoutasinglewordErikmarchedpasthim,bumpinghisshoulderashedidso.

Brandon stood stunned for a moment before he chased after Erik. He shouldn’t have teased the

manbutErikbroughtouttheargumentativesideinhim.Therehadneverbeenamanhewantedtoslap
sillyandkissuntilhislungsscreamedforoxygenbefore.

Knowing what he had to do, Brandon followed after Erik. At the very least he needed to make

surenothinghappenedtohismate.Walkingaloneinthewoodsatnightwasn’tsafeforanyone,evena
wolfshifter.

ChapterFour

“Slowdown.”
Erik didn’t acknowledge Brandon as he called out to him. Why should he. All the man did was

laughathimwhilehewastryingtomakehimjealous.

Why do I continue to embarrass myself in front of this man? Erik silently asked himself. His

childishbehavioronlyprovedBrandon’spoint,thatErikwastooimmaturetobewithromantically,but
hecouldn’thelpit.ItseemedwheneverhegotaroundBrandonhisbrainwenthaywireandhecouldn’t
controlwhatflewoutofhismouth.

The light from the bonfire started to dwindle the further he walked in the opposite direction.

Darknesslayoutbeforehimbutitdidn’tmatter.Withhiskeenwolfeyesighthecouldseeeverything
clearlyintheblackness.Hewalkedovertheroughforestfloor,sidesteppingthedivotsinthedirt.

ThesoundofBrandon’sbreathinggrewcloser,soErikpushedhislegshardertoclimbuptheshort

inclinetogetaway.Hisfaceburnedwithembarrassmentandhereallydidn’tneedanotherlecturefrom
Brandononhowonceagainheusedpoorjudgmentandfuckedup.

OverthepastfewmonthsErikhadworkedreallyhardtogainhisfamilyandfriend’srespect.To

prove to Brandon that he had changed Erik had kept his distance. Brandon had asked that of him on
severaloccasionsandfinallyafterayearandahalfhedid.HegaveBrandonhisspacebutthatdidn’t
keepthoughtsofthemanfrominvadinghismind.

“Goddamnit,Erik,slowthefuckdown.”Brandonhuffed.
Erikdidn’tstop.Ifanythinghemovedfaster.Hecouldn’tbeartoseetherejectioninBrandon’s

blueeyesagain.

“Erik!”Brandonshoutedloudlyjustasthick,hardfingerswrappedaroundhisbicep.
“What the hell!” Erik swallowed around his pain and focused on his anger. When he met

Brandon’ssteelygaze,hisbreathgotcaughtinhisthroat.Evenwithhismatemadathim,Brandonstill
possessedtheabilitytolooksexyashell.ThehardlinesofBrandon’sfaceweresosharpErikfeared
he’dcuthisfingersifhereachedoutandtouchedtheman.

Erik’s eyes fell to stare at Brandon’s lips. They were pursed tightly together and Erik ached to

sample a taste, just one. The air around him seemed to have grown thin and Erik had a hard time
breathing.AtinglingsensationchurnedinhisballsandErikfelthimselfswayforward.

“Whatwereyouthinking?”BrandonplacedhishandsonbothofErik’sshoulders.“Youletthat

punkgropeyoulikesometwodollarwhore.”

And here we go. Erik rolled his eyes as he braced himself for the fight that would surely come.

Brandonwouldgoonandonabouthowdisappointedhewasinhim.Yada-yada-yada.Samesongand
dancehe’dheardbeforebutthistimeitwasErik’sturntotellhimhowdisappointedhewasinhim.

Theearlierconversationhehadoverheardreplayedloudlyinhisbrain.He’dbeenunabletoshutit

off.

“Whydon’tyouleavemealone.WebothknowI’mnottheoneyouwant.”HepushedBrandonin

thechest,sendinghimbackastep.

“Whydoyouhavetobesochildish?”Brandonstraightenedhisstanceandsteppedtowardhim.
“Oh for the love of God!” Erik tossed his hands into the air. “I’m so sick of this. Just leave me

alone.”

“Ican’tdothat.”Brandonshookhishead.
“Ohreally?”Erikchuckled.“You’resureasshitdidn’thaveanyproblemdoingitfortwofucking

years.”

WhateverBrandonwasgearinguptosayneverpassedhislips.Brandon’sgazebouncedbetween

Erik’seyesasifthemanwassearchingforsomething.

“What?” Erik asked. “Nothing witty or enlightening to share? I must say, Brandon, I’m a little

surprised.”HecrossedhisarmsoverhischestanddidhisbesttostaredownhisnoseatBrandon,which
wasratherhardsincethemanstoodagoodsixinchestallerthanhim.

“Why do you act like this?” Brandon asked. His face had grown solemn. “You make all this so

hard.”

“Me!”Erikshouted,jabbingafingerintohischest.
Hehadenough.HehadtakenalltheshitBrandonhadgivenhimovertheyearsandhewasdone.

KnowingthatBrandonhadathingforRoderick,Erikwouldbedamnedifheletthismantellhimwhat
hecouldandcouldn’tdo.

“SometimesIwonderifyourealizehowheartlessandmeanyouare.Thethingsyousayanddo.”

Brandonshookhishead.“Iswearyouhavenoconsciencesorfilterfromyoubraintoyourmouth.”

“That’srichcomingfromyou.”ErikpushedBrandoninhishardchest.Ashockstungthroughhis

fingersatthecontact.“Ifanyoneiscruelthatwouldbeyou.Sowhydon’tyougorunoffandfindyour
newfuckbuddy,Roderick,andleavemethefuckalone.”

“Huh?”Brandongrippedhimhardaroundthewrist.“Whatthehellareyoutalkingabout?”
Erikdidn’tfeellikehavingtoexplainwhatheoverheardorlistentoBrandonlietohim.Hegotit.

Brandonwasagrownmanwithneedsanditwouldappearhismatehadfoundsolaceinanother’sarms.
ItwastimethatErikacceptedthisandmoveon.

“Nothing.”Allthefightgonefromhistone.“Justpleasegoaway.”Erikturnedtoleave.
“No,notthistime.”HurtshowninBrandon’seyes.“Please,Erik,talktome.”
“Andsaywhat?”
“Idon’tknow.”Brandonshruggedhisbroadshoulders.“I’dtakeanythingatthispointaslongas

youdon’twalkawayfromme.”

Erik’s eyes took in the way Brandon’s shirt tightened along the thick muscles encased in the

material.God,howhewantedtotouchthemanandfeelthestrengthcordedalonghisbody.

Huh? Brandon’s words slowly seeped into his foggy brain. Erik tore his gaze from Brandon’s

magnificentbody.“Mewalkawayfromyou?Doyoumeanlikethewayyou’vewalkedawayfromme
overthepasttwoyears?”

“Erikthatwasdifferentandyouknowit.”
He did but it didn’t make it hurt any less. “Brandon, just go. There’s nothing left to say.” Erik

turnedtowalkaway.HedesperatelywantedtobewithBrandonbuthejustdidn’tknowifhecouldtrust
theman.

“That’s where you’re wrong.” Brandon held tight to his wrist and used his other hand to grab

Erik’sotherarm,stoppinghiminhistracks.“There’ssomuchstilllefttobesaidifyou’djustlisten.”

Erikrearedaround,yankedhishandfree,andthenfistedhishandsinBrandon’sshirt.“I’msickof

listening.”

“Thenletmeshowyou,Erik.”TherewasapleadinginBrandon’stonethatmadeErik’sheartbeat

quicken.

“Maybe, I want to show you.” The wolf inside Erik was hurt and angry and it needed to show

dominanceoveritsmate.ShowBrandonthathewasn’tjustsomelittlekidanymore,butamanthathad
desires.DesiresonlyBrandoncouldfulfill.

HemovedsofastitknockedBrandonoffbalanceandErikcaughthim,shovinghimupagainsta

tree.Brandon’slegswerespreadwideashefumbledtogethisfooting.Erikbangedhisbackintothe
tree.Hecouldfeeltheslighttingleinhisgumtissueashiscaninesstartedtolengthenanddropdown.
BrandongapedathimandalowgrowlrosefromdeepinsideErik.

ThesmellofBrandon’sfearandarousalwrappedaroundErik,causinghisdicktohardenandhis

mouth to drool. His eyes fell to the supple pink flesh of his mate’s mouth and dove in unable to pull
himselfback.ThesharppointsofhisteethpiercedBrandon’slipsasErikkissedhimhard.

Erik forced his tongue in past Brandon’s resistance and tasted his mate with intense need. The

soundofhisbigstrongmatewhimperingfueledhimon.Brandon’sfingersdugintoErik’sbicepsbut
didn’ttrytopushErikaway.IfanythinghepulledErikcloser.

Hemoanedloudlyandhispulseracedashetastedeveryinchofhismate’smouth.Nothinghad

everfeltmorerightinhislife.

Brandon’stonguebegantomovealongsidehis,dancingasone.ErikletgoofBrandon’sshirtand

movedhishandsaroundtogripathismate’swaist,feelingthetightcoilofmuscleunderhisfingers.
BrandonreachedhisarmsaroundErik’sandrestedhishandsonErik’sass,squeezinghischeeksina
pulsinggrip.

ErikmoanedandsuckedharderonBrandon’stongue.Hetookastepforward,aligninghiscock

withBrandon’swhereitlaylongandthickbehindtheman’szipper.BrandonhissedinabreathasErik
groundhishipsintohismates.

Firepooledinhisballs,wantingtobreakfree.ErikrubbedhisfingersupBrandon’sbacktowrap

hisarmsaroundBrandon’sneckandmovedhishipsforwardwitharoughandrawspeed.Theneedto
come blinded him to anything and everything. Any thought of anger toward his mate vanished as his
releasespunhighertothesurface.

Brandon’sholdonhisassgrewfirmerandurgedEriktomovefaster.Withteethandtonguethey

fought for dominance over the other. Erik growled and nipped hard at Brandon’s bottom lip. Blood
oozed from the small puncture wound and Erik lapped it up, then thrust his tongue into Brandon’s
mouthtosharethespicyflavor.

As his orgasm played right on the fringes of his control, Erik broke the kiss to bury his face in

Brandon’s neck, nipping and sucking as his mate gasped for breath. Brandon’s reaction to his touch
droveErikwildandhecouldn’tholdonanylonger.Cumshotoutofhisdicktopainttheinsideofhis
pants. The warmth spread like fire as he stilled his hips and held close to Brandon, drawing in deep
breaths.

Brandon wasn’t far behind him. His body tensed as he clutched tightly to Erik with almost

bruising force. Even in the confines of his denim jeans Erik could smell the salty sweetness coming
fromhismate.Itremindedhimofsummerbreezecominginofftheocean.

Theybothstoodthereholdingoneanotherastheysuckedinairtofilltheirtiredlungs.Asmile

gracedErik’slips.Finallyafterallthistimehegottosharethepassionthatsmolderedinsidehimwith
hismate.TherewasnowayBrandoncoulddenytheirconnection.

HelookedupthroughhoodedeyestoseethatBrandonhadahugegrinonhisfaceandhishead

tilted back against the tree. The man must have sensed his staring and looked at him. Erik had never
seenamorehandsomesight.Brandon’scheekswereflushedwithcolorandhiseyeshadadazedglow
aboutthem.HelookedlikeamanwellsatisfiedandErikcouldn’thelpbutsmileupatBrandon.The
manhadstolenhisheartsolongagoandstillhadatightholdonErik.Hecouldn’tdenythatheloved
thisman.

Brandon’smouthstartedtoopenwhenaphonestartedtoring.Thesharploudsoundshookthem

from the quiet bubble they’d stood in. Erik took a step back as Brandon fished his phone out of his

pocket.

“Shit,”BrandongrumbledthenlookedupatErik.“It’swork,Ihavetotakeit.”
“Sure.” Erik nodded. The wind seemed to pick up then and he wrapped his arms tightly around

himself.HefeltcoldwithoutBrandon’sstrongarmssurroundinghim.

“Hello,” Brandon barked into the phone. “Yeah it’s a bad time.” He looked over at Erik and

winkedathim.

Erikfelthischeeksheatupandhegrinnedtohimself.Brandon’sentiredemeanorhadshifted.The

man didn’t push him a way, he only seemed to want more. Maybe this was a chance for a new
beginning for them. They both didn’t verbally admit their feelings for one another but their actions
spokevolumes.Brandonhadtobeinlovewithhim.Erikjustknewit.

Hestoodtherelookingoutintothedarkenednight,breathinginthewoodsyscentthatsurrounded

him.Hiswolfwantedtobustlooseandrunandhowlupatthecrescentmoon.Itseemedlikealifetime
ago that he’d first seen Brandon and there were times he thought they’d never get to this point. But
now?Nowallthathadchanged.

It sounded silly, even to himself, but Erik instantly started imagining their lives together. He’d

move into Brandon’s house. Erik would still attend Hemsworth University in the fall. Living with
BrandoninSilverCreekwouldmakethecommuteeasy.Win-win.

“Doyouhaveconfirmationthatit’sawolfattack?”
Erik heard Brandon ask into the phone. He was only half listening, too caught up in his

daydreamingofspendingtherestofhislifewiththisman.

“Sure,Iunderstand.I’monmyway.Seeyouinafew,Roderick.”
At the sound of that name Erik’s head snapped around. He narrowed his eyes at his mate. How

could he have been so naïve? And how could Brandon run off to another man after what they just
shared?

“Pup,Ihavetogo.”BrandontookasteptowardhimbutErikjerkedawaybeforehecouldtouch

him.

“Don’t call me that!” Erik gritted out the words, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to

streamdownhisface.

AhurtlookedcrossedBrandon’sface.“What’sthematterwithyou?”
“Nothing.” Erik laughed but no humor was in his tone. His heart broke as he realized his man

wouldbespendingtherestofthenightwithRoderick.“JustfuckinggobewithRoderick.It’sobvious
youtwohavemoreincommonthanus.”Erikturnedaroundandstartedtowalkaway.

“Whatthefuckareyoutalkingabout?”Brandonshouted.
“I’m not stupid, Brandon,” Erik said over his shoulder. “Just because I’m younger than you

doesn’tmeanI’manidiot.Sojustgoandleavemealone.”

“Whatthehellhappened?”BrandongrabbedhimbythebackofhisshirtcatchingErikoffguard.

HewhirledaroundandshovedBrandoninthechest.

“Don’tyouevertouchmeagain.”Alowmenacinggrowlrosefromhisthroat.Thesoundforeign

tohisownears.

“Whathasgottenintoyou?”
He stood there staring into Brandon’s eyes and Erik just didn’t have it in him to fight anymore.

Themorehefought,itseemed,thefurtherhepushedBrandonaway.Hejustneededtogetawayfrom
him before he started to bawl like a freaking baby then only proving Brandon’s point that he wasn’t
readyforarelationship.

“Seriously,Erik.What’swrongwithyou?”

“Nothing,”Erikwhispered,allthefightleavinghisbody.
Theairshimmeredaroundhisbodyandhecouldfeelthepullandpopashismusclesshiftedand

hisbonesformedthoseofhiswolf.HecouldfaintlyhearBrandoncallingouthisnamebutErikwasn’t
listeninganymore.Hewasn’tsomeneedydorkwhoneededsomekindofacceptancefromthisman.If
BrandonwantedtobewithRoderick,fine,buthecouldn’thaveitbothways.

ThedampgrassunderhispawsfeltfamiliarandgaveErikthecouragetorun.Heranfasterthan

he ever had before, eager to get away from this brand of pain. Brandon’s rejection always left him
hollowbuttoknowanothermanheldBrandon’sattentionwasjusttoomuch.Hewantedtoriphisheart
outsohedidn’thavetofeelanymore.

Erikdidn’tknowwherehewasgoing.Hejustknewhehadtogetaway.Thedarkforestwelcomed

himlikeanoldfriendprotectinghimfromanyandallthings.

As the wind whipped across his face Erik knew in time he’d get past this. But he also knew it

mighttakeleavingNehalemtodothat.

ChapterFive

AshewatchedErikrunoff,Brandondidn’tknowwhattodoorsay.WithErikinwolfformthere

wouldbenowayBrandoncouldcatchhim.Sohejuststoodtherelikeanasswatchinghispuprunaway
fromhim.

“Whatthefuckjusthappened?”Brandonmumbledtohimself.Hebroughthisarmsuptobracehis

handsbehindhisheadandneck.Thestretchofhisarmscausedhispantstoshiftandthecoolingcumin
hisjeanstosmearagainstthisskin.

“Thisisjustfuckingperfect.”Brandonreacheddownandadjustedhimselfandmadesurehisshirt

hungoverthedampspotonhispants.Hehadajobtogodoandhedidn’thavethetimetostopathome
tochange.

Brandon didn’t understand what had gotten into Erik. Everything had been going so good, no,

betterthangood,fuckingamazing.WithErikturningeighteenhenolongerhadtoholdbackthewayhe
felt.GrantedtheystillhadissuestoworkoutbutBrandonwasconfidentwithtimetheycouldovercome
alltheirdifferences.WithErikstillbeingsoyounghewouldgrowandchangesomuchinthecoming
yearsandBrandonwantedtobethere.Nowthathemadethedecisiontoclaimtheinfuriatingmanthere
wasnothingornoonegoingtostophimfromhavingErik.

BrandonheadedbackinthedirectionhehadfollowedErik.Thesoundsofthepartyingteenagers

got louder the closer he got. In the distance he heard one long drawn out howl. He looked over his
shoulderandglancedupatthesky.ItgavehimsomecomfortknowingErikwaslookingatthesame
moonhewas.

ThefirelightgrewbrighterasBrandonwalkedbackintotheclearing.Marcusstillsatpassedoutin

thechairwheretheyhadlefthim.Brandonsmiledtohimself.Atleasthedidn’thavetoworryaboutthat
particularhornyteenager.

When he reached his truck he climbed in and pulled out. He pulled out his phone and made an

anonymous call to the local sheriff’s department to tip them off to the underage drinking going on at
thatparty.Hehatedtonarconthekidsbecausehehimselfhadbeenyoungoncebutthehunterinhim
didn’t want to see any of those kids get hurt. They had their whole lives ahead of them, one stupid
mistakecouldtakeallthataway.

TwentyminuteslaterBrandonpulledupbehindRoderick’struck.Itsatofftotheshoulderofthe

road.Hehoppedouttogofindhisfriend.

Roderick’s call had been work related, sort of. Apparently a body had been found. The reason

Roderickhadbeennotifiedwasbecausetherehadbeensomemaulingofthebody.Roderickdidn’tsay
muchonthephonejusttogethisassoverthere.Heneededasecondopinion.

“Hey!”Roderickwavedhimover.
Brandon stepped carefully down the small hill off the side of the road. A small area had been

ropedoffsonoonegottooclosetothecrimescene.Aspotlighthadbeenbroughtinlightingthesmall
stretchofground.Inthecenterlayapronebodywithablanketlayingontopofit.

“Roderick.”Brandonshookhisfriend’shand.
“Brandon, this is Detective Harris. He works for the Stark City police department. He’s also an

associatetothecouncil.”Brandonclaspedhandswiththeman.StarkCityborderedNehalem.Itwasa
littlebitbiggerthanNehalembutnotaslargeasSilverCreek.Niceplacetolive.WhenBrandonfirst
cametotheareaheconsideredbuyingahouseinStarkbutdecidedagainstit,wantingtobeinalarger
city-typeatmosphere.“Calebwasondutywhenheheardaboutthediscoveryofthebodyonhisradio

andduetothesuspiciousnatureCalebhadDetectiveHarrisgiveusacall.”

Caleb Kline was a fellow hunter who at the request of Phillip took a job as a police officer in

Silver Creek. Having a hunter on the force could be beneficial at times. He agreed to do so after
decidingtotakeanextendedleaveofabsencefromthecouncilafterheaccidentlyshotandkilledCole,
JoshandJake’sfather.He’dneverkilledaninnocentpersonbeforeandittookitstollonhim.Brandon
hadbeenthereanditwasn’tCaleb’sfault.Afighthadbrokenoutbetweentworivalpacksandthedeath
ofMr.Weatherswasunfortunate.Calebwasagoodmanbutbecauseheblamedhimselffortheaccident
heavoidedtheCarstenpackatallcost.AccordingtoPhilliptheyoungman’sguiltwasslowlyeating
awayathimfromtheinsideout.

“Nicetomeetyou,sir.”
“Same here, son,” Detective Harris said. “Like I was telling Roderick, the body has been bit up

prettygood.Kindahardtotelljustexactlywhatgotaholdofthisyoungman.”

“Doyouknowwhothevictimis?”Brandonasked.
“Yes we do.” Detective Harris rubbed at his chin with his right hand. “That’s where this gets a

littleawkwardandwhyI’mnotentirelysureit’sashifterattack.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Brandonfoundhiscuriositypiqued.
“We found the young man’s clothes nicely folded sitting on a rock near the body.” The man

pointed out in front of him toward the body. “Inside his shorts we found his wallet. But like I said,
withouthislicensetheboy’sfaceisunrecognizable.”

Brandon nodded his understanding. Seeing a dead body was nothing new to him. “Let’s take a

look,”hesaid.

He and Roderick followed behind Harris toward the body. Some of the police officers had

flashlights and were looking over the ground. Brandon assumed to find more clues if any were left
behind.

“Whodiscoveredthebody?”Roderickasked.
“Alocalteen.Shehadpulledovertowalkherlittledog.”HarrisheldupthetapeforBrandonand

Rodericktogounder.“Thedamnthingranoffandshefounditasitwastryingtotakeabiteoutofour
victimhere.She’sstillinabitofshock.”

“Ibet.”Rodericksmirked.“She’llneverlookatthatlittlepoochthesamewayagain.”
Brandoncouldn’thelpbutchuckle.
Detective Harris bent over the body and pulled back the sheet. Brandon and Roderick squatted

downtogetabetterlook.Theman’sfacehadstartedtodiscolorfromexposureandlookedprettybadly
beaten.Bitemarkswereallalongtheleftsideofhisfaceanddowntheleftsideofhisbody.Theteeth
indentionslookedtobefromsmalleranimals,nothingasbigasawolfhadgottenaholdofthisbody.

“Lookatthat.”Brandonpulledapenfromhisbackpocketandturnedtheman’sheadtotheside

slightly. Ligature marks wound around his neck. “This is definitely a human kill. Look at the marks
aroundhisneck.Thiskid’sbeenstrangled.”

Themarkswerebarelyvisiblethroughthecrustedblood,matteddirtandbitemarks,buttheywere

there. If a shifter had been responsible for this boy’s death, they did it while in human form. Wolves
didn’thaveopposablethumbsandthat,alongwithfingers,wasamustinordertoasphyxiateaperson.

“Whatdidyousayhisnamewas?”BrandonaskedasHarris.Bythelooksoftheyoungenoughto

stillbeinhighschool.

“KevinMaynard.”
KevinMaynard?ThenamesoundedfamiliartoBrandonbuthecouldn’tplacewhereheheardit

before.

“He’saddresssayshelivedinSilverCreek.”Harrisflippedthroughhisnotes.
Brandonstareddownhardattheboy’sbody.Somethingaboutthiskidjustmadethehairsonhis

neckstandup.Butwhatwasit?

“Along with his license we found a library card and a photo ID stating he’s part of the Silver

CreekSwimClub.”

Brandon’seyeswidened.That’swhytheboy’snamesoundedfamiliar.He’dactuallyseenthiskid

competeagainstErikduringswimmeets.

“Doyouknowhim?”Roderickasked,hiseyessquintedashelookedatBrandonfunny.
“Nobuthe’sontheswimteamwithErik.”Theboywassoyoung.Onlyeighteen.“Hashisfamily

beennotifiedyet?”

“Not yet.” Harris put his small note book away. “I’m heading there after I talk to you two.” He

tookadeepbreath.“Sothisisahumankill?”

BrandonstoodupandsodidRoderick.
“Yes,sir,”Roderickanswered.“Thebitemarksaretoosmalltobefromawolf.”
“Iwasafraidyouweregoingtosaythat.Thatmeanswehaveakilleronourhands.”
Brandoncouldn’ttakehiseyesfromKevin’sbody.ThatcouldhavebeenEriklayingthere.
“Sorry we couldn’t have been more of a help,” Roderick offered. “If anything else comes up

suspiciousdon’thesitatetocallmeback.Ihopeyoucatchthebastardwhodidthis.”

“Me, too. It’s never easy having to tell a family that their child is dead.” Harris shook his head.

“Thanksagain.”

BrandonfollowedRoderickbacktowheretheirtruckswereparked.Hestayedquiet,deepinhis

ownthoughtsandworryforErik.

“Yousureyou’reokay?”Roderickaskedoncetheyreachedthevehicles.“Youlookallpaleand

shit.”

“It’snotlikeIknewthekidoranythingbutI’dseenhimswimwithErik.HewasErik’sfriend.”It

pained him to think how this would affect Erik. Brandon didn’t know if he should tell his pup or let
someoneelsebreakthenews.

“Yeah, it’s sad. The kid was so young.” Roderick pulled open his car door. “At least it wasn’t a

wolfattack.Thosearealittlehardertoexplaintheconditionofthebodytothefamily.”

“True.” Brandon shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked on his feet, staring out toward the

lightedarea.HisthoughtsforKevin’sfamily.

“Youcominghome?”Roderickshuthisdoor,lookingathimthroughtheopenwindow.
“Yeah,I’llberightbehindyou.”Brandonwalkedovertohistruckandgotinside.
ThedrivehomewasquietasBrandonwentovereverythingthathappenedthatnightinhishead.

ForabriefmomenthehadconnectedwithErik.Hispupseemedsointoit,thenliketheflipofalight
switchErik’smoodchanged.ToBrandonitseemedasifErikwasjealousofRoderick,butwhy?They
were only friends and Brandon had no romantic inclinations toward the other man whatsoever. His
heart,likeitornot,belongedtoErik

Erik was irrational at times and never could see the bigger picture when it came to their

relationship or lack of. The age difference was something out of Brandon’s control and he owed it to
EriktoletthemangrowupandenjoytherestofhischildhoodbutErikdidn’tseeitthatway.Hispup
thoughthe’dabandonedhimanddidn’tlovehim.IfonlyErikknewthetruth.

ChapterSix

“Dude, did you hear the news?” Robby asked as he came up to where Erik stood in the locker

room.

“Whatnews?”Erikasked.
“Ican’tbelieveyoudon’tknow?”Robbygavehimashockedlook.“Don’tyouwatchthenews?”
Erikonlyshrugged.AfterthepartyfiascowithBrandonhehadgonehome.Viktorhadseenhow

upsethehadbeenandlikeagoodbrotherdidn’taskhimanyquestions.Viktorjusttoldhimtofollow
him. Erik spent the weekend with Viktor and Viktor’s mate Shane for a weekend-long hunt on their
property.Sometimesitwasgoodtojustbeinhiswolfformwithnotiestothehumanworld.Itdidn’t
takeawayallthehurtfromBrandon’srejectionorloveforanothermanbutitwasastart.

“Iwasn’tathomethisweekend.Wentcampingwithmybrother.”
Robby just shook his head. He opened his mouth to say something when Marcus came running

aroundthecorner.

“Ohmygodcanyouguysbelieveit?”
“Believewhat?”Eriklookedathisfriend.
“KevinwasfounddeadrightoffthehighwayinStarkCity.”Marcusrushedout.
“Hey,Iwasgoingtotellhim.”Robbypouted.
Erikstaredathisfriendsindisbeliefastheyarguedbackinforthonwhogottotellhimfirstthat

theirfriendwasdead.Hecouldn’tbelieveit.HehadmetKevinwhenhejoinedtheswimteam.They
weren’tsuperclosebuttheyhadbecomefriends.TheyhadasharedpassionforswimmingandKevin
hadactuallytaughtErikalot.He’dmisshim.

“That’s terrible,” Erik said in a somber voice. “How did it happen?” He didn’t want to seem

morbid by asking that but he was curious. Had Kevin been at the party Friday night and drove home
drunk? If that were the case he’d never forgive himself. He could have easily given his friend a ride
homehadheonlyknown.

“The news reports aren’t saying a whole lot.” Robby stepped closer to them, glanced over his

shoulderthanwhispered,“Mydad’sfriendisacopinSilverCreekandsupposedlytheyfoundKevinin
thewoodsrightofftheroad.Hewasnakedandhisclotheswerefoundonarockallneatlyfoldedjust
sittingthere.”

“Seriously?”MarcuswasdrawnintoRobby’sstory.
“Yeah,he’dbeenouttherelongenoughthattheanimalshadstartedtopickathisbody.”Robby

pulledoffhisshirt.“Mydadsaidit’llhavetobeaclosedcasket.”

Eriktunedouthisfriend’smorbidconversation.Hecouldn’tunderstandhowtheycouldtalklikeit

wasnobigdealthatKevinhadbeenkilled.

“Boys!”CoachAllen’svoiceechoedinthelockerroom.“Gatheraroundhere.Weneedtotalk.”

ErikfollowedbehindhisfriendsastheteamsurroundedCoachAlleninasemi-circle.“I’vegotsome
sadnewstotellyouall.KevinMaynard’sbodywasdiscoveredthispastFridayinStarkCity.”Coach
tookadeepbreathandrubbedahandathisrighteye.“Hisfamilyhasaskedmetolettheteamknow
whenhisfuneralwillbe.Theywantyouboystoknowyouarewelcomedtocome.AlsoI’vedecidedto
cancelpracticetodaytogiveyouboyssometimetomourn.”

CoachAllenrattledoffthedateandaddressofthefuneralandthelocation.Erikmadeamental

notetonotforgettheinformationandturnedaroundtoheadbacktohislocker.

“Istillcan’tbelievehe’sgone.”Eriksatdownonthebench.

“It’ll be okay, Erik.” Marcus sat beside him and wrapped an arm over his shoulders. “He’s in a

betterplacenow.”

Erik hated when people said that. When his parents had been killed that’s what friends of his

parentshadsaid.Theyfeltsorryforthelittleboyleftwithouthisparentsandweretryingtofindany
waytocheerhim.Butthatwasn’tpossible.He’dbeenorphanedandlefttoberaisedbyhisbrothersand
thankthegoodlordforthem.WithoutDevonorViktor,Erikdidn’tknowwhathewouldhavedone.

“I’msureheisbutitdoesn’tmakeitanybetter.”Erikstoodupandstartedtothrowhisswimsuit

andtowelbackintohisbag.

“Erik,man,Ididn’tmeantosoundsoheartless.”MarcusturnedErikaroundtofacehim.
Tearsburnedathiseyesandhekepthisfocustrainedonthewhitetiledfloor.
“Comeon,lookatme.”MarcusplacedafingerunderhischintoliftErik’sface.“We’reallgoing

tomisshimandnothingwesayordowillbringhimback.Butknowinghe’sinasafeplaceiswhatgets
peoplethroughatimelikethis.”

Heneverthoughtofitlikethat.EriknoddedandgaveMarcusasmallsmile.“You’reright.”
“Thanks.”Marcusgavehimatighthugthenlethimgo.“Whydon’twehangouttonight?Meet

laterattheEarlyBeanCaféforalatte?Whatdoyasay?”

“Sure.”Erikdidn’thaveanythingelsetodoandgettingoutofthehousewouldbeagoodthing.

“Soundslikefun.I’llmeetyoutherearoundseven?”

“Wheeler!”CoachAllenshoutedfromhisofficedoor.“Ineedtoseeyouinmyoffice.”
Marcus looked over his shoulder at Coach then back to him. “I guess Coach needs to speak to

me.”HepattedErikontheshoulder.“Seeyaatseven.”

OncehewasaloneEriksattodowntopullbackonhissocksandtiehistennisshoes.Learning

thatKevinhadbeenmurdereddefinitelyovershadowedwhathadhappenedbetweenhimandBrandon
onFridaynight.Tothinkhewassoupsetthatthemanhelovedhadfeelingsforanother.AtleastErik
was alive. He got to feel joys of love and the pain as well, where Kevin would never get the chance
again.

Alonetearfellfromhiseyetosplashonthehardfloor.LifewastooshortandErikhadspentmost

of his time being angry, but no matter how much he wanted to forgive Brandon and move on he just
didn’tknowifhecould.

ChapterSeven

Ithadbeenthreedayssincehe’dseenErikandBrandoncouldn’tstayawayanylonger.Bynowhe

knewabouthisfriend’sdeathandBrandonwantedtobetheretoofferhisshoulderforEriktoleanon.

Thepastweekendhadbeenthelongestofhislife.JustwhenhethoughttheywereconnectingErik

goesandthrowsafitandgetsmadathimfortakingacallfromRoderick,whichwasworkrelated.If
hispupthoughtheandRoderickhadsomethinggoingonhewassorelymistaken.

AshesatstaringupattheCarstenhousehefeltsweatbreakoutacrosshisforehead.He’dnever

been so nervous. He just prayed Erik would speak to him. Brandon didn’t know what to say but he
knew he had to say something. If he wanted to keep Erik he had to show his pup just how much he
lovedhim.

Brandongotoutofhistruckandwalkeduptheporchsteps.Thesmelloffreshlycutgrasshungin

the air and Brandon took a deep breath. He loved the smells of summer, the bright color and warm
weather. It was the perfect season for falling in love. He was being sappy but he felt giddy at the
thoughtofseeingErikagain.

Brandonliftedhishandtoknockonthedoorwhenitflewopen.
“Holy shit!” A stunned Erik stared back at him. Erik had a hand clasped to his chest. “Fuck,

Brandon,youscaredtheshitoutofme.”Hewalkedtherestofthewayoutofthehouse.“Whatareyou
doinghere?”

BrandontookastepbacktomakeroomontheporchforErik.“Icametoseeyou.”Hislipscurled

into a smile at seeing Erik. He’d never tire of seeing his light blond hair, bright blue eyes, and pouty
lips.

“Why?”Erikarchedaneyebrowathim.
“Uh…”Brandondidn’tknowwhattosay.Ifhesaidtoseehimsotheycouldpickupwherethey

leftoffwouldmakehimsoundinsensitive.Hehadtogoslow.“Toseehowyou’redoing.IknowKevin
wasafriendofyours.”

“Yeah, he was.” Erik put his hands in his pockets. The gesture had Brandon looking down his

mate’sbody.Erikworeapalegreenpoloshirt,khakishorts,andbrownflipflops.Theoutfitscreamed
summerandmadeEriklookgorgeous.Hisnipplespokedagainstthesnug-fittingshirtandtheshortssat
perfectlyathiships.

Godhelpme!Brandoncouldfeelhiscockstirtolifeinhisjeans.Hewastoooldtobesprouting

woodlike,well,likesomeoneErik’sage.

“IsthereanythingIcando?”heasked,hiseyesfocusedonErik’smoistpinklips.
“Nope.” Erik looked down at his watch then walked past him. “If that’s it I really need to be

going.”

“Whereto?”Brandonsnapped.HistemperwasshowingbuthedislikedErik’squickdismissalof

him.

“That would be none of your business.” Erik popped the lock on his new Ford Mustang. A

graduationgiftfromErik’sbrothersthatBrandonhaddisapprovedof.

“I’d like to disagree with that.” Brandon grabbed the car door as Erik made to shut it. “I have

everyrighttoknowwherethehellyouaregoing.”

“Huh.”EriktiltedhisheadtothesideandassessedBrandonthroughnarrowedeyes.“SeeI’dhave

todisagreewithyouthere.Youhavenorighttoknowanythingaboutmylife.Youlostthatprivilege.”

“Excuseme?”BrandonbentatthewaisttobeeyelevelwithErik.“Whathasgottenintoyou?”

Erikhuffedoutanannoyedbreathandrolledhiseyes.“I’mmeetingsomeoneandyouaremaking

melate.Sowhydon’tyoujustmovealong.”Erikshooedhimawaywithhishand,likesomepeskyfly.

“With who?” Brandon wrapped his fingers around Erik’s wrist, his hold rough, but he would be

damnedifhe’dletErikshakehimoff.

“Marcus,”Eriksaidwithasmile.
“Likehellyou’regoingtomeethim.”BrandonpulledonErik’sarm,tryingtopullhimoutofthe

car.“Getoutofthecar,Erik.”

Erikstoodupandstoodtoetotoewithhim.Theirheightdifferencedidn’tdeterErik’sfierceness.
“Whydon’tyougorunbacktoRoderick.”Erikshovedhiminthechest,hard.Brandonstumbled

backandlandedonhisass.“I’msurethat’swhereyouwouldratherbe.”Erikgotbackinhiscar,shut
thedooranddroveoff,spinningthetiresashewent.

Brandonsatstunnedinthedriveway.ErikwasseriouslyoverreactingwhenitcametoRoderick.

SureRoderickwasagoodlookingguyandBrandonhadspentquiteabitoftimewithhimbecauseof
work,butBrandondidn’twanthim.HewantedErik.

Thenwhydidn’tyousaythat,youidiot?
Climbingtohisfeet,Brandondustedthedirtoffhisass.Erikhaddrivensofastoutofthedrive

Brandoncouldn’tevenseehistaillightsanymore.

“Sowhatdidyoudonow?”
BrandonlookedoverhisshouldertoseeDevonleaningagainsttheporchrailing.Themanhelda

presencethatdemandedrespectwithhistoweringheightandbroadshoulders.WhereErikhadelfish-
likefeatures,almostfeminine,Devonwashardandallalphamale.

“Whydoyouautomaticallyassumeit’ssomethingI’vedone?”heaskedasheheadedbacktoward

thesteps.

“Becausemylittlebrotherhasbeeninlovewithyousincethedayyoumet.Ihighlydoubthe’d

pushyouawaywithouthavingagoodreason.”DevonrestedahandonBrandon’sshoulder.“Sospillit.
Howexactlydidyoufuckup?”

“You heard all that, huh?” Brandon rubbed a hand over his chin, the new growth making a

scratchingsound.

“Yep.”Devonpursedouthislips.
Ifbeingknockedonhisassbyhismuchyoungermatewasn’tbadenough,theguy’sbrotherhad

witnessedthewholedamnthing.Hecouldfeelheatcreepuphisneckfromhisembarrassment.

“Comeonin.”Devonheldopenthedoortothehouse.“Lookslikeyoucoulduseadrink.”
Brandon followed behind Devon like a little lost puppy. For so long he had been pushing Erik

awayandnowthathewantedhimthekidliterallyknockedhimonhisassandranaway.

“Haveaseat.”DevonpulledachairoutforBrandonandhefloppeddownonit.Allhisenergyhad

beensuckedoutofhimwhenhewatchedErikleave.

DevonpulledtwobeersoutofthefridgeandhandedonetoBrandon.
“Thanks.”Hetwistedthecapoffandtookabiggulp.
“Sowhathashappenedbetweenyoutwonow?”Devontookadrinkfromhisbottle,neverlooking

awayfromhim.

“To be honest Devon, I don’t have a fucking clue.” He slumped back in his chair. “Last Friday

nightIthoughteverythingwasgoinggreat.I’dfinallydecidedtoletthingsjusthappenbetweenusand
seewhereitled.”Asmilecurledhislipatthememory.“AnditwasgoinggooduntilIgotacallfrom
Roderick.NextthingIknowwe’rearguingandheshiftsandrunsoff.”Brandonliftedthebottletohis
lips and took another drink. “By the way I really hate that you guys can do that. Makes having a

conversationkindofhardwhenyoushiftershaveaneasyescaperoute.”

“Yeah,itcomesinhandy.”Devonchuckled.“Idon’twantdetailsbutwhenyousaidthingswere

goinggoodyoumeanthatyoutwowere”—Devon’sfacescrunchedup—“were…”Devonblewouta
breath.

“Werewebeingintimate?Yeah.”BrandonansweredthequestionthatDevoncouldn’tseemtoask.
“Ireallydon’twanttoknowthisbutwasErikintoit?”
“Ofcoursehewas.I’mnotsomekindofmonster.”Brandonwasoutraged.He’dneverforceErik

todoanythinghedidn’twantto.

Devonheldupahand.“I’mnotsayingthatyouarebutI’mtryingtohelpfigureoutwhatwent

wrong.”

“Hey,guys!”Aidensaidashecameintothekitchen.“What’sgoingon?”Helookedbetweenhim

andDevon.

“Oh the same shit, just a different day.” Devon pulled Aiden into his lap and kissed his lips.

“BrandoncameovertoseeErikandasyoucanseebabybrotherisn’there.”

“Well,isn’tthisachangeofpace.”Aidenarchedaneyebrowathim.“Foronceyou’redoingthe

chasing,nottheotherwayaround.”

“Prettymuchsumsitup,babe.”DevonsmiledatBrandon.“Wouldn’tyousay,Brandon?”
“Ireallydon’tneedthisrightnow.”Brandonleanedforwardtoresthisheadonhiscrossedarms

wherethelayonthetable.

“Oh, Brandon, we’re just messing with you.” Aiden rubbed the back of his head. “Tell me

everythingthathappened.”

BrandonlookedupandtoldAidenandproceededtotellAidenthathehadfollowedEriktothe

partyinthewoodsandfromtheretheymessedaround.Aftertheyweredonehisphoneranganditwas
RodericktellinghimthatamurderhadtakenplaceinSparkCity.

“Weheardaboutthat,”Devonsaid.“ItwasoneofErik’sfriends.”
“Yeah,that’swhyIwaitedtocomeover,”Brandonadmitted.“Ididn’twanttobetheonetobreak

the news to him and I knew Erik was mad at me. So when I came over tonight Erik was really short
withmeandwhenIaskedhimwherehewasgoinghesaidtomeetthatfuckingMarcuskid.”Brandon’s
teethgroundtogetherashebitdownhard.Hestillcouldn’tseewhatEriksawinthatpunk.

“Itakeityoudon’tlikeMarcus?”Devonasked.
“Fuck no!” Brandon shouted. “Erik is mine and should be here with me trying to work this shit

out.Notouttryingtohookupwithsomeotherguy.”Brandonmassagedhistemples,tryingtorelease
thepressurepoundinginhishead.“WhenItriedtotellErikthatweneededtotalkheknockedmetothe
groundandtoldmetorunbacktoRoderick,thatthatwaswhereIreallywantedtobe.Forsomereason
Erik’sgotitinhisheadthatI’mhotforRoderick.Whatthefuck?”

“Uh-oh.” Aiden shifted on Devon’s lap, his face going red. “That fucking wolf hearing and

sneakiness.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”DevonaskedandBrandonnoddedhisagreement.
“I’m only guessing here. I could be wrong but you said that Erik made a reference to Roderick

bothtonightandlastFridaynight,correct?”

Brandonnoddedhishead.“Yeah.He’sbeingjealousfornoreason.I’venevereventalkedabout

RoderickinfrontofErikbefore.SoIhavenocluewhereallthisanimosityiscomingfrom.”

“IthinkIdo.HemusthaveoverheardSkylerandItalkingabouthowcloseyouandRoderickhave

become.”

“What?Wearejustfriends,nothingmore.”Brandonstoodupandbeganpacingthefloor.“Why

wouldyouthinkthat?AndmoreimportantlywhywouldyoubetalkingaboutitwhereErikmighthear
you?”

“It was just talk we didn’t really mean anything by it. You stopped coming by the house all

together then you didn’t want to come to Erik’s birthday party. Sky and I just assumed you were
sleepingwithRoderick.”Aidenlookedashamedbywhathejustsaid.“IswearhadweknownErikwas
listeninginonus,wewouldneverhavespokenthosethoughtsoutloud.I’msosorry,Brandon.”

Hewantedtoscreamtotheheavensandtakehisfrustrationoutonsomethingandmakeithurtas

much as he was right now. It wasn’t Aiden’s fault for thinking those things. Brandon did keep his
distanceandhedidspendalotoftimewithRoderickbutitwasworkrelated.Hecouldn’thelpitthathe
andRoderickhadbecomegoodfriends.

“Ihatetoasktheobviousbutyou’renotsleepingwithhimareyou?”
Brandon stopped his pacing to look at Devon. “No!” He banged his hands down on the counter

top.“IloveErikandonlyErik.He’sallI’vethoughtaboutfortwofuckinglong-assyears.TrustmeI
wouldn’tjeopardizewhatIwanttohavewithhimforapieceofass.”

“Soyouadmityoulovehim?”Aidenhadahugesmileonhisface.
“Yes, I love him. More than anything.” Brandon didn’t feel foolish laying everything out on the

tableforhismate’sfamilytohear.

“Ineverdoubtedit.”DevonsetAidenasideandstoodupthenwalkedovertoBrandon.“Icansee

howmuchyoucareformybrotherandIthinkit’stimeyougoandshowhim.He’swaitedalongtime
foryou,too.”Devonwinkedathimthenturnedtowalkaway.

Brandonjuststoodthere.Theymadeitseemsoeasybutwasit?
“Why are you still standing there?” Devon shouted from down the hallway. “Go claim what is

rightfullyyours.”

“ButIdon’tknowwheretofindhim.”
Thesoundofrunningfeetechoeddownthehallway.Aidenpeeredaroundthecorner.“EarlyBean

Café,”hesaid,outofbreath.“Nogo!”

Without thinking twice, Brandon ran for the front door and down the steps. If he didn’t fix this

messwithErikhe’dlosehim.

BrandonjumpedintohistruckandheadedbacktowardSilverCreek.Hehadamatetogoclaim.

ChapterEight

Eriklookedathiswatchagain.FortyminuteshadpassedandMarcusstillhadn’tshownup.He’d

givetheguyafewmoreminutesthanhewasoutofthere.

The confrontation with Brandon had left him tired and aching. No matter how mad he got at

Brandon,hestillwantedhim,godhowhewantedhim.

“Youwantanythingelse,sweetie?”Margie,theowneroftheEarlyBeanCafé,asked.
Erik looked down at his empty cup. “Sure. Why not.” He got up and walked to the counter and

handedMargiehiscup.“I’llregretitlaterwhenItrytogotobedbutgivemeanotherespresso,please.”

“Surething,sweetie.”Sheturnedaroundtopreparehisorder.“Soanybigplanstonight,kiddo?”
“Nah,IwassupposedtomeetafriendherebutIguesshe’snotgoingtoshow.”Heleaneddownto

rest his elbows on the counter, feeling more tired than when he left the house. The argument with
Brandonreallyworehimout.Beinginlovewithamanthatwouldneverreciprocatehisfeelingsjust
suckedalltheenergyfromhisbody.

“Ah,honey.”Margieturnedaroundandsathismugonthecounter.“I’msorry.”
“It’sokay.We’rejustfriends.”Eriktookasipofhisdrink.“Eitherwayitwasnicetogetoutofthe

house.Ineededsomeroomtothink,yaknow?”

“Don’tIever.”Shegavehimasmilethatsaidhedidn’tneedtoexplainanythingtoher.“Don’t

ever deny what your heart says to do. Sometimes it’s giving some good sage advice you just need to
stopandlisten.”Thebellabovethedoordinged.Margiepattedhishandoncemorethanturnedtoassist
theincomingcustomers.

Erikreturnedtohistable.HecheckedhisphoneagainbutstillnowordfromMarcus.Knowinghis

friend,heeithergotabetterofferorhadgottenwastedandlaypassedoutsomewhere.

ThebellabovethedoordingedagainbutErikdidn’tlookup.
“Isthisseattaken?”
ErikslowlylookedupfromhisphonetoseeBrandonstandingbesidehistable.Theman’shand

shook where it rested on the chair back. If Erik didn’t know better he’d think Brandon was nervous.
Good!Hewantedtoseethemanfidgetfrominsecuritylikehehadsufferedthroughforyears.

“Whatdoyouwant,Brandon?”Eriksnapped.Hewasn’tinthemoodtogetintoanargumentwith

Brandonhere.

Brandonpulledoutthechairandsatdown.“SoItakeityourdatewasanoshow?”
“That’s none of your business.” Erik shrugged. “Maybe I’m just getting back from being with

him.”HelethiswordssinkinandwatchedasBrandon’sjawwenthardandhislipspursedout.“I’llask
again.Whyareyouhere?”

“Because we need to talk.” Brandon leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his

massivechest.“Andmostimportantly,youneedtolisten.ButfirstIhavetoknow,haveyoubeenwith
thatlittlefucker,Marcus?”

Erikchuckledbutitsoundedbitterandforced.“Idon’tneedtoputupwiththisshit.”Hestoodup.

“I’m out of here.” Erik stood up and headed for the door. He waved at Margie on the way out. The
soundofBrandon’sfootstepsfollowedhimoutthedoor.Heonlygotafewfeetoutsidethecafébefore
Brandongrabbedhimbythehand.

“Stopactinglikeafuckingchild,”Brandonwhisperedlow.Erikcouldhearthebarelyrestrained

controlintheman’stone.BrandonwasmadandEriktookenjoymentfromthat.

“Ohherewegoagain.”ErikpulledhishandfreeandjabbedBrandoninthechestwithhishands.

“Let’shearhowmuchofafuckingdisappointmentIamandhowyoucan’twaittoberidofme.”Erik
laughed.“Igotnewsforyoubuddy,itgoesbothways.Ican’twaituntilyouareoutofmylife.”Erik
leanedcloseandwhisperedinalethaltone.“IfIcouldmoveawayIwouldjustsoIdidn’thavetosee
yourfaceanymore.”

Andhewould.Butnotforthereasonheleton.SeeingBrandonaroundtownandatfamilydinners

brokehisheartmorethanhelikedtoadmit.ErikwantedtomoveawayandneverseeBrandonagainto
sparehimselfthehurtthatwouldcomefromseeinghismatefallinlovewithsomeoneelse.

Brandon didn’t say anything. He reached out and fisted a hand in the material of Erik’s shirt

coveringhisshoulderandstartedtowalkhimtowardhistruck.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Eriktriedtotwistaway.“Letgoofme!”
When they reached Brandon’s truck he tossed Erik up against the side door. The action caught

Erikoffguardandhegapedathismate.“GetyourlittleassintothattruckbeforeIthrowyouinit.”He
yankedopenthedoor.“Getin!”Hebarkedouttheorder.

Erikcouldfeelpeoplestartingtostareandhedidn’twanttocauseascenesoheclimbedinside.

He buckled his seat belt and looked out the side window. When Brandon climbed in he didn’t
acknowledgetheman.Brandonhadbeenoutoflinetoinquireaboutwhathehadorhadn’tdonewith
Marcus.Thentotreathimsoroughly,Erikcouldn’tbelieveit.Asawolfshifterhecouldbeattheshit
outofBrandonuntilhewasabloodymessontheground,butheheldback.Apartofhimwantedtosee
Brandonjealous,toseehimhurt.ItgavehimpleasuretoseethissideofBrandon.

ThedrivetoBrandon’shouseonlytooksevenminutes.EverysooftenhefeltBrandon’seyeson

himbuthedidn’tgivehimthesatisfactionoflookingathim.Hedidn’tcareifBrandonwasupset.Erik
feltthiswassomethingBrandondeserved.

Brandonpulledontohisstreetandintothedriveway.Heputthecarinparkandopenedthedoor.

WhenErikjustsattherenotmakinganyattempttogetout,Brandongrowled,“Getout!”

Erik rolled his eyes as he flung back the seatbelt and opened the door. He slammed it shut and

stompedhiswayupthefrontstepsandwaitedatBrandon’sdoor.

Onceinside,Eriklookedaroundthedarkenedroom.Athoughtcametohim.“Areyousureyou

really want me to be here? I mean if your fuck buddy Roderick shows up how will you explain me
beinghere?Idon’twanttocomebetweenyoutwolovebirds.”

Erikdidn’thavetimetoreact,whichhefoundsurprising,beforeBrandonfistedhishandsinhis

shirtandpushedhimupagainstthewall.Hisheadthumpedagainsttheunforgivingsurface.

“Letgoofme,”Erikgrittedout.HisfingerswrappedaroundBrandon’swristsandsqueezed.
“Youjustrunyourmouthwithoutthinkingfirst.”Brandonnudgedhimintothewallbutnottoo

hard.“Youhavenoideawhatyou’retalkingabout.Whenwillyougrowthefuckup?”

Likearubberbandpulledtootight,Eriksnapped.Alowgrumblinggrowlvibratedfromhisthroat

untilitpassedhislipsandechoedinthedarklivingroom.Thepressureinhisfingertipsalertedhimthat
hisclawshadstartedtogrow.Hisvisionhadbecomesharperandheknewhewasclosetoturning.His
wolfwantedout.

Brandonstaredathimwideeyedandhisholdwentslack.Eriktookhismate’smomentofsurprise

andpushedawayfromthewallandwhirledBrandonarounduntilhehadBrandonpennedtothewall.

HewantedtosaysomethingcleverashestaredupatBrandonbuthedidn’thaveanywordstosay.

It hurt to hear his mate call him a child once again, but he had been acting like a kid who had his
feelingshurt.Hedidn’twanttothinkaboutBrandonwithRoderickorwithanyoneelseforthatmatter.
Brandonwashisandhehadtoprovetothismanthathedidn’tneedanyoneelse,thatErikcouldsatisfy
himmind,body,andsoul.

“Erik.”Brandon’svoicewaveredashestaredatErik.
Seeinghisbig,strongmatedefenselesstohimhadcumoozingoutthetipofhiscock.He’dbeen

hardassteelsinceBrandonwalkedintothecoffeeshop.

Brandonmightthinkhewasthedominantone,andattimesErikwouldn’tmindsubmittingtohis

matebuttonight,tonightBrandonwashistodoashewanted.

ErikclawedatBrandon’sshirt,shreddingitintwo.Heleanedforwardandrubbedhisfaceintothe

darkhaircoveringBrandon’ssolidchest.EriklickedovertoBrandon’sleftnippleandbitdownonthe
littlepeak.HenippedandsuckedonthetenderfleshpullingsoundsofneedfromBrandon’sthroat.

“Ah,fuck!”Brandonshouted.
Trailinghissharpenednailsdownhismate’sside,ErikextendhisclawstosliceBrandon’sjeansat

the seams. The material fell to the floor and Erik looked down between their bodies as Brandon’s
massivecockfellforward,thumpinghiminthestomach.Theskinwaspulledtautoverhisthickboner,
thetipglistening.

Erikpulledhiseyesawayfromthemostbeautifulcockhehadeverseen,theonlyonehehadever

seen,tomeetBrandon’sdazedstare.“Don’tmove,”hegrowled.

He fell to his knees and licked up the length from root to tip. The salty taste of Brandon’s skin

tingled on his taste buds, making drool pool in his mouth. When he reached the flared, mushroomed
head,Eriklickeditthendippedhistongueintheslit,gettinghisfirstrealtasteofBrandon’sessence.He
wantedtothrowhisheadbackandhowltotheheavenshewassohappy.

Taking Brandon by the base, Erik opened his mouth and sunk down on the swollen shaft. The

thickness pulled at his lips and burned as he took more of Brandon’s length into his mouth. Brandon
buckedhishipswhenthecrownpushedatthebackofErik’sthroatandheswallowed.Themanwent
wildasErikmouthedhiscockandusedhisrighthandtotugathisballs.Pre-cumleakedheavilyfrom
thetipandErikhappilygulpeditdown,eagertotastewhenthemanblewhishotsaltyload.

“God,Erik.”Brandonmoaned.HisfingerscombedthroughErik’shair.
Erik ran his fingers past Brandon’s balls to the lightly furred skin that led to his entrance. He

pettedthesensitivefleshandpusheddownslightly.Brandonbangedhisheadonthewallbutdidn’tsay
tostop.Erik’sfingerstrailedbackevenfurtheruntilthetipofhisfingercameincontactwiththehot
rippledopening.HecircledBrandon’stightbud,eagertotastehismate’shole.

He’dneverdonethisbeforebutitfeltrighttobedoingthesethings.Almostasifhisbodyranon

instinct.NomatterhowmadatBrandonhewasErikstillwantedtoexplorehismate’sbody.

ErikhollowedouthischeeksandpulledoffofBrandon’scockwithaloudpop.Brandonlooked

downathim,alookofconfusiononhisface.VeryslowlyErikstoodupandwrappedhishandsaround
Brandon’s neck and forced the man’s head down towards his. He smashed his lips to Brandon’s and
sucked on his mate’s bottom lip until he opened wide. Erik licked inside, tasting a hint of mint and
coffee,acombinationhehadn’trealizedwassuchaturnonbefore.

WiththeirmouthsstillconnectedErikstartedtowalkbackwards.He’dbeeninBrandon’shousea

fewtimesandknewthathisbedroomwasthelastdoorontheleftattheendofthehallway.

Brandon let him lead him without any fight. The man pulled at Erik’s clothes trying to undress

him but Erik refused to release his hold on Brandon’s neck. Once in the room Erik used all his wolf
shifterstrengthtotossBrandondownonthebed.Hefell,sprawlingoutonthemattress.Erikstoodover
himatthefootofthebedandpulledhisshirtoverhishead,droppingittothefloor.Brandonheldhis
stare, never looking away. Erik’s lip quirked up when he reached down to unsnap his shorts and
Brandon’s’eyes fell towatch. Brandon’s tonguecame out and lickacross his lipsand Erik wanted to
havethemanblowhimbutnotnow.Atthemomentheneededsomethingmore.

Eriklethisshortsfalltothefloorthensteppedoutofhisbrightpinkboxerbriefs.Hisdickpointed

uptowardhisnavel,hardandaching.Erikranhishandupanddownhislengthashestareddownat
Brandon’sbody.Theman’slegswerespreadapartandherestedhisupperbodyonhiselbows,hiseyes
plasteredtoErik’scock.

The look of total enthrallment in Brandon’s eyes gave Erik the encouragement to move forward

withhisplan.HemotionedwithhishandforBrandontorollover.Whenhedidn’tmovefastenough
Eriksaid,“Rollovernow.”HenudgedBrandon’sfootwhathisthigh.

Brandonslowlydidashewastold.Erikhadneverseenthissideofhismate,soagreeable.
ErikwaiteduntilBrandongotcomfortable.Hefoldedhisarmsunderhimandrestedhisheadon

top. There was a slight arch in his back from the angle and Erik wanted to lick down his spine then
lowerintothedeepcreviceofhisass.

HeclimbedonthebedbehindBrandonandmovedhisthighsfurtheraparttomakeroomforhim.

ErikreachedoutandtookahandfulofBrandon’sbubbledmuscularassineachhandandmassagedthe
firmtissue.Brandonmoanedandrubbedhisforeheadintothecreaseofhiselbow.

As he rubbed Erik pulled the globes apart to expose a trail of hair that ran down to surround

Brandon’spinkhole.ErikbentforwardandkissandnippedatBrandon’scheeks,whilestillkneading
thehardmuscles.HelickeddownBrandon’scrack,thehairscoveringhismate’sbodytickledhislips,
butdidn’tstophimfromcontinuingon.

Erik marveled at how different his body was from Brandon’s. Where his was smooth and lean,

Brandon’swasrippedwithmusclesandcoveredinafinelayerofhair.Heneverthoughtbodyhairtobe
attractivebutonhismate,Erikcouldn’tgetenough.

He swept his tongue down, lightly caressing over the tight ring of muscle staring up at him.

Brandongruntedandpushedhishipsintothemattress.Erikflattenedhistongueandlickedupandover
hisBrandon’shole,lettingthetipofhistonguepushforward.Thesmellofwarmskinandthemusky
scentthatwasallBrandonhadErikwhimperingashebathedhismate’shole.Inthevideoshe’dseen
onlinehealwayswonderedifhecoulddoanactsuchasthisandnow,nowhecouldn’tgetenough.Any
panichemighthavehadvanishedwitheachsoundhismatemade.

BrandonpushedhisassbacktowardErik’sface.Eriksmiledtohimselfashecontinuedtoeatat

Brandon’sopening.ThetightringloosenedwitheveryswipeofhistongueandErikdecideditwastime
toaddafinger.Hetracedhisfingertiparoundthesmallcirclethenpushedforward.Brandongaspedbut
didn'tpullaway.

Erik teased the opening and pushed all the way in until he couldn’t go any further. The

encompassing heat sucked at his finger, clenching it so tight Erik worried his finger would snap off.
Using more spit he licked around his finger and Brandon’s hole, getting the small opening nice and
juicy.

BeforelongErikpushedinasecond.HesatbackonhisheelsandspatatBrandon’shole,using

hisfingerstoshoveinthemoisture.WetnessrandownhislengthandErikrubbedthestickinessoverhis
cock.

HisballsachedsobadlytocomeandhewantedtospillhisseedinsideBrandon.Itwastheleast

the man owed him after the last two years of rejection. Now wasn’t the time to be tit for tat but he
wantedtodominateBrandon,toshowhimhedidn’talwayshavetobeinchargeandthatErikwasa
man,notaboy.

Erik pulled his fingers free and lined up his red swollen crown to Brandon’s hole. Brandon

glanced over his shoulder and Erik met his gaze. As he pushed forward he held eye contact with
Brandon.

The head slipped inside and Brandon’s eyes fell shut. The tightness that surrounded Erik was

almostpainful.HeheldstillforamomentbeforepushingmoreofhislengthdeepinsideBrandon.The
tightfrictionburnedonhiscockandhewishedhehadusedsometypeoflubricantbuthedidn’twantto
stopthemomentumbyaskingwhereBrandonkepthislube.Erikgavetheman’sholeathoroughtongue
bathandwithallthepre-cumoozingouthiscock,heknewhewouldn’tdoanypermanentdamageto
hismate.

Erik eased forward until his hips rested against Brandon’s ass cheeks and his balls slapped

alongside his mate’s. The pressure squeezed Erik so tightly he thought he’d climax instantly but by
somemiracleheheldback.HealwayswhatitwouldfeelliketobeburieddeepinsideBrandonbuthis
imaginationdidn’tholdacandletotherealthing.

Slowlyhepulledout,theinnerwallsofBrandon’schannelcaressinghiscock.Withonlythehead

stillinsidestretchinghismate’sopening,hepushedbackin.Brandongroanedandarchedhisback.Erik
ranhisfingersdownhismate’sspineashestartedaslowrhythmofinandout.

Sweat slicked their bodies and their skin made a slapping sound as Erik surged forward and

Brandonbackwards.Erikstartedtomovefasterandfaster.Hisballsburnedwithhisneedtoorgasmbut
hedidn’twantthistoend.

ErikdughisfingersintoBrandon’smeatyflanksandpulledhishipsback.Hepummeledforward,

hisdickmovingmoreeasilynowasBrandon’sbodybecamemoreadjustedtohiscock.

BrandonreacheddownunderneathhimandErikcouldseehisarmjerkinginearnestashejacked

hiscock.Thesightsandsmellsoftheirlovemakingwerejusttoomuchcoupledwiththisbeinghisfirst
time.Erikcouldn’tholdback.

HeputhisarmsunderBrandon’sarmpitsandpulledup.BrandonletEriksithimup,neverletting

goofhispulsingcockasheyankedonit.Erikheldhimtightlyashethrusthishipsinandout,chasing
downhisrelease.

Theslightpricklingofpressuretingledathisgumtissue.Histeethstartedtoelongateandjutfrom

his mouth. The wolf inside him demanded he make Brandon theirs. He scraped his teeth along
Brandon’sneckandthemantiltedhisheadtothesidegivingErikfreerein.

Doit!Makehimyours.Youknowyouwantto!Thelittlevoiceinhisheadscreamedathim.Andit

was right. If he bit Brandon now there would be no going back. He’d have everything he always
dreamed of but would Brandon want this? Would he be able to be with Erik without any regrets or
longingforadifferentlover?

“Fuck, Erik!” Brandon shouted. “Just fucking do it already!” He laid his head back to rest on

Erik’sshoulder.

Brandon’swordshadEriklosinghismomentumandhealmostslippedout.AthearingBrandon’s

admissionhewasn’taloneinthis.Brandonwantedhimjustasmuch.

Rearinghisheadbackheallowedhisteethtofillhismouthandhelungedforward,sinkinginto

the salty, sweaty skin of his mate’s shoulder. Brandon cried out and his body tensed up. A trembling
pulsingsensationgrippedathiscockandErikgrowledagainstBrandon’sskinashisorgasmwasripped
fromhisbody.

HeatsurroundedhiscockashiscumpaintedBrandon’sintimateinnerwalls.Hepulledhisteeth

free and rested his forehead against Brandon’s neck. Erik roamed his fingers down Brandon’s chest,
overhischiseledabs,untilhereachedhistrimmedpubichair.HeranhishandthelengthofBrandon’s
softeningcock.Themanjerkedfromhistouch.Erikranhisfingersovertheleakingtipthenbroughthis
fingeruptotastehismate’sseed.ItwassaltyandbitterbutEriklovedit.

ErikheldBrandontightandhewasn’tforsurehowmuchtimehadpassed.Hiscockhaddeflated

enoughtoslipfreebuthedidn’twanttoletgoofhismate,afraidofwhatwouldhappennow.

Brandon’swarmhandrubbedoverErik’sforearmwhereitwaswoundaroundhischest.“Erik,we

needtotalk.”

ChapterNine

Brandon hated to state the obvious but they needed to hash things out. The anger he saw in his

mate’seyesandthewayhereactedwhenhethoughtBrandonhadbeenunfaithfulhadtobediscussed.
Erikwastheonehewantedandthemanneededtounderstandthatwholeheartedly.

“Erik?”BrandonpulledawayfromErik’shardembraceandturnedtowardhim.“Areyouokay?”
Erikhadhischinrestingagainsthischest.Hisgoldenhairlaymessyoverhisforehead,shielding

hiseyesfromBrandon.

“Erik!”hesaidalittlelouder.
“Dowehavetotalk?Can’twejustenjoythis?”Eriklookedupathimwithsadeyes.“Canyouat

leastletmehavethismoment?”

Lethimhavethismoment?WhatthehelldidErikthinkwasgoingonhere?
Brandon didn’t understand what Erik meant but he wanted to. He wasn’t one for letting another

mandominatehimandhejustlethisyoungmatetakefulladvantageofhisass.Aprivilegenotmany
menhavehad.DidErikreallythinkthiswassomethinghedidlightly?Orthathewouldbrushitoffas
nothingandsendErikonhiswaywithapatonthehead?

“If we talk about this, you’re just going to say how it was a mistake and that I’m not ready for

this.”Erikmadeamovetogetoffthebed.

Brandon shot out his hand and stopped Erik from getting up. This was a complete one-eighty

compared to the man who had just thrown him down to the bed and had his way with him. Did Erik
reallylackthatmuchconfidenceinhimself?

“Erik, stop it, please.” Brandon moved to sit beside Erik. He took his pup’s hand in his own. “I

apologize for earlier. I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that. I just get jealous when I think of you
withsomeoneelse.”

EvennowtheimageofMarcusholdingErikcloseastheydancedtheothernightstillpissedhim

off.Butforhismate,hehadtokeepaclearhead.

“Really?”Eriksoundedsurprised.“Allyou’veeverdoneispushmeaway.”
“BecauseIhadto,”Brandonsaidwithaheavyheart.“Iwasthirty-one-years-oldwhenIfoundout

youandIweremates.Youwereonlysixteenatthetime.NomatterhowmuchIwantedyou,Icouldn’t
actonit.Youwerestilljustakid.”

“Ineverwouldhaveaskedyoutodoanythingthatmadeyouuncomfortable.Ijustwantedtobea

partofyourlifebutyoucouldn’tevengivemethat.”Erikrestedhiselbowsonhiskneesandputthis
headinhishands.

“Icouldn’tbejustyourfriend,Erik,”Brandonsaidinasoftvoice.“Ididn’ttrustmyselfaround

you.Iwantedyoutoobadly.”

“Really?” Erik looked up at him. The icy blue depths leveled at him as if trying to see into his

soul.

“Yes,really.”Brandonsmiledathim.“I’dhatemyselfifIforcedyoutodosomethingyouweren’t

ready for, pup. So yeah, I pushed you away every chance I got. It was for my own self-preservation.
AfterthekisswesharedlastsummerIknewIwasn’tstrongenoughtobearoundyouandjustbeyour
friend.Icouldn’tdoit.”

Erik’sfacelitupasifBrandon’sconfessiontooktheweightoftheworldoffhisshouldersbutjust

asquicklyasthesmileappeareditfadedtoafrown.BrandoncouldheartheclickofErik’sjawashe
groundhisteethtogether.“WhataboutRoderick?”

Brandonstartedtolaugh.Hisbodyshookandhiseyesbegantowater.He’dalmostforgottenhis

matehadthoughthehadsomethinggoingwithhisfriendontheside.

“What’ssofuckingfunny?”Erikasked,hisvoiceroughwithanger.
“Youare,pup.”BrandonpulledhimcloserwhenEriktriedtoturnaway.“Roderickisafriend,a

good friend, but all the same still just a friend.” Brandon wrapped his arms around Erik’s waist.
Brandon leaned forward and gently brushed his lips over Erik’s. “You’re the only one I want to be
with.”

“ButIheardwhatAidenandSkylersaid.Andyoutwospendsomuchtimetogether.”
“Yeah,becauseweworktogether.Pluswhatyoulistenedinonwaspurelygossip.Justaskyour

brotherinlaw.IsweartoyouI’veneverhadonedirtythoughtaboutthemanoranymansinceImet
you.Youstolemyheart,ErikCarsten.It’sonlyfairyougivemeachance.”

“Idon’tknow,Brandon.”ErikrestedhisforeheadonBrandon’schest.“Youmakeitsoundsoeasy

butit’snot.”

“IneversaiditwouldbeeasybutIknowwhatIfeelinhere.”Brandontouchedhishandagainst

hischest.“AndthatfeelingwillnevergoawayandIdon’twantitto.NowthatIknowIwon’tbecarted
offtojailorhavemyasshandedtomebyyourbrothersforkissingyouortouchingyou,Ifeelalittle
morerelaxed.”Brandonshrugged.“BesidesIdon’tjustletanyguyfuckmesoyouoweme.”

ThesoundofErik’sgigglingbroughtasmiletoBrandon’slips.ItfeltsonaturaltobewithErik

like this. There had been a time he didn’t think he and Erik would get to this point but now that he
didn’thavetodenywhathewantedBrandonwasreadytogivethisrelationshiphisall.

BrandonnudgedErikintheside.“Sowhatdoyousay,Erik,areweatleastgoingtotryandmake

thiswork?”

“IthoughtyousaidIwastooimmatureandstubborntoeverbewith,”Erikremindedhim.
OnmanyoccasionsBrandonhadthrownthatinhisfacebutatthetimethatwashowhefelt.It’s

whatheneededtosaytokeepErikfromwantingtobearoundhim.IfhetoldErikhowmuchhecared
Erikwouldn’twanttostayaway.Erikwasagoodpersonwithabigheart.Brandonhadwitnessedon
many occasions Erik risk his life to save another. Erik had even saved Brandon’s at one time. There
weretimesEriklikedtoplaythathewassometoughguyandhisangerwouldgetthebestofhimand
he’dactoutinaninappropriatemannerbutthatwaspartofbeingyoung.Erikwasthetypeofperson
who loved with his whole heart and would do anything to make another person smile and Brandon
lovedthataboutErik.HeenviedthatpartofErikandthat’swhyithurtsomuchtobearoundhisyoung
mateknowinghecouldn’tbewithhim.

“You are all those things, like a lot of the time,” Brandon whispered in Erik’s ear. “You’re

eighteen,Erik.Inthenextfewyearsyou’regoingtogrowandchangealotandIwanttobethereto
help you along the way.” He kissed the shell of Erik’s ear and felt goose bumps pop up under his
fingertips.“Youmakemehappy,Erik.”

“Imakeyouhappy?”Erik’svoicehadgrownhoarse.
“Yeah,youdo.”Brandon’supperlipscurledintoanevillittlegrin.“Whenyou’renotpissingme

off.”

Erikrolledhiseyes.“WhathaveIgottenmyselfinto?”
“Exactlywhatyouwanted.”Brandonkissedhimsoftly.“Tobewithme.”
Eriktookafewdeep,choppybreathsbeforehewasabletosayanything.“That’sexactlywhatI

want.”HefinallylookedupintoBrandon’seyes.

“Iknow.Erik,you’remineandIhavenointentionsoflettingyougonowthatIhaveyou.”Helet

hiswordssinkinthenusedhisarmstopushhisbodyupthebed.Whenhegotcomfortablehereached

outahandtoErik.“Comehere,pup.”

“I’m yours, huh?” A huge smiled spread over Erik’s face as he climbed up the bed and fell into

Brandon’sopenarms.

“Youalwayshavebeen.”HeranhisfingersthroughthesoftstrandsofErik’shair.“Ijustneeded

youtogrowupfirst.I’vemademymistakesalongthewaybutI’mwillingtoworkoutourdifferences.
Areyou?”

“OfcourseIam.”Eriksqueezedhimtightaroundthewaist.“NowthatIknowthatyouwantme,

I’ddoanything.”

BrandonkissedthetopofErik’sheadandheldhimclose.“Ithoughtwe’dnevergethere.Thepast

twoyearsfeltlikeaneternity,”hemusedaloud.Timeseemedtomoveatasnail’spacewaitingforthe
manhewantedtogrowup.

“Tellmeaboutit.”Eriktracedafigure-eightpatternthroughBrandon’schesthair.“Lookingback

Ifeellikesuchadork.AllthethingsIdid,hellIwouldn’thavewantedtobewithmyneedyasseither.”
Erikchuckled.“Prettyembarrassing.”

“You’re young, pup. We all make those silly mistakes.” Brandon laid his palm against Erik’s

cheek, urging the man to look at him. Something had been driving him crazy and he had to know. “I
wanttoaskyousomethingandIreallyneedyoutobehonestwithme.”Eriknoddedhishead.Brandon
tookadeepbreath.ThethingsErikhaddonetohimandthewayhemadelovehadBrandonwondering
ifhismatewasn’taspureashehadthought.“Thoseguysfromyourschool,eventhatMarcuskid,have
youmessedaroundwiththem?”

“You’re joking right?” Erik sat up on his elbow and began to laugh. The sound so light and

musical. Any other time he’d have loved to listen to it all day but now, now he needed answers. At
Brandon’sunwaveringstareErikstoppedlaughingandstaredwideeyedathim.“Ohmygod!Youare
serious.”

Brandonsatupfurtheronthebed.Itmadehimfeelbetterwhenhehoveredoverhispetitemate.

Even though Erik could kick his ass with one hand tied behind his back, it gave Brandon a sense of
control.

“WhatshouldIthink?I’veseenyouwithyourfriendsandhowtouchyfeelyyouarewiththem,

thenwhatwejustdid.Thethingsyoudidtomybodyandthewayyoumovedjustseemlikeyouhave
moreexperiencethanIexpected.”Hestaredstraightinfrontofhim,unabletolookathismate.

“Brandon.”Whenhedidn’tlookathim,Erikturnedhisheadtofacehim.“I’mflatteredthatyou

think that I’m great at sex. It must just come natural to me. If were being completely honest here at
schoolI’mreferredtoasaprude.AfewguyshaveevencalledmeateasebecauseIrefusetoputout.”
ErikrestedahandonBrandon’sthigh.“I’mstillavirgin.”

To hear Erik say that was a relief. He’d seen his mate at school and at the swim meets with his

friends.Eriklikedtobeaffectionatewithpeopleandheknewthat.Brandonhadseenhimaroundhis
familybutitdidn’tmeanhelikedseeinghismatebethatwaywithothermennotrelatedtohim.Itwas
justsomethinghewouldhavetogetusedto.Hedidn’twantEriktochangethatpartofhim.Erikcared
aboutpeopleanditwaswhatmadehimagoodperson.

“Don’tyoumean‘was’avirgin?”Brandongavehimanevilgrin.
TheworrythathadcreasedErik’sfacestartedtofadeaway.“Yeah,was.”Erikfloppedbackonthe

bedandputhisarmsbehindhisheadtoprophisheadup.“Andfromthenoisesyouweremakingand
thewayyoumoved,Imustbeprettyfreakingawesomeatit.Itotallyrock!”

“Oh, boy. I never said you were great just that you seemed knowledgeable that’s all.” Brandon

rolledoverandrestedhislargerbodyoverhismate’s.Erikwrappedhisarmsoverhisshoulders.The

warmthfromErik’sbodymadeBrandon’sdickwakeup,wantingtogoforanotherround.

“That’s what happens when you watch a lot of porn.” Erik moaned as Brandon thrust forward

rubbingtheirhardenedcockstogether.

“Porn?” Brandon kissed down Erik’s slenderer neck, sucking up marks as he went. “And here I

thoughtyouwereagoodlittleboyspendingallyourtimeinyourroomstudying.”Brandonpinchedat
Erik’srightnipple,causinghismatetoyelpashesqueezedthetightpeak.

“Iwas.”Erik’sbreathingpickedupandhisbodybegantosweat.“Ihadtolearnhowtopleasemy

mate,didn’tI?”

Brandon licked a trail down to Erik’s collar bone, nipping at the fragile flesh. “Yes you did.”

Brandoncameuponhiskneesjustabitsohecouldwraphisfingersaroundtheirerectshafts.Hespitin
hishandthengripedtheircombinedlengths.

“Ohmygosh,thatfeelsgood,”ErikmumbledashethrustupintoBrandon’sstronghand.
“Fuckyeahitdoes.”HewatchedasErik’seyesrolledbackinhishead.Pre-cumleakedfromtheir

tipsandhesmeareditdowntheirshafts.WitheverytouchBrandonfelttheelectricshockstraighttohis
balls.IfrubbingoffwithErikcausedthismuchpleasurehecouldonlyimaginewhatit’dbeliketobe
buriedballsdeepinhismate.

Erik’sbodybegantotremblebeneathhimandhesuckedhislowerlipbetweenhisteeth.Brandon

could feel that his pup was close. Sweat dripped from the tip of Brandon’s nose to land on Erik’s
flushedcheek.Heleaneddownandlickeditaway.BeforehecouldpullupErikreachedforhisface,the
pinprickofhissharpnailsholdinghiminplace.ErikcrushedhislipstoBrandon’sandkissedhimlike
hislifedependedonit.

Awarmtinglingfeelingcurledinhisballsandheknewhewasgettingclose.Brandonpumpedhis

fistfasterandfaster,feelingtheswelloftheircocksastheypreparedtosetfreetheirliquiddesire.

“Brandon,soclose.”Erikhissedinabreath.“Ohgod!Sofuckingclose.”
Erik’s body went taut as his orgasm rocked through his body to rocket out his slit. The man

eruptedlikeavolcanoandhishotlavarandowntocoatBrandon’sfingers.

He watched as Erik came apart below him. His body ridged and his face scrunched up as if he

wereinpain.Andhewas.Apleasurablekindofpain.

BrandonfollowedrightbehindErikandcoveredhismate’schestwithhisseed.Justthethoughtof

Erikbeingsplatteredinhisscentmadehisbodyshakeevenharder.Brandonwantedeveryonetoknow
whoErikbelongedto.Itmightmakehimsoundlikeabarbaricassholebuthedidn’tcare.Tonightwas
thestartofsomethingnewforhimandErikandithadbeenalongtimecoming.

ChapterTen

ThesoundofraintappingonthewindowdrewErikfromablissfulsleep.Hecrackedopenaneye

toseethathewasstillinBrandon’sroomwrappedintheman’sarms.Ithadn’tbeenadream.

Asmilecurledhisupperlipandheletoutahappysigh.Herolledovertogetabetterlookathis

mate. Erik propped up on his elbow and rested his head on his hand. He stared down at his sleeping
mate.StubbleshadedhischeeksandjawandErikranhisfingersovertheroughhair.Hetrailedafinger
lightlydownBrandon’snecktowheretheman’sshoulderandneckmetandcircledthebitehe’dleftthe
previous night. The skin had faded to a light pink and had already scabbed over. Erik hadn’t realized
how hard he’d bitten down. Brandon would have one hell of a scar left behind once it healed all the
way.

“Stop moving,” Brandon said in a gruff voice. He swatted at Erik’s hand where it touched his

neck.

Erik started to laugh. “Good morning sunshine. I guess it’s safe to say you’re not a morning

person.”

“Iusuallyam.”Brandongroaned.“Butsomeonekeptmeuplatelastnightwantingtomakeout.I

haven’tdonethatshitsinceIwasakid.”

“I didn’t hear any complaining from you last night.” Erik tried to keep a straight face when

Brandonopenedhiseyesandscowledathim.

Brandon pushed him over and laid on top of Erik. Erik inhaled a shaky breath as the heat of

Brandon’slonghardbodycoveredhis.Hecouldfeelhisdickhardenandpokeintohismate’sstomach.
Erik’skneesfellapart,invitingBrandontocomecloser.

“Yougotmethere,pup.”BrandoncircledhishipsandtheblunttipofhiscockpushedatErik’s

balls,teasingbackfurtherwitheverymovement.BrandonsatupenoughtopushErik’sarmsoverhis
head.ThepositionmadeErikfeelcompletelyexposedtoBrandon’sroamingeyesandquestingfingers.
“God,Erik.I’llnevergetenoughofyou.”

Brandonlickedtheshellofhisearandteasedtheskinunderhisleftarm,glidingdownoverhis

armpit along to his side. He rested his big hand on Erik’s hipbone. Erik turned his head to capture
Brandon’slips.HepushedhistongueinsidethewarmwethavenandhummedhishappinessasBrandon
tookover.

Brandon’sforcefultonguelickedeverycornerofhismouthandnippedathiskiss-swollenlips.As

thekisscarriedonErikfeltthehandrestingonhishipstarttomovedownward.Brandoncameupon
hiskneesandbroughthishandaroundtofondleErik’sballsthenfurtherback.Hesuckedinamouthful
ofairwhenBrandon’sfingersstrokedoverhisvirginhole.Hiswholebodytensedup.

“Pup,youneedtorelax,”Brandonwhisperedasherubbedathisuntriedmuscleandkissedalong

hisjawline.“Ijustwanttotouchandgettoknowyourbody.”

Eriktriedtocalmhiserraticbreathing.Hewasn’tafraidBrandonwouldforcehimtodoanything,

hewasjustnervous.Brandonwasabigguy.Erikhadhandledhisdickseveraltimesoverthenightand
thenine-inchcockwiththethickgirthscaredhimjustalittlebit.Whatifithurtorworse,didn’tfit?

“Erik, what’s the matter?” Brandon pulled his hand away from Erik’s entrance and brought that

handuptolayhispalmonthesideofErik’sface.“Iknowyou’veneverdoneanythingbeforeandwe’ll
goslowly.Wecanevenstopifyouwantto.”

Brandon’seyesweresoftandhecouldhearthesincerityinthewordshespoke.Erikdidn’twant

tobeafraidbutitwasalotofpressuretohandle.Firstoff,theveryrealfearthatitwouldhurtlikea

motherfucker. And second, what if he wasn’t any good at it? Brandon was older than him and had
previouslovers.WhatifErikcouldn’tcompare?

“Idon’twanttostop,”Eriksaidwithone-hundred-percentcertainty.“ButI’malittlefreakedout.”
“Why?”BrandonstraightenedoutandcoveredErikfromchesttotoewithhisbody.
“Because—” Erik nibbled on his bottom lip. He felt like such a fool to say it out loud but he

neededtobehonestwithhismate.“BecauseyouhaveabigdickandwhatifI’mnotanygoodatthis
part of sex?” He spoke the words so fast, embarrassed that he actually said them out loud. He hoped
Brandonunderstoodwhathehadsaid.

“What?”Thebedshookfromtheforceofhislaughter.“YouthinkIhaveabigdick?”
“Dude, you know you have a huge one.” Erik pushed at Brandon’s shoulders but only

halfheartedly.

“Yeah,IknowbutIlikehearingyousayit.”Brandonchuckled.Heleaneddownandkissedthetip

ofErik’snose.“Butseriouslythough.”Hepushedupandrestedhisweightonhiselbowsandhovered
over Erik. “I wouldn’t just shove my piece up inside you without doing a lot of stretching first. Sex
shouldbeaboutpleasure,notpainorfear.I’dtakemytimegettingyoureadyformycock.”Brandon
whisperedthelastpartagainsthislips.“Gettingyoutothepointwhereyoucraveit.”

“Yeah.”ErikmoanedashearcheduptobrushhislipsoverBrandon’s.
“Yeah,pup.”EriksuckedinabreathasBrandonpressedhislengthintohis.Sweetpleasuresoared

throughthisheatedbody.“UnlikeyouIwon’tjustrammydickupyourassandrideyoulikeacowboy
ridesabuckingbull.”

ErikpulledbacktoseeifBrandonwasserious.Hadhehurthismate?DidBrandonnotlikewhat

theyhaddone?Doubtsstartedtoflythroughhismind.Itwasn’tuntilhesawthetwitchinBrandon’s
lipsdidherealizehismatewashavingfunatErik’sexpense.

“Youass.”ErikactedlikehewasgoingtogetupandBrandonusedhishandstopresshimdown

intothemattress.

“Youlovemyass.”Brandonsmotheredanyresponsehemighthavehadwithatoe-curlingkiss.

HistongueteaseditswayinsidehismouthtotanglewithErik’s.

“SoIdidn’thurtyou?”Erikhadtoask.Heneededtoknow.
“No, you didn’t.” Brandon grinned down at him. “I rather enjoyed it.” He trailed a hand down

Erik’ssideandletitrestatErik’ship.“AndI’menjoyingthis,too.”

Brandoncamedownforanotherkissandanother.ErikrelaxedbackonthepillowandletBrandon

takecharge.HewantedtofeelwhatitwasliketohaveallofBrandon’sattentionfocusedonhim.Tolet
thismanlovehim.

Thefingersonhishipsslowlybrushedoverhisskindowntowherehisthighandgroinconnected.

Erikjerkedfromtheslightticklingsensationitcausedbutdidn’tpullaway.Brandonkissedhimwitha
calmeasinessthatsaidhewasinnohurry.ThenimblefingersmovedtostroketheundersideofErik’s
now-very-hardcockthenlowertorollErik’sballsinhishand.

Erik’slegsfellopenandlethisarmsfallbesidehisheadtofistthesheets.Brandonbrokethekiss

to kiss along his neck and scraped his teeth over where Erik’s heart beat rapidly. The slight sting of
bluntteethbitingintohisfleshhadhimgaspingforair.Brandonbitdownbutnothardenoughtobreak
the skin. He soothed the mark with his tongue and sucked the thin flesh into his mouth. In a way
BrandonwasmarkinghimlikeErikhaddonetohimthepreviousnight.

Betweenthelighttouchesonhisballsandthesuckingonhisneck,Erikwantedmore.Hisbody

cravedBrandon’stouch.Hethrusthishipsup,urgingBrandontogolower.ThefeelofBrandon’shot
hardlengthhadhiswholebodyquivering.

“Holdthatthought.”Brandonreachedovertohisnightstandandrummagedinthedrawer.
Eriklethiseyesfallshutashewaitedforwhateverhismatewasgoingtodo.Thesoftsoundofa

lidclickingopenhadhimlookingtotheside.Brandonusedonehandtopopthecaponthelubeand
flippedoverthesmalltubetocoathisfingersinwetness.

BrandonshiftedtohiskneesbutbroughthisupperbodydowntocoverErik’snakedchest.Erik

tookadeepswallowashesawfromhisperipheralvisionBrandon’shandgoingdown.Atthefirsttouch
tohisholehebuckedhiships,nearlytopplingBrandontotheside.

“Shh.”Brandonkissedhimsoftlyonthelips.“Relax.We’llonlygoasfarasyouwantto.”
Erik nodded his head and released the breath he’d been holding. The coolness of the gel on

Brandon’sfingershadhimjerkingagainbuthequicklyrelaxedbackintothemattress.Thefeelingof
thesmoothfingertiprubbingoverhisentrancehadhisbodytensingup.Notthatitfeltbadjustforeign
tohisbody.Brandoncircledhisnowtwitchingholewithlazystrokes,slowlyeasingforwardwitheach
movement.BeforeErikknewit,afingerbreachedhisentranceandthesharppainhadhimhissingouta
breathandhiseyesclenchingtightlytogether.

“Lookatme,pup.”Erikopenedhiseyeswideatthesoundofhislover’svoice.
HischestheavedupanddownashetriedtocontrolhisinstinctstopushBrandonoffofhim.
“Breath,” Brandon whispered as he held Erik’s gaze. Erik did as he was told and took a deep

breath then let it out. The more he did he that the more his body loosened up. “That’s it, pup. Keep
breathing.”

Erikcouldphysicallyfeelhisbodyunwind.ThemoreBrandoneasedhisfingerintohistighthole,

thelessburningpainhefelt.Slowlypushinginandout,BrandonmovedhisfingerandErikstartedto
rockhishipsintothestrangesensationthatfingerstirredinhisbody.

Without Erik even knowing it, one finger became two, then three. The sounds of high-pitched

moaning met his ears and it took Erik a moment to realize he was making those sounds. Brandon
grinneddownathim.

“Holyshit!”Erikshouted.HisbodyconvulsedasBrandon’sfingersgrazedsomethinginsidehis

body.Fireworksflashedbehindhiseyelidsaspleasurecrawledalonghisbody.

“You like that?” Brandon asked, then curled his fingers again, garnering the same reaction from

Erik.

“Yes.”Erikpantedforbreathandsqueezedthesheetstightlyinhisgrasp.Sweatcoveredhisbody

andhisdickbeggedforsomerelief.

“I found that special spot inside a man that will make their eyes cross,” Brandon joked. “And I

guessitsafetosayyouloveyourprostatebeingmassaged.”

Erikdidn’tgiveashitwhatBrandonwastouchingaslongashedidn’tstop.Brandonkeptupwith

the in and out movement and twisted his wrist around causing different nerve endings to scream in
happiness,butitwasstartingtonotbecomeenough.

Erikstaredupattheceiling,doinghisbesttogaincontrolofhisownbody’sneedsandreactions.

All the fear he felt earlier had evaporated like water in the desert. The burning stretch and tug of
Brandon’sfingershadErik’sbodydemandingarideonhismonstercock.

Surehewasalittlenervous,butErikneededtobefilledcompletelyandBrandon’sfingers,asnice

as they were, weren’t cutting it. Letting go of the sheets, Erik wrapped his arms around Brandon’s
shoulders and used his strength to roll his mate onto his back, causing Brandon’s fingers to become
dislodgedfromhisbody.

“Someonealittleimpatient?”Brandonaskedwithatiltofhisupperlip.
“Shutup,”Erikmumbledashetwistedhisbodytothesidetograbforthelube.Oncethetubewas

inhand, Erik squeezedthe clear gelout onto Brandon’s cock.The thick beasttwitched from the cool
liquid.Erikfistedhishandaroundthepurple-tingedfleshandrubbedinthelube.Oncesatisfied,Erik
crawleduponhiskneesandusedhishandtoholdBrandon’scockup.

“Hey wait a minute!” Brandon’s fingers dug into Erik’s sides, stopping him from lowering his

bodydownanyfurther.“Ithoughtmybigdickscaredyou?”

“Yeah,well,yourfingersweren’tcuttingit.”Erikusedhisinhumanstrengthtopushdownonthe

blunttipofBrandon’scock.Astheheadbreachedhisopeninghehissedatthesearingpainbutdidn’t
stop.

“Erik,”Brandonsaidinanauthoritativetonelikeateacherwouldtoastudent.“Goslow.”Alow

moanrippledfromBrandon’sopenmouth.“Fuck!You’resogoddamntight.”

Erik lowered his body down the wide length until he felt the hair of Brandon’s thighs tickle his

bareasscheeks.Anall-encompassingfullfeelingwarmedhisbodyfromtheinsideout.Hesatstill,just
enjoyingtheconnectionthatseemedtostemfromthembeingsointimatelikethis.Withhiseyesstill
shut, Erik relaxed and his body accepted the invasion of Brandon’s cock inside him. He couldn’t
remembereverhavingsuchafeelingofcompletenesswithanotherperson.

“Pup,youokay?”BrandonliftedonehandfromErik’shiptoruboverhissmoothchest.
“I’mgreat.”Erikslowlyopenedhiseyes.
“Good.”Brandonnoddedhisheadandsmiledupathim.“Whydon’tyoutakecontrol?Rideme

likeyouwantto.”

Helikedthesoundofthat.Erikrolledhiships,moaningasBrandon’sflaredheadbrushedoverhis

prostate. Wanting more of that same feeling, Erik lifted up on his knees then descended back on to
Brandon’spole.ThelubeprovidedforaneasyslideandeasedthewayforEriktomovefaster,chasing
afterthebestorgasmofhislife.Hejustknewit.

“Yeah, that’s it. Ride it harder!” Brandon demanded. “Fuck, Erik!” Brandon pinched at Erik’s

nipple,squeezingthetinybudtothepointofpain.

Erik grabbed at Brandon’s hands to help brace himself. The slow build of his release was fast

movingandhethrusthishipsfasterdownonBrandon.HesawBrandonflinchfromtheforceofhisgrip
andthetightnessofhisassbutErikcouldn’tstop.Hewassoclosebutsomethingwasmissing.

“Soclosebutnotenough.”Erikpantedforbreath.HisholdonBrandon’swristtightenedandhe

couldfeelhisnailsdigintohisskin.

“LetgoofmyhandandIcanhelpyou,”Brandonsaidinacalm,soothingvoice.
Erik let go and shuddered when Brandon’s warm, sweaty fingers wrapped around his dick. His

movementsspedup.Thedualsensationsweretherightcombination.

“Thereyougo,baby.”BrandonsqueezedhishandontheupstrokeofErik’scock,pullinghispre-

cumfromhiscock,smearingitdownhispulsingshaft.“Comeforme,Erik.”

Itwaslikesomeonehadsetoffabombinhisbodyandtheorgasmthatwasrippedfromhisbody

sent him into outer space. Cum shot out his cock, landing in wide arches over Brandon’s chest. Erik
could feel his body shake and the muscles in his ass clench around Brandon’s thick cock. He fell
forward,hisbodydepletedofallhisenergy.

“Hangon,pup.”BrandonrolledErik’stiredbodyovertolieonhisback.
Throughhazy,half-hoodedeyelids,ErikwatchedasBrandongruntedandhisfacescrunchedupin

ecstasy. He knew the moment Brandon’s cum rushed inside his body. Brandon’s cock swelled, the
pumpingofhishipsstilled,andhisbodylockeduptight.

After a few seconds of heavy breathing, Brandon fell forward to rest over Erik’s satisfied body.

Erikwrappedhisarmsandlegsaroundhismate,holdingonfordearlife.Asmallpartofhimstillfelt

likethiswastoogoodtobetrue.Hedidn’twanttowakeupandrealizeithadallbeenadream.

“Babe,Ican’tbreathe.”BrandontappedErikontheshoulder.
“Shit!”Erikloosenedhishold.“Sorryaboutthat.”
BrandongentlypulledhissofteninglengthfromErik’sbodyandmovedtolienexttohim.
“I’ll have to get used to my tiny-as-fuck boyfriend having the strength to crush me like a bug,”

Brandonteased.

“Justrememberthatwhenyoupissmyoffagain.”Eriknudgedhimintheshoulder.
“Iwill.”BrandonrolledtolieonhissideandErikturnedtomeethissatedstare.
It took Erik’s breath away how sexy Brandon’s golden skin looked. His eyes sparkled a vibrant

bluethatclearlysaidthatmanwasbeyondsatisfied.Eriklovedknowinghewasthecauseofthislook
onhismate’sface.

ThedistantsoundofErik’sphonegoingoffhadhimturningawayfromhismate.Herolledoffthe

bedandgrabbedforhisshorts.ErikcouldfeelthewarmrushofBrandon’scumleakouthisbodyand
hesqueezedhischeekstogether,notwantingtoloseasingledrop.

Bythetimehepulledhisphoneout,ithadstoppedringing.Onthebrightdisplaywasapictureof

himandDevon.“Shit!”Erikfloppedbackdownonthebed.

“What’sthematter?”BrandonreachedforErik,pullinghimclose.
HeheldthephoneoutforBrandontosee.“Mybrother.IforgottocallhimlastnighttotellhimI

wouldn’tbehome.Damnit!”Erikrubbedhishandoverhiseyes.“Ihatelettingthemdown.”

“Erik.”BrandonpriedErik’shandsfromhiseyes.“TheyknowthatIwascomingtolookforyou

soIthinkit’ssafetosaytheyknowyou’rewithme.”

Erik wasn’t sure if he liked the cocky grin Brandon gave him. “Not necessarily. I could have

kicked your ass for coming after me then left with another man.” Erik shrugged. “It could have
happenedthatwayjustaseasily.”

“Whatthefuckever.”BrandonclimbedontopofErikandpinnedhimtothebed.“Fromhereon

outtherewillbenomoretalkofothermen.”ErikgaspedintothehardkissBrandonplacedonhislips.
“We’ve been through too much to ever be separated again. From now on we talk to each other if
somethingisbotheringus.Nosecrets.”

“Nosecrets.”Erikshookhishead.He’dwaitedforwhatfeltlikeforevertogettothispointwith

hismate.Erikwoulddoeverythinghecouldtokeeptheminthishappyplacenomatterwhat.

ChapterEleven

Finallyaroundseventhatevening,BrandontookErikhome.Hismateneededtospendsometime

with his family, get a good night’s rest because he had a swim meet the next day, and Brandon had
hunter’sbusinesstoattendto.

BeforeBrandondroppedErikoff,hismatehadaskedhimtonotcomein.Saidhehadsomethings

tosettlewithhisbrothers.

Over the past two years Erik hadn’t been the best brother, or person for that matter. Brandon

couldn’tblamehim,hehadn’tdonemuchbetter.Knowinghehadamateoutthereandbeingunableto
doanythingaboutithurtinwaysBrandonwouldneverwishonanotherperson,ever.Erik,beingyoung,
actedoutandtookmostofhisangeroutonhisbrothers.

“Willyoucomewatchmetomorrow?”Erikasked,thenquicklylookedoutthepassengerwindow.

BrandoncaughtsightofbrightreddottingErik’scheeksbeforehecouldturnaway.“Imeanifyouwant
to.Iknowyou’rebusyandmightnothavethetime.”

Brandon reached over and placed a finger under Erik’s chin to turn him to face him. “I always

have time for you.” Erik’s eyes started to well up so Brandon leaned forward and kissed him softly.
“Evenifyoudidn’tinviteme,I’dbethere.We’vespenttoomuchtimeapart,that’sovernow.I’mproud
ofyouandwanttowatchyoukickthatMarcuskid’sasstomorrow.”Still,thethoughtofthatlittlepunk
pissedhimoff.

“Are you still jealous?” A huge smile lit up Erik’s face. “After everything we did last night and

today?IguessIneedtoproveitinotherwaysthen.”

Brandon sucked in a breath as Erik’s hand started to work its way up his thigh. The man had

magicfingersthatcouldmakeBrandon’scockgofromsofttohardintwosecondsflat.

“Pup,ifyoudon’tstop,you’regoingtohavetofinishwhatyoustarted.”Hetracedafingerover

Erik’ssoftlips.“Andthatmightbealittleembarrassingifyourfamilycomesoutside.”

“Idon’tcareiftheysee.”ErikcuppedhishandoverBrandon’sbulge.
Brandonshuthiseyesandsqueezedthesteeringwheeltightlyinhishands.Hisjeanshinderedhis

cockfromfillingtofullmassanditfeltcrampedinitssnugconfinement.

“LikeIhaven’twalkedinonthemamilliontimesoverthepastcoupleofyears.”Erikgrabbedthe

snapofBrandon’sjeansandpulleddownthezipper,freeinghiscock.

Brandonknewheshouldstophismatefromgoinganyfurther.Hewastheolderoneafterall.But

hecouldnotdenyhimselforhisbodysomethinghehadcometocrave.Brandonletgoofthewheeland
ranhisfingersthroughthesilkygoldenstrandsofhispup’shair,urginghimtogolowerandtastehis
swollencock.

“PleasestopdefilingmykidbrotherbeforeIhavetokickyourass.”
Brandon and Erik both jerked at the sound of Erik’s brother Viktor’s voice. They had been so

preoccupiedthattheyhadn’theardhimwalkuptothecar.

“Viktor, you’re an asshole,” Erik snapped as he quickly moved his hands to cover Brandon’s

exposedcock,whichhewasgratefulfor.“Youcouldhavegivenusalittlewarning.”

“Butwhatfunwouldthathavebeen?”ViktortookastepcloserandlookeddownatBrandon’slap.

“Nicedickyougotthere,Brandon,butwouldyoumindputtingthemonsterbackinthecage?”Viktor
winked.

“Nicedick?”Erikgroundout.“HowwouldyoufeelifItoldShanewhatyoujustsaid?”
BrandonpushedErikbackashetriedtoedgehiswayoutthedriver’ssidewindowtotacklehis

brother.Hequicklytuckedhisnow-deflatedcockbackintohispants.

“Hey!” Viktor pointed a finger at Erik. “You do that and I’ll tell Devon that you were about to

suckBrandonoffouthereinthefuckingfrontyard.”Thelargemancrossedhisarmsoverhisshoulders,
hishairblowinginthewind.

ThesmuglookViktorworeirritatedBrandonmorethanthethoughtofbeingtoldon.“Erik,calm

down.” He placed his hand over Erik’s cheek and turned him to look at him. “I think it’s safe to say
Viktorisjustbeingoverprotectiveofyouandalsotryingtogetariseoutofya.”HeglancedatViktor
whoinreturngaveastiffnod.“Solet’snotgetallemotional.I’dhatetohavetokickViktor’sassfor
upsettingmymate.”

“Mate?”AlookofshockspreadoverViktor’sruggedface.ErikgrinnedatBrandonthenheturned

tonodhishead.Viktorletoutaloudwhoopandpunchedhisfistintotheair.“Aboutfuckingtime.”He
pulledthedooropenanddraggedErikacrossBrandon’slapandwrappedhiminabighug.

“Areyouhappy?”ViktorlookeddownatErikandErikturnedtoBrandon.
“Yeah,Iam.Very.”
“That’sawesome.”ViktordrapedhisarmoverErik’sshoulder.“Youdeserveit,littlebrother.”
BrandonclimbedoutofhistruckandwalkedwithErikandViktortothefrontporch.
“Aresureyoudon’twantmetocomein?”Brandonasked.
“I’msure.”Erikturnedtofacehimandwrappedhisarmsaroundhisneck.“You’vegotworktodo

andIneedtofacemyfamily.Theydeserveanapologyfrommeandifyou’rehereallI’llthinkaboutis
youandthenI’dtotallyloseallmyfocus.”ErikreachedupandkissedBrandon.“I’llmissyouthough,
like,alot.”

“Me, too.” Brandon pulled Erik close and rested his chin on Erik’s head, breathing in his sweet

scent.

“I’m really happy for you guys, but seriously no kissing, sucking dick, or fucking while here.”

Viktor’sshouldersroseasheshuddered.“It’screepy.”

ErikrolledhiseyesthengaveBrandononemorekiss.“Viktor,you’reanasshole.”
The sound of the brothers laughing together put a smile on Brandon’s face. Maybe now there

wouldbelesstensionbetweenthethreeofthem.

Brandon hopped back into his truck and pulled out of the driveway. He could still smell Erik’s

scentinhiscarandhisdickstartedtostir.WithViktoraskingthemnottomessaroundattheCarsten
houseitleftthemwithonlyoneotheroption,forEriktomoveinwithhim.Brandoncouldn’tholdback
hissmileandwasgrinningfromeartoearashedrovedownthehighwaybacktoSilverCreek.

****

“I can’t believe you two finally got your shit together and mated.” Viktor shook his head in

disbelief.“I’mreallyhappyforyou,littlebro.”

“Thanks,Vik,buttobefair,myagewastheonlythingkeepingusapart,butnowI’mlegal.”Erik

nudgedViktorintheshoulder.“Andlet’sjustsayBrandonandItookfulladvantageofthatlastnight.”
Hewaggledhiseyebrowsathisbrother.

“Firstoff,eww.”Viktorscruncheduphisnoseasifhesmelledsomethingfoul.“Keepthatshitto

yourself.”ErikgiggledatViktor’steasing.

“Ohmygod!”ErikcametoahaltatthesoundofDevon’sbombingvoice.“Didyoujustgiggle?”

Devontiltedhisheadtothesideandheldahandoutlikehecouldgrabthesoundinhishand.

“Yeah,”EriksaidslowlyashelookedoveratViktorwhoonlyshrugged.

Devonputhishandtohischesttocoverhisheartandclosedhiseyes.“Ididn’tknowifI’dever

here that whimsical sound ever again.” His eyes suddenly popped open. “I’m not dead, right? Hell
hasn’tfrozenover?”

“Hardy-har-har. You’re so not funny.” Erik walked up to Devon and punched him lightly in the

arm.

“You use to think I was.” Devon braced his hands on Erik’s shoulder and looked into his eyes.

Erikcouldn’tlookaway.“Soiseverythinggoingtobeallright?You’rehappynow?”

“Yes.”Eriknoddedenthusiastically.“Very.”
“Good.”Devonpulledinforahug.“I’mgladtohaveyouback,Erik.”
“Iwasnevergone.”Hiseyesstartedtoburnwithunshedtearsandhisthroatwentbonedry.
“Butyouweren’thereeither.”Devonwipedawayastraytearasitrandownhischeek.
Allthethingshe’dputhisbrothersthroughflashedbeforehiseyesashestaredupatDevon.After

theirparentshadbeenmurdered,Devonputhislifeonholdtoraisehim.Viktorhelped,too,butitwas
Devon who sacrificed everything to keep the family business going and keep Viktor and him in line.
WithoutDevon,Erikdidn’tknowwherethey’dbetoday.

“I’msosorry,Dev.”Erikcrushedhisfaceintohisbrother’schest,soakinghisshirtwithhistears.

“I never meant to hurt any of you. I just didn’t know how to be myself when such a large part was
missing.”

“Shh.”Devonrubbedahandoverhisback.“It’sokay,Erik.Weunderstoodwhatyouweregoing

throughandwedon’tblameyou.”EriklookedupathisbrotherwhenDevontookastepbackbutnot
lettinggoofhim.“We’refamilyandnomatterwhatwe’dneverstoplovingyou.”

“He’sright,littlebro.”ViktorcametostandbythemandrestedahandonErik’sarmandDevon’s

shoulder.“Thelovewehaveforyouknowsnoend.”

Tearsfelllikerainfromhiseyesandhegaspedforbreath.Afterallthethingshe’ddonetheystill

wereabletoforgiveandforgetlikeitwasn’tabigdeal.Erikrememberedhowhetreatedthemandhe
didn’tdeservetheirkindnessbuthe’dtakeit.“Iloveyouguys.”

Thethreeofthemstoodthere,huggingeachother.Itwaslongoverdueandwhatweightthatstill

clungtoErik’sshoulderslifted.He’dneverfeltmorefree.

“But still.” Viktor pointed a finger at him. “No blowjobs in the driveway. I’m going to have

nightmaresaboutthat.”

“Excuseme?”Devonasked,hisfacegoinghardwithanger.
Erik started to laugh. No matter how old he got, he’d forever be their little brother. “Oh you

know.”Erikshruggedashewalkedpasthisbrothers.“VikwalkeduponuswhenIwasabouttodoto
BrandonwhatIcaughtAidendoingtoyouaweekagointhegarage.”

ChapterTwelve

ThenextdayErikwokeuplate.Hedidn’thavetobetotheswimmeetuntilfourthirtysowaking

upatoneintheafternoondidn’tbotherhimintheleast.Oncehisheadhitthepillowhewasout.Hehad
onlywokenuproundeleventousethebathroomandtextBrandongoodnight.

Besides his body being tired from all the great sex he’d had with Brandon, he was also

emotionallydrainedfromtalkingwithhisbrothers.Butitwasinagoodway.Theyneededtotalkand
Erik was glad they did. He loved his brothers more than anything and owed them a lot. To finally
apologize and them accept it was the icing on the cake. Not only did he get his mate, finally, but his
brothersbackinhislife.

The house was quiet as Erik jogged down the stairs. He had his ear buds in his ears and was

hummingalongtoasong.Beingaloneinthehousetookawayanyshamehewouldhavefelthadhis
familybeenhomeandsungalongtoTaylorSwiftasshecroonedintohisears.

AsErikmadehiswaytothekitchenhestartedtoswinghishipsfromsidetosideasthetempoto

thesongpickedupandbeltedoutthenextlineinthesongandletloose.Itfeltlikeforeversincehehad
reallycutlooseandactedlikethis.

Hiseyeswereclosedashesangintoawoodenspoonwhenhissensitiveearspickedupthesound

ofsomeoneclapping.Erik’seyespoppedopenandleaningagainstthecounterandgettingperfectview
ofhisperformancewasDominic.

Dominic was a loner type-wolf that was only a part of the Carsten pack because he worked for

DevondoingtheaccountingandpayrollforCarstenandSon’s.Erikthoughtthemanfeltobligatedtobe
partofthepackratherthanactuallybeinthepackbyhisownchoice.

Dominichadsomespecialtalents.Givethemanacomputerandhecouldfindoutwhereaperson

wasfrom,whatkindofcartheydrove,wheretheyworkedandprobablywhotheyweresleepingwith.It
wascrazyhowhe’djustsitandtapawayonhiscomputerforhours.ErikoftenwonderedifDominic
wassomesortofsecretagent.ThemandidaccountingworkallovertownandinSilverCreekbuthe
alsotooktripstowhathesaidwerecomic-cons.Erikwasn’tbuyingit.

“Dom,youscaredtheshitoutofme.”Erikputthespoondownonthecounter.
“TaylorSwift’sRedCD,notabadchoice.”Dominicopenedthecabinetnexttothesinkandtook

outaglassandfilleditwithwater.“Yourvoiceisalittletoodeeptopullofsomeofthelyricsthough.”

“Funny.”ErikpulledthebudsfromhisearsandsethisiPodonthecounter.“Whatareyoudoing

hereanyway?”Hewentaboutgrabbinglunchmeatandcheesefromthefridgetomakeasandwich.

“Ihadsomeworktodointheoffice.”HenudgedhisheadtowardtheCarstenandSon’sofficeout

thewindow.“AndI’llbestayinghereforafewdays.Theapartmentnexttominehasbedbugsandthe
wholecomplexisbeingfumigated.”

“That’sgross.”EriklookedoverhisshoulderatDominic.“Whydon’tyoujustmoveinhere?You

knowDevonwouldn’tmind.”

“Ilikebeingonmyown.Alwayshaveandalwayswill.”Dominicsnatchedupanapplefromthe

fruitbowlandtookabite.“Whyyousochipper?”heaskedaroundamouthfulofapple.“Ithoughtyou
weregoingthroughthemoodystageofpuberty?”

Eriksettheknifedownfromcuttinghissandwichinhalfandlookedupattheotherman.“You

knowyou’rekindofadick,right?”

“SoI’vebeentold.”Dominicshothimanevillittlegrin.
Only four years separated him and Dominic but there was just something about Dominic that

made him appear older. Something in his eyes that held a hardness that made Erik wonder what
happenedtothisman.

ErikdidlikeDominic.Heusedtohavethebiggestcrushonthemanwhenhefirststartedworking

forDevon.DominicwastallerthanErikbuttheyhadsimilarbuilds.Hisblackhaircomplementedhis
pale skin perfectly and Erik thought it made him look like a vampire. With his long, lean body, dark
hair, and deep blue eyes, it wasn’t that much of a stretch. He reminded Erik of the Damon character
fromtheshowAidenandSkylerwatched,VampireDiaries,onlytaller.

“Don’tyouhaveajobtogodoorsomething?”
“Ijustcamefromoneactually.”Dominichoppedontothecountertosit.“Anewlittleboutiquein

SilverCreekjustopenedupandshehiredmetokeepherbooks.Iwentandsatupthecomputerand
installedthesoftwarethatIuse.Notbeingpaidbythehourrocks,junior.NomatterhowlongittakesI
stillgetpaidthesame.”

“Luckyforyou.”Erikgrabbedasodafromthefridgeandleanedhiselbowsonthecounterand

begantoeathislunch.

“Yeah,it’snottoobad.”Dominictookanotherbitefromhisapple.“Alittlebirdytoldmethatyou

andBrandonarefinallytogether.Congrats,man.”

“Thanks!”Erikdidn’tfightthegrinthatcreasedhisface.“DidDevontellyou?”
“Nope,Viktor.HewastellinghowgrossitwastoseeyougettingallhotandheavywithBrandon

inthedrivewaylastnight.Ithinkyou’vescarredyourbrotherforlife.”

“Good,maybenexttimethey’llthinktwicebeforegoingatitlikebunnieshere.Ican’tcounthow

manytimesI’vewalkedinonmybrothers.”

“Maybeyoushouldknockfirst,”Dominicsuggested.
“There’snodoortoknockonwhenenteringthelivingroom.”ThememoryofseeingDevonand

Aidennakedandgoingatitlikewrestlersonthefloorstillcausedhimtolosehisappetite.Hepushed
hishalf-eatensandwichaway.

“See just another reason why I don’t want to live here.” Dominic hopped off the counter and

washedhishands.“HeybeforeIforget,doyouhaveameettomorrow?ThecommunitycenterinSilver
Creekaskedmetostopbyanddoanupdateonthesoftwaretheyareusing.Theywanttouseasystem
thatmakesiteasierfortheemployeestoclockinandoutfortheirshifts.”Eriknoddedhisheadunsure
whatDominicwasgettingat.“IthoughtsinceI’mgoingtobethereIcouldcomewatchyouswim.I’ve
missedalltheothermeetssofar.”

ThatmadeEriksmile.DominicdidmakeanefforttobeapartofthepackandtheCarstenfamily

and Erik was flattered he’d want to watch him compete. “We have a swim meet tonight but only
practicetomorrow.Youcanstillstayandwatchforalittlebitifyouwant.”

“I’lldothat.”DominicgaveErik’sshoulderalightsqueezeashewalkedpassedhimtogoupthe

steps.

Erikcleaneduphismessandheadedupstairstopackabagforthemeet.Hehadagiddyfeeling

inhisstomach.Injustafewhourshe’dgettoseeBrandon.Theyjustseeneachothertheothernightbut
he’dnevergetenoughoflookingintoBrandon’sblueeyesandhandsomeface.LifewasgoodandErik
couldn’twaittogettothepoolandkicksomeassinthemeettonight.Itneverhurttoshowoffforone’s
mate.

****

Brandonhadfallenasleepsometimeafterfourinthemorning.Hehadbeengoingoverfilesofall

thehuntersinvolvedwiththecouncilfortheirarea.Roderickwantedhimtoweedoutthehunterswho
mightnotwanttoconformtothenewrulesandpoliciesofthehunter’scouncil.Brandonthoughtitwas
greatidea.Huntersontheloosewiththeirownagendastofulfillwasn’tagoodthingfortheworldat
large.Theyneededtofindtheproblemcandidatesandstopthembeforetheygotthechancetocausetoo
muchtrouble.

ThesoundofhiscellphoneringinghadBrandonsitingupfromhischair.Hisneckachedfromthe

weirdanglehe’dhadfallenasleepin.

“Hello,”hesaidasheyawnedintothephone.
“How’sitgoing?”Roderickasked.“MakingadentinthefilesIgaveyou?”
“I’mtrying.”Brandonstoodupandwalkedtotherefrigeratorandpulledatabottleofwater.He

twistedoffthecapandtookabigswig.Thecoldliquideasedhisparchedthroat.“I’mmakingtwofiles.
OnefortheguysIknowandtrustandoneforguysIthinkweneedtointerviewinperson.Buthonestly
Ithinkwereallyshouldinterviewthemallbutweneedtokeepsomeonpatrolandthelessvolatileones
areprobablythewaytogo.”

“That’sagoodidea.Iknowsomeofthehuntershaven’tbeentookeenontheideaofnotkilling

everything they see that resembles a wolf shifter but there are some that are falling into line pretty
quick.”

“I think it’s the whole guilt of killing an innocent person that just happens to be different from

themthatgottosomeoftheotherhunters,”Brandonexplained.Thefewfriendshehadtalkedtoover
thepastfewmonthshadbeenshockedwithwhatthey’dlearned.Theyhadonlybeendoingwhatthey
weretrainedtodoandsomanyofthemnowlivedwiththeregretandconstantguiltofhurtinganother
livingbeingwhodidn’tdeserveit.Brycehadfilledtheirheadswithallthehorrorstoriesofwhatsome
wolfshifters,didbutnotallshifterswerelikethat.

“Understandablebuttheywereonlydoingtheirjob.Theywereonlyfollowingorders,buttimes

havechanged.”

“Yesandforthebetter.”Brandonwalkedintohislivingroomandfloppeddownonthecouch.“I’d

hatetohavetokillafellowhunterfortakingashotatmymate.”

“Mate,huh?”Roderick’sear-piercingwhistlescreamedovertheline.“Aboutfuckingtime.”
“Everyone keeps saying that like I had any control over us being apart.” Brandon wasn’t some

childmolester.ItkilledhimtohavetobeawayfromErikbutitwasthewayithadtobe,mateornot.
Erikhadbeenjustakidwhentheymet.InthosetwoyearssinceBrandonfirstlaideyesonEriktheman
hadchangedsomuch.He’dlosttheroundnessofhisface,thinnedoutandevengrewafewinches.His
personalitywentfromshytoarrogantandheadstrong.

“Iknowbutnomatterthewhy’sofit,I’mjustgladyoutwoarefinallytogether.Maybenowyour

sourmugwillsmilemoreoften.”

“Ididn’tsmilemuchbeforeImetErik.”BrandonflungbackatRoderickwithoutskippingabeat.
“Whatever,dude.”RoderickrambledonaboutmorecouncilbusinessandtoldBrandontofaxhim

withalistofnamesoffellowhunterstostarttheinterviewprocesson.

OnceBrandonhungupthephoneheshiftedtolookattheclock.Thebrightshininggreenlighton

thecableboxsaidfourfifteen.

“Shit!”Brandonscrambledoffthecouchandtowardthebathroom.Heneededtoshowerandget

readytoleave.Erik’sswimmeetstartedatfivethirtyandhedidn’twanttobelate.Ifhedidn’tgetthere
early all the good seats would be taken. And he couldn’t wait to see Erik slice his body through the
water. His body moved so effortlessly as he glided forward. Plus Erik always wore those tight little
speedosandthebestpartwaswatchingashismateclimbedoutofthepoolafterhisracewasover.The

strong urge to run over to Erik and lick every last water droplet from his body didn’t help with his
wholedickpoppingwoodwhileinacrowdofpeople.

Brandon quickly washed his body and got dressed. As he walked toward the garage he gave a

partingglanceathisstackoffilesandpromisedhimselfhe’dstayuplateinordertogetthejobdone.
ButrightnowhewastotallyfocusedonErikandseeingthesmilethatwouldgracehisfacewhenhe
kissedtheairfromhislungs.

ChapterThirteen

“Hey,Erik,haveyouseenMarcus?”RobbyaskedasEriktookaseatonthelockerroombench

andstartedtoremovehisshoes.

“Nope.”Eriktossedhissneakersintotheopenlocker.“Thatassholewassupposedtomeetmeat

thecaféonSaturdaynightbuthenevershowedandIhaven’theardfromhimsince.”

“Huh.”Robbysatnexttohimandstartedtogetundressed.“That’sweird.”
“What’s weird?” Erik asked as he kicked off his boxer briefs and stepped into his royal blue

speedo.Thetightmaterialcuppinghisassjustrighttomakehisbuttlookthickerthanitreallywas.

“It’s just I haven’t heard from him either.” Erik looked over to see the concern etching Robby’s

brow.“Iwassupposedtogivehimaridetodayandnoone’sansweringthephoneathishouse.I’dcall
hisfolksbutthey’reoutoftownuntilnextweek.”

Marcuswasagoodguybutalittlebitofaflakeattimes.Itwasn’tthefirsttimetheysataround

waiting for Marcus to show up. Just a week ago the bus chartered to drive them to a meet had been
delayedbecauseMarcuswasrunninglate.KnowingMarcuslikehe’dcometoknowhim,themanwas
probablyshackedupwithsomeolderguysleepingoffahangover.

“Iwouldn’tworryaboutit.Heprobablygotluckyandistakinganextradaytorecover.”
“Yeah,you’reright,”Robbyansweredafteralongpause.“I’mjustextrafreakedoutsinceKevin

died.”ThebreaththatwhooshedoutofRobby’smouthfannedoverErik’scheek.

“Me, too, but Marcus has done this before. I’m sure he’s fine.” Erik grabbed his goggles, then

nudgedRobbyintheshoulder.“Comeon,let’sgowarmup.”

Robbyfollowedhimoutontheswimmer’sdeck.Theotherguysallstoodaroundwaitingtobegin

theirwarmups.Erikstoodaroundandlaughedwiththeotherguysastheydescribedhowtheyplanned
onkickingClayview’sassinthemeet.Alittletrashtalkneverhurt.

As Erik stood there talking with his friends, he felt the hair at the nape of his neck prickle. He

turnedtolookoverhisshoulder.Brandon’shungrystarecausedhimtofreezewherehestood.Aheated
blushcrawleduphisnecktostainhischeeksandErikgrinnedoverathismate.Brandongaveasingle
nodofhisheadinawayofagreeting.

“Coach.”Thesoundofafellowswimmer’sloudvoicepulledErikfromgazingoverathismate

and back to the present. “Have you seen Marcus? He’s on my relay team and I can’t find him
anywhere.”

“Marcus in unreliable,” Coach Allen said in an unconcerned tone, not looking up from writing

somethinginhisnotebook.“I’llplaceanotherswimmerintherelaywithyouboys.”Coachgavethem
smilethatdidn’tquitemeethiseyesasifhewereannoyed.“Okay,men,let’sstartwarmups.”

AsErikpulledonhiscapandadjustedhisgoggleshenoticedhowCoachAllenhadaslightlimp

whenhewalkedaway.Hehopedthemanwasfeelingokay.IfCoachwashavingashittydayandifthey
lostthismeet,Erikknewthemanwouldbepissedenoughtospitnailsandtheyallwouldbeswimming
lapsuntiltheypuked.

“Youwouldthinkhe’dcarealittlemoreaboutamissingswimmer,beingasonewasmurdereda

fewdaysago.”

Erikstoodfromhisbentpositionpreparingtodive.“Dude,CoachhashadtodealwithMarcus’s

ass all summer long pulling shit like this. Trust me, I bet Marcus will show up tomorrow and tell a
fucking amazing-ass story of how he got laid ten ways to Sunday.” He clapped Robby on the back.
“Don’tstress,man.It’llgiveyouwrinkles.”

“Fuckyou.”RobbyshovedErikinthepool.
WhenhecamebackuphesawthatRobbywassmiling.Erikcouldtakeaplungeinthepoolifit

meanthisfriendstoppedfreakingoutovertheironefriendwhopulledshitlikethisallthetime.Marcus
was a great swimmer and a good friend but at times selfish. One day Erik just knew that boy would
writeacheckhisasscouldn’tcash.

The meet went off without a hitch. Clayview had some really good swimmers but they couldn’t

catchErikinonesinglerace.Everytimehebrokethesurfacehe’dglanceinBrandon’sdirectionandhis
mate would be staring intently on Erik. It made his stomach coil into knots seeing his gorgeous mate
andknowingheonlyhadeyesforErik.

Hislastraceofthedaywastouchandgoonwhothewinnerwouldbe.Itwasthehundredmeter

breaststrokeandtheswimmertotherightofhimwashaulingassbutjustatthelastsecondErikfelthis
adrenalinekickinandhepulledoutthewin.Hegaspedforbreathashehungontothesideofthepool.
ThesoundofBrandon’svoiceroseabovethecrowdsandhismatestoodnexttotherailcheeringhim
on.PridespreadthroughErik’schestashelookedatBrandon.

AfterthemeetErikmotionedtoBrandonthathe’dbejustaminuteandrushedtowardthelocker

room.Hewantedtograbaquickshowerbeforeheleft.Thesmellofchlorinewasn’tasexuallycharged
aroma.

Eriksteppedouttheshoweramongsthisfriendscongratulationsforajobwelldone.Herushedto

his locker and pulled on his clothes. He was just about to pull his shirt over his head when he heard
CoachAllencallhisname.

“Erik,canIseeyouinmyofficeforamoment.”
Erikpulledonhisshirttherestofthewayon,grabbedhisbagthenfollowedthemandownthe

shorthallway.“Sure,Coach.What’sup?”

“Ohnothing.Ijustwanttotellyouhowimpressiveyourswimmingwastoday.”Hechuckledand

shookhishead.“Clayview’scoachsaidnotaswimmerinthesurroundingtownscouldbeatthatkid.He
actuallysuggestedyouwereusingdrugstobeabletoswimthatfast.”

“No fucking way!” Erik shouted. “I’d never put any of that crap in my body.” The allegation

pissedhimoff.ItwashardworkanddeterminationthatmadeErikgoodatwhathedid.Beingawolf
shiftermadehimstrongerbutnotabetterswimmer.

“Relax, Erik.” Coach Allen leaned across his desk and placed a warm smooth hand over his.

“That’swhatItoldthatarrogantass.Myswimmersdon’tuse.”

“Thanksforstickingupforme.Itmeansalot.”Itwasajoltofreliefthathiscoachdidn’tthink

he’dsinkthatlowastocheat.

A few moment of silence passed between them and Coach Allen still hadn’t removed his hand

fromwhereitcoveredhis.Erikdroppedhiseyestostareathislap,uncomfortablewiththedrawn-out
touch.Hejerkedhisupwardwhenhefeltthelightcaressoftheman’sfingersoverhisknucklesbuthe
didn’tpullaway.

“Erik,I’mhereforallmyswimmers.”CoachAllenleeredathim.“Foranythingsopleasenever

hesitatetoknockonmydoor.”

“Yeah,thanks,I’llrememberthat.”EriktriedtopullhishandawaybutCoachAllenheldittight.

Erikliftedhisheadtolookthemansquareintheface.Therewasachallengeintheolderman’seyes
thatErikwasn’tsureheunderstoodwhatitmeant.

“Yo,Erik,”Cory,anotherswimmerontheteam,saidashecametostandintheofficeentryway.

“There’saguyheretoseeyou.He’swaitingbythedoors.”

Erik looked back to Coach Allen then down to their hands. The man slowly removed his hand

fromErik’sandsmiledathim.

“RememberwhatIsaid.”
“Will do, Coach.” Erik hustled out of the office and down the hallway. He glanced over his

shoulderbutdidn’tseethemanlookingafterhim.

When he pushed open the door he saw Dominic leaning against the far wall. It wasn’t who he

expectedtoseebuthewasstillrelievedtoseeDominic.Itsavedhimfromhavingtothinkaboutthat
unusualencounterwithhiscoach.

“Hey, kiddo.” Dominic came up to him and slapped him on the back. “You were amazing out

there.”

Erikonlynoddedhishead.Hewasstillalittlejitteryfromhistalkwithhiscoach.Heneverhad

anycluetheoldermanwasgay.Itwasn’tanyofErik’sbusinessandmaybeifheweren’tmadlyinlove
withBrandonhemighttakethemanuponwhatheclearlywasoffering.CoachAllenwasonlyinhis
earlythirtieswithlightblondhairandabodythatbenefitedfromyearsofswimming.Themanwashot
butstillitfeltweirdhavinghiscoachhitonhim.Themanwasamentortohimandtheotherguys,it
feltdirtytothinkhesawthemaspotentialfuckbuddies.Eriksuppressedashudderatthethought.

“Erik,youokay?”Dominic’seyebrowliftedinaknowinglook.
“Yeah,justtired.”HesmiledtryingnottoelevateDominic’sworry.“I’mgladyoucame.”
“Me,too.Ionlygottocatchthelastcoupleofracesyouwereinbutdamnyoucanhaulass.Likea

freakingfish.”Dominichelduphisphone.“Itookavideotoshowyourbrothers.Devonhadplannedto
comebutgotcalledtoajob.Somethingdidn’tshowup,steelorsomethinglikethat,andhehadtodrive
allthewaytoBaymoretopickitup.”

“It’sthethoughtthatcounts,right?”Eventhoughhisbrothersdidn’tcometoeverymeetheknew

theywantedtobethereforhim.ItstillmadeErikfeelimportanttothem.

Erik kept darting his eyes around looking for any signs of Brandon but didn’t see the man

anywhere.Surelyhewouldn’thavejustleftErikthere.

“IcanseethatyouarepreoccupiedsoI’llletyougobutIhavetoaskyousomething.”
“Sure.”Eriknoddedhishead.
“Isyourswimcoachgayandisheseeinganyone?”Dominicsuckedinthecornerofhisupperlip

ashewaitedforErik’sreply.

“Yesandno.”Erikansweredbothquestions.AfterwhatjusthappenedinCoach’sofficeErikfelt

pretty confident in outing the man and that he wasn’t seeing anyone because if he were he wouldn’t
havehitonhim.“Why,youinterested?”

“Yeah, I kind of am. I mean shit! Haven’t you noticed how hot he is? Swimmers, runners, and

soccerplayershavethebestbodies.”Dominicrubbedahandacrosshischin.“Soifyouwillexcuseme,
IthinkI’llgoandintroducemyself.”

“Havefun.”ErikturnedtocallouttoDominic.
“OhIwill.”DominicturnedtowalkbackwardsandsmiledatErik.“I’msureyouwill,too.Your

hunkofamateiswaitingforyouintheparkinglot.”HewinkedatErikthendisappearedthroughthe
doubledoorsthatledtowardthelockerrooms.

“Parkinglot.”HisupperlipquirkedupandErikheadedfortheexit.
Onceoutofthegated-offareaaroundthepoolErikscannedtheparkinglotforBrandon’struck.

SittinginthefarbackspotwasBrandon.Eriktookadeepbreathandwalkedcalmlyovertohismate.
Hedidn’twanttocomeoffastooeagerordesperatetogethismanaloneanddonaughtythingstohis
sexy-as-fuckbody.

“Calm down, boy,” Erik mumbled to himself. “Be cool.” Erik walked over to the driver’s side

door,steppeduponthesiderailsofthetruck,andleanedhiselbowsagainsttheopenwindow.“Didyou
enjoythemeet?”heaskedinasteadyvoice.

“I did, actually.” Brandon propped his sunglasses up on his head. “Especially getting to see this

hotlittleswimmerclimbinandoutofthepool.”Brandon’svoicegrewrough.“Iswearyouaresexon
twofuckinglegs,pup.”

“Well.”Erikloweredhiseyelids,lettinghiseyelashesbrushoverhischeeks.“Idoaimtoplease.”
“Andyoudo.”BrandonstrokedafingerdownErik’snose.“ButIhatethatallthosepeoplegotto

seeyouswingthathotassofyoursaround.Allthis”—BrandonmotionedtowardErik’sbody—“isfor
myeyesonly.”

“Ilovethatyougetjealous.”Andhedid.Maybeitwasbecausehewasyoungandhethoughtit

provedthatBrandoncaredabouthim,Erikdidn’tcare.IfBrandonwaspossessiveofhim,Erikwould
bemorethanhappytoplayintothatnotion.Hisdickwasonboardwholeheartedly.Hiscockstartedto
fillandshiftedinsidehisshorts.

“Ibetyoudo.”Brandon’stongueslippedouttolickoverhislipsandErikcouldn’ttakehiseyes

offthemotion.Alowwhinelefthisthroat.“Getin,”Brandonordered.

Erikdidn’twasteanytime.Oncehewasinthetruck,seatbeltbuckled,Brandondroveoutofthe

parking lot. The inside of the cab was quiet and Erik kept stealing glances over at Brandon. Brandon
hadputhissunglassesbackonandhisfacegavenocluesastowheretheyweregoing.Eriksatback
andadjustedthegrowingbulgeinhisshorts.

BrandondrovethroughtheheartofSilverCreekuntilhewasleavingthecitylimits.Erikwasn’t

surewherehismatewasgoingbuthesatbackfortheride.AfewminuteslaterBrandonpulledoffonto
adirtroadandfolloweditupabouthundredfeet.Treescoveredinbrightgreenleavesclosedinaround
the truck. No one would be able to see them from the road and more importantly this place was so
secludednoonewouldevenbeouthere.

Brandon put the truck into park and turned off the engine. He unlatched his seat belt, and then

leanedovertodothesametoErik’s.“Comehere,”BrandongrowledathimashepulledErikbythe
wristintohislap.

ErikbarelyhadenoughtimetocatchhisbreathbeforeBrandon’slipscoveredhis,silencingany

questionshemayhavehad.Brandon’stonguepushedattheseamofhislips,slidingandsuckinginto
thewetnessofErik’smouth.Hehummedaroundthemouthfulofhismate’stongueandwishedhehad
hislipswrappedaroundBrandon’sthickhardcock.Justthethoughthadhisdickleakingpre-cum.

“Naked,now,”BrandonsaidagainstErik’slipsashetuggeddownonErik’sshorts.
Eriksatbackandpushedoffhisshoes.Heslippedhisgymshortsdownhislegsthenkickedhis

left leg free of the material. With his shorts still wound around his right leg Erik settled back over
Brandon’s’lap,feelingtheheatofhismate’sarousalasitpressedintothecreaseofhisass.Erik’sdick
pulsedagainsttheroughdenimofBrandon’sjeansandErikprayedBrandonfuckedhimsoonbecause
hedidn’tknowifhecouldwaitmuchlongerbeforehisorgasmbustedfree.

****

Brandon ran his hands down Erik’s back to rest on the white bubbled ass. Erik moaned as he

massaged the thick muscles and pulled the cheeks apart. The fingers of his right hand ran down the
creviceleadingtoErik’shotlittlebutton.TherippledfleshtensedasBrandoncircledthetightringand
Erikgaspedandletoutalowhowl.

“Come on, Brandon.” Erik ground down on Brandon’s over-sensitized cock. “I want to feel you

insideme.”ErikpressedcloserandBrandonfelttheflutteronhisfingertipasErik’sholetriedtoimpale
itselfonhisfingers.“Ineedit,”Eriksaidinapitifulwhine.

“Youcanwait,”BrandonsaidasheremovedhisfingersfromErik’screaseandtracedtheswellof

hisass.Erikwhimperedbutdidn’tsayanotherword.BrandonmovedhishandsupwardandliftedErik’s
shirtupandoverhishead.Twotannipplessatrightathiseyelevel.Brandonpinchedoneandlickedthe
otherone,pullingitintohismouthforahardsuck.

Erik’sbodywrithedontopofhisandthethrustofhishipsspedup,pushingBrandonclosertothe

edge. Brandon quickly moved to the other hardened peak and tasted the sweet skin. The salty honey
flavorofErik’sbodyfilledhimupontheinside,makinghimcaremoreandmore.

His head was wrenched from Erik’s chest and he looked surprised at his mate. Erik’s teeth had

lengthenedtosharplittlepointsandhiseyesglowedwithaninhumanlight.

“Stopteasingandfuckme!”Erik’svoicewasbarelyunderstandableashiswolftriedtobreakthe

surface and be set free. “I need it.” Erik closed his bright eyes and rested his forehead on Brandon’s.
“Please.”

TohearErikbegwaslikeagungoingofftostartarace.Brandoncouldn’tgethisdickoutfast

enough.Erikstraightenedonhisknees,givinghimenoughroomtopullhisjeansdownhiships,freeing
his overheated cock. Erik sat back on his lap and yanked at Brandon’s shirt until he got it pulled off.
Brandonhissedattheskinandagainstskincontact.

Erik rubbed his ass back and forth along Brandon’s length. His pre-cum leaked out and painted

over Erik’s pink hole. Brandon angled his hips up brushing the head over the scolding heat of Erik’s
body.

Pressure started to coil in his balls and if he didn’t get inside Erik’s body soon this little tryst

wouldbeoverbeforeiteverbegan.

“Open the glove box.” Brandon tapped Erik on the thigh but the man didn’t move. It was as if

Erik’s body was lost to sensation and he ignored Brandon’s request. “Baby, look at me.” Brandon
grippedErik’schin.Dazedeyesstareddownathim.“Ihavelubeintheglovecompartment.Iwantyou
toleanoverandgetitsoIcanfillthistightassofyours.”Brandonsqueezedtheassinquestionand
Erikgroanedlowandrough.

Erikleanedoverandpulledoutthesmalltube.Brandonhadthrownthatintherebeforeheleftthe

house.AlittlepresumptuousbutBrandondidn’tthinkErikwouldcare.Theywerenewlymatedandsex
wasatthetopofbothoftheirlistsofthingstodo.

ErikhandedhimthelubeandBrandonpoppedopenthecapanddrizzledthegeloverhisstraining

cock.ThegelwaswarmfromsittinginalockedcarforthepasttwohoursandBrandonwasthankful
forthelackofcoldstinghetypicallygotfromthelube.

BrandonrubbedinthewetnessthenpositionedthetipatErik’sentrance.WithonehandonErik’s

hip,Brandonguidedhimdownontohiscock.Erik’seyesclenchedtightandheletoutasmallhissas
theheadbreachedhisopening.InchafterslowinchBrandonslidinsidethegrippingheat.Alreadyso
familiaryetnewandexcitingwitheveryinchhewentdeeper.

“That’sit,pup,takeitall,”BrandonwhisperedintoErik’sneckthennippedatthefragileflesh.He

couldtastethesaltfromthesweatcoveringErik’sbody.

Once his cock was fully seated Brandon gave Erik a moment to adjust before he unleashed his

arousalonhissweetass.BrandonthrustupandbouncedErikonhisdick.Achorusofohyeahandfuck
meharder spurned Brandon on. Erik rode him like a pro, it was hard to believe that Erik had been a
virginuntillastnight.ThemanseemedtolovebeingfedBrandon’scock.

At the thought of feeding more of his cock to other places on Erik’s body, Brandon looked up,

locking his eyes on Erik’s mouth. The pouty lips swollen from Brandon’s kisses and moist from the
heavygaspleavingErik’smouth.Godhismatelookedbeautifulbeingfilledbyhim.

A sharp edge of need spiked in his balls and Brandon pumped his hips harder and his grip

tightenedonErik’ships,nodoubtleavingbruising,pullinghimintoeverythrust.Theslightpainfrom
thebuildofhisorgasmstartedtoeaseawaytobereplacedbythecurlofslowtoe-clenchingpleasure.

BrandonwrappedhisfingersaroundErik’spulsingcock.Thefirmsteelofhiserectionwassoftas

silktothetouch.Brandonstrokedhishandupanddown.TheactionhadErikbouncingfasterinhislap,
impalinghimselfonBrandon’spoleatamaddeningpace.

TheupanddownglidepulledatBrandon’sshaft,pushinghimclosertotheedgeofsweetrelease.

He jerked his hand harder, smearing the river of pre-cum over Erik’s purplish-red cock. One more
strokeandErikcameshootinghiscumuponBrandon’sneckandchin.Brandonstuckhistongueout
and got a drop on his tongue. The bittersweet taste had him freefalling into sweet nothingness as he
emptiedhislittleswimmersdeepintoErik’schannel.

Erik fell forward, trapping the stickiness between them. Heavy breathing filled the truck. They

bothwereexhaustedbutBrandonthoughtitwaswellworthbeingdrainedofallhisenergyifhegotto
seethatlookofutterpleasureonErik’sfaceeverytimehecame.

BrandonrubbedhishandsupanddownErik’sbackashispupkepthisheadburiedinhisneck.

ThesoftriseandfallofErik’schestrelaxedBrandonsomuchhethoughthe’dfallasleep.

Afterafewmoreminutesofpost-sexcuddlingEriksatup.“AllIhavetosayisyoucanpickme

upanytimeyouwantifitgetsmefuckedlikethateverytime.”Erikstartedtogiggleandthevibrations
tingledonBrandon’scockwhereitstilllayinsidetheman.

BrandonpulledErikdownforaslowlingeringkiss.“IthinkI’vecreatedamonster,”hewhispered

againstErik’slips.

“Asex-crazedone.”Eriknippedathislipbeforethrustinghistonguebackinside.
Brandondidn’tknowhowlongtheysattherebuthewasinnohurrytorushbacktotherealworld.

For the first time in a long time he was truly happy. His heart so filled with joy he thought it would
burst.

“God,Iloveyou,”Brandonsaidintothekiss.
“What?”Erik’shandspushedBrandonbackintotheseat.“Didyoujustsayyoulovedme?”
ThelookonErik’sfacetoldBrandonthathetotallycaughttheyoungmanoffguard.Good.Itwas

abouttimehehadErikstumblingforwardintounchartedterritory.Hedidn’tmeantojustletitslipbutit
wasthewayhefelt.Thiswarmspreadingfeelinginhischestwaslove.Notjustanylovebutlovefor
Erik.

“Yeah,Idid.”HewrappedhisarmslooselyaroundErik’swaist.“Yougotaproblemwiththat?”

heaskedinagruffvoice,butonlyteasinghismate.

“No,noproblemwhatsoever.”AsmileamilewidelitupErik’sface.Helookedlikeamanwho

hadjustwonthelottery.

“Good.” He slapped Erik on the ass hard enough to make his hand sting. “There’s a little black

boxintheglovebox.Iwantyoutograbitforme.”

Erik nodded his head and stretched for it. Brandon had to give his mate credit. He managed to

snatch up the box without dislodging Brandon’s cock from his body. All the moving and shifted was
startingtobringhisdickbacktolife.

“Whatisit?”Erikaskedwithaliftofhiseyebrows.
“Openit.”BrandongrinnedupatErik.Hehadn’texactlyplannedongivingEriktheringhehad

boughtforhimrightnowbutitseemedlikeasgoodatimeasany.

Erik’s hands shook as he opened the small lid. His eyes widened and he looked at Brandon. He

couldseetearsstarttofillErik’seyes.

“Here,look.”BrandonpulledtheringfromtheboxandturnedittofaceErik.HeknewwithErik’s

wolfshiftereyesighthe’dbeabletoseethesmallinfinitysymbolengravedonthering.“Itmeansmy
loveforyouisneverending.Itcangoaroundandaroundbutneverend.”

TearsfellfromErik’seyesandthegrintiltinghisupperlipletBrandonknowthesewerehappy

tears.BrandontooktheringandplaceditonErik’sringfingerthenkissedthecoolmetal.“Whatdoya
think?”heaskedalittlenervousthatErikhadn’tsaidanythingatallandthathehadn’tsaidthosethree
smallyetverymeaningfulwordsbacktohim.

“IloveitbutnotasmuchasIloveyou.”ErikleanedforwardandbrushedhislipsoverBrandon’s.
Brandonheldhimcloserandkissedhimbackuntilnomorewordswereneeded.Heslowlyrocked

hishipsupintoErik’swelcomingheatandmadelovetohismateandmadeapromisetohimselfthat
he’dneverbeseparatedfromErikagain.

ChapterFourteen

“Did you get through your stacks and stacks of files?” Erik asked as they headed back toward

town.

“Imadeadentinthem.”BrandontorehiseyesfromtheroadtolookatErik.“Why?Youwantto

helpme?”

Erikchuckled.“I’mnotsurehowhelpfulI’dbe.I’mprettybiasedwhenitcomestopeoplekilling

mykind.Imightjusthaveyoutakethemalloutanddropthematseaorsomeshit.”

BrandonreachedoverputhishandonErik’sthigh.“Doyoufeelthatwayaboutme?”
“Ah,no.”ErikliftedBrandon’shandandplacedakissonhisknuckles.“Iloveyou.Everyoneelse

canfendforthemselves.”

“ButIwaslikethoseguysbeforeImetyou.”TherehadbeenatimewhenBrandonwouldn’thave

caredifawolfshifterweregoodorbad.He’dkillthemwithoutquestion.NotuntilhemetErikdidhe
evengiveintothepossibilitythatthesebeingsweren’tallbad,andtheyweren’t.Sure,Brandonbeingin
lovewithErikmadehimalittlebiasedbutaftergettingtoknowtherestofErik’spack,herealizedthey
were just like everyone else. They were good people who just wanted to live their lives in peace and
Brandoncouldrespectthat.

Eriksatquietlyforaminutegnawingonhislowerlip.“Iguessyouhaveapoint.Ijustdon’tthink

Icouldlookatallthosereportsandknowallthemurderscommittedinthenameofthehunterscouncil.
But”—Erikheldupafinger—“someofthosewolvesdeservedtobekilled.IknowthatbutIcan’thelp
butthinkofalltheinnocentonesthathadtheirlivestakenfromthem.”

“Iagree,pup,andthat’swhywearetryingtomakeitright.”Brandonturnedhishandover,palm

up,andentwinedhisfingerswithErik’s.

“Iknow,”Eriksaidinachippervoice.“AndwithyouinchargeIhavetotalfaithinthecouncil

doingtherightthing.”

Brandon’sphonestartedtoringbeforehecouldsayanythingelse.Aglancedownattheflashing

screenshowedhimitwasRoderick.“It’swork,babe,Ihavetotakethis.”

“That’scool.”Erikreleasedhishandandpulledathisownphoneandstartedpushingbuttons.
“What’sshaking,Roderick?”
“Anothermurder.”Roderick’svoicesoundedflat.“It’sdefinitelynotawolfbutIthinksomething

elseisgoingoninthistown.Moreofthehumanvariety.”

“Howdoyouknowthis?”BrandonlookedovertowardEriktoseeifhewerelisteningin.Bythe

looksofithewasn’tbutBrandonknewbetter.

“I’mtheonewhofuckingfoundit.Iwenttodoaroutinecheckofthecameraswehavelocatedin

thewoodssurroundingSilverCreek.”

BrandonnoddedalongeventhoughRoderickcouldn’tseehim.Evenafterthechangeinprotocol

the heads of the council thought it best to still monitor wolf activity close to any human-populated
areas.Italsoletthemseeifhumanswerehuntingwolfshifterswithoutjustifiedcause.

Thecameraswerestationedhighinthetreeswheretheleaveshelpedcamouflagethem.Ifaperson

wasn’talreadyawareofthecamerasthey’dneverthinktolookup.Everythingtheydidwouldbecaught
onfilm.

“SoearlythismorningIwenttocheckthemout,makesuretheequipmentwasrunningsmoothly

whenIstumbleduponadeadwolf.Shotonceinthehead.”

“What kind of wolf?” Now Brandon could feel Erik’s eyes on him but he didn’t turn to look at

him.

“Itwasyourregularoldgardenvarietywolf,noshiftingabilityatall.”Roderickexplained.“Afew

hundredyardsfromthatwaswhereIspottedthebody.Itwasjustlikethatonewesawthatothernight,
nakedmale,badlybeatenandstrangled.Icalleditinasananonymoustip,grabbedthecamerasandleft.
BythetimeIgothomeIhadPaultapintothepolicestation’scomputersystemandyouarenotgoingto
believewhothelatestvictimis.”

“Who?”Brandontightenedhisgriponthesteeringwheel.Hehadafeelinghewasn’tgoingtolike

theanswer.

“MarcusWheeler.”
“Marcusisdead!”Erik’svoiceechoedinthecarandthemanstartedtohyperventilate.Brandon

didn’tknowwolfshiftershadpanicattacks.

“Roderick,meetmeatmyhouse.”Hedisconnectedthecallanddroveasfastasthespeedlimit

wouldallowhimtohishouse.

****

“I can’t believe he’s dead,” Erik said for the hundredth time since overhearing Roderick tell

Brandon over the phone. He knew it was rude to listen in on other people’s conversations but he
couldn’thelpit.Besidesbeingawolfshifterwithexcellenthearing,hewantedtohearwhatRoderick
hadtosaytohismate.Jealousywasanemotionthatdidn’tjustdisappearovernight.

“Iknow,pup.”BrandonheldhishandastheysatonthecouchwaitingforRodericktoarrive.
“Ifeellikesuchaselfishasshole.”Erikstartedtocry.“RobbywasworriedabouthimbutIsaid,

‘No,thisistypicalMarcusbehavior.’”WhenBrandonpulledhimcloserEriklethimselfbewrappedin
hismate’slovingembrace.

“Babe, you couldn’t have known something like this would have happened.” Brandon ran his

fingersthroughErik’shair.

Erik felt ashamed for enjoying the gentle touch because Marcus would never get to feel that

sensationeveragain.He’dneverfallinlove,gotocollege,orstartafamily.HejerkedfreeofBrandon’s
holdandstoodup.

“Iactuallysaidhewasprobablyshackedupwithsomeguysleepingoffhishangover.”Hebeathis

fistagainsthischest.“Whatkindoffrienddoesthatmakeme?”

“Thisisn’tyourfault.There’snothingyoucouldhavedonetopreventthis.”ErikletBrandonpull

himclosetocomforthim.

EriklookedupintoBrandon’seyesanddidhisbesttobelievewhathismatesaid.Thesoundsof

knockinghadBrandonwalkingawaytoanswerthedoor.RoderickfollowedinbehindBrandon.

“Hey,Erik,I’msorryaboutyourfriend.”Roderick’sbighandgrippedhimontheshoulder.
“Thanks,”EriksaidinasmallvoiceashesatbackdownonthecouchbesideBrandon.
“Sowhatdidyoufindoutfromthefootageonthecameras?”Brandonasked.
“Thatsomesickoisouttherekillingyoungteenagemen.”Rodericksatdownontheothersideof

Erik and placed his laptop on the coffee table in front of them. “You don’t have to watch this Erik.”
Roderick’sfingerhoveredovertheplaybutton.

BrandonopenedhismouthtosaysomethingandErikputhishandonhismate’sforearm.“Iknow

thatbutIwanttoseeit.”

RodericklookedoverErik’sshoulderatBrandonthennoddedhishead.“Okay,herewego.”
Roderickpushedplayandtheysatthereandwatched.Thevideodidn’thaveanysoundandwasin

blackandwhite.Withthisfootagebeingtakenatnightitreallydidn’tmatterifitwasincolor.

On the monitor nothing happened for the first few minutes. Images of deer and small animals

flashedacrossthescreen,butnothingoutoftheordinary.Thenamancarryingsomethinglargeoverhis
shouldercameintoviewwalkingdownthesmallhill.AsthemanmovedErikcouldseehimadjusted
thethinghewascarrying.Withtheshiftinweightanarmfloppedoutofthesheetcoveringit.

Erikgaspedandbroughtahanduptocoverhismouth.TheweightofBrandon’shandonhisknee

didn’tstopthechurningofbileinhisstomach.Hefeltlikehemightgetsickbuthecontinuedtowatch.

Awolfranuponthehumanandbyhisstance,earspulledbackandteethexposed,Erikcouldsee

itwasadefensivetactic.IfthevideohadsoundErikfeltcertainthey’dheartheanimalgrowling.Then
allofasuddenthewolflungedforwardandsunkitsteethintotheman’sleg.Themandroppedthebody
and pulled a gun from the back of his jeans. He placed the barrel to the animal’s head and shot. The
wolffelltotheground,releasinghisholdontheman.Adarkpatchappearedonthelowerpartofthe
man’slegrightabovehisankle.Itdidn’tseemtofazehimtoomuch.Hebentdown,pickedupMarcus’s
body,andcontinuedonhisway.

“The guy wore all back and the hat obscured his face from the camera.” Roderick hit the stop

buttononhiscomputer.“There’snowaytotellwhothismanis.Soevenwiththis,”Roderickpointedto
thecomputer,“wehavenothingtogoon.”

“Do you know if the police found anything?” Erik asked, silently praying the cops found the

monsterresponsible.

“No, they haven’t. No evidence was left on the scene. With this guy dumping these boys in the

woodsheknowsexactlywhatheisdoing.Betweentheweatherandallthewildlifeoutthere’snothing
totracebacktotheguyandheknewit.”Roderickheldupafinger.“Theonlythingbothvictimshadin
commonwasthattheywerebothontheSilverCreekswimteam.”

Erikgaspedforhisnextbreath.Hischestgrewtightasifsomeonehadreachedintohischestand

wrappedafistaroundhisheart.“Ohmygod!”Hecouldn’tbelieveit.Ithadtobeacoincidence.

“Erik,it’sokay.”BrandondrapedhisarmoverErik’sshouldersandplacedakisstothesideofhis

headandwhisperedintohisear.“Wearegoingtofindthisguy.”

“How?”Erikpulledawaytostareupathismate,tearsblurredhisvision.“Youdon’thunthumans.

And you just saw all the evidence the police have to go on.” Erik pointed at the screen. “He’s like a
ghost.”

BeforeBrandoncouldsayanythingRoderickspokeup.“Thekid’sright.Untilthisguysnatches

anotherteenagerthere’snothingtogoon.Thepolicestilldon’thaveanyideawhomurderedtheother
kidandthisonehasn’tprovidedanymoreclues.”

BrandonbroughtupbothhandstocradleagainstErik’sface.“Allthatistruebutwehuntersare

trained to look for things that aren’t visible to the naked eye. This guy will get sloppy and make a
mistakeandhemighthavealready.Wejustneedtodigdeeper.”

Erik wanted to believe his mate, he really did. The fear Erik felt wasn’t for himself but for his

humanfriends.BeingawolfshifterprovidedErikwithmorestrengththentheaverageteenagemale.He
couldprotecthimselfbuthisfriendscouldn’t.

“I’mgoingtocallPhillip.”Roderickstoodupandheadedtowardthekitchen.“Betweenthethree

ofuswecangosearchingwithoutraisingsuspicion.”

“Ican’tbelievethisishappening.”Erikwrappedhisarmsaroundhisstomachandleanedforward.

“Twoofmyfriendshavebeenmurdered.Whataretheodds,”hesaidmoretohimselfthantoBrandon.

“Pup,Ineedyoutotrustme.”Brandonlaidawarm,comfortinghandonhisback.Erikturnedhis

headtolookathismate.“I’mnotgoingtoletanythinghappentoyou.Iswearit.”

“Iknowyouwon’t.”Erik’seyesstartedtowater.“Butwho’sgoingtoprotecteveryoneelse?”

ChapterFifteen

Fifteenminuteslater,PhillipandhismateCasperwereknockingonhisdoor.Brandonwasgladto

seeCasper.TheyoungwolfwasoneofErik’sbestfriendsandhopedhecouldhelptakeErik’smindoff
ofwhathejustseen.CaspersaidaquickhellothenrushedtowardthecouchwhereErikhadcurledup
intoaballinthecorner.

“How’shedoing?”Phillipasked.
“Idon’tknow.”Brandonrubbedahandoverhishead.Frustratedhecouldn’tmakethisbetterfor

Erik.ErikhadapointthatheonlyhuntedwolfshiftersinthepastbutBrandonwasalsoright.Hunters
weretrainedtolookforthingsthatdidn’texist.Tolookoutsidetherealmofnormalanddigfurtherto
findtheevidencenotseenbythenakedeye.Hehadtopraythoseskillscameinhandynow.

“Brandon.” Phillip gave his shoulder a gently squeeze. “Two of his friends have been murdered

andthepersonresponsibleistargetingtheswimteamhe’son.Ifhewasn’talittledisturbedrightnow,
I’dthinksomethingwaswrong.”

Phillipwasright.IfErikdidn’tshowanyemotionthenhe’dbeworried.
“Sowhat’stheplan?”Roderickaskedashecameintothelivingroomfromthekitchen,lookingat

Brandon.

“You’reaskingme?”Hepointedafingerintohisownchest.Roderickwasthemanincharge,sent

fromthecouncil.Brandonassumedhe’dbemakingallthedecisions.“You’rethemaninchargehere.”

“Iappreciateyousayingthatbutasanygoodleaderwouldtellyousometimesit’sgoodtoaskfor

advice and or help.” He shrugged. “You and Phillip have lived here the longest. You know the area
betterthanme.”

Hehadapoint.“Okay,Ithinkit’dbebesttochecktheremainingcamerasoutintheareawhere

thebodywasfoundthenstartcanvasingthearea.Ifwe’reluckywe’llfindsomething.”

“Iagree.”Phillipnoddedhishead.“Butfirstlet’sgetthembacktotheCarstenhouse.”Hetilted

hischininCasperandErik’sdirection.“They’llbesafethere.”

TheyallloadedintoRoderick’sSUVandheadedtowardNehalem.Brandonsatinthebackwith

Erikandheldhimclose.ErikcurledintohissideandkepthisheadtuckedintoBrandon’sneck.

TheyhadnearlyreachedErik’shousewhenheopenedhismouthandsaid,“MaybeIshouldcome

withyou.”HesatupandBrandonlookeddownathisred-rimmedeyes.“IcanshiftandseeifIcanpick
uponanysmells.”

“It’dbetoorisky,pup.Ifanycopsarestilloutthereorpeoplelookingtocatchaglanceatwherea

dead body was found they’d see you and then we’d have a whole other issue to deal with.” Brandon
meant what he said but he also didn’t want his mate out in the dark woods while a killer was on the
loose.

“Oh,yeah,Iguessyou’reright.”Erik’svoicesoundedwithdrawn.“Ijustwanttocatchthisguy.”
“Me,too,pup,me,too.”BrandonkissedthetopofErik’shead,inhalingthefreshcleanscentof

hisshampooandthewoodsymuskthatalwaysseemedtoclingtohisskin.Ifanythingeverhappenedto
him,Brandondidn’tknowwhathe’ddo.

By the time they dropped Erik and Casper off at the house the sun had started to go down.

BrandonletPhillipexplaintoDevonwhatwasgoingon.

“Areyoufuckingkiddingme?AserialkillerinSilverCreek.”IfBrandondidn’tknowDevonhe’d

be frightened by the anger dotting his cheeks red and the rough sound of his voice. “Erik’s off that
fuckingswimteam.”

“Mythoughtsexactly,”Brandonagreed.
“Devon, we’ll call you when were on our way back.” Phillip shook Devon’s hand. “And please

keepAidenonashortleashuntilweknowexactlywhatwearedealingwith.”

“Alreadyonit.IjusttextedhimandSkylertogettheirassesbackhere.Theycangotoamovie

anothernight.”

AsRoderick,Phillip,andDevonstoodtalking,BrandonmadehiswayovertoErik.Eriksatonthe

couchnexttoCasper.CasperwastalkingbutbytheblankexpressiononErik’sfacehewasn’tlistening.

“Hey,pup.”BrandonsquatteddowninfrontofErik.“Yougoingtobeokay?”
“Yeah, I will be, I just can’t believe this is happening,” Erik said in a whisper. “Haven’t I had

enoughpeopledieinmylife?IthinkI’vemetmyquota.”Erikchuckledbutthesoundwasforced.

“Youhave,baby.”BrandonleanedforwardandkissedEriksoftlyonthelips.“Callortextmeif

youneedanything.Idon’tcarehowbigorsmalljustcallme.”HesmiledatErik,tryingtorelievesome
ofthestresscreasinghisyoungface.

“Iwill.”Erikclosedhiseyesandtookadeepbreath.Thesweetscentofhisbreathblewoverhis

face.Erikopenedhiseyes.“Iloveyou,Brandon.”

“Iloveyou,too,pup.”Brandonkissedhimonemoretimethenstoodup.
Theyallsaidtheirgood-byesthenhe,Roderick,andPhillipleftthehouse.Roderickdrovetothe

areathelastbodyhadbeenfound.Nighthadfallen,givingthemagoodcoverastonotbespottedby
anyonlookers.

“Sodoyoureallythinkit’saserialkiller?”Roderickaskedastheyscannedtheareaaroundand

wherethebodywasfound.

“Anything’spossible.”Phillipanswered.“It’satragedywheneveranyoneiskilledbutdamn,these

arejustkids.Tooyoungtobetakenfromthisworld.”

Brandon nodded his agreement as he peered over the ground for the hundredth time. Between

natureandthecopstramplingthearea,hecouldn’tmakeoutshit.Toomanyfootstepstodifferentiate
from,sonoeasywaytofindasetofprintsmadebythekiller.

“Guys, I hate to say this but I think this is a bust.” Phillip kicked at some dead leaves on the

ground.“Thepolicehavegottenanyevidenceleftbehindandintheprocessofdoingthatdisruptedthe
groundtoomuch.”

“Iagree.There’snothinghere.”Roderickstoodupfromwherehekneeledontheground.
“He’s bound to make a mistake,” Brandon said out loud as they headed back to Roderick’s car.

“Andwhenhedoeswehavetohavefaiththepolicewillnabthisbastardandiftheydon’t,wewill.”He
couldhearthecolduncaringmaliceinhisownvoice.Brandondidn’tconsiderhimselfacold-blooded
murdererbuthe’dputabulletinthisguy’sheadforcausinghismatesomuchpain.

BythetimetheygotbacktotheCarstenhouseitwasalmostmidnight.Brandonhadn’trealized

theyhadbeengoneforsolong.ConcernforErikhadhimrunningonpureadrenalineandhopethatthey
wouldbysomemiraclefindsomethingleadingtothekillerbuttheyturnedupnothing.

DevonsaiditwasokayforhimtostayandfollowedDevon’sdirectionsuptoErik’sbedroom.The

room was dark and he could hear Erik’s light snoring. Brandon kicked off his shoes and took off his
clothes,leavinghisboxerson.HepulledtheblanketsbackandclimbedinbehindErik.

Erik’sbodywaswarmtothetouchandBrandonsnuggledincloser.Hewrappedonearmaround

Erik’s waist and the other he rested above Erik’s head. Brandon used his fingers to play with silky
strandsonErik’shead.AlowgroanseepedoutofErik’slipsandhisbodypressedintoBrandon’s.His
cockwantedtotakethebaitandjumptolifebutBrandonwasn’tsomeinsensitiveasshole.Sexwasthe
lastthingErikneeded.

AsthenumbersonErik’sclockclickedbyBrandon’seyesgrewheavy.Beforelonghedriftedoff

tosleepwithEriksafeinhisarms.

****

ErikpriedhimselffreethenextmorningfromthedeathgripBrandonhadonhim.Themanheld

on to him so tightly Erik had red crease marks from Brandon’s arm. Not that it bothered him but
betweenhisbladderandhisstomachhehadsomebusinesstotendto.

HeleftBrandonsleepinginhisbed.Themandidn’tgetbackuntillatethepreviousnightandhe

didn’twanttodisturbhim.

Afterusingthebathroomheheadeddownstairsandtowardthekitchen.Itwasjustpastsixinthe

morningandhewastheonlyoneup.Hisstomachgrowledandhewalkedovertothepantryandpulled
outaboxofcereal.Hegotthemilkfromthefridgeandgrabbedabowlandspoon.

Justashesatdownatthebreakfastbarasetofheadlightslitacrossthefrontwindowsintheliving

room.Erikcouldseethespotlightsrunoverthefloorleadingtowardthekitchen.Thesoftsoundofthe
frontdoorunlockingthenlockinghadhimleaningtothesidetoseewhoitwas.

“Dom?”
“Oh,hey,Erik.”Abrightblushcoloredhischeeks.Dominicshovedhishandsinhispocketsand

rockednervouslybackandforthonhisfeet.“Whatareyoudoingupthisearly?”

“Eating.”Hehelduphisbowl.“Areyoujustnowgettinghome?”Erikscentedtheairandhisnose

crinkledfromthesmell.Latexandcum.“Youfuckedmyswimcoach?”Hepursedhislipstogetherto
keepfromlaughing.Aftereverythingthathadhappentheothernightithelpedtohavethislittlepieceof
normalcy.DominicbeingcaughtdoingthewalkofshameandErikwasluckyenoughtowitnessit.

“Thatisnoneofyourbusiness.”Dominicstoodupstraighter.“Butifyoumustknow,Ididandit

wasfantastic.Helikesitrough.”

“Eww,Idon’twanttohearthat.”Erikheldhishanduppalmout.Thelastthingheneededtohear

aboutwashowgoodhiscoachwasatpoundingass.

“You started it.” The smile fell from Dominic’s face and he took a step closer to Erik. “I heard

about what happened. I was there when the police called Brad. He canceled practice for today. Sorry
aboutMarcus.”

Erikpushedhisbowlawaynolongerhungry.“Thanks,Dom.”
“Ican’tbelievethere’sakillerontheloose.Bradwaspanicking.Hereallycaresforyouboysand

doesn’twanttoseeanythinghappentoanyofyou.”

All he could do was nod his head. It was so weird knowing that two of his friends had been

murdered. He needed to stop thinking about it. “So I take it Brad is Coach Allen’s first name?” He
changedthesubject.

AsmilelitupDominic’sface.“Yeah,butIdidcallhimCoachAllenafewtimesoverthenight.

Roleplayingissomuchfun.”

“OnthatnoteI’mgoingbacktobed.”Eriksathisbowlinthesinkandputthemilkaway.Hewent

backtohisroomandcurledinnexttohissleepingmate.ArumblingsoundcamefromBrandon’schest
then he rolled over, trapping Erik to his side. His mate’s warmth helped chase away the thoughts of
KevinandMarcus.Hedidn’twanttopushthemcompletelyoutofhismindbuthedidn’twanttodwell
onthewaythattheyhadbeenmurdered.Theywerehisfriendsandhewantedtorememberthegood
timestheyshared.

ChapterSixteen

Brandonwasrelievedtohearthatswimpracticehadbeencancelledfortherestoftheweek.Not

thathewouldhaveletErikgobutstill,itmadethedecisionamootpoint.

Erik hadn’t said much since the night they found out about Marcus but Brandon could see the

sadnessinErik’seyes.Dyingwasapartoflifebuttoloseapersoninsuchamannerjustwasn’tfair.If
Brandoncouldsomehowmakethisallgoawayhewould.Ithadbeendayssincehe’dseenEriksmile
andjustaslongsincetheyhadmadelove.HeknewifhesuggesteditErikwouldgoalongwiththeidea
but Brandon didn’t want to be the guy who was lead around by his dick. It would have been
inconsideratetothinkaboutsexwhileErikwasdealingwiththelossofhisfriends.

TheCarstenhousecameintoviewandBrandonpulledhistruckintotheopenspotbythegarage

thathedeemedhis.BrandonagreedwithDevonthatkeepingErikathomewasforthebestsoBrandon
hadspentallhisfreetimeandnightshere.Afterthefirstcoupleofdayshepackedabagsohedidn’t
havetostopbyhishouseeverymorning.

Therehadn’tbeenanyleadsintheSilverCreekmurdersandRoderickandhimhadmovedonto

work on their case files. Phillip had taken off to Maine with Casper to start the interview process on
questionablehunters.RoderickhadleftearlythatmorningheadingtoPennsylvania.Lifehadmovedon
asnormal.

“Hey,Brandon.”Aidengreetedhimashewalkedthroughthefrontdoor.
“Hey.” He shut the door and turned to Aiden. “Where is everyone?” The house seemed

abnormallyquiet.

“OveratSkylerandNoah’s.”AidenwalkeddownthehallwaytowardDevon’sofficeandknocked

onthedoor.“Skylerwasmakinglasagnaandinvitedeveryoneover.”

“Oh,okaywellI’llwalkoverwithyouandDevon.”
“Youmightnotwanttogo,”AidensaidashewaitedforDevontoopenthedoor.“Erik’supstairs.

Saidhedidn’tfeelverywell.”

“I better go check on him.” Brandon headed for the steps taking two at a time. Erik hadn’t said

anything about not feeling well when they spoke earlier. He came to a stop at the door and took a
minutetocatchhisbreath.

“Erik,”hesaidashesteppedintotheroom.Thelightswereoffandtheroomwasonlylitbythe

softglowfromthefadingsun.

“I’minhere,”cameErik’s’voicefromthedirectionofthebathroom.
Brandon stumbled to a stop when Erik came out wearing nothing but a towel low on his hips,

waterdropletsscatteredoverhisbody.Hislightblondhaircombedbackoffhisfacemakinghisbaby-
blue eyes glow. He couldn’t force his eyes away from Erik’s nicely chiseled chest and the dips and
valleys of his stomach. Erik might be a small man but he wasn’t lacking in the muscle and strength
department.

God,he’dgiveanythingtotraceeverysingledropofmoistureonErik’sskinthenfalltohisknees

tonuzzlethelighttrailofhairrightunderhisnavelthatledtothesoftthatchofcurlssurroundinghis
cock.

“Everything okay?” Erik asked as he walked up to Brandon. “You look a little flustered.” Erik

broughthishandsupandrubbedthemonthebackofBrandon’sneck.

Hehadnoideahowflusteredhewas.Brandon’sdickshiftedinhispantsandhecouldfeelitstart

tostiffen.ThekneadinglittlecirclesErikmassagedintohisneckwerecausinghisbraintoshortcircuit.

Allhecouldthinkaboutwashowgoodthehandswouldfeelelsewhere.

“Erik, stop,” Brandon said between clenched teeth and reached up to grip Erik’s wrist with his

hands.

“Why?”Erik’seyebrowslifted.“Ithoughttouchingmymatewasallowed.”
Erik’sclippedtonehadallofBrandon’swarningbellsgoingoff.“Ijustth–thought,”hestartedto

stutter.

“Thoughtwhat?”Eriknarrowedhiseyesathim.
“With everything that was going on that you wouldn’t want to, you know, do that.” He pointed

towardthebed.

“Forbeingolderthanme,yousurearealotdenserthanIthought.”Erikspunaroundandpaced

awayfromhim.“DiditeveroccurtoyouthatIwantedto?I’vebeengivingyousomanysignalsbut
nothing.Yourolloverandgotosleeporyourushoutoftheroomtogetsomething.”Erikturnedback
aroundtofacehim.“I’mstartingtothinkyou’reavoidingme.”Hislipsloweredintoapout.

BrandonrushedtowardErikandbracedhishandsoneithersideofhisface.Hebenthiskneesso

he was eye level with Erik. “I would never avoid you. Fuck!” Brandon looked up at the ceiling,
searching for the right words to say. “I want you so bad it hurts but I didn’t want to feel like I was
pressuringyouwhenyouwerestilldealingwiththedeathofyourfriends.”

“Iappreciatethat,IreallydobutIwanttobecomfortedbyyou.Iwanttofeelyourhandsandlips

on my body.” Erik ran his smooth, delicate fingers up and down Brandon’s forearms. “I feel so alive
whenwemakelove.Iwanttofeelthatnow.”

As gazed into Erik’s eyes he could see the truth in what Erik said. They both wanted to and

nothingwasstoppingthemnow.

BrandoncapturedErik’slipsinasmolderingkiss.HeteasedatErik’slipsonlytodriftdowntohis

jaw when the man opened for him. Brandon slowly worked his way up to Erik’s eager mouth and
plungedinside.HetorethetowelfromErik’swaistandwalkedhimbackwardsuntilErik’slegshitthe
edgeofthebed.WithagentlyshovehepushedEriktothebed.Erik’scocklayhardandfat,reaching
towardhisbellybutton.AslightquiverrippledoverErik’sbodyasBrandonlookedhisfill.

Erik’s hand moved down toward his cock and Brandon shook his head no. “That’s for me. You

don’tgettotouchthat.”

Brandontorehisclothesoffandletthemfalltothefloor.Erikproppedhimselfuponhiselbowsto

watchandBrandonflexedhismuscleswitheverymovement.Softlittlegaspscouldbeheardcoming
fromErikwhenhefinallypulleddownhispants,lettinghiscocksprangfree.

“Scootup.”BrandonclimbedupbetweenErik’sspreadthighs.HeliftedErik’sleftlegandplaced

softkissestohisankleandworkedhiswayup.Erikfellbackontothebedasheworkedhiswayuphis
body.

WhenhefinallyreachedErik’spulsingcockBrandonlickedupthethickveinthatranfrombase

to tip. He wrapped his fingers around the silky hard flesh and worked his fist up and down until he
milked a clear drop from the red tip. He could feel Erik’s pulse pound out a rapid tempo against his
fingers.Eversoslowlyheloweredhisheadandlickedattheleakingslit.

ErikcriedoutandhisfingerscameuptograbatBrandon’shead.Thescratchoffingernailsonhis

scalphadgoosebumpsbreakingoutoverhisbody.HetookErikfurtherintohismouth,swallowinghim
whole.Thesmooth,blunttiphitthebackofhisthroatandhepushedthelengthfurtherdownhisgullet.
Erik’sbodyjerkedandBrandoncouldhearhispantingoverthebloodrushinginhisownears.

Brandon pulled off and dove back down over and over again. As he came off the next pull he

lookedupErik’sbodytohiseyes.Erik’sfacewasscrunchedupandhismouthhungopenasifhewere

fighting for his next breath. Brandon smiled around the hard flesh in his mouth and bobbed his head
downthesolidlength.

Hisdickoozedpre-cumashebrushedalongthesoftcomforterofthebed.Heatcoiledinhisballs

threateningtoshootfire-hotliquidfromhiscockbuthedidn’twantthistoendthatway.

BrandonsatupandcrawledupthebeduntilhishipswereevenwithErik’shead.Hismatelooked

athimwithadazedexpressionbutoncehiseyeslandedonBrandon’shardnesshegrinned.

“DoIgettotastethat?”EriklookedupathimthenloweredhiseyestoBrandon’serection.
“It’sallforyou,pup.”HemovedtostraddleErik’sheadthenleanedforwarduntilhishandsrested

oneithersideofErik’ships.

Erik’seagerlittletongueteasedatBrandon’sballsthathadhimspewingoutastringofcurses.He

then sucked in one ball than the other and Brandon’s knees began to shake. When Erik guided
Brandon’s over-sensitized cock into his hot wet mouth he thought he’d shoot instantly. Taking deep
breathsandhissingthemouthismouth,Brandonregainedhiscontrol.

WhileErikswallowedhiscockBrandonwentbacktoworkonErik’s.Helickedhistongueinto

thesmallslit,drawingmorecumfromthetip.Thesaltytastelithistastebudsonfireandhecouldn’t
waittotasteErik’screamyloadrundownhisthroat.

Erik’smouthstartedtoworkhiscockfasterandthepulsinginErik’scockletBrandonknowhis

matewasclose.BrandonheldhisweightupononearmandusedhisotherhandtotugonErik’sballs.
TheytightenedinhisholdandBrandoncontinuedtorollthembetweenhisfingers.Brandonwentdown
deeponErik’scock,devouringhimdownwhilehecaressedthetenderskinbehindErik’sballs.Erik’s’
legsfellfurtherapart,openingupforhim.

BrandonswipedhisfingeroverthedroolthathadrundownErik’slengthandpaintedthewetness

over his rippled entrance. He pushed on the center until he gave way and his finger slipped inside.
Erik’s hips shot up, thrusting his cock further down his throat but Brandon didn’t back off. He finger
fuckedErik’sasswhilesuckingthecumfromhisbody.

The sensation of Erik hollowing out his cheeks and pulling so tight on Brandon’s cock had his

finger stilling in Erik’s ass. He was close and so was Erik. Brandon found his rhythm and rocked his
hipsintoErik’s’mouthwhilehekeptupthesuckingandfucking.BeforetoolongErikreleasedhiscock
and screamed at the top of his lungs as the release flooded his mouth. Brandon swallowed down as
muchashecouldbutsomestillescapedthesidesofhismouth.Erik’sassclencheddowntightonhis
finger,makingitimpossibletomoveit.

BrandonsuckeduntilErik’sbodyhadnothingmoretogive.WithoutwarninghefeltErikstartto

jerkhiscock.ItonlytookthreehardpullsbeforeheshothisloadalloverErik’sface.

When he was able to catch his breath he removed his finger from Erik’s hole and shifted so he

couldliefacetofacewithErik.WhitestripspaintedacrossErik’sfacewherehiscumhadlanded.Erik’s
eyeswereclosedandahugesmilecurledhisupperlip.

“Thatwassomuchfun.”Erikopenedhiseyes.
BrandonranafingerthroughthesplatterofcumonErik’sfacethenrubbeditoverhislips.“Yesit

was.”

Eriksuckedhisfingerindeep.TheactionhadBrandonjerkingagainsthismateandcausinghis

cocktowanttowakeupandgoforanotherround.

BrandonpulledhisfingerfromErik’smouthandkissedhimhardanddeep.Erikhadtheabilityto

makeBrandonlosehismind.HealwayshadanappetiteforErikandthatwouldneverchange.

“Comeon.”BrandonsatupandheldahandouttoErik.“Let’stakeashowerandcleanup.”
“Youknow.”ErikletBrandonpullhimtohisfeet.“I’veneverhadsexintheshowerbefore.”

Brandonclosedhiseyesandshookhishead.ThesoundsofErik’sgigglestrailedbehindhimashe

dashedforthebathroom.ThatmanwouldbethedeathofBrandon,hejustknewit.

ChapterSeventeen

“Theyhavesomeoneincustody!”
ErikrolledoffthecouchatthesoundofAiden’svoice.Aidencameinandflippedonthenews.
The reporter said a man by the name of Jaden Lane was taken into custody for the murders of

KevinMaynardandMarcusWheeler.Shecouldn’tgivemuchmoredetailsotherthantheman’sname
and that they had enough evidence to charge him. That was good enough of Erik. The person
responsiblewasbehindbarsandpeopledidn’thavetofearwalkingouttheirdoorsatnight.

“So I guess it’s safe to say you can start going to practice again.” Aiden rested a hand on his

shoulder.

EriklookedoverAidenandsmiled.CoachAllenhadresumedpracticestwodaysafterMarcus’s

body had been found but Brandon and Devon had nicely asked him not to go. Out of respect for his
mateandhisbrotherhedid.SittingaroundthehousewasstartingtodriveErikcrazy.Hedidn’thave
anythingtodowhileBrandonwasworkingandhemissedswimming.Itwassomethinghewasgoodat.

“I guess I can.” He gave Aiden a hug and jumped off the couch. “If I hurry I won’t be late to

practice.”

“HasanyoneseenDominic?”ErikheardShane,Viktor’smate,askasherushedupthestairs.
Erikhadn’tseenmuchofDominicsincehestartedsleepingwithCoachAllen.Erikjustassumed

DominicspentthenightorwassittingatswimpracticewatchingCoachAllen.Whoknew.Shovinga
cleanswimsuitintohisgymbag,Erikzippeditshutandranbackdownthestairs.“Seeyouguyslater”.

“Becarefulandseeyouatdinner,”Aidencalledafterhim.
Erikpoppedthelockonhiscardoorandclimbedinside.Beingcoopedupinthehouseforthepast

weekmadeswimminglapsuntilhislungsgaveoutlooklikefun.

AshepulledoutofthedrivewayanddowntheroadhegrabbedhisphoneandkeyedinBrandon’s

number.

“Hello, pup, what are you up to?” Brandon’s deep and gravelly voice tickled against his ears,

makingErik’sdickwanttostandupandgivenotice.

“TheycaughtthekillerandI’monmywaytopractice,”heblurtedout.
“What?”Brandonshouted.
“It’sonthenews.Theguy’snameisJadenLaneandheconfessedtobothmurders.That’sgreat

news,huh?”

“Yeahitis.”TherewasalongpausebeforeBrandonspoke.“SoIguessI’llseeyouafterpractice.”
“Yesyouwill,”Eriksaidexcitedly.“I’msohappytheyfoundthekillerandI’malsothrilledtobe

abletogetouttothehouse.”

“Ohcomeon.Wasitreallythatbad?”
Erikstartedtolaugh.“WhenyouwerethereitwasfantasticbutwhenyoulefttogotoworkIwas

boredoutofmymind.Andapersoncanonlyjerkoffsomuchbeforechafingbecomesanissue.”

“Sothat’swhatyoudowhenI’matwork?”ErikcouldhearthesmileinBrandon’stone.
“What can I say, I just can’t get enough of your hot bod.” Erik rolled his eyes but not from

annoyance.HelovedBrandonanddidn’thaveaproblemadmittinghowhefeltandwhatthethoughtof
Brandoninsidehimdidtohisbody.

“LaterwhenIgethomeyoucanshowmejusthowmuchyouwantme.”
TheseductivetoneinBrandon’svoicehadErik’sdickfillingcompletelytotenthisshorts.“Ican

dothat.”

“Thenit’sadate.Igottagetbacktowork.Loveyou,pup.”
“Loveyou,too.”ErikdisconnectedthecallandhummedalongtotheradioashedrovetoSilver

Creek.

Erikarrivedwithfiveminutestospare.Hechangedandheadedoutonthedeck.CoachAllenwas

surprisedtoseehimbuthappythathewasback.Robbygavehimahugandsaidithadn'tbeenthesame
withouthimthere.Itmadehimfeelgoodtoknowthattheymissedhimbecausehehadmissedthem.

Practiceranalittlelongerthanusual.HeexcusedhimselftousetherestroomandtextedBrandon

sohewouldn’tworry.WhenhegotbackouttothepooltheCoachhadthemstartafivehundredmeter
freestyle.NothinglikeaweekofftomakeErikfeeloutofshape.

Coachblewhiswhistlesignalingtheendofpracticeandmorethanhalftheswimmersgroanedin

relief.

“Youcoming,Erik?”Robbyaskedasheclimbedoutofthepool.
“Notyet.”Headjustedhisgoggles.“Iwanttoputafewmorelapsinonmybutterflystroke.Got

togetreadyforthemeetonThursday.”

“You are more dedicated then me, my friend.” Robby waved good-bye then headed toward the

lockerroom.

Erikkickedoffthewallandstartedhisstroke.Hebroughthisarmsupandoverpushingthewater

outofthewayashislegspressedtightlytogethertokickinthewater.Thefamiliarburninhismuscles
made him push harder. Erik welcomed this feeling, cherished it. It was something Kevin and Marcus
wouldnevergettodoagain.Erikswamuntilhisarmswerenothingbutlimpnoodles.

Hedraggedhimselfupandoutofthepool.Sittingontheedge,hebreathedinthenightair.The

lightsaroundthepoolhadcomeonaboutthirtyminutesagoandthestarsshinedabovehishead.Itwas
abeautifulnightthatmadehimfeelalive.

ItwasgettinglatesoErikstoodupandheadedforthelockerroom.CoachAllendidn’tmindhim

gettinginalittlemorepracticetimesincehemissedthepastweekbutCoachhadtostayandlockup
andcouldn’tleaveuntilErikdid.

Erik pushed through the double doors. He peeled off his cap and shook his hair free. The lights

werestilloninthelockerroombutitwaseerilyquiet.Hehadneverbeeninherebyhimselfthislatein
theeveningbefore.

His phone started to buzz and Erik reached for the locker door. Over the sound of his phone he

never heard the approach until it was too late. Something cool and hard pressed into the back of his
neckandajoltofelectricityshotthroughhisbody,droppinghimtohisknees.Hereachedupforhis
phone but the stinging sensation jerked through him again and Erik fell to the ground. His head
smackedagainstthehardtiledfloor.Apairofshoescameintoviewinfrontofhisface.Themanwas
wearingshortsandrightabovehisleftankleEriksawbitemarks.Bitemarksmadebyawolf.

Ohmygod,he’sthekiller.Erikscreamedinsidehishead.ThemarkonCoachAllen’sanklewasin

the same spot the wolf had bitten the man on the video he watch with Brandon and Roderick. Coach
AllenkilledKevinandMarcus?Theideaseemedtooludicroustoeventhink.

“You and my new boy toy must be made from stronger stuff then those other little assholes.”

RoughhandsflippedhimoverandhelookedupintothecoldhardeyesofCoachAllen.Hisfacelooked
distortedanduglywithrage.“Oneshockfromthisandthoseotherboysfelltothegroundlikeatonof
bricks,butnotyou.”Heheldwhatlookedlikeacattleprod.“Doesn’tmatter.Afewextratouchesand
youallfalldown.”

Erik tried to open his mouth to ask what he was doing but nothing on his body worked. He

couldn’tmoveorspeak.Atinglingsensationbuzzedoverhisskinandeverytimehetriedtomovehis

limbsfeltheavy.

Coach Allen smiled evilly down at him. His eyes had grown dark. They looked like two empty

blackholes.

“B–b–boyt–toy?”Erikwasabletostutterpassedhislips.SomethingCoachhadsaidhungtothe

fringesofhismind.

“That’senoughtalkingfornow.”CoachraisedtheprodandputitupagainstErik’sneck.
Erikstaredupathim,pleadingwithhiseyesbutitdidn’thelp.CoachAllen’ssmirkingfacewas

thelastthingErikrememberedseeingbeforethedarknessclaimedhim.

****

BrandonpulledintotheCarstendrivewayaquarterbeforeten.Hedidn’tseeErik’scarinthedrive

but that didn’t mean anything. Over the past few days Erik had kept it in the garage and Brandon
assumedithadbecomehabittoparkitbackinside.

Thefrontdoorwasunlockedashesteppedinside.HewalkedintothelivingroomtoseeifErik

wasdownstairsbeforeheheadeduptocatchashower.

SittingonthecouchwereDevonandAiden,noErik.
“Hey,Brandon,”Aidensaidfromoverhisshoulder.
Henoddedahellotothepair.“IsErikupstairs?”
“Uh,no.Hetextedalittlewhileagothathewasgoingoutwithafriend.Ijustassumedthatwas

codeforhe’dbewithyou.”AidensatupfromthecouchandDevongottohisfeet.“Whereishe?”

“Goodquestion.”Brandonpulledouthisphonetoscrollthroughhismessageseeingifhemissed

one from Erik. If Erik was going to go out with friends after practice he would have told him but he
hadn’t.Thatwasweird.HedialedErik’snumberandhisheartstartedtoracewhenitwentstraightto
voicemail.HelookedovertoDevonandAiden’seagerfaces.“He’snotanswering.”

“Shit!”Devonbarkedashestoodup.“Wherethehellcouldhebe?”
Brandon took off out the front door and headed toward his truck. “I’m going to check to see if

Erik’scarisstillatthecommunitycenter.”

“Holdup,”Devoncalledouttohim.“I’mcomingwithyou.Aiden,ifheshowsupcallme.”
Brandon was in the truck and had it running when Devon climbed inside. He peeled out of the

drive,squealingthetiresashewent.

“I’mnotgoingtopanic,”BrandonsaidmoretohimselfthentoDevon.“Theycaughtthekillerso

Ineedtostopthinkingbadthoughts.He’sprobablyjusthangingaroundtalkingtoDominic.”Brandon
blewoutahardbreath,tryingtorelaxhisthuddingheart.

“DidyousayDominic?”Devonasked.
“Yeah.”BrandontookhiseyesofftheroadtolookatDevon.Hisbrowwasdrawntightasifhe

werethinkingaboutsomething.“EriktoldmeDominicissleepingwithhisswimcoach.Why?”

“Shane made a comment earlier how Dominic didn’t come home last night and I haven’t heard

fromhimallday.”Devonbroughthishanduptopinchthebridgeofhisnose.“That’snotunusualbut
forsomereasonIhaveastrangefeelinginmygut.”

TherationalpartofBrandon’sbrainsaidhewasoverreactingbutthepartthathadneversteered

himwrongshoutedthatsomethingwasn’tright.Brandonputhisfootdownharderonthegasandhis
truckaccelerateduntilhewasdoingninetydownthehighwayleadingtoSilverCreek.

TheyarrivedattheSilverCreekcommunitycenterrightatten-twenty.Theparkinglotwasempty

acceptfortwocars.OneBrandondidn’trecognizetheotherwasErik’s.

BrandonparkedhistrucknexttoErik’sandthrewopenthedoor,Devonnotfarbehindhim.He

walked around the car but nothing seemed out of place. No broken windows, the doors were still
locked,nothingtosuggestfoulplay.ButBrandonknewbetter.Erikmighthaveignoredhiscallsafew
monthsagobutnotnow.Theywereacouplenowandbuildingalifetogether.Thiswasn’tsomething
Erikwouldhavedone.

His hands began to shake. Think, Brandon, think. He turned to Devon. “Shift.” He ordered his

friend.

Devon looked left then right and started to pull off his clothes. A hazy glow appeared around

Devon’sbodyandthesoundofbonespoppingandreshapingfilledtheair.OnceDevonwascompletely
shiftedtohiswolfbodyhesniffedtheairandgaveasoftbarkandtookofftowardthefrontentrance.

BrandonknewitwasjusthisparanoidthoughtsgettingthebestofhimbutthiswasErik.Theman

hehadbeeninlovewithforthepasttwoyears.Oncehefoundthatlittleshithewasn’tlettinghimout
ofhissighteveragain.

ChapterEighteen

The sound of dripping water woke Erik up. His head hung down to his chest and it took every

ounceofenergyhehadtolooktohisleft,towardthesound.

“You’vegottobekiddingme.”Hisvoicewasshakinganddidn’tsoundnormaltohisownears.
Erikwassittingonacoldconcretefloorwithhisarmstiedbehindhisback.Bythefeelofhard

coldmetalathisbackitwasametalpole.Theroomwasdarkandsmelledmustylikemildewingwater.
Moonlight shone through a little window up near the ceiling enabling him to make out the bigger
objects in the room but nothing in great detail. He was still suffering the effects from the waves of
electricityCoachAllenshotthroughhim.Theachesinhismusclestoldhimhewasn’tgoinganywhere
forawhile.

“Hello,”hecalledoutbutnooneanswered.Hetuggedontheropesbutallhemanagedtodowas

scrapeawaytheskinaroundhiswristfromtheroughmaterial.

Erikclosedhiseyesandtriedtosummonhiswolf.Ifhecouldshifthemightbeabletosqueeze

outoftheropesandrunforhelp.Butashesattherewithhiseyesclosedtheusualwarmththatflooded
his body before his body started to change didn’t happen. All he could feel was the wetness on the
ground and the chill against his skin. He hadn’t been able to change his clothes before Coach had
shockedhim.Onlyinhisblackspeedohefeltnakedandsusceptibletoanattack.

“Please,someone,helpme.”Hisvoicehitchedastearsburnedhisblearyeyes.“Idon’twanttodie

downhere.”

“Nobodydoes.”ThesoundofCoachAllen’svoicesentachilldownhisspineandbloodfrozelike

iceinhisveins.HadhebeenabletoshiftitwouldbeCoachtheoneshakinginhisshoes.

“Letmego,”ErikpleadedwhenCoachsquattedinfrontofhim.“MyfamilyknowswhereI’mat.

They’llcomelookingforme.”

“Notheywon’t.”CoachheldupErik’sphoneanddangleditinfrontofhisface.“Itextedthem

thatyouweregoingoutwithsomefriendsafterpracticetocelebratethekillerbeingcaught.”

Erikshookhisheadfranticallyfromsidetoside.“Brandonwillknowthat’salie.Iwouldnevergo

outandnottellhimaboutit.”

“Brandon.” Coach made a humming sound then reached back into his pack pocket. He pulled

somethingoutandopeneduphispalm.“Ishetheonewhogaveyouthis?”

“Myring.”Erikpulledagainsttherope.Tearsburnedapathdownhischeeks.
“Doyoureallythinkhe’llmissyouwhenyou’regone?”Coachtiltedhisheadfromsidetosideas

helookdownatErik.Hislipstwistedintosomethingcruelandinhuman.

ErikwatchedasCoachAllenwalkedovertothesmallopeninginthefloor.FromwhereEriksatit

lookedlikeadrainanddroppedtheringBrandonhadgiven.Thesoundofasmallsplashmethisears.

Tears threatened to fall from his swollen eyes. Brandon had given him that ring and now it was

gonejustlikehisfriendswereandhe,too,soonwouldbe.“Whyareyoudoingthis?”

“Whynot.”CoachAllenlaughed.
“SoyoukilledKevinandMarcus,notthemanfromthenews?”Eriktriedtogethismuddledbrain

towork.HeneededtokeepCoachtalkinglongenoughforhisbodytohealfromtheelectricshocksand
hecouldshift.He’dbethisleftnutthatonceheturnedintoawolfhisswimcoachwouldhaveafucking
heartattack.

“Whatdoyouthink?”CoachAllenlaughedinhisface.
“But the reporter said evidence pointed to another man.” Erik wiggled his wrist back and forth

tryingtoloosentheknots.

“Well,Erik,that’stheworldwelivein.Theslightestbitofevidencecanmakeaninnocentmana

guiltyman.”EriktriedtoflinchawaywhenCoachAllenraisedafingerandsliditlightdownhischeek.
“PlusIhadtodosomethingtogetmystarswimmerbackintothepool.”

“You framed an innocent man just to get me back here?” Erik couldn’t believe what he was

hearing.“Whywouldyoudothat?”

“Because,youover-privilegedlittleshit!”Coachspatinhisface,abitofspittlelandedonErik’s

chin.“You’reawaste.Youandyourfriendshavethisamazinggiftbutit’swastedonyou.Allyouwant
todoisgoofaroundandnotfocusonthisgiftbestoweduponyou.Eitherit’sfuckingaroundwithyour
girlfriends or your boyfriends, drinking at parties, doing drugs, you name it, you all are guilty of it.”
Coach ran his fingers through Erik’s hair and fisted his hand, then banged Erik’s head into the metal
pipe.

“That’snotforyoutodecide.”Erikclenchedhisteethtight,tryingtowardoffthepainthreading

throughhisskull.

“Ohbutitis.”HeletgoofErik’shairandstooduptopacebackandforth.“EveryyearIseethe

sameworthlessboyscomethroughhere.Theirwholelifeaheadofthemandsquanderitaway.Somuch
potentialiswastedonyoulittlefucks.”Coachwhippedbackaroundandpointedanaccusingfingerat
Erik. “I worked hard every day, practiced until I couldn’t walk, but still I was never good enough,
alwaysbeatenoutbyboyslikeyouwhocouldcarelessiftheywonornot.”

Erikcouldfeelthebloodtricklingdownhiswristthemorehepulledtherope.Hecouldfeelthe

ropestarttogiveandslip.“Youdidallthisbecauseyouwerejealous?”

He knew that was the wrong thing to say when Coach Allen pulled his hand back and smacked

himacrosstheface.Bloodfloodedhismouthandhefeltthestraininhisneckfromhisheadfloppingto
theside.

“Itshouldbemeoutthere,notyou.”HepointedafingerintoErik’schestwithbruisingforce.
“Butit’snotandyouhavenorighttopunishusbecauseyoufeelwearedeemednotfittobegreat

atwhatwedo.”Erikspitthebloodgushinginhismouthoutonthefloor.“Ican’twaittotellDominic
whatafuckingloseryouare.”

“Likehe’dcare.”Coachlaughedsohardhebentatthewaist,clutchinghisstomach.Erikdidn’t

like the way the man reacted, in fact it scared him more than being tied to a pole in a dark dank
basement.“TobehonestIdon’tthinkgoodoldDominicwillbecaringaboutmuch.”

“Whatdidyoudotohim?”Erikyankedontheropeandhisrighthandslippedfree.Thegivein

thebindingwasenoughtohaveitfallfreeofhislefthand.Erikwaitedforhisopening.Hecouldfeel
thesurgeofenergyashiswolfclimbedtothesurface.“Iswearifyouhurthim,I’mripyourthroatout.”
Hisvoicegrewthickashisteethstartedtolengthen.

“I’dbescaredifIthoughtyoucouldactuallydosomethingaboutit.”ErikwatchedasCoachAllen

pulledoutapairofleathergloves,slippedthemonthentookoutalengthofblackcord.

Erik’s breath came out heavy and his vision became more blurry. His body still ached from the

cattle prod but he had to force his shift to continue. This might be his only chance and the anger
coursingthroughhimurgedhimon.Hedidn’twanttodieandmostimportantlyhewantedrevenge.

CoachmovedtostandbehindthepoleatErik’sback.“Ihavetogiveyoucredityourfriendswere

beggingfortheirlivesbythispoint.”

ThepopinhisshoulderhadErikhissinginpainbuthewelcomedit.“Maybebecausetheydidn’t

have a way out.” He lunged forward as his body contorted into that of a wolf. From behind him he
couldhearCoachAllencurseinshock.

Oncehestoodonallfours,Erikturnedandsnarledatthemanheoncerespected.
“Whatareyou?”Fearcausedtheman’svoicetofalterandErikwantedtolaughwhenhesawthe

wetspotdampenthefrontofhisshorts.

Erikrantotheleft,gettingaroundthepole.CoachAllenranrighttryingtoavoidhimbutitwas

pointless.Erikleaptthroughtheair,tacklingtheothermantotheground.CoachAllenflaringaround
underneathhimtryingtogetfreegaveEriktheperfectopportunitytosinkhisteethintothesoftfleshof
hisneck.Hebitdownwhilewrenchinghisheadtotheside.Thewetsloshingsoundofmuscleandskin
tearingfreeechoedinErik’sears.HepulleduntilfinallyCoachAllen’sthroatseparatedfromhisneck
inagushofblood.Thebodybelowhimstoppedmoving.

Erikbackedawayfromthebodyandlaiddownonhisbellyandwhimpered.Thethreatwasgone

butitdidn’televatethefearhestillfelt.CoachAllenhadkilledtwomenthathadbecomehisfriends
andfromwhathesaid,killedDominic,too.Howwashegoingtoexplainanyofthis?

****

BrandonfollowedDevonintothelockerroom.Devonhadhisnosetothegroundsniffingalong

theway.ThestrongstenchofchlorinemadeithardforDevontogethisscentbutthealphawolfkept
hisnosetothefloor.

AllofasuddenDevonveeredofftotheleftandBrandonfollowedbehindhim.Brandonflipped

onthelightswitchinthedarkofficeandhefoundDevonscratchingandwhiningatacloseddoor.

Brandonturnedthenobandopenedthedoor.Hetookastepbackwhenabodyfloppedforward,

landing hard on the ground. The air around Devon swirled and the shift back to human seemed a lot
quicker.

“Fuck,it’sDominic.”Devonflippedtheothermanovertolayonhisback.
Brandonhadtoputhishandtohismouthtokeepfromvomiting.Dominichadbeenbadlybeaten

andthesideofhisskulllookedsmashedin.Bloodandbruisescoveredhisface.

“Ishealive?”BrandonkneltnexttoDevon.
Devon put his fingers to the blood-stained neck and felt for a pulse. “I can feel a pulse but it’s

weak.Whoseofficeisthis?”Devonaskedashelookedaround.

Brandon stood up and stared down at the desk. He moved the mouse around and the computer

monitorcameon.Ane-mailwaspulledonthescreenanditwasaddressedtoBradAllen.

“It’sthecoach.”BrandonlookeddownatDevonashecradledDominic’shead.“Hehasto—”
“Didyouhearthat?”DevoninterruptedBrandon.“ItsoundslikeErik.”
Brandonmadeitthroughthedoorandstoodlookingleftthenrightunsurewheretogo.“Where’s

thenoisecomingfrom?”HelookedoverhisshoulderatDevon.

Devonstoodstilllisteningthenheadeddowntherighthallwayfollowingaroundthebackrowof

lockers.Theycametoadoorthatsaidbasement.Brandonthrewopenedthedoorandrusheddownthe
steps.Theroomwasdarkandhadthesoursmellofdecay.

“Erik,”Brandoncalledout.“Youdownhere?”
The soft sound of whimper led him to a large gray wolf laying on the floor. It was Erik. He’d

knowthatwolfanywhere.

“Hey,pup,”Brandonsaidinalowwhisper.“It’sme.”Heranhishandalongthesilkyfurtryingto

coaxEriktochangeback.ThebloodcoveringErik’smouthdidn’tescapehisnotice.

“Brandon,”Devonshoutedforhim.“Overhere.”
“I’llberightback,pup.”BrandonbentdownandkissedErik’shead.

OverinthefarcornerlaythedeadbodyofCoachBradAllen.Histhroathadbeenrippedoutand

hisbloodstainedthefloorallaroundhim.

“He’sdead,”Devonsaidinanunremorsefultone.
“Good.”Brandonhadthestrongurgetopullouthisgunandshootthemanrightintheheadbuthe

heldhimselfback.Theydidn’tneedtodrawanyattentiontowhathadtakenplace.

“Hekilledthem.”Erik’svoicesoundedfrombehindthem.“IthinkhekilledDominic,too,butI’m

notforsure.”

BrandonranbacktoErik’sside,wrappinghisarmstightlyaroundhim.Erikburiedhisfaceinto

Brandon’schestandcried.

“It’s okay, Erik, Dominic’s not dead.” Brandon rocked Erik from side to side. “He’s been badly

beatenthough.”

Erikdidn’tsayanythingandBrandonlookedtoDevononwhattheyshoulddonext.Callingthe

policeseemedliketherightthingtodobutwhatwouldtheysayandcouldDominicbesenttoahuman
hospital?

“Brandon, get Erik out of here.” Devon helped him pull Erik to his feet. “I’m going to call an

ambulance for Dominic and tell them I came looking for him when he didn’t come home. Dom had
beenseeingCoachAllensoit’snotafarfetchedideaformetocomelookinghereforhim.Hopefully
when they see Dom’s body they’ll search the building for Coach Allen. With any luck they’ll find
evidenceofwhathe’sdone.”

Itwasalotofifsbutwhatelsecouldtheydo?Erikhadkilledhiscoach.Asjustifiedasitmight

havebeentherewasnowaytoexplainhowErikhadrippedtheman’sthroatclearfromhisneck.

“That’snogood.Thereisnowayyoucouldexplainhowthatsickfuck’sthroatgotrippedout.”

BrandonheldErikclosetohimandconcentratedonthebestcourseofactiontotaketofindawayout
ofthisforallofthem.“Thisiswhatwearegoingtodo.I’mgoingtocallDetectiveHarrisandtellhim
thatananonymoustipcameininregardstoawolfattackandgivehimthislocation.He’llknowhowto
handle the situation and be able to clean up this mess.” With Roderick and Phillip both being out of
townhehadtorelyonDetectiveHarristohandlethissituation.Hewasanassociateofthecouncilso
he’dknowwhattodo.

BrandonliftedErikupintohisarms.Erik’sbodybegantotrembleandBrandonwantednothing

morethantogethimoutofthere.Devonfollowedbehindhim,makingastopatErik’slockertograb
hiskeys.

BrandonmadethecalltoHarrisandtoldhimtohurry.DevonstoppedatErik’slockertograbhis

keys.SomeoneneededtodriveErik’scarhomesonosuspicioncouldbepointedinErik’sdirection.

Once he had Erik loaded up in his truck he pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward the

highway.ThesoundofErik’steethchatteringtogetherhadBrandoncrankinguptheheat.

“Hetookmyring,”Erikwhispered.“Hethoughtyouwouldn’tcareifIwasgone.”
“Pup,youknowthat’snottrue.”HereachedforErik’shand.“NomatterwhatI’llalwayscomefor

you.”

“Iknow.”Erik’svoicecrackedandhestartedtocryagain.
BrandonpulledthecarovertothesideoftheroadandpulledErikoverintohislap.Hecradledhis

mate’scoldandwetbodytohis.“CoachAllenobviouslywasaverydisturbedman.”Thatwasputting
what Brandon wanted to say nicely. “He fed on your fear but it doesn’t matter because you survived.
Youstoppedhimfromdoingthistoanyoneelse.”

“ButnotsoonenoughtosaveDominic,”hecriedout.
“Hey, listen to me.” He placed a finger under Erik’s chin and lifted him until he could see into

Erik’sblueeyes.“Wedon’tknowifDominicwillmakeitornotbutitwasn’tyourfault.Noneofthis
was.AllIdoknowisthatI’mhappyyouareokay.Ifthatmakesmeaselfishbastardsobeit.You’re
mineandI’ddieifanythingeverhappenedtoyou.”HekissedErikontheforehead.“Iloveyou,pup.”

ErikwoundhisarmsaroundBrandon’sneck.BrandoncouldfeelasEriktookdeepbreaths,theair

fanningoverhisneck.“Iloveyou,too,Brandon.”

ThatwasallBrandonneededtohear,allheeverneededtohear.Theywerealongwayfromthings

beingnormalagainbutaslongasErikwasalivethatwasallthatmattered.

ChapterNineteen

OneMonthLater

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Brandon asked as he looked down at Erik as he sat in the

blackleatherchair.Thehumoftheneedlevibratedinhisears.

“Morethananything.”Eriksmiledupahim.
Brandonchuckledandshookhishead.“Youwillowemebigtimeifyourbrothersgetpissedat

me.”

“Idon'tlookatthatasifit’sabadthing.”Erikwinkedathim.
IthadbeenamonthsincehefoundErikinthatdarkbasementcoveredinthatpsychopath’sblood.

BrandonstillwokeupatnightreachingforErikjusttomakesurehewasallright.

Detective Harris had been able to cover up how Coach Allen had died. Brandon wasn’t sure

exactly. Roderick had said they made it look like a suicide. Between the local authorities and the
hunter’scounciltheywereabletospinthestoryhowtheywantedandkeptthewolfshifterssecret.

Brandondidn’treallycarehowtheydiditjustthattheydidit.ThewayCoachAllendieddidn’t

matteronlythattheygotDominictoahospitalanddiscoveredthatCoachAllenwasbehindthemurders
inSilverCreek.

Erik’scoachhadkeptadetailedaccountofwhathe’ddone.FromwhatBrandonhadheardfrom

Erik and learned from the reports Roderick obtained, Coach Allen had grown tired of coaching. And
overtheyearshisfrustrationofneversucceedinginhisowndreamsofbecominganOlympicswimmer
causedhimtogrowjealousoftheboyshetaught.Thepsychiatrist'sanalysissaidthatinCoachAllen’s
delusionalstatehethoughthe’dbeabletoabsorbtheabilitiesoftheswimmershekilledandhehimself
wouldbecomegreat.

From what evidence they found the police suspected that Dominic found this journal and

confrontedhimaboutitandinanattempttocoverhistrackshetriedtokillDominic.Thesameburn
marksthatwereonErik’sneckfromthecattleprodwerefoundonDominic’sneck.Thatwouldexplain
whyhedidn’tshiftandattacktoprotecthimself.

Dominic had been in the hospital since they found his body. Devon said in Dominic’s comatose

statehewouldn’tbeabletoshiftintohiswolfformsonofearofanursewalkingintocheckvitalsand
findabigwolflyingonthebed.

Thedoctorsweren’tsurewhenDominicwouldwakeupandevenifhewould.Thedamagetohis

skull had caused Dominic’s brain to swell. Even if Dominic regained consciousness there might be
permanentbraindamage.

Erik,liketheothers,hadfaithDominicwouldwakeup.Theymovedallofhisbelongingsfromhis

apartmenttothehouse.Knowingthatifandwhenhewokeuphe’drequirealotofcarehecouldn’tget
livingbyhimself.

Brandonwasn’tadoctoranddidn’tknowifDominiccouldrecoverfromsomethinglikethatbut

heprayedeverynightthathedid.Erikdidn’tsayitbutBrandoncouldtellhefeltguiltyoverwhathad
happenedtotheotherwolf.AndthelongerDominicremainedinthecomatheharderofatollittookon
Erikeverytimehewenttovisit.

Otherthanthatlifehadgonebacktonormal.Therestoftheswimschedulehadbeencanceledout

ofrespectforthefamiliesandthesituation.NoneoftheswimmerswantedtoreturnandErikwasoneof
them. The thought of getting in the water again frightened Erik and Brandon couldn’t blame him. He

wassureintimeErikwouldfeeldifferentlybutitwasn’thisplacetopush.

BrandonsplithistimebetweenhishouseandErik’s.WhenschoolstartedupErikagreedtomove

inwithBrandoninhishouseinSilverCreekfulltimebuttheywantedtowaituntilthesemesterbegan.
Erik’sfamilywasstillreelingfromtheshockofalmostlosingErik.Theyweren’treadyforhimtoleave
andErikdidn’twanttocausethemanypain.Hisbrothershadraisedhimandfeltheowedittothemto
hangaroundforjustalittlelongersothattheyknewhewasallright.

ThesoundoftheneedlestoppedandBrandonlookedtowardErik.Erikgrinnedfromeartoearas

themansittingacrossfromhimwrappedhiswristinplastic.

“Sodoyoulikeitasmuchasyouhadhoped?”Brandonasked.
“More!”Erikbeamedasjumpedupfromhisseat.“It’sperfect.”
“Thatitis.”BrandonranhishandthroughErik’shair.Hisheartswelledinhischestatseeingthat

smileonhispup’sface.

“Hey,buddy,youready?”
Brandon looked over Erik’s shoulder at the man sitting up a fresh hand piece and needle. He

squirtedblackinkintoalittlethimblesizecontainerthenlookedupatBrandon.

“Iswearitonlyhurtalittlebit.”Erikgrabbedhishandandledhimtothechair.
“EvenifithurtI’dstillgothroughwithit.”ThatgarneredhimasmilefromErikandaneyeroll

fromthetattooartist.

He suppressed a flinch as the needle dug into his skin. Brandon tightened his fist and kept his

attentiononErikthewholetime.TherehadbeenworsepainsBrandonhadexperiencedinlifebutthis
wassomethinghehaddonevoluntarily.ButwhenErikhadcometohimandaskedBrandoncouldn’t
sayno.

Erik had said a tattoo was a permanent marking better than a ring or necklace to show their

commitment to one another. A tattoo was something that couldn’t be lost or stolen and after that sick
fuckdroppedtheringhehadgivenErikdownadrainthiswastheleastBrandoncoulddotomakeup
forit.

Before he knew it the man stopped, whipped the smeared ink from his wrist then went over the

aftercareinstructions.HeonlyhalflistenedashisattentionwasfocusedonErik.

BrandonpaidthemanandheandErikwalkedoutofthetattooshop.HeputhisarmaroundErik’s

shouldersastheymadetheirwaytohistruck.

“Hereletmeseeyours.”Erikpulledhisarmoverintohislaponcetheywereinhistruck.
“Pup,it’sthesameasyours.”
“Iknow.”Erik’sfingertracedtheinfinitysignthatranacrossBrandon’swristwiththewordlove

inthecenterconnectingthefigure-eightsymbol.“Iloveknowingthisismyhandwritingonyourbody.”

Erik had asked him if he’d take him to get a tattoo but wanted Brandon to get one as well.

BrandonhadneverfelttheneedtogetinkedbeforebutafterwhatEriksuggestedtherewasnowayhe
couldrefuse.

Eriklovedtheinfinitysymbolandwantedittattooedacrosshiswristbutwantedthewordlovein

thecenterwritteninBrandon’shandwriting.Thetattooartistsaiditwouldn’tbeaproblemsoheand
Erikbothwroteoutthewordloveandtheartistincorporatedthatinthetattoo.

“Doesthismakeyouhappy,pup?”Brandonasked.
“It does, but not just because I got my first tattoo.” Erik let go of Brandon’s wrist and scooted

closertohim.“Iloveknowingthatit’sforeverjustlikeus.”

“Ilovethat,too.”BrandonleanedforwardandbrushedhislipsoverErik’s.“Ican’texpresshow

happyyoumakeme.”

“I’llnever get tiredof hearing yousay that.” Erik gentlybit down onBrandon’s lip. “After two

yearsofhearinghowmuchofapaininyourassIwasthisisquiterefreshing.”

“Ohherewego.”Brandonrolledhiseyesfeigningannoyancebutcouldn’tholdbackhissmile.
“Damnrightherewego.”ErikplayfullynudgedBrandonintheshoulder.“Youhavealottomake

upformister.”

BrandonreachedforErikandpulledhimacrosshislap.Erikmovedtostraddlehiships.“Sodo

you, you annoying little brat.” Brandon pressed a hard passionate kiss to Erik’s soft, supple lips,
silencinganyfurtherremarksfromErik.

Thepasttwoyearsfeltliketheyhappenedinfastforward.TheyjokedaboutitnowbutBrandon

didn’tdwellonit.Alltheupsanddownsstillbroughtthemtowheretheywerenow.Erikwasfinallyhis
mate and they had the rest of their lives to make up for the time they had spent apart and Brandon
lookedforwardtoeverysecondofit.

THEEND

WWW.AJJARRETT29.BLOGSPOT.COM

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

AJ Jarrett currently lives in the Midwest with her husband and four children. A lover of M/M

romances, she has started writing her own stories for others to enjoy. She loves her characters to be
antagonistic toward one another but ultimately find their happy ever after. She believes love can be
found in the craziest of places, and a little humor along the way never hurt. To her, there’s nothing
sexierthantwomenfindingtheirsoulmateineachotherandfallinginlove.Whensheisn’tchasing
aroundherkids,shecanbefoundsittingonthecouchwithhertrustedlaptop,givinglifetothevoices
inherhead.

ForalltitlesbyAJJarrett,pleasevisit

www.bookstrand.com/aj-jarrett

SirenPublishing,Inc.

www.SirenPublishing.com

Document Outline

Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Prologue
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
Chapter Nineteen
About the Author

A J Jarrett Nehalem Pack 08 A Mate At Last

Document Outline