Out of the Cage: Time can heal all wounds, but only if they’re acknowledged and treated.

Valarius Lemusson’s pride leaders send him to a shifter gathering in Stone Ridge where

representatives are discussing the government knows about their kind. While there, he enjoys a night
at a club and discovers his mate, Brice Gaithers, being attacked in the restroom. He rescues the
human and, after filing a police report, takes him back to his room for a night of tender aftercare and
sweet seduction.

A surprise meeting with a wolf’s mate reveals that Brice already knows about shifters, giving

Valarius hope, until he also learns that Brice wants nothing to do with them. He’s prepared to give his
mate time to accept him, but enemies from his past come stalking, forcing his hand. Can Valarius
figure out how to convince Brice—someone already intimate with the aggressiveness of shifters—that
he can give him the love and stability Brice desperately craves?
various paranormal revelation that the
Warning: attempted rape scene.

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal

copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI
and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the

electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the

author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons,
living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Just Lion Around

whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter
invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.eXtasybooks.com

Just Lion Around Wolves of Stone Ridge: Book Nineteen
By
Charlie Richards

To the bumps in the road…they remind us to check our course.

Chapter One

alarius Lemusson tapped his thumb impatiently against the seam of his jeans. He really didn’t

want to be there. Too many shifters—and even a vampire and gargoyle or two—were crowded into
the hotel conference room. Wolf shifters were stationed at every entrance to monitor who entered,
confirming their secrecy.

His lion hated being cooped up with so many unknown shifters, making him edgy. The

pheromones given off by the mated wolves made it even worse instead of better, since all he could
think about was finding a willing partner—hell, male or female, he couldn’t give a shit at this point—
and fucking them through the nearest flat surface.

Damn, I need to get laid.

Even as part of him felt honored that his pride leaders, Perrin and Terence, had chosen him to
represent them at this gathering—after all, he’d only been with them, less than a year—most of him
just wanted to go home. Unfortunately, he couldn’t, and Valarius knew that. He needed to know what
the other shifters planned to do about the human government knowing about their existence…if
anything.
Unfortunately, it didn’t look like any resolution was going to come today. Some representatives
wanted to keep secret everyone the government didn’t know about, yet. Some people wanted to reveal
how many there were—not locations or species, but a general number figure—so the government
knew they’d be a force to be reckoned with if push came to shove. Still, others wanted to wait and
see if the government held to their word—that they’d leave shifters alone if they kept themselves a
secret.
Personally, Valarius liked the second group’s idea. Better to be on the offensive, show the
government they couldn’t be pushed around or taken advantage of. The problem with the scientists
had been bad enough, but the government? Hell, no.
The pounding of a gavel quieted the arguing group—and really, who brought a gavel with them these
days? Looking toward the front, Valarius spotted that the gavel wielder was Carson Angeni, a Native
American wolf shifter and one of the Stone Ridge’s enforcers. Next to him stood Shane Alvaro—the
pack’s beta—who glared at the arguing, assembled shifters. A clearly exasperated Declan McIntire,
the Stone Ridge wolf alpha, stood at the podium with them, attempting to run the meeting. He’d met
the wolf shifters when he’d been welcomed by them into the territory upon first arriving two days
before.
Declan lifted a hand and called, “I think it’d be best if we called it a day. Everyone, please take the
evening to think about the ideas discussed and tomorrow we’ll reconvene at one in the afternoon.”
Valarius doubted a recess would help the group come to a consensus, but since it got him out of there
for the night, he sure as hell wasn’t going to complain. Rising from his chair, he turned and headed
toward the nearest exit.
The man standing vigil smirked as one passerby sneered and muttered, “Fucking humans.”
When he drew near, he realized the person actually was human, not a wolf shifter. Although, he did
reek of wolf, telling Valarius that the man had a mate. Pausing just outside the doorway, Valarius
commented softly, “Friendly group.”
The guy threw his head back and laughed for a moment, and Valarius found himself chuckling.
Crossing his arms over his chest and leaning against the wall, he watched several more people file
out as he waited for the human to get himself under control.

“Yeah, that’s how I’d describe them.” The man thrust out a hand, his hazel eyes twinkling with
mischief. “Jared.”
Unwrapping one arm, he took the offered hand and gave it a brief shake. “Valarius,” he replied,
following the man’s example and only giving his first name. Something about the man’s name jogged
his memory, but he couldn’t place it. Figuring it’d come to him eventually, he continued, “I’m looking
for a place to have a drink. Blow off some steam.” He grinned and lifted a brow. “Maybe even get
laid. Know any?”
Grinning, Jared swept his gaze over Valarius. The rather open perusal from the obviously mated man
surprised him, but he didn’t comment on it. Instead, he just smirked and waited.
“As a matter of fact, there’s a couple good clubs in Colin City. Try O’ Henry’s if you want something
more hip. They opened a couple years ago, and aren’t too bad. Or, if you’re looking for something a
little…seedier, go to Roosters,” Jared finished, grinning.
Valarius pushed away from the wall and nodded once. He’d look them both up on his Smartphone in a
bit. “Thanks, Jared. I’ll let you get back to your door watching.”
Jared gave him a mock salute as he turned away. He was almost out of earshot when he noticed
Carson, the pack enforcer stop at Jared’s side. “That was mean, Jared,” the enforcer admonished.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Jared replied, trying to look innocent and failing utterly.
Carson shook his head. “Sending the poor guy to gay bars.”
Jared grinned. “Oh, no. Mean would be getting there first and watching his expression as he walked
in…”
Valarius snickered under his breath. That explained the man’s mischievous look, and the man’s name
finally registered. Carson had mentioned being mated to a Jared. That must have been him. Too bad
he wouldn’t be atO’ Henry’s to see his plan backfire. Valarius would happily take a man to his bed.
Sex of his partner had never mattered to him…at least, not after he’d left his original pride and their
bigoted attitudes.
Looking forward to a night of bending some young twink over a flat surface and reaming his ass—all
night long— Valarius headed toward his room to get cleaned up.

Walking into the club, Valarius drew in a deep breath. Male sweat, sex, and arousal filled his

nostrils. His cock thickened to half-mast at the heady aroma. He grinned. This was just what he
needed. Some dancing, the feel of hands, not his own, touching him, and at the end of the night, a hard
body to fuck.

Perfect.

Valarius strode through the throngs of men. His broadshouldered six-foot-three-inch frame and well-
muscled body parted the crowd easily even as it garnered a number of looks. From the expressions
cast his way, he knew he wouldn’t have any trouble finding a man to warm his bed.
He angled his way to the bar and ordered a jack and coke. After taking the drink, and winking at the
attractive man behind the bar who gave him an appreciative once over, he headed toward an empty
table along the back wall. He wanted to relax a moment and scope out the offerings before deciding
whom to approach first.
There was all types en force tonight, from leather daddies and bears to twinks and geeks to everything
in between. Due to Valarius’ dominant nature, he usually went with someone a little smaller than him,
but he wasn’t averse to someone bigger as long as they didn’t have a problem bottoming. He’d had a
dick up his ass a time or two, but it wasn’t really his thing.
Deciding he’d see who came to him, Valarius downed the rest of his drink and headed out to the
dance floor. Once amidst the crowd, he closed his eyes and let the music take him. The pounding beat

pulsed through his body and he moved his hips in time with the tempo.
It didn’t take long for his shirt to disappear, pulled from his body by appreciatively stroking hands,
but he wasn’t worried about it. His leather jacket—locked in the saddlebag of his Kingpin—would
keep him warm on the ride back. Or, it would keep his fuck buddy warm and his pick-up would wrap
his arms around him and keep him toasty. He smiled, liking that plan very much.
Valarius didn’t know who touched him and didn’t care. Multiple sets of hands roved over his chest,
along his back, across his hips and he moved into them, his inner cat purring in his mind at the petting.
Gods, it’s been too long since I did this.
Finally, he opened his eyes and peered through the flashing lights at whomever grinded against him.
Several inches shorter, the human had blond hair held in place with copious amounts of gel. Blue eyes
filled with easily discernible lust for the muscles he petted, and a pretty face that obviously knew its
allure if the self-assured smile was anything to go by.
Nice.
Wrapping his arms around the man, Valarius pulled him close. He rubbed against him, feeling the
other man’s hardon. Lowering his head, he inhaled the guy’s scent, but found himself turned off by the
cloying scent of smoke, and what was probably expensive cologne. Being a shifter, his sense of smell
was far more sensitive, and there was nothing pleasing about the heavy mixture.
Damn.
He lifted his head and forced a smile, finishing the song with the blond. When the man tried to go in
for a kiss, he tilted his head back and away, avoiding it. Valarius didn’t usually kiss a man anyway,
and after smelling the dude, he sure as hell didn’t want to taste him. Like most shifters, he avoided
people that used heavy cologne or clinging odors, since they often hurt their senses.
Once the song ended, he extracted himself from the human, or tried to. The blond clung to him, moving
his hold from his waist to his arm. He frowned at the shorter, more slender man. “I’m just here to
dance,” he stated, barely holding back his snarl.
The guy slid his hand down Valarius’ body and cupped his dick, which had softened a smidge after
discovering the lack of chemistry between them. “I’m sure I can change your mind,” he replied,
smirking coyly through his lashes.
Valarius figured the blond could, too, especially with how nicely he worked his shaft. Maybe he
should let Blondie give him a blowjob to take the edge off. He could find someone to fuck later…
someone he wouldn’t have to struggle controlling his propensity to bite and lick their spine and neck.
In fact, he felt his gut clench at the idea of heading to the bathroom, with or without the pick-up.
Something told him he should really head that way right that instant. Deciding to humor his obviously
horny companion—and get relief for his once more hard cock—Valarius grabbed the man’s arm and
leaned down to say into his ear, “Blow me in the bathroom and I’ll jack ya off.”
The other man grinned. “Ya got a deal.”
Keeping a hold on the man, Valarius led the way off the dance floor toward the neon sign that read
restrooms. When he stepped into the hallway, he scented something musky and sweet, like sweat and
some fruity drink. It smelled very nice, causing his prick to stiffen back to full arousal.
He smiled, liking the fact that now he wouldn’t have to be in there too long with Blondie and could
return to his quest to find a fuck buddy. Anticipating getting off, he didn’t pay attention to the odd
noises coming from beyond the door, but when he pushed his way in, two things hit him at once—
first, the incredible scent was coming from one of the men in the bathroom. Second—that man was
currently struggling in the grip of two other men.
The first man appeared to be divulging the clothes of the slender twink in the second man’s arms.

Mate!
Arousal and anger roared through Valarius’ veins in equal measure.
Mine!
A low growl rumbled through him and he released his grip on Blondie and took a step toward the
trio. Rage coursed through his veins at what was happening to his mate, and even some misplaced
guilt. What if I’d been two minutes later?He didn’t like thinking about that.
“Get lost, asshole. This don’t concern you,” said another person to his right he hadn’t even noticed.
His gaze had been too riveted on the struggling human.
The door behind him slammed shut, and a glance over his shoulder told him his date was gone. That
was fine. Now he didn’t have to come up with some way to shoo him off. Curling his lip, Valarius
snarled, “You just cost me a blowjob. I think you should make it up to me.”
The cocky dark-haired man laughed and waved toward their whimpering victim. “How about I just let
you fuck him instead?” He snickered. “That’s better than a blowjob any day.”
Valarius really had to struggle not to just tear the bastards apart. He so wanted to see their red blood
splattered across the walls and floor for hurting his mate. However, he had no desire to have to call
Carson to post bail for hurting—hell, for killing—a few humans. That certainly wouldn’t be a good
way for his human mate to remember their first meeting.
Instead, he forced a smirk and crossed his arms over his chest. “I like my men willing.”
“Oh, don’t worry. He’s willing,” the guy assured, a cold gleam in his eyes. “Brice is very willing.”

Chapter Two

rice Gaithers had hoped when the bathroom door was shoved open, it would be the bouncers.

Instead, in walked one of the…well, not the biggest men, but this guy was damn close.

Unfortunately, the hope that the sexy stranger would help him died quickly enough. With the way

he was moving closer, dark eyes sweeping over him with lust and…something else, now Brice feared
he’d join in.

God, my life sucks.

All he’d wanted was a night away—away from his friend, Vee, and Vee’s wolf shifter boyfriend, and
away from their sickeningly sweet lovey, dovey attitude. When they’d gone to some shifter convention
thingy, Brice had left for the club. He’d thought he’d found a little fun with Donnie, the guy who
seemed to be the group speaker, but when he’d joined the man in the bathroom for a quickie, he’d
discovered they wouldn’t be having that quickie alone.
“He doesn’t look very willing,” the newcomer stated. “Can’t he speak for himself?”
Much to Brice’s shock, and causing a fair amount of shame, the man’s deep growly voice actually
caused his prick to start thickening in his boxers.
Donnie smiled coldly at Brice, his gaze full of warning— and that got his untimely arousal to
disappear, thank God. “Go ahead, Brice,” Donnie cajoled. “Tell our new friend how willing you
are.”
Billy removed his hand from his mouth and Brice licked his lips. Taking a chance, he whispered,
“Please help me.”
“Answer right, fucker,” Conan snarled from in front of him before balling up his fist and nailing him
in the ribs.
Brice whimpered and if Billy hadn’t been holding him, he would have doubled over. “Please,” he
gasped.
“Fair enough,” the new guy stated. He crossed his arms over his chest and smirked at Donnie. “You
cost me a blowjob, so I get him first.” He waved at Billy and Conan. “One of you stand guard.” Eyes
narrowing, he added, “It wouldn’t do to have someone come in and cause…problems.”
“No,” Donnie snapped. “I brought him in here, so I get him first. You can have him second or get
lost.”
“I see,” the stranger said. “In that case, by all means…” He held out a hand toward an empty stall and
smiled.
Brice didn’t like the look of that smile.
Donnie’s eyes narrowed, then he sneered and stalked over toward him. Brice couldn’t help it. He
started to shake and once against struggled to get free, but Billy’s grip was too tight, too strong.
Donnie grabbed his arm and snapped, “Watch the door, Conan.”
His friend grumbled, but did as instructed. Donnie yanked Brice into his arms. The stranger leaned
against the sink. Donnie tried to kiss him, but Brice wrenched sideways, nearly getting free.
To his shock, instead of being shoved into a stall, he heard a growl and Donnie stumbled, releasing
him. Brice took advantage and leaped sideways. Unfortunately, a thick, strong arm wrapped around
his waist and reeled him in and up against a hard, broad chest.
Brice wriggled and swung his arms, trying to strike the man holding him. Unfortunately, his pants
were around his ankles so he couldn’t kick.
“Be still,” a deep voice hissed into his ear. “I won’t hurt you.”

He froze. He couldn’t explain it, but Brice actually believed the guy. The arm around him was roped
with muscle, but the man’s hand was gentle where it spread across his belly…and the big man could
actually palm his entire stomach.
Looking around, Brice saw Billy on the floor of the bathroom, unmoving, and Donnie leaned against
the wall. He rubbed his jaw, his eyes narrowed, anger gleaming from them. “So,” he snarled. “You
just had to have him for yourself.” He sneered and yelled, “Conan!”
The door banged open. “My turn?”
“Afraid not,” Donnie stated, his voice colder than Brice had heard it yet. “We got us a little problem.
Seems our new friend is a selfish fucker.”
“Maybe I just understand the difference between the thrill of sharing something with a partner and the
thrill of being a bully,” the interloper growled. “You think I won’t happily lay you out like I did your
friend?”
Evidently, Conan didn’t like that, because the man charged toward him. Taking the coward’s way,
Donnie waited until the stranger had pushed Brice behind him and had engaged with Conan before
jumping forward. Somehow, his savior still managed to step between them and knock Donnie back a
step.
Brice wedged himself between two sinks and tried to figure out what the hell to do now. To his
shock, he didn’t have to do much. The other guy seemed more than capable, even though it was two
against one.
Just as the stranger laid out Donnie, the bathroom door burst open and in came the blond dude who’d
originally accompanied the stranger. Plus, a pair of bouncers charged in behind him, their huge
muscles and t-shirts with the club logos giving them away.
“Hold it right there,” a big burly African American ordered.
The second man, a raven-haired dude with a leaner build, but who still looked just as capable by the
way he flexed his hand and stood at the ready, swept his gaze around the room. “Looks like we
missed the party.”
The pretty boy who’d brought the bouncers crossed to Brice’s hero’s side and rested a hand on his
arm. “Are you okay?”
A wave of jealousy crashed over Brice. He knew it was irrational, since his goateed hero had arrived
in the bathroom with the man. Except, Brice really wished he could be the one touching the big man’s
arm, holding his hand and…
“Are you okay?”
The second bouncer stood in front of Brice, blocking his line of sight. Brice cringed and pressed his
back against the wall as the big man peered down at him. Then the man’s words registered and he
forced himself to nod.
“Did they hurt you?”
Did they hurt me? Brice shuddered at the question. He stood in a public restroom with his jeans
around his thighs, his shirt…hell if he knew where his shirt was, and his arms wrapped around his
torso. But was he hurt? Mentally, hell yeah. Physically? Slowly, Brice shook his head.
“No,” he whispered. “The other guy stopped them.”
“Devon is calling the cops, so you can press charges,” the man told him, indicating the other bouncer
where he had his phone pressed to his ear. “Let me help you.”
When the man reached for him, Brice’s brain seemed to short-circuit, and all he could remember was
the feel of Billy and Conan’s hands. He cringed and screamed, “Get away!”
Suddenly, the bouncer was pushed aside and his hero’s strong arms wrapped around him. Brice sank

into the big man’s embrace, trembling as he clung. He didn’t know why this person touching him was
okay and the bouncer touching him wasn’t. It just was.
“Easy, babe,” the man holding him crooned, his gravelly voice rumbling softly. “You’re safe. I’ve got
you.”
Slowly, Brice’s shudders subsided and he could start to breathe again. With more oxygen in his lungs,
reality returned, along with a healthy dose of embarrassment. It still took another few minutes for him
to get his body under control enough to ease away from the man.
Except, the big stranger didn’t seem in any hurry to release him. Realizing that, Brice slowly lifted his
head and peered up through his lashes at the man who held him. After seeing the cold anger and feral
lustful expressions on the man’s face earlier, the look of sympathy and concern seemed out of place.
Brice’s goateed savior met Brice’s gaze and cupped his jaw. “Hey, you doin’ okay?” he asked softly,
his gaze moving over his face as if trying to gauge whether or not he’d have another freak out.
“Yeah,” Brice murmured. “I’m—yeah. Thanks to you.”
“I’m glad I arrived in time,” the man responded.
“Hey, the cops are here,” the black-haired bouncer said, interrupting them.
“You arepressing charges, right?”
Brice peered up at his savior again and frowned. “Hell, yeah,” he snapped.
The guy grinned at that and ran a finger between his brows, easing the creases. “Ah, so you do have a
bit of fire. I like it.”
Brice’s brows shot up. This man liked it? Did that mean he liked him? Surely, someone as sexy as
this dude wouldn’t be interested in a skinny twink like him?
“Stop thinkin’ so hard, babe. Let’s go see these cops, then I want to know if I can take you home.” He
accentuated his comment with a kiss to his forehead.
He screwed up his battered courage, and really liking how it felt in this man’s arms, Brice asked
softly, “Your home or mine?”
That had a very pleased-looking grin spreading over the man’s face. “I’m from out of town, but I’d be
more than happy to take you to my hotel room and…” He smirked, his eyes filling with obvious desire
and his hand sweeping down Brice’s back, feeling the knobs of his spine. “Check for injuries.”
Liking his new friend’s large, gentle hands and protective nature, Brice really wanted to feel what
they’d feel like on the rest of his body. The revelation that he was from out of town probably meant
he’d only have a few days with him, and Brice wanted to take advantage of any time this protective
man would give him.
Smiling up at his savior, Brice murmured, “I’d really like that.”

Chapter Three

alarius gave his statement to the cops, all the while keeping an eye on Brice. He’d practically

roared with satisfaction upon his mate’s desire to be taken to his hotel room. It told him that even
after the traumatic evening, Brice still felt the mate-pull and wanted to give in to it.

He also knew he’d have to take it slow. Finding out his mate was a human meant claiming him

would be harder than if he’d discovered it in another paranormal. Often, the idea of shifters took
humans time to understand and accept. Time was something Valarius didn’t have a lot of, but at least
he was in the territory of a pack open to same sex matings.

Not like his old pride.

Banishing those thoughts—they were in the past— Valarius again sought out Brice. He couldn’t wait
to learn everything about his sweet little human. He wanted to run his hands over Brice’s lean body,
explore every inch of his smooth skin, and see if his red and blond locks were as soft as he imagined.
“Is there anything else you’d like to add to your statement?” the officer asked.
Valarius refocused on the tall, slender human in front of him. Just shy of six foot, the guy stood as tall
as possible, his back ramrod straight in his uniform, as if that would make him more intimidating.
Valarius just kept from shaking his head.
Instead, he kept his expression neutral and replied, “Yeah. That’s it.”
The cop, Officer Sandeker, nodded curtly. “Very good. If you remember anything else, give me a
call,” he said, holding up a card. As Valarius took it, Sandeker added, “And it’d probably be best if
you stayed in town until we got this cleared up.”
Lifting a brow, Valarius bit back a snide retort. He decided on, “I’m here for a few days, yet. If it
takes longer, I’d be happy to return and testify.”
Sandeker eyed him for several seconds, then nodded again.
“If I’m done here, I’d like to take Brice home,” Valarius said, seeing no need to admit whose home
they’d be going to.
“I’ll check with Detective Pierson, but it appears they’re finishing up.”
Valarius crossed his arms over his chest and leaned a hip against the wall of the building, making
certain to keep his torso off the wall. He still hadn’t found his shirt, and had declined the extra t-shirt
a bouncer had brought to him. He’d given it to Brice instead, although the fact that someone else’s
scent on his mate drove his cat nuts. The first thing they’d do when they got to his hotel would be to
shower.
The idea of running his hands over Brice’s wet soapy skin had a predictable response on his body.
His cock thickened, filling out the crotch of his jeans. Grunting, he took a second to adjust himself
before heading Brice’s way.
His human stood with his shoulders hunched and his head bowed, not really meeting Detective
Pierson’ gaze. Valarius didn’t like his mate’s body language, and he really didn’t like the
disapproving look on the detective’s face.
Slipping his arm around Brice’s shoulder, Valarius ignored his mate’s start—and the other man’s
scowl. He smiled down at his human and asked, “You about finished here? I’m ready to call it a
night.”
Brice gave him a relieved smile and nodded. “Yeah.” He turned back to the detective. “That’s
everything, right?”
Detective Pierson nodded. “Yes. I will need you to come into the station tomorrow to review and

sign your statement.”
“I will,” Brice replied softly. Tipping his head, he murmured, “Can we go now?”
Valarius nodded and gently guided his human toward his bike. “Do you have a car?” he asked,
wondering if he’d need to make arrangements to have his mate’s vehicle picked up.
To his relief, Brice shook his head. “I took a cab.”
Smiling through gritted teeth—since that meant Brice had intended for his evening to end in a pick-up
and Valarius had no room to talk—he paused at his bike and unlocked the saddlebags. “Here. Put this
on,” he urged, wrapping his leather jacket around his soon-to-be-lover’s shoulders. Seeing Brice in
his clothing eased some of his lion’s tension and he smiled as he placed his helmet on his human’s
head.
“What about you?” Brice asked, concern wrinkling his brow.
Valarius grinned and cupped his jaw. “Press close and share your body heat,” he crooned. His
response caused Brice’s brows to shoot up and Valarius could no longer resist his need to taste his
mate. Ducking his head, he settled his lips over Brice’s, sipping light kisses to first his top lip, then
his bottom.
Brice sighed against his lips and wrapped his arms around his neck. Valarius took that as the
invitation it was and slowly took his time licking along his bottom lip before thrusting his tongue into
his mate’s mouth and tasting him fully.
Masculine flavor mixed with some fruity cocktail exploded across his taste buds. Growling softly,
wanting more of his mate’s heady taste, Valarius cupped Brice’s jaw and tilted his head back,
deepening the kiss. He thrust his tongue deep, tangling their appendages and mapping his lips, teeth,
and gums. Brice whimpered and shivered against him. The sound, so sweet and needy, caused
Valarius’ dick to throb in his jeans. He palmed his mate’s ass and pulled him in close, feeling his
soon-to-be lover’s answering erection against his thigh.
Wolf whistles and catcalls cut into Valarius’ enjoyment, reminding him where they were. Gently, he
eased the kiss to an end and smiled down at his mate’s dazed expression and kiss-swollen lips.
“So fucking sexy,” he crooned. Bumping his nose against Brice’s, then nuzzling their cheeks together,
he muttered, “Let’s get the hell out of here.”
“Okay,” Brice panted.
Valarius drew away from Brice, even though it was the last thing he wanted to do, and swung onto his
motorcycle. He kicked his foot back and lowered the bitch seat peg then held out an arm. Brice
gripped his hand and climbed aboard behind him.
“Ever been on a bike before?” he asked.
“No,” Brice admitted.
Grinning, pleased that he’d be able to introduce his mate to something he’d never done before,
Valarius patted Brice’s hands where they rested on his toned abs. “Just hold on tight and lean with me
on the turns. I’ll go slow,” he assured. Plus, he’d be damn lucky to avoid getting pulled over, since he
wore neither a shirt nor a helmet, but he wanted his mate protected and his shifter sturdiness assured
him a higher level of resilience.
Luck finally seemed to be with Valarius, and after ten minutes, he pulled into the hotel parking lot.
A moment later, he led Brice into his suite. Not wasting time, he divested his mate of his leather
jacket, laying it over a chair. He twined their fingers and brought Brice’s knuckles to his lips, kissing
them lightly.
“After going to a club, I find I want a shower. May I wash you, babe?” Valarius walked backward,
tugging Brice with him, heading toward the bathroom.

“Um, a shower sounds fantastic,” Brice replied, a slight shadow falling over his expression as he
glanced down at his hands.
Valarius knew the crime techs had cleaned under each of his nails for evidence, but he bet Brice
wanted to do it himself, too. Not liking the haunted look behind his mate’s eyes, he stopped in the
middle of the bathroom and pulled Brice against him.
Reining kisses across Brice’s lips, jaw, and neck, Valarius pulled away for just an instant to remove
the man’s borrowed t-shirt. He made a note to burn the garment later, knowing it’d only serve as a
reminder for Brice of this evening’s experience. He wished he could have met him under other
circumstances, but was glad he’d been there when he needed him most.
He sat down on the toilet and made quick work of his boots and socks, then dropped to one knee and
divested Brice of his shoes and socks. Sliding his hands over Brice’s jean-clad legs, he caressed the
man’s lean calves and thighs before resting his palms on his human’s hips.
Valarius couldn’t stop his shiver at realizing his hands were large enough to span Brice’s hips and
still caress the sides of his human’s erection where it pressed against his fly. Gently, he massaged
Brice’s slender, hidden prick. The heady scent of his mate’s arousal made his senses tingle and his
own cock jerk in his jeans. After a moment, Brice whined softly and thrust his hips.
Humming with approval at Brice’s reactions, Valarius gave in to his desire and made quick work of
his mate’s fly. He shoved down the man’s pants, helping him out of them. Leaning forward, he buried
his nose in the man’s pubes and inhaled his mate’s musky, masculine scent.
Valarius groaned, unable to wait a second longer. He swallowed Brice’s cock to the root and sucked
strongly, tasting tangy pre-cum and warm flesh.
Brice moaned, shuddering and trembling in his grip. Valarius loosened his hold, allowing his mate to
thrust forward, sliding his dick in and out of his mouth as he sucked. He swiped his tongue along
Brice’s length, tracing the thick vein running along the base. He tickled the wrinkled skin beneath the
cap before swiping over the sensitive glans.
Whimpers and grunts poured from his lover, filling Valarius with pride. He reached between Brice’s
legs and cupped his human’s balls. Brice’s hips jerked as he let out a surprised squeak.
Brice dug his fingers into Valarius’ thick hair and tugged. With the way his lover’s dick leaked like a
sieve and how tight the testicles he rolled in his palms felt, he knew his lover was close and probably
trying to warn him…since he didn’t seem to be able to make any noises except whimpers and groans.
Grinning obscenely around the slender prick in his mouth, Valarius peered up his mate’s body.
Brice’s chest, neck, and face were flushed, his mouth sagged open as panting grunts escaped him, and
his lids were at half-mast while his pupils were blown with lust.
Never had Valarius seen anything more beautiful.
He hummed as he sank to the root. He lodged the head of Brice’s dick in his throat and swallowed
once, twice, massaging his mate’s cock head. Satisfaction filled Valarius when Brice stiffened and
howled, his shaft exploding and soaking his throat with cum. Ignoring the near painful grip his lover
had on his hair, Valarius eased up on the man’s dick so the next spurt hit his tongue, swallowing his
mate’s essence down.
After licking Brice’s prick clean, he stood and captured his lover’s mouth. He thrust his tongue deep,
sharing his mate’s taste with himself. His human clung, letting him ravish his mouth with deep thrusts
in a parody of what he planned to do to Brice’s body later.
Except, by the time they’d gotten out of the shower, Brice was almost asleep on his feet. After drying
them both off, Valarius swept his lover into his arms, smiling at the way his mate curled up against his
chest.

Valarius settled Brice on the mattress, then—wanting his lover to feel comfortable—he dug Brice’s
phone, wallet, and keys from his jeans pocket and placed them on the nightstand nearest him, but not
before noting and memorizing Brice’s address.
Finally, Valarius climbed into bed and pulled his lover into his arms. Manhandling his mate, he
adjusted the man so he was half draped across his torso with Brice’s head resting on his chest.
Taking long even breaths, Valarius ignored his erection. He’d have loved to sink into his mate, but
Brice had had a trying day. Valarius had waited seventy-three years to find the man in his arms,
another few hours before making love to him wouldn’t kill him, no matter how much his dick thought
otherwise.
To his surprise, Brice tilted his head back and peered up at him. “What’s your name?” he muttered.
Smiling, Valarius just forced back a chuckle. “I’m Valarius Lemusson. It’s nice to meet you, Brice,”
he murmured.
Brice’s hand squeezed his shoulder lightly. “Thank you, Val,” he mumbled before his eyelids slid
closed and his breathing evened out.
Valarius’ heart clenched in his chest, and he didn’t know if it was the nickname his mate gave him or
something else…but he liked it. Ducking his head, he pressed a soft kiss to Brice’s forehead. “You’re
welcome, mate,” he whispered.
Closing his eyes, he willed his body to rest.

Chapter Four

rice felt warm and comfortable and—for the first time in months—safe. He snuggled deeper into

the pillow. After a second, he realized it didn’t feel right. Wiggling his fingers, Brice felt crisp,
course hair and firm flesh.

Prying open an eyelid, he peered through the gloom of early morning light and stared down at the

man he used as a pillow, drinking in bronzed skin, hard muscles, thick arms, and dark goatee around a
firm mouth that offered so much pleasure. The events of last night returned, first freezing his insides,
then heating them.

The sexy man underneath him had stopped the attack, had saved him, and given him pleasure, not

to mention this wonderful sense of comfort and safety. Brice couldn’t remember the last time he’d
been on the receiving end of a blowjob. Most men interested in him expected him to service them.

And how did I repay him? By passing out.

Smiling at the relaxed expression on his sexy lover— Valarius, his foggy memory supplied—Brice
decided it was time to return the favor.
Brice slithered down Valarius’ body, taking the covers with him while admiring the firm pecks and
deep grooves of his lover’s abs. Following the guy’s thick treasure trail to the neatly trimmed, though
still thick bush, and the cock nestled amidst the dark curls.
Even semi-erect, his lover’s dick appeared to be a thick mouthful, making him salivate. Brice stuck
out his tongue and licked from base to tip, pausing to swirl around the soft glans, before pulling the
head into his mouth, and sucking lightly. He wiggled his tongue around the head, easing more into his
mouth, then worked the sensitive tissue below the cap.
Valarius’ stalk thickened quickly, filling and extending. It soon became too much for Brice to handle,
telling him exactly how large his lover was. He hadn’t had the opportunity to explore last night, so
took his time now. He sucked the head, laved the veins, and worked the base with his hand, rubbing
and squeezing.
When he lowered his other hand to Valarius’ testicles and rolled the hard orbs in their sacks, Valarius
buried his hand in Brice’s hair. He looked up through his lashes and met his lover’s lust filled gaze.
The man’s heavy-lidded dark eyes glittered as he peered down at him. He said nothing, just spread
his legs wider and encouraged Brice’s ministrations.
Brice doubled his efforts, tightening his hand, massaging the sensitive skin behind Valarius’ testicles,
and bobbing his head. Taking a chance, on the next upstroke, Brice gently scraped his teeth up the
underside of his lover’s shaft. He caught them on the sensitive skin under his cap, nipping lightly.
Valarius reacted instantly. Cupping Brice’s skull, he humped up, shoving his dick deep. Brice took
everything his lover threw at him, using his spit to slick the fingers he used to jack the base. Within
seconds, Valarius lost it. His cock jerked and swelled, filling his mouth with warm, salty seed.
He swallowed as swiftly as he could, but some still managed to leak down out of the corner of his
mouth. Finally, Valarius finished spurting and his prick began to soften. Brice squeaked in surprise
when the big man gripped his arms and hauled him up.
His lover licked his mouth, cleaning away his own cum, before latching onto his lips and thrusting his
tongue deep. Clamping a hand onto Brice’s ass, Valarius devoured his mouth as he rocked up against
him, encouraging Brice’s morning wood to slide along his spit-slicked crease.
Moaning at the exquisite sensations shooting through his dick, Brice adjusted his legs to straddle
Valarius, giving him more leverage. It also spread his ass cheeks, and Valarius wasted no time

sliding his finger along the sensitive skin of his crack.
Brice shivered and rocked his ass up, desperate to feel that finger just there. Valarius must have read
his mind, for he didn’t disappoint, and massaged his taint with enough force to loosen his muscle but
not enough to enter him. Heat spread through his body at the play, his cock throbbing and jerking at the
tease.
Breaking the kiss, Brice pressed his face into the crook of Valarius’ neck. He rocked shamelessly
between the pressure on his dick and the finger teasing his anus, but never did Valarius enter him.
“Please,” he whimpered, craving the burn, the feeling of Valarious filling him.
“All you have to do is ask,” Valarius responded gruffly. As he nipped and licked Brice’s neck, he
thrust his finger deep, pegging Brice’s prostate on the first try.
Brice howled in shock as his dick unloaded, covering their stomachs and chests with cum. Shuddering
and twitching, he relaxed into the sensation his body’d been craving, focusing on the ping of
endorphins and amazing burn of the finger moving slowly in and out of his ass, prolonging his
pleasure.
Panting heavily, Brice relaxed on the bigger man’s chest, struggling to catch his breath. Finally, he
managed to mumble, “Holy shit, that was amazing.”
Valarius chuckled quietly beneath him and pressed a kiss to his temple. “And a very good morning to
you, babe,” he murmured, gently easing his finger from Brice’s rectum.
Brice sighed and nuzzled the peck muscle under his cheek. “Likewise.” For several long minutes,
both men lay in silence. Brice drifted in post-orgasmic bliss, reveling at the feel of being held in the
big man’s arms. Finally, the cum drying on his skin began to itch, and Brice heaved a sigh. “I guess
we better get up and shower, huh?”
“As much as I’d love to lie here until I can get it up again and fuck you proper, you’re probably
right,” Valarius commented. Gently, he eased Brice off his chest, both men hissing a time or two at the
pull of cum on pubic and chest hair. Finally, Brice lay on his back and Valarius leaned over him.
Threading his thick fingers through Brice’s hair, he tugged one of the dyed red strands. “Hmm,
interesting color choice,” Valarius commented, his gaze sweeping over the streaks of color slashing
through Brice’s blond hair. “But I really like it.” Valarius grinned down at Brice. “It suits you.”
Brice’s brows shot up. No one had ever complimented his hairstyle before…at least, not without
questioning his choice first. He couldn’t stop his heart from warming at the man’s non-judgmental
acceptance.
“You want the shower first?” Valarius asked. “If you’d like, I can get cleaned up first then zip out and
get you something comfortable to wear while you shower,” he offered, while pushing to a sitting
position.
Surprised at the kind offer, Brice didn’t answer right away. He really wanted to ask Valarius why he
was in town, how long he’d be there, and if he could see him a few more times before he had to
leave. Unfortunately, he couldn’t figure out how to ask those questions without sounding completely
needy and clingy.
He must have taken too long to answer, for Valarius swung his legs over the side of the bed and
stated, “Unless you have somewhere to be. If that’s the case, I would like to ask for your phone
number before you go.”
Brice snapped his gaze to Valarius and took in his shuttered expression. After the amazing morning
they’d had, he realized Valarius was just as insecure as he was. Smiling, Brice rolled up and crawled
toward the man. Settling on his knees, he pressed his thigh against Valarius’ and bracketed the man’s
body, draping his arms around the other man’s neck.

Pressing a kiss to the back of Valarius’ shoulder, he asked, “I need to go to the police station to sign
my statement. I’d really like to get that done first thing.” Drawing back, he looked into Valarius’ dark
eyes. “Would you meet for a late breakfast or early lunch afterward?”
Valarius smiled, lifting a hand to his face. When he cupped Brice’s jaw, his massive paw of a hand
actually reached the nape of his neck. Instead of feeling confined, Brice actually felt treasured.
“How about I go with you, then we can eat wherever you like when you’re done?”
Brice’s brows shot up. “You don’t mind waiting?”
Shrugging, Valarius admitted, “I don’t have anything else going on this morning, but I do have a
meeting at one this afternoon. I don’t know how long it could last, so want to take advantage of when
you’re free.” He finished his words by giving him a roguish wink.
Flattered and amused, Brice chuckled. “Okay, big guy. You shower, get me some clothes, and any
free time you have is mine.”
Valarius wrapped his arms around him and captured his lips. He nipped and licked, thrusting his
tongue deep. Brice hummed and sucked on the man’s appendage, earning him a growl. Pulling back,
Valarius gave him a somewhat feral grin. “You have a deal,” he purred.
Then Valarius rose from the bed and headed toward the bathroom. He stopped in the doorway and
winked before closing the door softly behind him.
Glancing around, Brice tried to decide what to do with himself while waiting for his lover…or
should he consider him a fling? He spotted his phone, wallet, and keys on the far nightstand and
decided he’d worry about it later.
Brice grabbed up his cell and saw that he had two texts and one message. All were from Vee. He
sighed. He loved his best friend dearly, but sometimes, the guy felt more like a mother hen. Brice
knew he’d had a mental freak out a while back, but he felt like he was entitled.
Vee’s long-distance boyfriend had ended up being a wolf shifter. Neither of them had known it at the
time, but there was also a pack of wolf shifters in the area. The local alpha had been offended at the
idea of a gay pairing, and they’d both ended up kidnapped by the shifter pack.
Even though Kyle, Vee’s shifter mate, and some of his buddies had rescued not only Vee but Brice as
well, it had taken Brice a hell of a long time to accept their existence. And even though he knew they
were real, and he lived with one—renting Kyle’s second bedroom—he still did his best to limit
interacting with them. He’d be happy to find a nice human lover and settle down, ignoring that
particular nugget of knowledge for the rest of his life.
Brice eyed the closed bathroom doorway and listened to the shower. Maybe…just maybe, Valarius
could help him realize that dream? Where did the man call home? Would he be interested in
something more permanent? Brice refocused on his phone. Could he really leave his friend behind?
Sighing, he figured he’d better get this over with. The texts were simple enough. Where are you? and
Is everything okay? The message was a bit more revealing. Where the fuck are you and why aren’t
you answering your phone? Damn it, Brice! I’m worried about you. Call me.
Brice couldn’t help but smile. For a second, he struggled with whether to just text a response or
actually call Vee. Knowing it’d be far worse later on if he only texted, Brice sucked it up and called
his friend.
The phone didn’t even ring twice. “Where the fuck are you? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Brice assured quickly. Using his most jovial tone, he teased, “You’d think it’s the end of
the world that I decided to go out and hook up with a guy.”
“You what?” Vee responded quickly. Then his tone softened. “Why didn’t you tell me? You know it’s
dangerous to pick-up alone. You could have at least left a note,” he admonished. Then, without

missing a beat, he asked, “Are you on your way home?”
“No. Actually, I’m—” Seeing the bathroom door open, he almost swallowed his tongue. At the sight
of Valarius striding out of the steam-filled room, his six-foot three-inch nude, muscular body on
display, his mouth went dry and he let out a strangled moan.
Valarius grinned, his smug expression one of knowing as he crossed to his bag and pulled out, then
on, a pair of jeans. It seemed as if in slow motion, his lover pulled his jeans up his legs, tucked in his
cock, and zipped up.
Oh, God! He goes commando!
“Brice? Brice, what’s wrong?”
Vee’s voice yanked his focus away from the beautiful sight in front of him. “N-nothing! Just…uh…”
His eyes widened as a now fully dressed Valarius strode toward him. His lover ignored that he was
on the phone, cupped his head, and captured his mouth in a slow thorough claiming. When he let go,
Brice was panting, trying to catch his breath.
Valarius licked his lips and smiled smugly. “I’ll be back within the hour with clothes for you. Be
ready to head out.” He pecked another kiss to Brice’s lips before pivoting and striding out of the
room, grabbing his leather jacket off a chair on his way.
When the door slammed shut, Brice finally managed to get a coherent thought in his brain. Or, maybe,
it had something to do with Vee shouting from his phone.
He lifted the device to his ear just in time to hear his friend shout, “—are you?”
Brice had no clue what Vee might have said. Instead of trying to answer, he stated, “I’m fine. Um, I’m
still with my, uh, hook-up. He’s a nice guy from out of town. We’re just gonna take a few days and
have some fun, so I’ll be in and out.”
Vee remained silent for several seconds and Brice crossed his fingers that his friend would cut him a
little slack— although, if Vee ever found out about what happened atO’ Henry’s he’d never be
allowed out of his friend’s sight again.
“Just tell me you’re okay,” Vee finally settled with.
Brice smiled. “Yeah. I’m really, really good. I’m just gonna have a couple days of fantastic sex, then
get on with my real life.” He snorted and added dryly, “We both know it’s more than due.”
He could hear his friend’s smile when next he spoke. “It has been overdue. Just check in every now
and then. You know how I worry.”
Grinning at his friend’s teasing, Brice quipped, “Awe, you know I love you, too, baby.”
Vee snorted. “Smartass.”
It was exactly the response Brice wanted. He laughed. “See you around, Vee.”
After disconnecting the call, he rose and headed toward the bathroom. He absently scratched at the
dried cum on his stomach and smiled.

Chapter Five

alarius slouched in the uncomfortable chair and checked the time on his phone again. Twenty-two

minutes… He fought against his urge to demand to see his mate, knowing it would only cause trouble.
The bastard Detective Pierson had refused to let him back.

He thought back to the conversation he’d had with his alpha. Perrin had been happy for him…a bit

reserved, since Brice was human, but Valarius understood that. His alpha would need to be thinking
of his pride’s safety. Valarius knew he would need to stress the importance of secrecy to Brice once
he revealed that he was a shifter.

Gods above, I hope he understands.

Just then, his lover’s heady aroma tickled his senses. Even though he felt disappointed because he
hadn’t been able to enjoy his mate the evening before, he could still place the man anywhere in the
same room…and he had plenty of plans to seduce his mate later.
Standing, Valarius watched Brice weave between desks and chairs, making his way toward him. His
lover gave him a wan smile, the lines around his eyes giving away the stress and emotion he hid
behind a tight-lipped smile.
Before Brice could reach him, a pair of men caught his mate’s attention. Brice’s smile tightened
further as he turned and greeted them. Curious—and concerned—Valarius headed their way. His
snarl at the receptionist caused her to blanch and look away. When he stopped at Brice’s side, she
turned around and pretended they didn’t exist.
Good.
“Hey, Brice,” the shorter of the two greeted. “What are you doing here?”
Brice grimaced. “As long as you don’t tell Vee, I’ll explain, Chris,” he mumbled.
The taller of the men, who was a little more muscular but walked with a limp on his left leg, stated,
“You think either of us know how to keep a secret from Vee?”
Valarius forced a chuckle, drawing attention to himself. “Brice is just trying to save my manhood.”
He pressed a quick kiss to his mate’s lips before facing the pair again. It didn’t miss his notice that
the shorter, more svelte man reeked of wolf.
Well, well…it looks like some of Brice’s friends not only know about shifters but are mated to
them. Huh. Hopefully, he’d be able to use that to his advantage.
“I was attacked in an alley, walking out of O’ Henry’s .” He grimaced and tucked his mate close.
“Brice called the cops and helped me out of a jam.” Smiling, he pressed a quick kiss to his lover’s
temple, then winked lasciviously at the pair of humans. “I’ve never been more grateful.” Clouding his
features, he added, “For more reasons than one.”
The men exchanged looks, and Valarius wasn’t certain they believed him. Then the shorter thrust out a
hand and greeted, “Chris Peterson. I sure hope we are here to ID the same guys who attacked you.”
The corner of his lip curled as he added, “We were attacked late last year, but the cops couldn’t find
the assholes.”
Valarius nodded curtly. “In that case, I hope they’re the same as well.” After shaking Chris’ hand, he
turned and thrust his hand to the second human. “If these are the bastards who caused you injury, I
pray we take them down.” If this pair had only been beaten, then it sounded like this trio’s actions had
been escalating. Hopefully, there’d be enough charges to put them away for a long, long time.
The human grimaced and shrugged. “Me, too. I don’t remember them much, but it’d be nice to get
them off the streets.” He took Valarius’ hand and said, “Remy Smithson.”

“Nice to meet you,” Valarius growled. Rage simmered in his veins. Suddenly, he decided this town
sucked. Damn bigots with their problems with those different than them. Barely controlling himself,
he stated, “We’re headed out to eat. If either of you want to talk about what happened, give me or
Brice a ring.” He gave them a slight smile. “We need to stick together.”
While Chris frowned, Remy, the obviously more injured of the two, smiled. “Yeah. I’ll give ya all a
ring if I need anything.”
Valarius watched the pair disappear deeper into the police station. Once they were gone, he wrapped
his arm around Brice’s waist and led him out of the building. “Which restaurant have you decided
on,” he murmured, leaning close, wanting something else to focus on.
Once outside, he couldn’t wait to be alone again with the man. Maybe, he could convince Brice to
take room service in his room…
“I know this great little diner a couple streets over that make a mean omelet,” Brice stated, pointing to
the left. “I could really go for something cheesy.” He smiled tentatively. “Is that okay with you?”
I’ll talk my mate into returning to our room after breakfast for a little…siesta.
“That sounds perfect,” Valarius replied.
Figuring his bike would be fine parked on the street near the police station, Valarius wrapped his arm
around Brice’s waist and took great pleasure in just walking with his mate. A couple of moments
later, they arrived at the diner and headed inside. A brunette greeted them and showed them to a table.
Within fifteen minutes, they’d ordered and received their food. Valarius had to admit, the coffee was
good, but the steak and cheese omelet he’d ordered was even better.
“This really is amazing,” Valarius muttered appreciatively before shoveling another bite of omelet
and hash browns into his mouth.
Brice took a swig of his coffee, then stabbed at his steak and eggs. “I probably shouldn’t be eating
this many calories, but for some reason, I woke up really hungry,” he said, winking.
Valarius snickered, remembering how well his mate had eaten his… meat…that morning. Thinking
about the fantastic blowjob, his prick thickened in his jeans. He leaned forward and gave his lover a
heated look. “Come back to the hotel with me and I’ll help you burn off those calories,” he crooned.
Pausing, Brice’s lips opened slightly and his eyes dilated as he returned Valarius’ look. The scent of
his mate’s rising arousal tickled his senses. He reached across the table and gripped Brice’s hand
lightly, bringing it to his lips and lightly sucking the pad of first one finger, then another.
Between licks, he smiled and rumbled, “You like that idea, don’t you?”
Brice nodded, panting quietly.
Valarius grinned. “Then will you join me?”
Licking his lips, Brice’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. He nodded, practically whimpering
when he whispered, “Yes.”
“Good,” Valarius responded, incredibly pleased by how his mate reacted to his touch. He released
Brice’s hand and pointed at the man’s plate. “Finish up. You’re gonna need your strength.”
Brice picked up his fork and obeyed, looking down at his plate.
The door to the diner opened, making the bell jingle. The new arrival caught Valarius’ interest.
Jared’s cool hazel-eyed gaze fixed on the hostess and he shook his head. “Just need a couple coffees
from the bar,” the guy said.
After Jared hitched a hip against a bar stool and placed his order, the human swept his gaze over the
occupants of the diner. His focus landed on Valarius. Jared gave Valarius a slight nod while he
popped the last bite of omelet and toast into his mouth.
When Jared looked at Valarius’ breakfast companion, his eyes narrowed slightly. To his surprise,

Jared pushed away and headed toward the bathroom, giving Valarius a meaningful look while tilting
his head in silent entreaty.
Returning his focus back to Brice, he winked and stated, “I’m gonna use the john.” Brice looked
surprised, but didn’t say anything. Valarius rose and leaned close, giving him a quick peck. “Be right
back.”
Nodding, Brice picked up his coffee. “No prob. I still have half a cup.” He winked. “Might need the
caffeine for what you have in mind.”
Laughing, Valarius liked his lover’s attitude. “You will,” he assured. He turned away and headed
toward the john.
When he stepped inside, he found Jared lounging against a sink, his arms crossed over his chest. “Of
all the people for you to pick for a fling, you had to pick Brice,” Jared grumbled, shaking his head.
“Not a fling,” Valarius admitted, not surprised that Jared had recognized Brice. The man’s earlier
expression had said it all. He smirked. “Guess I should thank you for sending me to O’ Henry’s last
night. Brice is my mate.”
Knowing that Jared was mated to Carson, a male, the human’s grimace surprised him. He frowned at
Jared, trying to figure the human out.
Jared didn’t keep him waiting. He heaved out a breath and stated, “Brice knows about shifters, Val.”
Valarius’ eyes widened and his heart skipped a beat with excitement, but then Jared continued, “And
he pretty much wants nothing to do with them.”
His excitement turned to dread. “What? Why?” Had someone hurt his mate?
“His introduction wasn’t a good one,” Jared admitted. “The bare bones is that he’s from Idaho. His
best friend, Valiant…Vee, mated with one our Colorado wolves and a local pack up there didn’t take
too kindly to it. Several of those wolves kidnapped Vee and Brice and freaked them out.” Jared
shook his head. “We freed them and brought them here for safety, but the damage was done. Brice
didn’t have a mate to soothe him, ease him into his acceptance of paranormal’s existence. He’s sworn
to secrecy, and for the most part, he avoids us. The only contact he has is with Vee’s mate, Kyle.”
Jared shrugged. “If you want specifics, talk to him and Vee,” he advised.
Frustration for his situation and sympathy for his mate flooded Valarius in equal measure. Jared’s
news was both a blessing and a curse. He wouldn’t have to try to figure out how to introduce Brice to
the idea of shifters, because the man already knew. Unfortunately, the man didn’t like it.
After Valarius took the phone number Jared offered him, he came to a decision and headed back out
of the restroom. Perhaps, if he gave Brice some time to get to know him as a man, when he revealed
that he was a shifter and his mate, Brice would be better apt to accept it.
His alpha had been willing to give him what he needed, so Valarius knew he could ask for a few
extra days away from his pride without consequence. His lion might hate it, but for their mate,
Valarius knew his feline would happily deal.

Chapter Six

rice moaned and bucked, unable to control himself as Valarius stroked his fingers lightly over the

sensitive skin of his hips and the crease of his groin. His shaft bobbed in the air and he bowed his
back.

“Val…oh, Val, please,” Brice whined. He twined his fingers in the comforter, his legs shifting

restlessly.
“Easy, lover,” Valarius crooned. “I got you.”
Valarius had him all right. He had him going nearly out of his mind. The second they’d hit the hotel
room, his lover had been all over him, touching him with lips, tongue, and hands. He’d maneuvered
Brice backward across the room, deftly stripping them both of clothes, then laying him out with
Valarius levered over him.
Now, tingles danced across his skin, his erection throbbed, and fire sizzled through his veins.
Valarius seemed to have a single-minded obsession with giving him the most pleasure he’d ever
experienced, that Brice thought he’d black out at any second.
His head near Brice’s groin, Valarius nipped the sensitive skin at the dip of his hip. Brice hissed. His
cock jerked and pre-cum oozed from the slit. Valarius buried his nose in Brice’s pubes, tugging the
trimmed hair, sending a fresh wave of prickles dancing across his skin.
Valarius wrapped his fingers loosely around Brice’s stalk, massaging the sensitive wrinkled flesh
under his head. He lowered his mouth a bit more and gripped the skin of his sack between his teeth,
and tugged. When Valarius reached up and pinched Brice’s pebbled nipple, he howled, completely
lost in sensation.
Sparks traveled down his chest to his cock. His dick throbbed from the massaging fingers under the
cap. His testicles tightened as the base of his spine tingled, heralding his imminent release.
His lover dipped a finger into his sensitive piss-slit and Brice lost it. His balls pulled flush to his
body, shooting cum up his stalk in ropes of blissful release. The sensations washed over him like a
cresting wave, spreading fiery endorphins through his body and out his limbs.
“Val!” he cried out, reaching down to grip his lover’s thick hair, as if hanging onto the other man was
the only way to keep himself grounded.
Panting, Brice slowly came back to himself to the feel of Valarius gently petting his side. Blinking to
clear his vision, Brice sighed heavily and smiled wanly at the man. Valarius lay on his side, his head
near his hip, propped up in his palm, and smiled smugly as he gently pet Brice’s hip and thigh.
“Wow,” he slurred, trying to get his brain to function.
Valarius grinned and heaved up onto his elbow. Lifting his free hand, he swiped a couple fingers
through Brice’s spilled seed, scooped some up, and brought it to his lips, licking it sensually from his
fingers. Brice moaned at the sexy sight.
Winking, the bigger man asked, “Ready for round two, lover?”
After swallowing to get moisture into a throat dry from screaming, Brice mumbled, “Good thing I had
that extra cup of coffee.”
Laughing, Valarius replied, “I’ll take that as a yes.” He gripped Brice’s thigh and pushed his leg up.
“I plan to tap this ass,” he said, massaging Brice’s anus before dipping one finger into his heat.
Brice hissed at the tingles shooting up his rectum. “God, yes.”
“You want my cock, Brice?” Valarius toned. He leaned down and, holding Brice’s gaze, swiped his
tongue through the cooling semen.

Brice moaned at the sight of his lover licking him clean. It’d been so long since someone had taken
the time to explore him, discover his likes and dislikes. He wanted more, much more.
“Yeah,” he murmured, his ass clenching around Valarius’ still invading digit. “Want to feel you.”
“You will,” Valarius assured, sliding his finger out. Brice whimpered at the loss. “Easy, babe. I’ll
give you what you need.”
Brice watched in amazement as—after Valarius applied a generous amount of lube to his fingers—he
leaned downed and started cleaning him again. While he did that, he slid a finger back into him and
pumped slowly.
“More, please more,” Brice begged, rocking his hips, searching for the pleasant burn he knew would
send sparks dancing through his system.
For a second, Valarius paused, then gave him what he wanted and pushed in a second finger. Sighing,
Brice felt himself melt into his lover’s touch. His cock quickly started to thicken once more.
“Like that little bit of burn, don’t you, babe?” Valarius crooned, catching on swiftly to Brice’s
triggers. He thrust in a third finger.
Brice groaned, his eyelids lowering to half-mast. “Want to feel.” It’d been so long since he felt
anything but fear and worry and concern. Here, now, with this man, he felt cherished and appreciated
and sexy.
“I’ll help you feel anything you need,” Valarius assured. Using one hand, he rolled on a condom, then
pulled his hand free and swiped it over his dick. “You like to burn, to feel me? I’ll make you feel
me.”
“Please,” Brice pleaded, desperate for just that.
“Easy, lover,” Valarius soothed even as he pushed forward, sinking just the cap of his dick into
Brice’s chute.
Breathing through the first delicious seconds, Brice smiled as he looked down and watched Valarius’
thick, dark prick slide into his body. It stretched and filled him, forcing his rectum to expand around
the invasion. “Val,” he moaned, enjoying how his lover’s thick prick stretched him wide.
“That’s the way, Brice,” Valarius murmured. “Take my cock. Gonna fill you up so good.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Brice panted.
Growling softly, Valarius bottomed out and, lowering himself onto Brice, flushing their bodies
together, he pressed his weight into him. He wrapped his arms under Brice’s torso and gripped his
shoulders. Pressing his mouth to the flesh where Brice’s shoulder met his neck, he started sucking and
kissing the sensitive flesh.
Instead of starting slowly, Valarius took Brice at his word and began jacking his hips in quick, hard
strokes. Each time he thrust in, he adjusted his thrusts. It only took a couple for Valarius to peg his
gland.
Brice keened as the heady sparks erupted through his body. He lifted his legs and wrapped them
around the big man’s waist, digging his heels into the top of Valarius’ ass. He used his hold as
leverage to rock into each forceful stroke. Lifting one hand above his head, Brice planted his palm
against the headboard to keep Valarius from shoving him up the bed with each swift, jarring thrust.
“Yes. Yes. Yes,” Brice grunted with each pound of Valarius’ hips. He couldn’t remember the last
time he’d felt so filled, so stretched.
Valarius snarled and sucked harder on Brice’s neck, the sharp sensation an intense counterpoint to the
man’s ramming hips. The sound of male grunts, growls, and gasps filled the room. Sweat made his
body slick, creating a smooth glide between them, allowing Valarius’ ribbed abs to rub across
Brice’s throbbing dick.

Throwing his head back, Brice moaned. His balls pulled tight. “C-close.”
Valarius lifted his head and slammed his mouth over Brice’s. He thrust his tongue deep enough to
practically taste Brice’s tonsils. Opening wide, Brice moaned at the dual invasion, feeling possessed
by his lover in the best possible way. It seemed like Valarius tried to consume him.
“Now,” Valarius ordered, his words garbled since he didn’t lift his mouth away from Brice’s. “Come
now.”
As he spoke, Valarius reached between them and pinched Brice’s nipple…hard. Brice felt like his
body burst into flames. Feeding his lover a grunt and a groan, Brice’s cock shot. Seed soaked the
already slick space between them.
Huffing in conjunction with his thrusts, Valarius jacked into him thrice more before his hips jerked
and his body tensed. Valarius clutched Brice tightly as he flooded the condom with warm cum.
Sighing, Brice relaxed. His senses pinged with endorphins and pleasant sensations sang through his
system and rectum. He hummed and stroked his hands down Valarius’ sweaty back, tracing the curve
of his tight ass.
As a consummate bottom—hell, he thought nothing was better than a hard cock up his ass—Brice had
no desire to tap his lover’s ass, but he sure liked touching it. He smiled when Valarius flexed, taking
the opportunity to palm and squeeze.
Valarius lifted his head and smirked down at him, mirth lighting his dark eyes. “Like my ass, do you?”
Brice grinned. “Among other parts of your anatomy,” he teased back, tightening his chute on his
lover’s softening prick.
Grunting, Valarius gave him a mock glare. “Knock it off unless you think you can handle another
round.”
“Hmm,” Brice hummed theatrically. “I suppose I can wait.”
When Valarius laughed and slowly eased out of him, Brice sighed. He couldn’t remember the last
time he’d had so much fun with a lover.

Brice shut the door of the house softly and paused, listening. When he didn’t hear anything, he trod

quietly down the hall to his room. He thought he got away clean and pulled off his shirt. When he
could see again, he nearly jumped out of his skin. His buddy Vee leaned against the doorframe staring
at him.

His arms crossed over his chest, Vee lifted a brow and asked. “What are you? Seventeen?

Sneaking in as if you’d done something wrong?” Vee rolled his eyes. “You’re an adult and I know
you can do what you want.”

Sighing, Brice tossed the shirt—an All Weather’s Outfitters t-shirt from—ironically—the very

store in town he worked for—So sweet of Valarius to buy me a new shirt —into his laundry basket.
“Yeah? That’s not how it sounded on the phone this morning.”

Vee rolled his eyes and dropped onto his bed. “You disappeared for the night without a word.

What did you think I’d do?”

“And that’s why I’m not upset,” Brice replied, sitting down next to him. He really needed a

shower and a nap, especially since he wanted to have plenty of energy for his lover and their picnic
that evening. He bumped his shoulder into Vee’s, smiling at his brown-haired friend. “Be happy for
me. I found a nice guy who’s sexy as fuck and we’re having fun.”

Nodding, Vee returned his smile. “I am. It’s about time you’ve gotten out and had a little fun.”

Suddenly, his friend smirked. “I guess the men atO’ Henry’saren’t quite like the gay boys back home,
huh?”

Concerned maybe his friend had heard something about his little escapade last night, Vee’s brows

creased. “What do you mean?” he asked.

Vee snorted and touched his neck. “Cause whoever you found sucks like a Hoover, dude.”

Relieved, Brice laughed. “Yeah.” He winked. “My neck ain’t the only thing he sucks like a Hoover.”
Groaning good-naturedly, Vee stood and teased, “TMI, man. TMI.”
“Don’t ask about what you don’t want to know,” he replied loftily. Brice also stood and grabbed a
change of clothes.
“You seeing him again?” Vee asked, following him out the door toward the bathroom.
Brice shrugged. “Yeah. He’s from out of town, so I plan to fool around for a few days and then get on
with life, ya know?” He shook his head at his friend’s concerned look. “I’ve never called in sick at
work before, so I think I’m due. Don’t you?”
Vee nodded. “Yeah, man. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“Thanks, Dad,” Brice teased.
Rolling his eyes, Vee grabbed the towel off the rack and snapped it at him. “Mooch.”
“Ass.”
“Mother hen,” Brice returned.
“Fucker,” Vee grumbled, rolling his eyes before turning and heading out the door.
Brice laughed, their banter proving his friend wasn’t upset. Getting into the shower and under the hot
spray, he thought about all the things he planned to do to his lover once on their picnic.

Chapter Seven

olling his eyes, Valarius listened to the same shifters give the same arguments. No one wanted to

budge on their stances. Irritated—and missing Brice more than he missed breathing—he rose and
headed toward the door, drawing attention to himself.

He’d intended just to make a discreet retreat. Unfortunately, Declan must have thought he wanted

to chime in. “Ye have something to say, Valarius?” the alpha wolf called.

Valarius paused at the side of the room and thought quickly. He wasn’t really known for his

diplomatic skills. His leaders just expected him to report back. “In my opinion,” he started slowly.
“We need to be open to changes. That said, it doesn’t mean we need to go into changes passively.
Even though a river pushes a canoe forward, the man with the paddle steers.” He shrugged. “We need
some control of our fate. I say we let them know we are a force to be reckoned with.”

Before others could start shouting denials or their own point of view, he added, “It wouldn’t be

safe to let anyone know the number or location of our cubs. That’s just asking for trouble. But if we
go to them and demand representation in decisions of how our species is dealt with, even if just
behind the scenes, it’ll be a start.”

For a long minute, silence met his pronouncement. Valarius figured they would ignore his opinion,

or even victimize it, while others wanted to elevate their own ideas. Instead, several people actually
agreed with him. He listened as still others bounced around ideas of how they could accomplish
getting representation.

Fascinated, Valarius found himself listening raptly as the Shifter Council asked the vampire

representatives if their council wanted them revealed. Their answer wasn’t definitive. The gargoyles,
however, wanted their own existence to remain secret as long as possible. Since their people actually
turned to stone during the day, and had little chance to defend themselves if found out, Valarius
certainly understood their stance.

Thirty minutes later, they made the decision for members of the Shifter Council to approach the

CIA agents with a desire to establish some kind of communication. They would not speak of
gargoyles…ever, and the vampires would need to report back.

Valarius crossed his arms over his chest, shocked that he’d been listened to. All he’d actually

wanted was not to make a fool of himself. “Well, shit,” he mumbled.
“Not quite what you expected?” Jared asked.

Valarius just managed to keep from showing his surprise. He hadn’t realized the human was there.

Scowling, he glanced toward the man. “Not really. I’m not exactly known for my diplomatic skills,”
he added, smirking.

Jared shrugged. “Sometimes, that’s what it takes.” Nodding, Valarius watched the proceedings

wrap up. “How are things going with Brice?”
Smiling, his heart sped up and his blood pooled in his
groin just thinking of his mate. “We’re going on a picnic. I’m going to ask him if he’s open to
moving,” he admitted.

“He hasn’t been in town long…maybe a year.” Jared cocked his head as he eyed him. “You got a

good shot at having him move, especially with the mate-pull in your favor.” He actually looked rueful
for a second, as if thinking about his own words. “It certainly worked on me.”

“I sure hope so,” Valarius muttered. “I can’t leave him here. My lion wouldn’t allow it.” Figuring

it wouldn’t hurt, he asked, “Is Kyle around? I’d like to ask him his advice about spilling the news to

Brice that I’m a shifter. Maybe he’ll know a good approach.”

Jared pointed toward a man with thick black hair heading out the far door. “That’s him. Better

hurry.”
Valarius nodded and headed that way, slipping around groups of people talking and laughing. He
reached the door, nodded at the wolf shifter guarding it, and glanced first one way, then the other. The
man Jared had pointed toward stood halfway down the hallway, facing a set of windows. He had a
phone pressed to his ear and a smile on his face.
Pausing a few feet away, Valarius stared out the floor-toceiling windows and waited for the wolf
shifter to finish his call. Beyond the glass, stone paths wound between cacti and desert shrubs. He lost
himself for several minutes in the colors, and only barely registered Kyle’s growled words, “Hang on
a sec, babe.”
The hand on his shoulder pulled him out of his musings really fast. Valarius found himself spun
around and pressed up against the glass. If he didn’t know the shifter was already mated, he’d have
thought Kyle was coming on to him—what with the way he stood so close and pressed his nose
against Valarius’ neck.
“Who are you and why do you smell like Brice?” Kyle snarled.
Only the fact that he stood in the middle of a human hotel hosting a shifter convention kept him from
removing the man’s hands from him…forcefully. Instead, he swallowed his pride—which completely
sucked—and murmured coldly, “I met Brice last night. He’s my mate. I heard he knows about shifters
and isn’t too fond of them. I came to ask your advice.”
Kyle remained still for several seconds before he slowly eased away. Straightening, the wolf sighed
and moved his gaze over Valarius’ shoulder to the gardens. “Well, fuck.”

Valarius kicked down the stand to his bike and leaned it sideways. After swinging his leg over, he

took a minute to peer up at the small cottage. Inside, his mate waited, which kinda scared him to
death, because Kyle hadn’t been very encouraging.

“Take it slow and easy. Make him fall in love with you to the point where he can’t think of

anything but being with you.” Kyle’s blue eyes pierced him with the sincerity of his words. “Then,
and only then, let him know you’re a shifter. And pray he’ll forgive you.”

He still didn’t know if he’d take Kyle’s advice. The idea of holding out on his mate didn’t sit well

with him. Unfortunately, he hadn’t known the man long enough to figure out another route.

Heading up the walk, Valarius decided he’d take the man’s advice, at least at first. One day at a

time. He reached the porch and rang the bell. His shifter hearing picked up the sound of hushed voices
and soft footfalls. Shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans, Valarius stepped back and leaned
his hip against the porch railing.

The door opened revealing a fairly tall, slender man. A wave of wolf shifter scent hit Valarius’

senses, telling him that this must be Vee, Brice’s friend and Kyle’s mate. “Can I help you?” Vee
asked, crossing his arms over his chest and lifting a brow imperiously.

It almost made Valarius laugh. He had probably four inches and a good fifty pounds on the guy,

and still Vee attempted to intimidate him.

Valarius smirked. “I’m looking for Brice. I believe I have the correct address.”

“Geez, as if you don’t know what he’s here for,” Brice called from a bit further inside the house. He
appeared carrying his sneakers and shoved his friend out of the way. “God, don’t pretend you’re my
father. That’s just all sorts of wrong.”
Brice rolled his eyes and bumped his hip against Vee’s before dropping his shoes on the deck and
shoving one on. Vee snickered and returned the hip-bump just as Brice started working his second

foot into his shoe. Squeaking, Brice flailed, losing his balance.
Lunging forward, Valarius wrapped his arms around his stumbling mate and pulled him tight to his
chest. Brice’s palms landed on his t-shirt-covered pecks and Valarius barely suppressed a pleased
purr at the contact. “You okay?” he crooned, running one hand up and down his back.
Brice peered up at him, his mouth open just a bit, his tongue peeking out, pressing against his teeth. It
was just too alluring a sight, and Valarius couldn’t resist. He brought one hand up to grip Brice’s
nape and slanted his mouth over his lover’s.
Valarius ignored Brice’s soft hmmph of surprise. Instead, he took advantage and thrust his tongue into
the warm haven that had given him so much pleasure earlier. He lapped at Brice’s lips, gums, and
finally drew the other man’s tongue into his own mouth to suck lightly on it.
Moaning, Brice melted into him. Valarius couldn’t hold in his pleased growl as he deepened the kiss.
Using his hold on Brice’s neck, he urged the man’s head to a better angle and thrust in deep.
His lover’s fingers twisted into his t-shirt, catching several chest hairs. The pain caused his nipples to
bead. Valarius hissed at the odd mix of pleasure and pain and eased the kiss to an end. Grinning at his
man, he took in the flushed face, lidded expression, and heavily dilated eyes.
“So sexy,” he crooned.
Panting, Brice seemed to regain himself. He uncurled his fingers and smoothed his hands over
Valarius’ chest. “Wow, that was…mmm, welcome.”
“Are you two done with the make-out session?” Vee said, appearing in the doorway holding a small
bag and a jacket.
Valarius didn’t know when the man had left and didn’t really care. Although, he had to admit that
Brice was one hell of a distraction…in the best way possible. He ignored the human in the doorway
and rubbed a thumb along the prominent nubs of his slender mate’s spine. “Did ya miss me, babe?”
Brice lifted a shoulder in a half-shrug as he flushed a bit more. “Maybe…I guess.”
Chuckling, Valarius planted one more swift kiss to Brice’s lips, then eased away. “Let’s get moving. I
look forward to exploring these mountains. We don’t have anything like this back home.”
“Where do you call home?” Vee cut in, leaning against the doorframe.
“Kansas,” Valarius answered. “We have forests and rivers, don’t get me wrong, but the Rockies are a
sight to behold.”
His cat would love to spend hours exploring, but sadly he wouldn’t be able to do that today. Maybe,
eventually.
“I’m ready,” Brice said, shrugging into his jacket and picking up the bag. He glared at Vee. “And stop
interrogating my dates.”
Unrepentant, Vee snorted. “As if you didn’t do the same to me.”
Valarius didn’t like the way his lover’s face clouded or how his fingers tightened to nearly white on
the strap of his bag.
“That was different,” Brice mumbled.
He remembered Jared’s words of being kidnapped by wolf shifters and wished he could comfort his
mate, but knew if he did, it’d just raise more questions. So, he gave Brice’s shoulder a squeeze and
said, “Let’s head out. I brought a few things for a picnic and got a map from the hotel lobby with
hiking trails. It’ll be fun.”
Brice nodded and headed down the steps. Vee reached out and touched his shoulder. “Hey, I’m sorry.
I didn’t mean it like that.”
Valarius lifted a brow, feigning confused interest.
His mate glanced over his shoulder and smiled at Vee. “I know. Those were…troubling times.”

Forcing his smile wider, Brice shrugged. “And I don’t want to ruin our date with those thoughts.”
Placing his hand on Brice’s shoulder, Valarius squeezed gently, mindful of his shifter strength. “Of
course, babe. I understand.” And he really did. Everyone had secrets, himself included. He leaned
down and pressed a soft peck to Brice’s temple, earning him a smile from his lover. Valarius returned
the smile and said, “Let’s go enjoy our evening, hmm?”
Valarius handed Brice his helmet, then swung onto his bike. His lover stared at the helmet, frowning.
“What about you?”
“I’m much more worried about you, Brice. You’re not used to a motorcycle. I am. It will make you
more comfortable,” Valarius assured.
After a second, his lover nodded, pulled the helmet on, and fumbled with the clasp. Once done, Brice
swung up behind him and Valarius grinned upon feeling his mate’s arms tight around him.
Nice! I could…and want…to get used to this!

Chapter Eight

ated, Brice relaxed on the blanket, mostly on his back and propped up on his elbows. He tipped

his head back and enjoyed the sun warming his face. The champagne was almost as delicious as the
taste of Valarius’ kisses. Add in the chocolate covered raspberries—which Brice found nearly as
sweet as the man lying next to him, his head propped on his palm as he peered at him—and Brice
thought this was probably the best date he’d ever been on.

And it isn’t because of the amazing sixty-nine we shared fifteen minutes ago…

“So, tell me about yourself, Brice,” Valarius urged.
Turning his head on his neck, Brice met Valarius’ darkeyed gaze. “Not much to me, really. I’m from
Idaho originally. My family disowned me when I came out. When my buddy moved here to live with
his truck driving boyfriend, I came, too.” He shrugged and dropped fully to his back, placing his
hands under his head and gazing at the clouds floating across the deep blue sky. “I work about thirty
hours a week at All Weather Outfitters and take online courses.”
Valarius reached over and traced a couple fingers along Brice’s arm, sending goose bumps over his
skin. “So, I was thinking…”
The hesitance in Valarius’ voice caught Brice’s attention. He rolled to face his much larger lover,
surprised to see uncertainty in the man’s eyes. Was Valarius tired of him already? Brice knew they
were only having a fling, but he was really hoping for another day or two with the guy.
Forcing a smile, Brice figured he could go out on his own terms, so he quipped, “Tired of me already,
huh?”
“Quite the opposite, actually,” Valarius immediately responded. “I want more of you.” He pushed
Brice onto his back and captured his mouth in a slow exploration.
Having just come, Brice felt shocked that his prick actually twitched in his jeans as Valarius swept
his tongue into his mouth. He lifted his arms and wrapped them around his lover’s neck, meeting him
thrust for thrust and hanging on tight. He wasn’t certain what it was about this man, but he just
couldn’t seem to get enough.
Finally, Valarius’ words registered in Brice’s lust-fogged brain. He pulled away slightly, separating
their lips. “What did you have in mind?” he managed to say before Valarius took his lips again.
Brice sighed into the kiss, sinking his fingers deep into his lover’s dark hair. Valarius released his
mouth and worked his way along his jaw, nipping and kissing. Turning his head, Brice moaned as
tingles worked down his neck, making the hairs at his nape stand on end.
Valarius reached the sensitive skin below Brice’s ear and nuzzled it. “Got any time off coming your
way? When I return to Kansas, I was hoping to talk you into going with me. Let me show you around,”
he whispered, then sucked his lobe into his mouth and gently tugged.
“Oh,” Brice groaned. “Feels good.”
“Good enough to come with me?” Valarius teased, sliding his fingers under Brice’s shirt and tracing
along his hip and up his ribs.
“Y-yeah, I could, uh…” His mental abilities kicked in for just a second. Shit, am I really considering
this? Go with some near stranger to another state?
Then Valarius flicked his nipple before tugging it lightly. Brice couldn’t figure out how it was
possible, but his prick actually thickened in his jeans…again.
Valarius rubbed the hair of his goatee up and down his neck and asked gruffly, “What was that, babe?
You could what?”

“Shit,” Brice whined. “Can’t think,” he admitted.
Lifting his head, Valarius peered down at him, the heat and need burning in his gaze took Brice’s
breath away. “Say you’ll come, then we won’t need to think for the next several hours.” Valarius
palmed Brice’s dick, gripping him and squeezing him through his jeans. “What do you say?”
“Yes,” he squeaked, his hips bucking into the delicious pressure of his lover’s firm grip.
“Yes, what?” Valarius snapped with surprising forcefulness.
Brice moaned. He’d always loved a firm, take-charge lover. One who knew what he wanted and went
after it, and to Brice’s way of thinking, Valarius wanted him. As long as he didn’t try to alienate him
from his friends, the man would be perfect.
Time will tell…
Valarius pressed the heel of his palm against Brice’s dick and he grunted at the sharp pressure. “You
paying attention, Brice?” Valarius crooned, grinning at him.
His lover let the pressure up a bit, allowing Brice to catch his breath for a second. He grinned up at
Valarius. “A little hard not to pay attention to you, Val,” he murmured. A pleased smile curved the
other man’s features, making his eyes twinkle. Returning his smile, Brice added, “And, yeah, I think I
could use a vacation.”
Humming, Valarius’ eyes narrowed in obvious pleasure. “Excellent.”
Valarius’ lips touched Brice’s, but then he snapped away as if burned. Brice frowned. “What’s
wrong?”
Instead of answering, Valarius glanced swiftly around the clearing. They’d stopped in a meadow that
Valarius had said was about halfway up the trail and a little ways off the beaten path. There were
trees shielding them from both above and below, and their blanket was half in and half out of the
shade.
“What is it?” Brice asked again, glancing around as well, trying to figure out what caused the wide-
eyed, almost spooked expression on his big lover’s face. “Val?” He reached up and touched
Valarius’ neck.
Valarius caught his hand and pinned it to the grass in a firm grip. Brice froze, but his lover’s hold
didn’t hurt, just held firm. “Hush, love,” Valarius commanded. “Maybe they’ll pass.”
Brice wanted to ask who—who might pass? Pass what? Their hiding place?—but then he got
distracted by the term love. Was that just a slip of the tongue? Or did the man mean it as something
more?
Deciding to trust his lover, Brice remained still, trying to hear or see whatever Valarius had. Finally,
after what felt like an eternity, Brice heard the snap of twigs and the rumble of masculine voices.
“Damn it,” Valarius growled. He rolled to his knees and grabbed for the empty champagne bottle and
the nearly empty container of fruit. “We gotta go.”
“What’s wrong?” Brice whispered, but he didn’t hesitate to follow his lover’s lead. He’d seen
Valarius take out the dickheads that’d been about to rape him like it was nothing, so if something had
him concerned, Brice wouldn’t question it…much.
He scrambled to his feet, grabbed the blanket they’d been lying on, and quickly folded it.
“If we move fast, maybe we can avoid them,” Valarius murmured. “Shit, how could I be so stupid?”
Brice couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so confused…wait, scratch that. Yes, he could
remember being so confused, and he hadn’t liked it then any better than he did now.
What the fuck?
Three men entered the small clearing, all of them larger than himself, though only one appeared as
large as his lover. Still, Brice knew he wasn’t much in a fight, but he’d still try.

“Well, well, well…I thought that was you at the meeting, Valarius,” the middle and largest man said.
He smirked and, after brushing a strand of dark brown hair out of his face, the guy added, “Been a
while.”
“Not long enough, Rayban,” Valarius growled.
The stranger, Rayban, narrowed his eyes, his expression turning calculating. “Is that the way to speak
to your beta, Val?”
“You’re not my beta, Ray,” Valarius growled back. “Not since I refused to mate with your sister.”
Brice felt the blood drain from his face at the exchange of words. They sounded suspiciously like
something shifters would say.
Surely not…
“You’re not good enough for my sister,” Rayban snarled, his face flushing with anger. “You never
were.”
“Fine,” Valarius snapped. “You won, didn’t you? I left. Now watch your language.” Valarius glanced
toward Brice, a meaningful look on his face.
Rayban snickered. “Oh, Val. I overheard your conversation with that wolf. Brice is your mate.” He
smiled widely. “Surely we can speak freely.”
Oh, shit.Brice paled. “You’re a—” He didn’t even want to finish the thought.
“Easy, babe,” Valarius crooned, glancing over his shoulder at him. “Everything is fine.”
“Actually, it’s not fine. You’re still wanted by our pride alpha for going rogue.” Rayban’s smile
turned cruel. “I think it’s high time for us to carry out his order.”
“I no longer answer to him. I have a new alpha now, Alpha Perrin. You have to go through him,”
Valarius snapped.
Rayban snorted. “We’re in the backwoods of Colorado. I can do whatever the hell I want.”
Valarius reached back and grabbed Brice’s hand, threading their fingers together. “There are shifters
out here that know exactly where we are. You won’t get away with harming us.”
Smiling, Rayban sneered, “Since you’ll be dead, you let me worry about that.” He looked first one
way, then the other, somehow issuing silent orders to his companions, and they started to strip.
“Oh, shit. Shit, shit, shit,” Brice squeaked, fear slicing through him.
Valarius released him as, he, too, started stripping. For just a moment, Brice found himself distracted
from his rising panic by his lover’s thick, heavily muscled body. It was long enough for his lover to
finish yanking off his clothes. He looked over his bare shoulder and stated, “Stay behind me and don’t
run. It will trigger our instinct to hunt.”
Brice’s jaw dropped open, his mind returning to the fact that his lover was a shifter…a damn shifter!
Something he’d vowed never to get involved with.
“Brice!” Valarius snapped. “Do you understand?”
“I understand,” he quickly responded.
Hell, if it increased his chance for safety, he’d stand on his head and cluck like a chicken!
Then, once again, all thought wiped from his mind as he watched the shifters around him change.
Except…they didn’t change into wolves. Instead of getting smaller, or even staying the same size,
these shifters grew. Their muscles rippled under their skin, tendons and bones snapped and popped,
and fur sprouted…a lot of fur.
In seconds, Valarius and the other shifters had turned into lions…really large fucking lions. Complete
with thick mains, honey-gold fur, and tufted tails. Every instinct told Brice to run from the very large
predators now filling the small clearing, and it took everything in him to obey Valarius’ final request.
Clenching and unclenching his fists, he mentally chanted, Stay still. Stay still. Stay out of the way of

the giant claws.
One of the attackers, a blond-haired shifter who ended up becoming a lean, pale furred, light-maned
lion, launched toward Valarius. His lover— fucking hell, I have a shifter lover!—twisted to his back
and brought his legs up, raking them across the other shifter’s belly, causing his attacker to hiss and
twist away.
Valarius rolled back to a crouch just as the second lion charged. Brice screamed a warning. His lion
immediately responded, twisting to keep between Brice and face off against the other shifter’s charge.
Brice looked around, searching for something—a big stick, maybe—that he’d be able to use to protect
himself…just in case the third guy, Rayban, decided to shift and attack, too. So far, they’d been lucky,
and Rayban—a pack, wait, pride, beta—had sent his stooges in to do his dirty work.
Brice backed up a few steps, sweeping his gaze over the ground swiftly. He didn’t find anything and a
low growl caused him to return his focus to the fighting shifters. Valarius dodged, weaved, scraped,
and slapped at the two attacking lions. It kept him occupied and Rayban seemed to be taking that
opportunity to shift.
“Hey, you psychotic bastard!” Brice yelled. If he could draw attention, he knew the lions would have
to back off. There were laws about exposing shifter secrets to humans. That meant he needed other
people here. With that thought in mind, Brice screamed like a banshee…as if the hounds of hell were
attacking him.

Chapter Nine

A
blood-curdling shriek ripped through the clearing, and Valarius wasn’t the only one that froze. His
lion recovered almost instantly as he recognized his mate’s cry.

Valarius leaped sideways, raking his claws against the darker lion as hard as he could as he

passed. Taking continued advantage, he landed on the other cat’s back, sank his jaws into the shifter’s
throat, and threw his weight sideways. He took the smaller lion with him and pitched the cat,
throwing him against a tree.

Rolling back to his paws, he swung his head around to see his lover still screaming, but he didn’t

appear to be in any actual danger.

During a lull in the noise, where Brice seemed to be sucking in a breath to start the racket again,

Valarius heard shouting and the crashing of people running down the trail and through the bush…and
they were coming closer.

Valarius growled low in his throat, watching the other three lions come to the same conclusion

and scatter. He wouldn’t—couldn’t—leave his mate…or at least, not until he knew the other lions
were gone.

When his heightened shifter eyesight spotted the flash of bright colored clothes through the trees,

he grabbed up his jeans in his jaws and leaped behind a copse of trees, then padded deeper into the
woods. He hesitated for just a second, taking a quick glance around the secluded area, and initiated
his shift.

Desperately needing to get back to Brice, Valarius grunted at the slight pain and the tingles

working through him as he poured every regaining his knees, panting, for several seconds, the ringing
in his head making it difficult to concentrate.

Once he could will his limbs to move, Valarius used a tree for support and stood up. He grabbed

his jeans and tugged them on, grimacing when he realized he’d put a tooth hole through the thigh.
Shaking his head to clear it of the last vestiges of spots, Valarius turned and jogged back through the
woods.

Valarius spotted several people, four men and two women, crowding around his mate. Fighting

down his possessiveness, he called his lover’s name as he tried to determine if his mate had actually
been hurt as well as figure out Brice’s mood. To Valarius’ relief, Brice turned toward him and
actually looked relieved to see him.
“Val,” Brice called.

Wrapping his mate close, Valarius pulled the man against his bare chest. He ignored the desire

that instantly coursed through him when his man tucked his face against his neck and warm breath
skittered across his chest hairs.

“You all right, babe?” Valarius murmured. A quick glance around showed expressions ranging

from confusion to concern to appreciation…probably at the view, since his torso was bare.

“God, I’m so embarrassed,” came Brice’s surprising answer.

“Why?” Valarius couldn’t help his knee-jerk reaction to ask.
bit of extra energy he could muster into human form. He remained on hands and
Brice huffed and eased back a bit. Valarius loosened his grip and Brice grimaced as he looked
sheepishly around at the others. “I’m sorry. I thought I saw a bear and all I could remember was some
advice from a nature show about not startling them and letting them know where you are. I-I couldn’t
think of anything else to do but scream.”

“A bear?” a blonde woman piped up. “Where?”
Brice peeked over Valarius’ shoulder and pointed. “Up there, in those pines.”
“Bummer we missed that,” another man said, peering in that direction.
The blonde drew close to that guy—who quickly wrapped his arm around her waist. “Do you think
it’s still up there?” she asked, whispering.
One of the other men shook his head. “Probably not.” He grabbed the brunette’s hand and gave it a
tug. “Come on, Theresa. Let’s finish our hike.”
Theresa nodded and followed him a couple steps before pausing and glancing back. “So, you’re okay,
then?”
Brice flushed pink. “Yeah. Thanks everyone. Sorry to interrupt your hikes.”
“No prob, man,” said the first man, as he and his woman left the clearing. The second pair also left,
the brunette offering a wave and a smile.
That left the pair of men in the clearing with them. The dark-haired guy, whose green eyes twinkled
with amusement, stated, “A bear, huh? And it wouldn’t have anything to do with the stench of lion
permeating the clearing, would it?”
Valarius’ brows shot up, and he realized due to his predominance to ease his mate’s fears, he hadn’t
picked up on the large man’s scent. Wolf! To his surprise, Brice grimaced and shook his head. “Sorry,
Kade. What else was I supposed to say? A trio of lion shifters attacked us and I couldn’t think of
another way to run them off?”
The second man, a slender fellow with a runner’s build— human by his scent, though probably mated
with either the wolf shifter or another one—elbowed Kade in the ribs and admonished, “Be nice.”
Yep, definitely mated.
Kade oomphed good-naturedly. Then clearing his expression, he reached over and squeezed Brice’s
shoulder. “You did good. Quick thinking.”
Before Valarius had time to growl at the other man’s familiar touch of his mate, Kade removed his
hand and offered it to him. “I’m Kade McGraw with the Stone Ridge pack. You’re Valarius, right?
Out of a Kansas pride?”
Valarius’ brows shot up and he accepted the other shifter’s shake. “That’s right. Valarius Lemusson.
How’d you know?”
“I’m a pack enforcer.” A corner of Kade’s lip curved. “It’s my job to know.” His expression easing,
he dropped Valarius’ hand and looked around, taking in the broken branches, crushed grasses, and
scuffed dirt. “Looks like quite the scuffle. Want to tell me what happened?”
“I’d be happy to, but I’d rather not explain everything here,” Valarius said. When Kade’s eyes
narrowed in distrust, he held up a hand. “Brice is my mate, and I want him out of harm’s way. I
wouldn’t put it past Rayban to come back, even with you here. He’s not known for his brains, but
Alpha Edward sure likes to use his brawn,” he admitted. “They’re members of my old pride and
they’re not too happy with how things were left when I fled.”
Kade nodded. “Fair enough. I wouldn’t want my mate in danger, either.” He wrapped around the
human and nodded toward him. “This is Tom Bristol.”
“Nice to meet you, Tom,” Valarius responded dutifully. Cocking his head, he commented, “I guess ya
all know Brice?”
Tom grinned. “Yeah. He works for me at All Weather Outfitters.”
Brice nodded and peered up at him. “Told you. Boring cashier,” he said, some of his earlier emotion
fading from his voice.
Valarius worried at that, hoping it was more shock or fatigue and not his mate pulling away from him.

Gently squeezing Brice’s shoulder, maybe in an unconscious effort to erase the other shifter’s touch,
Valarius crooned, “Let’s get going, babe. We need to report this properly so Kade can let his pack
know to be on the lookout for Rayban, Bill, and Ned.”
Nodding, Brice offered him a wan smile before reaching down and picking up the dropped blanket.
He rolled it up tightly and attached it to Valarius’ backpack, then picked up his own pack and slung it
over his shoulder. After yanking on the rest of his clothes, Valarius shoved the plastic champagne
flutes into his bag and did the same.
The four men moved swiftly back down the trail. At one point, Valarius thought he smelled Rayban,
so paused and scented the wind. Kade stopped and followed his lead, lifting a brow in silent
question.
“Rayban,” he confirmed. “And he must have been moving fast, for his scent’s nearly gone now.”
Kade grunted, his scent giving away his irritation. Valarius sure hoped it was the situation and the
other lion shifters that caused it and not anything he or Brice had done. As far as he was concerned,
they’d done everything correct.
Brice remained silent all the way back to the trailhead, increasing Valarius’ concern with each step.
When they reached the bottom, Kade asked, “Will you follow me to my home? I’d like to contact a
few people and have them meet us.”
“Home,” Brice piped up suddenly, his voice soft and strained. “I want to go home.”
He looked up at Valarius with such plea in his eyes that he felt his heartstrings tighten. Meeting the
wolf shifter’s gaze, he asked, “Can you have everyone meet at Brice’s place, instead? That’d be okay,
right, since it’s still in wolf territory,” he pointed out.
Tom placed his hand on Kade’s arm and murmured, “We should contact Doctor Digby, too.”
Kade glanced between them, and even though Valarius didn’t remember meeting a doctor, the idea of
having his mate checked out appealed to him. He and his lion really needed to make certain his mate
was okay.
Kade jerked a nod. “I’ll meet you there, then.”
Valarius nodded curtly and, with his arm around Brice’s shoulder, he steered his lover across the
parking lot to his motorcycle. As he helped his human stow his stuff and pull on his jacket and helmet,
Valarius noted the comfortablelooking Goldwing motorcycle Kade straddled. The wolf shifter
drummed his fingers on his helmet where it rested on the gas tank between his legs. He was already
on his phone, his gaze slowly roving the forest line around them.
Brice’s arms sliding around his waist pulled Valarius out of his musings. After patting his lover’s
hands where they rested on his t-shirt-covered abs, he brought his bike roaring to life and sped down
the road.
Retracing their steps, Valarius turned left and headed down the mountain road, slowing dramatically
for the curves, since he’d felt his lover tense every time—no matter how slow he’d gone—on the way
up.
They’d just passed a sign warning of a switchback ahead when a car shot out of a trailhead parking
lot and nearly took out his rear tire. “Bastard,” he muttered, glaring in his rearview mirror.
Valarius felt shock rock through him when the car righted itself on the road and gunned the engine…
swiftly closing the distance between them.
“What the fuck?” he growled, increasing his own speed, and moving to the side. He waved for them
to pass, but instead, they sped right toward them again…as if they didn’t see them.
Or they’re trying to fucking run me off the road.
That’s when he spotted the malicious curl of the driver’s lips…a driver he recognized.

“Oh, son of a bitch,” he whispered.
Rayban!
His fucking ex-beta was trying to run him and his mate off the road! Valarius grabbed his lover’s
hands where he had them clasped in front of him, then gunned his Harley.
“What’s going on?” Brice squealed, his arms tightening.
How dare they put my mate in danger!
His lion wanted to leap off the bike and force a confrontation. Unfortunately, he could make out the
faces of the other two men inside the cab as well, and he needed to keep his mate safe above all else.
“I need you to hang on and trust me, Brice,” he called over his shoulder as he started to shift his
weight and lean into the turn. “Just stay with me. Those assholes are on our tail.”
“They are?” Brice squeaked.
“Hang on tight!” Valarius hollered again.
He shot down the mountain road, listening to the whine of his engine, the rumble of his tires on the
asphalt, and his lover’s low whimpers. Hot rage surged through his veins. He wished he were alone,
so he could maneuver a oneeighty and slam his helmet through their window, forcing them off the
road.
Instead, refusing to endanger his mate any more than he needed, Valarius split his concentration on the
road, traffic, his bike, and the bastards behind him. He saw a sign ahead, and one of the road names
caught his attention.
Once again gripping his mate’s hands, holding them in place fisted around him, he tilted sharply.
Sliding the back tire a bit, he skidded around the sharp left turn. Brice screamed, but his body
plastered to Valarius’ back didn’t move an inch.
After Valarius righted the bike, he gunned the engine again and shot down the new road. His lover
didn’t speak, only letting out slight whimpers every few panting breaths.
Watching in his rearview mirror, Valarius watched the car screech around the turn, barely making it.
The car fishtailed for several seconds before the driver managed to get it straightened and moving
again.
Valarius smiled grimly. That little miscalculation put a bit of much needed space between them. He
prayed it’d be enough. Trying to juggle between using enough speed to avoid the once more
approaching Rayban and staying slow enough to avoid freaking out his mate, he flipped through gears
and sped onward.
The turn he needed appeared ahead, and he estimated how much time he’d need to slow and make the
turn. Crossing his fingers, Valarius braked sharply and turned up the driveway.
He cringed as he bounced over holes and swerved to avoid ruts. He saw Rayban make the turn.
Through the trees, a large hunting lodge-style home appeared. As he rocketed into the clearing and
pulled to a stop right in front of the deck’s steps, the vehicle behind them skidded to a stop. Just as
quickly, Rayban reversed, backing through the trees.
Watching the car disappear, Valarius let out a long, slow breath.
“Ye want to explain what the hell that was about?”
He turned his head to find the alpha wolf frowning in the direction of his driveway. Lowering his
gaze respectfully, Valarius replied, “Yes, Alpha.”

Chapter Ten

rice heard Valarius’ voice, but why did it sound like it came from a long way off? His mate— oh

my God, no, did I just think that?—was talking to someone. He wondered how he could hear them
over the sound of the engine, but then he realized that the roaring was his pulse rushing through his
brain.

Gentle hands eased the helmet from his head, then threaded through his hair, cupping his skull.

Thumbs massaged his temples. “Come on, Brice,” Valarius crooned, pecking the corner of his lips.
“Show me those pretty baby blues, hmm?”

He swallowed hard and forced his eyes open. Brice frowned and glanced around, spotting Declan

McIntire standing on the porch of his home. The alpha wolf shifter peered at him, his brows creased,
obvious concern in his dark eyes.

“There you are,” Valarius murmured. “We need to get in the house. I’ve explained what happened

to the alpha and he’s sending out people to search for Rayban and his pals. I’ve gotta call my own
alpha and let Perrin know what happened, too.”

Brice frowned, but followed his lover’s urging hands and slid off the bike. “I don’t even know

what happened,” he mumbled. “Why’d they attack you?” He didn’t really understand the stilted
conversation Valarius and Rayban had in the woods, and he wanted clarification.

Easing onto the living room couch, Brice stared up at his lover. “I need to know everything,” he

demanded. “I need the truth, Val.”

Valarius dropped to his knees before him on the floor. With firm hands, he pressed Brice’s thighs

open and wiggled between them. Brice lifted his hands and clutched Valarius’ shirt, trying to read the
expression in his lover’s eyes. Surely he wasn’t seeing fear, was he?

“I wasn’t certain how to tell you that I’m a shifter, Brice,” Valarius started bluntly. “I learned that

you didn’t like our kind and hoped that if you got to know me, you’d find it in your heart to care for
me anyway.”

Okay, that really was fear, Brice decided. He lifted one hand to Valarius’ face and traced his

brows and the lines around his eyes, trying to smooth them, but his lover was too concerned.

“I don’t dislike them,” he muttered. “I—” He paused, uncertain how to explain. He’d been

terrorized by the wolf shifters in Idaho. It had helped learning that shifters really did have rules they
were supposed to follow. The powers that be removed the leaders of the Idaho pack and sent them to
some shifter prison, and new leadership had been instated to help the rest of the pack adjust. In fact, at
one point, the wolf shifter, Sean, who’d been part of that pack, had sought Brice out and apologized.

Unfortunately, it seemed those lion shifters didn’t follow the same rules. Why? What had caused

the issues between them? He didn’t—couldn’t, really—deny his attraction to Valarius. He was
desperately trying to reconcile his nearly desperate need to be close to the…shifter, to his fears of the
changes it’d force on his life. He needed…more. The truth first. Brice met his lover’s worried brown
eyes and asked, “Who is Rayban? Why did he attack you? You really think I’m your mate?”

Valarius’ haunted expression eased somewhat and he smiled just a little. “Yes, Brice. You are

most definitely my mate. I’d do anything for you,” he vowed, then frowned. “Except leave you. I don’t
think I could do that,” he admitted. “I can give you time to accept, to adjust, but I can’t just leave you.
Please, don’t ask that of me.”

It sounded nearly like begging, and Brice’s heart tightened in his chest. Never should this strong

man need to beg him. At that realization, Brice knew he was already in well over his head. Brice

nodded, tracing his lover’s top lip. “Okay,” he answered. “I-I want to be with you, too.”

Just saying it scared the shit out of Brice, but he knew it was true. Shifter or not, he wanted to be

with this man.
Valarius’ eyelids slid shut and he mumbled something, maybe a silent prayer of thanks? Brice didn’t
know. It didn’t really matter. Brice tugged lightly on his lover’s hair, regaining his attention. “What
about those guys? Rayban and his buddies? Who are they?”
Opening his eyes, Valarius said, “Thank you.” He leaned forward slowly. The heat in his eyes made
his intensions obvious, but he almost appeared tentative, as if waiting for Brice to pull away.
Fuck that!
Brice closed the distance between them and settled his lips on his lover’s, thrusting his tongue in
deep. He probed Valarius’ mouth, nibbled the man’s bottom lip, and lapped along the other man’s
tongue. His dick, which never seemed to need much stimulation when around this man, thickened in
his jeans. Moaning, Brice rocked forward. Clutching his lover close, it pleased him to feel Valarius’
answering erection.
A throat clearing loudly pierced Brice’s bliss.
Ending the kiss, Brice rested his brow against Valarius’ shoulder and panted, trying to get his blood
to return to his big head. “Damn.”
Valarius chuckled softly, the sound vibrating the chest beneath him. “Gods, you make me happy,” he
whispered into Brice’s ear. “Come on,” he said, easing away. “I owe everyone an explanation, then I
need to call my alpha.”
Brice didn’t bother trying to reply, too pleased when Valarius sat next to him, wrapped his arm
around him, and tucked him against him. He snuggled into the other man’s side and did his best to turn
off his brain and let go of his lingering fear. He could learn to deal with shifters on a regular basis if
it meant more of those kisses, more of Valarius’ touches.
“Here,” Lark, the alpha’s mate, drew Brice’s attention. The slender blond held out a mug. “Have
some tea. You look like you could use it.”
“A shot of tequila might be better,” Brice replied, making Lark laugh, but he took the offered tea and
gave the man his thanks.
Glancing around the room, he spotted Manon Lemelle, Carson Angeni, and Jared Templeton. Brice
almost asked when they’d arrived, but then he realized from the state of their dress—comfortable
sweats and t-shirts—that the men were probably staying there. With so many other shifters in the area,
it made sense that the alpha wolf and his mate wouldn’t be left alone.
“Thirty-seven years ago, I was a tracker in the Montgomery pride located in Alabama. My father got
tired of me refusing to mate.” Valarius grimaced, shaking his head. “He didn’t care that I wanted to
wait until Fate provided my true mate.”
Brice could feel the tension in his lover’s body and rubbed Valarius’ chest, trying to soothe him.
Valarius’ arm tightened slightly, then he continued, “He went behind my back and arranged a marriage
to a she-lion named Matilda, who happened to be the sister of the pride beta, Rayban.” A low growl
rumbled through Valarius as he recounted his memories. “I refused. Father gave me an ultimatum.
Mate her or he’d drive me from the pride. He probably thought I’d buckle, but I didn’t. I left on my
own. I moved to a town outside pride lands, and got a job as a mechanic.
“I missed the pride, but I was careful. Every other week, I’d hike deep into the forest and find a safe
place to shift. I never ran into anyone out there…ever,” Valarius stated vehemently.
Brice realized this point was important to Valarius, and his lover’s next words explained why.
“Two months after I’d left, Rayban and Bill, a pride enforcer, visited me. Rayban started spouting

some bullshit about me shifting in my backyard.” Valarius growled low in his throat, clearly still
angry over the betrayal. “As if I’d be that stupid. He went on and on about endangering our race’s
secret and how Alpha Edward was going to name me rogue. Then,” he snarled, his tone darkening,
“Rayban had the audacity to grin slyly at me and tell me he could clear up this misunderstanding if I
agreed to follow through on my father’s agreement.”
Brice wished he could take away his lover’s pain, but didn’t know how. Instead, he wrapped his
arms around Valarius and squeezed tightly. He wondered about other family, or even friends, and why
they hadn’t stood beside this amazing man.
He realized the tension seemed to have eased, so he took a chance and looked up at his lover. “I don’t
know why you ended up facing that on your own,” he commented. “But you won’t ever have to face
shit like that on your own again.” The glow of complete adoration shining in Valarius’ eyes nearly
took Brice’s breath away.
Valarius cupped his jaw and pecked a soft kiss to his lips. “Thank you.”
Brice didn’t have a clue what he’d done, so he just smiled back.
“What happened then?” Declan cut in.
Shrugging, Valarius replied, “What could I do? I wasn’t going to allow them to manipulate me, so I
ran. I traveled across the country for decades. When I heard that a pride had lost its alpha and the new
shifter hadn’t claimed his title, I headed that way.” He smiled and chuckled. “Before I got there, the
winning shifter returned. I challenged for the position, but when I saw Perrin fight, I knew I wouldn’t
be able to beat him. I was tired of living alone, so I submitted to him and asked to remain with his
pride.” He scoffed. “Perrin agreed, putting me on probation.” He flushed and admitted, “It wasn’t
until after the probation ended that I explained my situation. I’ll be forever in Perrin’s debt that he
didn’t run me off and even promoted me to an enforcer a couple months later.”
Valarius sighed. “It didn’t even occur to me that Rayban might be here. Last I heard, Alpha Edward
didn’t support same sex matings. I’m really surprised he sent a representative, let alone three.”
“Ye’d be surprised what shifters are willing to overlook in the name of looking after our pack…or
pride’s asses,” Declan commented. He patted Lark’s behind and the alphamate hopped up from where
he’d been sitting on the alpha’s lap. “I’ll keep ye posted about tracking them down. Will ye be at the
final meeting?”
“I don’t know,” Valarius admitted. “I need to talk to Perrin…see what my alpha wants me to do.”
Declan nodded. “Of course. Let me know.” He cocked his head and eyed Brice. “How ye holdin’ up,
Brice? I know yer original introduction to shifters wasn’t the best…” He let the sentence trail off, a
question in the silence.
Brice sighed. “I think…I think I’m doing okay. Or, at least, I’m getting there,” he murmured. “We still
have some things to talk about, but…it helps that I already know most things about shifters, ya know?”
He turned a small smile on his lover. “At least, there won’t be any more surprises, right?”
Valarius nodded. “I hope not.” Then he lifted a brow and asked, “Unless there’s some possessive
stalker boyfriend in your past I need to know about?”
Grinning at Valarius’ teasing, Brice chuckled. “No. No stalker boyfriends.”
“Then your exes are idiots,” Valarius announced, “but I won’t complain.” His smile turned somewhat
tentative and his tone grew serious. “I guess the next step is to ask if there’s any chance I can talk you
into moving to Kansas.”
Brice’s jaw sagged in surprise at the man’s bluntness. Valarius’ next words had his heart tripping in
his chest.
“Because I want to claim you and spend the rest of my life getting to know you and pleasing you.”

His eyes wide, Brice yanked his gaze away and glanced toward the other men in the room. Declan
offered him an encouraging, almost fatherly smile, while Lark gave him a lascivious wink.
Brice fought back a giggle, knowing it would come across as somewhat hysterical.
Evidently, Valarius picked up on his tension, for he patted Brice’s thigh and winked. “You don’t have
to answer right away, babe. I just wanted to throw it out there…no surprises and all that.”
He nodded, relieved at Valarius’ understanding…and patience. The man has the fucking patience of
a saint!

Valarius squeezed his hand and turned to Declan. “Is there somewhere quiet I can go to call my

alpha, please?” he asked, bowing his head respectfully.

Declan nodded once. “Feel free to use me study. Brice can show ye where it is.”

Brice focused on the conversation upon hearing his name and it took him a second to catch up. “Oh,
right. Sure.” He motioned toward the hallway. “This way.”
“Shane will be here shortly with a report,” Declan called after them. “Then, we’ll eat supper. Ye
both are welcome to join us.”
“Thank you, Alpha,” Valarius responded.
Once in the study, Valarius pulled out his phone and crossed to one of the love seats. He held out his
hand, silently asking Brice to join him. He didn’t hesitate, quickly taking his hand and allowing his
lover to pull him close. Valarius turned and nipped his bottom lip lightly before soothing the sting
with a gentle lick and kiss.
Valarius pulled away before Brice could try to get more. He hit a button on his phone, then held it to
his ear. He sat close enough to hear when someone with a very deep voice answered.
“Yes?”
“Good evening, Alpha Perrin,” Valarius said into the phone.
“Valarius. Good evening,” Alpha Perrin responded. “How goes your quest to woo your mate?”
Valarius cast a smile Brice’s way. “Well, thank you. I discovered he had a bad run-in with wolf
shifters last year, so he already knows about us. I worried about how he’d react upon learning I’m a
shifter, but he’s been real brave about it, especially considering we were attacked while out hiking.”
Perrin snarled, “What?”
Brice barely heard it, too focused on Valarius’ words. Pride and warmth flooded him. His mate
thought he was brave? God, I really have a mate! Brice thought of how devoted Kyle was to Vee,
how he’d do anything for him. Vee’s safety, welfare, and happiness were everything to the wolf
shifter. Kyle accepted his mate just the way he was, even considering all their differences.
He wanted that kind of relationship. With that realization, Brice peered over at his lover through his
lashes. Sure, it’d be dangerous, but what life wasn’t? Some deep-seated instinct told him Valarius
was it for him.

Chapter Eleven

alarius hit the end call button on his phone and smiled at his lover. He’d noticed his mate had

gone still and quiet about five minutes into the call. Worry filled him, and after dropping his phone
into his breast pocket, he couldn’t stop from sifting his fingers into Brice’s short blond and red locks.

“Hey,” he crooned. “Everything all right? Something wrong?”

For several seconds, Brice just stared at him…hard, his gaze sweeping over his face. Evidently, he
must have found whatever he was looking for because he smiled tentatively and nodded. “Yeah.”
Still concerned, Valarius pressed, “Is there anything I can do for you?”
Brice licked his lips. Suddenly, he smiled and replied softly, “You can claim me.”
Valarius felt his jaw sag, and he stared at Brice in shock. “What?”
Blushing, Brice grimaced. “Too blunt? Was I supposed to ask in some sensual setting?” He frowned
and mumbled, “Maybe I should have asked Vee before saying anything.”
“No!” Valarius cried, still in shock, struggling to get his brain to function. Was his mate really asking
for what he thought he was?
“You changed your mind?” Brice practically squeaked the question.
The scent of fear, sadness, and disappointment flooded Valarius’ nostrils. He saw Brice tense and
begin to slink away and off the sofa.
Oh, hell, no!
Possessive rage surged through Valarius, flooding him with feral need. Growling, Valarius grabbed
for Brice. He wrapped his hands around his lover’s upper arms and yanked him close. He buried his
nose in the crook of Brice’s neck and inhaled his mate’s sweet scent. “You want to be claimed?” he
growled gutturally.
Brice whimpered oh-so-nicely. “Yesss,” he hissed, tilting his head, submitting.
It drove Valarius’ lion nearly out of his mind with lust and need. “Why? Why the change of heart?”
He forced the question out, even though talking was the last thing he wanted to do while he had his
mate in his arms submitting to him.
His hands fisting in Valarius’ shirt, Brice whimpered, but managed to say, “Want to be with you.
Want to know what it’s like to be held and cherished and cared for. Want to be accepted.” Brice
lowered his gaze and whispered, “Want to be…loved.”
Valarius’ heart constricted. Guilt flooded him. His delay in sharing his feelings had caused this…
this…confusion, this doubt. Smiling, Valarius knew he could fix this. He could remove his lover’s
doubt, letting him know how much he needed Brice. And, yes, even loved him.
Lifting his second hand, Valarius threaded his fingers through Brice’s hair for just a second, petting
his mate and thrilling at the soft strands. “Ah, my love, my love,” he crooned. “I won’t take you here,
in the alpha wolf’s house, but how about I give you a little something to tide you over, hmm?”
Brice whimpered in his arms. “P-please.” Although Valarius guessed it took a hell of a lot of will-
power, Brice met his gaze. “I really do want you. You make me feel things that I’ve never…never felt
before. I want you.”
Just knowing he wore a goofy smile, Valarius pulled his lover into a hug and muttered into Brice’s
ear, “I’ll make sure you never forget how much I love you.”
“You love me?” Brice drew back and stared into his eyes, as if searching for the truth in his gaze.
“You really do love me, don’t you?”
Valarius hitched one shoulder up for a second. “If the connection is right, it happens fast for shifters. I

don’t expect you to reciprocate right away, but…yeah, I love you, babe. I’ve loved you since this
morning when you woke me up with a blow job.” Valarius couldn’t stop his chuckle. “Sounds cheesy,
I know, but fuck…it’s been so long since I wanted to wake up with someone, and you doin’ that…
showing me how much you enjoyed waking up with me, too.” He sighed. “Perfect.”
“I-I’ve never been in love,” Brice admitted.
Pressing his finger to Brice’s lips, Valarius urged, “Then take your time and figure it out. I get you’re
a human, babe, and I won’t hold it against you if you need longer than twenty-four hours.”
“God, is that all it’s been?”
Valarius smiled, knowing he’d made the right choice in stopping his mate from blurting out anything
he wasn’t ready for. “I told you I wouldn’t take you in the alpha’s house,” he crooned, making certain
all his lust and desire shown through in his words and tone. “However, that doesn’t mean I won’t
please you.”
Brice’s eyes widened. He licked his lips. “W-what do you mean?”
“Come here,” he ordered, dropping his hands to the meaty flesh of his lover’s upper arms and tugging
him closer. Although Brice looked concerned…or maybe confused, he allowed Valarius to
manhandle him a bit. Valarius’ excitement grew with each passing second as he rotated his lover,
pulled him onto his lap, and eased back into the corner of the sofa.
“What are you doing?”
Valarius unbuttoned his man’s fly and reached inside to fondle Brice’s half-hard cock, stroking it to
full mast, before bothering to answer. “I’m starting our bond.”
Without waiting for a response, he lengthened his canines and sank them into the thick flesh where
neck met shoulder. Sweet, life-giving blood flowed over his tongue. He moaned, swallowing it down.
His dick throbbed in his jeans, and for just a second, he thought he’d come just from the taste.
Schooling his responses, Valarius remembered his lover and—desperate to give him the pleasure he
so deserved— stroked Brice’s cock, moving his hand swiftly. Brice shuddered and moaned, his cock
twitched and pulsed, and within half a heartbeat, his lover’s dick spewed.
Carefully aiming the jetting cock in his grip, Valarius milked Brice for every drop of cum. As the last
couple spurts dribbled out, he swiped them up on his fingers. He released Brice’s softening dick and
brought his fingers to his lips, licking them clean.
Valarius moaned at his mate’s taste.
Just as good as his blood.
He knew, no matter what about his mate he tasted, he’d love it.
Carefully, he tucked Brice’s penis back into his jeans and zipped him up. He licked and nibbled the
newly sensitive flesh of the mating mark he’d left on his lover’s neck. Humming, he smiled at the
sight.
“Fuck, that’s sexy,” he growled.
Panting, Brice managed on a throaty whisper, “What’s sexy?”
Valarius sighed. “My mark on you.” He nuzzled said mark, unable to hide his grin.
A pounding knock sounded on the door, followed by a guttural snarl. “Ye fuckers better open the
fucking window before ye come out. Ye’re pheromones are seeping through the fucking door.”
Valarius’ brows shot up. He wasn’t entirely certain who that’d been, although the voice sounded a
little familiar.
Evidently, Brice knew it, for he chuckled. “Truckers and their potty mouths.”
Frowning, Valarius hissed, “That was Kyle?”
“Oh, yeah.” Brice grinned over his shoulder at him. “You hang around him long enough, you’ll hear

way worse.”

Dinner was a long and painful affair, probably because every fucking shifter in the place needed

to talk to him about something. This meant Valarius couldn’t just leave as soon as he’d managed to
shovel everything on his plate into his mouth.

Gods, my balls are going to throb right off my body. Still, what could he do but follow Alpha

Declan out of the living room? The alpha wolf had said he needed to talk to him about something in
regards to Rayban, who still hadn’t been found. That news was almost enough to make him lose his
boner.
Except, then he spotted Brice in the hall talking to Lark and—in obvious anticipation for claiming the
man—his dick sprang back to steel-hard arousal.
Lark headed their way, Brice following, confusion on his face.
Declan placed his hand on Valarius’ shoulder and squeezed, getting his attention. “Manon was
supposed to drag ye away to talk about something-or-other for ten minutes before Kyle would do the
same.” He smirked, then added, “Followed, I believe by Kade.” Grinning, Delcan winked and
lowered his voice. “Don’t worry. I interrupted his approach. They seemed to have thought it’d be
grand fun to yank yer chain that way.” Declan rolled his eyes at his wolfs’ antics. “Grab ye’re mate
and get the hell out of here.”
Valarius’ brows shot up as he viewed Declan. The alpha wolf smirked and made shooing motions
with his left hand.
“Thank you.” Valarius wasted no time obeying. He grabbed his mate’s hand and dragged him toward
the front door.
“Shane will follow ye to yer hotel.” Declan winked. “For safety’s sake. Have a good night,
gentlemen,” the alpha wolf teased, his voice reaching Valarius just as the door closed.
Feeling like a hooligan making an escape, Valarius quickly pulled on his leather jacket, helped Brice
into his sweatshirt, jacket, and helmet, and brought the Harley roaring to life before speeding away.
A moment later, he spotted the car following him, but relaxed when he noted the beta wolf behind the
wheel.

Valarius tried not to maul his mate, really he did, but the second he stepped inside his hotel room,

he couldn’t seem to keep his hands off the man. After dropping his own jacket over the back of a
chair, he did the same for Brice’s. He slipped his hands under his lover’s t-shirt and quickly pulled
both it and the man’s sweatshirt over his head, revealing all that delicious skin he loved to nip, lick,
and nibble. Lowering his head to Brice’s chest, Valarius did just that, feasting upon one beaded
nipple as he worked the button of Brice’s jeans.

From the way Brice moaned, sighed, and even giggled, Valarius knew his mate didn’t mind the

attention one little bit. He reveled in the sounds Brice made, working hard to encourage more and
more from him, wanting his lover lost in pleasure. Need to show his man just how much he loved him,
how grateful he was to have found him, drove Valarius.

When Brice’s jeans were around his ankles, Valarius eased him onto the bed. He grinned at the

sight of his nearly naked mate sprawled across the comforter, his chest heaving, his lips kiss-swollen,
and his hard dick jutting from the neatly trimmed nest of dark-blond curls.

He knelt and removed Brice’s sneakers, jeans, and underwear. When he stood and refocused on

his lover, he just about came at the sexy sight before him.

Brice lay with one hand slowly stroking his erection while his other worked his hole, two fingers

already buried in his ass. The open tube of lube—which they’d left on the nightstand earlier—lay next
to Brice’s hip and his fingers glistened, showing that he’d used it.

“Brice,” Valarius moaned, pressing the heel of his palm to the base of his shaft to ease the

throbbing need to come.
His mate smiled lasciviously up at him. “Can’t wait anymore,” he murmured, his voice breathy with
arousal. “Want you. Need you, mate.”
Valarius’ lion roared in his head at Brice’s choice of words. He yanked his clothes from his body,
ignoring the sounds of tearing fabric. When he stood naked before the bed, he forced himself to stop
and take several long, deep breaths to get himself under control.
Brice seemed to be having none of it. He fixed his gaze on Valarius’ straining erection and moaned.
“Fuck, I want that,” he pleaded. Pulling his fingers from his ass, Brice rolled to his knees, his legs
wide, and arched his back.
Groaning at how prettily his mate presented himself, Valarius knew he was lost for this man. He
climbed up behind Brice, knee-walking until his dick nestled between his lover’s thighs and bumped
his balls.
Hissing, Brice reached under himself and gripped Valarius’ straining erection with his lubed fingers.
Valarius groaned at the sight of his lover greasing him up and nearly lost all control when Brice
guided the tip of his dick to his slicked up and stretched hole.
“Now,” Brice slurred, nearly mindless in his desire to be fucked. He held Valarius with lubed fingers
and rubbed Valarius’ leaking cockhead across his hole before pushing back, impaling himself on
Valarius’ dick.
Valarius watched in wonder, concentrating only on breathing and not shooting his load as his mate
wiggled and rocked impaling himself inch by delicious tight exquisite inch, onto his aching prick. He
groaned at the pressure, seeing and feeling Brice’s muscles swallow him up. Once Brice’s ass
nestled against his groin, their balls bumping and rubbing, adding even more amazing sensations to the
constrictive grip surrounding his dick, Valarius tightened his grip and held his lover still.
Brice whined, his body shuddering, his chute twitching, massaging Valarius’ cock. Valarius lay over
his lover’s back, using the hand on Brice’s hip to keep him still as he wrapped the other arm around
his torso.
Plucking and twisting Brice’s nipple, Valarius laved his tongue up and down the man’s neck, enjoying
the taste of sweat and mate. “Ah, my mate, my love,” he crooned against the sweet flesh. “Are you
ready to be mine? Ready to settle with only me?”
His heart beat wildly in his chest as he waited for his mate to answer.
Brice looked over his shoulder at him, his expression surprisingly clear considering seconds before
he’d been mindlessly impaling himself on Valarius’ dick. “I’m not settling,” Brice whispered. “I’m
getting the best.”
If he hadn’t already loved this man, Brice’s words would have done it then. “Brice,” he grunted,
lowering his head and capturing his lover’s mouth in an awkward kiss. He thrust his tongue in deep,
lapping at Brice’s lips, teeth, and gums.
Unable to stay still any longer, Valarius growled low in his throat and broke the kiss. He flexed his
hips and slowly drew out his cock, grunting at the feel of tight, hot muscles rippling around him.
Moving his mouth to Brice’s neck, he closed his eyes and absently licked and nipped the fleshy part
of his shoulder as he started a slow thrust and retreat rhythm.
Nothing felt quite so amazing as taking his mate, knowing in a much shorter time than he’d like to
admit, he’d spill his seed inside Brice, soak his channel, and bind them for all eternity. A shiver of
anticipation worked through him. Valarius opened his mouth and clamped his jaw around his mate’s
shoulder, holding his lover steady as he picked up his pace. He adjusted his angle a couple times,

pleased when he heard Brice cry out hoarsely. Coupled with the man’s shudder, he knew he’d found
his lover’s prostate.
Brice bucked under him, matching his thrusts. Sweat slicked their skin, making them slide and rock
together, the sounds of slapping skin and masculine grunts filling the room. Valarius reached under his
lover and palmed the man’s balls, rolling the hard round orbs in their sacks.
“Fuck! So close,” Brice whimpered. “P-please. Wanna come.”
“Mmm, anything for you,” Valarius mumbled.
He released his lover’s testicles and moved his hand to Brice’s cock, stroking the hard leaking flesh.
Brice heaved a whimpered pant with each breath, soft grunts escaping him sounded like music to
Valarius’ ears.
“Come for me, babe.” He crooned the order as he pinched one nipple.
Brice howled his pleasure as his dick swelled and spurted his cum across the comforter and
Valarius’ fingers. He continued to work him, doing his best to heighten his lover’s pleasure. Valarius
thrust through Brice’s orgasm, the man’s chute relaxing and contracting with his spurts. The massage
to his dick caused his own balls to pull tight to his body, and he knew he was seconds away from
spewing his seed.
Anticipating not only his pleasure but bonding with his mate, Valarius sank his canines into Brice’s
shoulder, repuncturing the mating mark he’d left earlier. Brice cried out again, his dick once again
jerking and spurting.
Valarius didn’t even try to stop his orgasm. Blood flowed over his tongue as his cock flooded his
lover’s channel with his cum. His body twitched and shivered as he held his mate close, reveling in
the bliss coursing through his system.
Grunting in pleasure, Valarius slid his teeth from his mate’s shoulder and sealed the mark. Pride
flooded him at the sight, heightened by the contentment flooding his system and the purring of his cat
in the back of his mind. Valarius eased his softening prick from his mate’s chute, grinning inanely at
Brice’s moan. Carefully, he maneuvered them sideways—away from the wet spot—and spooned up
behind his lover.
He had every intention of cleaning them up, but he just needed a few more minutes, not only to catch
his breath, but to revel in the sensations coursing through him. Brice didn’t seem to mind, if the way
he snuggled into him, molding his ass to Valarius’ groin was any indicator.
Valarius grinned, feeling his prick actually try to recover for another round. Sighing, he nuzzled
Brice’s neck and murmured, “Gods above, you’re perfect. So fucking sexy and sweet.”
Brice peered over his shoulder at him, smiling. “You make me feel that way.”
“Good.” He craned his neck and pressed a quick peck to Brice’s lips before settling back on the
pillow. “I’m so grateful to have found you.”
“Me, too,” Brice admitted. Since his mate faced away from him, Valarius almost thought he imagined
his mate’s next whispered words. “I’ll put in my notice with Tom. Since he’s mated to a shifter, too,
I’m sure he’ll understand if I don’t give him a full two weeks.”
Valarius’ heart pounded in his chest…hard. “Are you-are you certain?” he managed to ask around a
lump in his throat. Was his mate really offering to move for him?
Brice smiled. He wriggled a bit until he was lying on his back and staring up at him. “Yeah. I’m sure.
I came here to recover from a hell of a shock.” Brice lifted a hand and fingered Valarius’ brows and
mouth.
Valarius smiled. It seemed his mate liked to touch him, and he’d happily encourage that behavior.
Most shifters were very tactile creatures, himself included. He turned his head and sucked Brice’s

finger into his mouth.
Moaning, Brice’s blue eyes seemed to glow, arousal sparking again in their depths. “I’m ready to
start a new life with you, Val,” he mumbled.
Valarius heard his mate’s heartbeat speed up and scented his arousal flooding the air. A quick glance
down confirmed it. His sexy little mate was already hard for him again. His body answered with its
own wash of excitement.
Releasing his lover’s finger, he levered over the man, situating himself between his legs. Grabbing a
thigh, he lifted it to Brice’s chest. The sight of his cum dribbling from Brice’s hole enflamed his body,
and his cock oozed pre-cum.
“Brice,” he groaned. “Need you. Always need you.”
Brice grabbed his other leg and spread himself wide. “Have me.”
Unable to resist such a blatant, sexy offer from his lover, Valarius did just that and sank his throbbing
cock back into his mate. His moan matched Brice’s, and as he started a quick thrust and retreat,
driving them both quickly to the edge of bliss again, he decided they’d worry about moving later…
much later…after he could think of something other than the feel of Brice’s body enveloping his dick.

Chapter Twelve

rice’s nerves were getting the better of him, but he couldn’t seem to help it. The idea of getting out

of the car and walking into a den of lion shifters, even though they were Valarius’ people and led by a
gay alpha, freaked him the hell out!

“Hey, easy,” Valarius crooned where he crouched between the open driver’s side door and the

car. “You’ll be fine. Take your time.”

God, this man is understanding. Brice focused on taking slow deep breaths.

It’d taken three days to quit his job, pack his shit, and pile it all into his car. He had Detective Pierson
on speed dial and waited to hear when the trial for Donnie and his friends were. They’d been charged
with assault, hate crimes, attempted murder, and attempted rape. With Brice’s testimony, plus Chris,
Remy, and several men Brice didn’t know, the attorneys had high hopes that they would nail the
bastards with the whole nine yards. Brice had assured the detective that he’d be back for the trial.
Wild horses couldn’t keep him from returning and testifying.
Now, after two days of travel, following Valarius who drove his motorcycle, Brice found himself
parked outside the pride home, mentally freaking out.
What made it worse was people were beginning to trickle out of the house and stand on the porch,
obviously waiting for them. Brice didn’t want Valarius’ pride to think he’d mated a weak human, but
he couldn’t seem to get himself to move.
Brice finally realized Valarius held him in his arms, on the ground, and crooned softly to him while
massaging his arms. “Hey, you back with me?” Valarius asked gently. He cupped Brice’s jaw and
tilted his head back so he could look into his eyes.
Seeing the man’s concern, Brice nodded. “I’m sorry. I—”
“There’s nothingto be sorry for,” Valarius cut in. “Your life has changed drastically in less than a
year. That’s hard for anyone to keep up with.” Valarius brushed his lips against Brice’s once, twice,
before settling his lips on his and lapping at the corner of his mouth.
Brice opened eagerly, loving how his mate kissed, like he had all the time in the world to savor
Brice’s taste. When he finally drew away, Valarius smiled down at him. “There you are, sexy.
Feeling better?”
“Yeah,” Brice replied softly. He breathed a sigh, then smiled tentatively. “Guess I’m not quite as over
my experience as I thought.”
“The pride is pretty supportive. No one will rush you,” Valarius assured.
Brice nodded, still feeling pretty foolish, but at least now he could think again.
“You ready to see the place?”
Nodding again, Brice slid from his lover’s lap and rose to his feet. A glance toward the porch
showed him only two men still standing there. One massive African American that Brice pegged as
Alpha Perrin, and with the way the man wrapped a possessive arm around the shorter, Caucasian, he
figured the honey-brown-haired guy was Terence, the alphamate.
Brice had no clue where everyone else had gone, but he felt grateful he no longer had a huge
audience.
“We’ll grab your stuff in a minute,” Valarius assured, wrapping his arm around his waist and guiding
him toward the manor.
“Sure.”
Upon stepping on the porch, Valarius greeted the man Brice guessed to be the alpha, confirming his

assumption. “Alpha Perrin, I’d like to introduce you to my mate, Brice Gaithers.”
Perrin held out a hand to Brice. “Welcome to the pride, Brice.”
“I’m honored,” Brice responded. He took the man’s hand, then lowered his gaze, knowing it would be
taken as a sign of respect by the alpha.
A deep chuckle erupted from the alpha as he returned the shake, then released his hand. “Nice to meet
you,” Perrin said. “Please, meet mymate, Terence Williams.”
Brice looked toward Terence, who grinned and held out a hand. “I was sorry to hear about the trouble
you experienced, but I’m hoping you’ll be happy here with us.” He winked. “Even if we are shifters.”
Relaxing at Terence’s open attitude, Brice nodded, then looked toward Valarius. “I’m sure I will be.”
Terence laughed, then patted him on the shoulder. “Oh, yeah.” He turned to Valarius. “I asked a
couple guys to give you a hand moving in Brice’s stuff. Grimes and Samson. They should be out any
minute now.”
Just then, the door opened and two men strode out. Brice bit back an amused snicker, just knowing
they’d been on the other side of the door waiting for their introduction.
Terence smirked and pointed at the bronzed skin, blackhaired man, whose brown eyes twinkled with
mischief. He appeared to be in his mid-thirties, but Brice knew appearances with shifters were
deceptive. “This is Grimes Medina.”
Then Terence pointed at a man who was clearly younger, maybe early to mid-twenties, who had
shaggy blond hair and dark, dark blue eyes. “And this is Samson Crumb.”
Brice shook hands with both men. While Valarius ducked his head to Grimes, showing the other
shifter to be higher in rank than him, Samson bowed his head to Valarius. Brice made a note to
remember that, knowing how shifters valued their hierarchy standings.
“Rochelle and Delila should have supper on the table within the hour,” Grimes said, heading down
the stairs and across the yard toward Brice’s car. He grinned over his shoulder and called, “Hurry up.
We don’t want to miss out on their funeral potatoes. You know how they always disappear first!”
Valarius mmmed in appreciation and winked at Brice before leading him back down the steps.
“Rochelle and Delila are sisters. Everyone always looks forward to when their rotation for kitchen
duties come up. They’re really good.” He leaned close and whispered, “Terence has been trying to
talk them into becoming the permanent cooks, but they’re holding out. I think it’s because they love my
brownies too much.”
Brice’s brows shot up at that revelation. “You cook?”
“I bake,” Valarius clarified, grinning. “I used to cook casseroles and freeze the leftovers so I only had
to cook once a week.”
“Huh,” Brice said, taking the box Grimes handed him. “I hope to sample that some time.”
Valarius smiled. “You will.” He winked. “You’ll even get to help me. Mated couples are put on the
same rotation.”
“Rotation?” he asked.
Nodding, Valarius explained, “Rotation of duties— everything from cooking to cleaning to laundry.
There’s almost twenty-five in the pride, small by many standards, so we all share responsibilities,
adjusting for people’s work schedules and outside job responsibilities.”
“Oh, that’s really…” Brice’s words faded as he got his first look inside the large manor home.
“Wow!”
Although the home showed clear signs of occupation— someone had left a pair of sunglasses and
keys on the side table, a pair of boots at the foot of a couch in the room to the left, and someone had
placed a baseball cap on the nob of one of the dining room chairs—the place screamed comfort and

money. Hardwood floors dominated the home, along with intricately carved high-end furniture, and
beautiful paintings hanging on the walls.
“It’s a nice place, huh?” Samson asked softly from behind him.
Brice nodded. “Yeah. Real impressive.”
“Everyone chips in, helping and keeping it in order.” Samson smiled. “It’s a big place, even for a
couple dozen people. No one slacks off…well, except for Sunday mornings,” he amended.
“What happens on Sunday mornings?” Brice asked curiously, turning right down a hallway, following
his lover.
“After breakfast, we all do the dishes together, then we all shift and lounge around the back deck in
the sun.” Samson grinned, his dark blue eyes full of pleasant memories. “The youngsters all get
together and gang up on one or two of the adults and we have a great time wrestling.”
At first, the thought of a couple dozen lions lying around caused Brice’s heart to trip in his chest.
Except, the more Samson talked—the joy clear in his tone—the idea of seeing a bunch of lions tussle
and play like a bunch of kittens actually sounded…entertaining. Brice found himself grinning at the
very idea.
On the second trip to his new rooms, Brice actually took a second to look around. He really liked the
tan walls with a light brown accent wall, offset with darker trim. It reminded him of pictures he’d
seen of savannahs, so he understood why the coloring would appeal to Valarius’ lion. The heavy log
furniture blended well and Brice traced a hand over the smooth round wood making up the footboard.
“You like it?”
Brice turned and smiled at Valarius. “Yeah,” he said, glancing around again. “It’s great.”
Valarius wrapped his arms around Brice and pulled him close. He lowered his head and nibbled
along Brice’s jawline, and he sighed at the tingling sensations dancing across his skin. Humming his
pleasure, Brice tilted his head further, giving his lover more room.
“Hey, break it up, you two,” teased Grimes as he set another box down. “We’re not done here and I
ain’t missin’ out on the potatoes. Get your asses in gear.”
Valarius grinned at the other man. “Yeah, yeah. We won’t make you miss it.”
Brice flushed and offered, “We just have a couple more boxes plus the clothes piled on the passenger
seat. If you want to head off, we can finish up.”
Grimes shook his head. “And miss giving Valarius crap? Not a chance.” He winked. “Let’s go
already. Chop, chop!”
Laughing at the man’s antics, Brice pulled from his lion’s arms, dancing sideways to avoid Valarius’
mock growling mate’s swat to his ass, and dashed out of the room and back outside.
He reached into the front seat, scooped as many of his clothes into his arms as he could, and turned
around to head back inside…and nearly ran right into Samson. Just holding in a squeak, Brice backed
against the car. He opened his mouth to tease his new friend, when he noticed the guy shift from foot
to foot and glance around…clearly nervous and tense.
Samson’s unease spiked Brice’s own trepidation. “SSamson? You okay?”
“You’re human, right?”
The question surprised Brice. He opened his mouth to reply in the affirmative, but Samson didn’t
bother giving him a chance to respond.
“How did Valarius tell you? ’Cause you seem pretty well adjusted, and you’ve only known him a
week or so. What’s the proper way to tell your mate without them freaking out?”
Brice felt his brows shoot up. “Uh, I knew about shifters before meeting Valarius,” he admitted.
Samson’s shoulders slumped. “Oh. Okay. Never mind.” He turned and pulled the last small box from

the backseat, then tossed a bag over the shoulder of his free arm. He trudged back inside, looking so
dejected.
What the hell?
Hurrying to catch up, Brice asked, “Hey, wait. Just because I already knew about your kind doesn’t
mean I might not be able to help. You all are so secretive, why would you want to tell someone? Who
did you want to tell?”
Samson put down his armful of stuff in Brice’s new front room before turning to face him and
wringing his hands, his expression pensive. The look appeared so out of place on a six foot, well-
muscled man that Brice almost smiled, but knew that would be taken completely wrong.
Instead, Brice steered the man to one of the chairs not covered with his stuff and encouraged him to sit
down. “You wouldn’t have asked a complete stranger if it wasn’t important,” he pointed out, moving
some clothes and settling on the sofa nearby. “So.” He waved a hand to encourage him. “What’s up?”
A second later, Valarius sat down next to him and nodded. Grimes poked his head in, saw them sitting
there, and said, “Car’s empty. I’ll catch ya’ll later.”
Valarius nodded once. “Thank you. You saved us plenty of time.”
“Yeah, thanks,” Brice said absently, though most of his focus remained on a now-blushing Samson. It
didn’t take a genius to know something was up with the guy. Didn’t he have any friends in the pride to
chat with about this?
“My mom’s against me dating Helena,” Samson whispered. He glanced between them and explained,
“But because Alpha Perrin made a public announcement that we could date humans as long as our
pride’s safety isn’t compromised, Mom can’t really openly object. She just keeps hinting that I should
stop seeing her and find a nice lioness to settle down with.”
He met Valarius’ gaze and hurried to add, “Don’t worry, sir. I know it’s not a danger, because, well, I
know she’s my mate.” Just like before, he didn’t wait for either of them to comment. It seemed once
he started talking about Helena, he couldn’t shut up, so excited to share about the woman he so
obviously adored.
“She’s beautiful, amazing, perfect,” he murmured dreamily, his blue eyes losing focus. “When I’m
with her, my lion wants to rub up against her and purr. Leaving after a date is like tearing out my
heart.” He grimaced, then continued, “She’s a school teacher. She teaches fifth grade. She really
loves her job and worries that if she keeps dating me, people will talk about her being a cougar.
She’s thirtytwo,” he told them, finally lifting his gaze so he actually focus on them.
“I’ve overheard Helena make comments to her friends about how I’m not her usual type and she’s
sure I’m gonna move on soon, but why not have fun while it lasts, right?” Dangling his hands between
his knees, Samson gave them an anguished look. “I’m worried she’s gonna get too stressed out over
the age difference, ’cause I look like I’m twenty, ya know? I want to be able to tell her the truth, that
I’m thirtyeight and I’m a lion shifter and she’s my mate and that’s why we’re so good together and I
wanna claim her and keep her and hold her every night and—”
Samson finally cut himself off and sighed. He glared at the floor.
Valarius gave Brice’s shoulder a squeeze, then asked the younger shifter, “Have you approached
Alpha Perrin or Beta Patrick with this information, Samson? They understand the importance of
finding your mate and would want you to be happy.”
Brice watched, impressed, as his lover assured the other man that’d he’d take Samson’s situation to
their alpha on his behalf. Valarius told Samson that they’d come up with a way to share shifters’
existence with Helena. They’d assist him in explaining what being mated to one meant and how
important she was to Samson.

Love for the woman shown in Samson’s eyes, and by the time they left the room to head for dinner
half an hour later, hope had replaced his tension and anguish.
Following Valarius out of the room, Brice smiled, admiring the backside of the man he loved. Oh!
Oh, shit! Do I really love him? Already? He knew shifters fell for their mates quick, but he wasn’t a
shifter.
At that second, Valarius turned and held out a hand, smiling at him.
Brice grinned and took his lover’s hand, allowing Valarius to pull him close.
Yeah, I fucking love this man.

Chapter Thirteen

alarius reclined on a deck chair. In one hand, he held a beer, the other arm he wrapped loosely

around Brice’s torso where his mate sat in front of him between his legs. He couldn’t remember the
last time he’d felt so content.

Still, he would have been happier if Alpha Declan had given him better news two days before.

Evidently, Rayban and his stooges had left the area and the wolf shifters didn’t know if they’d gone
home or elsewhere. With the way Rayban spoke, Valarius could just bet they’d turn up around here
sometime. The real question was whether it’d be sooner or later.

On a good note, at least Declan had been able to tell him that Alpha Edward seemed extremely

angry at Rayban’s actions—more probably to do with endangering their secret than attacking him, but
still—and the lion alpha had assured Declan that Rayban would be disciplined.

He’d been only too happy to pass that info on to Alpha Perrin.

Sighing he took another gulp of beer as he surveyed the back yard. One of the cubs was celebrating
her thirteenth birthday, which gave them an excuse to have a family BBQ.
With Alpha Perrin’s blessing, Samson had invited Helena. Everyone had been warned that an
uninitiated human was in their midst. Valarius had smiled as he’d watched Samson introduce Helena
to just about everyone, looking proud and completely smitten. How Helena didn’t know Samson
would attempt to move heaven and earth for her, Valarius had no clue. At this point, everyone in the
entire pride probably knew.
When he and Brice had greeted the woman, she’d been friendly with an open, honest face. Her brown
eyes twinkled with mirth. She carried probably an extra twenty pounds or so on her short, five-foot-
four-inch frame. Helena wore her light brown hair piled on top of her head, accentuating her slender,
heart-shaped face. If he were into critiquing women, Valarius would label her as girl-next-door
pretty.
Fortunately, she seemed just as taken with Samson. If Valarius hadn’t been a shifter, he never would
have known how nervous Helena was, she was that good at hiding her feelings. Valarius kinda liked
her. She was good with the cubs—playing freeze tag and stopping with some of the strangest
expressions on her face, sure to make the cubs laugh—and he thought she’d make a good addition to
the pride.
Valarius prayed she wouldn’t panic upon finding out about shifters. Per his promise to Samson,
Valarius had spoken to Alpha Perrin on his behalf, and although the big shifter had appeared nervous,
Valarius had known it was due to the man’s upbringing, not because he didn’t want Samson to be
happy.
As one of Alpha Perrin’s inner circle, Valarius knew that scientists had once held and experimented
on his alpha. It made him leery of humans in general, but he still wanted his people happy, which was
why he’d made the announcement to the pride about being open to human mates. Evidently, that had
been something the old alpha had refused to accept.
Damn bigots of all kinds.

“Hey, you all right?” Brice murmured, rubbing his hand over Valarius’ forearm where it rested

around his mate’s waist.

Valarius realized his entire body had tensed and he glared at nothing. Forcing himself to relax, he

nodded. “Yeah, sorry. Got lost in thought there for a second.”
“Not good thoughts, I’d wager,” Brice commented drolly.

Sighing, Valarius smiled at his observant mate. “Not everything in life is rainbows and sunshine.”

Brice stroked Valarius’ arm, leaned against his chest, and tilted his head back so he could still peer
up at him. “Without a little rain, you can’t have a rainbow,” he pointed out.
Valarius chuckled. “Very true,” he responded, before lowering his head and pressing his lips to
Brice’s. Knowing half a dozen children ran about the yard, plus a plethora of teenagers or almost
teenagers there to celebrate Kaytlyn’s birthday, he kept the contact brief.
Still, when he lifted his head, he managed to catch a sneer curling Malachi’s lips before the other lion
shifter could manage to clear his expression. Valarius just managed to avoid snarling at the bigoted
asshole. Just because the alpha mated a man didn’t mean everyone in the pride was accepting. It just
meant they’d become better at hiding their bigotedness.
Malachi huffed a sigh and glanced at his watch. Then the big, muscular blond turned on his heel and
pulled his phone from his pocket and disappeared into the house.
Curiosity filled Valarius, but he couldn’t think of any real legitimate reason to follow the man and
find out who he was talking to. He was an enforcer, not a snoop.
“You’re wired awfully tight tonight, Val.” Brice shifted so he could stare him in the eye. “Is
something wrong?”
Valarius rubbed the back of his neck. “Not wrong, really,” he mumbled. “I just—” He grimaced.
“Feel like something’s going to happen. I can’t really explain it,” he admitted.
Brice pursed his lips. “Like what?”
“I don’t know, babe.” How could he explain it when he couldn’t figure it out himself? His gut was
just saying, stay alert. Kinda like the feeling he’d had at the club to head into the bathroom. Sure he’d
planned to get blown, but he would have headed that way even if he hadn’t been with a trick.
Or like the time Rayban had attacked in the clearing. He hadn’t heard or scented anything, but he’d
known they needed to get out of there. He just hadn’t listened to his gut soon enough, too interested in
sex with his mate.
Now, his gaze strayed to Liam. The little arctic fox shifter who’d come to live with them while his
ex-alpha—a fellow named William—and his inner circle were tracked down. They’d abused Liam,
chained him up, and beat him, and when Liam had run, he’d been caught by scientists who’d nearly
killed him.
Thinking of that, Valarius’ gaze strayed to Raven. The human used to work for those same scientists,
but finding Liam had changed his path. The man came off as cold and standoffish, rather abrasive,
really, but he doted on Liam. At the moment, Liam danced with the birthday girl while Raven leaned
against the deck railing, drinking a beer, and watching indulgently.
A shadow fell over his chair and Valarius peered over. Terence stood over him. “Hey, Valarius, you
know that day we hoped wouldn’t come?” The alpha-mate grimaced. “Well, it came.”
Terence looked pointedly behind him, and Valarius followed his gaze. Alpha Perrin stood with a
couple other men near the sliding doors that led to the dining room.
Recognizing the men instantly, Valarius’ jaw clenched and anger coursed through his system. “Alpha
Edward,” he snarled, recognizing his old alpha. And right next to him stood Rayban, a cocky smirk
curling his mouth. “What the hell is Rayban doing here?” he hissed.
“Rayban?” Terence frowned. “He was introduced as Donald. We didn’t scent any lies.”
Valarius growled. “Donald is his middle name,” he snapped.
Terence looked toward the kids playing in the yard. “Well, let’s see what the assholes want, then,” he
mumbled softly. “Shall we?”
“Right,” he muttered, urging his mate to his feet.

“Are you in trouble?” Brice whispered, worry flooding his scent.
Valarius took a quick glance at Terence while they moved toward the waiting trio. For just a second,
he started to worry, then he spotted the slight twinkle in Terence’s eyes, and Valarius’ tension eased.
The alpha-mate knew this was probably some pathetic attempt to cause trouble. They just had to
figure out what and shut it down…and knowing the alpha and his mate, Valarius trusted them to do
just that, and hard.
He felt a gleam of warmth, suddenly never so grateful that he’d found this pride and chosen to request
a place under Perrin. They’d take care of him.
“No, babe. It’ll be fine,” he assured, truly believing that.
With his arm wrapped securely around his mate’s shoulders, he paused before the trio and smiled.
“Gentlemen.”
Rayban’s expression darkened immediately, probably pissed at not being addressed directly by his
title.
Instead of commenting, Alpha Perrin led the way through the sliding door into the dining room. After
glancing into the kitchen and making certain they were alone, Perrin indicated the chairs at the dining
room table. “If everyone would have a seat, we should be able to clear this up quickly.”
“I’m not so sure of that,” Rayban snapped.
“Donald,” Alpha Edward snapped, his voice low in warning.
“Sorry, Alpha,” Rayban grumbled.
Valarius wondered how the alpha put up with the asshat.
Terence evidently decided to cut to the chase. He crossed his arms over his chest and scowled, first
at Rayban, then at Edward. “I know Alpha Declan has been in contact with you regarding Beta
Rayban’s behavior,” he said. “I’m a little surprised to see him here.”
“Beta Rayban,” Alpha Perrin growled. “You introduced him to me as Donald. Are you such a
professional liar that you don’t give off a deceitful scent?”
Every shifter in the room knew how grave of an insult Perrin’s words were. Alpha Edward’s lip
curled. “I did not lie.”
Shrugging, Terence grinned—though it didn’t reach his eyes—and tossed out, “Well, sure, not
technically. An omission or misrepresentation. My question is, why? And what the hell are you doing
here?”
Alpha Edward snarled low in his throat. He glared at Alpha Perrin. “You would let your… mate…
speak to me that way?” He said the word mate as if it were a dirty word, like whore or slut.
Alpha Perrin didn’t miss that fact, and a low growl rumbled through his chest. “My mate has every
right to speak on my behalf, Alpha Edward. You, on the other hand, have already proven your
duplicity. You told Alpha Declan that Beta Rayban would be punished for his deplorable and
dangerous behavior in Stone Ridge, and yet here he stands, giving my enforcer smug and dirty looks.”
“How dare you, of all people, question the way I lead my pride,” Alpha Edward snarled.
“Of all people,” Alpha Perrin growled slowly, his tone turning so cold Valarius was shocked the air
in the room didn’t develop icicles. “Interesting choice of words, Alpha.” His black eyes narrowed,
regarding him with scorn. “Please, do explain.”
The shifter must have realized his error, for Alpha Edward’s mouth opened and closed once,
obviously struggling for words.
Before he could come up with something, snarling, yipping, and yelling erupted from the back yard.
Valarius recognized Raven’s bellow and Liam’s scream. Suddenly, everything clicked. “You’re a
distraction,” he accused. “Alpha?”

“Go,” Perrin snapped. Turning hard eyes back to the lion shifters in the room, he stated, “These two
won’t be going anywhere.”
Valarius pulled his mate with him, unwilling to leave Brice behind, even with his alpha and his mate.
Storming out of the house, he swept his gaze over the commotion. Women and a number of men were
working to herd the children into the house. He spotted Samson in lion form, his back to his clearly
traumatized mate, yowling in warning at an advancing lion he recognized as Ned.
Several fox were attacking Liam, who was now in fox form and fighting with…someone. Raven
fought nearby, working hard to keep another three foxes from getting to his mate while trying to pull
the one fighting Liam away from him.
Finally, another strange lion—Valarius thought it was Bill—fought beside one from their own pride
—Malachi, Valarius realized with distaste. They’d paired themselves off against Grimes and Patrick.
Valarius pointed toward Helena and ordered Brice, “Calm her. She’s going to need a shoulder to cry
on.”
“On it,” Brice stated, moving toward her without hesitation.
Ignoring his clothes, Valarius initiated his shift. The stray thought that, just a few days ago, his mate
would never have been comfortable in such a setting, but now… Pride flooded him. Then his clothes
tore away from his huge lion form and he bounded toward Samson to help the young lion defend their
mates.

Chapter Fourteen

rice reached Helena, calling her name, and grabbed the cowering woman. At first, she squealed

and tried to pull away from him. Then she must have recognized him for she launched into his arms.

“Oh, Brice! It’s Samson! I don’t know how, but a lion attacked and then Samson turned into a lion

and now they’re fighting and there are foxes and…” Her wide, clearly shocked brown eyes peered up
at him. “W-what’s happening?” Her voice cracked, betraying her fear.

Pulling her against him, Brice kept one eye on Samson, the strange lion—that looked vaguely like

one of the shifters from Stone Ridge—and his own mate, who launched into the fray without any
hesitation. He worried for Valarius, but he’d seen his lover fight. He’d be okay as long as Brice
stayed out of the way and didn’t distract him.

Brice turned his attention to the shaking woman in his arms. On instinct, he cupped her head and

tucked it under his chin. Now he crooned, “It’s going to be okay, Helena. You’re not going crazy. I
know it seems that way right now, but Samson would never hurt you. His lion knows you just as he
does. Remember how he protected you? His back to you? Staying between you and the other cat?
That’s your Samson, keeping you safe, because he loves you. He wants to take care of you. He’d do
anything for you.”

He repeated his words, varying their order, trying to keep his tone soothing and sure. He had no

idea how much actually got through to the woman, but slowly her shaking settled into fine tremors that
he recognized as crying. He continued to talk, telling her to remember Samson’s loving touch, his
words of affection, and the way he doted on her.

All the while, Brice kept his gaze on the fighting going on around him. With Samson’s help,

Valarius made quick work of whoever the hell had been attacking the young shifter. Brice’s mate
lifted his huge, heavily maned head and focused on Brice.

When Brice smiled and nodded, letting his lover know he was fine, Valarius bounded off to

help…um, whoever. There was a pair of lions facing off against another pair, a smaller pair. Valarius
bypassed them and charged toward a pair of foxes that’d managed to get Liam cornered.

A growl nearby caused a shiver to trickle down Brice’s spine, and he turned to face a growling

Samson. The big cat’s gaze flickered between him and Helena. Even as Brice hoped his lover could
help his friend—he enjoyed chatting with the boisterous Liam, even though his mate was kind of
brusque—Brice licked his lips and tried to figure out how the hell to assure Samson that his mate was
fine. He couldn’t very well release the woman. Brice just knew Helena would drop to the ground in a
sobbing mess, and Samson—as irrational as he probably was at the moment—would blame him. She
needed to be held, comforted.

Realizing that was the key, getting Samson to focus on Helena’s needs, Brice took a chance. He

did something he never thought he’d do. Brice scowled at the big cat and scolded, “You stop that,
Samson. You’re scaring your mate. You shift now. Show Helena you love her and can see to her
needs.”

The cat reared back, its eyes wide. It looked as if it’d been slapped. Samson actually mewled,

dropped to his belly, then whined. He cocked his head and glanced between them again.

Brice would take that as progress. Smiling encouragingly, he urged, “Come on, Samson. You love

Helena. She loves you. She’s really confused right now and she needs you. She needs you to hold her
and tell her everything is going to be okay. Shift now, so you can do that for her, okay?”

For just a second, Brice didn’t think his friend would obey. He knew protecting one’s mate could

cause a shifter to do funny things, so relief flooded him when seconds later he spotted the telltale
signs of Samson shifting.

Taking a chance, Brice nudged his shoulder and got Helena’s attention. With the hand that had

been absently petting her hair, he gripped her neck to get her attention. She glanced up at him, and to
his relief, looked at Samson.

She gasped.

Not really what he wanted, so he murmured into her ear. “See your lover. Samson heard every word I
said and understood. He’s gonna hold you and take care of you, explain everything, make sure you’re
okay.”
By the time he finished speaking, Samson—now human— reared up on his knees and croaked,
“Helena!”
“Samson!”
To Brice’s absolute pleasure, the woman completely ditched him and threw herself into Samson’s
arms. Brice sighed in relief as Helena burrowed close to Samson and the young shifter clutched her
tightly to him. Samson met Brice’s gaze over Helena’s shoulder and mouthed thank you.
Brice smiled and nodded once, then turned to figure out where his own mate had ended up. The four
foxes had been rounded up and were now being held at bay, mostly by the pistol in Raven’s hand as
he glared at them with a look that made a shiver slither down Brice’s spine, even though it wasn’t
even directed at him.
Valarius slowly padded toward Brice, and he took in every drop of blood matting his fur, searching
for the injuries. His mate paused and peered up at him, then lowered to his belly. Brice frowned, then
realized he’d been holding his breath. He sucked in a lungful of air, only to let it out on a sigh of
relief. Brice ignored his instincts to avoid a very large predator and dropped to his knees beside his
mate. He buried his fingers into Valarius’ mane and pressed his forehead to the lion’s thick fur,
inhaling the scent of his lover mixed with an odd musk he realized must be cat.
“Please tell me you’re okay,” Brice urged. “Are you injured?” He lifted his head and stared into the
dark brown eyes of the lion that were so very familiar.
Under his fingertips, his lover’s skin rippled. Valarius’ body shuddered. Brice released his mate’s
mane and rocked back on his heels. He took the opportunity just to stare at his lover, taking in the
intricacies of his man shifting. When Valarius’ human face peered up to stare at him, Brice grinned.
“God, you’re sexy,” Valarius stated gruffly.
Brice barked out a laugh. “You’re the naked one. Fuck, where are your clothes?” he asked, feeling the
green-eyed monster rear as he realized how many people were in the clearing with the opportunity to
see his man’s sexy ass.
“Brice?”
Burying his ridiculous reaction—after all, these guys had probably already seen Valarius’ ass and
were used to stripping around others to shift—Brice turned to see a concerned Samson holding a still
fearful Helena.
He smiled. “Hey, you and Helena okay?” he asked softly.
“Could you, uh…” Samson glanced down at Helena, still petting her thick dark hair.
To Brice’s surprise, Helena lifted her head and peered up at him. Although tears still glistened on her
lashes, she gave him a tremulous smile. “Will you come talk with us? I remember some of your
words, but…can you help me by telling me again?”
Brice let out a silent sigh of relief and held up a finger while he sought out his own mate. Valarius
cupped his jaw and ducked his head close, murmuring, “I’m gonna help clean up this mess. I’ll meet

you in our rooms in a bit?”
“Sounds perfect,” Brice replied softly, enjoying his lover’s short press and rub of lips against his
own. When Valarius drew away, he growled just loud enough for his mate to hear, “Find something to
cover your sexy ass.”
Valarius chuckled, but nodded.
Turning back toward Samson and Helena, Brice stood and motioned toward the house. He gave
Helena an encouraging smile. “I think we have a lot to talk about.”

Several hours later, Brice shut the door to his suite of rooms and leaned against it. He closed his

eyes and let out a long, fatigued sigh. It had taken a while, but he and Samson had explained
everything to Helena. There was something to be said for having a mate be on hand when explaining
about shifters. The mate-pull made acceptance so much easier.

He smiled upon feeling the firm hold of his lover’s hands on his shoulders. Recognizing Valarius’

scent, he didn’t fight as the other man pulled him close, then undressed him and led him into the
shower.

Valarius cleaned them both, and Brice couldn’t resist asking, “What happened with everyone?

Who were the foxes?”

“Those were Liam’s old alpha, beta, and enforcers. The Shifter Council’s trackers have been

searching for them for a couple of weeks,” Valarius replied as he scrubbed soap into Brice’s hair.
“The council is sending several people to come get them as well as Alpha Patrick, Rayban and his
lions. Although, Bill and Ned will probably just get a slap on the wrist since they were following
their leader’s orders,” he mused.

“Who was the other lion?” Brice asked right before tipping his head back and rinsing the soap.

Once not under water again, he added, “He looked familiar.”

Growling softly, Valarius replied, “That was Malachi. When Perrin first became alpha, he

challenged him for the position. Perrin beat him easily. Evidently, he didn’t take the loss well. He
helped the others coordinate the attack. He’s in a hell of a lot of trouble not only with Perrin but the
council, since there were several humans at the BBQ that didn’t know about shifters.”

Valarius turned off the water and grabbed towels, wrapping one around Brice. “Enough talk of

them,” he stated gruffly, lowering his head to nip lightly at Brice’s bottom lip.

Recognizing his lover’s change in mood, Brice gave Valarius an innocent smile. “Then, what do

you want to talk about?”

“Us,” Valarius responded instantly, then led the way back to the front room. This time, Brice

noticed the fire in the fireplace, the champagne on ice, and the chocolate covered strawberries. He
chuckled when he saw the can of whipped cream.

“God, you have me so figured out,” Brice said, smiling. Not wanting to miss the opportunity, he

blurted, “It’s one of the reasons I love you so much.”

Valarius froze, then turned to look at him fully. “What did you say?”

Brice slid his arms over his man’s shoulders and met his questioning gaze squarely. “I love you.
You’ve been patient, wanting me to be sure. Well, I am. I love you, Valarius, so very much.”
“Oh, Brice,” Valarius groaned and held him tightly, pressing his face against Brice’s neck. Warm air
ghosted over his skin as Valarius let out a sigh. “I love you, too, Brice.”
For several seconds, Brice just relished Valarius holding him. Finally, his lover lifted his head and
grinned as he eased his grip. He backed two steps, then pulled Brice down onto the nest of blankets
and pillows, and tucked him close. He handed him one glass of already poured champagne and then
picked up his own. Lying with his lion, Brice waited to see what his man had planned.

“To our mating,” Valarius crooned. “You are my perfect mate.”
Brice’s brows shot up, but Valarius didn’t stop there.
He continued by saying, “An enforcer needs to be tough, strong, and forceful. You round out my rough
edges. You see the people themselves, how their emotions may affect them, and help them accept our
way of life when accidents happen. You’re perfect.”
“Val,” Brice whispered, overwhelmed.
Valarius shook his head and smiled. “Don’t argue. Just accept the fact that Fate knew what she was
doing.” He gave Brice a stern look for a second. Then the look softened and he ducked his head and
nuzzled Brice’s neck.
Brice cocked his head, enjoying his man’s attention. “I’ve never been happier,” Brice admitted. “You
make me happy.”
Lifting his head, Valarius smirked. “Then I’ll have to work very hard to keep doing whatever the hell
I’m doing right.”
Taking a sip of his champagne, Brice winked as he took a drink. “And we’ll keep lion around.”
Valarius stared for several seconds, then groaned. “Oh, babe! That was so bad!”
Brice nearly snorted the champagne through his nose as he giggled.
His mate was absolutely right.

About the Author

Charlie lives on a mini ranchette in Utah with her husband and furry, four-legged children. She

started writing fantasy when she was eight, and after stumbling onto her first erotic romance at age
nineteen, she realized her true calling. She now focuses on writing erotic romance, normally of the
paranormal variety, with heroes and heroines of all kinds. You can often find her curled up with her
laptop and a cup of tea or glass of wine, creating her next adventure. Charlie enjoys exploring the
mountains on horseback, 4-wheeler, or motorcycle. Her favorite exercise is jumping lessons with her
Arabian gelding Apache or her Thoroughbred mare Repo. And she can’t get enough of sexy
highlanders with their kilts and swords. Right now, she and her muse are working with dedication on
her Wolves of Stone Ridge series and Kontra’s Menagerie series.
She can be reached at ch.richards2010@yahoo.com Or visit her at www.charlie-richards.com

Document Outline

Just Lion Around Wolves of Stone Ridge: Book Nineteen By Charlie Richards
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

Wolves of Stone Ridge 19 Just Lion Around

Document Outline