The Runaway Cat

(Book 2 Cloverleah Pack Series)

By

Lisa Oliver

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The

Runaway Cat (Book Two Cloverleah Pack Series)

Copyright © Lisa Oliver, 2014

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Cover Design by Paul Oliver

First Edition February 2014

All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage or retrieval

system, without permission in writing from the author, Lisa Oliver.

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No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the internet or any other means, electronic or print, without

permission from Lisa Oliver.

Warning:

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 or print editions and do not participate in or
encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights and livelihood is appreciated.

The

Runaway Cat is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or

are used fictitiously and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Warning:

This book contains material that maybe offensive to some people including graphic language, cursing, explicit sex between males,
male-male sex, anal intercourse, oral, rimming and a few BDSM elements.

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following trademarks mentioned in this work of
fiction:

Alannah Myles -

Black Velvet

Department of Motor Vehicles

Ducati SportTouring ST4, 2005

Federal Bureau of Investigation - FBI

Glenfiddich Whiskey - Glenfiddich

Distillery

Harley Davidson

Rhianna -

Diamonds

St. Regis Hotel

Dedication

For the readers who loved book one in the series and who were kind enough to let me know - thank

you.

Chapter One

As Griff Matthews strode back into the dance bar after Kane and Shawn had left to go upstairs, he was
just really thankful that Shawn was in their pack. Although he and Kane had been together virtually
their whole lives with the exception of Griff’s time in the military he knew they both would have had
problems taking on a bloody bear shifter. But man, the anger in Shawn and the way it manifested itself
was just unbelievable. The look in his eyes as Shawn had watched the bear on the floor writhing in
pain left Griff in no doubt that Shawn would have blasted the man into a million atoms without a
second thought. Yep Kane had a good man at his back and in a way Griff felt slightly relieved. He
really didn’t have to watch out for Kane as much anymore and although Kane would always be his
cousin, his Alpha, and his very best friend it would be nice to spend a bit of time building a life for
himself too.

So now was a good a time as any to get drunk, watch the dancing and maybe, just maybe find someone
who wasn’t that intimidated by him that he could get laid. Griff snorted. Not likely to happen anytime
soon but still the drinks would help dull any hopes he might have in that direction. The drinks would
keep his wolf quiet which wasn’t a bad thing either given he hadn’t gone for a run in weeks.

Griff was under no illusions he looked like trouble. It wasn’t intentional; it was just the way he was.
Not just the tattoos and the long hair. At 6’5” he had a big well-muscled chest that tapered down to a
surprisingly trim waist and arse. His long legs were strong and supple and in his head designed to
wrap around the waist of the man of his dreams. Okay well if that was the way his thoughts were
running maybe he would settle for a decent pair of lips around his cock so he could get off on the idea
of being screwed even if it wasn’t going to happen in actuality.

His green eyes scanned the bar. Most guys in the club were dancing, their bodies a frenzied mass of
bump and grind as they desperately tried to find some kind of release. There were a few guys just
leaning on the bar, one of them he recognized. Saul, hmmm what was that little pup doing here. Up to
his same old tricks as usual Griff presumed. He grinned to himself as he wondered what the little guy
would do if he knew Kane and Shawn were in the club. He remembered how Shawn had handled the
little man the last time the pup had the audacity to put his hands all over Kane. The boy had been
given a firm lecture on behaving himself but looking at the way Saul was dressed in his tight leather
pants and bright green skintight top Griff reckoned the lecture hadn’t been strong enough.

He went back to scanning the rest of the men at the bar, Griff’s sharp gaze picked out a new face and
body. Long blond hair, hmmm couldn’t see much else of the face as the man was standing facing the
bar, but that gave Griff the perfect opportunity to scope out the body and man what a body. Dressed
entirely in black the man stood out not so much by what he was wearing but the way he was standing.
Leaning over the bar his back muscles flexed as the man raised his drink and chucked it back in one
swallow before indicating to the barman for another round. Griff’s eyes ran down the man’s back to an
incredible arse well displayed in black jeans and long legs. This guy had to be almost as tall as Griff,
maybe 6’3” or 6’4”, just slimmer. A cat shifter, almost definitely. Griff’s mouth started to water.
Maybe tonight wouldn’t be a total write off after all.

Without thinking much about it, Griff strode over to the bar to stand next to his wet dream and raised
his hand at the barman.

“The usual, Griff?” The barman waited for his nod and started setting out six glasses, filling each one
with a double shot of Glenfiddich. Then he reached behind him and pulled out a bottle of Claude’s
own beer brew. Setting them all on a tray he carried them over and put them in front of Griff with a
smirk.

“Thanks Clive, will let you know when I am ready for round two.”

Griff took each glass and set them in a row in front of him. Then taking the one from the left first he
picked them up swallowed them in one gulp, slamming down the glass and picking up the next one.
All six glasses were gone in less than a minute. Griff could feel the burn down his throat and the buzz
starting to run through his body. It would take a lot more than twelve shots of whiskey to get him
drunk but it was a good start. He put the glasses back on the tray and picked up the beer for a long
swallow.

“Well that’s impressive.” Griff almost choked on his beer. The Man in Black, ha ha, had spoken
beside him and that voice damn it went right through him. Soft, low and gravelly it reminded Griff of
every sinfully decadent thing he could think of. He looked over to see just for himself if the face
matched the voice and holy shit, it did. Angled, strong face, deep black eyes with amazing eyebrows, a
straight nose and full pale lips that were quirked in a half grin as the man was waiting to see if Griff
had a response. Yup it was official Griff was screwed, hopefully. As his cock sprang to attention he
knew he really wanted this guy and now would be good.

Griff looked down at the empty glasses before looking back up at the stranger in front of him.

“Impressed about what exactly? The fact that I can put down 6 doubles in less than a minute, or the
fact that I am still standing upright?” Griff was teasing and he let it show on his face. He took another
swallow of his beer and stood quiet as the stranger now openly checked him out.

Special Agent Derrick ‘Diablo’ Franklin had originally planned to just pop into Claude’s get a drink, a
fast hook up and pop out again. He was coming to the end of a long and hard undercover job and he
was stressed, tense and in desperate need for some type of release. His case was wearing on him more
than it should for more reasons than he cared to examine. His cat had been snarky and hard to control
for weeks. Or it had been. As Diablo looked closely at the man beside him, he honestly felt his cat purr
and he wondered where the hell that had come from.

The drinker was definitely worth looking at. Tall and well built the man held himself with confidence
and grace despite his large size. His chiseled face was topped with bright green eyes, his chin and full
mouth framed by a tightly groomed goatee. The man was drop dead gorgeous. Diablo wondered what
his wolf form would look like. Big, rugged and mean he reckoned. Hmmm he had two days before he
had to get back and this tantalizing man in front of him could go a long way to easing some of his
tension.

“Both actually. I’m Diablo.” Decision made Diablo held out his hand for a shake.

“Griff.” The larger man took his hand with a gentleness that belied its strength and as he shook it
Diablo felt the electricity between them. He had to force himself to drop the hand after he had held it
longer than considered decent.

“I don’t drink very often,” Griff went on to explain, “but I felt the need for a buzz. It has been a long
couple of months and I learned a long time ago the best way to feel the alcohol at all is to slam it in,
hard and fast and then let the high flow for a while. Plus,” he said as he indicated to Clive he was
ready for another round, “it saves Clive here a whole stack of running around keeping me happy.”

Diablo had been distracted by the ‘slam it in, hard and fast’ statement and took a moment to reply. He
never bottomed but hell he would give it up for this wolf in a heartbeat although he wasn’t sure why.
Fascinated he watched as Griff slammed down another 6 doubles and then indicated to Clive he was
finished. The barman obviously knew the routine because he just took the tray away leaving Griff with
his bottle of beer. Two rounds were clearly Griff’s limit. Diablo ordered another drink for himself,
planning to sit on it for a while, simply so he could spend more time learning about the man beside

him.

Griff was watching the dancing again, letting the pleasure of the alcohol flow through him. His wolf
was quiet, his body relaxed and he realized he felt really good. He saw Kane and Shawn come in and
immediately come together on the dance floor, Kane wrapped around Shawn as if he would never let
him go and Griff figured he probably never would. Boy he would love to have that one day. He looked
over to see Diablo watching him closely.

“What’s got your face looking all dreamy?” Diablo asked. Griff indicated to Kane and Shawn with his
beer bottle.

“That’s my Alpha, Kane and his mate Shawn. They have only been together a few months, but man
they move well together.”

Diablo turned to look at the two men on the dance floor. Unlike the other couples and groups who
were rutting, bumping and grinding with desperation, these two stood out with the sensuality of their
movements. Slow and unhurried the two were totally fixated on each other. Diablo watched as the
taller man, Kane he presumed, took his head out of his mate’s hair to say something. In one quick
moment he saw both of the men’s faces and the love that flowed between them was precious. It was
more than the fact that both men looked like sex on a stick, it was the feelings they obviously shared
that made the scene so sensuous. Diablo felt his own heart thump hard as he came to the stunning
realization that he wanted something like that in his own life.

As Diablo watched he saw the smaller man’s hand run down his mate’s behind to grab a foreign hand
that was groping Kane’s arse. Without breaking a step and staying totally focused on Kane, Shawn
grabbed the intruder’s fingers and snapped them. The intruder scurried back clasping his broken
fingers in his good hand. Diablo looked at Griff in amazement.

“Did he just…?”

Grinning Griff said, “Yep, Shawn doesn’t like anyone touching his mate. Kane had a bit of a past
before he met Shawn, well quite a bit of one and some people haven’t got the message yet that Kane is
definitely off the market. Word is getting around though.” He laughed, the chuckle coming from deep
in his chest and while Diablo warmed to the sound, his cat appeared to want to wallow in it.

“And Kane doesn’t mind?” Diablo knew that was a dumb question before he opened his mouth, but
well, the words were out now. Griff didn’t seem put out by it though.

“Shit no. Kane loves that Shawn is possessive. He feels the same way.” Griff looked at Diablo
intently. “They are true mates, see. What the Fates have bought together. Sure they have claimed each
other and they even had an Alpha Mating ceremony, but there is so much more to them than that. They
connect in every way and that’s special. There could never be another person for either one of them
and they are perfectly happy with that. Why, don’t you cats have the same thing?”

“I don’t personally know any cats that have had mates to be honest. I suppose you could call me a
black panther although I had a cougar mother and a tiger for a father, but I never knew him. They
weren’t true mates. I know we can have them,” Diablo had heard enough stories from his mother to
know that at least, “and I guess given how cats are really territorial and possessive it would make
sense that if they did mate they would feel the same way.” He looked over to where Kane and Shawn
were still dancing. “I would sure love to have what they have in my life.” His voice quiet, Diablo
seemed to be deep inside his head. Griff looked at him for a moment and then indicated to Colin to get
Diablo another drink.

Handing it to Diablo, Griff went back to watching the dancers until he heard a muffled, “What the
fuck…” Turning his head he saw Diablo fighting off a younger blond wolf. Without thinking Griff

grabbed the wolf by the back of the neck and pulled him off Diablo. Saul, of course, who else would it
be. Diablo was trying to wipe the drink off his shirt and he looked pissed off.

Griff held the struggling Saul until he finally stopped trying to get away and then he put the small
wolf’s feet on the ground.

“Hey Saul, whatcha think you’re doing?” Griff’s drawl was always more pronounced when he was
angry although he did a good job of hiding it most times. But now he was starting to get pissed. He
wanted the man beside him for himself and although he wasn’t sure how he was going to make that
happen right this minute he didn’t want Saul interfering.

“What does it look like you big oaf?” Saul’s voice was shrill and strong and it made Diablo’s cat
wince especially when Saul turned his attention back to Diablo. “Wanna come out the back with me
and play?” He batted his eyes at Diablo who just reacted with disgust.

“No thanks. I am hoping to get something going with the man beside me.” Griff grinned at Diablo’s
words. Nice to know the attraction wasn’t all one-sided.

Saul looked at Griff and Diablo for a minute and then laughed. “Hell no, you are kidding me, it would
be like the clash of the titans or something.” He watched as Griff and Diablo shared a smirk. Yep
under certain circumstances it probably could be, but Griff didn’t think so.

“And…and…you guys would be so busy fighting to see who tops you would never get anywhere.”
Diablo looked at Griff who shrugged. Griff wasn’t about to tell Saul that he was perfectly happy to
bottom for the right man, and Diablo wasn’t going to tell anyone about his own errant thoughts about
Griff. They shared a long look, questions asked and answered without words. Yep they were on the
same page.

Griff bent down and said quietly to Saul. “Did you happen to notice who was on the dance floor?”

Saul glared at Griff and then looked over. Kane and Shawn stood out simply because they were so
different from any other couple on the floor. Their movements might have gotten a little more heated
but it was more a hint of what they wanted to do rather than an overdone hump.

“Oh shit.” Saul wriggled out of Griff’s grasp and took off. Griff ordered Diablo another drink and a
beer for himself.

“Well he took off fast enough.”

“Yeah, well he was one of Kane’s many conquests, a one nighter, like they all were. Saul made the
mistake of rutting all over Kane at a car show we went to and Shawn got a little bit upset.”

“He’s still walking so it couldn’t have been that bad.”

“Oh, bad enough. Shawn threatened to tear his limbs off one by one and turn him into a human
footstool for him to fuck his mate on. I think the graphics of that idea was enough to put the fright into
Saul for life.”

“Really?” Diablo was grinning.

“Oh yes and he could do it too.” Griff was laughing now at the memory as the two men under
discussion came over. As per normal Kane had his arm over Shawn’s shoulder, while Shawn had his
arm snug around Kane’s waist. Diablo could see how well they fit together and for a brief moment he
dreamt of the big man beside him holding him the same way. He imagined it would feel pretty good.

“Hey guys, was that Saul I saw heading out of here like the hounds of hell were after him.” Kane’s
voice was deep and low and tinged with laughter.

“Yep, seeing Shawn here seems to have that effect on him.” Griff had stopped laughing but his grin lit

his face. “Oh Kane, Shawn, this is Diablo.” The men all shook hands.

“Shawn and I are heading off, Shawn style. Are you okay to take the truck home?” Kane was looking
at Griff the question in his eyes. Not so much was Griff okay to take the truck home, was he okay with
a sexy looking cat shifter named Diablo.

Griff nodded firmly. “Yep, no problem boss. See you in the morning at work, okay?”

Kane fished around in his back pocket and pulled out Claude’s key. He passed it over to Griff. “Can
you get this back to Claude before you leave? I er…can’t be bothered looking for him.” He was
looking at Shawn and the lust was evident in his eyes.

Griff put it on the bar and grinned at Kane and Shawn. “Yep, I will take care of it. You guys take it
easy going home now.” Laughing, Kane waved at Griff and Diablo as he pulled Shawn with him and
they disappeared out the door of the club.

“Do I want to ask how they are getting home?” Diablo asked curiously not really expecting an answer.

Griff looked at him for a minute as if weighing him up. Whatever he decided must have been positive
because he said, “Shawn has some extra abilities that make him kinda special. One of them is the
ability to zap his mate straight into their bedroom from wherever they are. If Kane is in a hurry, like
he appears to be tonight, then it is the quickest way to get home.” He grinned as he remembered how
many times Kane had gotten Shawn to zap him from the workshop to home and back in their lunch
breaks.

“Hmm must be handy. I wouldn’t mind a few of those skills myself.” Diablo thought about the more
than couple of times he wished he could just zap out of wherever he was at the time and then
purposefully shook his head. Now was not the time or place. He looked over at Griff who was still
watching him with a half smile on his face. Yep he could lost in this big man and that was exactly
what he wanted to do.

Without breaking their gaze Diablo stepped closer to Griff and put his arm around the man’s waist. He
gave a little tug and Griff came forward willingly until they were standing flush against each other.
The electricity Diablo had felt when they shook hands now pulsed through his body and his cock
jumped fully hard in seconds. Griff’s own cock was already hard against his thigh and the half smile
on his face turned into a full blown grin.

Nodding to the key on the bar, Diablo said quietly, “How soon do you have to get that back to
Claude?”

“Sometime in the morning will be fine.” The lust in Griff’s voice was evident in his raspy response.

“You know I don’t bottom.” As much as Diablo really felt he wanted to do that with Griff, he hadn’t
thought it through properly and he didn’t want to make any decisions half-cocked.

Griff put a big arm around Diablo’s shoulder and scooped up Claude’s key with the other hand. “You
are lucky that I can be persuaded then, if you are good enough, of course.” Griff’s voice was teasing.
He already knew the cat in his arms would be more than good enough.

“I’ll just have to bring my ‘A’ game then won’t I?” Diablo smirked at the bigger man.

“I don’t deserve anything less man.” Grin still firmly in place Griff led Diablo off through the club to
Claude’s suite. He was going to have some fun tonight.

Chapter Two

The door slammed behind them, cutting out the noise of the club below. Diablo flicked his eyes over
the room, habit more than anything else. Dim lighting, huge bed, couch in the corner, no lurking bad
guys and a solid lock on the door. A lot better place for a hook up than some of the places he had been.
Then he looked over at Griff and saw that the man had done the same thing. Checked the place out,
deemed it safe enough. Something was off, but not enough to pierce Diablo’s lust. But he couldn’t
help himself.

Looking up at Griff’s handsome face he asked quietly, “What are you?” A dark look passed over
Griff’s face, fading as quickly as it was there, replaced by his trademark grin.

“A wolf shifting mechanic looking to get laid. What are you?”

Hmm, okay. There was more to Griff than that, and Diablo knew it, but then Griff leaned over him,
pushing his body up against the door with his chest. Leaving his hands rested on the door above
Diablo’s head, Griff leaned his head down and placed his lips on Diablo’s pressing ever so gently.
Diablo gasped as his cat suddenly went into a frenzy of want and he pushed his lips closer to Griff’s
desperately seeking more of the same.

Still grinning, Griff pulled back and whispered against his lips, “What are you? Don’t lie now.”

Diablo’s brain was scrambled and the man in front of him had barely kissed him. His cat was going
crazy and his cock was throbbing so hard he was going to come in his trousers if he wasn’t careful.
Fuck he wasn’t a teenager, he was twenty eight years old for goodness sake, but Diablo had never felt
this alive and he wanted Griff more than anything in his life.

Panting hard and not thinking at all Diablo blurted out, “Agency…undercover…Louisiana…cat
shifter…please.”

Griff chuckled as he muttered, “God you Feebs are so easy. Pleasure will get you over torture every
time.” And before Diablo had a chance to process the comment Griff kissed him again. A real kiss.
Slow and sensual and so full of promise that Diablo unraveled. He threw his arms around Griff’s neck
to pull him closer and pressed his full body against the man, kissing him back with every ounce of
passion he could muster.

Griff held back for just a moment. He wasn’t sure boffing an FBI agent was a good idea especially
given his own history but Diablo smelt and felt so good under his lips, everywhere their bodies
touched, he had to have more. Sliding his hands down Diablo’s body to his waist, Griff grabbed him,
turned him and with two quick steps was at the bed throwing the man in the middle of it. Taking just a
second to pull his shirt over his head, he looked to see Diablo was doing the same thing. Kneeling,
Griff laid himself down Diablo’s side before kissing him again, one hand fisted in Diablo’s hair and
the other trailing over firm pectorals, tight abs and long lean sides.

Tongues dueling, gasps and moans rising both men feasted on each other rolling first one way and
then the other as each man fought to find more of the other. Finally Diablo found himself on top and
he sat up, his hips straddling Griff’s legs as he bent to undo Griff’s jeans. Flushed beneath him, Griff
raised his hips to allow Diablo to slide them down his legs, pulling off the man’s boots as he went.
Looking down at Griff’s long hard cock, purple and leaking against the man’s abs, Diablo groaned and
bent forward to take it into his mouth.

Stretching his lips wide, he took it down in one go, swallowing to allow the length to fit down his
throat. Griff moaned long and loud and fisted the sheets, resisting the urge to thrust. Fuck nothing in
his life had ever felt so good. He felt Diablo’s hands on his, moving them to his head, before Diablo

swirled his mouth up and back down Griff’s cock, his tongue licking and lapping as he went. Holding
onto Diablo’s silken hair gently, Griff gently rocked into the man’s mouth, trying so hard to be careful
but losing the battle fast. Diablo moaned in encouragement and Griff thrust a little harder and Diablo
took it, moving his mouth up and down Griff’s cock, continuously sucking and licking until Griff felt
himself on the edge of coming.

“Diablo…I…er…”

Diablo nodded and pushed his mouth down hard over Griff’s cock, taking him to the hilt, his hands
pulling at Griff’s arse to bring him even closer if that was possible. Griff gave one short thrust and
came long, loud and messy. Diablo groaned himself as he tasted Griff’s come on his tongue and he
swallowed again and again taking all of Griff’s essence deep inside himself. Only when there was
nothing more to be had, did Diablo sit up and look at the man underneath him.

God what a picture. Griff’s eyes were half closed as he watched Diablo above him. His heaving chest
was surrounded by tattoos that came up Griff’s arms and swept down each side of Griff’s solid
pectoral muscles. Across Griff’s heart was the tattoo of a leaping black panther, its face grimaced ,
teeth flashing and its claws extended. Diablo grinned at that but he had a more pressing need than to
ask about tattoos.

Raising an eyebrow at Griff he said “good enough?” the rasp in his deep liquid silver voice the only
indication of the lust he was still feeling.

“Definitely.” Whoever said wolves couldn’t purr was so wrong.

Diablo scooted off the bed and removed his boots and jeans, reaching over to the bedside table for a
bottle of lube strategically placed there. He got back on the bed, kneeling between Griff’s now open
thighs.

“You want me to roll over?”

Diablo looked at Griff again and said, “I want to see you come apart again,” the promise in his voice
evident.

Snagging a pillow from the top of the bed Diablo settled the pillow underneath Griff’s arse, tilting it
up so Diablo could see the hidden spot beneath Griff’s balls. Coating his fingers on one hand with lube
Diablo stretched his body out over Griff’s, curling the man’s long hair in the other hand, and pulling
Griff up for a kiss. With his lubed fingers he reached down and stroked down Griff’s cock until it
started to harden again before running his fingers down further past Griff’s balls to the hole below. At
the first point of contact Griff gasped and writhed his hips up seeking more.

Diablo gently teased at Griff’s opening, tapping and stroking until he breach the hole with just the tip
of one finger. As Griff moaned and pushed down on the finger he added a second scissoring gently as
he felt Griff resist. When Griff started bucking at his fingers again he added the third, twisting his
fingers until he felt Griff’s prostrate. As he fluttered a finger over the little nub, Griff’s arse came up
off the bed and he groaned loudly and thrust again seeking a repeat of the sensation.

“Come on cat, get on with it.” Griff growled.

Sitting up, Diablo grabbed more lube and applied it liberally over his own cock that was shaking so
hard Diablo knew he wasn’t going to last long. But damn he wanted to. As he knelt between Griff’s
thighs he nudged his cock against the hole, lining himself up perfectly, before he thrust in one strong
fluid motion pushing the head of his cock through the resistant muscle in one go. He felt Griff push
out against him, grabbing with his muscles trying to pull Diablo in further. When that didn’t work
Griff half sat up, grabbing Diablo’s shoulders and pulling him down over his body. The movement

pulled Diablo’s cock deeper into Griff and Diablo gave one hard thrust to find he was fully encased.
Fuck Griff was tight, hot and absolutely fucking perfect.

Diablo raised himself up on his arms, his hands placed on either side of Griff’s head, Griff’s hands
now sitting on the top of his hip bones. Diablo took a couple of deep breaths to calm himself before he
started to pull out slowly until he was almost out. Then he flexed his hips and thrust back in again
Griff’s fingers digging into him as he tried to keep the movement slow. Pulling back he repeated the
motion, slow slides in and out. Griff growled and Diablo grinned.

“Stop being a bossy bottom wolf.”

“Then pick the pace up cat and show me what you’ve got.”

Diablo grinned again and increased the pace slightly. Griff growled again and Diablo moved quicker.
Supporting his weight on his hands Diablo started thrusting in, flexing his back and hips, harder and
faster and he felt Griff’s approval as the man started to moan and thrust up to meet him.

“God that feels so good.” Griff drawled out his pleasure as he reached down and grabbed his own
cock, the drags and tugs of his hand matching Diablo’s thrusts. Together the two men rocked together
in a frantic rhythm. Words became gasps and moans. Griff lost in the pleasure, Diablo fighting a need
he had never had before that night. To come hard and to bite. He wanted to claim this man. His cat was
going ballistic. He felt his gums throbbing as his huge cat’s eye teeth became evident. His cock was
humming as he was so close to coming, his man was writhing, thrusting and moaning beneath him and
there was nothing he could do to stop. On and on it went harder and faster, until Diablo could stand it
no more and with a loud cry he came, biting down on the corner of Griff’s neck as he did. Griff
shouted long and loud and came beneath him, his spunk coating them both as he did. Without
thinking, Diablo retracted his teeth, licking gently over the wound as he did. Then pulling out
carefully, he collapsed on his side exhausted, sated and for some reason really, really happy.

For a moment all the two men could do was lay there and regain their breath. Then Griff reached over
and turned Diablo onto his other side, pulling him with one big arm back into his embrace, Diablo’s
back firm against the bigger man’s chest. It was still sticky but Diablo didn’t care. Griff’s legs curled
behind Diablo’s and he muttered something like, “Damn good pussy cat,” before dropping into a
contented doze.

Diablo lay there in the soft light as he worked out what he had done. His cat was settled into a
contented purr, his body felt really good despite the fact he was exhausted. Fuck he didn’t need to
work out what he had done. Griff’s smell, his taste, his own huge attraction to the bigger man from the
moment he saw him. Griff was the mate he had never thought he would ever meet. And he had
claimed him, while Griff was drunk, in a bedroom above a BDSM club. Not an auspicious beginning.

He turned his body slightly within Griff’s gentle embrace so he could look at the man beside him.
Even in sleep Griff was magnificent. Big, strong and so handsome. Diablo gently traced the panther
Griff had tattooed on his chest and shook his head in wonder. Without realizing it, Griff had marked
himself as a cat’s mate, the fighting panther protecting his heart. Shit Diablo was going to be in so
much trouble when Griff realized what he had done.

For one moment Diablo allowed himself to think about what it would be like to be with a man like
Griff full time. To have someone who loved him like the couple he had met earlier. To just live an
ordinary life without worrying about having to give head or be shot at every five minutes. He could set
up his own security firm he thought idly. He had always planned to do that when he got out. He and
Griff could live together and be happy. He knew that in his heart.

And stuff it was there any reason that he couldn’t do it? This case had gone on far too long; surely the

bloody warrants would be in place by now. He could just ring his handler in the morning and tell him
that he wasn’t coming back and that he was resigning permanently. Diablo had gotten them all of the
information they needed to convict his mark ten times over. He knew that. It had taken two bloody
years to do it. He had more than enough money saved. It wasn’t as though he had a home of his own,
or much in the way of personal possessions. He could walk away, go off the grid completely and live
with his mechanic wherever the man might live. Can’t be too far from Claude’s, as Griff was
obviously a regular here.

Diablo thought back to the two dancers, Kane and Shawn. They seemed like decent enough guys. But
what they had was so tangible, so real and so amazing how could anyone not want that sort of thing for
themselves. He knew that Griff was looking for his life partner. Diablo chuckled to himself. If the
wolf hadn’t gotten so drunk he probably would have found himself bottoming a lot sooner than he
would have liked. He knew wolves were hellishly possessive and once they found their mate there was
no stopping them in the whole claiming side of things. He looked over again at the sleeping man, his
mate. If he led with that side of the conversation first, then maybe Griff wouldn’t be too pissed off
with what he had done. Could be a good tactic to deal with any potential anger Griff might feel about
being claimed without so much as an ask.

Smiling to himself, Diablo curled up against Griff’s chest and fell into one of the best sleeps he had
ever had.

Chapter Three

Fucking phone was Diablo’s first thought as he jerked awake. He took a second to remind himself
where he was, smiling fondly at the sleeping wolf beside him. His cock twitched but the phone beeped
again. Cursing under his breath Diablo carefully slipped from Griff’s arms and off the bed, fumbling
on the floor looking for his pants. Finding his phone, he peered at the single text message he had
received.

Code Red

Diablo stared at it in horror. No bloody way. His mark was supposed to be away for three days on
business and Diablo’s handler knew that Diablo was slipping off the radar for some much needed
down time. Something must have gone wrong and Diablo had to get his arse back to work, like now.
He stole another look at Griff who was still sleeping peacefully and all of a sudden Diablo had had
enough. He was sick of having to jump every time his bloody phone went and there was no way he
wanted to leave Griff with an unexplained mating mark and an absent mate.

Noticing a door on the side of the room, Diablo opened it quickly to find a large bathroom. Carefully
closing the door behind him he flicked on the light and went and sat on the edge of a really big tub. He
stared at the message again before hitting the options menu on the screen. Tapping ‘Dial’ he held the
phone to his ear waiting for his handler, Dick Corbin to pick up on the other end.

“What the fuck, why aren’t you on the road Diablo?” Diablo’s call had obviously woken Dick up.
Tough.

Keeping his voice low so as not to wake Griff, Diablo snarled, “I am not coming back so don’t bother
contacting me about this again.”

“What do you mean, not coming back? You are two weeks away from finishing the longest and most
expensive fucking sting in this office’s history and you just decide you’re not coming back?”

“Exactly.” Diablo’s tone was firm and Dick seemed to realize it because he quickly changed tact.

“What’s going on with you Diablo? Come on, you can tell me.”

Diablo shuddered at the sound of his pompous handler trying to be all buddy-buddy on the phone.
Dick Corbin was a bigot who made his opinion of Diablo’s sexual orientation very clear more than
once. Diablo knew that being one of the few openly gay men at his field office meant he often got the
shit assignments, including the one he was on. In Dick’s limited opinion gay’s weren’t capable of
finding love, or sticking with one person longer than five minutes. Being human Dick wouldn’t
understand anything about mates, or the Fates or anything that was so important to a shifter.

“I have a personal situation…” he started to say.

“You don’t have a personal life Diablo.” Dick snapped. So much for trying to be friendly.

“Well I do now and I am not coming back. You don’t need me on this job anymore. You have all of
the intel you need to put this guy away for fucking life.”

Dick sighed. Diablo’s refusal confused him, but then he thought about his own position and knew he
had to get the man back in place for the next two weeks at least.

“Look Diablo. The warrants are being prepared as we speak. Two weeks tops. If you don’t show up
now then the mark could get wind something is up and scarper. You don’t want two years worth of
work going down the drain just because of a situation you can’t put on hold for two weeks, surely? If
he takes off it could take us years to find him again.”

Diablo sighed down the phone because damn it, Dick made sense. If his mark disappeared he would
probably head offshore and even if the agency found him again they probably wouldn’t be able to
touch him. He thought about Griff sleeping totally unaware of what was going on. He knew he could
find the man again easily enough, but whether or not he was going to get a pleasant reception from
Griff when Diablo did come back was a different story. Still, it was only for two weeks, hopefully
Griff would understand eventually.

Hating himself for what he was about to do, Diablo snarled down the phone. “Two weeks, not a minute
more. Then I am gone, this phone is smashed and I swear you will never find me. Not a minute more. I
am filing my resignation with the Agency as soon as the office opens in the morning. Do you
understand?”

In his grubby bed miles and miles away Dick sent a word of thanks to any powers on high, “Yeah,
Diablo, I get it. You have my word. Two weeks and then you are finished, for good. Now get on the
road, your lover boy is looking for you.”

Diablo snapped his phone shut and stared at the floor for a moment. Fuck what a mess. He thought
about his human mark, a slimy piece of trash that Diablo had been pretending to be a lover to for two
years. The thought of having to touch the man again made him shudder. Squaring his shoulders,
Diablo stood up and softly padded through the bathroom to the bedroom.

Finding his clothes he quickly got dressed before kneeling down to find Griff’s pants, looking for his
wallet. Pulling out the man’s driver’s license he snapped a quick picture of it with his phone, then
after a quick debate with himself, he snapped a picture of the sleeping man on the bed. Both pictures
looked really dark on the phone but Diablo knew he could enhance them so they were usable once he
got back to his base.

Taking one long last look at his mate, Diablo slipped quietly out the door, down the stairs and out onto
the street. Calling a cab he headed for the nearest airport. He would have to leave his bike at Claude’s
car park and pray it was there when he got back. Maybe Griff could get it for him? But Diablo knew as
he was driven off into the dawn light that his bike was the least of his problems.

/~/~/~/

The sun was fully up by the time Griff opened his eyes. He rolled onto his back, the dark wooden
beams on the white ceiling reminding him of where he was. Lifting his head up, he scanned the room
quickly checking that he was alone. Yep the little cat had scarpered. Griff grinned. That was the nature
of a hook up. Just get your rocks off and no long drawn goodbyes. Hmm shame really, Griff thought; I
wouldn’t have minded another go at that one. He stretched out feeling a twinge in his muscles that
indicated he had been ridden hard and ridden well. All in all, a good night.

Sitting up, he scooted across the bed to sit with his feet on the floor. He rolled his neck muscles and
felt a sharp twinge where Diablo had bitten him. He ran one hand over the wound and smirked. The
bite had been deep and Griff knew he had scab marks all through it. His grin got wider. The cat
certainly had a set of teeth on him. Griff didn’t mind. He was a shifter and it would heal in the next
day or so and in the meantime it would give Griff something to remind himself of the encounter. That
and his sore arse.

Thinking about Diablo Griff became aware of a quiet litany in his head.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Diablo. What the heck? Griff checked around the room again, but no he was definitely alone. He
focused on the voice in his head again and tried to reply.

Diablo?

Oh shit, the mate mind connection. Totally forgot about that.

Diablo. Where are you and what are you doing in my head?

Oh shit Griff I am so sorry.

Then Griff could see a whole stack of different images in his head. A replay of what they had done the
night before and in particular the fact that Diablo had bitten him as he had climaxed deep inside him.

You CLAIMED me as a MATE and then you LEFT?

Griff was roaring through the mind connection and he knew Diablo could feel it. He sniffed at the skin
on his arms and his chest. He could smell Diablo on his skin and he groaned as his cock immediately
stood to attention. The cat had a unique smell of apricots and spice and it hit Griff’s nose like an
instant aphrodisiac. Diablo was Griff’s mate, Griff knew it now, but he had been too drunk the night
before to pay any attention to the signals.

On his plane, Diablo closed his eyes as a barrage of emotions came from his mate, so many miles
away. Anger, confusion, arousal and hurt. Mostly hurt. He had to try and make this right.

Griff, Griff please I am so sorry. Got a code red. I rang my handler and told him no, Griff but he said I
had to go. Two weeks he said. Just two weeks more and then I am finished. I promise. I will be back
and I want exactly what you want. What we talked about at the bar. Please trust me. I didn’t mean to
hurt you, honestly I didn’t.

Diablo could feel Griff’s anger slowly ebbing away although the hurt remained.

What do you mean finished? How soon before you flock off on another job?

Griff’s voice was calm in Diablo’s head now and Diablo felt another pang of shame hit him. Without
realizing it from their first conversation Griff had made it plain what he expected with his mate -
togetherness and Diablo had just slipped out at dawn like any other casual hookup. Now he was
figuring that Diablo’s absence for work was going to be a continual thing and Diablo knew that was
not what Griff wanted in a mate. He could make him feel better about that at least.

I mean I am finished Griff. I faxed in my resignation to the agency this morning before I got on this
bloody plane. Once my two weeks are up… I am yours if you’ll have me.

Sitting on the bed in Claude’s room Griff sighed and rubbed his head. Then he ran his fingers over
Diablo’s bite and gave another little smile to himself. He could do two weeks if it meant he could have
forever with that handsome cat.

Okay, but you do realize the first thing I am going to do when I see you is punch you in the face,
repeatedly.

On the plane Diablo smiled for the first time since he left the bedroom. Griff didn’t like the situation
but he had accepted it for now and that gave Diablo a sense of peace he didn’t realize he needed.

I deserve it, I know. In my defense can I suggest you were just so overwhelmingly amazing that I really
couldn’t stop myself?

Crawling now. I like it. One punch, maybe.

I’ll give you the one, if you just let me know you do want me to come back and stay this time.

For some reason it was really important for Diablo to know that he did have something permanent to
come back to. He held his breath as he waited for Griff to reply. It was a lot to ask someone who he
barely knew and Griff had been drunk during their encounter. Shit Griff might not even remember

what Diablo looked like. He saw the stewardess heading down the aisle getting people prepared for
landing. Diablo felt his gut tighten as the full impact of what he was going to have to do for the next
two weeks hit him. He tried to rein in his thoughts because there were some things he did that he was
not proud of and he didn’t want to share them with Griff until he could speak with him in person. Then
he felt Griff’s words sink into his brain.

Yeah my little pussy cat. I want you to come back and stay. I’ll be waiting for you. But you had better
believe this is the last time you are doing this to me.

I know, and thank you, you have no idea how much that means right now.

Where are you headed?

Baton Rouge, we are just landing now.

Okay, I will leave your mind in peace. You are FBI so I figure you know how to find me when you are
done. Stay safe kitty cat.

You too Griff.

On the plane Diablo felt Griff slip from his mind. Now all he had to do was get his head in the game,
play his damn role for just two more weeks and then he was going home to Griff. And if anyone got in
his way he was going to shoot them.

Back at Claude’s Griff smiled even though his heart ached. He had gotten brief glimpses of what
Diablo had to do while they were chatting and it wasn’t something that Griff really wanted to think
about too seriously. But he had felt a lot of genuine emotion too. Diablo hadn’t wanted to leave and he
obviously did not want to play the undercover role he had to do. But the man had a job to do and Griff
understood that much at least.

Thinking of work, he had a job as well. Griff got dressed quickly, not bothering to shower. He wanted
to smell of Diablo just a little bit longer. He found his wallet and flicking it open, he sniffed. Yep, his
cat knew how to find him. Snagging the card key for the room from the floor where they had left it,
Griff strolled out of the room and down the stairs of the now empty club. He spotted Claude over by
the bar talking to a delivery man. Claude waved him over when he saw him.

“Hey Griff, did you have a good night.” Claude had a huge grin on his handsome face. The man really
loved to gossip.

“It had its moments.” Griff would give him that at least. He handed Claude the key. “Kane wanted me
to drop this off for him. He and Shawn left a little early and…well you know how those two are.”

“Yep, kinda makes me jealous. By the way what happened to the man you were with. Did he slip out
early or something?”

“He had some stuff to do apparently. Why?”

Claude frowned for a moment. “Oh nothing really except his bike is in the yard out the back. I just
wondered how long it is going to be there. Not that it is in the way or anything.”

Griff thought quickly and grinned. That little cat would come back one way or the other.

“Thanks for reminding me. Yeah he asked me if I could take the bike back with me. He wants the boys
to have a look at it and he said he would pick it up from me when he gets back. I’ve got the truck so I
will take it on that.”

“Way to get a second date aye Griff.” Laughing Claude slapped him on the back and headed back into
the bar.

Something like that Griff thought to himself as he went out to the parking lot. There among the
Harleys that Claude and his patrons seem to prefer was a sleek looking Ducati SportTouring ST4s.
Griff went over for a closer look. Nice bike, Griff figured a 2005 model with ABS. The bike looked
well used and as Griff stood by the seat he could smell the faint scent of Diablo coming from the
leather. Grabbing the handlebars, Griff rocked the bike off of its stand and wheeled it over to Kane’s
Custom Rides business truck.

As he busied himself getting the bike loaded and tied down he couldn’t stop smiling. Most times when
the boys went out they either took their bikes, or travelled in one of the many SUV’s they owned. But
for some reason Kane had decided to take them out in the work truck and now Griff was glad of it.
Must have been fate after all. Checking the tie downs on the bike one last time, Griff hopped into the
drivers’ seat and carefully eased the truck onto the road. He would head straight to work and ask Scott
or Troy to check the bike over - it obviously did a lot of miles and the guys could do any repairs it
might need. And then he would store it at his place and wait for the owner to return. Humming to
himself Griff headed for Custom Rides in Cloverleah.

Chapter Four

Seven days in and Diablo wished he had just stayed with Griff and to hell with his job. He had
managed to stay away from his mark, Georgio for three days claiming he had caught the flu, which
was a joke really because shifters did not get sick as a rule. Then Georgio had to go off on business for
another three days which suited Diablo perfectly although he did not dare take off and find Griff. He
knew if he saw his mate again he would never want to leave him. But by the seventh day Diablo knew
his luck had run out and when Georgio had rung him and told him he was sending a car for him he
reluctantly got himself dressed for his role.

Looking down at his tight leather pants and silver streaked tight black top Diablo felt disgusted in
himself. Sighing he put on his boots and then reached into a leather case that sat on his dresser. In his
hands was an inch wide diamond studded white gold necklace. His collar. Georgio had locked it
around his neck about six months ago and he had no idea that Diablo could take it off at will. Diablo
only ever wore it when he saw he so-called lover and took it off as soon as he was alone. He absolutely
hated it.

Fastening it around his neck Diablo braided his hair so it hung down his back. Georgio liked to see his
face and it had taken Diablo years of training to keep the disgust he felt hidden from this mark, and
the others he had before. God in reality he knew he was nothing more than an agency whore and
although he managed to cope with the whole situation purely because he knew he always did a good
job and got the information that put bad guys away, since he had met Griff he really felt sick about
what he had to do to get that job done.

Picking up his phone, Diablo looked at the photo he had snapped of Griff the night he left, now
enhanced so it was a lot clearer. His finger gently traced the fine lines of the man’s handsome face and
for just a minute Diablo allowed himself to wallow in the memories of that one night, and the mind
conversation that came afterwards. Then with a deep breath he moved the screen back to the home
screen and turned the phone off, hiding it under his clothes in his dresser drawer. Flexing his shoulders
he strode out of his room and down to the car waiting below.

God the club was noisy. People everywhere, music thumping and inane chatter going on all around
him. Diablo was not a fan of the clubs Georgio seemed to prefer but he supposed in one respect the
noise meant that he didn’t have to say a lot. His job, according to Georgio was to stay by his side,
looking pretty and devoted while his mark got on with the huge amount of business he managed to
conduct in all of the organized chaos. Tonight they were at Georgio’s own club, ‘The Lucky Kitty’ so
at least they had a private table and Diablo could sit down.

Normally Diablo would use his cat senses to listen in on the conversations and pick up the tips and
information that would lead to this guy’s arrest. But tonight it was really hard to even fake interest. He
was bored and he missed Griff. Damn he missed that man with a hunger that bordered on obsession.
Must be the whole mate link thing. He sat by his mark’s side and stared out unseeingly across the
heads of the many club members wishing he was with his mate.

So engrossed in his thoughts he didn’t notice that Georgio had spoken to him until he felt an
unwelcome hand run up his thigh. Immediately schooling his face into a small smile, he looked over
to his mark, placing his hand on top of the one on his leg. “I’m sorry, did you need anything?” His
voice quiet and deliberately submissive. He knew his role even if he hated it.

“You are so quiet tonight. I thought you would be happier to see me after so long, ha?”

Crap, crap, crap. What to say that would please the idiot but not sound like a sexual turn on. Georgio’s

hand was burning on his leg and Diablo could feel his skin crawl. Sighing, he turned the man’s hand
over into his and delicately traced the lines on the man’s upturned palm.

“Of course I am happy to see you, no? I…er…it is just so hot in here and I think that flu I had is still
lingering in my system. I am so sorry I am not being your happy angel tonight.” Keeping his voice low
and sweet he gave a small smile at the mark and prayed like crazy the man bought it.

Georgio appeared mollified. He bought his fingers up to touch Diablo’s lips, running his thumb lightly
over them.

“Of course I understand, precious one. Give me just a half an hour more and then we will pop out the
back for one of your specialty blow jobs and then I will have the car take you home. Does that suit
you?” The man’s voice might have been trying to imitate saccharin but the order was clear enough.

Diablo smiled softly at him, “Thank you Georgio, you are so understanding.”

Georgio leaned in closer. “I want you well enough for my party on Saturday, no? So tomorrow you
rest well and then go out and buy yourself something real nice to wear. You know what I like.” With
that the man moved back to talk to his colleagues leaving Diablo to work out how the hell he was
going to give the man a blow job when he couldn’t stand his touch at all.

Diablo knew he was lucky with Georgio in one respect. The man had no feelings for others and didn’t
care that in two years Diablo had never felt one ounce of sexual feeling towards him. Georgio was
intrigued by Diablo’s virgin arse and had said on more than one occasion that he would love the
opportunity to be the first. So far Diablo had been able to put him off as even before Griff he had
never been able to get a hard on for Georgio and that might be noticeable if he took his pants off. As it
was Georgio simply insisted that Diablo service him with either mouth or hand depending on the
mood he was in.

The couple of times Georgio had actually got physical with Diablo, kissing him and starting to try and
make him feel something, Diablo was able to use the pressure point on Georgio’s neck to knock him
out, which Georgio then blamed on the alcohol he had drunk as the cause. Diablo would also let
Georgio know what an amazing time they had together before Georgio had passed out as the stupid
man could never remember anything if he had drunk too much. He had such a big ego it never
occurred to him that in almost two years Diablo had never felt remotely aroused by him at all.

There was no way Diablo was going to be able to give a blow job tonight without a drink and he
ordered a couple of doubles from a passing waitress. Sculling them down, he ordered another two
hoping like crazy to feel the same type of buzz that Griff had. Diablo barely ever drank when he was
with Georgio. He always needed his wits about him to collect evidence and information in his head
that he would write down in code and then pass on to his handler at their irregular meetings. But
tonight he wanted to feel anything except the nausea bubbling in his stomach.

Okay, that was not a good idea. Now he felt even more nauseous. He would have to have a talk to Griff
at a later stage about his buzz from alcohol theory. He shook his head and gave himself a stern talking
to. He was a gay cat shifter. Since he started at the agency he had given more blow jobs to strangers
and marks than he could count. He could do one more. The trick - do it as skillfully as possible so it
was over in the quickest time possible.

Diablo kept telling himself that as he felt Georgio wind up his meeting and then stand up and brush
past, tapping Diablo on the shoulder as he went. Dutifully Diablo stood, waited for the alcohol to settle
in his gut and then he followed Georgio to his office. Just inside the room, Diablo sank to his knees
with his head bowed awaiting orders, just like he had been taught. He could hear Georgio wandering
around the room checking his messages, taking off his jacket and putting it over the office chair that

Diablo knew was behind the desk in the center of the room.

God Diablo hated the fact that this man got off of making him wait. Now he had psyched himself into
doing this he just wanted it over and done with. He heard the clink of glass on glass and guessed that
Georgio was pouring himself another drink. Fortunately Georgio’s ability to get off was not overly
dimmed by alcohol so Diablo wasn’t too worried about any of the action taking too long. Then he
heard the office chair creak as Georgio sat down. Patience, Diablo kept telling himself, patience.

Finally he heard Georgio’s voice.

“Stand up and come over here.”

Standing in one fluid motion, Diablo flexed his body as he strolled over slowly to stand by Georgio’s
desk, his head still bowed low. He knew how Georgio loved to watch him move.

“Take your shirt off.” Taking a peek at Georgio as Diablo slowly pulled his shirt off over his head
Diablo could see that Georgio already had his trousers undone and was rubbing his grubby little cock.
Good, the idiot was doing his work for him. He ran his hands down his bare torso as Georgio watched
still keeping his head bowed.

“Oh yeah, boy you look so good.” Diablo could hear Georgio panting and from the creaking in the
chair it was clear the man’s fingers were working overtime on himself.

“Kneel between my knees boy.” Stepping around the desk Diablo sank to his knees in front of Georgio
his gaze now filled with the sight of the man wanking himself off. Georgio sat up straighter, his hand
still working frantically his cock now perfectly pointed straight at Diablo’s face. Diablo could feel the
nausea rising again and he struggled to control it. But Georgio’s smell was really getting to him in a
bad way and combined with the alcohol he had drunk just an hour before Diablo was fighting a losing
battle.

With a sharp cry, Georgio came suddenly, his spunk landing in thick drops all over Diablo’s face.
Diablo shuddered and as the nausea overcame him he turned his head and vomited straight into
Georgio’s wastepaper basket.

“Why you little shit.” Georgio was on his feet in an instant, his trousers thankfully pulled up, and he
kicked Diablo across the ribs. As Diablo went down to the ground Georgio stomped on his head and
Diablo moaned. In that instant he lost control of the shutters in his mind and he knew that Griff had
seen him in pain as he felt the roar of Griff’s panic in his mind.

Lying on the floor Diablo struggled to think of the best possible damage control. First Griff, right. I’m
okay, I’m okay…Stay open for me...Will contact…one hour.

Then with a force of will he didn’t know he had, he resolutely shut his mind down and turned
groveling on the floor to the man stood over him. Crawling over he kissed the man’s shoes softly
pleading, “I am so sorry Georgio. I told you I was sick. I am so desperately sorry, please forgive me.”
He stayed down by the man’s shoes, kissing them and licking them as he knew Georgio liked even
though his head and ribs pounded with pain. Kissing the shoes was easier to endure than giving head.

Georgio allowed him to beg and plead for forgiveness for a full five minutes before he bent down and
touched Diablo’s shoulder.

“Get up and go and wash your face.”

Remembering to thank the man, Diablo got up slowly and walked to the small bathroom on the side of
the room. He washed his face repeatedly and rinsed out his mouth before going back into the office,
standing by the desk with his head lowered.

“Look at me, Diablo.”

Raising his eyes Diablo was careful to maintain a look of complete contriteness on his face. Georgio
seemed pleased with what he saw because he gave a small smile.

“You are lucky you are so beautiful my boy or you would be dead by now. You understand that I have
that power don’t you Diablo?” Diablo nodded looking suitably scared.

“Are you going to be fit for my party on Saturday?”

Speaking softly Diablo said, “Of course, Georgio, I know how important it is to you.”

Nodding, Georgio picked up the phone and called for his car to be waiting by the door at the back
stairs of the club. He turned back to Diablo.

“I want to see you looking good on Saturday boy. Don’t worry about the bruising on your face, it
doesn’t do my competitors any harm to think I have been beating you, now does it.”

“No Georgio, I understand I deserved it.”

“Right then. The car will be at your place seven sharp on Saturday. Wear something tight. I want
people to see your lovely shape. Go on, go.”

“Thank you Georgio.” Diablo nodded and headed out of the room. As he got to the door he heard
Georgio say, “And don’t think I have forgotten about that virgin arse of yours my pretty. Come
Saturday I could be well in the mood to take it for my own.” Diablo nodded and left the room.
Clutching his ribs he moved slowly down the stairs to the car below. He couldn’t get home fast
enough.

As the car pulled up outside of his apartment, Ben, the driver, turned to look at him.

“Hey are you okay, Diablo?”

Diablo gave him a small smile. Ben never seemed to judge him for his position as Georgio’s ‘boy’ and
for that Diablo was always grateful.

“Yeah Ben, you know how it goes. Good days and bad.”

Ben nodded. “Whatever you say Diablo. But hey, watch your back for the next week or so, okay?
There is some shit going down and it sounds like you might be a part of it.”

When Diablo looked at him Ben shrugged.

“Can’t say anything more, man. I wish I could but I don’t know nothing definite. But just watch out
for yourself.”

Giving him a small smile, Diablo nodded and shuffled across the seat to get out of the car. As soon as
he had slammed the door the big car slid out into the traffic heading back to the club. Diablo watched
it until it was completely out of sight, before trudging up the stairs to his apartment. He needed to get
into a hot shower and he needed to open his mind to his mate.

Chapter Five

Griff had been getting ready for bed when he was assaulted by an image of Diablo in pain, writhing on
the floor. He heard Diablo try and reassure him he was okay and that he would contact him again
shortly before Diablo locked Griff out of his head again. Now Griff was reduced to pacing the floor,
getting more and more angry with every passing minute. He felt totally frustrated that he couldn’t do
anything to help his mate and the fear that Diablo might be dying somewhere did nothing to improve
his mood.

Griff knew he had the resources to find out more about where his mate was and the nature of his
assignment. He wasn’t known as “The Mechanic” for nothing. Griff had spent more than ten years
going in on government undercover cases where necessary to help out agents in trouble. Although he
only worked a couple of cases per year and only a couple of days at a time he never went in unless
specifically requested by the powers that be. Over the years he had a range of different covers of his
own in the criminal underbelly of most states that had proven useful for getting an agent out.

There was only one man who knew who he was and who authorized any jobs he did. Tony Gearson, the
Director of the FBI. Most people in the agency didn’t even know Griff existed and both Tony and
Griff had worked hard over the years to ensure the situation stayed like that. Tony was also the only
human man who knew Griff was a shifter. Kane knew about Griff’s little sideline of course, but not
specifically what he did. He just knew that sometimes Griff needed time off work and Griff would
disappear for a few days. Griff had talked to Kane once about it after he had come back from a
particularly difficult case. He knew he could trust Kane and he supposed by extension now, Shawn as
well, but even Scott, Troy and Dean, the other members of their little pack didn’t know about Griff’s
‘other’ job. Griff would have told Diablo about his position purely because mates don’t keep secrets
from each other, but they hadn’t had any time to talk up until now.

Griff thought about phoning Tony. But he hadn’t been called in to help Diablo. All agents had some
form of back up team especially on long term cases like Diablo’s. Griff cursed to himself as he
realized he should have gotten a lot more information from his mate before agreeing to him going
back undercover for two weeks. But any unauthorized involvement could harm Diablo rather than help
him especially if he did have a back up team. Griff cursed again. He should have at least made sure the
man did have adequate back up. He knew from experience the difference between a case going well
and a cover being blown can be a matter of minutes and could easily end with the agent dead.

Damn, damn, damn. Why did he have to meet Diablo when he was drunk? If he had been sober he
would have realized the man was his mate within minutes of meeting him. He could have and would
have spent a lot more time talking to the man instead of just rolling around in bed. Griff grimaced to
himself. Okay well that wasn’t strictly true. But he would have claimed the little cat for himself and
then made sure that the man didn’t go back on his assignment by himself. As it was he was stuck in
Cloverleah pacing the floor and pulling his hair out. Griff kept pounding the floor with his feet as
every minute passed like an hour.

/~/~/~/

Diablo let himself into his apartment. He didn’t worry about checking security because the place was
paid for by Georgio so there was nothing there that would indicate Diablo’s FBI status. After making
sure his door was double locked, he leaned against the door and finally started to assess his injuries.
Pulling his shirt off, he carefully prodded his ribs. He winced as his fingers felt a particularly sore spot
and running his fingers over the area he could tell he had one broken rib. Thank goodness he was a
shifter, it should heal by itself within a day or so.

He tenderly felt the side of his face. Nothing broken although his head was pounding and his face felt
puffy. Diablo was probably going to have a wicked black eye and his chin felt bruised as well. He
debated shifting into his cat form for a moment as that would speed the healing process but then
remembering Georgio’s comment about his bruises he decided against it. A hot shower - that would
definitely help. And he had better get in touch with Griff as well. Knowing a wolf’s possessive nature
Griff would be climbing the walls by now.

Reaching around his neck, Diablo partially shifted one of his hands so that his claws extended. Using
the sharp tip of one of them he lightly pressed into the lock mechanism of his collar and the wretched
thing sprung open. Diablo sheathed his claws and dropped the collar to the ground. Although his head
was still pounding, he always felt so much better when that bloody thing was off from around his
neck. Kicking off his boots, Diablo unzipped his pants and slid them down his legs, kicking them off
his feet as well. Leaving the clothes on the floor he padded slowly over to his small bathroom and
peered in the mirror. He squinted at his reflection. Yep, definite huge bruises across his cheek bone, a
black eye and another huge bruise around his chin. There were faint imprints of the tread of Georgio’s
boot on his face. Bastard had definitely stomped hard.

Still Diablo reasoned he had been hurt worse in this and other cases. At least he was standing, even if
his stance was a little unsteady. The booze he had drunk was not helping with his balance. Hopefully a
shower would help clear his head. That and a chat with his mate. Sighing, Diablo turned to his shower
and setting the water temperature as hot as it would go, he climbed inside the shower booth.

After five minutes under the pounding water, Diablo started to relax although his mind was feeling a
bit floaty. His ribs and head still hurt and Diablo knew he had to lie down soon or he would fall down.
But first he had to let Griff know that he was all right. He cautiously let down the guards in his mind,
preparing for an onslaught of emotions. Yep, his mate could project really well and his emotions were
running high.

Diablo tried to focus on the water running down his back as he sifted through Griff’s emotions. He
really didn’t want his mate angry at him for the second time. Diablo could sense the anger although he
wasn’t sure it was actually directed at him. There was also a lot of pain and worry. Those were
emotions he could deal with.

Griff hon, can you stop with the whole ranting thing for a minute? I’ve really got a headache.

Diablo could actually feel Griff’s mind quiet at the connection and then Griff immediately calmed
down.

Diablo, are you okay? Soft concern, thank goodness. Diablo felt his headache start to ease.

Yes Griff I am fine. Bruised head and a broken rib. Not a bad night out for a gay shifter. Diablo felt
this uncontrollable urge to giggle and he stifled it as best he could. Somehow it seemed inappropriate
especially when Griff was so concerned.

Oh fuck hon, I have been so worried about you. What happened?

Diablo tried not to think about the images because he knew that Griff would pick up on them. But he
couldn’t help it and as Griff’s mind was filled with the sight of another man’s cock being wanked all
over his face he could feel Griff growling through the connection. This time Diablo couldn’t help but
giggle as the whole situation felt so ridiculous. Griff growled louder as he felt Diablo’s silent mirth.

This is not a laughing matter, cat.

Oh Griff, hon, I am so sorry. Diablo couldn’t stop now. I am not laughing about that…that was
horrible, really horrible…but at least I didn’t have to touch him thank God…stupid bastard took care

of himself…but oh the smell and the spunk and the bloody drinks I had…just too much…threw up in
the wastebasket by the bloody mark’s feet. That’s why I got stomped on.

Diablo could barely stand up now he was giggling so hard and he wondered idly if he was suffering
from some kind of shock. Griff must have thought so too because his tone became quiet and soothing
as it wafted around Diablo’s head.

Come on hon. Calm down. You are out of there now. Are you safe?

Yes, yes for now.

Diablo could feel himself getting calmer at the sound of his mate’s voice and he started to shiver.
Damn water was getting cold. He shut off the taps and reached for a huge robe he kept on the back of
the bathroom door. Snuggling himself into it, he carefully padded over to the bed and curled up
against the pillows. Griff must have sensed him moving around because he was quiet until he felt
Diablo settle on the bed.

Feeling any better?

Yes, now I am just cold…ouch and a bit sore but that’s okay. Am curled up on the bed. Stay with me for
a bit would you Griff?

Sure hon, whatever you need.

Diablo sensed quiet for a moment and then his mind was filled with the picture of the two of them
standing somewhere with trees and bush, looking out over some really pretty view. What he focused
on was Griff’s big arms wrapped around him from behind, his back on Griff’s chest much like it was
when they fell asleep together the week before.

Diablo hummed quietly as the peace he felt from that image ran right through his body.

Thank’s Griff.

Yeah well, I could have sent you an image with a lot less clothes, but that didn’t seem right especially
with you so far away and it still another week before you get back.

Griff was teasing but Diablo knew his mate was still really worried about him. He thought about what
he could do to make things easier.

Look Griff. The mark’s got this party on Saturday, day after tomorrow at his club. It’s a big deal and I
have to go or he will freak out and could do a runner. That’s the only reason why I am back here. My
handler reckoned if I left before the warrants are served then the mark could get spooked and run. I’ll
do the party thing okay and then I will head back…I really want this to be over and I want to be with
you.

Diablo’s voice softened as he said the last part. The words and the sentiment behind them were so true
it hurt him and Griff must have sensed that. The hug in his head got tighter and Diablo moaned at the
sensation.

God, I wish you were here.

Actually I would rather you were here home with me ‘cos then I would know you were safe when I was
holding you. Diablo grinned to himself at Griff’s words. Yes that would be so much nicer.

Just a couple more days, hon. I’ll do this bloody party, probably knock the mark out afterwards and
get the hell out of town. Hopefully it will take anyone a couple of days to notice and the warrants will
be executed.

What do you mean a few days to notice? Where’s your back up team?

Diablo snorted and he knew Griff could sense it.

Gay agents on undercover don’t get back up Griff. Not in my office. Handler is a real homophobe…
he’s had it in for me for years…figure that’s why I keep getting all of these shit assignments…he’s just
pissed because I keep getting the job done anyway and he can’t fire me…Right now I just wish he
would.

You are in there on your own? Griff’s anger was apparent over the connection.

Oops okay, well maybe Diablo shouldn’t have shared that little nugget of information because that
wouldn’t help Griff’s stress levels. He scurried to find something soothing to say.

Hey Griff don’t worry. I have been an agent for ten years…undercover for seven…I don’t need
backup. I am not some rookie you know.

Diablo could sense that Griff was trying to pull himself together and then his deep soft voice came
back over Diablo’s mind.

I never thought for a second you couldn’t handle yourself…or that you weren’t a good agent hon. But
its protocol for goodness sake…every undercover agent has to have someone watching his back…and
from the sounds of it your handler isn’t doing it.

Wondering how Griff might know anything about how the FBI works Diablo tried to focus on the
hidden compliment instead. For some reason Griff’s approval was really important to him.

I know how to do my job Griff, even when it stinks so much I throw up…I grovel and then get the hell
out of the situation.

You know you probably threw up at the thought of touching him. You claimed me so you are not going
to be able to touch anyone else sexually again without feeling ill - didn’t you know that?

Diablo did know that, or at least strongly suspected it. He had been hoping that his agency training and
force of will would overcome it enough to do the job he had to do. He thought about Georgio’s last
words to him and felt his stomach churn again.

Well that’s going to make Saturday night real interesting then isn’t it?

Why Diablo? What is supposed to happen on Saturday night at the party? And don’t lie to me.

I wouldn’t lie to you Griff. I can’t you’re my mate. And no its n ot the party Griff, its afterwards. The
mark…er…he has…er…decided… God Diablo did not want to share this.

Tell me. Not forceful words, just soft and commanding all at the same time. Diablo decided to just spit
it out and deal with the consequences.

He has decided to fuck my virgin arse. He reckons he has waited long enough. He plans to do it after
the party on Saturday.

NO! NO WAY! MINE! Griff’s roar bounced through Diablo’s head and he winced, feeling the headache
returning.

It’s okay Griff. Calm down. It’s not like he hasn’t tried before and he hasn’t succeeded yet. Calm down
god damn it.

Diablo was trying to calm Griff down but he wasn’t having a lot of luck. Griff was roaring in his head,
a jumble of words including sentiments like I will kill him and more frequently Mine.

Lying in his lonely bed, miles from his lover Diablo waited for the storm to pass. He totally
understood how Griff felt but he couldn’t lie to the man he had claimed. In a way Griff’s
possessiveness was really soothing, even if it was a bit loud. It felt good to know that he was wanted

that badly by another person. Someone who was big and strong enough to kill a threat, but who was
kind and gentle in his passion. This same person who would be in his life forever. Even though the
circumstances were not ideal right this minute Diablo knew he had made the right decision to claim
Griff as his own. He set his mind to remembering what it had felt like to sleep in Griff’s arms and how
safe and absolutely perfect that feeling was.

Slowly Diablo’s thoughts started to have an impact on Griff’s ranting and he felt Griff calm down.
Growly but calming down.

Look Griff, this mark is not the first one who has tried to take me, but he will be the last okay?

I don’t think that’s making me feel any better.

As far as I am concerned this job is finished. My last appearance is the party. If he comes on too
strong after that then I will shift and chew the bastard’s throat out. I am a big bloody cat you know.
Does that make you feel any better?

A little bit.

I don’t want to have to kill him you understand. I have worked for a long time to get enough intel on
him to put him and a lot of other people away for life but the only one who gets my virgin arse it is
you. Okay, no one else.

You really have a virgin arse? Back on his bed in Cloverleah Griff was stunned and more than a little
pleased. He had a wicked grin on his face. Probably not appropriate, but hey Diablo couldn’t see him.

In his bed Diablo blushed and was glad that Griff couldn’t see him.

Yeah well don’t make too much of a big deal about it. It’s a cat thing I think. We have got a lot of
pride and don’t take kindly to being topped. We tend to fight hard to stop it happening.

So you’d fight me? Griff was chuckling now and he knew Diablo could tell.

Not a lot. I had already decided to give it up the morning I had to leave. Figured it might distract you
from the whole claiming my mate while he was drunk in a BDSM club thing.

Sneaky kitty cat. It would have worked too. Especially if you had let me claim you too.

I want you to. Honestly I do.

Griff positively hummed through their connection. Then he remembered what they had been talking
about that had lead to that honest spot of feelings. Diablo being in danger from his mark without back
up. He was not going to let that happen, but Diablo didn’t need to know that. He looked across at the
bedside clock. 2.33 am. He’d start making some calls first thing in the morning. Focusing back on his
mate he could feel Diablo’s mind getting quiet. The man was probably exhausted.

Hey kitty cat are you feeling sleepy?

Mmmm yes, thanks to you I think I can actually get some sleep tonight. I haven’t slept properly since I
was in your arms last week.

I’ll stay with you until I feel you drop off, is that okay?

Thanks Griff. Diablo’s mind was filled with a picture of Griff holding him in a huge bed somewhere
quiet and peaceful. The room looked warm and comfortable. He imagined Griff’s arms around him,
keeping him safe and finally he dropped off to sleep.

Back in his room Griff sighed long and hard as he felt Diablo fall asleep. He knew he shouldn’t
interfere with Diablo’s case but there was no way he was going to let the man be at that party on
Saturday without some form of back up. Decision made Griff feel a little easier and as he fell into a

restless sleep his last thoughts were of his mate.

Chapter Six

Griff woke up with a clear mission in mind. He hadn’t wanted to interfere with Diablo’s case - lord
knows the man was an adult but after what Diablo had shared the night before Griff knew he had to
step in. After a quick wash and dressing he went through to his big kitchen and put the coffee maker
on. Then he went through to his large walk in pantry and pulled some boxes out from under a shelf on
the floor. Tapping a hidden button under the bottom shelf he stepped back as a panel in the floor
opened up. Inside was a range of weapons, a couple of phones and a laptop. It was the last item he
pulled out along with the power cord.

Fixing a large cup of black coffee, Griff sat at the kitchen table and got his laptop plugged in and
booted up. Typing in an obscure web address he was pleased when the familiar FBI logo appeared
onscreen along with a login screen. Typing in his username and password Griff searched the resulting
screen for ongoing undercover operations in Baton Rouge. There was only one and that had to be
Diablo’s. Griff double clicked on the file name and the details of the case were suddenly spread over
the screen.

The first thing that attracted Griff’s attention was a classic FBI portrait of Diablo, or Special Agent
Derrick Franklin. In the photo Diablo looked a lot younger with his blond hair cut short in a typical
military buzz cut. While Griff loved his mate’s current long hair, he had to agree to himself that the
man didn’t need long hair to look good. Without the hair the pictured man on the screen looked
classically handsome with his strong face and deep, dark eyes. He was sporting a five o’clock shadow
in the photo which was surprisingly dark but if anything it served to enhance Diablo’s look with its
contrast. He looked positively wicked and Griff could feel his groin responding. Giving in to a
moment of whimsy Griff right clicked on the photo and saved it to his hard drive.

Scanning through the notes on the case Griff was stunned. Diablo had been with the mark, Georgio
Sheraton for almost two years. The list of information, tips, files and additional intel from this job
alone was amazing. Flicking through the data Griff found photo’s including one that looked like
Georgio shooting someone in an alley, manifest lists from ships, transcriptions of calls and so much
more. Diablo was an impressive agent and knew how to do his job that was obvious.

Then Griff went through the handler’s notes about the case - Dick Corbin. Corbin had noted early on
in the file that Diablo had requested to go in solo, which Griff knew to be BS. He had also made
numerous comments about Diablo’s ability to do his job because of his sexual orientation. Griff felt
anger burn as the homophobic tendencies of the handler became more apparent with each slur he read.

He got to the last comment the handler made dated the week before. That was the morning Diablo had
left Griff.

Diablo shows extreme willingness to stay with mark and claims that more evidence would be
forthcoming if allowed to stay in for a further two weeks. Concerned he may have developed feelings
for his target however any further evidence may be useful in implicating others in the area. Have held
over warrants pending further contact. G has been advised.

What the fuck? Griff knew how badly Diablo wanted to get out the job he was in. Even though he
didn’t know the man very well, hell, barely at all, he did know Diablo was incapable of lying to his
mate. He said he had handed in his resignation from the FBI the morning after he had met Griff. He
flicked back through the screens until he found Diablo’s personnel file. Sure enough Diablo’s
resignation was on file dated the same morning as Corbin’s last comments. Scanning through the
document Griff went to ‘Reasons For Leaving Employment.’ Got to love government forms. Griff

smiled as he read what Diablo had written.

Personal. Have found permanent life partner and plan to marry.

Griff raised his eyebrows at that, but he couldn’t deny the warmth he felt at the simple words on the
screen. He scrolled down further to the ‘Please Give Details.’

Agency work, especially undercover operations will place undue stress on said relationship and I am
not prepared to do that to my partner. Have plans in place to start my own business. After seven years
undercover I am not confident I can continue with this work and be the type of partner my intended
deserves. I would rather spend the energy I put into my work, into making my partner happy. This is
not negotiable.

Diablo had actually underlined the last two words three times. He had also been a lot more personal on
that form than most people would have been but Griff put that down to the man being tired, stressed
and being forced into a position he didn’t want to be in. Namely leaving Griff when he did. Boy that
made Griff feel good.

Corbin was obviously lying in his notes. Diablo’s resignation and his conversation with Griff the night
before made it clear that Diablo only went back after being told his mark might do a runner before the
warrants were issued. Why was Corbin trying to keep him in the job longer than necessary?

Griff clicked through another couple of files. The warrants out for Georgio Sheraton and six other
people had all been on file and ready for execution for over a month. According to the notes from the
prosecuting attorney who signed off the warrants the case Diablo had built was air tight against all
seven men and Diablo would not even be required to testify if any of the cases went to trial.

Feeling uneasy, Griff reached for his phone, tapping out a number he knew by heart. Seconds later he
was connected. Without taking his eyes off the computer screen Griff simply said, “Phone me back
from a secure line.” And then he hit “END.” After two minutes Griff’s phone rang and Griff picked it
up on the first ring.

“Griff what’s up?” Tony Gearson’s voice was quiet but confident over the phone.

“Are you handy to a computer? I need you to check out an undercover job.” Griff could hear Tony
moving around and then some tapping of keys on a keyboard.

“Give me the case number.” Griff rattled off the relevant series of numbers and letters and when Tony
said, “Baton Rouge, Derrick Franklin” Griff grunted in acknowledgement. Then he waited as Tony
read through the file. About five minutes later Tony spoke again.

“This Franklin seems like a good agent. Got a lot of intel on the case. Warrants in place. I am not
seeing a problem here.”

“Check out Corbin’s last message about the case.” Again Griff waited while he heard Tony click some
keys and then read the file mentioned.

“Hmmm, so Franklin has some feelings for Georgio. Doesn’t seem to have compromised the amount
of information he has put through and it is some very incriminating stuff. I haven’t seen anything so
thorough for quite some time. Maybe he is just drawing out his goodbye before the man gets arrested.
A bit unprofessional but I still don’t see what this has to do with you, Griff.”

Griff took a deep breath to steady his anger. He knew that the comments Corbin had made about
Diablo would skew anyone’s belief about the man’s personal integrity.

“Tony, Corbin’s comments are bullshit. Remember how I told you about my er special condition.”

“Yes.” Tony drew the word out as if he wasn’t sure where Griff was going with this.

“Well let’s just say that Franklin and I met while he was taking some down time. He didn’t say
anything about the case to me, because he doesn’t know about our little arrangement and he is too
good an agent to divulge details of the case he is working on. But he did tell me that firstly he doesn’t
have any back up because Corbin has never given him any, on any of his jobs. Secondly when he was
contacted to go back in urgently he rang Corbin and told him he wanted off the case immediately and
wasn’t coming back. He filed his resignation from the agency that same morning. It was Corbin that
made him go back. Told him he had to put in two more weeks or the mark could do a runner. Tony, he
didn’t want to go and what’s more he is not going to be able to fill the type of personal undercover
role he has been given because of our bond.”

“What do you mean bond? Is he er special like you?”

“Yeah. And the bond thing - instant, permanent and unbreakable. Franklin won’t be able to touch his
mark without being sick. Now can you see why I am worried about this case.”

Tony was quiet on his end of the phone and Griff could tell from the click of the keys he was looking
at other aspects in the file.

Tony sighed. “Fuck the agent has no back up, a handler who has had complaints about his homophobic
bent on his file a mile long and he has been forced back into a position he tried to get out of, to the
point of resigning from the agency. There was no reason for him to be in his role this long. He had
enough information six months ago to put these guys away. You’re right Griff this stinks to high
heaven. What do you want done about it?”

Griff didn’t bother telling Tony that Diablo would have resigned anyway once he had met Griff. At
least Tony believed what Griff was saying, and not saying and was in a position to do something about
it.

“Franklin let me know that he has to attend a party given by the mark tomorrow night at his club. He’s
hoping to leave afterwards. But after a couple of other comments Franklin has made about Georgio’s
intentions towards him personally I am not happy with him being at that party without backup. He has
already been beaten up once this week. Can you check if Angel had an invite to that shindig?”

More tapping keys and Tony came back on the phone.

“Yep he did. We didn’t RSVP because we didn’t think Angel would be interested but I can authorize
that now. Will that help?”

“Yeah, thank you Tony.”

“Okay, well you go do what you need to do and in the meantime I will do some more discrete
investigating about this case and Corbin in particular. I will get back to you as soon as I have anything
concrete to report. Will you be okay?”

“Yes Tony. I appreciate it. I will wait for your call.” With that Griff rang off and checked the clock.
Almost 9 am. Kane and Shawn would be at the workshop. He would call in on his way out and have a
chat to them. Packing a bag quickly, he was out of the door in ten minutes and moments later the
sound of his bike filled the air as he roared to Custom Rides.

/~/~/~/

All the boys were busy at the workshop. Griff saw Kane watching Shawn painting the tank on Diablo’s
bike, a small smile on his face. He looked up as Griff came over, noting the bag on Griff’s shoulder.
Griff looked at the design he had approved just two days before, coming to life on the black tank. It
was of a large grey wolf lying down, keeping watch on a cliff, with a huge silvery moon in the
background. From what Shawn had done so far Griff knew it would look amazing. He just hoped

Diablo wouldn’t be too pissed off with them messing with his bike. He shrugged to himself. Diablo’s
petrol tank was the least of their worries for now and it could always be repainted. Griff looked up and
caught Kane’s eye.

“Heading off for a few days Griff?”

“Yep. Just a couple. But…er…can I talk to you two before I go?” Griff glanced around the workshop
and lowered his voice. “In private.”

Kane nodded at Shawn who got to his feet and they all headed into the office. Scott, Troy and Dean
looked a bit curious from their spots on the workshop floor, but they kept on working and didn’t say
anything. Griff closed the office door and looked at the man who had been in his life virtually his
whole life. He didn’t quite know how to start.

“I have found my mate, or should I say he found me.” He blurted out.

A flash of confusion ran over Kane’s face before he broke out a huge grin.

“That’s amazing Griff. So who is he, where is he, when did you meet and why isn’t he here with you
so we can all meet him?”

“It’s…er…complicated.”

“Complicated like me and Kane or complicated like Troy and Anton?” Shawn’s voice was quiet and
deep as always but he seemed concerned. He and Kane’s relationship was marred by initially by
Shawn’s special abilities that Shawn thought would stop Kane from wanting him and the fact that his
own father wanted to kill him because he was an ‘Other’.

Troy had yet to meet his mate Anton who had found out who Troy was when he smelt his wolf on a
hunter Shawn had sent to Claude’s club for an attitude adjustment. Before he could meet Troy he was
deployed in a Black Ops assignment at an undisclosed destination for three months. The two men
knew they were mates through scent alone, but it didn’t make it any easier for Troy to handle having
his mate so far away for so long.

Chuckling Griff said, “A bit of both actually. Do you remember Diablo?”

Kane looked at Shawn obviously struggling to remember. It was Shawn who answered. “Yes, well I do
but I think Kane was a bit fuddled with lust at the time. That wickedly good looking cat shifter at
Claude’s bar last week?” Griff nodded.

Shawn raised his eyebrows and smiled. “Really good looking guy. Lucky you.” Kane growled and
Shawn hit him on the arm before continuing. “So what’s the problem? He doesn’t do wolves or
something?”

Shaking his head, Griff said, “No he doesn’t have a problem with wolves or anything like that.” Griff
could feel his cheeks flushing. “He liked me enough to claim me even though I was drunk and didn’t
know about it at the time.”

Kane laughed. “You were drunk and didn’t know you met your mate. Oh Griff that’s a classic. You
thought he was a hook up? What’s the problem? Just go and find him and bring him back man.”

“Well I plan to in a way but look there’s more.” Griff outlined who Diablo was and what had happened
the morning after the meeting at Claude’s, right up to the conversation he had with Tony that morning.

“So you are going to get him? That’s good. He belongs here with our pack. What do you need from
us?” Kane’s quiet and confident voice hit Griff like a breath of fresh air.

Griff thanked all that was holy that Kane understood, wasn’t angry for Griff not talking about this
sooner and wanted to help. It was more than a pack thing - these guys were his family.

“I am going to be using agency resources to get in there. But I am real worried about once I get Diablo
alone. I haven’t told him about my agency involvement yet and he could be a bit annoyed with my
plan to get him out. I want to get him back to my place but the travel aspect could be a problem
especially if Diablo is angry and his mark is actively looking for him.” Griff looked at Shawn. “Is
there any way you can help with this?”

Shawn thought for a moment. “The only problem I can see is that I don’t have Diablo’s scent. I
presume that is his bike I am working on because I smelt cat shifter on there, but the scent is very
faint especially with all of us having been over the thing at least once since it got here.”

He was quiet again for a moment and then Shawn’s face brightened. “Okay here is what I can do. You
will need to be holding Diablo pretty tight when you contact me. I can zap you and the immediate area
in front of you to account for a second person back to your place. If you can’t do that, then let me
know to zap you to me with something that smells of Diablo and I will have to get him separately.
How shitty do you think he is going to be with you?”

Griff grinned. “With what I plan to do, pretty pissed I reckon. But I have got to do it.”

“Okay, well I will make sure I have my phone handy for tomorrow night and we will act as soon as we
hear from you.” Kane looked at Shawn. “I will try not to get too distracted.”

Shawn hit him again. “This is important you oaf, you can afford to keep your hands to yourself for a
few hours.” Kane grinned at Shawn and stroked his face. Turning back to Griff he pulled him into a
hug, clapping him on the back as he did.

“We’ve got your back Griff. Go get your mate.”

Hugging Kane back and then Shawn Griff picked up his bag and headed out the door.

Kane’s laughing voice followed him. “You know getting claimed by your mate while you’re drunk in
a BDSM club sounds so much like you my friend.”

Griff grinned and flicked Kane a two fingered salute as he walked out the door, hearing Kane and
Shawn’s laughter as he went. Catching the shocked glances of the other men in the workshop who
would have heard Kane’s comment, he knew he was going to be in for a bit of flack when they did get
to meet Diablo. Laughing to himself Griff took off for the airport.

Chapter Seven

Diablo was fighting his initial determination to go to Georgio’s party. He really, really missed Griff.
Although he hadn’t admitted it to his mate, he was a bit worried that Georgio could take the personal
situation between them too far. He was known to use cuffs and chains with his boys on occasions and
although Diablo hadn’t been involved in any scenes like that, if Georgio was pig headed enough to
really want to claim his arse then he might use restraints. Diablo chuffed to himself. Fuck the man
would have to use restraints to get near him and even then Diablo could get free.

But he would have to shift to do it and that is not something he really wanted to do in front of his
mark. Once the man was arrested he didn’t want Georgio spouting off about how some guy he was
trying to fuck turned into a black panther to get out restraints. If Diablo shifted he knew it would have
to be the very last resort and if that happened he would probably have to kill Georgio. He didn’t have
any doubts that he could do it, but killing didn’t come easily to him even if it was a human slime ball
like Georgio.

The only redeeming feature about the whole night was that as soon as he could get away - and he
would get away he was determined enough on that part - then he was going home to Griff. He had
accessed the DMV and Social Security records the day before and learned Griff’s address and the fact
that he worked for a place called Custom Rides in Cloverleah. As soon as he left the club, Diablo
planned to take a cab to the airport, taking the first flight to Tulsa. He could swing by Claude’s and
pick up his bike and then ride straight through to Griff’s. He would avoid answering his phone until
his resignation date came in force and the whole FBI could go to hell. With any luck he would be too
busy fucking and getting fucked to worry about anything else.

Diablo thought back to the care and concern Griff had shown him through their mind link on the
Thursday night and in particular the picture that Griff had left with him as he went to sleep. The
thought of the two of them together in that huge bed, with Griff’s arms tight around him made his
cock hard and filled him with a sense of peace all at the same time. Diablo hadn’t realized just how
difficult the two men’s ten day long separation had been on him and his feeling of needing to be held
and then fucked and claimed got higher. He allowed himself to wallow in the feeling for a moment
before shaking his head. His cock was throbbing in his tight leather pants and he had to thump it to get
it to go down a bit.

Okay no more thinking about Griff until the end of the evening, Diablo told himself as he checked
himself out in the mirror. In light of Georgio’s instructions Diablo had opted for a skin tight
sleeveless muscle shirt that covered him, but that showed off his chest and abs through the thin shiny
black fabric. Tucking the shirt carefully into his leather pants he checked his arse out in the mirror.
Yep. No unsightly lines. Just pure arse and long leg muscles that ran down to sleek black boots worn
under his trousers.

Looking into the mirror face on this time Diablo sighed as his fingers gently ran over the bruises on
his face. He would have loved to wear his hair out this evening as he could have hid most of the
bruising with his hair. But he knew that Georgio preferred him to braid his hair so he did so quickly,
securing it with a long leather tie. The last thing he did was take up Georgio’s collar and fasten it
around his neck. God he hated the thing and his cat was never happy when he wore it either. Diablo
flicked the small D ring on the collar and prayed like crazy that Georgio would not use the leash on
him tonight. It was one thing to wear a collar and bruises. It was a totally humiliating experience to
have to be led around on a leash like a prize bull.

“No more after tonight. This is it.” Mouthing the words to his reflection and in part to soothe his cat,

Diablo took one last look and then headed out the door and down the stairs to wait for the car. He just
wanted to get this evening over and done with so his life with his mate could start.

/~/~/~/

Three hours into the party and Diablo’s head was aching. Although it was a private function there were
well over 200 people packed into the club. The music was loud, the alcohol was flowing and everyone
it seemed was having a good time, except Diablo. He desperately wanted to go to the bathroom to get
some peace but as Georgio had put the leash on his collar he was forced to just sit by the horrible
man’s side and put up with his frequent caresses. It was taking all ten years of FBI training and a hell
of a lot of cat shifter pride to just sit still and wait things out.

At least Georgio was having a good time, the schmuck. His private table sat towards the back of the
club set high so that it overlooked the dance floor. All night visiting hoods and thugs had come to pay
homage to the man and he was reveling in the attention. Diablo knew he could get some really
interesting tips about the latest buys and drops and everything else that would be useful to the FBI but
honestly he couldn’t be bothered. As far as he was concerned he had been an FBI whore long enough.
He worked on keeping his face bland and his body still as Georgio ran yet another finger up the inside
seam of his leather pants. Diablo tried to shift away in his chair but the leash held him fast.

One of Georgio’s many steroid filled goons approached and whispered in Georgio’s ear. “Sir, Angel
Bandures has arrived. Did you want to see him?” Georgio leapt up out of his chair smacking the goon
aside.

“Of course I want to see him you jerk. Get out of my way.”

Throwing Diablo’s leash at him, Georgio scurried down the stairs and headed to the main entrance,
leaving the goon behind. Diablo lifted up in his seat so he could see who Georgio was making such a
fuss of. It wasn’t often that Georgio got out of his seat for anybody so this guy must be a big deal. He
searched his brain for any information he might have picked up about an Angel Bandures. Wait…
wait…wait…yes. Angel Bandures, crime lord from Florida. Barely anyone in law enforcement knew
anything about him at all. He was reclusive, rarely made public appearances and was to all intents and
purposes an extremely powerful man in crime circles. From what Diablo could remember no-one at
the FBI even had a picture of the man. What the hell was a man like that doing at Georgio’s party?

Intrigued Diablo’s eyes scanned the crowd, watching Georgio fight through the throngs of party-goers,
heading for the main entrance. He stopped by a huge man and Diablo could tell by Georgio’s body
language that the smaller man was positively groveling in his greeting. All Diablo could see from this
angle was broad shoulders clad in an Armani suit that would probably cost Diablo a year’s wages and
long wavy dark hair. Then the man in question turned his head and looked up, his eyes immediately
meeting Diablo’s. Familiar green eyes locked with his for just one second then Angel Bandures, or
Griff as Diablo knew him as, turned his attention back to Georgio who was obviously urging the man
to join them at his private table.

Lurching to his feet Diablo muttered, “Bathroom” to the goon who was blocking his way before
shoving past and running for the staff restroom facilities at the back of the club. He flung the door
open and finding the room empty Diablo headed for the far stall, slamming the door open and then he
violently threw up into the toilet. Only when he had stopped retching did he flush and then flip the
toilet lid down, sitting on it heavily.

What the fuck? Diablo’s mind was scrambled as his jumbled thoughts fought for supremacy. Griff was
his mate. Griff was Angel Bandures. Griff was supposed to be a mechanic, but he was here in an
Armani suit being fawned over by Georgio. Angel Bandures was apparently a feared crime lord from

Florida. No one even knew what he looked like. Griff was a mechanic damn it from Cloverleah.
Diablo wanted to be mated to a mechanic not a fucking crime lord.

Feet tapping, fingers clutching his knees, Diablo struggled to put his thoughts in order. His mind ran
over the night he had first met Griff. The man’s casual dress of jeans and a muscle shirt, his lazy smile
and his total lack of pretence. Then he remembered Griff’s intoxicating smell and how even drunk
Griff’s very presence lured Diablo in. Diablo knew without question that Griff was his mate - that is
why he claimed him. Like he had a choice. His cock was straining at his zipper and his heart was
aching to hold the man again, all just from being in the same building as his mate. The Fate’s were
funny like that. No matter whether Griff was this Angel person, or the mechanic he originally claimed
to be, he was Diablo’s mate and for some reason he was here at Georgio’s party. Sitting in the
bathroom wasn’t going to help Diablo work out why.

Pushing out of the stall, Diablo washed his face and hands and then pushed open the door to the
facilities. Standing outside were two of Georgio’s goons, who grabbed him by his arms and started
pulling him back to the party. Diablo shrugged them off so he could stand on his own two feet but he
didn’t try to get away from them.

“I do know my way out of the bathroom guys. It’s not like I needed an escort,” he said sarcastically.
The goons ignored him and stayed by his side until he got back to his vacant chair. Griff was sitting in
the one immediately next to it, with Georgio on the other. Boy this was going to be fun. Diablo sat and
kept his gaze lowered and his face expressionless. He felt Georgio reach for his leash that was still
hanging from his collar and then a harsh tug as Georgio pulled his face around to meet his. He heard a
hiss from Griff beside him and realized that Griff must have seen his bruises. Even though his body
was positively humming from being so close to his mate, Diablo tried to focus on Georgio whose
voice was dripping with contempt.

“You were gone too long boy. Don’t leave my sight again.”

Georgio ran his thumb hard across Diablo’s bruised chin and Diablo went to drop his head down again.
Fuck he didn’t want to look at anybody. Then he felt another hand touch his face gently tipping his
head to one side as Griff examined his face. The look on Griff’s face was menacing and Diablo
refused to meet his eyes. But Griff wasn’t looking at him - he was looking at Georgio.

“What happened to your boy Georgio? Accident with a boot?” If Georgio was surprised by Griff’s
growling tone, he didn’t show it.

“Stupid boy needed to learn some manners. He is lucky that is all he got.” Holy hell, Georgio sounded
like he was proud of himself. Diablo refused to look up at either man. Maybe spending the rest of his
life in the bathroom wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

Griff growled. Yep that was a positive loud and possessive growl. But when he spoke his voice was
deceptively quiet.

“Don’t know that I want to do business with a man who can’t treat his boy with respect. Not only have
you marked him badly but then you have humiliated him by making him wear his hair back. Is this
something you get off on, Georgio? Think it makes you a big man when your boy wears your bruises?”

“I…er…no, of course not Mr. Bandures…” Georgio struggled for something to say as Griff reached
behind Diablo and careful untied his hair allowing it to fall down over Diablo’s shoulders. Griff sat
back in his chair and clicked his fingers over his shoulder. A young slim blond twink human bounded
up to Griff’s side and ran his hand over Griff’s shoulders. He too was wearing a small gold collar but
he had his leash in his own hands.

The surge of rage Diablo felt as the twink ran his hands over his mate was powerful. He quickly put

his hand between his legs to stop anyone from seeing them partially shift. The look he gave Griff
would fell most men at 100 paces. Diablo felt his cat roaring and screaming to get out and Diablo
struggled to stop from shifting then and there. He wanted to feel the little twink’s blood running
through his hands. Fortunately Georgio was still focused on Griff or he might have noticed something
was wrong.

Griff wasn’t paying any attention either and instead was whispering in the twink’s ear. He unclipped
his leash from the collar the little man was wearing. Then he smiled at the twink’s positive response
and patted his cheek in an affectionate gesture before turning back to Georgio.

“We have business to discuss. Let Ramon here take your boy to the dance floor. I have no wish to be
overheard.” Griff meant business all right. His tone was strong and powerful and invited no argument.
Floundering Georgio heard the operative word ‘business’ and quickly unleashed Diablo and indicated
he should stand up.

Throwing another filthy look at Griff, Diablo allowed himself to be towed to the dance floor by the
young blond, his blood seething. As soon as he got there he wrenched his hand out of Ramon’s, turned
his back on the private table and just let himself feel the music. Diablo loved to dance. His whole body
pulsed with the deep slow beat of the loud sounds and he moved unconsciously. For a brief moment he
allowed himself to close his eyes and just be totally alone with the music and the beat. Every time he
felt the twink invade his space he fluidly moved out of the way. In this space he was totally alone and
nothing else mattered but the feel of the music through his body. The problems with his mate, his rock
hard cock, all could disappear in the rhythm of the music.

Back at the table Griff was listening with half an ear as Georgio babbled about what an honor it was to
have someone like ‘Angel’ want to do business in his area. He talked about distribution lines, outlet
points, and established contacts, obviously trying to impress the larger man about the size of his reach
and his ability to handle any amount of business that might come his way.

Griff was far more interested in watching Diablo out of the corner of his eye. The man’s fluid motions
were sensual without being overt. His feet, legs and hips kept perfect time to the beat, shifting with
each different song. Diablo’s half closed eyes and his slightly upturned face gave him a look of
isolated beauty. His long blond hair cascaded down his back like a veil of silk. The sight was truly
beautiful and not for the first time Griff regretted being so drunk when he first met the man. Diablo
was a man who didn’t dance to impress anyone. A cat that was graceful with every move he made. The
only thing Griff would change is that Diablo’s arms currently hanging by his sides would be wrapped
around him and their eyes would be locked together as they moved together. As his cock strained
against his zipper Griff forced himself to pay attention to Georgio. It really was time to get Diablo out
of here.

“…level of business were you hoping to put through?” Georgio’s voice all eager. Griff hated this sort
of mark. Someone who thought they were their own version of the Godfather in their little hick town
areas. Georgio was just a thug in a suit. A greedy thug though and that could work to Griff’s
advantage.

“Not too much at first. Probably a couple of mill a time for the first half a dozen times to see how it
goes.” The boredom in Griff’s voice was a direct contrast to Georgio’s sales pitch. Griff noted the
bright gleam in Georgio’s eyes. Yes you little shit a couple of million dollars worth of product just
going through this area once would set you up for life.

“We can cater to anything you need, Angel. Anything at all.” Damn the man was positively rubbing
his hands together with glee.

“Hmmm,” Griff kept his voice bored as he openly looked at Diablo who was still dancing. “I can do
business anywhere as you well know. What sort of incentive can you give me to bring my business to
you specifically?” He flicked a glance back at Georgio. “How can I know I can trust you implicitly?”
He raised his eyebrows at the human and went back to openly watching Diablo. Fuck he would love to
see that man dancing naked - it would be a porn dream come true. Although those leather pants didn’t
leave much to the imagination either. Griff smiled to himself as he saw the evidence of Diablo’s
erection in the plastered on pants. His mate might be angry but he wasn’t unaffected by Griff’s
presence.

Griff sat patiently waiting for Georgio to make the connection. In his peripheral vision he could see
Georgio looking between Griff and Diablo. Backwards and forwards obviously waging some inner
battles of his own. Did he really want to take Diablo’s arse at the risk of losing the amount of business
a man like Angel could put through his area? Griff knew that greed had won out when Georgio sat
back. His decision apparently made.

“Tell me Angel, how long are you going to be in the area?”

“Till Friday if I find something interesting enough to keep me here that long.” Forcing himself to look
away from Diablo’s rhythmic arse, Griff sat back in his chair, steepling his fingers in front of him and
quietly watching Georgio waiting for him to make his move.

“Wanna borrow my boy for your stay?” Griff raised his eyebrows at Georgio inviting him to elaborate.

“He…er…I…er…have plans for him at the end of the week. Friday. But you can take him for your
personal use until then if that will help sweeten our deal?”

“I did bring a boy of my own on this trip Georgio. I’m not interested in threesomes so what do you
propose I do about him?” Both men looked down at Ramon who was currently bumping and grinding
with two different men in a blatant display of pure sex. Griff could smell Georgio’s arousal - Diablo
was right. The man stunk to a shifter at least.

“Well if you could consider trusting me, I could take care of him for you.”

Griff pretended to consider it. Georgio didn’t know that Ramon was a high class hooker and had been
paid plenty of money to do his part in this deal. Ramon was also well trained in self-defense and could
quite easily take care of himself if Georgio got a bit out of hand. That is why Griff bought him on this
trip.

“Your boy has bruises. Mine doesn’t. I would want it to stay that way. I will take any damages out of
your hide personally. Do we understand each other?”

“You have my word Angel, I won’t harm him in any way and he is free to go whenever he pleases. I
can’t be fairer than that can I Angel? After all you get my boy till Friday guaranteed.”

“Very well.” Griff stood up and buttoned his jacket. “Consider it a deal. We will discuss the first lot of
merchandize to come through your system when I return your boy on Friday.” He reached down and
shook Georgio’s hand. Ramon and Diablo came back to the table as soon as Griff stood up.

Georgio looked at Diablo with a cold look.

“You are to go with Mr. Bandures here. He will return you to me here at the club on Friday. Do as you
are told boy as you know what will happen to you if you don’t.”

Diablo looked up in shock as Griff took his own leash and clipped it into the D ring on Diablo’s collar
tugging him to come forward a bit. Ramon came forward too looking at Griff as if awaiting his orders.
Griff stroked the younger man’s cheek again and said softly.

“I have arranged for you to spend some time with Mr. Sheraton here. He has promised he will not
harm you and you have my permission to leave him whenever you want. Call Bruno for a pickup when
you are ready. Is that okay with you Ramon?”

The perfect submissive Ramon nodded and went to stand by Georgio tilting his head to allow Georgio
to clip his leash into his own collar. Georgio immediately grabbed the smaller man and started
groping his arse. Ramon arched into the touch and whispered “more,” his small hands darting out to
rub Georgio’s lower belly. Eyes glazed with lust Georgio barely noticed when Griff led Diablo out of
the room.

Once outside Diablo turned on Griff, his eyes blazing. “What the…” Griff put a finger over his lips
and said quietly, “Trust me. We are not out of this yet. Give me ten minutes then you can yell all you
like.” Diablo nodded, his pursed lips and flashing eyes betraying his agitation. But he allowed Griff to
put his arm across his shoulders and lead him to a large black limousine that was double parked right
outside the club. Griff opened the back door and guided Diablo inside. Once seated the big car started
moving immediately, the two men in the back sitting silently.

Five minutes later the car pulled into a hotel’s underground car park and parked. The driver got out
and went around to the boot pulling out two black bags which he handed to Griff.

“Bruno I am meant to be at this hotel until Friday. You know what to do. I am not to be disturbed for
any reason. Check on Ramon every twelve hours and expect his call when he is ready to leave
anytime. If you can’t get in touch with him by phone at any of the check in times then go in and get
him. Use force if necessary. I will be in touch Friday, if not before.” The big man nodded and walked
off into the hotel. Griff looked around the deserted car park as he pulled out his phone hitting number
#2 on the speed dial.

“You got him?” The voice sounded vaguely familiar to Diablo. Griff tightened his grip around Diablo
holding him close to his chest.

“Yep, you got us?”

“Yes, hold on.”

Seconds later Diablo felt a charge of electricity in the air and then a whoosh of air that made him close
his eyes. Less than a minute later he opened them again…to find himself in a large lounge room of
what was obviously Griff’s home. He quickly took in the big windows, cream walls and wooden
floors. The couches and chairs were all brightly colored and looked like they were made for sitting on
rather than looking at. There were a couple of art prints of classic bikes on the walls and books stacked
on the coffee table and in a large bookcase that ran under the windows. Another large entertainment
center held a huge widescreen television and stereo unit. There were a couple of doors off the room to
one side and the lounge flowed into a dining and kitchen area on the other. The whole place looked
lived in and loved and Diablo felt immediately safe. This was a home.

“So how much shit are you in Griff?” The voice on the phone was laughing now.

“Enough that it wouldn’t pay to visit for a bit. Things could get violent.” Griff was looking at Diablo
with a huge grin on his face.

“Come round Monday night for dinner. He can meet the rest of us.”

“Yeah, we’ll see. Hopefully it will be okay by then. Thank Shawn for me man, I owe him one.”

“No probs Griff. Have fun.” The phone clicked off and Griff tossed it on the coffee table.

Diablo looked at Griff. “So this is travel Shawn style, ha?”

“Yep. Never done it before but have to say it’s faster than flying.” Griff pulled Diablo even closer his
big hands running through Diablo’s hair. Diablo wrapped his arms around Griff’s waist and leant in
for one long minute. Griff felt so good and Diablo was so tired. The whole time he had been away
from Griff had been a battle. Then he registered the clean lines of the suit Griff was wearing and he
pushed back, creating some distance between them.

“You have got some serious explaining to do, Griff. Or should I call you Angel?”

Griff ran his hand over his face. “Yes I know. And it’s Griff. But first why don’t you take a shower
and I will get us something to eat.” Diablo went to speak again but Griff put his hand up. “I know and
I will tell you anything you want to know but please can we get the stink of that club off us first and
get that bloody collar off your neck.”

Griff handed Diablo one of the black bags. “There are clothes for you in there.” He pointed to a door
off the lounge. “The guest bedroom is through there and you will find the shower with everything you
need. I will go and shower in the other room, okay. We will meet up back out here when you are
done.”

Diablo looked like he was going to say more but then he saw the lines of worry on Griff’s face. This
hadn’t been an easy week for his mate either. Nodding he headed off to the bedroom.

Chapter Eight

Stripping off his clothes Diablo looked around Griff’s guest bedroom. Decked out like the lounge the
room was smart, comfortable and contained a large bed, a couple of side dressers and a large dressing
table with a mirror sitting over the top of it. Naked Diablo stood in front of the mirror while he fiddled
with the clasp of the collar. As soon as the lock came free he dropped the thing onto the dressing table
and felt heaps better. He studied the bruises on his face. Hmmm, a quick shift would take care of those
and the ones he still had on his ribs.

Diablo thought of his cat form in his minds eye and seconds later a rumble went through his furry
chest. He flexed his four long legs out as far as they would go and arched his back. God his cat needed
to have a run but that would have to wait. His human side needed to find out about the man he had
mated and he desperately wanted a shower before that little talk. Shifting back he found the
surprisingly large shower with multiple heads. Turning the water onto full hot he stood for a while
under the streams of water letting his stresses fall off him with the dirty water.

Tipping his head back Diablo allowed the water to pour over his face and hair. God it was amazing
how something as simple as high water pressure could just melt away the kinks he had in his neck and
his back. Taking a deep breath Diablo relaxed fully for the first time since he had claimed his mate
and with his relaxation his mind barriers came tumbling down. He reached for the soap and started to
run it over his body. Diablo could feel Griff in the next room through their mind connection his
emotions a mixture of anger, frustration and arousal. Diablo made sure he himself didn’t project
anything as he tried to get a handle on the enigma that was his mate.

Griff wasn’t projecting anything specific. He was obviously just letting his mind run over the evening
events. Diablo could see how angry Griff was with Georgio when he saw the bruises on Diablo’s face.
The guy might have looked like the epitome of control but if the situation had been any different
Diablo knew that Georgio would have been a dead man. But there was more to Griff than his anger.
The big man was hurting because of him. It had torn at Griff’s soul to see Diablo with Georgio. Diablo
grunted to himself. The man definitely had better outward self control than Diablo had. Diablo had
wanted to kill Ramon for touching his mate’s shoulders. Griff had seen Diablo humiliated by a human
thug complete with collar and bruises and yet he sat there and just dealt with it calmly so that he could
get Diablo out of his situation. That was pretty amazing for a wolf shifter who had yet to claim his
mate. Diablo felt his admiration for this man he really didn’t know grow with everything he did.

Diablo grabbed some shampoo from the shower shelf and rubbed it through his hair. It smelt like
coconuts and vanilla. As he started to wash the soap from his hair Diablo could feel Griff’s mind shift.
Pictures flashing through Griff’s mind were of Diablo dancing and Diablo could sense even without
the mind link that Griff was highly aroused by what he remembered.

Fuck. His mate was naked in the shower dreaming of him and highly aroused by the process and
Diablo was doing what? Nothing. He looked at his own cock that was red, full and rigid. Talking could
wait. Diablo couldn’t do much about the other things that Griff was feeling but he sure knew how to
please his mate. He shut off the water and snatching a towel from a pile on a stool he wrapped it
around his waist long enough to walk down the short hallway to the master bedroom.

Stalking through the large room towards the ensuite Diablo barely registered the huge bed that
dominated the room. His quarry was in the shower, naked and wet. Padding silently into the bathroom
he stopped short at the sight of Griff’s huge body stretched out against the shower wall. Griff’s eyes
were closed as he was focused on the pictures in his mind. His jaw tightly clenched so as to silence
any undue moaning. Griff’s hand moved languidly over his huge cock and he was so engrossed he

didn’t notice Diablo until the man had plastered himself along Griff’s body his mouth urgently
seeking a kiss.

Griff’s eyes flew open and he tried to pull back. But as he was already lodged against the tile wall
there wasn’t anywhere he could go. Diablo fisted his hands in Griff’s hair and pulled the man’s mouth
closer to his own. “Talk later,” he growled before fastening his lips on Griff’s in a hard kiss. Griff
groaned and as his mouth opened Diablo plunged his tongue in exploring every facet of his mate’s
sweet taste. Griff took it and more. His own tongue flicked along Diablo’s chasing back into Diablo’s
mouth and then back out again. Griff’s body was writhing against him frantically trying to touch
Diablo everywhere at once. Diablo knew if he kept kissing his mate like that he was going to come in
about ten seconds flat. He pulled back from Griff’s mouth and ran his hands down Griff’s hard chest,
pinching Griff’s nipples as he went.

Griff whimpered and pleaded, “More Diablo, please mate, give me something.”

Diablo grinned and dropped to his knees. Opening his mouth wide he slid Griff’s cock straight in and
down his throat. Slipping his hands around to Griff’s tight arse Diablo used the fingers on one hand to
hold Griff’s cheeks aside while with the other he fluttered his fingers over Griff’s tightly clenched
hole. Griff moaned and rocked his hips back chasing Diablo’s fingers and pulling his cock partially
out of Diablo’s mouth. Diablo sucked the cock back in and pressed his fingers harder over Griff’s
hole. Griff rocked again, chasing the fingers one minute and pushing his cock into Diablo’s mouth the
next.

“So good Diablo. Love your mouth around my cock. Please Diablo, more.” The man was positively
babbling now.

Diablo stepped up the pace with his mouth. He wouldn’t breach Griff’s hole without some lube, the
man was just too tight but he tapped and rubbed and pushed against the hole, sucking deep all the
while, swirling his tongue up Griff’s shaft on the up strokes and sucking deeply on the way down.

“Fuck…Diablo…fuck…I need…”

“What do you need my mate?” Diablo growled looking up at Griff with the man’s cock still deep in
his mouth. Griff looked so beautiful with his chest heaving and his whole body quivering with lust.

“Need you in me…Diablo please fuck me…please.” Griff was begging.

Diablo slurped off Griff’s cock and reached behind himself to shut the water off. Standing up he
tugged Griff out of the shower and into the bedroom where he pushed Griff down onto the bed face up
uncaring about the fact that both of them were still dripping wet. Grabbing a bottle of lube off of the
side table Diablo climbed back onto the bed settling between Griff’s thighs. Griff grabbed his legs and
pulled them up exposing himself his cock thick heavy and leaking steadily between them.

“God do you have any idea how beautiful you look spread out for me like this,” Diablo growled before
he took Griff’s cock in his mouth again, his long blond hair falling like a shroud about them. He felt
Griff release one of his legs long enough to tuck the hair behind his ear and he grinned around the
cock. His mate liked to watch.

Using his fingers Diablo quickly prepared Griff to receive him. One, two, three and then four fingers
pushing in that tight hole, edging in deeper with each thrust. Griff flexing his hips off the bed as the
pleasure/pain cycle increased.

“Damn Diablo…need you. In me. Now.”

Coating his cock with lube Diablo removed his fingers and mouth at the same time, causing Griff to
groan. But before his mate could mourn the loss Diablo lined himself up and thrust with one solid

thrust. Using his toes to leverage himself on the bed he pushed and pushed until he was deep inside his
mate. Only when his balls were slapping against Griff’s arse did he stop. Griff writhed and moaned
and bore down on him pushing him deeper. Diablo stilled to allow the burn to wash away.

When he felt Griff grab his hips Diablo bent over his man.

“Open your eyes and look at me.” Diablo said softly. He watched Griff’s eyes flutter open and fix on
his.

“I am going to claim you now. I should have asked before and I didn’t. But I am asking you now. Do
you want this?” He rocked his hips into Griff pushing his cock that little bit deeper.

Griff growled. “Yes. I want you damn it…I want you to fuck me…I want you to claim me hard…I
need you Diablo. Need you so much. Take me as yours.”

That was all Diablo wanted to hear. Supporting his weight on his hands he flexed his hips backwards
and forwards, working his cock in and out in punishing thrusts and pulls. Griff used his leverage on
Diablo’s hips to match Diablo’s rhythm, their lower bodies thumping together with each inward
thrust. Soon they were both moaning and gasping, grunting with every movement their skin slapping
together faster and harder as their need for each other increased.

When Diablo felt the tingles in his spine signaling his impending release he lowered his head, finding
the spot where he had claimed his mate just over a week before. He licked over the scar that remained,
his body tingling further at the taste of his mate’s skin.

“Gonna claim you now mate. Gonna mark you inside and out. Gonna fill you with my spunk and
gonna make you mine.”

Diablo had to stop talking as he felt his eye teeth drop down in his gums. He felt Griff moan and
writhe beneath him in acquiescence and that was enough to send him tumbling over the edge. As his
come spurted deep into his mate he dropped his mouth, biting hard over Griff’s scarred mating mark.
He felt Griff scream loudly as the sticky dampness soaking over their joined abdomen and chest
signaled his own release.

Being careful to pull out his curved canines slowly from his mates shoulder, Diablo licked and licked
over the bite, causing Griff to moan softly with pleasure. Only when the blood had stopped flowing
did Diablo raise his head up to look at his dazed mate.

“You’re mine Griff. Mine in every way.” He growled softly.

“Yours, only yours Diablo.” Griff moaned in pleasure his breaths still coming out in short pants.

Diablo carefully eased himself out of his mate and padded over to the bathroom for a wash cloth. Griff
was still awake when he went back in and started washing him down. Diablo threw the wash cloth in
the general direction of the bathroom and settled down beside the man he would spend the rest of his
life with.

Griff immediately gathered him up in his big strong arms and whispered “Sleep now little kitty cat. I
will tell you all in the morning.”

That was good enough for Diablo. He slept feeling safer than he had for more than ten years.

Chapter Nine

Griff woke up with Diablo still in his arms and for a moment he lay there savoring just how good it
was to feel his mate safe and warm in his embrace. Oh he knew he had yet to claim the man and he
guessed Diablo might consider him a pretty passive lover based on his two performances so far. But
Griff fully intended to claim Diablo but not until the man understood exactly who he was and what he
did.

Griff had been really surprised when Diablo turned up in his shower the night before. After Griff’s
performance at the club, complete with Ramon Griff had worried that Diablo would walk out on him.
After the amazing sex they shared he kinda hoped the guy wouldn’t feel like that once he woke up.
Touching his shoulder where the huge cat bite was covered in scabs again he smirked. Okay Diablo
didn’t have to claim him again so that had to be a good thing, right?

But that didn’t negate the fact that the two men had a lot to talk about. Breakfast and coffee would be
a good idea. Lots of coffee. Griff gently disentangled himself from the man sleeping in his arms and
quietly left the room, closing the door behind him. He grabbed a clean pair of jeans from the laundry
and then headed into the kitchen. Retrieving his cell phone from the table in the lounge, he flicked
through his contacts until he found the one he wanted. One brief text message, Package had been
collected , and Tony would now know that Diablo had been pulled out of his undercover assignment.
Tony could sort out what needed to be done from here on in. As far as Griff was concerned Diablo was
never going back despite what Griff/Angel had said to Georgio. He would worry about what that might
do to his own Angel cover story later.

Bacon, eggs, sausages, tomatoes and mushrooms were soon cooking in various pans on the stove while
Griff’s huge coffee machine was busy brewing the first batch. Griff didn’t know a lot about cooking
but the things he did cook seemed to turn out okay. He was just setting the food out on the table when
he heard the bedroom door open and Diablo came out wrapped in a towel. Griff was heartened by the
man’s grin.

“Mmm smells heavenly. I’ll just grab some clothes.” Diablo headed into the guest bedroom returning
moments later in black jeans and a black muscle shirt. Griff was pleased to see they obviously fit his
mate. He had gone on a quick shopping spree the day before knowing that when he did get Diablo out
they would not have the time to retrieve Diablo’s clothes and effects from his place in Baton Rouge.
And somehow Griff seemed to know that black was Diablo’s preferred clothing color choice.

“Sit down and I’ll get you coffee. How do you have it?” Griff would guess black and strong.

“Cream and three sugars please,” said Diablo as he sat down. Griff raised his eyebrows as he looked at
Diablo and the man laughed.

“Na, you guessed right. Black and strong and lots of it. Thanks.”

Grinning Griff went to fix the coffee and by the time he came back to the table Diablo had already
piled his plate high with bacon, sausages, eggs and mushroom. Diablo caught Griff’s look. “Don’t like
tomatoes but love mushrooms.” Griff nodded and filed that away for future reference.

As the two men ate Griff’s mind started to wander. He started thinking about how weird it is that the
Fates had a system set up where by mates would immediately recognize each other and be strongly
attracted to each other sexually. But there didn’t appear to be any factoring in of what two people
might do, the lives they lead, their likes and dislikes or things like that.

But if that was the case then for two mates to live together there were times when at least one person
might have to move to be with the other one. Then there were aspects like jobs. Shit, Griff realized he

knew that Diablo wanted to set up his own business because that had been on the man’s resignation
form from the FBI but what on earth would he want to do in Cloverleah? And Griff loved his home,
his pack, and his job at Custom Rides. Okay he could probably give up the job, he had been thinking
about doing that for a while especially since Shawn had arrived, but giving up his home and the pack
wasn’t something he could do lightly.

Realistically Diablo could already have a life set up somewhere else. He wasn’t a regular at Claude’s
so he could effectively live anywhere in the United States. He could already have a home, family and
friends that he might not want to leave. Fuck why didn’t the Fates consider stuff like that before they
threw two people together.

“Griff, honey, you are starting to give me a headache again.” Griff looked up from his almost finished
plate of food, to see Diablo had finished his and was nursing his coffee grinning at him over the edge
of the cup.

“Does your mind always run off like that or is this something new. Only it will take me a while to get
used to it if this is a normal thing.”

Griff blushed and grinned. Caught out thinking like a girl. How embarrassing.

“Na, I think it is just since I met you. I am usually a pretty laid back sort of guy and I don’t let too
much get me in a stew.” Griff finished his breakfast and picked up his coffee cup.

Diablo laughed and went off to the kitchen to get more coffee. He bought back the pot. Clever man.
Sitting down again he said, “So just me, ha? I will keep that in mind.” He poured himself some more
coffee and then topped up Griff’s cup.

Then Diablo leant back in his chair and said in a deceptively calm voice, “Tell me who is it that I have
committed to spending the rest of my life with? A mechanic from Cloverleah, or Angel Bandures,
crime lord from Florida? Cos up until yesterday I was planning a future with a mechanic but if you are
Angel Bandures then I am going to have to change a few of my ideas especially when technically I am
still an FBI agent for the next week. Which one are you?”

He’s committed to spending the rest of his life with me. Inside Griff did a very unmanly happy dance
although it didn’t show on his face. Goodness this kitty cat was turning him into a girl with all these
feelings and heavy thinking. Yeah but he’s worth it.

“Both.” Brief but honest.

Diablo sat up and leaned on the table. “You are telling me that Angel Bandures, recluse, and probably
the most feared crime lord in the States is also a mechanic that works for Custom Rides in
Cloverleah?”

“Yep.”

“But there has never been any indication of any criminal activity in Cloverleah, nothing like Bandures
is reputed to be interested in. What do you do, commute to Florida every couple of weeks?”

Griff grinned. “No nothing like that. Look what do you know about Bandures? What does the FBI
know about Bandures?”

“I don’t know. I would have to look it up and I wouldn’t because even if you are my mate I am not
passing on FBI information to you if you are a crime lord even if it is about you.”

Pleased with his man’s loyalty, even if it was misguided in this case, Griff dragged over the laptop
that he had left on the table just two days before. It was still running. That shows what a mess he must
have been in when he left to get Diablo. Normally the thing was put away after every use. He bought

up the FBI staff site and clicked in his login details. Then he bought up the file for Angel Bandures.
He turned the laptop to the side so Diablo could see what he was doing.

“How the hell did you get in there?”

“I’ll tell you in a minute. But what does it say about me?”

Scanning through the file Diablo could see there was precious little in it. There were no photos at all.
There were rumors about involvement in drug trafficking, more than a couple of murders, prostitution
rings and an apparent interest in a couple of large casinos. Diablo looked up at Griff and then started
clicking a couple of links of his own. As he delved deeper into the file he could see there was nothing
actually in it. The rumors all came from informants and had no substantial backing. There was not one
bit of evidence that tied Bandures to anything. He had never had a warrant issued for him and from the
looks of the case file two stings had tried to catch the man in some sort of criminal activity and in
both cases the agents hadn’t even been able to find the man. It was as though Angel Bandures didn’t
exist.

“It’s all about smoke and mirrors.” Griff was watching him quietly.

“What is?”

“Angel Bandures. My cover.”

Diablo stared at him and then back at the computer. “Oh no! Don’t tell me you are FBI too? Fuck it I
just resigned from all that mess so I could spend my life with you. A normal life. Now you’re telling
me it will be you that will be off for months on bloody undercover assignments?”

Diablo slammed down his coffee cup and ran his hands through his hair. Glaring at Griff he filled his
cup again.

“No not exactly…” Griff started.

“Well what exactly Griff? You haven’t said much at all and right now my head is in a bit of a mess.
When I met you, you said you were a wolf shifting mechanic looking to get laid. That’s about the only
bit that has gone right so far.” Interestingly Diablo’s voice didn’t get any louder when he was angry,
but the growl in his tone was evident.

“I am sorry Diablo I am not trying to muck you about. It’s just what I am going to tell you is only
known by me and Tony Gearson.” Griff saw Diablo’s surprise at the name of the Director of the FBI.

“Have you ever heard of the ‘The Mechanic’?” Griff asked.

“Yeah, who hasn’t. An FBI urban legend. Apparently The Mechanic is someone who comes in and
fixes things on undercover cases that have gone wrong for the agent. Pulls them out when their lives
are in danger; sorts out evidence when agents are being framed. That type of thing.” Diablo looked at
Griff accusingly. “What, you’re The Mechanic?”

Griff nodded and then went on to explain.

“I did my military training about 12 years ago and was quickly pulled into special ops. During my
time there I met Tony Gearson’s son and was on a couple of assignments with him. Long story short I
saved the guy’s life and when I got out Tony came to see me and see if I was interested in doing some
solo work, helping agents who got themselves in too deep with their undercover work.”

“I am not an FBI agent technically. I am more like a contractor. I only work a couple of cases a year
and when I do I am not gone more than a couple of days. Tony authorizes what I do and sends me on
the cases he believes can’t be fixed any other way. I don’t report to anyone but him and I don’t work
for anyone else on any other case unless Tony has contacted me personally first. No one knows who I

am or what I do except Kane and Shawn of course who know that sometimes I just need a couple of
days off and have to go work on things I can’t talk about.”

“And Angel Bandures is one of the ways you get these agents out?”

“Yeah. Tony and I cooked him up when we first started this. You know what it is like in criminal
circles. Ninety percent of what is actually said about criminal bosses is all gossip so we started some
of our own. Angel Bandures’s reputation has been carefully crafted by rumors to the point where there
are not many places I can go as Angel and not get what I want. It’s saved a lot of agent’s lives over the
years and that is the only reason I do it.” Griff was looking down at the table now and at the last
sentence his voice dropped until it was so quiet Diablo could barely hear him.

Diablo sat and watched Griff for a while. He had no expression on his face as he thought over what his
mate had said. On the one hand he was really pleased that while Griff was Angel he wasn’t the badass
Angel’s reputation made him out to be. But it was also clear that being The Mechanic was not
something that Griff wanted to give up.

“So how did Angel end up rescuing me? My handler wouldn’t have let it be known that there was any
trouble with my case. The only one that knew I was having any trouble at all was you.”

“I called Tony and told him about your case. He reviewed it and agreed to send Angel in to get you
out.” Griff looked Diablo straight in the eye. “For what it is worth I would have gone in and got you
out anyway as soon as I knew you were hurt. I might not have claimed you yet but you are my mate
and you had no other back up. I held off even looking into your case details until after I knew you
were hurt. I honestly didn’t want to interfere.”

“But why would Tony authorize Angel Bandures to go in and get Georgio’s boy over a few bruises?
Agents get roughed up all the time on the job especially when they are undercover.”

“I told him you were my mate and that I knew the handler’s notes on your case were lies.”

“He knows we’re shifters?” Griff nodded.

“Wait a minute. What do you mean the handler’s notes on my case?” Diablo grabbed the laptop,
pulling it to him and tapped in some keys. Moments later he was reading what his handler had written
about his performance and their meetings since he started the Georgio case two years before. Griff
could tell when he had finished reading because he pushed the laptop away and sunk his head on the
table.

Five minutes later Diablo looked up, straight at Griff. “I am going to kill him,” and Griff imagined he
was talking about the handler, Corbin. Standing up and pacing the floor, Diablo kept running his
fingers through his hair and muttering to himself.

“Do you realize this shit is on my personal record? That bastard has made me out to be some fucking
idiot who falls for his mark and wants to stay with him.” He gave a harsh laugh. “Just as well I bloody
resigned. This would have cost me my career. A career I worked bloody hard for damn it.”

Standing quickly, Griff went over to Diablo and stopped him mid stride. He pulled Diablo into his
arms and led him over to the couch, tucking Diablo in beside him as they sat down.

“Do you know what I did Griff? Did you look at my other case files?” Griff shook his head, not
understanding where Diablo was going with this.

“All of my cases were the same. I have been a fucking FBI whore for seven years. Put me with a gay
mark or even a couple of straight ones. Make me seduce him. Get the information and put the guys
away. For seven fucking years. And I did it Griff because I got told the only way a gay man in the FBI
could get the job done was on my knees or sticking my arse in the air.”

“But you never…”

“No I didn’t, so can you imagine how much time I spent on my bloody knees. I have been fending off
fucking stinky human marks for seven years, doing things that make me shudder when I think of them.
Doing it and getting the job done. Every single one of my cases has resulted in at least a half a dozen
arrests. Every case and every handler the same. I have busted more drug rings than I can count. Solved
murders and broken counterfeiting rings - all while on my bloody knees. But that just makes me a
whore and nothing more because the FBI paid for it.”

Griff pulled Diablo closer until he had the man resting on his chest but Diablo tried to pull away.
“How can you even touch me Griff, knowing what I have done?”

Hating the hurt tone in Diablo’s voice Griff kissed the top of his head. “Let’s see,” his deep voice
rumbled. “Because you’re gorgeous, you’re honorable, you are loyal to a fault, you are a damn good
FBI agent and you’re mine.”

Diablo narrowed his eyes at Griff and made to say something, but Griff cut him off.

“I don’t think I ever told you that before Kane met Shawn he was a right slut. He would screw
anything that moved. It didn’t make him a bad person or anything, but he would get lonely just like
the rest of us and he tended to find sex a good way to try and alleviate that loneliness.”

Diablo nodded as if he understood. “I was at Claude’s the night I met you for the same reason.
Loneliness, although more for shifter company rather than sexual company but was definitely lonely.”

Kissing him on the head again, Griff continued. “Kane did ask Shawn once how Shawn could handle
the fact that Kane had been with so many people before he came along. Apparently Shawn said that
although the thought of what Kane did bothered him, it didn’t bother him enough to ever want to leave
Kane or stop him from loving him. He said something along the lines of the future they have together
being so much more important than what had been in the past.”

Griff chuckled, “Oh and Kane promised Shawn that if any other unwanted attention came out of the
woodwork then Shawn could break heads I think he called it.”

The two men laughed softly together and that sound lifted Griff’s heart more than any other. Diablo
had his arms around Griff’s waist and his head resting on Griff’s chest, his long blond hair covering
his face. Griff heard the other man sigh and then felt him lift his head looking deep into Griff’s eyes.

“I like that idea,” Diablo started softly. “I like the idea that the future is more important than the past
and if you want me in your life then I want to work on that with you.”

“I’d really like that, and I really want you and only you. Damn it Diablo you have claimed me twice
all ready, surely you can tell from that how much I want you in my life.”

“Yes but the first time didn’t count did it really?” Diablo laughed. “I thought I would be in so much
trouble when you woke up. Fucking claiming you while you were drunk was a bit rude.”

Laughing Griff said, “Yes well we might get a bit of flack about that from the guys in my pack.
Apparently Kane thought it was hilarious that I would be claimed by my mate while I was too drunk to
know about it. In a BDSM club no less.” He was pleased when Diablo laughed too.

“Ah yes, your pack and all those other practical things you were worrying about at breakfast.” Diablo
sat up so he could face Griff while he was talking.

“Okay. I have a mother that I see maybe twice a year if I am lucky although I send her money every
Christmas and on her birthday. As far as I know I don’t have any brothers or sisters as I never knew
my father who as I told you is a tiger shifter. I think he got shipped in from overseas with a circus or

something, but I honestly don’t know a lot about it and to be honest I don’t care. I don’t have any
other family.”

“As far as where I live and stuff like that. For the past two years I have been living in Baton Rouge
and for most of that time in an apartment paid for by Georgio. Anything I have that is important to
me, and that is not much believe me, is in storage in Baton Rouge. Being undercover and working solo
for so long I don’t really have a lot of friends to worry about. More acquaintances than anything else
and nobody important.”

Diablo put his hand over Griff’s and squeezed it. Griff wouldn’t let it go and laced their fingers
together as Diablo kept on talking.

“I do want to start my own business, in security but I can run that from anywhere thanks to computers
and great communication networks. Over the years I have picked up names of a few shifters who have
worked in the military or the FBI or still are in the FBI and who are looking for a place where they
could break heads and provide protection detail without having to explain things like finding their
mates or other aspects of shifter life that are difficult to explain to humans. Over the years I have
saved enough money to get it all started and to live on for probably at least five years as it gets
underway.”

Diablo looked down at their joined hands and then spoke again. “I am telling you this Griff because I
don’t want you to think I want you to give up anything in your life that you already have. I know you
have a pack and hopefully they will be accepting of you having a cat for a mate. They don’t have to
accept me personally, just our situation. I know you love your job, or should I say jobs, and I would
never ask you to give them up. I can tell how much you love your home just by the way it looks. All
you have to tell me is if you will share it with me?”

Leaning forward Griff captured Diablo’s mouth with his and gave him a scorching kiss. “Hell yes,” he
rumbled. Then he sat back again.

“My turn. Kane and I both came from the Denver Colorado pack. Our uncle was the Alpha there. Kane
got kicked out for being gay and I followed him. He came down here to Cloverleah to set up his home
and business, Custom Rides. Apart from my time in the military I have been here too. I have two
sisters and two brothers, all straight as far as I know and I haven’t seen any of them since I left fifteen
years ago. Things might be improving now at least with Kane’s father who is now the Alpha and the
fact that the pack has now accepted that gays have mates but I haven’t seen anything of it myself and
to be honest it doesn’t bother me too much.”

“I have been working as a mechanic at Custom Rides simply because it is an easy thing to do. I have
been thinking about leaving my job and doing something else. I could possibly help you with your
security business if you wanted as it is something I am good at.”

Diablo laughed and nodded. “I’d like that.”

“With regards to my other job I do like it but I will give it up if it bothers you. It’s just I do think I do
some good on the few cases I do work on and I like feeling I can be of use somewhere. Do you
understand what I mean?” Looking at Diablo’s face, Griff knew that Diablo would understand.
Diablo’s dark eyes were like liquid dark chocolate and he had a half smile on those luscious lips.

“What else. Oh yes the pack. All wolves so far although Shawn is an “Other” as well as a wolf shifter.
There are six of us now, seven including you. All gay men. Kane and Shawn, who you met briefly, are
the only pair. There are the two twins, Scott and Troy. Troy has found his mate but hasn’t met him yet.
The guy is on a Black Ops mission somewhere and won’t be back for another six weeks. Scott spends
a lot of time with Claude, but is looking for his mate I think and Claude isn’t it. Dean is the Omega of

our pack. He is smaller and kind and a great artist. They are all great guys, all work at Custom Rides,
all good friends and none of them will have a problem with you being a cat shifter.” Griff smiled at
Diablo as he said it.

“And as for me wanting you, well that is a given. I want you to live with me. I will help you with your
business if you want me to. I want you to be part of our pack and I know Kane will agree with me
and,” Griff leaned in closer, “some time soon I want you to come to Claude’s and dance with me.”

Diablo laughed and cupped Griff’s face with his hands. “Complete with leather pants? I think you
liked those.” Diablo’s voice was a soft growl.

“I loved those pants especially with you in them.” Griff pulled him in for another long hot kiss.

“I’d love to go. I could pick up my bike at the same time.” Diablo said as Griff went on to kiss his
chin and his neck.

“Don’t need to.” Griff growled low against Diablo’s neck. Damn Diablo smelt good. How had he
missed that at Claude’s’. He felt Diablo’s hands pull his head up.

“Where’s my bike Griff?” Diablo might be concerned about his bike but the bulge in his jeans had
gotten bigger.

Smirking Griff said, “It’s at Custom Rides.” He saw the look of horror on Diablo’s face. “We haven’t
done anything too much with it. Scott and Troy gave it a tune up, replaced the brakes and stuff like
that. Then I might have approved a little design to go on the tank.” Griff had gone back to kissing
Diablo’s neck again and the last part of his statement was muffled against Diablo’s skin.

“You’re painting my bike? Griff!”

“Well you did claim me without being asked and I already have a tattoo of a cat on my heart. I don’t
think it’s too much to ask you to have a wolf on your bike, is it?” Griff was now nibbling Diablo’s
collar bone and he could feel Diablo squirm beneath him and pull him closer.

“Okay,” Diablo said softly against Griff’s face. “I will have your wolf on my bike if you put my cat on
your bike.” He felt Griff nod. “And I will put a tattoo of your wolf on my heart after I have seen it.”

Griff looked up. “You’d get a tattoo for me?” He sounded pleased.

“Yes, well why not. I like them and I like yours. I have just never been able to have them before
because of my undercover work. Too identifiable.”

“Awesome. Dean can do it for you. He did mine.” Griff went back to kissing Diablo’s neck.

“After I have seen your wolf. Who knows you might be some mangy scrawny bodied dog that just
wouldn’t look good as a tattoo.”

“You’ll get the tattoo.” Griff promised. Diablo moved his head around so he could kiss as much of
Griff as he could. Griff moved his head away and further down Diablo’s chest, plastering hot kisses
through Diablo’s shirt and holding tight to Diablo’s hands so they couldn’t move.

“What…let me touch you Griff please.”

“Nope,” said Griff with a wicked grin. “Gonna claim my cat. You gonna let me?”

“Hell yes.” Diablo growled as Griff pulled him up off the couch heading for the master bedroom.

Chapter Ten

Griff was determined to do this right. The fact that Diablo’s arse was virgin territory meant he would
have to be gentle, but the man was also a cat shifter and if he went too slow or too gently the man
would just fight him off. Not that that wouldn’t be fun as well, because Griff sure as hell had no
intention of letting him get away. But he really wanted to do things just right. Good thing he had a lot
of time to think about it, he thought with a grin. He reached into his bedside drawer and pulled out a
remote. Flipping it over his shoulder and clicking it, the sounds of sultry dance music filled the room.
Griff threw the remote and the lube down on the end of the bed and turned to Diablo.

Fuck his mate was gorgeous. Tall with long limbs, hard muscles and that long blond hair framing a
sexy face and streaming down his back. Diablo’s eyes were closed as he stood moving slowly to the
music. He moved in perfect time, totally unaware of the erotic picture he painted for Griff. Griff
stifled a moan and moved in closer to Diablo, turning him so the man’s back was hard against his
chest. Diablo’s eyes flew open but his rhythm didn’t falter.

“Close your eyes. Don’t stop moving.” Griff growled against Diablo’s ear as his movements matched
his mates’. For the longest time Diablo danced with Griff behind him, the man’s huge erection
rubbing evocatively against his arse. Usually Diablo preferred to dance alone, but the feeling of Griff
matching him move for move, holding him and stroking him intensified the bliss he always felt when
he moved to music. Griff was an awesome dancer. His own cock was throbbing in his jeans but he
didn’t stop dancing.

He didn’t stop dancing when he felt Griff lift his shirt. He simply lifted his arms so the article of
clothing could be removed. He felt Griff behind him kissing his back, his neck, his chin. The
scorching kisses didn’t stop as Griff ran his hands over Diablo’s chest, finding and pinching his
nipples so Diablo gasped in pleasure. Leaving one hand to tend to Diablo’s nipples Griff ran his other
hand slowly down Diablo’s solid abs, his fingers tracing each muscle as it wended its way further
down.

As Griff trailed his hand under the waistband of Diablo’s jeans, Diablo let out a low moan. Who
thought being seduced slowly while he was dancing could feel so electrifying. Griff was still sucking
and biting on his neck, just below his ear and Diablo thought he would burst from the sensation. He
had never felt so good. And still the music pulsed through him, urging his body to move.

When Griff clicked open the button on Diablo’s jeans and pulled down the zipper Diablo moved
forward an inch to allow Griff to slide the jeans down his legs, kicking them off his feet. Griff had let
go of Diablo’s nipples to take care of his own jeans and suddenly Diablo was naked dancing with an
equally naked, very horny and sexy man dancing behind him. He should have been worried as Griff’s
erection slid into the crease in his arse; lord knows he had spent enough time trying to protect his
virgin arse. But he wasn’t. He felt fluid, relaxed and totally turned on.

As Griff circled his cock with his huge hand, Diablo moaned again and shifted his movements so he
could rock into the hand, never missing a beat. Griff had lubed his own cock and it was sliding over
Diablo’s hole, never penetrating, but teasing and pulsing with need. Diablo found himself trying to
push back every time Griff’s cockhead came close to his opening. He lent forward in Griff’s arms
pushing his arse back harder into Griff in a silent plea. God Diablo was so close to coming.

“Please Griff,” he begged, the lust evident in his low raspy growl.

“Soon little cat.” From the rasp in Griff’s deep voice he wasn’t too far off coming himself. Diablo lost
himself in the sensation - Griff’s hand sliding slowly up and down his cock; Griff cock rocking and

pulsing up and down Diablo’s arse crease, Griff’s mouth was still on Diablo’s neck licking and biting
in small sure strokes and the music was pumping through his blood. Diablo felt the pleasure through
his entire body. It was like he was flying.

Griff’s first finger in his hole did make Diablo tighten up for a moment but then the tempo of the
music changed and the bass thump that Diablo loved intensified. Diablo relaxed and focused on the
music, rocking his hips backwards and forwards - into the hand around his cock and back onto the
finger in his arse. When Griff added a second finger Diablo sank back on it urgently wanting the burn
and the pleasure it promised. As the third finger was added Diablo couldn’t hold himself back. He
pushed back hard despite the pain, by now he was frantic with need. It was as if the music had gripped
his soul and his whole body pulsed with the need to be fucked and to come. All the while Griff was
with him, moving with him and never missing a beat.

“Griff come on, damn it, need you so bad.” Diablo was aching in places he didn’t even know he had.

Griff whispered in his ears. “Put your hands on the bed rail.”

Diablo opened his eyes slightly and saw the bed rail in front of them. He lent forward from the waist
reluctant to lose contact with Griff from the waist down and loosely held the bed rail in his hands.
This position tipped his arse up and he finally felt the broad head of Griff’s cock against his hole. He
tensed for a moment until he heard Griff growl in his ear, “This will hurt babe, can’t help that, but
only for a minute I promise you. Focus on the music, just focus on the beat.”

Diablo allowed his whole body to relax as Griff slowly pushed in. Trying not to tighten up against the
stinging pain, he breathed through it focusing on moving to the beat of the music and the feel of
Griff’s hand on his own cock that had never faltered.

Once Griff’s large mushroomed head had pierced through the first tight muscles and settled, Griff
stopped. Diablo relaxed his way through the burn, flexing his hands as they developed claws. The only
sign so far that his cat was upset with this.

“The music Diablo, feel the beat.” Griff’s rumble soothed Diablo just as his hands did. Once Diablo
had got his hands under control Griff’s voice was back. “Now just move precious. Move back on me
as you feel comfortable. I am just going to stay still and let you do this as you want to.”

God bless that man. Diablo took a deep breath and focused on the music and Griff’s hand still sliding
on his cock, dipping every now and then to tickle and stroke his balls. Tapping into the beat of the
music Diablo moved, rolling his hips, pushing back in increments, pulling forward a bit and then back
again. Thank goodness Griff had lubed up well. Two songs later he finally felt Griff’s hips against his
arse. He thrust back hard along with a particularly strong bass beat and knew that Griff was fully
seated when he felt Griff’s hand on his thigh. The man’s hand was trembling and his breath was harsh
and fast and Diablo suddenly realized how much control Griff had given him in this. The guy had to be
ready to blow. Hmmm but Diablo felt so good, so full, so complete. He had been waiting for this his
whole adult life.

Alannah Myles started singing her classic Black Velvet and Diablo purred. One of his old favorites. He
flexed his hips and said quietly, “Move honey, please move.”

Behind him Griff let out a long shaky breath and started to move. Keeping in perfect time with the
song he moved in and out, through Black Velvet, through three more songs, keeping in time with every
one until Diablo felt like every nerve ending he had was on fire. He wanted to come so badly and yet
in a way he didn’t want the feeling to end.

“Cant last much more hon…” Griff’s deep voice was barely more than a raspy whisper in his ear.
Diablo moved his body against Griff’s pushing harder with each thrust to push Griff along. He felt the

man tremble above him and as Rhianna hit the high notes in Diamonds he felt Griff fly apart inside of
him. As Griff hit his climax he brushed aside Diablo’s hair and bit down forcefully on Diablo’s neck.
That was all that Diablo needed to push him over the edge and he came long and hard, his cat roaring
in triumph. The sensation of feeling Griff pulsing inside of him combined with the endorphins flying
around his own system was electrifying. Oh wow, Diablo thought, that was absolutely fucking
amazing.

The two men stood plastered together for a good five minutes. Then Diablo felt his knees start to go
and he wobbled. Griff carefully eased out and then picked him up and settled him on the bed, lowering
the volume on the sound track as he did it. Clicking another button a softer selection of songs came
on. Romantic and soothing.

“Be back in a minute.” Griff walked through to the bathroom and came back a few moments later with
a warm wash cloth which he used to clean Diablo front and back. Diablo lay on the bed. His cat was
purring, his body still humming in content this time. As Griff got back on the bed, Diablo
automatically curled into him. His head resting on Griff’s chest and legs flung over Griff’s. He felt
Griff’s arms come around him, stroking him lightly down his arms, chest and back.

“You’re mine now Diablo. Not ever gonna let you go.” Griff’s deep voice was tinged with an emotion
even he couldn’t describe. The moment Griff had waited for his whole life had finally come and he
couldn’t be happier.

“Yours Griff. Only yours.” God Diablo could barely speak. He felt Griff shift his hand under his chin
and tilt his head up. Griff looked concerned.

“Are you okay, hon? Did I hurt you too much?”

Diablo felt his face redden. Damn he never blushed.
“More than all right my mate. I have never felt so good. Thank you so much for everything.” He said
softly and it was true.

Griff chuckled. “Glad to see my planning worked out well.”

“Planning. You planned all this?”

“Hey sweetheart you were gone for a week and you were all I could think of. I had to do something
with my time.”

“What made you think of the music and the dancing? You had to have thought of this before you came
to get me or ever saw me dance.” Diablo knew that Griff hadn’t had anytime to set up music scores or
things like that since they had been back at Griff’s house.

“Music soothes the savage beast, or so I have been told,” Griff chuckled quietly.

“You were soothing my cat.”

“Uh huh. Didn’t want to fight you for your first time. Not that fighting wouldn’t have been fun.”
Griff’s grin was almost feral.

Diablo laughed and said, “I am sure that will happen too at some stage.”

“Promise?”

“You bet.” Diablo was still laughing. “Try fucking me up against a wall one day and see what
happens.”

Griff groaned. “Damn don’t go putting ideas in my head. You will be sore and I don’t want to be
walking around with a boner again so soon. Blue balls have been a habit for the last week or so and
this session tested my control to its limits.”

“Hmm I bet I could make you lose that iron control,” Diablo said suggestively.

“I know you could you damn cat. You are too damn sexy for your own good.” Griff slapped Diablo on
the shoulder. “Come on. Let’s get lunch and then we are coming back to bed. There is a whole stack of
things I haven’t done to you yet.”

Chapter Eleven

By Monday lunchtime both men had sucked, fucked and done enough of everything else to consider
going out of the house. Diablo was surprised to learn that Griff was a creative lover, his combination
of gentleness and force a powerful aphrodisiac. They also spent a lot of time talking and Griff was
impressed with the amount of intelligence his mate had. Diablo had shared more about his ideas of the
type of security firm he wanted to set up and he and Griff were both excited to put some plans into
place real soon.

“Just let me be officially resigned from my job Griff and then we will get started.”

Griff and Diablo looked at each other and then said at the same time, “Shit my phone.”

Griff flicked through his messages. A few ribald texts from Scott that he read but did not reply to. A
message from Bruno that Ramon had been picked up and was safe. Kane had sent him a text to remind
himabout dinner tonight at Kane and Shawn’s which he did reply an affirmative to. His final text was
from Tony sent the night before. Ring me when you get this . He looked over at Diablo.

“Anything interesting?”

Diablo was scrolling through his messages and looked up. “No. Just a dozen texts from Corbin
demanding a status update.” He flipped his phone shut without replying to any of them. “I don’t know
what to say to him. I take it Tony Gearson didn’t tell him I had been pulled out of the job.”

“Hmm,” Griff looked worried. “Tony has text me and wants me to call him. I guess I had better do it.
He was going to look into your case because he is worried that Corbin might be abusing his position.”
He looked up at Diablo. “Or we could ignore both phones and go out for a run,” he said lightly.

Diablo came over and gave Griff a long kiss on the lips. “Make the call hon. You can ask him on any
ideas on how to reply to Corbin and then we can go for a run, okay? We don’t need this shit hanging
over us.”

Griff nodded already tapping in Tony’s number. Diablo made to leave the room to give him some
privacy, but Griff grabbed him and pulled the pair of them onto the couch, his arm firmly over
Diablo’s shoulder. Diablo heard the man when he answered the phone. Griff had it on speaker.

“Tony Gearson.”

“Yeah, do you want to call me back?”

“No Griff this line is secure.”

“Before you say anything Diablo is with me and this is on speaker phone.” Griff’s voice was calm but
obviously his words surprised the Director of the FBI.

“Oh, okay. This isn’t normally how we do things Griff.”

Griff looked at Diablo and smiled. “It is now Tony. Diablo is my life mate and we don’t have any
secrets at all. It’s part of who we are. If you don’t like it then you don’t have to call me anymore.
Your choice.”

Tony laughed down the phone. “Ha ha, Griff you are not going to get rid of me that easily. I planned
on talking to Diablo too, after I had talked to you so this is fine with me and I take it for future
reference this dual phone thing will be a normal occurrence?”

“Definitely.” Diablo smiled at Griff’s conviction in his voice and kissed his mate again, curling up in
his arms so he could hear the conversation. He didn’t mind too much if Griff had to go off for a job,
but he would have hated not knowing about it.

“Right then. Well hello Diablo. I know we haven’t met yet but I do hope to meet you soon.”

“Hello Sir.”

“Call me Tony please. Griff and I are old friends and I think you and I will be too.”

“Thank you, Tony.” Diablo shrugged at Griff who just grinned.

“This does concern the both of you. After your call Griff I did some in depth digging into Diablo’s
whole case and in particular the part that Corbin has played in it. I am truly sorry Diablo but my
findings are not good.”

Griff and Diablo looked at each other. “What do you mean Tony, Diablo is a bloody good agent.” It
was Griff that growled out the response.

“Oh shit, yes of course he’s an excellent agent. One of the best I have ever seen. Sorry Diablo I didn’t
mean to imply that anything you’ve done is wrong. Your findings and intel is the best I have ever seen
on any job. There is plenty there to execute the warrants and once these guys are arrested there won’t
even be a need for you to testify. You have done a stellar job considering the circumstances.”

“So what’s the problem?” This time it was Diablo that spoke.

“I don’t quite know how to tell you this. It seems that Corbin has been on Georgio’s payroll for the
last six months. He has been paid to keep you with the mark including this last two week extension.
We have traced financial records that prove a direct link between the two and a bug on Corbin’s phone
in place since Saturday has already revealed two calls between Corbin and Georgio, both talking about
your specific whereabouts Diablo. Georgio told Corbin you left with Angel but neither one of them
have been able to find you.”

Diablo looked at Griff. “Well that would explain the texts on my phone.”

“What texts are those, Diablo?” Tony’s voice sounded concerned.

“Oh nothing really. Just Corbin looking for status updates - about a dozen times since I left with Griff
on Saturday night.”

“Have you replied to any of them?”

“No, not yet. We wanted to talk to you first.” This time it was Griff who answered.

“Okay, well good. Don’t answer them for now, Diablo. In fact it might be an idea to turn your phone
off completely for now in case they try tracking you with GPS.”

“Understood.” Diablo shut off his phone and then peeled open the back of it to take out the GPS unit
included in the housing. Holding it between his thumb and first finger he crumbled it into tiny pieces.

“Wait a minute,” Griff was angry now. “Are you telling me that Georgio knows that Diablo is an FBI
undercover agent and that it was Corbin who told him?”

“Yes Griff that is exactly what I am saying. And that’s not all of it. I have been back over all of your
past cases Diablo and found three other instances where your handler has been bribed to keep you in a
situation with a mark longer than necessary. There is another at least four or five situations where the
handler had done it on his own accord in an apparent ploy to either break you or punish you.”

“For what? Being gay?” Now Diablo was angry.

“And too good looking apparently. I am so sorry Diablo, I honestly had no idea this type of thing was
going on. I am processing your resignation personally. You will leave with the highest honors and a
full pension. There will also be a sizable payout for you if you agree not to go to the media or anyone
else about this.”

“Why the hell would I do that Tony? I have never been out to get at the FBI. I was just trying to do my
job as best I could.”

“Again I can’t tell you how sorry I am and these guys will be prosecuted for what they did to you. I
will see to it personally.” Tony’s voice sounded genuine enough but Diablo was really upset.

“You don’t get it Tony…” Diablo was ready to let rip. He was so angry he was close to tears and was
now pacing the floor.

“Diablo, hon…” Griff tried to intervene but Diablo didn’t listen to him.

“No Griff. Seven fucking years Tony. Seven fucking years I have been an FBI whore, a bloody whore,
and now you are telling me that at least seven of my handlers have been responsible for putting me in
situations where I could have been killed. Not that they haven’t come close a few times. If I hadn’t
have been a shifter I would have been dead by now. I have never had any back up. I have never had
any support. I still went in and got my bloody job done even though it made me sick to my stomach at
times. And now the FBI thinks that a ‘settlement’ is going to make it all go away because they are
worried about the public image of the company? What about my bloody image? My self-respect? My
love for my job, my career, damn it?”

“Diablo please…” Griff was trying to calm him down.

“No Griff, I know what you are going to say but don’t you see? I could have lost you when I had only
just found you. Six months ago, when Georgio obviously found out I was an agent was when he
changed. When he collared me and humiliated me more than I believed possible. And it was Corbin’s
fault. When I told you what I had done I fully expected you to leave me, don’t you understand? I mean
who the hell wants a man that has spent more times on his knees than he has in the shower? Fuck this
could have cost me everything in life worth having.”

Diablo tore his clothes off and in seconds had shifted into his panther form. Looking at Griff he took
off out the back door and ran towards the woods.

“Griff, Diablo, are you still there?” Tony’s voice came over the phone loud and worried.

“Yeah I am here Tony and you had better know that I am so angry right now at what has been done to
my mate I can barely speak.” Griff growled as he started taking off his own clothes. He had a cat to
catch.

“Look Griff I do understand, I really do. But…fuck Griff I hate to bring this up but I do need you and
Diablo to go back to Baton Rouge so I can get a good case on Corbin…”

“I can’t even think about that right now, Tony. My mate is bloody hurting and has taken off and I have
to go and make things right and after what he has heard today I am not sure that’s possible. I will ring
you back when it’s sorted.”

“But Griff…”

“I said I will ring you back, tomorrow morning. You have my word.” And with that Griff slammed off
his phone shifting as he ran out the door.

Chapter Twelve

When Diablo had taken off for the woods he had no idea where he was going or what he was doing. He
just knew he felt so much anger inside he just wanted to slash at something. Kill Corbin and Georgio
definitely and then break down and cry for a week. It was one thing to suspect that most of his
handlers had problems with him over the years because he was gay but to hear it confirmed from the
director of the FBI itself was really hard. Diablo couldn’t bear the fact that Griff now had some idea of

how many times Diablo had been a gay lover to his mark to get information for an arrest. The truth
was the case number was more than double what Tony had mentioned. It was no consolation that at
least half of his handlers were obviously decent enough.

Diablo had never been able to understand why some of his cases took so long for warrants to get
sorted. At the time he thought it was just the FBI policy of being cautious. Getting all of the facts
lined up before they acted. That is why Diablo was so thorough with the information he shared. He
always worked to get airtight cases so that he could leave his cover and not have to go back. And damn
it despite the nature of how he got that information he was proud of what he had achieved. He knew he
had one of the highest arrest records in undercover work. He knew he did a good job. Not bad for a gay
man with homophobic handlers.

But at what cost to his soul? Diablo knew that many heterosexuals had the stereotypical idea of a gay
man who didn’t want feelings of love or commitment, but who rather went out and screwed anything
male with a pulse. Diablo had never been like that. He had the occasional hook-up but given what he
did as a job that was more for companionship with shifters rather than sex. Sure he was a cat and as
such was a bit of a loner anyway but after spending the last few days with Griff he knew he never
wanted to be anywhere but with his mate. He had felt that way after the first night for goodness sake.
Griff was a decent and honorable man though and there is no way he could want someone who felt as
dirty as Diablo did right now.

Diablo’s run slowed to a walk as he took in the woods surrounding him. Tall trees were spaced far
enough apart to let in some of the sunlight overhead. A thick bed of pine needles covered the
woodland floor masking any sound that Diablo might make. Not that he ever made any when he
moved, his huge fur covered paws saw to that. Lifting his nose to sniff, Diablo could smell the old
scent of other wolves. Griff and the others in his pack most likely. There were no other predators in
the area which was probably a good thing. Although a good fight might help with my stress, Diablo
thought.

Hearing the sound of a stream nearby, Diablo headed in that direction, keen for a drink. After
quenching his thirst he wanted nothing more than to rest, but years of self preservation saw him
moving away from the sound of the stream first. Only when he was confident he could hear the sound
of any animal coming near him did he flop down on his stomach, his big head resting on his front
paws. Now that his anger had dissipated all Diablo felt was an overwhelming sense of grief and
shame.

Could panthers cry? Perhaps not with tears but when they have a human brain it seemed to trigger
something because Diablo could feel the wetness on his furry face. He knew why he had kept taking
the shit jobs. In every case he was trying to prove himself, hoping that eventually it was his skills and
not his looks and sexual orientation that would get him new assignments. He was sure that if he just
kept putting the bad guys away that eventually somebody would recognize his worth as an agent and
he would get cases that didn’t require him to suck dick.

That wasn’t going to happen now he had resigned. But Diablo wasn’t sorry about that decision. If Griff
didn’t want him then he would build a new life for himself somewhere close and maybe over time
Griff would look past what he had done and want to be with him. He was done with the FBI. They
could pay out all they wanted, he didn’t care. It wasn’t as though Diablo needed the money. But wait a
minute, no. If he was a whore then he could be bloody paid out, otherwise he was just a slut in an FBI
suit. And Diablo definitely wasn’t a slut.

Chuffing to himself at his twisted logic, Diablo almost missed the sound of another animal
approaching. Griff in his wolf form. Diablo could tell by the delicious scent that filled the air. Not

sure what his cat would do when faced with the man in wolf form, Diablo just stayed where he was
listening to Griff coming forward. Griff wasn’t trying to hide his presence, probably recognizing that
Diablo might attack him if he crept up on him.

A few minutes later a very large grey and black wolf loped into view. It stopped when it saw Diablo
and Diablo could feel the wolf sizing him up. Diablo took after his tiger father in size standing just
over three and a half feet at the shoulder and weighing close to 400 pounds of pure muscle. His body
was long and his paws and head were huge. Because Griff was a shifter wolf he was bigger than a
typical grey but even so Diablo had a good 150 pounds on the wolf although he knew that in a fight the
wolf could give him a run for his money. Diablo considered shifting because he didn’t want Griff to
feel at a disadvantage, but he didn’t want to actually talk right now. So he lay there and waited to see
what the wolf would do.

Griff hadn’t had any trouble finding Diablo. It wasn’t as though the cat was trying to hide his scent,
although Griff was a little worried that he might have climbed a tree which would have made getting
close to him a bit awkward. But when he actually saw him close up and in detail Griff was stunned.
This cat was huge. Far bigger than Griff had anticipated. Rather than be scared, which he probably
should have been, Griff was seriously impressed.

Padding forward slowly Griff put his nose to the ground until he came up to Diablo. Apart from a low
rumble of warning from the cat, Diablo didn’t move. Griff sniffed at him, drinking in his mate’s scent.
The panther truly was magnificent in every way and for some perverse reason the fact that Griff knew
that Diablo could kill him in his cat form was actually a turn on for him. Yeah he must be barmy
especially given Griff’s own Alpha tendencies, but shit who couldn’t be blown away by the power in
this cat.

This close Griff could see that said cat had been crying and as he scanned over the cat’s form again he
could see the dejected slump of the panther’s powerful shoulders. He quickly shifted to his human
form and kneeling down by the cat he rested his hand on Diablo’s big black head stroking the cat
between the ears. Diablo stopped rumbling and after a few minutes he pushed his head into Griff’s
hand actively seeking his touch. Griff bought up his other hand and stroked and petted Diablo’s head
finding the spots that Diablo seemed to like to be touched. Between his ears, across his cheeks and
under his chin seemed to be favorites. Given how big Diablo was it was unlikely that anybody had
touched him in his animal form before, but just like a house cat, he really seemed to enjoy it.

On his part Griff absolutely loved how soft Diablo’s fur was. A wolf’s hair was long and coarse which
wasn’t nearly as sensual to touch as the cats’. Not that Griff had touched a lot of wolves either. But
Diablo was a perfect contradiction. Too big and powerful for most to get close to, but soft and
delicious if you could get close enough. A bit like the man himself. Griff hoped Diablo would shift,
but when the big cat put his head on Griff’s naked knee and seemed quite happy there, Griff knew he
would have to convince his mate to trust him enough to shift first. He knew that Diablo was hurting
and was effectively protecting himself by staying in his animal form.

“You know,” Griff began haltingly, “I don’t think I have had the chance yet to tell you how bloody
honored I am that you are my mate.” Diablo lifted his big yellow eyes to look at Griff’s face but he
didn’t move his head from the man’s knee.

“I mean you look at it. For all intents and purposes I am just a mechanic in small town USA. An
ordinary man and an ordinary enough shifter wolf.” Diablo shook his head but Griff continued. “Yes, I
could be an Alpha wolf, but I didn’t want to be. Yet I have been blessed with not only an amazing
man, but an amazing shifter. The Fates were really looking out for me.” Diablo was still looking at
Griff’s face but his head nudged Griff’s hand. Griff went back to stroking him, his big hands running

down Diablo’s muscled shoulders.

“You, Diablo, are an amazing man because you are loyal, and decent and you do your best despite
insurmountable odds. And you have done it all alone, without anyone to help you or support you.
When I see the size of your cat and the power in your shifted body I am totally awed by the fact that
you took so much abuse as a human when you could have easily killed anyone with just one swipe of
your big paws. That tells me you have more strength and more sense of what is right and wrong than
just about anyone I have ever met.”

Griff cupped his hands around Diablo’s big head and leaned his face in so close he could almost kiss
him. “I thank the Fates that you are my mate and I will thank them every single day of my life. I want
you more than I want to eat, drink or breathe. I never want to spend another day without you near me
and I want to spend my whole life showing you how much you are loved. Because I do love you
Diablo and I always will. There is nothing on this earth that can change that.”

Diablo looked at Griff’s sincere face with his big yellow eyes and knew that every word that Griff had
said was true. This man loved him no matter what and it was their future that was important not
Diablo’s past. He felt a purr rumble up from his chest and then he quickly shifted, his head still in
Griff’s hands. Griff immediately leant in that last little distance and kissed Diablo soundly. Diablo
rolled his body so he was lying on his back and pulled Griff down off his knees to lay on top of him,
their lips locked together. When they finally came up for air, Griff laughed.

“I am so glad you shifted sweetie. I wanted to kiss you so badly and I wasn’t sure I wanted to kiss a
cat even one as gorgeous as yours.”

Diablo smiled but his eyes were serious as he spoke. “You are anything but ordinary Griff. Believe me
you are truly amazing both as a man and a wolf. If anybody should be thanking the Fates then it should
be me. You compliment me in every way. My cat might be bigger than your wolf, but you are bigger
and stronger than me in our human form. You are calm and laid back where I can tend to be a bit
volatile. You have been open and honest with me, even to the point of telling Tony that I was to be in
your phone calls for your jobs. That is a huge deal to me. I know you are wickedly intelligent even
though you try to hide it and you have created a life full of love and good friends. That is not an easy
thing to do.”

He reached up and kissed Griff again before pulling back and saying softly. “I can’t tell you that I love
you yet because my head is still a bit of a mess and I want to be free of the FBI before that happens.
But believe me when I tell you that I believe in your love for me and that means more to me than you
will ever know. I am totally committed to us and our life together and I don’t ever want to leave your
side.”

If Griff was disappointed in what Diablo had said about loving him he didn’t let it show. He twined his
hands in Diablo’s silky blond hair and kissed him hard, pushing his tongue into Diablo’s mouth as
soon as it opened beneath him. The kiss went on and on and Diablo felt his arousal grow. By the time
Griff pulled his lips from his mate’s both men were breathless and panting hard. Foreheads pressed
together they tried to pull themselves together.

Fuck Griff I need you so badly.

I know, lover, believe me I know, but…

I know, no lube

The joys of shifting lover.

They both laughed. Griff pulled himself to his feet and pulled Diablo up with him.

“Come on let’s shift and head home. We’re expected at Kane and Shawn’s for dinner but I am sure we
can do something before then.”

Diablo’s eyes gleamed as he shifted into his cat and once Griff was in his wolf form, Diablo nudged
his shoulder pushing him to lead them home. They both took off at a run.

Chapter Thirteen

It wasn’t until they were dressing to go out that Griff bought up the fact that he had promised to phone
Tony back the following day. Diablo was quiet for a moment and seemed to be concentrating hard on
smoothing his muscle shirt over his chest. Looking at Griff who was lounging on the door frame
watching him he simply shrugged and said, “Do you know what he wants?”

“Hmmm, yes. He mentioned something about us going back in to get Corbin.” When he saw the look
of horror on Diablo’s face Griff quickly added, “I didn’t say anything to him except that I had to go
and find you. You are the priority for me, nothing else.”

“Fuck, what day is it?”

“Monday.”

“Christ I can’t wait until Friday when my bloody resignation is final.”

Griff pushed himself up off the door frame and grabbed Diablo in his arms. He loved the fact that
Diablo wrapped his own arms around Griff’s waist and held him close.

“Neither one of us is going to do anything that we are not comfortable with, okay. We will hear Tony
out and then we will tell him no. It’s as simple as that.”

Diablo nodded and Griff held him for a minute more before turning around and heading out the door
with Diablo tucked under his arm.

“Now let’s go meet the pack.”

“Oh God I think that is making me even more nervous.” But Diablo was laughing as he said it.

“They will love you, you’ll see.” Griff was quietly confident that they would as they walked out the
door.

Because Diablo hadn’t got his bike back yet the two men did the five minute journey in Griff’s SUV.
Diablo was quiet but his hand rested in Griff’s all the way. Griff took a look at his lover, dressed in his
customary black with his blond hair free and hanging down his back. Griff realized that Diablo had
told him that he didn’t have much in the way of friends at all and with being a cat shifter he probably
had no idea about how important the pack was to Griff. Yet Diablo had also said that he wanted Griff
to be able to stay with the pack, so maybe he did understand that much. Griff trusted his friends and he
just hoped that no-one would make Diablo feel uncomfortable. As they pulled up in front of Kane and
Shawn’s huge house he saw Diablo look at it and then at the woods beyond with a sense of longing on
his face.

“No running Diablo, please.”

“I know Griff, but I have no idea how to act with a pack. Solitary animals and all that.” Diablo tried to
smile but he was really nervous. He knew if Griff’s pack didn’t like him then that would make life
really hard for Griff.

Griff opened his door and stepped out pulling Diablo out with him.

“Don’t think of them as pack. Think of them as my annoying family, my best friends. We don’t do the
pack dynamic here. We are all just guys that happen to be gay wolf shifters who all work together at
Custom Rides.”

“They don’t know about your work with Tony right?”

“Kane and Shawn do, as I told you before but it is not something we ever talk about especially in front

of the others.” Griff was leading Diablo up the path to the porch.

“So you see my problem.” Diablo stopped Griff and looked at him in the eye. “The first question
people ask about you is ‘what do you do’? I have been an undercover agent for seven years. I can
hardly talk about that and I don’t want to be lying to people who are your friends.” While Diablo’s
voice appeared calm Griff could sense the underlying panic.

“You can tell them you are an undercover agent but that you can’t talk about anything specific. They
will understand that. You can also tell them that you are soon to be retired and that you are looking at
starting your own security business.” Griff leaned in for a quick kiss. “See no lying involved. You
should be more worried about the fact that you claimed me while I was drunk because I am sure they
are going to be more interested in that aspect than anything else.”

“Way to make me feel better Griff,” Diablo laughed. He could see Kane at the door waiting for them.
It was time to meet Griff’s pack.

/~/~/~/

The evening started off easily enough. As soon as Griff and Diablo got inside the house Kane
introduced Diablo to Scott, Troy and Dean and then went to get them drinks. Shawn had them all go sit
at a huge dining room table that easily fitted all seven men. The food was good and the conversation
seemed general enough to keep Diablo’s nerves at bay.

Diablo learned a lot through listening to others. He guessed it was habit more than anything else, but
as the others spoke he also saw how the pack related to each other as a group. Kane and Shawn were
undoubtedly the Alpha’s and just as obviously were deeply committed to each other. Kane in
particular seemed obsessed with continually touching Shawn in one way or another. Nothing sexual
but as if he needed the continual reassurance that the other man was there.

Shawn on the other hand was like the power behind the throne. He was as quiet as Diablo and he
watched everything that went on around him. Diablo had inadvertently caught his eye a couple of
times and Shawn just gave a shy smile and looked away. Shawn’s devotion to Kane was harder to pick
and only showed in stark honesty when Shawn looked directly at Kane. Then his eyes gave away just
how much in love he was with his mate. Diablo knew that Kane and Shawn had only been together
about two to three months and he felt quietly happy in himself that he and Griff would reach that same
level of intimacy just as quickly.

The twins were so totally different it was hard to pick that they were even brothers except for the fact
that they were identical, in every physical way. Scott was the brighter of the two in terms of how he
dressed, styled his hair and his personality. He injected a lot of sexual innuendo into his comments but
Diablo wondered how much of that was a ruse to stop the others from learning too much about him.
Troy on the other hand was dressed more conservatively, his hair left to fall where it may and he
didn’t offer a lot in terms of conversation although when he did respond to others in the group he
seemed to be intelligent and he had a wicked sense of humor. Both men were about six foot tall with a
wealth of muscles combined with shaggy blond hair and clear handsome faces. Diablo knew that as
Beta wolves these two men would be good fighters and as he watched them interact with each other
with such familiarity he could see they would make a powerful duo in a fight.

The Omega of the pack, Dean could easily be overlooked. He was the smallest of everyone present and
he too kept quiet a lot of the time. Dean was interesting with his thin features, pale complexion and
deep auburn hair and Diablo guessed that within a couple of years he would be a real stunner to look
at. As it was he was slim and obviously worked hard at being inconspicuous. But Diablo could see that
Dean too possessed a lot of intelligence and he seemed to be a genuinely caring guy. It wouldn’t do for

anyone to underestimate the smallest man at the table.

Diablo knew it was a really bad habit to size people up when he was with them, but it was just the way
he was. Working for the FBI often meant that if he didn’t make the right judgments first time, then his
life could be on the line. From what Diablo could work out Dean had accepted him on face value for
who he was, as had Troy and Scott. It was difficult to know what Shawn was thinking but it was Kane
that was going to be a problem for Diablo.

It wasn’t so much in the things Kane said. It wasn’t even in the way he said anything. On the surface
of it Kane was friendly and charming. Diablo assumed this was a typical Alpha thing. But Diablo had
caught Kane looking at him with narrowed eyes a couple of times and he had a horrible feeling in his
gut that this evening was not going to end well. Being Griff’s best friend, his Alpha, his cousin and his
boss meant that Kane had a lifetime of caring for Griff and Diablo could tell that Kane was not happy
with Griff’s choice of mate for some reason. For now Diablo just ate his meal, kept a pleasant
expression on his face and kept learning as much as he could about the men he was eating with.

On the plus side what was really great to see was just how relaxed Griff was with his pack. He laughed
and joked and took their ribbing, giving a lot in return and Diablo could see he was really in his
element. Griff was handsome at any time but when he was happy his green eyes sparkled and his
whole face lit up. Diablo thought he looked truly beautiful.

Griff didn’t make Diablo feel excluded either. He would explain some of the comments the others
made about stories in their past and like Kane with Shawn, Griff touched him a lot. Little things like
brushing shoulders, holding his arm or running his finger down Diablo’s leg. It made Diablo feel
warm inside and while he wasn’t sure why, he sure as hell liked it. As the men slowly came to the end
of the meal Diablo started to hope that he and Griff could make a hasty exit before anything went
wrong. Diablo seriously wanted to go home and fuck his mate senseless.

Chapter Fourteen

But of course that wasn’t going to happen. Kane waited until everyone had finished eating before
making his move. His opening comments, directed straight at Diablo, were pitched loud enough to cut
through the other men’s chatter.

“Diablo. We haven’t heard a lot about you this evening. We know you are a cat shifter. What type of
cat are you?” Kane’s tone wasn’t giving anything away but Diablo immediately knew trouble was
coming. Problem was he didn’t quite know what Kane’s issue with him was so for now he decided to
keep his answers short and honest until he knew what Kane’s end game was.

“A mix breed. Black panther.” Bland tone, bland face, Diablo could play this game all day. He could
see Griff looking at him with a worried expression on his face but for now Diablo focused on Kane.

“So does that make you a big cat or one of the smaller ones?”

“Depend on what you are comparing me too.”

“What mix?”

Crap, Diablo didn’t want to answer that one. He should have guessed his size could be an issue for an
Alpha but as he hadn’t been in this position before, where he actually wanted the pack to accept him
for Griff’s sake at least he didn’t quite know what to say except the truth. “Cougar and tiger.”

“What type of tiger?”

“Siberian.” Diablo heard Dean gasp and Kane narrowed his eyes.

It was Scott that spoke up though. “How the hell did that happen? How did a cougar end up mated with
a Siberian tiger in the United States?”

Diablo sighed. “My mother was on heat. The circus was in town. My father happened to be the star
attraction. They fucked in cat form through the bars and then my mother let my father out of the cage
once she had shifted into her human form. He ran off and hasn’t been seen or heard from since. They
were not mates. Given his size my mother had the one cub, me.”

“So I will ask again. How big are you?” Kane’s voice was positively terse and when he saw Diablo
raise his eyebrow he added, “in comparison to the cougar and the tiger.”

“Bigger than the cougar, slightly smaller than the tiger.”

“And when compared to a wolf like Griff or me or Shawn here?”

“Bigger.” Diablo looked at Griff who was holding his hand and gave him a small smile before he
turned back to Kane, his face expressionless once more. “A lot bigger probably although I haven’t
seen your wolf form Kane, nor Shawn’s.”

Kane’s frowning face didn’t let up when Shawn gently put his arm over his mate’s shoulder. It was
though Shawn was trying to keep Kane calm. But then Kane changed tactics, or so it appeared.

“And this mating thing with your mother and father? Is that common among cat shifters? To fuck and
leave?”

“My mother and father were not mates. They fucked once. No claiming involved. When my mother let
my father out of his cage she didn’t expect him to stay and he didn’t disappoint. Unless they find their
true mates’ cats are solitary creatures and prefer to be on their own.”

Kane leant forward and leaned his arms on the table pointing a finger at Diablo. “You claimed Griff
and then you did a runner too. Isn’t that just the same, fuck and leave?” The anger in Kane’s voice was

evident to everyone in the room. Diablo closed his eyes for a second as he felt a wave of sadness from
Griff come washing over him. He just wanted to get up and punch the living shit out of Kane for
hurting Griff. But then he would be just as bad and as angry as Kane was. He wasn’t going to hurt
Griff no matter what Kane said.

Keep calm, keep calm, keep calm.

“You know the story about what happened with that Kane. I know that Griff told you. I’m not about to
discuss any aspect of what I do in my undercover life with you or the impact it might have had on me
or Griff.” Diablo could tell his anger was starting to show and he quickly reined it in and tried a more
reasonable approach. “Doesn’t it say something that I came back and Griff is happy that I am here?”

“Yes but for how long?” Kane was growling now. “You claimed Griff. You obviously won’t let him
claim you being as you are the stronger animal and all. So you are free to come and go as you please?
Do you know what it does to a wolf without his mate, cat? Do you?”

Diablo knew that Griff was going to say something and he squeezed Griff’s hand to keep him quiet.
For the moment this was between Kane and Diablo.

“Yes I do.” Diablo kept his voice soft trying not to antagonize Kane any further.

“Do you? Do you really? Griff will be in pain. In a short time he will get sick and then he will die in
pain. And because you cats are ‘solitary’ creatures you won’t even care.” Kane was shouting now and
every one at the table was looking at him stunned.

Diablo knew it was time to make a strategic exit before his own anger escalated this argument into a
physical fight. For all his anger Kane really cared about Griff and this was something the pack had to
sort out for themselves. Even if Diablo promised Kane that he would never leave Griff, which he had
already promised Griff himself, he knew the Alpha would not believe him. Not in the mood he was in.
He stood up and stepped away from the table.

Griff stood up to go with him and Diablo stopped him. He stood close to Griff and pulled Griff’s head
down so they were looking at each other and for a moment no one else existed. Diablo could see the
anguish in Griff’s face and his gut twisted at the thought of being the cause of that pain.

“No Griff honey,” he said in a voice soft, but loud enough for everyone to hear. “You need to stay and
sort things out with your Alpha and your pack. I told you I won’t stop you having anything to do with
them and I meant it.”

Leaning his head forward so their foreheads were touching Diablo reached Griff through their mind
link.

I have to go honey or this will get ugly and I don’t want to fight your Alpha or your pack. It will hurt
you. You need to stay and make things right so you don’t lose your pack.

I am coming with you. I don’t want you running off where I can’t find you. If the pack won’t accept you
then they don’t accept me either. Griff’s inner voice was firm.

I am going home, to our home. Is it okay to call it our home?

Griff nodded, a quick grin flashing over his face at Diablo’s thoughts.

I will be there waiting for you when you are done here. I promise. Don’t break your bond with your
pack over this. They just don’t understand that when a cat shifter mates it is as permanent, if not more
so than anything a wolf shifter goes through. And I…I am too angry to explain it properly right now.

We can both talk to Kane - we can get him to see we are the same as him and Shawn.

He isn’t going to believe anything I say right now my lover. You know that. But he will believe you. So

please honey, stay here and make the peace. It will be easier for you to do if I am not in the room
stirring all Kane’s Alpha blood.

What about my Alpha blood? That is pretty stirred up too. He had no right to attack you the way he
did. You are my mate in every sense of the word and I am bloody angry at the way Kane has treated
you.

But he is still your Alpha, Griff honey. You need him in your life just as you need this pack. You don’t
have to lose me over it and I won’t have you losing them. Now let me go hon and I will be waiting to
stir your Alpha blood myself in a different way when you get home.

Up against the wall?

That’s just one way I can think of easing your tensions lover…

Both men smiled at each other and then Griff walked with Diablo to the door. As they got there, Kane
called out, “Griff we haven’t finished here,” his voice still as angry as ever.

Griff looked back at Kane his eyes flashing and his mouth set in a harsh line. “Give me a bloody
minute,” he snarled. His Alpha power snapped through the room like a whip. Kane backed off
surprised. Griff had never spoken to him like that before.

As Diablo went to go out the door, Griff pulled him back towards him and bent his head down to give
Diablo a scorching kiss, his hands pulling at Diablo’s behind to hold their bodies as close together as
possible. Diablo relaxed into the kiss, flexed his body into Griff’s and wound his hands in Griff’s long
hair, letting Griff have his way. Long moments later Griff pulled back and let him go. Diablo gave
him a saucy wink and headed down to the truck. Stripping off his clothes he put them on the bonnet of
Griff’s truck and then he shifted and padded off, his black cat form disappearing into the darkness.

Griff stood by the door for a minute longer, pushing away his intense feelings of arousal for his mate
and called on his anger that had been festering since Kane first opened his mouth instead. Then he
slammed the door shut and stalked over to the table.

“How dare you treat my mate like that. How dare you.” Griff roared he was so bloody angry. In that
moment it didn’t matter that Kane was his Alpha. It didn’t matter that they had been friends virtually
their whole life. All that mattered was that Griff was a man defending his mate and that was a
powerful thing to see. Griff positively bristled with anger and his power crackled off him and bounced
around the room.

Kane didn’t back down in stance but his voice did soften. Griff was his best friend after all. “I had to
know about the cat, Griff. You know that. I am the Alpha here and I have to know what I am dealing
with for the safety of the pack.”

“The cat’s name is Diablo. He is my mate. That is all you have to know. He has every right to be
accepted into this pack on that basis alone.” Griff wasn’t backing down.

“Look I had to know about his size because I had to know if I could fight him. And I was trying to get
him to understand that he has to stick around with you now he has claimed you because I don’t want to
see you hurting. Griff you are my oldest friend, surely you understand that.”

Griff shook his head as he pictured Diablo’s gorgeous cat form. There is no way Kane could take him -
it would be pure luck if the whole pack could with the exception of Shawn.

“So you decided the best way to convince him to stick around was to attack him, ha? Was that a really
good idea? Shit Kane, Diablo could take you or me in a heartbeat as a cat. He is fucking near four
hundred pounds of pure muscle. He is the most amazing bloody cat I have ever seen. It would take the
whole pack, or Shawn’s magic to bring him down and even then it would be 50/50 for the pack at

least.”

“He left. He backed down. He obviously didn’t think he could take me or he would have challenged
me.” Kane’s voice was so smug, Griff just wanted to hit him but before he could say anything, Shawn
spoke up and he was talking to Kane.

“You know my lover, for an Alpha, you are pretty dumb sometimes.” Kane looked at Shawn in shock.

“You were so busy making this is a size pissing contest that you didn’t notice some really important
clues about Griff and Diablo.” Now both Kane and Griff were waiting for Shawn to elaborate, as were
the other men who up until now had been silent as the anger had raged around the room.

“Diablo left because he was getting really angry at you Kane. He knew that what you were saying was
upsetting Griff and he was seriously pissed when he stood up from the table. He didn’t fight with you
because he knew that would hurt Griff all the more. He trusts his mate enough to let Griff stay here
alone and fix a bond with his pack even though the Alpha clearly doesn’t want his mate around. He did
that for Griff. He took himself out of the equation so that you, Kane, would calm down.”

Kane sat silently for a moment thinking over what Shawn had said. Then he looked up at his oldest
friend who was still angry and in mate protection mode.

“Look Griff, I don’t know what to say. I was just angry because I knew he claimed you and then left
you. I know he came back but you had to go and get him. I also know that cat shifters are loners. They
don’t do pack and they don’t do mates. You wouldn’t be able to claim him…”

Griff sat down. “Actually I have. Claimed him that is. Not that it is really any of your business. And
for your information the bond between true mates with a cat shifter is more intense than anything a
wolf might experience. Yes we are in pain if our mate leaves but we do have the pack support to help
us through it. It’s not automatically a death sentence. You said yourself cats are solitary creatures. If
something happened to me, Diablo would be totally on his own and would probably be dead within a
month. He wanted to be part of this pack for my benefit, not his and you basically turned him down.”

“You have claimed him? Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because frankly with your attitude there was no point. And it really isn’t your business. You had a
hate on for the guy from the moment you saw him at Claude’s. So what is your real problem Kane?
You just don’t like cats or is it Diablo specifically?”

“I don’t have a problem with cats. It’s just Diablo’s…” The rest of what Kane had to say was lost in a
mumble and Dean piped up, “What was that?”

Shawn laughed and ran his fingers down Kane’s face. “He said that Diablo is just too damn good
looking for his own good. Its okay lover, I think he is gorgeous too. Who wouldn’t think that with all
that blond hair and long muscles that Diablo’s got going on? God, combine that with the whole black
clothes look, tight jeans, tempting package and his ‘don’t fuck with me attitude’ and even I would be
tempted.”

Griff and Kane both growled loudly and Scott, Troy and Dean all laughed.

“Now come on Kane and Griff too,” Shawn continued. “I am not stupid enough to come between true
mates and I do have a mate of my own even if he is a bit dense sometimes. It is obvious from looking
at you with Diablo Griff that you are true mates. You have claimed each other. You have the mind
connection and when you two kiss man it is so hot it would make a straight man’s pants swell.”

Scott spoke up. “Fuck yeah Griff I have never seen you in action before but man you two together are
serious porn material and you were only kissing.”

“And that is why it is also none of your business,” Griff smirked.

Turning back to Kane his face was serious though. “Look Kane, I know you thought you were doing
the right thing. But you know what you did tonight hurt me more than you will ever understand. I have
stood by you virtually my whole life and when I found a mate I had every reason to think you would
be happy for me. I wanted to bring Diablo in as part of our pack because the thought of him being
alone if something happened to me just makes me sick inside. You remember that feeling don’t you
Kane, when you thought Shawn would be all alone with no one to help him before you two hooked
up?”

Kane nodded remembering the panic he felt when Shawn had been shot and then had his house burned
to the ground. He had barely known his mate at the time but he did remember feeling so overwhelmed
at the thought of his mate being in pain without anyone to help him.

“Well we have hooked up and we are mates and if he can’t be accepted as part of this pack…well
Diablo still doesn’t want me to leave you or the pack. He knows that will hurt me. But I sure as hell
won’t be spending any time here more than necessary because he does come first in my life now. You
know that Kane. You feel the same way about Shawn and these guys will also feel the same when they
find their mates.”

Understanding how Griff felt was one thing but Kane had just one more concern. He glanced at Shawn
who nodded at him encouraging him to speak his mind.

“Look Griff I understand what you are saying and I do want to accept Diablo into the pack because he
is your mate. But look how he was with us tonight. He was quiet. He barely said anything to anyone
except you. He was watching all of us all of the time. You know we all spent what, two hours with him
and I don’t think any of us know anything much about him at all.” Kane looked around the table and
Scott and Dean shook their heads.

“I think I might know a few things,” Troy said quietly. As the others looked at him he blushed but
continued. “We know he is FBI and been undercover for seven years because you told us and I figure
the way he was tonight is because he is a really good agent. He didn’t give a lot about himself away
because that is his way. But he was genuinely interested in the three of us, at least.” Troy pointed to
himself, Scott and Dean.

“He deflected Scott’s come ons at every turn which tells me he has had a lot of experience doing
things like that so he is not a slut. But he didn’t make Scott feel bad about himself and he got Scott
talking about his car project instead and seemed really interested.” Scott thought about it and nodded
in agreement.

Troy went on. “He got me talking about computers and programming and most people I know don’t
ever want to know about that. Not only did he encourage me to talk but he also listened and asked me
questions, which tells me he knows what he is talking about so he is intelligent. He even got Dean to
talk about his art, which we all know is just about impossible,” Dean nodded his head and blushed a
deep red.

“And he treated me with respect even though I am only the Omega.” Dean spoke up shyly. “He really
seemed interested in what I had to say and suggested courses I could study and shit that could further
my art. He was really helpful and gave me a lot to think about.”

“I noticed that too,” Shawn said. “He seems to know exactly what questions to ask to get people to
open up about themselves which would be hellishly useful with the Spiritual Guardian work I do. He is
also totally devoted to Griff despite what anyone else might think. Throughout the whole dinner
Diablo had half an ear on what Griff was saying and doing and every time he looks at you Griff he has

love in his eyes.”

Griff didn’t say anything. Now was not the time to bring up the fact that Diablo had specifically said
he couldn’t use the ‘L’ word right now, but then it didn’t mean he didn’t feel it. Thinking about it
Griff realized that Shawn was right, but then so was Troy and Dean. Without any of them realizing it
Diablo had taken the time to find out what his pack members interests were and then engaged them in
conversation about that so they would feel good about themselves.

Troy wasn’t quite finished. “The only reason he didn’t spend time talking to you two,” Troy pointed to
Kane and Shawn, “was firstly Kane you were shooting daggers at him all through dinner and Shawn
was too busy trying to keep you under control. Diablo walking out might not be considered the right
thing to do under pack law, but bloody hell if you two had fought then Shawn is right. It would have
been really nasty and the one that would have been hurt the most would have been Griff because
whether Diablo won or lost, Griff would have been upset to lose either his mate or his best friend.
Diablo would obviously rather let you think that he was the weaker man than hurt his mate, which is
pretty amazing in my book.”

Smiling at Griff, Troy said, “For what it’s worth Griff I think you have an awesome mat e and I am
really happy for you both.”

“Thanks my friend, I appreciate that,” Griff said.

Everyone sat quietly for a moment waiting on Kane to say something. Kane himself was having
problems trying to work out how come he had missed so much over dinner. He was usually a lot more
observant but Troy was right. Kane had been so pissed at Diablo for stupid reasons when he should
have been spending time watching how the man interacted with the rest of the pack. That’s what a
decent Alpha would have done. Well one of Kane’s strengths was that he wasn’t too proud to admit
when he was wrong and this was one of those times. With his sheer size, his devotion to Griff, his
skills at talking to people and his genuine interest in all of the members of the pack Diablo would
make a great addition to his pack. Of course whether or not he still wanted to be a part of it was
another question.

Letting out a sigh Kane said, “Okay its official. I was wrong and totally fucked up what should have
been an evening when we should have all been welcoming Diablo to our pack. You three,” he said
pointing to Scott Troy and Dean, “have done me proud in that you did just that in your own way. Griff,
well you are already head over heels with the man and for good reason and as for me and Shawn, well
let’s just say that Shawn probably accepts him too, but he hasn’t had a chance to get to know him yet.
Much like me. So Griff will it be okay if Shawn and I come down for a visit to your house sometime
tomorrow afternoon. We can bring dinner and maybe the four of us can try this again.”

Griff was undecided. He didn’t want Diablo upset any more than he was but he also longed for
everyone to just get along. He sent Diablo a message, hoping the cat had shifted by now.

Hey lover, are you home yet?

Yep, waiting for you.

Got things sorted with everyone. Kane and Shawn want to come and visit tomorrow afternoon and
bring dinner. Okay with you?

Yep whatever you think best hon.

Not angry anymore?

Nope, won’t be by the time you get home.

What you doing?

Stroking my hard cock and thinking about plunging it into your sweet tight hole. What you doing?

Coming home right now.

Griff stood up. “Yep dinner sounds great, see you guys tomorrow. Thanks for your support the rest of
you and dinner and all that. I…er gotta get home, like now.”

He rushed out the door heading for his truck. Seconds later the guys all heard the truck peeling out of
the driveway and roaring off in the direction of Griff’s place. The men sitting at the table all looked
stunned for a moment until Shawn laughed, “You got to love the mated mind link.”

“Fuck what could he have been thinking that would have made him move that fast?” Scott wanted to
know.

“None of our business Scott, but I bet its exactly what Griff is looking for.” Kane was laughing now
too. “Come on guys, time to go. We have work tomorrow and I doubt that Griff will be coming in. I
too have a mate to please especially after my behavior this evening and some of us need to sleep as
well.”

The men’s good natured banter followed them out of the door as they tried to work out what Diablo
might have said across the mind link to make Griff move so fast. Griff was usually so laid back. When
they were gone Kane pulled Shawn into his lap as Shawn fluttered his fingers at the mess on the table.
Seconds later the kitchen and table were clean.

“You know I should have handled that a whole let better than I did, don’t you?” Kane said as Shawn
wrapped his arms around Kane’s shoulders and started kissing his neck.

“Yep, I know, you sure should have.” Shawn had found one of Kane’s most erogenous spots right
below his ear and was sucking on it.

Kane tilted his head back to give Shawn more access to his neck as he sighed. “I’m going to have to
apologize to Diablo as well and invite him to be part of the pack. He will be a good fit for our small
pack and it would make Griff happy.”

“Sounds like a good idea.” Shawn had nudged Kane’s shirt aside and was licking and nibbling at the
mating mark Kane proudly wore, his hands running down Kane’s pecs and stomach. Kane leaned his
head back further and groaned.

“Your not thinking about Diablo are you, cos if you are I should probably be insulted. Although…”
Kane’s voice trailed off as he found he had no shirt on at all and Shawn was nibbling his nipple. God
that man had magic fingers in more ways than one.

“Nope although Diablo and Griff looked pretty hot together. You thought so too, I know you did. But I
am only focused on you right now.”

Okay Kane didn’t want to admit to his feelings about how Diablo and Griff looked together but when
Shawn clicked open the button on his jeans and started pulling down the zipper he moaned again and
all he wanted right that moment was Shawn. Diablo and Griff might be super hot together but no one
was more of a turn on for him than his mate. Putting aside all of the unpleasantness of the evening
Kane got down to the serious business of letting his lover know just how hot he was.

Chapter Fifteen

By the time Griff pulled into his own driveway his cock was so hard in his jeans he thought he would
combust. It hadn’t helped that Diablo had been sending him wickedly sexual pictures in his head of
the things they had been up to earlier that day. Griff struggled to get out of his seat belt and lurched
out of the door of his truck in a rush, slamming it behind him. He could see lights on in the house.
Diablo must be inside.

He had only taken one step away from the truck when he felt strong arms come from behind him,
dragging his arms behind him and up his back holding him fast. As the scent of apricots and spices
filled his nose he relaxed as he groaned out, “Diablo, honey I thought you’d be inside.” Diablo’s body
was hard up against him, the heat from his bare chest caressing Griff’s back through his shirt, his own
shaft hard encased in the jeans Diablo had slipped on when he got home.

“Couldn’t wait lover. You’ve been gone too long and I’ve been spending my time thinking about your
sexy arse.” Diablo’s low growl was punctuated with lust. He easily held Griff’s arms with the one
hand as his other one reached around to pop open the button on Griff’s jeans. Pushing his hand deep
inside Griff’s jeans Diablo felt the dampness of Griff’s pre-come as his hand settled over Griff’s hard
cock.

Diablo purred his approval. “You’ve been thinking too. I like it.”

He withdrew his hand and unzipped Griff’s jeans and slid them half way down Griff’s legs. As he ran
his hand up Griff’s naked thigh he felt the bigger man shudder his need evident in his quickened
breath and pounding heart beat. “Kick your boots off,” he growled in Griff’s ear. Griff did, thanking
the stars for no laces. Diablo quickly pushed Griff’s jeans down to Griff’s feet and Griff kicked his
legs out of them too.

Standing by the truck, in only his muscle shirt, with his sexy mate’s hot hard body behind him was a
dream come true for Griff. He loved to be dominated, to be taken, but given his physical size, long
hair and tattoos it barely ever happened for him. The fact that he had a mate that could take him and
that same mate wanted too heightened Griff’s arousal. “Fuck me Diablo,” He growled - the need
evident in his voice.

Diablo released his arms and said, “Put your hands on the bonnet of the truck. Make it quick.” Griff
did as directed, feeling the cooling bonnet of the truck beneath his hands. Thank God he didn’t have
any neighbors because this was too perfect to pass up. Griff felt one of Diablo’s legs come between his
kicking his feet apart and Griff arched his back and tilted out his arse as he did so not even trying to
suppress the shudder that ran through his body as he heard the sound of Diablo’s zipper going down.

“Damn you look so sexy like this, my lover,” Diablo growled as he got into position his lubed cock
pushing past Griff’s rather weak defenses quickly and effortlessly. Within seconds Diablo was fully
encased in Griff’s hole and this time it was him that moaned deep and low. Running his hands over
Griff’s back, under his shirt Diablo reached round so that he was braced on Griff’s powerful shoulders.

“Need to fuck you so hard. Ready for me?”

Griff whimpered and pushed back against Diablo rolling his hips as he did it. Diablo pulled back
slowly and then thrust back hard. Then he did it again and it was as if something snapped inside him
because he pulled back and thrust in again harder than before. Pounding into Griff with each stroke, he
pistoned his hips, flexing his strong back and thighs and pushing through, thrusting hard on every
stroke. He felt Griff’s own need seep through his brain and the two men fed their intense desire for
each other through their mind link. It was raw, powerful and just fucking perfect as far as Griff was

concerned.

Diablo could feel that Griff was getting desperate to come and he adjusted his stroke so that he hit
Griff’s prostate with every stroke. Griff growled his approval his own hips thrusting back on his mate
in a perfect rhythm. Just a minute later Diablo felt Griff’s body jerk in a spasm beneath him, his arse
muscles clenching at Diablo so hard it was difficult for him to keep moving as Griff came loudly
roaring Diablo’s name. Hanging onto control he didn’t know he had Diablo kept thrusting through
Griff’s orgasm and it wasn’t until he felt the man quiver beneath him as he finished did Diablo let go
and with one last punishing thrust he pulsed his seed deep inside his mate.

Diablo collapsed over Griff’s back for a moment as he tried to regain his breath, kissing Griff’s
shoulders and every part of his back he could reach. He could feel the bigger man chuckles’ run
through his body. “Something funny my mate?” Diablo growled as he pushed himself up and carefully
eased himself out of his mate’s body.

“Oh lover, I was only gone an hour. Imagine what sort of a greeting I would get if I was gone a day.”
Griff was still panting and chuckling as he spoke.

Diablo laughed with him as he pulled up his jeans, just clicking the button to keep them up before
picking up Griff’s jeans and boots from where Griff had kicked them off.

“You probably wouldn’t have made it out of the truck,” Diablo’s voice was laced with promise. He put
his arm around Griff’s waist and led him up to the house looking up at him as they went. “You have no
idea what you do to me, my mate.” Griff looked down at Diablo his green eyes flashing in the light
from the house. Diablo was serious. “You have gotten under my skin like no-one has before. I want
you so badly I ache with it. Tell me you feel it too?”

“Fuck yeah, I feel it Diablo. Only for you,” Griff’s voice was soft and low as he studied Diablo’s face
in the half light. “I love you Diablo and I have never wanted anyone the way I want you.”

Diablo looked at Griff as if searching the truth of his words. “Take me to bed and show me, lover.”
And this time it was Griff that led the way.

Chapter Sixteen

The two men had sat up late the night before, making love twice more and talking until the wee hours
of the morning so it was no surprise to Griff that by the time he did wake up in an empty bed the sun
was high in the sky. He focused for a minute trying to work out what it was that had woken him. He
heard the vibrating knock of his phone on the dresser and wished for just one minute that he had
turned the bloody thing off. Then the events of yesterday came flooding back and Griff groaned. Fuck
he hadn’t rung Tony back.

Struggling out of bed, Griff strode into the bathroom and took care of himself there, flinging on a pair
of jeans as he went. Next, pick up the phone but don’t answer it because the only important thing on
Griff’s mind now his bladder was empty was to find out where Diablo was. He sniffed and then
grinned. His mate was in the kitchen and if the delicious smells were anything to go by, the man was
cooking. Damn that was a bonus in Griff’s book. Slipping his phone in his pocket he pottered out to
the kitchen and yep there was Diablo dressed in his hip hugging black jeans setting out a wonderfully
smelling stew on some plates.

Diablo grinned at his mate. “Hard night lover? I thought I was going to have to come and wake you
up,” He teased. Griff grinned too and strode over to where Diablo was standing, wrapping him in his
big arms.

“Can’t do anything until I have had my first kiss in the morning,” he grumbled softly.

“It’s nearly lunchtime,” Diablo laughed as he turned up his lips to meet Griff’s. Hmm so soft and so
inviting and his. Every molecule of that succulent mouth was his. Griff took his time enjoying the
sensation of the man in his arms, their mouths joined in tenderness rather than sexual need. Finally
Diablo pulled back, indicating the full plates on the bench with a tilt of his head.

“Your lunch is getting cold honey. Come on, you need to keep your strength up.” Griff’s head dropped
down for one more taste of Diablo’s mouth and then he released him, following Diablo as the man put
the plates on the table. Cutlery, condiments and what looked suspiciously like homemade fresh bread
were already on the table. Griff sat down and pulled Diablo into the seat beside him. Diablo laughed
and grabbed the cutlery and plates from the opposite side of the table, where he had obviously
intended to sit. Sniffing at his plate, which smelled delicious Griff asked, “Did you make all this?”

Diablo nodded tearing some chunks of the bread to have with his stew.

“The bread too?”

Nodding again Diablo said, “Yes hon, I do have some uses outside of the bedroom you know.”

Griff wiggled his eyebrows at Diablo with a grin on his face, but didn’t say anything for the moment
as his mouth was full. The stew was a heavenly mixture of beef and vegetables and in the sauce Griff
could smell garlic, bay leaves, paprika and all spice. Griff moaned as the taste hit his tongue. He
grabbed some of the bread and moaned again as his mouth filled with the fluffy warmth of it. Light,
airy and so good to eat.

“Fuck, Diablo this is seriously good food. Man, don’t tell the twins you can cook like this or they will
be over for dinner every night.”

Diablo grinned. “I like cooking,” he said simply, “although I have never cooked for anyone else before
except my Mom and she doesn’t really count. I spent a lot of my free time when undercover watching
the Food Channel and I like experimenting.”

“Well you can experiment on me anytime you like lover, this is amazing.” Griff reached for more

bread to mop up the juices on his plate. Beside him Diablo finished his own plate and then got up to
get the coffee pot coming back with two large mugs. He poured them both a cup of coffee as Griff’s
phone went off in his pocket. Diablo and Griff both looked at each other as Griff reached into his
pocket to pull the phone out.

“Tony,” he said to Diablo tersely.

“The real world intruding. At least we had lunch.” Diablo took a sip of his coffee as he looked at Griff.
“Answer it lover and let’s see what the man wants now.”

Griff flicked the speaker phone button and seconds later Tony’s voice came over the air.

“Griff, is Diablo there?”

“Yes he’s here and can hear you. What’s up?”

“Look Diablo get your phone up and going again and phone Corbin. The guy is going ballistic. Just
answer him as if you were still with Angel and humor him. Record the call and then when you are
finished ring me back from Griff’s phone. Do not tell him you are off the case.”

“What, how, why…” Griff tried to stop Tony but the man had rung off.

“Damn it.” Griff said loudly. He looked at Diablo who was drinking his coffee his eyes narrowed and
his fingers tapping on the outside of the cup. Diablo looked at Griff for the longest minute and then
went and retrieved his phone from the coffee table where he had left it, turned off after Tony’s last set
of instructions. He flicked on the power switch and moments later notifications started pouring in as
the phone found the signal.

“Nine missed calls and 17 messages all basically saying, ‘ring me you arse hole or you are fired’.”
Diablo said flatly. Looking up at Griff he said, “Can your phone record audio?” Griff nodded. He was
nervous and worried for his mate and he didn’t know what to do. The blank look on Diablo’s face was
really hard to witness. Tony Gearson gave the orders and Griff had never had a problem following
them before, but with Diablo involved he felt like he wanted to just crush both their phones and
disappear off the grid completely.

“Come on then, let’s do this.” Diablo sat on the couch and Griff got up from the table and sat next to
him, his own phone set to record. Looking over at Griff with a soft look on his face, Diablo said
quietly, “It will be best if Corbin thinks I am on my own so please don’t say anything okay. I would
never phone Corbin if I was with Georgio or Angel or anyone else for that matter, as that could blow
my cover as you well know. So no saying anything no matter what you hear, okay?.” As Griff nodded,
his face still unhappy, Diablo gave him a quick kiss on his cheek and then hit dial on his phone. Griff
activated the record function on his phone as Diablo put his phone on speaker.

“Diablo you fucking faggot, why didn’t you tell me you were with Angel Bandures.” Corbin’s voice
was harsh over the phone and it sounded like he had been drinking. His voice alone was enough to
make Diablo angry and it showed in his voice when he responded. Griff frowned but didn’t say
anything.

“How did you know I was with Bandures? I didn’t even know I was going to be with him till it
happened and only Georgio was around when he gave me to him.”

“None of your business Diablo. Now what can you tell me about Bandures?”

“What do you mean what can I tell you? He isn’t my mark. He is not part of Georgio’s business
dealings. Why would I collect any intel on him?”

“Because he’s a crime lord you simpleton.” Corbin’s voice was hard.

“I know that Corbin, from Florida. Out of your jurisdiction or didn’t you think of that?”

“Look you cock teasing slut, I want intel on Angel Bandures. I want to know where he is based, where
he operates, his businesses and as many contacts as you can get from him. I want pictures. I want the
whole bloody shebang. Do I make myself clear?”

“Corbin, it’s bloody Tuesday. I am only here until Friday and then Angel is handing me back to
Georgio. What the hell do you expect me to find in three days?”

“All of it, understand me? I am having a warrant drawn up now and when Bandures comes in to give
you back I am taking him down. It will be the pinnacle of my career. I will get a fucking promotion
for this.” Corbin’s voice took on a greedy tone at the last part.

“What do you mean bring him in? For fucks sake Corbin there is nothing on Angel’s file to go on. I
checked. The man’s a fucking enigma. Nobody even knows if he does anything illegal and you know
it.”

“Ah, but you, my cock sucking little friend are in the perfect position to find the information we need.
And you are going to get it. Or I am going to ruin you. It is as simple as that.”

Diablo sighed, running his fingers through his long blond hair.

“You can’t ruin me Corbin,” his voice deadly quiet. “I am out of the FBI come Friday, you know that.
I already resigned remember? I am only doing this last two weeks because you forced me too.”

“Oh I haven’t forgotten Diablo. I know you think you are just too good for the likes of us. I saw your
resignation papers. You found love. How touching. God it would be funny if it wasn’t so pathetic.
Since when did a gay whore like you find someone to be a life partner with, aye?”

“That is none of your business, Corbin and what I do after Friday is none of your concern.”

“Oh but I think it is.” Corbin laughed. “You think you are so clever but first you have to get away
from Georgio which won’t be as easy as you think especially once I use his club to nab Bandures in. I
have heard that Georgio has plans for you and they don’t involve letting you hit the streets anytime
soon. And secondly think about how your new ‘life partner’ will feel when I blow your cover and what
you have done in the last seven years over every major news publication in the States.”

“You can’t do that, you’ll be fired.” Diablo’s voice was still quiet, his anger replaced with a cold flat
tone.

“Oh no one will know it came from me. It will be leaked from a credible FBI source. But what about
you Diablo? What about all of those crime families you have upset over the years? Think any of them
will be up for a little revenge? Think any of them will come looking for you and your precious life
partner?”

Diablo was thinking about it and the prospect did not look good for him or Griff. Well it wouldn’t be
if Griff didn’t have the connections he had. Maybe they could get out of this, both he and Angel, but it
will mean working with Tony.

I have got to get off this call, Griff can you go in the other room and call me as Angel so I can just tell
him someone’s coming?

Griff put his phone down and silently went to the bedroom door. He took a deep breath and then called
out in a voice laced with the arrogant power of Angel Bandures. “Boy, where are you boy? Get back in
here, now.”

Diablo spoke quickly into the phone. “I gotta go Corbin. I’ll get what I can but don’t call me again.
It’s too risky. Bandures is nothing like Georgio. He checks my phone. I will phone you Friday

morning and any intel I get I will send through the FBI servers as I can.”

“Don’t leave me hanging Diablo or your life won’t be worth anything.”

Corbin was laughing as he rang off. Diablo clicked END on his phone and then reached over and
clicked the STOP button on Griff’s. He looked over to where Griff was still standing by the bedroom
door. Griff’s fists were bunched together and the anger on his face turned his green eyes a hard deep
Jade color. Diablo just felt wrung out. This whole thing had turned into one huge mess and it was
going to take a lot of planning to get them all out of this one. Unless…

“We could just kill him, Corbin I mean.” Diablo tossed out the idea to Griff even though he knew they
would never do it. To his surprise Griff laughed although there wasn’t a lot of humor in it. But it did
get Griff out of the bedroom doorway and back on the couch. He threw his arm over Diablo’s shoulder
and pulled him close. Diablo snuggled up loving the feel of his strong mate.

“I’m not going to let them hurt you Diablo,” thick with emotion Griff’s voice rumbled quietly in
Diablo’s ear.

“The man’s insane Griff. I don’t know how to stop him on my own without just killing him. I can’t
give up intel about your cover, cos well there isn’t any for a start and I don’t want you arrested. I can’t
have the details of my life as an undercover agent publicized or we will be running for life. And as for
Georgio’s plans for me, well that just doesn’t bear thinking about.” Diablo thought some more.

“We should get in touch with Tony,” he said quietly.

“I think he should hear that audio file first, love.” Griff commented. Diablo nodded.

Griff picked up his phone and hit a few buttons bringing up the FBI server. Logging in he uploaded the
audio file from his phone and then went into the message screen and tapped out a message to Tony.
Hitting SEND, he dropped his phone and rubbed his big hand over his face.

“I am so sorry Griff,” Diablo’s sad voice pierced through Griff’s anger. Griff’s arm tightened around
his mate pulling him onto his lap.

“You have got nothing to be sorry about, hon. Nothing at all. I am just bloody thankful that I met you
when I did otherwise you would be doing all of this on your own.” Griff smiled at Diablo’s surprised
face. “You are not on your own anymore little kitty cat and we will get this sorted. I’m not known as
the Mechanic for nothing.”

“Yeah but this isn’t agents getting in trouble, Griff. This problem is in the FBI itself. Corbin is out of
control. I am figuring he plans to double cross Georgio, nab Angel and get rid of me all in one foul
swoop and I am not sure how we can all get out of this without taking out Corbin.”

“Did he always talk to you like he did today?” Griff was curious as to why Diablo had never laid a
complaint about the man before.

Diablo thought about it. “Nothing quite as bad as today. Prior to this he has always been sort of snide
and sarcastic rather than down right insulting. I was never in any doubt how he felt about gays.” He
gave a small laugh. “Made me wonder if he actually fancied me himself.”

“He’d be mad not too.” Griff pulled Diablo’s face down and kissed him, thoroughly. Diablo relaxed
into the kiss allowing his mate to dominate his mouth and take his mind of their troubles for just a few
minutes. Griff’s kiss was full of sunshine and promise, everything good in life and Diablo wished he
could stay in the man’s arms forever. But all too soon Griff’s phone rattled on the table in front of
them and Griff lifted his head with a growl. Diablo’s eyes were half lidded and his mouth was puffy
and bruised. He looked totally blissed and Griff wanted to keep that look on his mate’s face as long as
he could. Griff went to kiss him again but the phone buzzed stridently breaking his concentration.

Diablo went to slip off Griff’s lap, but Griff held on with one arm, reaching for the phone with the
other. He checked the screen and then hit the speaker button on the phone, and growled out, “Yes
Tony.”

“Is Diablo there as well?” Tony’s voice was its normal calm tone over his end but for some reason that
raised the hairs on the back of Griff’s neck. Before Griff could answer Diablo answered quietly, “Yes
Tony. What can we do for you?” He reached up and stroked Griff’s face willing him to calm down.
Griff leaned into the touch and rubbed his face against Diablo’s capable hand.

“Er…right well we have a bit of a situation here. I have listened to the recording you sent through,
thank you for that. Based on that recording, the fact that Corbin threatened your life and your cover
and the fact that he knew you were with Angel when you hadn’t told him, is all enough to pull him off
the case immediately. I have men down there now taking him into custody and I have raised the
security access clearance on your case and personal files, Diablo, to my eyes only.”

Diablo looked at Griff and they both shrugged. It was Griff who asked, “Why’s that Tony? I thought
the only problem in that office was Corbin.”

Tony sighed down the phone. “Initially we thought so too but when we checked the log for access on
Diablo’s case files we found there were three other attempts for access to information apart from my
own efforts and yours Griff. It seems that Corbin was planning to blow your cover Diablo because you
were leaving the FBI. He knew it would make you a target for the rest of your life and anyone who was
with you. We think he had some help from inside his office and we will be tracking them down as
well.”

“But why? What the fuck did I do to?” Diablo went to stand up feeling the need to move, but Griff
held him down firmly and started running his fingers through Diablo’s hair, lightly scratching his
scalp. Cliché stuff for a cat but Diablo was a sucker for that sort of treatment. He relaxed and let
Griff’s fingers work magic.

“Well…” Tony didn’t seem to know what to say.

“Spit it out Tony. Diablo deserves to know why he was threatened by his lunatic handler.”

“Corbin had a thing for you, Diablo. More like an obsession really. We…er…we ran a diagnostic
through Corbin’s computer yesterday and it seems he has a lot of photo’s of you, mostly naked in a
shower and some of you in bed.”

Griff growled deep and low but Diablo was more vocal in his anger.

“Are you fucking kidding me? He planted a camera in my bathroom? But that apartment was paid for
by Georgio. How the hell did he even get in there?”

“We are not sure yet but from the date stamps on the pictures it would seem they were taken in the last
six months so after Corbin’s deal with Georgio. He must have gotten the key from Georgio. Did you
ever do a sweep of your place for electronic equipment?”

Diablo sighed. “No I didn’t bother. There was nothing there that tied me to the FBI. I never spoke to
Corbin from there and I figured that any bugs I might find would be Georgio’s anyway. I never
thought for one fucking minute that my privacy was being invaded by my own handler.”

“Who has seen those pictures, Tony?” Griff was still growling. He hated the thought of anyone but
himself seeing his mate naked.

“Just me and two of the guys in IT.”

“I want them destroyed, Tony. No one has a right to see those pictures but ME.”

“Look Griff, you know I can’t do that. The pictures are evidence of Corbin’s fixation on Diablo. I’ll
need them for the disciplinary hearing. It’s the only way to put this guy away…”

“NO!” Griff roared. He was so angry his wolf was threatening to come out and tear something to bits.
He felt Diablo’s hands cup his face and turn him so that he was staring straight into Diablo’s eyes. His
mate was angry too but there was also a lot of concern there. Concern for him.

Calm down lover. They are only pictures. The calmness in Diablo’s voice echoed through the anger in
Griff’s head.

I don’t want anyone to see you like that.

I know Griff sweetie and I hate the idea too. But I want Corbin put away - don’t you?

You know I do. But…

They’re just pictures. Pictures a pathetic man used to get off on. You have me, body and soul. Focus on
that. Focus on me being here with you, always.

Always. Griff took a deep breath and willed his anger under control. Diablo brushed his lips over
Griff’s with a fleeting promise and then turned his head back to the phone.

“Its okay, Tony. We don’t like it, at all. ” Diablo’s voice was low and firm. “But we do want this guy
put away for what he has done. With me out of the FBI he could have just picked on someone else less
capable of handling the situation in the future and that would be worse.”

“Thank you for understanding, both of you. I will censer the pictures, we will only need a couple of
them and ensure that your face isn’t evident on any of them. You…er…don’t appear to have any
distinguishing marks or tattoos so you should be able to remain reasonably anonymous in this.”
Tony’s voice seemed to have regained some of the man’s innate confidence.

Griff laughed. There was no humor in it, but it was a short laugh all the same. “You’ve seen the
pictures Tony and you are telling me my mate can remain anonymous with a body as perfect as his?
Anyone who has ever seen him without a shirt on before will know who he is.”

Tony was quiet on his end of the phone for a moment as if he didn’t quite know what to say. “Yes,
well it is obvious that you do…er…have a stunning physique…er…Diablo but I can assure you that
the trial, for the want of a better word, will be a private matter, within the FBI and none of the pictures
will be made available to anyone but the prosecutor and disciplinary committee in DC.”

“Well that’s great,” Diablo laughed. “I am absolutely sure none of them have seen me naked,” He
caught Griff’s possessive look, “And they never will,” He added quickly and quietly. Griff’s arm’s
tightened around him and he pulled Diablo back down to his chest and buried his nose in Diablo’s
hair. Diablo let out a small sigh and then turned back to the phone.

“So what happens now, Tony?” He asked.

“Well as you know, I was going to ask you to go back to Georgio on Friday so that I could get enough
intel on Corbin to put him away. But,” he drew the word out, “given that we already have enough I
figure you can officially take three days vacation time to work out your resignation.”

Griff and Diablo shared a look, daring to hope just a little bit. But then Diablo said, “But what about
my case on Georgio and the others. Is that going to be dropped now or what?”

“No, no of course not Diablo,” Tony’s voice was warm now, his relief at the embarrassing part of the
conversation being over evident. “No, we will execute the warrants on Friday because we know that
Georgio will be at the club waiting for you and Angel but I don’t see the need for you to be there,
especially given Corbin’s veiled threats about Georgio’s future plans for you. We can take care of it

from here.”

“But what about Angel’s cover? Won’t that be compromised if he doesn’t take me back to Georgio?”

Tony laughed. “Shit no, this is where your good looks are in your favor Diablo. We’ll just drop it
around a few places that Angel was so taken with you that he flew back to home base with you the
night you met and hasn’t been seen since. It ties in with the fact that no one has seen you two in Baton
Rouge since you left the club and it’s in keeping with Angel’s rather dominating and impulsive
behavior.”

“You’ve got that right,” Griff growled in Diablo’s hair.

“So that’s it?” Now the hope was evident in Diablo’s deep voice.

“Yes Diablo, that is it. Technically you are still on the payroll until 5 PM Friday, but as you are on
vacation I can’t see anything being a problem between now and then. I may have to call you a few
times if there are any details about the case that need clarification - with either case actually. But I
will contact you on Griff’s phone. You can throw yours away…”

Tony was still talking about debriefing and stuff like that but Diablo was looking at Griff with a huge
smile on his face.

“I’m free.” He said softly.

“And we’re together and safe and...” Griff’s voice was just as quiet and the shift in his eyes went from
happiness to lust in two seconds flat. He spoke into the phone in a slightly louder voice, “yep we got
that Tony, bye for now,” and clicked the END button, dropping the phone on the floor.

“…you’re mine,” he continued softly, his focus now totally on Diablo. Diablo grinned, his eyes on
Griff’s lips.

“I’m yours,” he agreed just as quietly, still looking at Griff’s lips. “Gonna kiss me?”

Chapter Seventeen

Griff leaned in and kissed him, soft at first and then harder as he felt Diablo respond. He ran his
tongue over Diablo’s mouth and thrust his tongue in as Diablo’s lips opened, savoring the taste of his
mate. He didn’t think the novelty of having this man, this perfect man as his would ever wear off.
Griff could never have dreamed of anyone as wonderful as Diablo. It wasn’t only his looks or the fact
that he was as sexy as hell. Diablo was also a hell of a man. Strong, decent, intelligent and honest he
made for one amazing package as a mate.

A mate that was in the process of rubbing his own impressive chest all over Griff’s, his hard erection
butting against Griff’s as he straddled him on the couch. Griff cupped his hands under Diablo’s arse
and then stood up clasping his mate closely. Diablo wrapped his long legs around Griff’s hips and
hung on. Quickly walking through to the master bedroom Griff sat down on the bed and scooted
backwards, bring a willing Diablo with him. As Diablo stretched out over his body, Griff pushed his
hand between them and undid both of their trousers, pulling his and Diablo’s cock’s free of the denim.
He felt Diablo moan and push against him as Griff circled both of the cocks with his big hand, sliding
up to the heads to gather the pre-come already there and then using it to slick down both of the solid
shafts. The two men rutted against each other and into the hand, their pace picking up as both men
pushed each other towards the inevitable orgasm.

As Griff felt the tingle in his spine and the rush that always signaled his own release he leant forward
and bit Diablo’s ear, growling, “Come with me,” as he felt the spurt of his own come against his hand.
As the sensation of sticky wetness hit Diablo’s cock he too spurted his body curled over Griff’s as his
climax thundered through his body. “Fuck Griff, you always make me feel so so so good,” Diablo
whispered against Griff’s neck. He felt Griff chuckle as the man said, “The feelings mutual my mate.
Definitely mutual and I’m not finished yet.”

Rolling Diablo onto his back Griff knelt up to remove Diablo’s jeans before shucking off his own. He
deliberately ran both hands from the top of Diablo’s shoulders, down over his chest and abs and down
the full length of both legs feeling Diablo respond to his touch. Griff did it again simply to watch the
play of Diablo’s muscles as the man gently moved beneath him, seeking the touch and prolonging the
pleasure for them both.

“Mmm you are such a sensual cat my mate. So responsive.”

“Only with you, believe me, only with you.” Diablo’s voice was a soft purr and already tinged with
lust.

Griff bent down and ran his tongue down the left side of Diablo’s body, following the path laid by his
hands. His tongue picked up the faintest tremors in Diablo’s body and he stopped to pay special
attention to those areas proving most sensitive. Diablo moaned and squirmed beneath his tongue his
cock already hard again and leaking. Diablo reached down to try and pull Griff back up but Griff
grabbed his hands and held them down with his own, his tongue resuming its assault.

“Griff, come on now, you’re teasing me,” Diablo’s voice was a husky mix of frustration and purr.

“Uh huh,” Griff agreed, “But I have promising intent.” He bent back to his task although it really
wasn’t a chore at all. Diablo’s skin pebbled and twitched under his tongue, his muscles straining for
more touch. Griff loved the texture of Diablo’s skin. It was smooth and silky soft and belied the hard
muscles underneath. As Griff got closer to Diablo’s cock that twitched as it rose up against his
abdomen he added nips to his repertoire. He grinned wickedly as Diablo arched off the bed gasping in
frustration.

“Please Griff, let me touch you…touch me…do something.”

Griff nibbled along the skin beside Diablo’s cock, up one side and down the other not quite touching
the twitching organ but close enough to suggest he might. Diablo growled and he fought Griff’s hands
that were still holding his firmly. Griff tightened his hold and continued his nibbling, down into the V
at the top of Diablo’s thigh, on one side and then the other. Diablo cursed and pleaded especially as
Griff’s nose nudged at his balls. Griff used his head to nudge Diablo’s hips open and his tongue went
down further, under Diablo’s balls to the hole below. As he ran his tongue around Diablo’s hole the
man moaned long and loud beneath him, spreading his thighs wider and Griff doubled his efforts
working Diablo’s hole until he could get the spear of his tongue inside. He could feel the man come
apart under his tongue. Finally Griff raised his eyes to Diablo’s face that was flushed with need. “I
want to be inside of you when you come. Will you let me little cat?”

“Just do it, Griff…please.” Griff smirked and nodded and he released Diablo’s hands, grabbing for the
lube. Once slicked up he knelt between Diablo’s open thighs and pushed his cock deep inside the man.
This time they both moaned and Griff rested over Diablo’s body, supporting his weight on his elbows.
Diablo gripped Griff’s face and kissed him as he thrust his hips up to meet Griff’s push. Then Diablo
pulled back and looked into Griff’s sparkling green eyes.

“I love you Griff. I always will,” he said simply and with pure honesty. Griff searched Diablo’s own
dark chocolate eyes and then a huge smile spread across his face, his cock still buried deep inside his
mate.

“I love you too, my mate, for always.” The two men stared at each other for the longest moment
promising a love that would last forever. Something they both could share. Then Diablo pushed up his
hips and rocked against Griff who was still hard and still inside Diablo’s hole.

“Fuck me into the mattress,” he purred.

Griff raised an eyebrow and grinned at his mate as he flexed his hips and thrust deep. “I can do that,”
he rumbled quietly. Diablo grinned back and then gasped as Griff pulled out and slammed into him.
Putting his hands on Griff’s hips to leverage himself Diablo quite literally hung on as Griff pounded
into him again and again, his own hips rising with each thrust forward. Griff pushed himself up onto
his hands and used the power of his back and hips to keep up his punishing rhythm feeling his mate
meeting his challenge.

Finally Griff could hold out no more. He lowered his abs to brush against Diablo’s cock that was wet
and pulsating in its desire to come. Diablo cried out as the friction finally gave him what he needed
and he came, his semen spurting up between them, even hitting Diablo on the chin. When his butt
muscles squeezed Griff’s cock he came too, his come pulsing in thick waves deep inside his mate. As
they rode out the afterglow Griff could hear his mate in his mind whispering words of love, forever
and togetherness and in that moment Griff knew he was the happiest he had ever been in his life.

The two men lay sprawled out together both regaining their breath and their strength. Diablo was
lazily tracing the tattoos on Griff’s arm with one hand and Griff had his big hand entwined in Diablo’s
hair. Griff grumbled, “You know we are going to have to shower soon. Kane and Shawn will be here
shortly.”

“Hmm, they’re bringing food. I’ve certainly worked up an appetite,” Diablo agreed quietly. He shifted
away from Griff slightly but Griff’s hand in his hair stopped him going anywhere. Diablo looked at
him in askance. Griff was smirking at him.

“What, again?” Diablo laughed.

“Kiss me first and then we shower together.”

“Well if you insist,” the slighter man purred as he leant down and brushed his lips against Griff’s.
Griff’s hand slipped from Diablo’s hair and ran down his back. Diablo kissed him for just a few
minutes and then quickly slithered out of the bigger mans grasp and off of side of the bed. Standing
there he grinned at Griff’s stunned expression.

“I’m hungry,” he said with a saucy grin as he headed to the shower. He could hear Griff bouncing off
the bed to follow him. Yep, shower sex was a lot of fun.

Chapter Eighteen

The fact that shower sex is so much fun should have alerted the men to the fact it was also time
consuming and Diablo and Griff were both still wet and engrossed in each other when they heard the
rumble of Kane and Shawn’s bikes in the driveway.

“Crap,” said Diablo as he shimmied off Griff’s cock and washed himself down hurriedly.

Griff just groaned, “Come on mate you can’t leave me like this. That’s cruel and unusual
punishment.”

“Tough shit, mate,” Diablo smiled fondly at his lover as he jumped out of the shower and started
drying himself off. He patted Griff’s face, “You were the one who wouldn’t get a wriggle on.”

Griff made to grab Diablo again and pull him back under the water but Diablo evaded his grasp
putting his hands up in the universal STOP signal. “Uh uh, Griff, I am not getting caught by your
Alpha and his mate in the bloody shower with you. He doesn’t like me much as it is.” Diablo looked
down at Griff’s cock that was rock hard and dripping pre-come and smirked. “You…er…can take care
of yourself if you can’t wait until later and I will go let them in.”

Griff got out of the shower and grabbed a towel grumbling as he dried himself. “It wouldn’t have
taken much longer, I was so damn close.” He ran the towel up the length of his cock and scowled at
Diablo. Diablo huffed at him and then listened, the men outside were still on their bikes and talking.
Quickly he grabbed some lube off the shelf and coated both his hands. Stepping to Griff’s side he slid
his fingers around Griff’s cock with one hand and pushed his fingers into the man’s hole with the
other. Griff gasped and then moaned deeply. A couple of sharp tugs to get Griff up to speed and
Diablo growled in his sexy deep voice, “Come now,” in Griff’s ear, hitting his prostate with his finger
and doing a slick slide and twist motion on Griff’s cock with the other hand. Griff’s cock exploded
and he saw stars biting back a guttural moan. He leant forward on the bathroom wall to steady himself
as he tried to get his breathing under control.

A loud banging noise was heard from the front door. Diablo grinned and threw Griff a towel. “Come
on lover get your act together. We’ve got your company to entertain,” and he sauntered out to let in
their guests. Back in the bathroom Griff grinned as he fumbled about drying himself off and pouring
himself into his jeans. His mate was something else all right.

At the front door, Diablo took a deep breath and plastered a small smile on his face. He hadn’t had a
chance to talk to Griff about what was said after he left the pack dinner the night before and to be
honest he didn’t know why Kane and Shawn were visiting them today. But Griff seemed happy and
that was the most important thing to Diablo so he was prepared to be polite and civil to Griff’s Alpha
and his mate, and would just play things by ear.

The first thing that struck him when he opened the door was that both Kane and Shawn were smiling at
him like he was one of their best friends. Or like they knew what Diablo and Griff had been doing in
the shower. Diablo wasn’t sure which. He stepped back to let them through the door and waved a hand
in the general direction of the bedroom. “Griff will be right out,” he said as the other two men walked

through the lounge into the kitchen.

“That’s fine,” Shawn said, still smiling. “We got caught up at work and I didn’t get a chance to do any
actual cooking. I’ll just get our meal sorted.” Diablo watched in amazement as Shawn flicked his
fingers in the general direction of the oven and suddenly the smell of hot roast venison filled the air.
Another couple of flicks and there were vegetables cooking on the stove and a salad prepared on the
kitchen bench.

“That’s some pretty amazing skills, Shawn. Beats getting take out and faster too,” Diablo said.

“Thanks. I actually do like cooking for real but since being mated to this one,” Shawn punched Kane’s
shoulder playfully, “I don’t get as much time at it as I would like. He’s a real distraction in the
kitchen.”

Diablo didn’t know what to say to that especially as Kane had gathered Shawn up in his arms, leaning
over his back with a smug look on his face. He went and sat down at the dining room table and invited
the other two men to do the same. Griff came striding through the lounge and greeted Kane with a clap
on the shoulder and a wave to Shawn. He plopped down on the seat next to Diablo and promptly leant
over and licked up Diablo’s neck. As soon as Diablo smelt Griff’s scent of cedar and pine he relaxed
allowing his head to fall back slightly onto the arm that Griff had rested over the back of his chair.
Shawn was looking at Kane and obviously sending him a message of some kind because Kane cleared
his throat and said, “Er look Diablo. I don’t know if Griff told you what went on after you left last
night but it seems I do owe you a huge apology. I am sorry I invited you into my home and then
attacked you the way I did. It was rude and uncalled for and,” he held his hand out over the table to
Diablo, “I hope you will forgive me and give us all a chance to get to know each other better.”

Diablo thought for a moment and then leaned forward to shake Kane’s hand firmly before sitting back
down again. “It’s all good now,” he said. “Griff didn’t tell me what happened when I left and I didn’t
think it was my place to ask.” He looked up at Griff who had a curious look on his face and then
forced his gaze back to Kane and Shawn.

“Pack business isn’t my business,” Diablo said firmly, “and I can understand why you would be
worried about an unknown mate of someone you are close to. Especially given that I am a cat shifter.
But I would never do anything to hurt Griff and I hope your pack won’t put him in a position of having
to choose between us, because it is not what I want.” He ran his hand up Griff’s solid thigh that was
leaning up against his. “Griff needs you guys and your pack and I won’t do anything to get in the way
of that.”

Griff grabbed Diablo’s hand and raised it to his lips and kissed his knuckles as Shawn laughed and
said to Kane, “See I told you Kane, you had been a real arse hole to Diablo. Come on Griff, let’s get
the meal dished up and Kane can talk to Diablo for a bit.” Shawn and Griff got up from the table and
started getting busy in the kitchen chatting between themselves.

Diablo looked at Kane and kept his face deliberately smooth. Despite Kane’s apology Diablo still
couldn’t fully relax and inside he could feel his cat start to get twitchy the longer Kane looked at him.
Kane finally broke eye contact and ran his hands through his hair. Then he gave a laugh at himself and
when he looked at Diablo again his face was a lot more relaxed and open.

“Shawn’s right, you know, I was an arse hole to you especially given that you are Griff’s true mate.
You should have been accepted into a small pack like ours automatically without any questions asked
regardless of whether or not you were a wolf. I am sorry for that.”

When Kane saw Diablo’s raised eyebrow he laughed. “Yes, I am sorry. Look Diablo I didn’t mean to
hurt Griff and make you mad, okay. I just don’t know a lot about cat shifters at all and all of the

internet research Troy did on big cats indicated they were solitary animals unless they were lions. I
just hated the thought that the best friend I had in the world could be mated to someone who might not
have the same sense of loyalty to their mate that we wolves have.” When he saw that Diablo was about
to say something he went on, “I know. I should have known it was different with shifter cats. Griff
really went to bat for you, you know, and explained how the mating bond for cats is actually more
intense in some ways than it is in a wolf. He got real pissed at me and he had every right to even if I
am his Alpha.”

“I didn’t want to cause any problems in your pack, Kane, you have to believe me,” Diablo’s tone was
deadly serious. Kane nodded as Diablo continued. “I didn’t know I was going to meet my mate when I
did. I didn’t even think that I was ever going to given what I was doing for a living. As soon as I left
Griff that first night I put in my resignation from my job and made plans to stay with Griff
permanently even before he knew we were actually mated.”

Kane laughed. “Yeah, I can’t believe you did that. Mated him without telling him. But then I can’t
believe that Griff, who has been looking for his mate since we realized us gay shifters could have
them didn’t notice when you were under his nose. Too many shots aye Griff?” Griff mumbled
something in the kitchen and Shawn was laughing at Griff as they started serving food. Soon the
dining room table was laden with food and Diablo realized just how hungry he was. It wasn’t until
everyone had full plates in front of them that Kane started talking to Diablo again.

“So tell us, why did you quit your job. I mean it was more of a career right, being in the FBI. That
would be a hard thing to do for a guy who was originally just a hook-up in a club.”

Diablo smiled at Griff who was watching him. “No it wasn’t hard at all. I have had…er…problems
with my job for a while but even if it had all been going really well I would have quit anyway. I knew
that Griff was looking for someone to share his life, not just swan in and out of it as my job would
have dictated.”

“How did you know that if Griff was drunk when you met?” Shawn asked.

“I just did,” Diablo said quietly. He looked up to see the three men looking at him. “It was the way he
was watching you two on the dance floor at Claude’s. He wanted what you two share; that connection -
togetherness. It was as clear as the nose on his face. I didn’t realize it at that moment, that it could be
me that could give him that. But when I did cotton on to the fact that Griff was my mate and I claimed
him, then it just followed that I would do what I could to give him what he wanted. There was nothing
else more important in my life from that moment on.” He blushed and focused his attention on his
plate. Magic produced or not the venison was perfectly cooked and the vegetables were crispy and
done beautifully.

The other three men were quiet for a bit and eventually Diablo looked up to see they were watching
him. “What? Did I say something wrong?” He looked at Griff whose eyes were so full of love. “No
love, you said everything right,” Griff said softly. “And you are everything I want.” Diablo smiled at
him and then looked across at Kane and Shawn. They were also smiling at him and Kane said, “And
that is why you are officially a member of our pack. Because from the moment you were mated you
started thinking about what Griff needed and no mate, or pack could ask for more. I am sorry I was
such an idiot not to realize it sooner.”

Diablo was stunned. “But what about the other guys, Scott, Troy and Dean? Don’t they get a say as
well?”

Shawn laughed, “Oh they have already had their say and they backed up Griff when he was protecting
you last night. It seems your skills at getting people to talk about themselves were duly noted and

appreciated and while you didn’t share a lot about yourself, you did make an excellent impression on
them.”

Shaking his head Diablo laughed. “Yes well after seven years undercover work, believe me there isn’t
a lot in my life to share with others. I was lucky if I had up to a week off at a time with long periods of
work in between and I would spend a lot of my down time sleeping. But there are a few things I would
like to do now my resignation is basically final.”

“Like what my lover?” Griff really wanted to know. He wanted to be the one that Diablo built his new
life with and he realized there was so many things about his man that he didn’t know.

“Well start up my security business for one thing. That will take a bit of time but I do have quite a few
contacts I could use and Troy said he would help with the computer side of things. But before I do that
I would love to do a road trip on the bike. Go see my Mom, but also just go and see places. I have
worked all over the States but it would be so neat to go and see places like a tourist for a change.
You’d come with me right?” He looked at Griff.

“Definitely.” Griff grinned. “I haven’t had a real vacation for years and going on the bikes would be
fun. What else.”

“Well…get my tattoo definitely…start a project bike because I do love the older bikes…and…I know
this might sound a bit weird but I would also love to open a small art gallery.” The three men all
looked a bit surprised at that.

“Yes, I know its a bit weird. But talking to Dean yesterday reminded me that although I don’t do
anything artistic myself I actually love art in all different forms. Seeing as the FBI is going to give me
a payout then I would have the cash and I would like to showcase local artists like Dean who haven’t
really thought about trying to sell their work before.”

“Shit,” said Kane, “that is something we could all get on board with especially if you wanted to do it
in town here. Cloverleah is a small place but we do get our fair share of visitors and we definitely
don’t have anything like an art studio or similar in town so I could see how it would work. There is
definitely enough art talent in this area to keep you busy for a while.”

The men all chatted for a bit about possible buildings in town that could be used for an art studio,
where Diablo could get his tattoo - Dean; and where Diablo could run his security business. Diablo felt
he should just rent or buy another building in town but Griff had a better idea. “Why don’t we build
onto the house here,” he said.

“Great idea,” said Kane. “You have plenty of room at the back of the house and you could build it
round into an L shape and put in a few more car spaces into the garage for additional vehicles or
whatever else you needed.”

“You wouldn’t mind me having the business at home?” Diablo was focused on Griff. Personally he
thought it was a great idea but he couldn’t believe his mate would want to turn his house upside down
to accommodate such a thing.

“Shit no, Diablo. I think it is the best idea out. We both know that a security business isn’t a typical
nine to five outfit. This place is remote enough without being too remote. We have plenty of room.
The infrastructure is all here and we can keep it secure.”

“Yes,” said Shawn, “and you mentioned bringing in other shifters for different jobs. Well our house is
just up the road and we can probably put a couple of them up when they need it, so that’s covered. And
if you needed a hand with anything then we are all here to watch your back.”

“Wow, I don’t know what to say.” Diablo was stunned. He had gone from a loner agent in one of the

biggest agencies in the country, with very little support or help, to a situation with his mate where the
whole pack was getting in behind his idea and providing valuable help.

“Just say yes, my mate.” Griff gently held Diablo’s face in his hands so they were looking into each
other’s eyes. “You aren’t alone any more. You have a mate, you have a pack and you have friends. We
all want to be part of your life in some way or another.” Diablo nodded feeling a bit overwhelmed. He
leaned forward and gave Griff a long kiss and then stood up. “I’ll just go get some coffee on,” he said
as he walked out to the kitchen. Shawn looked at Kane, who nodded, and Shawn got up to follow him.

Diablo was in the kitchen fiddling with the coffee machine. It was already set up and the pot just
needed filling. He jumped when he heard Shawn’s voice behind him.

“It can be a bit overwhelming can’t it, when you have been alone for so long” the man said softly.

“Um yes, it is a bit. I’ve been on my own for a long time.” Diablo glanced up at Shawn. “How did you
know?”

Shawn gave a sad smile. “I’d been on my own for fifteen years when I met Kane. Being a shifter, but
different meant I wasn’t accepted in too many places and as I was being hunted for all of that time, I
had to keep moving around a lot anyway.” He started moving around the kitchen flicking his fingers
and tidying things away.

“Hunted?”

“Yes, my Dad and then my uncle from my home pack. But the Fates move in mysterious ways and I
found Kane and the pack here and they wanted me to stay. I found out about who I am, what I am and
the love here gave me the strength to stop running and face my past. It wasn’t easy to accept help from
anyone, but when I did the rewards were endless.”

“So what are you, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“I’m a Shifter Guardian,” Shawn looked at Diablo to see if he knew what that was. Diablo obviously
did as he was nodding as he picked up the coffee pot.

Shawn continued, “So yes I do know about being alone and different. I know what it is like to have a
power that exceeds other’s around you, just like you do. I know the responsibility that comes with that
type of power and you must be a strong man to look like an angel yet deal with all of the shit you have
had in your work without revealing your true self. You deserve some happiness in your life Diablo and
despite what you think you are good enough.”

“Thanks Shawn. I guess I just needed to hear that.” Diablo gave him a small smile.

“Well if you ever need to talk, you know where I am. Now we had better get that coffee pot into the
others - we have jealous mates.” Both men laughed, “Were you getting that in your head too?” Diablo
asked Shawn. “Yep,” Shawn laughed again. “You gotta love ‘em.” And as Diablo walked back into the
lounge with the coffee he smiled, because yes, he loved Griff more than life itself and life was good.

The men lounged around on couches watching a movie for a while and chatted about inconsequential
things. Griff had Diablo curled up beside him and Kane had Shawn in his arms on the other couch. It
was relaxed and quiet and a lot of fun and Diablo luxuriated in the feeling. It was all totally new to
him but he knew he could get used to it quickly.

It wasn’t until Kane and Shawn were leaving that Kane said to Griff, “So are you and Diablo coming
with us to Mom’s tomorrow?”

Griff looked uncomfortable. “I don’t know Kane. Aunty Cheryl has only just got over my whole being
gay thing. What would happen if I turn up with a mate?”

“She’ll be thrilled,” Shawn said wryly. “In fact she already knows you have a mate and insisted that
you come with us.”

“Oh guys. Why did you have to tell her? You know she will tell my Mom and then my Dad will find
out and all hell will break loose.”

“Ha, Griff. It’s not your Dad you have to worry about, it’s your Aunt. She is livid you didn’t tell her
yourself and she wants to know who will be planning your mating ceremony. She’s got plans for you
two.” Kane waggled his finger at Griff and Diablo. Griff groaned. “And your Mom and Dad are out of
town apparently so they won’t even be in the area.”

“Come on Griff, you know you have to come. She’s family and a very determined woman. If you don’t
come with us tomorrow, with Diablo, then she will just come down here and get you. You don’t want
that, do you?” Kane was still laughing as Griff groaned again.

“No. Okay. What time are you heading out?”

“We’ll cruise by on the bikes about 10.00 am and head off then. We’ll bring yours from the shop
Diablo so don’t worry about that.” Kane started leading Shawn out of the door. “Make sure you’re out
of bed, or I will be dragging you out.” Kane and Shawn were still laughing as they got on their bikes
and headed for home.

Chapter Nineteen

As soon as the front door had closed, Griff pulled Diablo into his arms and started kissing him hard,
his fingers running down Diablo’s back to his arse which he cupped and pulled closer to him. Diablo
wound his fingers through Griff’s long hair and returned the kiss feeling Griff’s erection through his
jeans bunted alongside his own. For the longest while it was enough to just feel each other’s body and
connect again physically. Griff loved how Diablo’s body fit against his. Although Griff was taller
Diablo’s long legs meant their crotches were at a perfect height for each other and Griff’s extra couple
of inches in his torso length meant he got to feel bigger than his mate without having to have the man
stand on a box to kiss him. But even though Griff could stay kissing his mate’s gorgeous lips and
reveling in the long lines of Diablo’s body forever eventually Griff pulled his lips off of his mate’s
reluctantly even though he didn’t let go of the strong hold he had on Diablo’s body.

“So I am guessing you want to know about this trip tomorrow?” He grumbled softly.

“Would be kinda nice to know the situation we are going into,” Diablo said easily. He knew Griff
would tell him and he was happy to wait the big guy out. Even while his mouth was being plundered
by Griff’s delicious tongue he could sense his mate was uneasy and that there was obviously a story
behind it. For now Griff dragged him into the bedroom and settled them sitting up on the bed leaning
on the headboard. Griff tipped his head back for a moment with his eyes closed as if trying to work out
the best possible way to start. He felt Diablo’s hand on his leg, reassuring and sensual all at the one
time.

“I know that I told you that I got kicked out of my pack about fifteen years ago for being gay and that I
haven’t seen my parents or my siblings since,” Griff began hesitantly. Diablo just nodded, not wanting
to stop Griff from telling his story.

“The Alpha then was the eldest brother of both my father and Kane’s. He hated gays with a vengeance
and had taught us all since birth that gays were an abomination, that we would never have mates and
that basically we were cursed. Of course he didn’t know about Kane and I until we were in our teens.
When Kane came out to his father, his father beat him and then went to the Alpha. The Alpha told
Kane to leave his family and his pack and never come back.” Griff’s eyes were closed as though he
was reliving that fateful night. Then he looked at Diablo and there were tears in his eyes.

“If you could have seen Kane that night, Diablo. He was no where near as tall as he is now and he was
skinny to the point of being a runt. His Dad had done a real number on him. He was covered in bruises
and he had a cut on his face and he still stood tall in front of the Alpha. Told him that yes he was gay
and he was proud of it. When the Alpha told him to leave I just couldn’t help myself. I stood up and
said that I was gay too and that I would leave with Kane.”

“He’s your cousin, your best friend. I know you did the right thing” Diablo said softly as Griff
hesitated in his story. Griff gave him a small smile as he said, “I don’t regret it to this day, especially
not now.” He sat there thinking for a minute more before he continued.

“I knew when I confronted the Alpha that I would have to leave, immediately. I was prepared for that.
But my Dad, he was so angry.” Griff couldn’t keep talking but Diablo could see in his mind the
beating that Griff had endured, in front of the whole pack. Griff hadn’t been much bigger than Kane
then. Taller and with a bit more muscle tone but still for all intents and purposes a child. The beating
was brutally violent and humiliating and when the Alpha finally dragged Griff’s father off of him,
Griff was a bloodied mess. As Diablo watched he could see Kane trying to help Griff up and the pair
of them stumbled out of the pack circle with nothing more than the torn clothes on their back.

Diablo swallowed deeply and fought to get his cat under control. He was so angry and wanted nothing
more than to kill Griff’s father for what he had done. To beat and humiliate the father for what he had
done to the son. But Griff couldn’t deal with his anger right now. Griff was in pain, tears falling
silently down his handsome face, his hands fisted at his side.

Diablo scooted round so he was straddling Griff’s lap, his hands gentle on the big man’s shoulders.
Wordlessly he started kissing away the tears, soothing Griff with gentle touches as he poured words of
love and commitment through their mind link.

You are loved…I love you…you are mine…I will never let anyone hurt you like that again…you are
perfect…I am never letting you go.

Over and over Diablo repeated the litany, rubbing Griff’s shoulders, kissing away his tears until he felt
Griff’s fists unclench and the bigger man threw his arms around Diablo’s middle and hung on to him
like he would never let him go. His face was in Diablo’s hair, pressed into Diablo’s neck so Diablo
started caressing Griff’s hair, kissing him, soothing him, caressing and loving his man until Griff
finally calmed down.

“Oh Diablo, I am so sorry. I have never broken down like this before.” Griff’s muffled voice caused
hot breath to run across Diablo’s neck as he spoke. Diablo pulled back a bit and gently cupped Griff’s
face in his hands, tilting the man’s head up so Diablo could look deep into his red-rimmed eyes.

“You have nothing to be sorry about, nothing,” he said fiercely. “You are a strong, decent, loving man
and I love everything about you. Everything.” Griff could see the honesty in Diablo’s eyes and he was
so thankful for the man on his lap.

“Kiss me?” Griff asked quietly.

“You never have to ask,” Diablo growled as he bent his head and ran his lips over Griff’s, kissing,
licking and nipping and sucking at Griff’s bottom lip as Griff’s mouth opened beneath him. He took
Griff’s mouth and plundered it, showing Griff over and over again how much he was loved, wanted
and needed. By the time the men came up for air they were both breathing heavily.

“So,” said Diablo softly as he pulled himself together, “want to tell me why we are making this trip
tomorrow?”

Griff gave a small laugh. “Yeah I can see why you would wonder about that.”

“Okay,” he said, “About three years after Kane and I left the pack the Alpha died and Kane’s Dad was
next in line so he took over as Alpha. It didn’t make any difference to Kane or me because they were
all homophobes in the pack so life pottered on until about three months ago when Kane met Shawn.”
Griff looked at Diablo closely. “You’ve gotta understand that Kane and I didn’t think we could have
mates even though I think I always hoped a little bit inside. So when Kane met Shawn it was a huge
eye-opener for all of us in this pack. Through the hunter business that Shawn was going through and
that little brat Saul, word got back to our home pack that Kane believed he had met and claimed his
mate and my Aunty Cheryl came down with Kane’s brother Vincent to see for herself.” Griff laughed.
“Actually that’s not entirely true. She also bought a Shaman to break the spell she believed Shawn had
cast over her son.”

Diablo laughed at that. “You are kidding me. She believed that a Shaman could break what the Fates
have bought together?”

Griff nodded. “Yeah we were all there. We had been staying at Kane’s because of the hunters and were
waiting for Shawn’s uncle to come down for an Alpha challenge with Shawn. Kane and Shawn came
down from their room, Shawn with this big hickey on his neck, hair all mussed and everything and of

course Aunty Cheryl went ballistic. But Shawn must have convinced Kane to let the Shaman do his
worst and of course the Shaman couldn’t do anything at all.”

“But, the killer of it was that before the Shaman could try his thing, Kane made Aunt Cheryl promise
that if the Shaman didn’t break the bond, then Cheryl had to go back to the pack and confirm that gay
men could have true mates. And so of course she had to.”

“So what happened?”

“Ha, Kane had asked Shawn to join with him in an Alpha Mating Ritual and Cheryl got all worked up
about that. She phoned her husband and told him she was staying to organize everything and that the
Alpha was paying for the whole do. Kane’s Dad came down, met Shawn, challenged him and lost and
then offered to stand by us all during the Alpha challenge. It all worked out in the end.”

“But your Dad didn’t come?”

“No,” Griff said shortly. He took a deep breath in and out. “I’m glad of it. I don’t think I could have
faced him,” he said quietly. Then he grinned, “And now we have an Aunty Cheryl who is a meddling
force of nature who wants to meet you and will probably tease the crap out of us about when we will
be going through our own Mating Ritual. That woman loves to plan a shindig.”

Diablo huffed softly. “So she’s not going to do us any harm then is she. Except probably embarrass us
to death?”

“Yep, that is probably it.” Griff grinned again. “You want to know what the kicker is?” Diablo nodded.
“Kane’s younger brother, Vincent, met this guy Lucius from the San Antonio pack while he was here
and they’re mates. So Kane’s Dad ended up having two gay mated sons instead of the one.”

It had to be the height of irony that a man who had lived his whole life devoted to hating gays ended
up with two of them as sons, but it seems from what Griff had said that Kane’s father, Uncle Arthur,
had accepted it and attitudes within his pack were slowly changing. It seemed the biggest sticking
point was Griff’s father although Griff did explain to Diablo that his mother apparently didn’t have a
problem with Griff, but she was too scared of her husband to say anything.

“So what’s this Mating Ritual thing that you and Kane mentioned? Some kind of wolf claiming or
something?” Diablo asked.

Griff thought about it for a moment. “Yes I suppose it is in a way - more like a wolf’s wedding. Kane
and Shawn went through the Alpha Mating Ritual which is when an Alpha takes a mate and then has to
proclaim before the pack why he thinks his mate is a good fit for him and the pack. Then Shawn had to
explain to the pack why he chose Kane and ask for permission to be accepted as his mate, from the
pack. Then the Shaman sends a spell to the Fates binding the two men forever under pack law and they
now sport a small tattoo of each other’s wolves on the inside of their wrists. It is a mark for others to
stay away.” Griff turned to lie on his side so he was facing Diablo who was lying on his back on the
bed.

“For pack members like me and the others our ceremony is slightly different. Pack mates are
automatically accepted into the pack as Kane explained earlier so no permission is needed from other
pack members. But the participants do have to seek permission from the Alpha to make the
commitment. Then both shifters make their proclamation before the pack about why they want to be
with their chosen mate and the Shaman conducts another spell that is as binding as the one that he
made at Kane and Shawn’s Ritual. In a situation like ours the key difference would be the whole
breaking heads aspect, which would be a lot of fun, I reckon.”

When Diablo turned his head to look at his mate, Griff had a wicked grin on his face. “What do you

mean, breaking heads aspect? The two men have to fight each other?” Boy, Diablo thought, wolves
have some strange customs. But Griff was shaking his head.

“No, not each other. Contenders.” Griff could see that Diablo was still confused. “You see in most
cases wolves mate with other wolves, right? So in most mating rituals the other wolves respect one
wolf’s decision to mate with another. A challenge can be issued. In fact one guy from Kane’s home
pack did challenge Shawn for the right to bond with Kane and Shawn had to force him to submit
before the ceremony could continue.”

Griff’s laughter rumbled through his chest as he explained to Diablo, “Shawn didn’t even bother to
shift which is a huge insult to any wolf shifter. He just caught the wolf in his arms and slammed him
into the ground. Kane told me that Shawn didn’t want to upset Aunty Cheryl by getting his suit dirty. ”
Diablo’s eyebrows were raised but knowing that Shawn was a Shifter Guardian meant that he more
than had the strength to contend with most wolves even in his human form.

“But in our case, because you are a cat shifter, the situation would be a bit different.”

“Different how?”

“Well that’s where it gets interesting. You see to take another type of shifter as a mate the wolf has to
prove that he is capable of managing and protecting his mate without causing the rest of the pack too
much trouble.” Griff looked at his mate closely to see how Diablo was reacting to the story.

Stretching out his long body, Diablo just grunted, “Like I need much protecting.”

“Yes I know you are one big bad-assed pussy cat, ” Griff had a teasing lilt to his voice, “but remember
wolves can mate with smaller cats, even bird, squirrel or raccoon shifters. In those cases the wolf
would be responsible for ensuring that their mate wasn’t a burden to pack resources especially in the
case of a fight with outsiders.”

“Uh huh, okay I can get that. But what do you mean about contenders?”

Griff was leaning over Diablo at this point, slowly licking up Diablo’s exposed throat. Diablo’s cock
sprung to attention and his whole body tingled at the contact. Fuck he could never get enough of Griff
touching him, wanting him so fiercely. He poked Griff’s chest. “Oi, pay attention. Stop distracting me.
You didn’t answer my question. What’s a contender?” Griff pulled back a little bit, but lust shone
brightly from his green eyes.

“A contender is someone either from within the pack, although that is unlikely here, or a wolf shifter
from another pack who thinks they have more strength, skills or whatever else to protect the other
shifter. If they like what they see before the Mating Ritual they can challenge the wolf concerned for
the right to take the other shifter as their own. The wolf has to fight all comers before the Mating
Ritual can be done.”

“But…but…that’s almost barbaric. What if the people concerned are true mates like you and me?
Going to someone else would be a waste of time. It is not as though the relationship could ever be…I
don’t know…consummated.”

“Well,” Griff drawled, “yes I can see your point to a point. But in a Mating Ritual challenge the
contenders have to actually kill the wolf concerned, while the mated wolf only has to make the
contenders submit. If the mated wolf is dead then under Pack law it is the killer’s responsibility to
care for the shifter left behind. The bond between the mated pair is broken through the death of one of
the partners and then it is up to the victor to woo over their new mate after the Mating Ritual has been
performed on the new pair. Wolves believe that if the original mated wolf wasn’t strong enough to
fight for their mate then they shouldn’t be mated in the first place.”

Diablo couldn’t believe that Griff was talking about this as though it all made sense. How would
anyone want to be mated to another person who had just killed their mate? In a warped way it was all
about survival of the fittest, Diablo could understand that wolves prided themselves on their brute
strength and their ability to protect their packs and their mates but this was a bit much.

“What if the mated wolf is only a little wolf, someone like Dean for example? That would be so unfair
if someone bigger wanted to take his mate from him.”

“Dean is a little bit different because he is an Omega wolf. In that case Kane, Shawn or I would fight
for him because we are all Alpha’s. Look Diablo, it’s not really that unfair and it doesn’t happen very
often at all. We wolves pride ourselves on our strength and our ability to protect those we love. It’s
almost a badge of honor to be able to do so in front of the pack and our mate before the Mating Ritual.
The mated wolf doesn’t have to take on more than six contenders. If there are any more than that then
another Alpha, or chosen person from the pack will take on the fight to submission only.”

“Oh great so the mated wolf” and in Diablo’s head he was thinking about Griff, “only has to take on
six challenges. What, were the pack leaders who made these laws worried he might not have the
strength to fuck his mate at the end of the night or something?”

Griff just grinned at him. He was still leaning over Diablo, tracing Diablo’s abs with his fingers.
“Something like that. Personally I’m looking forward to it.” His fingers were moving lower and
Diablo tried hard not to move into the touch, but it was really hard not to. His mate had really talented
fingers.

“I never said I would go through a Mating Ritual with you Griff. I didn’t even know there was such a
thing until today.” Diablo was fast losing the battle against moving and knew his tone of voice
betrayed his lust.

“Ah but you will little cat. You know you would do anything for me,” Griff’s sexy drawl ticked
Diablo’s ear and Diablo let out a small moan as Griff’s wandering hand had finally found it’s target in
Diablo’s jeans. Diablo let himself get distracted for a moment but then pulled his thoughts back in to
line with difficulty.

“You never actually asked me. You don’t know what I’ll say.” Even to Diablo’s ears his voice was far
too breathless to sound convincing.

“I’m asking you now kitty cat. Would you do me the honor of joining with me in the Mating Ritual?”
Nibbling down his mate’s abs Griff expertly popped the button on Diablo’s jeans and nudged the
zipper down with his nose. As he ran his long tongue up the full length of Diablo’s cock the cat let out
another moan and fisted his hands into the sheets.

“Answer me kitty cat.” Griff’s tongue repeated the move lapping gently at the head because his mate
just tasted so delicious.

“I…er…I…reserve the right…” Diablo stopped as Griff started nibbling at the underside of the head
of his cock. Fuck yeah, that spot right there. “…er…reserve the right…to have…some blood in my
brain…before…shit Griff…you’re driving me crazy here…before…I…answer…fucking suck me if
you’re gonna, damn it.”

Thrusting his hips up into Griff’s face Diablo’s cock pushed at Griff’s mouth. Griff obligingly opened
up and swallowed Diablo’s shaft down, swirling the base of the cock with his tongue. He bobbed his
head a few times feeling Diablo tense beneath him. Just as he knew Diablo was close to the edge, Griff
held still, his big hands holding Diablo’s hips firmly so he couldn’t move, Diablo’s cock wedged deep
firmly in his mouth.

Answer me kitty cat.

Fuck Griff, you teasing arse hole, let me move.

Na uh, give me an answer. Tell me you will join with me in the Mating Ritual.

This is cruel and unusual punishment, you know it. Damn it lover I need to move or come or
something.

Griff raised his mouth once more, swirling his tongue expertly around Diablo’s shaft, before moving
down, swallowing and holding him down again.

It’s barbaric…we’re mates already…come on Griff please.

It’s a wolf thing. Suck, lick, slide and hold. A matter of pride for me. Suck, lick, slide and hold. What I
want to do with you. Suck, lick, slide and hold. What I want you to do for me cos we love each other,
more sucking then hold, want each other, swirling tongue, need each other. Don’t you want me?

Thrashing his upper body about on the bed Diablo cursed loudly, his fists thumping on the mattress.
His whole body was trembling and he felt like every nerve he had was buzzing over his skin.

Damn it wolf, yes.

Yes to the ceremony or yes you want me?

Yes. I want you and yes I will join in the Mating Ritual with you. Yes damn you.

Grinning around Diablo’s cock, Griff’s talented mouth went to work and a minute later he was
swallowing Diablo’s come as it pulsed deep down his throat. Only when he was satisfied that Diablo
was finished did Griff move back up his lover’s body to curl the sated man into his arms.

That’s torture you know. Answer wouldn’t hold up in court.

Told you when we met that you Feebs respond better to pleasure than torture little kitty cat. You
taking back your answer?

No my lover, too tired to argue. Love you Griff, will let you have your fight. Won’t be any contenders
anyway if it’s just the pack.

And Claude’s pack in Oklahoma, and the San Antonio Pack and the Colorado Pack.

What the fuck?

We have a lot of friends, my lover. But you don’t have to worry about the Colorado pack cos most of
them are straight.

Oh God Griff you could have told me.

Would it have made a difference to your answer?

Diablo tilted his head up to look at his handsome wolf. A man built for fighting. A man who loved him
with everything he had. He shook his head. “No, my lover. I figure you are up to the challenge. I love
you and if you want me to join with you in the Mating Ritual then I will.” Griff’s answering grin
meant Diablo had obviously given the right answer.

Chapter Twenty

Promptly at 10 o’clock Kane and Shawn arrived. Kane on his bike and Shawn driving the work wagon
with two bikes strapped on the back. Diablo bounded off the porch as they arrived eager to reacquaint
himself with the bike. He leapt up on the back of the truck and helped Shawn to release the ties and
wheel the gleaming Ducati down the ramps. Then Diablo just stood with his hands in his pockets
staring at the tank.

Griff had come out wearing his leather jacket and holding a second one. He was just a little bit
nervous. It was one thing to say he was going to have Diablo’s tank painted, but the design idea was
all Griff’s and he wasn’t exactly sure that it was Diablo’s style. Diablo’s face wasn’t giving anything
away either. In fact it looked like Diablo was making a point of not reacting to the tank at all. Shit.
What if he really didn’t like it? Oh well. Better face the music.

Taking a deep breath Griff went to stand next to his mate. Diablo looked at him but his face still didn’t
give anything away.

“So, what do you think?”

“Well, my bike hasn’t been this clean in a long time. The new brakes are an excellent idea. Someone
has adjusted my handle bars which will probably make for a better ride and that looks like a new
exhaust system which should enhance the sound…”

“And…”

Diablo smiled, “the paintwork is beautiful. Thank you,” he said softly.

“You like it?” Griff threw his arms around Diablo and squeezed him tight.

“Yes, I like it, you big oaf.” He hugged Griff back before leaning back. “But you ever mess with my
bike again without permission man and you are in deep shit. Understood?”

“Hey I had to make sure you would come back, right?” Now Griff knew that Diablo liked the
paintwork he was over the moon.

“Idiot,” Diablo said fondly. He nodded over to Kane and Shawn who had been watching them. “Thanks
guys it is an awesome job. My bike’s never looked so good. Who did the paintwork, Dean?”

“No, I did,” Shawn said with a smile on his face. “I take it you approve.”

“Awesome job man, it is beautiful work. The detail on the wolf is just exquisite.”

“Yep,” said Kane. “My man has got some skills. But come on guys let’s get this show on the road.
Your Aunty Cheryl is waiting.”

Griff handed Diablo the spare jacket he was holding. “Here lover you can wear one of mine seeing as
we haven’t got your stuff yet.”

“I’ll swim in your jacket, Griff.” Diablo laughed as he shrugged it over his shoulders. Sure enough
while it fitted his arms it was big over the shoulders and chest and it hung about two inches lower than
his own one would.

“Here, I can fix that for you,” Shawn offered. He flicked his fingers and suddenly the jacket shrunk so
that if fit perfectly over Diablo’s shoulders and chest. The jacket still retained Griff’s awesome scent
and the soft wear on the jacket was still the same. But now it looked like it was made for Diablo.
Grinning his thanks to Griff and Shawn, Diablo got on his bike and minutes later all four men and
their bikes roared out of the yard.

/~/~/~/

The trip to the Denver Colorado pack lands took just over two hours and by the time Kane led them up
a long driveway on the outskirts of town, all of the men felt refreshed and alert. Griff noticed that
Diablo was wary a lot of the time - watching traffic and paying attention to large SUVs and vans but
when Griff queried him through the mind link as they rode, Diablo just laughed it off as an FBI habit.
Deciding that his mate was probably nervous about meeting his Aunt and Uncle, Griff stopped
worrying about it and just enjoyed the ride.

The four men parked their bikes in front of the house. It was a large wooden place. Two storied it was
painted white with grey trim around the windows and doors. Someone had taken the time to plant
bright flowers in the window boxes on the porch that wrapped around the house like a hug. It looked
like a happy and comforting home. Kane and Shawn went up on the porch, Griff following behind.
Diablo was looking back along the driveway and as Griff looked up a grey van was cruising slowly
past before it sped away. Diablo looked back towards the house to see Griff watching him.

“Problems, lover,” Griff asked softly.

Diablo shook his head. “Nope. Just being paranoid I guess. I could have sworn that van has been
following us since Cloverleah.” He walked up to where Griff was standing.

“He was probably checking you out on that bike my lover. You look real hot on that thing.” Griff
grabbed Diablo’s arse and nudged him towards the open front door of the house. Diablo reached over
and kissed Griff’s neck. “You think I look hot all the time, lover. You’re biased.”

“True, too true.” Both men were laughing as they walked into the house.

Inside the house was warm and comfortable with big couches, plenty of cushions and large rugs on
wooden floors. Its semi-open layout let Diablo see a large dining area and through into the kitchen
where there appeared to be a lot of cooking going on. Lunch smelt heavenly. There were three women
and three men in the kitchen and when Diablo looked up he saw another huge man and a lot shorter
woman greeting Kane and Shawn. Kane looked a lot like his father so he guessed the smaller woman
was his mother - Cheryl. Diablo could feel his nerves starting to get the better of him and he schooled
his face into his typical bland FBI face to hide it. Feeling his lover’s arm snake around his shoulders
made him feel a little bit better especially when Cheryl and the Alpha turned to him and Griff.

“Griff, it’s been too long since you have been on our pack land. It’s good to see you and your mate.”
Arthur Matthews held out his hand in greeting and after a moment Griff clasped it in his own.

“My apologies, Uncle,” Griff’s voice was quiet, “but given the situation with my father I felt it better
to stay away than cause further trouble.” The Alpha nodded as if he understood and then he cast his
gaze over Diablo.

“You got yourself a cat shifter, Griff? Is that really a good idea?” Arthur didn’t sound angry, just
inquiring, but Diablo could feel his hackles rise all the same. His cat flared up at the implied insult
and he did his best to bring it under control - not before his eyes flashed a brilliant yellow, something
he was sure the Alpha noticed. Diablo could feel Griff stiffen beside him but before either one of them
could speak Arthur was pushed out of the way by Cheryl.

“Honestly you men. All about posturing and macho crap. That is no way to greet Griff’s mate, who I
have to say is a truly beautiful young man.” The short little woman appraised Diablo with a gleam in
her eye. “Hello, welcome to the Denver Colorado Pack. I’m Cheryl Matthews, Alpha Mate and this
rude man here is Arthur Matthews, Alpha and Griff’s uncle.” She held out her hand to Diablo. He took
the small hand in his and shook it carefully.

“Derrick Franklin, ma’am, but you can call me Diablo,” he said in his quiet silky voice.

“Diablo, the little devil. Well there is nothing littl e about you, is there young man and I am guessing
from the blush on Griff’s face you are probably a bit of a devil in all ways.” As Cheryl chattered on
she gave Griff a big hug and then turned away leading them all to the dining room table. “Come on
you big lugs, lunch is ready and I am sure you boys are hungry.”

Kane’s dad doesn’t like other shifters? Diablo’s question seeped through Griff’s own nervousness and
gave Griff the opportunity to tease his mate.

Well, you know how small cats are and all that. Uncle Arthur just wants to be sure I have a mate that
has got my back.

Do you worry about that, lover? Knowing how little my cat is and all that. Griff could hear the teasing
note in Diablo’s enquiry.

Hmm, well put it this way. If anything could get through you and me then we had better hope we can
both run fast, cos it is going to be a hell of a size.

Griff laughed, his nervousness at being on his old pack lands receding. Because of course Diablo did
have his back and there wasn’t anyone who could take on his mate’s cat in a one-on-one situation. He
hugged his man close to him as they made their way to the table, pulling Diablo down beside him.
Diablo had a small smile on his face as well and that made Griff laugh even more.

“What’s so funny Griff,” Kane asked.

Griff looked at Diablo and then faced the others at the table. Kane’s three brothers and their female
mates had joined them. All three of the women were wolves, although a lot smaller than their mates,
obviously.

Shaking his head Griff said to Arthur. “You asked if it was a good idea to have a cat shifter as a mate.
Yet three of your son’s mate’s are women, wolves definitely, but smaller and weaker, and probably
smarter,” he added as he saw the glint in his Aunt’s eye, “than their mates. That is the way it has
always been.”

“But for us blokes that prefer a mate of our own gender, it seems the first thing anyone asks about is
the size of their animal when size could either be deceiving or not important at all.” Griff grinned. He
looked across at Kane who seemed to understand what he was saying as he threw Shawn a look and
they both laughed.

“What are you talking about Griff? Of course size matters. Your mate has to be able to protect you,
more so when you are gay as you have to face that many problems than the rest of us. Your pack is
small. I want to know that my nephew will be safe. There is nothing wrong with that.” Arthur let a bit
of anger show in his voice but seeing that Griff didn’t take offence, Diablo let it go and waited to see
what his lover would say. He put his hand on Griff’s thigh, just wanting to touch him and Griff
covered his hand with his own.

“What I am trying to say, Uncle, is that your son has mated a man who while slightly smaller in
human and wolf form, is still a lot more powerful than you or I. Why do you think the Fates would
give me anything less?”

“Do you have magic too?” It was the first time that Arthur had spoken to Diablo directly and Diablo
didn’t like his tone. He kept his face bland but his hand tensed under Griff’s.

“No Sir. I am just a cat,” he answered shortly as he met Arthur’s gaze.

Griff pulled Diablo’s hand up and kissed it gently. “Diablo is a lot more than just a cat, Uncle. Firstly
he is a soon-to-be retired FBI agent who has spent more than seven years undercover and ten years in
the agency. He is trained in both armed and unarmed combat. His cat is bigger than any of our wolves
and on top of that he has strength, integrity, intelligence and honor and he doesn’t use his animal size
to intimidate others or get his own way.” He looked at Diablo, catching his warm gaze in his own.
“The Fate’s choice is perfect for me in every way and,” he said looking back at his Uncle, “there is no-
one I would rather have at my back than Diablo in human or animal form.”

Diablo could feel Arthur looking at him closely and he met the man’s gaze without flinching. Arthur
looked at him steadily for a moment and then nodded and held his hand out to Diablo.

“Understood. You are welcome, Diablo and as Griff’s mate you are extended the same protection and
respect owed those in the Cloverleah pack even if you aren’t a pack member.”

“He is,” Shawn piped up, with his mouth full.

“Yes,” said Kane who was also enjoying his food. Diablo picked up his fork and started to eat. The
meat was delicious. “Diablo was admitted to our pack yesterday on a unanimous vote, so he is a full
pack member.”

“Well,” said Arthur with a laugh, “between Diablo and Shawn you are certainly becoming a pack to be
reckoned with. I am glad we are allies.”

“And now, if you men are finished,” Cheryl looked at the said men pointedly, “tell me Griff, when
will you and Diablo have your Mating Ritual? With Diablo being such a good looking cat it should be
an exciting day and I for one will want to be there. In fact, I could arrange the whole thing.” She
looked up with an excited smile on her face. Arthur groaned and kept his head down.

“Is a week enough time, Aunty, or do you need more?” Griff was smirking at Diablo as he answered.

“Oh pshaw, these other two,” Cheryl said as she indicated Kane and Shawn, “only gave me a day’s
notice and I think it all went beautifully. Don’t you boys?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Kane and Shawn answered together, not keen to say anything else. Kane had wanted to
go through the Alpha Mating ritual before Shawn faced his Uncle in an Alpha challenge so they only
had the one day to arrange it all and get everything in place.

“Of course we will have to notify the other packs…hmm, will you let me take a photo of you Diablo?”
Cheryl’s voice was deceptively sweet.

“Uhm,” Diablo looked at Griff whose grin just got bigger if that was possible. “Why would you need
that, ma’am?”

Narrowing her eyes at the handsome man, Cheryl asked, “Griff did tell you what was involved in the
Mating Ritual when a different type of shifter is involved, didn’t he? You did explain, didn’t you Griff
because if you didn’t then that is just plain wrong.”

“Oh no Aunty, I explained it all to him. He knows what to expect. In fact it put him off for a bit but I
talked him round,” Griff’s face might have been innocent for his aunt, but the memory of how Griff
got him to say yes had Diablo shifting in his chair a little bit. Diablo glared at his mate as his jeans got
tighter. Fortunately Cheryl honed in on him again which helped his jean situation a bit.

“Well, then Diablo you will know that I have to announce your Mating Ritual to the other packs that
are invited and I will need to send a picture of you through to the other packs so that any interested
parties can challenge Griff on the day. I mean most of them won’t be able to get to see you much
before the day and we don’t want a rush on for challenges on the day itself. It makes planning so
difficult.” Cheryl was totally sincere in her remarks.

“Can’t be too many of them, sweetie, after all the boys are gay. I am sure Diablo isn’t interested in
any female challengers.” Arthur’s teasing voice showed how much more comfortable he had gotten
with his own son’s and Griff’s sexual orientation.

Diablo shuddered and one of the females at the table laughed. “No sir, I have never been interested in
a female mate. No disrespect intended,” he said to the other women at the table.

“Well then, you shouldn’t have too much trouble then with challengers. I mean how many gay
shifter’s are there that are likely to be invited.” Arthur asked.

Diablo wasn’t the only one who stared as Griff, Kane and Shawn all burst out laughing. Even Cheryl

looked a bit puzzled. Finally Kane got himself together enough to explain. “Er Mom, we will only be
inviting members from three packs. Yours of course, although we don’t expect too many challenges
from here…”

“There might be a couple,” Arthur said with a gleam in his eye. Kane looked at his Dad in shock for a
moment and then shrugged and went back to talking to his Mom.

“But the other two packs will be Claude Murphy’s pack from Tulsa Oklahoma and Damien’s pack in
San Antonio, Texas…” he paused and looked at Diablo. “Do you know anyone from either of those
packs?” Diablo shook his head. “Weeeeell…Claude’s pack is 90% gay and Damien’s is like, 75%.
Claude’s pack has about 50 members at last count and Damien’s…” Kane looked at Shawn.

“About 150 - 200 last I heard,” Shawn supplied helpfully.

Groaning, Diablo put his head in his hands. He felt Griff’s hands on his shoulders soothing him with
his touch even as Griff pointed out to Arthur that there were a lot more gay shifters around than
perhaps he had first imagined. To say that Arthur was s urprised was an understatement if the ensuing
conversation was anything to go by. All he could think was how the hell do I get out of this? But he
kept his thoughts shielded from Griff. Despite the fact that Griff had told Diablo that there would be
three packs invited, he didn’t let on just how many of those people would be male orientated.

Diablo felt a soft hand on his head and he looked up to see Cheryl had come around the table and was
looking at him. Surprisingly her eyes were kind and she had a small smile on her face.

“Don’t worry too much about it Diablo. Griff has been waiting for this his whole life. You won’t deny
your man the right to fight for you, do you?”

Rubbing his head with his hands Diablo answered softly. “No ma’am, Griff knows I would do
anything for him. But…”

“You are a gorgeous looking man, Diablo and Griff is so proud of you. Why wouldn’t he want to fight
for you? It will be so positive for him if you have a lot of people interested in fighting for the right to
have you.”

Thinking about it for a moment, Diablo nodded. “I s’pose you are right ma’am. I’ve gotta let the man
have his fun.” He smiled up at Cheryl, “but you don’t really need a picture of me do you?” He asked
hopefully.

“Of course I do, silly man. Now come on with me and we will go into the office and get it sorted, so I
can send out the invite and the picture via email today. Got to give those guys in Texas time to get
down here.” Cheryl nudged Diablo from his seat and waited for him to kiss Griff on the top of his
head, before taking him by the arm and leading him down the hallway he had seen when he first
entered the house. He felt Griff nudge his brain as he followed the determined woman.

Are you okay, lover.

Yes, sweetie, Diablo put unnecessary malice in his term of endearment. Just going for my photo shot
as per YOUR Aunt’s instructions.

Oh yummy, are you going to take your shirt off.

Not if I can help it, but who knows with this woman. She could want me naked for all I know. Diablo
could feel Griff growling and he grinned to himself.

I am coming as well.

No, you are not! You stay right there and keep everyone else out of this office. This is humiliating
enough as it is. I haven’t had my photo taken since the one I had done for the academy.

Mmm, I have seen that picture…you are very photogenic my lover.

You are not helping. Now stay there but if I am not out in ten minutes then I need rescuing. Quickly.

Cheryl pushed into a large double doorway and took Diablo into what must be the office. Like the
lounge and kitchen areas the room was large and filled with leather furniture, huge windows looking
out onto a lot of land and trees and a mass of books all collected in floor to ceiling bookcases. It was a
well-lived in, comfortable room that also housed the business end of things if the technology centered
around a large desk was anything to go by. Cheryl pottered over to a cupboard by the desk and
rummaged around obviously looking for her camera. She pulled out an impressive looking piece of
equipment complete with a large lens.

“Now,” she said, “Where would be the best place to take this,” she wondered as she looked at Diablo
taking in white blond hair, tanned skin and black t-shirt and black jeans.

“How about in the corner of the room, preferably with me facing into the corner instead of the
camera,” Diablo couldn’t help his smartarse nature especially when he was nervous and the way
Cheryl was looking at him definitely made him feel nervous.

“You’re not going to be difficult are you Diablo? Because I have handled bigger boys than you in my
time and now you’re family I haven’t got a problem with taking you over my knee.” Oh, there was the
voice that raised teenage boys like Kane and Griff and yep, there was that look - hard eyes, mouth
grim and determined. Boy that little woman could look tough when she wanted to.

“No ma’am, of course not,” Diablo was quick to mollify the woman. “Where would you like me to
stand?”

“Hmm…sitting would be better I think,” Cheryl was still studying him closely. “In that big armchair
there if you would.” She pointed to a large dark brown leather armchair in front of the desk. Diablo
went over and perched on the edge of the seat, his hands gripped in front of him on his lap, looking
back at her.

“No, no that won’t do at all,” Cheryl grumbled. “I want you to relax, sit back, and put your arms on the
arms of the chair and your legs out in front of you. Own that bloody chair Diablo.”

Swallowing a huge sigh, Diablo moved as she asked. He moved his bum back until it hit the back of
the chair, relaxed his arms down the thick arms of the chair and stretched his long legs out in front of
him, crossing them at the ankles. He flicked his hair forward over his shoulders so it framed his face
and looked at Cheryl again.

Cheryl was looking through her camera. “Definitely better….but…nope…the chair is too dark with
your dark clothing.”

“A lighter chair perhaps,” Diablo suggested.

“Take your shirt off. Your skin will be perfect against the chair.”

“Ma’am, I am not sure this is a good idea. Surely a head shot would be enough.”

“Diablo.” How Cheryl could manage so much menace and threat in one word was beyond Diablo but
after a moment he sat up and shrugged off his t-shirt before leaning back on the chair.

“Oh my,” Cheryl said as she looked through the camera lens again, “that’s a lot better. Such muscle
definition. Hmmm maybe we should lose the trousers too…”she started but stopped when she saw
Diablo’s face.

“Griff wouldn’t like it.” Diablo knew Griff wouldn’t after the fuss he made about the pictures taken
without his knowledge in his shower when he was at Georgio’s. Cheryl nodded as if she understood

and started taking a few shots. Diablo kept his face impassive and tried to ignore her although he was
getting more and more uncomfortable with every passing minute.

“Okay, just a couple more with you smiling, Diablo and then I will be finished.”

“Ma’am, I am not really a smiley sort of fellow. Wouldn’t it be better if the pictures reflected who I
really was most of the time?” Diablo went to get up.

Cheryl glared at him from around the camera. “Your moody look will impress a lot of blokes I reckon,
but I want a couple of shots of you smiling and you are not moving from that chair until I get some.
Now think about Griff, let that smile that I know you’ve got show through and ignore me.”

Sighing for real this time Diablo leaned back on the chair and thought about his mate. He thought
about how Griff looked the first time he saw him in that smoky bar all tall dark and definitely
handsome. Then he ran his mind over the vision of Griff making him breakfast, and how he looked as
Angel when Griff came to get him from Georgio’s. Yep his mate was something to smile about all
right and he was sure that showed on his face given that Cheryl kept clicking her camera. Finally she
stopped and lowered her camera.

“See, now that wasn’t too difficult now, was it?” Cheryl was grinning at him and Diablo couldn’t help
but grin back.

“No ma’am, but I am glad it is over. Can I put my shirt on now?”

“Well, if you must although I have to admit you are a sight for sore eyes even to an old mated woman
like me.” Cheryl was plugging her camera into the computer on the desk. “Come and have a look.”

Diablo went around the desk and looked as Cheryl bought up an array of pictures up on the large
monitor. Cheryl had taken about twenty five pictures of him from different angles, the last half a
dozen with him smiling. The woman definitely had a good eye and Diablo knew he looked good in all
of them even if he did say so himself.

“Do you think Griff would like a couple? I can print some off if you like?” Cheryl asked.

“I’m not sure, ma’am, why don’t I get him back here and he can have a look. I am sure he will want to
make the final selection on the one you are going to use.” Diablo pulled his shirt over his head and
headed for the door. As he did he heard a huge roar and a bang of wood hitting wood. Griff! Diablo ran
from the room and headed back into the lounge.

Chapter Twenty One

Running silently down the hallway Diablo came into the lounge area and stopped short. Standing in
the doorway were five large shifters, three of whom looked a lot like Griff. Fuck, Griff’s father,
brothers and back up by the looks of things. What were they doing here? Diablo scanned the room and
saw Kane and Shawn standing to the side and he slid behind the others, Arthur and his sons he noticed,
to stand behind Kane. As Diablo watched over Kane’s shoulder he could see the largest of the men,
Griff’s father, was alternating between screaming at Arthur and hitting Griff around the head. Arthur
was trying to get the man to stand down, but obviously Griff’s father was in some kind of fit because
he wasn’t stopping and Griff wasn’t doing anything to defend himself.

Diablo carefully eased himself into his mate’s mind and was horrified to see Griff reliving the attack
his father had committed when Griff had admitted he was gay and left the pack. No wonder he
couldn’t retaliate, his memories were holding him prisoner. Rumbling deep in his chest, Diablo’s cat
was desperate to get out and protect their mate but this was wolf territory and he was a guest - he
didn’t know what to do.

“Kane,” he hissed urgently. Kane looked over his shoulder and saw Diablo’s partially shifted state. He

looked at Shawn and his father before nodding.

“It’s a mate thing, Diablo, go ahead. I’ll sort it with dad.”

Feeling nothing but a huge sense of relief, Diablo quickly stripped off his clothes, hidden by Kane and
Shawn, and dropped to his knees shifting as he went. Tapping his nose on Kane’s thigh the man moved
aside to let Diablo see what was happening. Griff was on the ground and the older man, his father, was
standing over him yelling abuse and punching him repeatedly while Arthur stood to one side still
trying to reason with the deranged man.

This time Diablo didn’t try and hide his growl of displeasure. His rumble reverberated around the
room as he leapt his huge black form aimed straight for the man bent over his mate. His big paws and
forward momentum easily pushed the man back until his back was flat on the ground with a very big,
very angry cat standing over him. Diablo looked at the man beneath him and remembered the pain he
felt in his link with his mate. Without hesitation he lifted his paw with claws outstretched planning to
slice the man across the throat. But before his claws could make contact he heard a rasped out,
“Diablo, no.”

Griff. Right. Can’t kill the man’s father. Could cause a few relationship issues. Diablo sheathed his
claws as his huge paw connected with the man’s head. The man beneath him would have a headache,
but nothing more. Diablo lowered his head until it was just inches from the man beneath him and
staring into now frightened eyes, he opened his mouth wide, flashing huge teeth and fangs and roared
his displeasure.

The stench of urine hit Diablo’s nose and satisfied that he had caused the old wolf to piss himself he
stood back and went over to where Griff was being helped by Kane and Shawn. He felt himself
grumbling again as he noticed Kane’s arm around Griff’s shoulders and Shawn touching his face.
Griff’s eyes were closed and seemed to be shaking. Kane noticing the cat had returned dropped his
arm from his friend’s shoulder but motioned for Shawn to continue.

“He’s just healing Griff, Diablo. He’ll be finished shortly.” Kane was speaking softly, obviously
trying to calm his cat. Hmm, but Diablo needed to know that Griff was all right for himself. He
stalked over until his huge front paws were on both sides of Griff’s thighs and leant forward, huffing
softly. Griff opened his eyes and they lit up when they saw the big black panther invading his personal
space. Diablo felt Griff’s arms come up and hug him and as Diablo stood there chuffing softly, he felt
Griff’s shaking ease off. He couldn’t help himself and ran his huge tongue up the side of Griff’s neck,
marking the man and assuring himself that his mate was all right. He felt Griff chuckle and stepped
back, sitting on his haunches to the side of his mate, waiting to see what would happen next. Griff’s
fingers were still entangled in his fur and Diablo didn’t intend on moving, or shifting until he was
satisfied the danger had passed.

Diablo looked around the room. No one else had moved and his big yellow eyes sought out Arthur,
who stepped forward.

“Yes, well, sorry about that Diablo. I…er…I wouldn’t have invited you guys here if I had known my
brother was in the area. I am truly sorry that this happened in my home. As Griff’s mate you two have
a right to restitution. What do you want done with this?” His arm swung out to indicate his brother
who still hadn’t gotten up from the floor. The men who had come with the older man were still
standing by the door but they were now flanked by other wolves, probably Arthur’s enforcers. There
were other people standing out on the porch now as well, women and children.

Diablo growled low in the back of his throat and bared his teeth. If he had his way the man would be
dead, but then you couldn’t go killing a man in front of women and children, that just wasn’t nice. He

looked down at Griff who, using Diablo as a leverage post slowly stood up, his hand still resting on
Diablo’s shoulder.

“It’s all right little kitty cat, I got this.” Griff’s voice was shaky but it held the same teasing rasp that
Diablo loved to hear although he snorted at Griff’s term of endearment. He sat, his body quietly
pressed against Griff’s thigh and was pleased as he felt Griff lean on him slightly.

Griff carried on talking. “Firstly Uncle, it’s not your fault. We should be able to visit here - you being
the Alpha and all, without any problems. Obviously that breach of etiquette is something you will
want to deal with personally.” Arthur’s growl was a clear indication that he intended to do something
about his brother’s shocking behavior. Breaking into the Alpha’s house and attacking a guest was
definitely bad form.

“As for me and Diablo, well we just want to be left alone to enjoy our lives together. If that means we
can’t come up here and visit, then that is the way it will have to be. Been like that for fifteen years and
it won’t be too hard to stay away. You know you and Aunty are always welcome to visit us.” Griff
looked down at his mate. Diablo could see the unshed tears in his beloved’s eyes so he simply nodded
as Griff turned back to the Alpha and said quite clearly, “We don’t want any restitution from the man
who used to be my father.”

“No, Griff no, it doesn’t have to be like this,” a woman’s voice cried out and suddenly a short older
woman came pushing through the line of enforcers and the men who had come with Griff’s father.
One of the men, who looked suspiciously like one of Griff’s brothers tried to catch her and pull her
back as she went past, but she evaded him and ran straight into Griff’s chest, flinging her arms around
him. Her little arms only went part of the way round and her head barely hit the middle of Griff’s ribs,
but she clung on for grim death and would not let him go.

Patting her arm gently, Griff pulled the woman’s face from out of his ribs and said gently, “Mom?”
Diablo was probably the only one who picked up the barely discernable tremor in Griff’s voice.

“Yes, Griff. Oh sweetie, I swear I didn’t know what was going to happen to you when they sent you
away and I have really tried to keep track of you ever since. But your father,” she threw the man a
hateful look, “would never allow me to contact you. Honey, I never cared that you were gay. I was
worried that you would never find your mate, but when Cheryl came back from Kane and Shawn’s
ceremony and told me about how the two of them were so clearly mated, I had real hope for you as
well.”

“And look at you now, you’ve grown up so big and strong and handsome and you have this lovely big
cat that will fight for you even in the middle of a wolf pack. I am so proud of who you have become
my son and that is why I am doing something I should have done a long time ago.” Griff’s mother
untangled herself from Griff’s body and turned to face her Alpha, her head turned to one side and her
neck exposed.

“Alpha, on behalf of my son Griff I petition for restitution for the attack by my husband on our boy. I
ask that he be killed or banished for his acts against Griff, his mate, Kane’s pack and your home.”

“Margaret,” Cheryl came forward to take her friend’s hand. “You can’t mean that.”

“Cheryl, my friend you know how I have suffered over the years at the hands of this man. This is my
chance to be free of him, if the Alpha will allow me and the rest of the family to stay of course.”
Cheryl patted her friend’s hand and they both turned to face Arthur who was looking more confused
by the minute. His gaze was focused on Cheryl and they were obviously having a private discussion.
Within two minutes the Alpha was growling and by the time he broke his gaze from his mate his fists
were clenched and the anger was painted over his face. In two quick strides he was standing over his

brother.

“You beat your mate? You intimidate your children? You rule your house with fear? What are you
Reuben, a psychopath or someone with a king sized hate on for your own family?”

“She’s not my mate, she’s my wife - there’s a big difference…and what do you care oh great and
mighty Alpha? I saw what you did to Kane before he left. You’re no better than I am.” Griff’s father,
Reuben, might be down but his attitude still needed a huge adjustment. There was no respect in his
tone as he addressed his Alpha brother.

As Arthur roared his disgust, the wolves in his pack all dipped their heads and tilted them in a sign of
submission. Diablo didn’t feel the need to do so, although he could feel the power in the room.
Looking up he saw that the members of his pack were similarly unaffected. Filing his questions away
for another time, Diablo went back to listening in on the on-going drama while enjoying the feel of
Griff’s hand that was lightly scratching the fur on the back of his neck. It was really hard to sit still
like a staunch cat protector when all he wanted to do was nudge Griff to the ground, shift while on top
of him and kiss the man senseless.

“How dare you speak to me in that tone? Yes I did wrong by Kane and I have spent years regretting
every blow and every word. But I have never hit my mate. I haven’t hit any of my other children and I
don’t rule my home or my pack with fear. You are nothing but a piece of disgusting garbage who has
always believed that might is right…”

“You can’t talk to me like that. You did beat your son because he was gay and that was the right thing
to do. They are an abomination and you are feeding them in your home like it was no big deal. Why
would you do that?”

“Because, my brother,” Arthur’s firm voice boomed through the house. “If the Fates have sent these
men, my family and men like them true mates, like the bonds I see with the men who visited me
today, then who the hell am I to care what they get up to in the privacy of their own rooms. The Fates
bought these guys together - are you better than the Fates now?”

“There is no such thing as mates,” the man on the floor said bitterly. “I never found mine and look
what I got saddled with instead. A weak wife, stupid kids and a faggot for a son. You are just hiding
your own gay tendencies behind the riddle of the Fates.”

Taking a deep breath Arthur looked around the room before turning his eyes onto Kane, Shawn, Griff
and Diablo. Looking at Shawn he spoke.

“I Arthur Matthews, Alpha of the Denver Colorado Pack, do hereby sentence you, Reuben Matthews to
death for long term crimes against your family, against the Cloverleah Pack and for initiating an
attack on guests in my own home on pack lands. The sentence to be carried out immediately.”

Shawn looked at Arthur closely for a moment and then nodded. “As Shifter Guardian I consider this a
fair and just punishment. Under pack law you Arthur, or Kane, Griff, Diablo or Margaret all have the
right to carry out the punishment. Otherwise the enforcers can take care of it.” Shawn’s voice was
quiet but firm and carried around the room.

Arthur shook his head. He was clutching onto Cheryl’s hand like a lifeline, his other arm wrapped
loosely around Margaret’s shoulders. Kane looked at Shawn and then back at Griff and Diablo. “I
think Griff or Diablo should do it,” he said firmly.

Diablo could feel Griff’s hand tightening on his head as the big man struggled with his decision. He
nudged Griff with his nose and rubbed his head up and down the man’s thigh in support taking care
not to knock the man over.

Taking a deep breath Griff said, “I have never wished you harm Reuben, even after all you did to me.
But hearing how you have abused my mother and the rest of my family all these years I want you
dead, believe me I want you dead. But I am not like you and I feel no shame in letting your death be at
the hand of another.” He looked down at Diablo who was watching him with his big yellow eyes. They
flashed for a second and then Diablo stalked over and grabbed Reuben, who was still lying on the
floor, by his shoulder and stalked out of the door with the man dragging behind him. As Reuben got an
idea of what was about to happen he started screaming and cursing and trying to hit out at Diablo, but
the big cat didn’t let go. His huge fangs were firmly embedded in the thrashing man’s shoulder
stopping him from shifting and Diablo just kept on padding out the door, down the porch stairs and out
onto the concrete where he dropped him.

Diablo let out a huge roar, that resounded around the house and clearing and then with the words,
“You are nothing but a fucking faggot,” ringing in his ears from the man below him, he flicked out his
claws and in one quick lethal swipe Reuben’s throat, hell his whole neck, was gone and the man was
finally quiet. Not even bothering to look at his prey, Diablo turned and walked back up to the house.
He needed to find his clothes and then he wanted to hold his mate.

Griff was waiting for him on the porch. The big man was crying and he dropped down on his knees
beside the lethal panther and hugged him tight. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, my lover. Thank
you so much. I love you so much, my angel, so very much.” Griff’s whispered words caused Diablo to
purr a little and he stood still and let his lover cry himself out realizing perhaps that Griff couldn’t
have done this if he had been in his human form.

Finally Griff pulled himself together and went to stand up. “Let’s go find your clothes, my mate and
get you shifted, aye.” Chuffing in agreement, Diablo went to follow his mate when he heard a little
girl calling out, “Uncle Griff, Uncle Griff.” They both turned to watch a cute little girl aged about four
years old come running up the steps after them. A tall dark haired woman was walking slowly behind
her. The little girl came right up to Griff and started tugging on his jeans. Kneeling down Griff took
her tiny hand in his and just looked at her before saying, “who are you little one?”

“I’m Casey,” the little girl said boldly, “and I’m four and that’s my Mommy, over there.” She pointed
to the woman who was just coming up the porch steps. Griff looked up at the woman, searching her
face and then tentatively he said, “Crystal, is that you?” The woman nodded shyly and then broke out a
huge smile. That and her deep green eyes told Diablo that this must be one of Griff’s sisters.

“Hello brother, it has been a long time, as you can see. It is good to see you.”

“Crystal, I don’t believe it, you are all grown up and a mother now, wow.” Griff was stunned and even
more so when the woman laughed and came around to give Griff a huge hug. He tried to stand up but
Casey had his hand firmly and was tugging at him again.

“Uncle Griff, Uncle Griff.”

“What is it sweetie?” Griff asked Casey gently.

“Please Uncle Griff; can I please pet your cat? He is so pretty and so big, and I have never seen one
before, can I please?”

“Well, I don’t know Casey, why don’t you ask him yourself? This is your Uncle Diablo and he is a
black panther and they might not like being petted,” Griff said softly as he looked at Diablo with a big
grin on his face.

“Oh he’ll let me, won’t you Uncle Diablo, pretty please?” The little girl turned her huge eyes and
smiling face to the big cat, no fear on her features at all. She barely came up to Diablo’s shoulder.

Fate’s save me from little girls and grinning mates , Diablo thought as he slowly sank down on his
haunches until he was lying flat on the porch, his big head resting on his bigger paws. He sniffed at
Casey and she obligingly held out her hand, seeming to know that Diablo would have to smell her
before she approached him proper. Then he bunted his head under her hand so she could stroke him on
the top of his head.

As she reached his fur she let out a huge squeal which made everyone on the porch jump. Diablo
forced himself to remain still so he wouldn’t hurt the little girl given that she was so close to him.

“Oh he is so soft, Mommy, and so pretty. His fur is so warm and did I say it was soft? He is just so
cuddly,” and with that Casey wrapped her arms around Diablo’s neck and gave him a surprisingly
huge squeeze for someone so small. He gave a little cough to warn her that her arms were a little bit
tight and she loosened her grip a bit as she carried on chatting.

“You know Uncle Diablo, my friends want to come and pet you too, is that okay? I just know you will
say yes, cos you are such a lovely cat and they haven’t seen one either, is that okay with you?” Diablo
looked up to see another three children all standing about three foot away staring around the legs of
the adults. He nodded slowly and then winced a bit as Casey squealed again, calling out to all her
friends to come and pat her Uncle Diablo. Within minutes there were seven or more kids all standing
around him running their little hands through his fur and playing with his ears and pulling up his lips
so they could see his teeth. Diablo just stayed as still as he could although he did start swishing his tail
when one little tyke decided it would make a good chew toy. He had limits after all.

Finally Griff came over and said, “Come on kids that’s enough. Time to let Uncle Diablo go and get
dressed, okay. He probably needs a cup of coffee after all that petting.” He started pulling off the
youngsters, one at a time, which didn’t work because as fast as he went to get another one the first one
would grab hold again.

Laughing, Kane and Shawn came to help, handing the kids to their respective parents as they got them
free. After about five minutes Diablo was free to stand up and he shook himself to get his fur back
where it was supposed to be. He looked up at the kids, still in their parents’ arms and was surprised
when they all said in their clear little voices, “Thank you Uncle Diablo.”

Chuffing to himself Diablo finally went inside looking for his clothes. Griff had them and he led
Diablo down to the office so Diablo could shift. Hmm, it is okay to let me be a wolf pup chew toy, but
not okay to shift and be naked in front of the family. Weird mate, he thought with a grin.

As soon as Griff closed the office doors Diablo shifted into his human form, reaching for his clothes.
But Griff dropped them on the big leather chair that Diablo had been posing in just an hour or so
before. Stalking back to his mate Griff wrapped Diablo up in his loving arms and started kissing him,
softly at first and then with increasing passion. When they finally broke for air Griff leaned his
forehead against Diablo’s and whispered, “I love you so much, my mate, so very much.”

“As I love you, always,” Diablo replied softly. He held Griff a moment longer and then stroked the
man’s face. “Are you okay?”

“Yes lover.” Griff looked at him with his bright green eyes. “Thanks to you I am more than okay.”

“Great,” said Diablo with a grin. “So where’s that coffee you promised me? Being a wolf pup’s chew
toy takes it out of a man you know.”

Laughing Griff went and got Diablo’s clothes and threw them back at him. Swiftly pulling up and
fastening his jeans, Diablo threw his t-shirt over his head and pulled his long blond hair out from the
neck of it, shaking it around his shoulders. Slipping his feet into his boots, he zipped them up and then
stood looking at Griff who had sat down in the leather chair and had been watching him dress. Diablo

was pleased to see that the man still had a half smile on his face and a definite bulge in his jeans. His
mate couldn’t be too upset by the events of the day if he was thinking dirty thoughts.

“Come here,” Griff said his voice low and promising wicked things.

“Na, uh, my lover. I am not starting anything with you in your Uncle’s house. Now come and get me
the coffee you promised me.” Diablo sauntered over to where Griff was sitting and smirked at him as
Griff pulled him down onto his lap and started kissing him again. Boy Griff ’s mouth should be
registered as a lethal weapon , Diablo thought as his head started to swim with pleasure. Things
probably would have gotten a lot more heated except they both heard a little knock at the door.

“Uncle Diablo, it’s Casey. Grandma said to tell you that coffee is ready so you have to come out now.”
Grandma, fuck. That would be Margaret. Diablo flashed a worried look at Griff who grinned at him.

“It’s fine Diablo, she loves you already as a cat for what you did for her. So come let her meet the man
behind the cat okay? Come and meet my Mom,” Griff said proudly. Then he grabbed Diablo’s neck
one last time to pull him in for another long and passionate kiss. Man, thought Diablo, I can’t wait to
get home. But first a cup of coffee, meet the mother-in-law and then hopefully a willing mate in a
warm bed. The day could only get better from here.

Chapter Twenty Two

Diablo woke up with Griff’s voice pounding in his head. What the fuck, Griff?

Diablo, thank the Fates you have woken up. Where are you?

What do you mean where am I? Griff??

Hon, you’ve been abducted. Where are you?

Abducted? Diablo carefully opened his eyes but he could see nothing but blackness all around. Crap.
Even with his shifter eyesight he could make out nothing except…except…it looked like he was in
some sort of a box. Deciding to try and get up Diablo went to move his arms and legs only to find they
were shackled together with some thick chains from the feel of things. Double crap.

Rocking his body from side to side Diablo could tell that the box itself was no bigger than a coffin. No
room to shift and while he could risk breaking the box open, without knowing what would be awaiting
him when he did it, he quickly made the decision to scrap that idea.

Er Griff honey, I don’t actually know where I am. I’m in some kind of box, about the size of a coffin.
Feet and hands shackled together. Can’t see a bloody thing and no room to shift. Please tell me this is
your idea of some kind of sick joke.

No joke my lover, not of my doing. Sweetheart… Griff broke off he sounded heartbroken. Diablo
struggled to clear his head so he could remember what had happened.

He remembered being at the Matthews house. Killing Griff’s father. Playing with Griff’s nieces and
nephews. Getting coffee. Talking to Arthur, Cheryl and Margaret. Heading off for home with the
others and really looking forward to getting there.

Riding the bike. The others going ahead as they overtook a large vehicle. Diablo coming up behind
them ready to overtake. Then…then a grey van pulled up beside him. Diablo was struggling to
remember more. He got shot with something. Came off his bike…screaming for Griff in his head as
he…as he…as he passed out.

Fuck Griff the bastards shot me with something. Guys in a grey van. I passed out and woke up here…
wherever here is.

Did they hurt you sweetheart? Are you okay?

Hmm I think so. Can’t move much but nothing seems to be broken. Head is real fuzzy and all I can
hear is this bloody droning noise.

Back in Cloverleah, Griff looked at Kane and Shawn. “He can hear a droning noise but that’s all,” he
said quietly. “No sight, no touch, he’s shackled in a box like a coffin, been drugged but he reckons
otherwise unhurt.”

“Well that explains why I’m not getting much.” Shawn had been focusing on Diablo’s scent and trying
to bring up a picture of where the man was. But all he could see was the dark shape of the box that
Diablo was obviously being held in.

Could you be in a plane hon? Is the noise you hearing similar to an airplane or vehicle noise of some
sort?

Diablo concentrated on what he could hear and smell - the only two senses he had left that might help
him. As he listened intently he could hear the droning noise change tone, and then there was a loud
clunk coming from somewhere underneath him. Landing gear. He sniffed the air cautiously but all he
could smell was his own sweat and traces of pine - the box he was in.

Yes Griff. A plane. It will be landing soon. I just heard the landing gear engage. How long have I been
out?

Just under five hours, sweetheart. I’ve been frantic.

Yes Diablo could imagine the state that Griff was in but he had more immediate problems. Five hours.
When he was taken they were about half way back to Cloverleah. Diablo struggled to remember what
airports might be handy to where they had been. But that was no use. The plane could have used a
private airstrip and if they were carrying illegal cargo, like an increasingly irate cat shifter, then his
abductors was not likely to be using a regular airport.

Baton Rouge. Diablo messaged to his mate. It was the only answer that made sense. Somehow Georgio
had found out where he had gone and had made plans to abduct him and take him back for whatever
master plan was going down Friday - the day Angel was supposed to return him. What a cluster fuck.
He could tell that Griff had been following his thought patterns, something his next message
confirmed.

Yeah, hon. Could only be Georgio. No worries my honey, Angel will just have to come back in and pull
you out again.

NO! Diablo was adamant. He did not want Griff pulled into this mess more than he was already. His
life wouldn’t be worth living if something happened to the man he loved. Diablo tried to convey these
thoughts and feelings to his mate.

I know you love me honey and I feel the same way. But you can’t expect me to sit back and do nothing.

Griff my lover, please don’t come here. It won’t be safe for you or Angel. Tony said the FBI would be
swooping in on Friday to serve the warrants for Georgio and his gang. That’s in less than 48 hours. I
can hold out till then.

Not gonna happen Diablo. That scuzzball took my mate and our pack member. This is our problem
now.

Even as Griff’s quietly confident voice came through their mind link Diablo could sense the man was
making arrangements to do just that. Head down to Baton Rouge and save him. And Diablo knew there
was nothing he could do to stop his stubborn mate. With his head pounding Diablo gave up the fight to
stay awake.

At least give Tony a heads up first. I love you Griff. And then Diablo faded into the silky embrace of a
drug induced sleep. Griff’s words of love echoing in his mind as he did.

/~/~/~/

Back in Cloverleah Griff grabbed his head, pacing the floor and trying to come up with a sensible plan
of attack to get his mate back. He couldn’t bear the thought of the man he loved tied up in a dark box.
The day had gone so well even though Diablo had to kill Griff’s father. Griff had expected to feel
some remnants of resentment against his mate for that, but instead all he felt as he saw Diablo take
care of the situation in a calm and controlled manner was an overwhelming sense of relief. The
bastard would never hurt him or his family again and Griff had planned on showing Diablo just how
thankful he was when they got home. Then on the ride home. Pleasure one minute enjoying the
sensation of the bike throbbing between his thighs and the wind in his hair and the next minute a yell
from Diablo who had dropped back waiting to overtake a large truck. Griff was stuck with no way to
turn back thanks to on-coming traffic and so he pulled over waiting for his chance and texting Kane as
he fumed. He figured that Diablo had come off his bike somehow and the thought of his mate lying
injured on the road spurred him to be more reckless with his turn than he should have been.

Finally he got back to where the accident had occurred. Some men had stopped and pulled Diablo’s
bike from the middle of the road where it had landed but of Diablo there was no sign. Hasty
conversations with the humans who had saved the bike revealed that Diablo had been slung into a grey
van which had taken off in the opposite direction. Griff pushed and pushed at their mind link, trying to
get his mate to respond as he grew more panicked with every second that passed. It was only Kane’s
firm presence and a healing touch from Shawn that allowed Griff to get his act together and head back
to Cloverleah. With no scent to follow and no leads from Diablo the pack needed to regroup and come
up with a plan to save Diablo. And leaving him in Georgio’s hands for the next 48 hours waiting for
the FBI to act was not an option.

Griff looked up at the men around him. Kane, Scott, Troy and Dean were all sitting watching the blue
orb that flickered between Shawn’s hands as he tried to keep the tenuous connection with Diablo.
Shawn was getting tired, Griff could tell and although it broke his heart to say Griff heard himself tell
Shawn to let the link break. Shawn would need his strength if he was going to transport all of them to
Baton Rouge and as far as Griff was concerned that was something that had to happen.

“I am going to ring Tony and give him a heads up and find out if he has learned any more about the
plans Georgio has for Diablo.” Kane looked surprised at Griff’s words because Griff was adamant that
Diablo’s abduction was a pack matter and not one for the FBI. Griff caught his questioning look.

“Oh don’t worry. I am not leaving Diablo with that fucker for a minute longer than necessary and yes
anyone in the pack who wants to help is welcome. I know he is being held by humans but he is my
mate and I am going to get him back as soon as they have stopped moving him. Shawn can I count on
your help to get me there?”

“Of course my friend, you don’t have to ask. And of course we,” Shawn pointed to himself and Kane,
“will be coming with you.”

“So will we,” Scott spoke up while Troy and Dean nodded. “No one takes a pack member from us. We
are all here for you Griff.”

Griff nodded his head. His heart was full of gratitude and thanks for the men by his side. Diablo had
only been in their lives a few short days and yet the fact that now he was so readily accepted to the
point where this small group of shifters were prepared to risk their lives was truly amazing.

“Okay, well I will ring Tony and see what I can find out. Maybe you guys should rest and get
something to eat because I want to head out as soon as we get a fixed position for Diablo.”

Wandering away from the group he heard Kane explain to the others about Diablo’s last case and how
Griff himself sometimes did a bit of work for the FBI. He didn’t begrudge the other men in his pack
his secrets. Not now when they were all so willing to help. It wasn’t that he didn’t want the others in
the pack to know exactly it was just up until today he had never had a reason to involve any of them.

But this time Griff knew it was different. This wasn’t just a case with a faceless agent and human
marks. This time a mark had gone too far and Georgio would pay for what he had done. Trying not to
dwell on the image of Diablo shackled in a box he quickly pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and
dialed Tony’s number. Requests for a secure line had Tony ringing him back in a matter of seconds.

“Griff, what’s wrong? Has something happened to Diablo?” Tony’s normally calm voice was tinged
with worry and concern.

“Yes as a matter of fact, how did you know?” Griff was too on edge to be nice to his friend and boss.

“Oh fuck.” The fact that the older man swore was huge. Tony never lost his cool over anything.

“What do you know, Tony? What haven’t you told me?”

Griff listened in stunned silence for a few moments before swearing under his breath.

“Well it’s not going to happen Tony. I don’t care what your plans are or what you have put in place. I
am getting Diablo out of there tonight. You sort out your own bloody paperwork and shit and let me
do what I do best.”

“Griff come on. Don’t you realize how big this could be? To capture five of the biggest international
criminals there are? Interpol is all over this and it has to be coordinated properly. Hold off until
Friday, please.”

“NO!” Griff was roaring now. “My mate, my reason for living is shackled in a bloody coffin, drugged
and possibly hurt. I am not leaving him there and if you don’t like it then you can bloody stuff
yourself and your job up your arse.”

“Griff be reasonable my friend. You can’t go up against Georgio on your own.”

“Well that’s something you don’t know about me Tony.” Griff looked up to see the others had come in
after hearing Griff yelling. “I’m not on my own and this isn’t an FBI matter anymore. I have pack
members with me and believe me we will get Diablo out. Make sure you have plenty of body bags
handy when you finally get your men in place because you will bloody need them.” Griff was snarling
as he ended the call.

“What is it Griff? What’s happening with Diablo?” Dean had crept forward and laid a hand on Griff’s
arm. Griff just stared at it for a moment before shaking his head.

“Georgio plans to sell him as a sex slave. He has five international crime bosses coming in for an
auction on Friday. It seems once Georgio realized that I would probably take his boy’s virginity,
because that is what I or rather Angel Bandures would do he decided that Diablo being sold as a sex
slave was a fitting end for an FBI agent. Once Diablo’s new owner took Diablo out of the country
Georgio knew the chances of anyone finding him would be next to zero.”

The men all stood silently for a minute as they absorbed what Griff had said. The fact that someone
would do that to another person just because the guy wouldn’t put out was a bit extreme to say the
least.

“But Griff, didn’t you say that Georgio had these plans in place before you, as Angel took him for the
week?” Troy couldn’t work out why this didn’t sound right.

“Yeah,” Griff sighed. “According to the information Tony got from the guy Corbin, Diablo’s FBI
handler for this case, Georgio had planned to take Diablo’s virginity himself the Saturday night I took
him. By force if necessary from what Tony could work out. Then figuring Diablo would then be used
goods and a potential threat to his own criminal enterprise he figured by getting him out of the country
any evidence that Diablo might have collected would be useless without Diablo’s testimony to back it
up.”

The fact that the whole plan had been in place for almost a month and that the scumbag Corbin had
known about it all along was enough to make Griff sick. It was only the fact that Corbin was already in
custody that stopped Griff from hunting the man down and killing him.

“Shawn, have we got any idea where they have taken Diablo yet?” Griff asked, the plan forming in his
head taking shape.

Shawn flicked open his hands and he quickly zeroed in on Diablo’s essence. The picture Shawn bought
up did nothing to ease Griff’s fears that his mate could be raped or worse before they got to him. The
sight of his mate’s naked body strapped to some type of frame in a small room was both heartbreaking
and a tiny bit erotic. From the slump of Diablo’s head it was clear the man was still drugged and

asleep. Griff just hoped that he stayed that way just a little bit longer.

Forcing his gaze from his mate’s naked body Griff asked Shawn to widen the view so he could get a
handle on where the man was being held. A gaudy neon sign in the corner of the room confirmed
Griff’s suspicions. Diablo was being held in a back room in Georgio’s club and from the signs of food
being laid out and a bar being prepared this was obviously going to be some kind of private viewing -
probably for Diablo’s potential buyers. With one last longing look at his mate, Griff ordered Shawn to
break the connection.

“Okay, we know where he is being held - at Georgio’s club. Now we have just got to get in there.”

“How are we going to do that Griff?” Kane’s voice held traces of his own anger and as Griff looked at
the others it was clear they were no happier about what was being done to Diablo than he was.

“Well knowing Georgio’s arrogance I suggest we go in as Angel and his entourage. The man probably
expects me to turn up and try and get Diablo back. The FBI has peppered the area with enough hints on
how infatuated Angel is with Diablo, so let’s go crash this party.” Griff’s cold grin turned feral. “And
when we are inside be prepared to shift. No one is getting out of that room alive.” With the chorus of
agreement ringing in his ears the men prepared for Shawn to transport them all to Baton Rouge.

Chapter Twenty Three

“Wow this is how the other half lives aye Griff,” Scott said cheekily as the men looked around the
massive hotel suite rented in the name of Angel Bandures. There was luxury and money spent in every
detail of the room from the furnishings, to the wall coverings and the expensive furniture that graced
the set of three rooms. Griff just shrugged it off as he pulled a phone out from the set of drawers by
one of the beds. Hitting one of the numbers on the keypad he waited for a response.

“Yes, Bruno, I want the car bought around the front for me in ten minutes.”

Waiting long enough for an affirmative before hanging up the phone Griff looked over his friends.
Griff of course was in his customary Armani suit and he had gotten Shawn to dress the others in
similar attire. Walking over to a large closet he pulled out a big flat suitcase and set it on the bed. The
others crowded around him as he opened it.

Quickly moving through the upper level of clothes and other incidentals, Griff pulled at a hidden lever
in the side of the case and a panel opened up revealing a variety of guns all packed away neatly.

“Guns, Griff. Do we really need them?” Kane asked curiously as he pulled on the shoulder holster that
came with his weapon.

“Nope,” said Griff as he put his in the back waistband of his trousers. He slipped another smaller gun
into his boot. “But Georgio’s men are going to expect us to be armed and we need something for them
to confiscate.”

“Ah,” said Troy, “So we are giving them a sort of psychological advantage thinking they have
rendered us helpless without the guns.”

“You got it.” Griff grinned as he pulled out two large black leather arm bands complete with shiny
silver studs decorated throughout. He indicated for Dean to come over and started putting them on
Dean’s forearms.

“What are these for Griff?” The younger man asked quietly.

Griff looked at the Omega carefully. He knew that the smaller man often felt weak and useless when
he wasn’t able to fight like the others. Shawn had been working with Dean to get him to understand
that he didn’t need to fight with the others to have value and a place in the pack. All in all Dean was a
good, quiet young man and no-one in the pack wanted to see him hurt.

“I need for you to get Diablo free while the rest of us take care of the others in the room.” Griff
flicked a few of the metal studs on the cuffs to show Dean the lock picking tools in one of the cuffs
and a pair of sharp metal blades in the other.

“But I can…” Dean’s voice rose aggressively.

“I know you can. But this is more important. I don’t want my mate strapped up for a second longer
than necessary. Regardless of what else is going on in the room I want you to head for that bloody rack
and get Diablo untied and out of it. If necessary try and get him to shift so that the drugs will clear
from his system. I trust you with this Dean, okay?”

Heaving a sigh, Dean nodded and Kane smiled his approval. As the Alpha Kane knew the man would
far rather shift and fight with the others but until they knew exactly how many men were going to be
in the room and what weapons they were coming up against it made sense for Dean to have one
specific, and important purpose. The rest of them could wing it.

“Right guys. From the moment we step out of this room I am Angel Bandures, your boss and feared

crime lord from Florida. It goes without saying that right at this moment I have ever right to be feared.
They have got my mate now let’s go get him back.”

/~/~/~/

Griff certainly had Georgio pegged correctly. When the men had arrived at the club and Angel
demanded that he be taken to Georgio and Diablo, the men let them in without a problem although all
of the weapons they had taken so much time to put on were, as Griff had predicted, confiscated. On
their arrival the group had been greeted civilly enough and ushered into a small waiting room where
two of Georgio’s goons quietly frisked all of the men and removed their weapons. Only Dean’s cuffs
were allowed to remain as the guards had mistakenly assumed they were part of a BDSM ownership
mark. Griff did not disabuse them of that thought even though Dean blushed a bright red when it was
mentioned.

“Happy now,” Griff asked the guards arrogantly. He flicked his long hair back from his face and
flexed his muscles under his suit. “Do you really think I needed that weaponry you stupid man.” He
slammed one fist into his other hand and the resounding smack made the goon in front of him gasp.

“Er, no Mr. Bandures. Mr. Sheraton’s orders sir. No one is allowed into his party with any weapons.”
One of the goons stammered out.

“Fine. We are weapon free. Take us to Georgio…NOW.”

The two goons led the pack through the main room of the club, which at this time of night was still
fairly quiet. Griff didn’t look around him to see if the others followed. Not only was he playing into
his persona of Angel, all round arrogant arse hole, but he was also desperate to get into the room with
his mate. When one of the goons finally opened the door and ushered the men through it took all of
Griff’s training to mask his anger and dismay.

Inside the room Georgio and five other men all dressed in suits and holding drinks were standing in
the center of the room where Diablo had been put up on display. He was naked, his tanned skin
gleaming under the lights. Only his head was slumped forward, his long blond hair framing and
covering the face itself. The man was still under the effects of whatever drugs his abductors had used.
The buyers, for the want of a better word, were openly admiring Diablo’s physique, many of them
running their hands up and down the sleek lines and well defined muscles. Griff fought his desire to
shift then and there. Around the walls of the room were about a dozen other men, and from the way
they were standing it was clear they were the bodyguards of the five international crime lords.

“Him, the short stocky one in the front, he’s mine.” Griff murmured quietly to Kane who was standing
directly behind him and to the left. Shawn was in the same position on his right with Troy and Sean
flanking them. Dean stayed in the back ready to lock the door on Griff’s command. All men stood still
as Georgio, because who else could it be, moved closer to them.

“Mr. Bandures, Angel, what brings you back. I wasn’t expecting to see you until Friday.”

“Cut the crap Georgio. You knew I would be here as soon as you took my boy from me. What are you
up to, you stupid fuck? Did you think I would do business with you when you act in such a deceitful
manner?”

“Ah, but he’s not your boy, is he Angel,” Georgio came closer obviously totally unaware in his own
arrogance of just how much danger he was in. “He’s mine!”

“He was mine until Friday according to our agreement. An agreement you broke. And what, you share
your pleasures, with these scum?” Griff indicated the other men in the room who were now watching
the exchange with interest. Griff could feel the men beside him stand tense and ready to fight and/or

shift as the need arose.

“You defiled him, Angel.” A fanatical look took over Georgio’s face as he moved even closer. “You
took what was mine for the taking and you defiled him. His arse was mine and you just took it!”

Shaking his head, Griff growled. “It was never yours you dumb fuck. And I can’t take what was freely
given. Get it through your head that Diablo is mine and I will take him with me, today.”

“Even though he’s an undercover FBI agent? Hmm, you still want him Angel? Lying deceitful little
shit that he is?” Georgio was almost laughing, sure that his little bombshell would sway Griff’s
opinion of the man. Maybe if he had been truly Angel Bandures it might have made a difference but
then the stupid human in front of him had no idea about mates and how truly special they were.

“A FEEB, ha? How long have you know about this little tit bit Georgio?” Griff was prepared to play
him along a little bit longer but over Georgio’s shoulder Griff could see that Diablo was starting to
come to and he needed to get this situation sorted and get his mate out of here quickly.

“Six months.” Georgio positively purred he was so pleased with himself. “Hm, interesting situation.
His handler came to see me personally. Said Diablo was close to finishing his job. He asked me if I
wanted to be the one who would take this agent down. Well, how could I refuse an offer like that when
there is a man like Diablo on the table?”

“So you let a known FBI agent stick around for a full six months? Still gathering intel and still doing
his job. Putting your associates and the people you did business with in danger?” Griff couldn’t
believe this man’s stupidity. If he had genuinely been a crime lord he would have been horrified. As it
was Griff was horrified but not for the reason Georgio thought.

“Yes, but of course the man has to be around for the case to stick. Hence the need for some creative
thinking on my part. Pretty clever don’t you think?” Georgio leant close to Griff, “I plan to sell him
overseas. These gentlemen,” Georgio’s hand waved idly at the men standing behind him, “all know the
score and have all agreed that if they become Diablo’s new owner, for the want of a better word, then
they will be responsible for ensuring the little slut never sees the light of day. After they have had
their own brand of pleasure with him, of course.”

Closing his eyes, Griff took a deep breath, finally allowing the full depth of his anger and hatred for
the man in front of him to show through. His wolf, pulsing just under the surface reflected through his
eyes as he opened them and glared, grabbing Georgio by the neck and bringing the hapless man up to
eye level.

“Lock the door,” Griff growled sensing Dean rushing to do his bidding. At this pre arranged signal,
Kane, Shawn, Troy and Scott all moved forward to take care of the others in the room. But Georgio,
well Georgio’s death was Griff’s and his alone.

“Do you know what you have done, Georgio? Do you truly know who you have messed with?”

One look at Georgio’s face would tell anyone that the man was terrified. He kicked and squealed and
tried to get out of Griff’s grasp but the man wasn’t going anywhere. Griff’s hand on the man’s neck
tightened.

“But he’s a law agent. Why would you still want him if he is going to ruin your business and put you
in jail?” Georgio gasped, still trying to salvage something out of the situation.

“He’s my everything!” Griff roared, pulling his arm back and punching Georgio squarely in the face.
The man’s head lolled back obscenely as Griff dropped him and fell on him raining punches on the
man over and over as his anger at all that had been done to Diablo, his lover, poured out. Georgio
screamed and yelled until Griff planted a solid thump to his groin area. That shut him up.

Over and over Griff pummeled the man. Yes Griff could have just snapped Georgio’s neck but his
hatred of what had been done to his mate was just part of his rage. The fact that this man had even
touched Diablo was reason enough for death as far as he was concerned and he didn’t care that it was
in the name of the job Diablo had been doing. Maybe if Georgio had left him and Diablo alone then
the man might be able to live. But to abduct Diablo, drug him, leave him naked and bound for others
to paw over. That was just too much for Griff and his wolf to handle. Griff just kept on pounding on
the man until he felt Georgio’s life essence leave him. Only then did he stop and look to see what else
was going on.

There were bodies everywhere - no one who had been in the room when the pack entered was standing.
Troy, Scott and Dean were in wolf form finishing off their kills. Kane and Shawn were with Diablo
who was now off the rack, dressed in a suit similar to Griff’s and sitting on a small chair. Griff
couldn’t take his eyes of his mate as he stood in one fluid motion and crossed the room in huge steps.
Grabbing the man who had been watching him, with, was that love in his eyes, Griff swept Diablo into
his arms and held him close to his heart, dipping his head into Diablo’s neck so that he could smell the
apricots and spice that told him his mate was all right. Yes there were other scents on him as well but
the core scent that soothed Griff’s senses was all Diablo. Only then could Griff start to breathe
properly again.

As he felt Diablo’s arms come up around him and hold him tight, Griff did what any man would do in
his situation. He kissed his lover with all of the passion and angst and love and heartache, pain and
anger that he could. And Diablo, the perfect mate that he was, just took it all, held on just as tightly
and kissed him right back in exactly the same way.

“Er…Griff…we should probably think about getting out of here.” Kane’s voice held a tinge of
amusement but he was clearly concerned. “There are people coming. Do you think Tony has sent in
back up after all?”

Griff lifted his head and sniffed. “Yep, Tony and a whole bunch of agents. Hmm strange Tony came
on this one himself; he hasn’t been out of his office in years.” Deciding not to ponder on that one too
much he indicated that Troy, Scott and Dean should all shift back and get dressed as the pounding on
the still locked door started.

“FBI, Open Up!” Tony’s strident voice came through the door.

“Honestly, does anyone actually do what they are told when the FBI start yelling like that?” Griff
could hear Scott’s amused question as he strode to the door with Diablo firmly in his arms, tucked
under his jacket and Kane and Shawn flanking his sides.

“I want to talk to the man in charge,” Griff called out through the still closed door.

“You need to open up and let us all in or we will use force if necessary,” Tony called back.

“Na, uh, got an agent hostage in here. I want to talk to the man in charge and I’ll only let him in, no-
one else.” Griff’s reply was positively cocky as he pulled Diablo even closer. Diablo just smiled and
buried his face in Griff’s neck smelling his own unique scent. The relief he felt in being in his mate’s
arms again was overwhelming.

The men in the room could hear a heated debate going on in the hallway as more than one person tried
to talk Tony out of coming into the room on his own. But Tony wasn’t the Director of the FBI for
nothing and soon enough he called through the door.

“All right, just me for now. Unlock the door.”

Griff stepped back with Diablo while Kane got on one side of the door and Shawn got on the other. As

Shawn unlocked and opened the door slightly, Kane reached through, grabbed the unsuspecting man
and pulled him through quickly while Shawn closed and locked the door behind him. Thuds on the
door indicated that more than one other person had hoped to try and get through the door at the same
time. Griff grinned. The FBI was so predictable.

Tony looked totally flustered for a moment, his arms gripped in Kane’s big hands. When he regained
his footing he looked at Kane who simply gave him a grin and dropped his hold.

“Just making sure you wouldn’t fall Director,” he said in his deep low voice stepping back and giving
the man a chance to look around the room.

“Bloody hell, Griff,” Tony said at last. “What a mess.”

Griff looked around the room as though seeing it for the first time. He shrugged his shoulders and said
simply, “they were touching my mate, what can I say?”

“Your mate. Yes.” Tony looked at Diablo for the first time who was still wrapped around Griff. “You
must be Diablo, I take it.”

“Yes sir, Special Agent Derrick Franklin, pleased to meet you.” Diablo leaned forward to shake
Tony’s hand but he didn’t let go of his grip on his mate. The previous twelve hours without Griff had
been too long, too painful and far too hard to go through again.

“Yes, well I had hoped it would be under better circumstances.” Tony at least had the grace to look
embarrassed.

“I did try to stop Griff from coming, sir,” Diablo said quietly. “I worked hard for the arrests I had
lined up and I wanted them processed through the proper channels. You know that. But what Georgio
did this time and what he planned to do. Well,” Diablo looked up at Griff, his eyes shining, “you can’t
take a mate from a shifter or his pack and not expect to die for it. It’s just our way.”

Tony blushed and looked around the room again. “Yes well I s uppose it is all understandable, and
Diablo I will make sure you will get the credit for the other arrest warrants which we are executing as
we speak. But really guys how am I going to explain all of these bodies if I don’t take any of you into
custody. You know vigilante style justice is not approved of in the courts and stuff it, Interpol is
involved in all of this.”

“Well,” said Griff easily, “That is why you are the head of the FBI and us blokes, well we are just
ordinary citizens who just wanted to save our friend from a fate worse than death. I am sure you can
work out the logistics and the paperwork.”

“Yeah but Griff, some of these men. They look like they have been mauled by wild animals. How am I
going to explain that type of thing in an autopsy?” Tony looked at the group of six men, all in suits
and none of them looking particularly roughed up. He couldn’t help but wonder just what had
happened before he arrived.

“Will that be too much of a problem for you Director?” Shawn spoke up quietly, his voice a firm and
confident contrast to Tony’s increasing agitation.

“It’s definitely something that is going to be really difficult to explain,” Tony said as he looked at a
couple of the bodyguards whose throats had been ripped open by what was very definitely teeth. Big
teeth. He cast a surreptitious look around the room wondering who was responsible for that.

“Let me take care of that aspect for you at least,” Shawn said equally quietly as he turned and threw up
a huge blue ball of energy into the room. It expanded and then fell gracefully so that it covered all of
the dead bodies where they lay. Seconds later it dissipated and when Tony looked down at the ripped
throat he had been staring at just moments before he could see that the wound had changed and instead

resembled more of a garroting mark, than teeth. A quick glance at the other bodies showed that they
too had more explainable marks of death on their corpses.

“Who are you?” Tony asked Shawn in wonder.

“Nobody you need to know,” Shawn responded with a smile. “Just a friend of Griff and Diablo like the
rest of us.”

“Can all of you do things like that,” said Tony as he looked at the others. It was Kane who answered as
he came up and swept Shawn into his arms - the move as possessive as hell and from the smile on
Shawn’s face, he loved it.

“My mate,” Kane enunciated the words carefully so Tony would understand, “is just a little bit special
that’s all. Nothing anyone else needs to know about, right?”

If there was a few teeth showing and a touch of a snarl in his voice as Kane spoke to Tony, who knew,
but Tony got the message and he nodded in reply. “Of course your secret, or should I say secrets,” he
added looking at the other men, “are all safe with me.” He grimaced at Griff. “Regardless of how this
is going to look on paper you guys all did a terrific service to both this country and the face of
international crime today and I do thank you, all of you.”

“You can thank us by not kicking up a stink about the hotel bill you will be getting from this little
venture. What do you think,” Griff said looking at Kane. “Do you reckon we could all take a few days
and have some fun in Baton Rouge here? They have casinos and dancing and plenty of food from room
service.”

This time it was Kane’s turn to grin. “Why the hell not. But,” he pinned Griff with a gleam in his eye,
“we all get separate rooms. Some of us like our privacy.”

Griff’s answering grin turned feral as he looked at Diablo still curled up by his side. “Yes we do, don’t
we.” He was pleased to see an answering need in Diablo’s eyes. Suddenly it seemed really important
to get out of the tacky room in the club filled with dead bodies. Especially when a hotel suite, with a
warm bed and a hot bath was waiting for them.

Looking at Tony Griff asked, “So are we all good now?”

“You mean you guys are all just going to walk out of here leaving me with a room full of dead bodies?
I can’t even take you in for questioning or anything?” The incredulity in Tony’s voice would be funny
if he wasn’t so serious.

“None of us are going near a police station or a field office Tony, you know that.” Griff was quite firm
on this point.

“But Diablo, you at least have to come in and finish off your report for this case. You are still
employed with us until tomorrow.” Tony tried again.

Diablo took one last deep breath of his mate’s intoxicating scent and then stood up straight and pulled
out of Griff’s embrace. Standing tall he stalked over to where Tony was standing every inch the strong
and deadly cat shifter that he was. Looming over the man he spoke softly but with deadly intent.

“Director, I have been beaten, I have been abducted. I have been drugged and laid out naked like a
piece of meat for those scum to paw all over me. The man was going to sell me, Director, as a sex
slave. All because of the FBI. You weren’t going to come in until tomorrow because you wanted all of
your paperwork and your bureau posturing sorted. I could have been dead or spirited out of the country
by then. I. Owe. You. Nothing.” And ignoring Tony’s dazed expression Diablo sauntered back to Griff
latching his long arm around his waist. “Come on lover, let’s go find a bed.”

Griff grinned at Tony and without another word he unlocked the door and Angel Bandures complete
with entourage walked through the mass of agents all waiting with guns drawn, out through the club
and into the waiting limousine. Nobody dared to stop them.

Chapter Twenty Four

By the time they had got the other men settled in suites of their own and Griff and Diablo finally made
it to Angel’s suite, Griff was all over Diablo like a man possessed. Diablo, who had never seen this
side of his mate before tried to slow him down, calm him down a bit. Diablo really wanted a shower
because he didn’t want the scent of others on his skin to upset Griff’s wolf. But Griff would not be
stopped.

“Griff, honey, please let me have a shower first, ha, then I am all yours,” Diablo tried. He looked deep
into Griff’s eyes and could see the wolf lurking beneath.

“Need you mate. Need you now.” Griff snarled as he tugged, pulled and ripped Diablo’s clothes from
his body. Within minutes Diablo was naked and thrust back against the door of the suite. He clung to
Griff’s massive biceps even as he continued to try and get his mate to stop.

“My cat, Griff, I don’t know if…” Diablo couldn’t even get the words out before Griff’s mouth
covered his in a blistering, claiming kiss.

Don’t stop me! Need you too much. Griff’s roar pounded through Diablo’s head even as flipped a
packet of lube out of his suit pants pocket and quickly opened it coating his fingers before plunging
two of them into Diablo’s arse. Diablo hissed at the burn, but said nothing and he continued to say
nothing as Griff quickly added another finger. After all, what could he say? His own cock was rock
hard and already leaking and his cat, while being a bit bitchy seemed to recognize that in this moment
it was Griff and his wolf that was in control.

As Griff’s hand rocked into him Diablo moaned as he felt the flood of pleasure seep through his nerve
endings and he started to move into Griff’s thrusts, his own breath picking up speed as he became
caught up in the sheer carnality of the moment. All too soon Griff had removed his fingers and swiped
the residue of lube over his own cock. Grabbing Diablo’s thighs in his huge hands he hoisted Diablo
up against the door even further and then quickly plunged into his mate. Not stopping until his balls
were flush with Diablo’s arse. Diablo hissed at the harsh entry and forced his muscles to relax around
Griff’s cock willing away the burn and discomfort.

Only once he was fully seated did Griff stop for a brief moment. He kissed Diablo savagely on the
mouth before peppering kisses and bites along his jaw line and his neck. “Need you mate. Need you to
be mine. My mate, my lover, mine,” he snarled as his oral assault continued.

Diablo just managed to gasp out, “yours Griff,” when Griff started to move. He pulled his cock almost
all of the way out of Diablo’s shaft before plunging back in again. As Griff felt Diablo’s muscles
quiver and ripple against him he started thrusting in and out, getting faster and faster as his own
frantic needs consumed him. The need to possess, to claim, to consume the man beneath him. Diablo’s
back was pushed against the door with each inward thrust. His arse felt like it was on fire and his balls
stung as they were pounded by Griff every time the man bottomed out. His breath coming in urgent
pants Diablo knew that all he could do was hang on and ride this out.

Bracing his arms on Griff’s shoulders, Diablo laced his hands behind Griff’s neck and buried his face
in Griff’s hair. He managed to lift up his lower legs higher still and wrap them just above Griff’s hips.
This tilted his body giving his mate more access to him and Griff signaled his pleasure by thrusting
even faster and deeper than before. It was mating at its most animalistic level and Diablo’s initial
feeling of discomfort quickly morphed into rising pleasure and excitement as he allowed his mind to
connect with Griff’s.

While he could see the overriding need for Griff to possess him on a basic level, he looked deeper and

as Diablo did that he could share and experience the sheer level of hell that Griff had gone through in
the twelve hours Diablo had been captured. Diablo’s absence had been pure torture for Griff who had
gone through panic and pain as well as intense anger once he realized what had happened and who
actually had Diablo. Even as he clung on to his mate’s rutting body Diablo vowed to himself that he
would never be parted from Griff again, for any reason.

All too soon Diablo could feel Griff’s cock swell even further and as Griff climaxed, pulsing his seed
deep into Diablo’s shaft he raised his head and plunged his teeth into Diablo’s mating mark, deeper
and harder than ever before. Diablo’s initial shock at the pain quickly receded into the most amazing
levels of pleasure and his own cock spurted its release between them. As the smell of spunk filled the
air Griff lifted his mouth and roared “MINE” in a voice so loud and so deep Diablo was sure the whole
hotel could hear it.

Diablo just continued to hang on to Griff’s shuddering body, his own body sated, his cat purring, he
whispered words of love and acceptance into his mate’s ear as Griff allowed his orgasm to drain out
all of the anger and pain he had gone through. When Griff’s cock finally softened enough to slip free
of its warm haven he gave a deep sigh, his arms wrapping around the man he thought he had lost.
Diablo’s legs slowly fell down Griff’s body and he struggled to find his feet on the floor, his head
nestled in Griff’s neck inhaling the man’s delicious scent. Griff palmed Diablo’s chin and bought his
head back up, his lips meeting Diablo’s this time in softness and love.

“Shower,” he said gruffly and when Diablo nodded Griff swung his arm down behind Diablo’s knees
and swept him off his feet. Stalking towards the bathroom Griff settled Diablo onto the toilet seat
while he got the water started. When it was hot enough he gently pulled Diablo in with him, letting
Diablo get the full force of the water over his aching muscles.

Diablo groaned when he felt Griff’s hands, soft with soap run slowly over his body, cleansing and
massaging all in one go. He literally purred as he felt Griff’s thick strong fingers moving through his
scalp as he washed and conditioned Diablo’s long blond hair and when he was finally clean Diablo
stood quietly as Griff dried him gently with the thick fluffy towels that only seemed to be found in a
high end hotel. By the time Griff had picked him up again and placed him carefully on the suite’s
master bedroom’s California King Diablo had never felt so pampered, spoilt or cherished.

/~/~/~/

The two men didn’t leave the suite or the bed for two days only calling in for room service when the
need for food outweighed all others. But finally the other men in the pack convinced them through
repeated texts, phone calls and finally a visit from Kane and Shawn that they really should go out with
the men to a club for a night of drinking, dining and dancing before heading home. Griff had sent
Scott and Troy round to Diablo’s old apartment for his clothes and other bits and bobs and Diablo had
phoned a carrier company to ship the items in his storage facility straight through to Griff’s home.
They were to be delivered within the week.

Griff’s possessive behavior had eased slightly as he watched his mate make the arrangements to be
with Griff full time. Now, as he lay sprawled across the bed watching his gorgeous man pour himself
into a pair of tight leather pants he couldn’t help thinking just how lucky he was that the Fate’s had
chosen this man, this epitome of physical perfection to be his mate. Even as Griff reminded himself
that it wasn’t just Diablo’s devastating beauty that appealed to him - the man was intelligent, funny
and as a lethal as sin as well - that didn’t mean he couldn’t appreciate the overall package. As Diablo’s
long legs and tight behind were encased in black leather Griff could feel his arousal grow and he was
so caught up in watching the muscles in Diablo’s back flex as the man himself bent over to put on his
boots he almost missed Diablo’s question.

“Hmm, what was that my lover,” Griff drawled, his heated gaze running over the fetching lines of
Diablo’s body, legs straight and long, buttocks pushed out and back arched as Diablo was busy fixing
a buckle on his boots. Diablo flicked his long blond hair out of his face and looked over. When he
caught Griff’s heated gaze and amused grin, Diablo straightened up and stalked over to the bed. As he
ran his own gaze over Griff’s body his eyes settled on the obvious mound growing in Griff’s own
leather pants. Dressed only in the aforementioned pants, his biker boots and a leather waistcoat,
Griff’s tattoos a sharp relief on glistening tanned skin the man every twinks biker fantasy come to life.
And while Diablo was anything but a twink the man sprawled out in front of him was everything he
had ever wanted or desired.

“You are insatiable my lover,” he grumbled softly although his smile indicated that the idea really
wasn’t a bad thing. “We are supposed to be going out .” Although as he watched Griff cup his crotch in
a blatant invitation Diablo’s own thoughts started to wander. “I asked if you had heard from Tony.”

Griff grimaced. “No, but I haven’t checked my phone since we got in here. Honestly I am not going to
worry about it. Tony can get all the shit sorted out.” He sat up on the bed and pulled Diablo close,
wrapping his arms around Diablo’s waist and burying his face into the hard muscles of Diablo’s
stomach. “Are you worried about the other arrests that Tony was due to execute yesterday?”

Diablo moaned softly as Griff started to kiss and lick along the lines of Diablo’s abs and he threaded
his fingers through Griff’s long thick hair massaging his scalp. “Hmm, it would be nice to know if the
whole thing got sorted out and all of those bastards got caught. I did put a lot of work into that case
you know.”

“Mmm, hmm, I know my lover,” Griff mumbled against Diablo’s skin, licking his way up to Diablo’s
pert nipples that were already hardened. “You did a good job too.” He lathed his tongue across
Diablo’s nipple and was gratified to hear Diablo’s soft gasp. But just as he was about to attack the
tantalizing nub under his lips, Diablo pulled his head up, fixing his dark gaze on Griff’s eyes.

“What?” He asked, surprised.

“We are going out tonight my lover. Clubbing. In Baton Rouge. It’s not that big of a place. I will
probably be recognized as Georgio’s boy, or ex-boy. I don’t want to cause ‘Angel’ any problems but
there is no way I want to do the whole submissive shit anymore. That was part of my job and not
something I want to repeat in a hurry. It would help if I knew all of those shits I fingered had actually
been arrested already.” Diablo was positively glaring at Griff now.

Pushing Diablo back slightly, Griff stood up and pulled the man back into him, crushing his lips
against Diablo’s and drinking him in. He didn’t think he would ever get enough of just how perfectly
Diablo fitted against his body even when the man was showing sign of agitation, as he was now. He
kept on kissing Diablo until he felt the man’s body relaxed fluid against him and only then did he lift
his head pleased to note the flush in Diablo’s cheeks and the glaze in Diablo’s eyes.

“Didn’t you hear the latest news? Seems Angel Bandures was so enamored of Diablo he married him
and made him a full partner in all of his business dealings. For what it is worth Georgio’s ex-boy
never has to worry about being a submissive again.”

“That’s what’s going in your cover? That we are married and partners?” The shock showed clearly on
Diablo’s face. “But there are so many families that don’t approve of that type of thing. Surely that
would cause problems if you need your Angel persona to get you in with some of the bigger crime
families around the states. And…and…I am known by some of those families.”

“All the more reason to set you up with something a bit more concrete than being someone’s boy,”
Griff said firmly. “Besides,” he said with a grin, “It also gives you the perfect reason to accompany

me if I have to do any jobs for Tony. You would want to come with me, wouldn’t you sugar?”

Sighing, Diablo cupped Griff’s face with his hands and gently kissed him. “You know I couldn’t bear
to be parted from you even for a couple of days. Fuck, that twelve hours I was captured was more than
enough separation for me.” He gave a huge sigh thinking over the opportunity Griff had presented him
with and weighing it up against possible backlash against his Angel cover.

It really didn’t need a lot of thinking about. If it were at all possible for him to go with Griff when he
did go off on his missions, then he wanted to be with his man. Homophobic crime lords were really
not that big a deal and if he wasn’t in the submissive role that had plagued his life as an undercover
agent then maybe he could even get a bit of payback along the way if the opportunity presented itself.

The grin he gave Griff was positively wicked. “So Angel thought my arse was worth that much, aye?
Marriage and a partnership all in one?”

“Hell, Diablo, for your arse Angel would give you the world.” Griff’s mouth plunged back down onto
Diablo’s again, claiming and caressing all at the same time. Diablo met him with the same amount of
passion. When they finally came up for air both men were panting hard.

“So,” Diablo gasped out, “We still going out?”

Nuzzling Diablo’s neck, Griff said, “We don’t have to…”

There was a harsh knock on the door.

“Or maybe we do,” Diablo dropped one more light kiss on Griff’s chin and then headed to the door.
Expecting the pack he was surprised to see Tony standing at the doorway. “Er Griff, I think it’s for
you,” he said as he ushered Tony into the suite.

“Actually, I wanted to see both of you,” Tony said looking around the room. “I have a bit of a
proposition for you.” His eyes widened at the sight of Griff storming out of the bedroom. In leathers
with a wild gleam in his eyes and his long hair flaring around his shoulders Griff looked menacing
enough to take on anybody and everybody. Griff strode over to Diablo and pulled him into a protective
embrace.

“If it involves Diablo doing any more of your shit for the FBI then the answer is hell no. He’s my
mate, MINE, and you guys have put him through enough already. His resignation is final and he is
going to be working for himself - with ME!” Griff said firmly.

Walking over to the table, Tony sighed and sat down on one of the plush leather chairs.

“Look,” he said quietly, “I don’t pretend to understand what it means by this mate bond you talk
about, but even I am not stupid enough to try and put Diablo back into the same undercover situations
he has been in before.”

“Then what do you want, Tony, because I have to tell you right now your presence here is really
upsetting my mate and as we were just on our way out to have a fun evening with our friends I’d like
to get this visit over and done with. No disrespect intended.” Diablo’s voice was quiet but firm. He
had managed to extract himself from Griff’s possessive arms but he stood tall beside him, his own
fists clenched.

Tony smiled as he looked over the two men standing together both ready to protect each other with
their lives. Diablo was so angelically beautiful and a perfect specimen of manhood yet Tony knew that
mask hid the ravenous intelligence and fighting skills the man had. And Griff, the epitome of the
perfect bad boy right down to his massively impressive body, tattoos, goatee and long hair, with his
own fighting and strategic skills. He wasn’t sure if either one of them was as yet aware of the level of
skill the other had but Tony had done some digging of his own and he knew the two men before him

were perfectly matched and that was outside of the bedroom.

What they were like under the covers Tony could only guess and as a straight man it wasn’t something
he considered very often. However looking at the two of them now, with Diablo still shirtless and in
his leather pants and boots like every gay man’s wet dream, and Griff in his biker boots and own
leathers Tony could only imagine the sex between them would be explosive. It wasn’t just the look of
the two men, as a couple and as individuals, it was the power he could sense that emanated from the
pair of them. As individuals they were stunning capable men, as a couple they were awe-inspiring.

Tony shook his head as he realized Griff had spoken to him. The impatience on the man came off his
shoulders in waves and Tony rushed to speak.

“Sorry guys. I was just wondering if you two were aware of just how compatible you were from an
FBI perspective.” Tony saw the question in Diablo’s face and the man looked like he was going to say
something but Tony carried on.

“Look I have been doing my homework, especially about you Diablo and I can see that your talents
have been seriously underused during the time you were on undercover assignments. You have
impressive fighting skills, solid weapons training and I understand you are one of the best computer
hackers we had. Your ability to judge people and situations is second to none that I can see and your
skills complement Griff’s perfectly.”

“Yes well all of that information was definitely in my file I’m sure, but no-one I was assigned to work
under seemed to get past my photo or physical looks. I worked bloody hard to be the best that I could
be in every way for the FBI and look where that got me.” Yes, there was definitely a touch of
resentment in the blond headed man.

Tony nodded, agreeing with both the spoken and unspoken message. Diablo wasn’t about to be used by
the FBI again and yet Tony desperately didn’t want to lose the man’s skills and abilities.

“I understand that Diablo, I really do. But look what I want is for you to work with Griff - doing the
same sort of things he does, but with him.” Tony held up his hand as he saw Griff start to speak. “You
have my word that neither one of you would be assigned without the other. You would both work the
jobs together. You already have a cover, Diablo as Angel Bandures’s love interest…”

“Husband and business partner,” said Griff firmly.

“Husband and business partner,” Tony amended, “and in situations where a cover isn’t necessary and
you are working on straight extractions then your respective skills will make the job easier for you
both.”

Diablo and Griff looked at each other.

We had already decided that you weren’t going on your jobs alone anymore anyway. Diablo quirked
an eyebrow at his lover.

Hmm and the pay is pretty good.

So we let him think this was his idea all along?

Yeah, but don’t give in to easily. Let him sweat a bit first.

You’re mean.

And yours.

And mine. Diablo smiled at Griff but when he faced Tony again his blank FBI face was in place.

“I don’t know, Tony,” Diablo said slowly. “I mean Griff and I have talked about his missions and

while we can both see the importance of the work he does my own experiences with the FBI have been
less than stellar. I don’t even know if Griff wants to keep working for you when he could be working
with me on our own jobs. There would be a lot less red tape involved.”

“Come on guys,” Tony said, frustrated, “You know I need you Griff because there are just some cases
where sending in a team could result in just too many deaths. But, but…” He stopped for a minute and
ran his hands over his face.

“Look the pay rate will be increased and obviously doubled because you will both be getting the same
rate. I promise you that I won’t question how you do the job you are given and you won’t have to deal
with any reporting or stuff like that. Just get the extraction and I won’t question your methods, or if
you use anyone else to help you. The FBI will give you all the back up you need with regards to your
cover but given Diablo’s computer skills I will leave you to sort out how to go in and get the intended
target out. You will have minimal FBI interference and of course the guarantee that if you are arrested
or taken in by law enforcement at any time then your cover will remain intact and I will personally
ensure that you are released as soon as I am contacted. I can’t do anymore than that.”

Is that a good deal my lover?

Hmmm, it is a damn site better deal than I have been working under before.

You still believe in this work don’t you Griff.

Yes, hon, I do but I will feel a lot better if we are working on these cases together. I know it is what we
had planned but hell to get paid for it as well is an added bonus.

Diablo looked at Griff and Griff smiled at Tony.

“Okay Tony, you have a deal. Draw up the contracts and we will sign them.”

Tony relaxed as he gave a huge sigh of relief. He really didn’t want to lose Griff and to get Diablo
included in the deal was just one better. Opening his briefcase he pulled out a brand new phone and
gave it to Diablo, but when he went to pass him a gun as well, Diablo shook his head.

“No, I don’t need that. I prefer to get my own weapons. I know what I am comfortable with and have a
few in my stash already.” Tony shrugged but put the gun back into his briefcase.

“One thing, Tony,” Diablo said. “What’s your leverage with animal control?”

“Animal control,” Tony looked confused and then his face brightened. “Oh you mean because of
what…you know…what you are and all that.”

“Yes, shifters,” Diablo said firmly. “There may be situations where it is not possible for me to
accompany Angel as his partner, given some of the family’s homophobic outlook. In that case I can
still go with him in my animal form. You did promise us that neither one of us would go into any
situation alone.”

“Well, yes, I can pull some strings in animal control if you ever get picked up. Er, just so I know, what
type of animal are you so I know what to look out for?” Tony was curious now.

“Go on lover, show him,” Griff said with a grin on his face. Diablo slipped into the bedroom, slipped
off his pants and boots and shifted into the massive black panther that he was. Padding silently back
into the main room, Tony didn’t see him at first as he was still talking to Griff. Diablo quietly made
his way around the room and came up behind Tony’s chair and nudged his elbow, chuffing softly.

Tony started at the nudge and then when he caught sight of Diablo’s huge head and equally huge teeth
he scrambled to catch his balance as he fell off the chair. As Griff roared with laughter Diablo sat in
his cat form, lording over Tony who was obviously trying to get on his feet.

“Don’t run, Tony” said Griff still laughing. “Just stay still. You know how big cats like to play with
their food.”

Tony eased himself back down onto the ground again watching wide eyed as Diablo prowled around
him, tail twitching and growling softly.

“Does he know who I am?” Tony whispered to Griff. Griff just laughed harder.

“Of course he does. We are as aware in our animal form as we are in our human form. However,” he
said, not being able to resist a spot more teasing, “We are a little less prone to impulse control when
we are in our animal form - More instinctive and inclined to act in an animal fashion, if you get my
drift.”

“Okay,” Tony said shakily. He carefully put his hand out for Diablo to sniff and was rewarded with the
big cat sniffing his hand daintily before butting his big head under Tony’s hand. Tony got a tiny
chance to feel the softness of Diablo’s fur as Diablo moved past him and went to lie at Griff’s feet
rubbing up his legs with his nose. Chuckling, Griff knelt down and ran his hands through Diablo’s fur,
causing the big cat to purr loudly.

“Wow, Diablo, you are a truly magnificent animal,” Tony said quietly. “Is it okay, if I get up now?”

Diablo looked across at the man still prone on the floor and nodded slightly before standing up and
stretching his long muscles. Only after he had flexed all four legs and the muscles along his back did
he pad quietly into the bedroom so he could shift and get dressed again. When he went back into the
main room Tony was standing with his briefcase obviously ready to leave. The man smiled as Diablo
approached.

“I can see situations where Angel having a big arse panther by his side could be a real bonus and an
amazing back up. It just reinforces my belief that you two will work really well together. You do know
though, that most states require large animals to have a suitably sized collar and chain on to be
allowed out in public?”

Diablo snorted. “Like Angel gives a toss about animal regulations. But it might pay to ensure that
Angel and I both have permits to own exotic animals, and you might also want to draw up marriage
licenses to show we are married.”

“Na, na,” said Griff. “I do plan on marrying you properly my sweet. We can f ly to New York and do it
there.”

Diablo poked his finger in Griff’s chest. “Excuse me. One, you haven’t asked me yet; two, I haven’t
said yes, and three I am not marrying Angel Bandures, even if I say yes to you, if and when you ask
me.”

Pulling Diablo in close to his chest Griff bent his head down to give the man he loved a scorching kiss.
He didn’t just take Diablo’s mouth, Griff plundered it, his tongue reaching into all of the crevices of
the man’s sweet mouth. When both men finally came up for air Diablo had a decidedly glazed look in
his eye. He shook his head and then stepped back from Griff.

“I am learning you know, you can’t get everything you want from me just by kissing me senseless my
lover. You are going to have to pull something else out of the bag if you want me to agree.”

Griff grinned. “Oh I will,” he said, his voice deep and with that sexy rasp that showed he was not
unaffected by the kiss.

“Hmm,” Diablo stepped back further as Griff started advancing on him. “Er…what happened to
Tony?”

“He left while we were ‘discussing’ our impending marriage.”

“You noticed his leaving while you were kissing me?” Griff nodded, still grinning.

“Damn,” Diablo swore softly. He moved into Griff’s embrace and wove his fingers up into Griff’s
hair. “I guess I am going to have to work on my own technique.” Pulling Griff’s head down to meet
his own Diablo took over the kissing side of things. His tongue gently teased Griff’s lips, his mouth
barely touching his lovers. When Griff started to moan under the gentle tease Diablo pounced, gently
forcing his tongue forward, into Griff’s willing mouth he quietly lapped and sucked and bit and teased
the bigger man until Griff was writhing his body against Diablo’s in blatant need.

When Diablo lifted his lips from Griff’s the bigger man followed, chasing, trying to get more.

“Please Diablo, need you, need you so much,” he begged with a growl.

Grinning Diablo looked at Griff. His mate’s pupils were blown, his eyes almost entirely jet black. The
puffed redness of his lips were the perfect contrast to Griff’s black goatee - the man’s face screamed
of lust and desire.

“What’s the matter lover, didn’t you hear the door?” Diablo smirked as he wandered over to open the
door of their suite. Opening it to the sight of Kane, Shawn, Scott, Troy and Dean, all dressed in
leathers and boots he laughed.

“Come on Angel, the gangs all here.” Diablo nodded for the guys to come in before pointing to Griff
who was still standing where Diablo had left him, “Don’t mind Griff he just needs a minute. We were
testing out some specialized FBI torture techniques.”

“Is that what they are calling it these days,” Scott grinned as he took in Griff’s dazed expression and
hardened prick clearly outlined in his leather trousers.

Griff growled and glared at Scott. “Don’t mess with me. And you,” he said striding over to stand chest
to chest with Diablo.

“Yes darling,” Diablo said sweetly.

“I haven’t finished with you, yet.” Griff snarled again.

Diablo laughed and slipped past his obviously horny mate. “We will take this up later, my lover, I
promise, but for now we have friends waiting and you promised me a night on the town.”

Grabbing his muscle shirt left on the bed, Diablo slipped it over his head and smoothed it into his
pants. Then catching Griff’s hand they left the suite.

“So it’s Angel tonight?” Kane asked as they made their way to the elevator. Griff , somewhat appeased
and prepared to accept the change of topic, ran his eyes over his pack, his friends and nodded.

“Yeah, seeing as that is how we came into Baton Rouge that is probably best. For the record Diablo
and I are now married and he is also my business partner so if anyone happens to ask then that is all
you need to tell them. That all cool with you guys?”

Scott laughed. “Hell Griff, Angel, Sir, for another ride in your limo I’ll call you anything. That ride is
really hot.”

Punching Scott on the arm, Griff said, “Watch yourself tonight though guys. We don’t know if the
other perps that Diablo was trying to put away have actually been arrested yet and we haven’t had any
intel on what is actually being said about the FBI raid on Georgio’s club after our own little
intervention. Let’s just stick together and if you want to hook up,” Griff looked at Scott as he said that,
“Let one of us know where you are.”

“Don’t worry about me,” Scott said. “Not too interested in a hook up right now.” Seeing the other men
all look at him in surprise he continued, “What, I can’t hold out for something like what you guys
have?” He pointed to Kane and Shawn, Griff and Diablo and Troy. “Maybe I need to curtail my
behavior a bit if I want to meet my own mate. Doesn’t mean I can’t look and have a bit of a dance
though, but random hook ups just don’t do it for me anymore.”

Linking his arms with Troy and Dean, Scott led the way to the elevator. “Come on guys, let’s show the
boys in Baton Rouge how the men from Angel’s entourage can party.”

Chapter Twenty Five

By the time the men had settled in the limousine Griff had settled down enough to ask Diablo, “So
what are we potentially facing here?” The other men looked up in askance as Diablo thought for a
minute.

“Okay ‘Leathers’ is a typical gay dance club. No BDSM as such although there are back rooms
available for hire by patrons.” Diablo scrunched his face as he thought some more. “Owned by Petrov
Backov, human, 34, 5’10 and a solid bugger. No known permanent partner, openly gay which is
unusual given his Russian origin. Three arrests for assault but no convictions. Reputed ties with the
Russian mob but not confirmed. No known drug or prostitution activity through the club although the
family Backov runs with is known for that type of shit. Bouncers at the door, security by the
bathrooms, offices run on a mezzanine floor with the staircase guarded at all times. Entrance to the
club is open most nights but they do run private functions.” He tailed off and looked up to see the
other men looking at him stunned.

Griff just shrugged at them and smiled, “Diablo knows his stuff,” he said quietly. Now looking at the
man concerned he asked, “What about ties for you and possible problems.”

“Not sure,” Diablo said pensively. “I haven’t had much to do with Backov. He didn’t like Georgio
although I know he did do some business with him. A couple of drug deals. He is one of the guys most
likely to pick up some of Georgio’s territory now that man is dead especially if the other arrests have
also been carried out.”

“How come if you know about those drug deals you didn’t get Backov put away as well?” Troy asked.

It was Diablo’s turn to shrug. “He isn’t the top dog in his organization. He is a decent player, yes, but
he doesn’t run his own territory - yet. My mission was to bring down Georgio as he was the biggest
crime lord in this area so that is where the focus was. I used to see a lot of crimes I couldn’t get
anyone booked for - it’s just part of being an undercover agent. You have to learn to differentiate
between those crimes you can do something about and those you just ignore for the time being.” He
could see that Troy wasn’t convinced so he continued.

“What would normally happen is that after the major arrests have been made then other people
connected with the criminal activity identified will be picked up at a later stage. I did collect some
information on Georgio’s drug dealing but I was more concerned with people trafficking and his
distribution network. I also wanted him for murder. So it is a possibility that this Backov might get
some heat from law enforcement for the drug issues, but it is unlikely unless there is a separate sting
going on for him and his family specifically.” Diablo looked at Griff who shook his head.

“No, it didn’t seem so at the moment,” Griff said quietly. “Yours was the only case going on in Baton
Rouge.” Diablo nodded as that confirmed what he had already thought.

“So does that mean we can just go in there and have some plain old fun,” Kane asked.

Grabbing Diablo’s hand, Griff started pulling the man out of the limo behind him as they pulled up
outside the club.

“Of course my friend,” Griff said quietly. “Even Angel Bandures can have a night off for dancing.” He
looked at the other men as they got out of the car. “This Backov might have some words for me and
Diablo but let’s just keep this low key and enjoy ourselves.” He looked over at Dean who was eying
the huge bouncer at the door with some anxiety. He put his big hand on the smaller man’s shoulder.

“It will be okay Dean, there are no other shifters here. Just stick with Scott and Troy and try and have

some fun, okay?” Dean nodded and pasted a smile on his face.

“No problems, Angel, I haven’t danced in years so maybe it’s time I reminded myself that I can.”

Diablo looked at Griff in askance but didn’t say anything. Griff strode towards the club entrance
nodding at the bouncer who watched them approach.

“Mr. Bandures’s party. We are expected,” Diablo could always tell when Griff was in his role as
Angel. The whole tone of his voice changed into one of arrogance and entitlement. From the way the
cocky look on the bouncer’s face changed to one of friendliness and plain suck up material, Diablo
could see why he used it so effectively.

The bouncer called to another smaller man and whispered in his ear. The man looked up in shock as he
took in Griff complete with leathers.

“Er, Mr. Bandures, Sir, we are honored to have you visit our club. I am Michael and I will take care of
your needs this evening. Were you wanting to see Mr. Backov?”

Griff smiled coldly. “As you can see from our attire this is a social call, rather than business. Mr.
Backov’s club comes highly recommended as a place where men can…let their hair down and have a
bit of fun. Is that a problem?”

“No, no, of course not,” Michael blushed. He was about 5’8” tall and of slight build with light brown
hair that flopped over his face and clear pale skin. He was good looking in a geeky sort of way
although when he flashed a look at the other men with Griff his gaze settled on Dean the longest. Griff
cleared his throat and Michael’s focus returned to him.

He flashed a professional smile as he indicated for the group to follow him. “I will of course let Mr.
Backov know you are here as I am sure he would love to come over to say hello. Oh,” he said
unnecessarily, “here is Mr. Backov now.” Over Michael’s shoulder Griff and Diablo could see a short
barrel chested man with dark hair cut military style and a cold look in his eye striding towards them.

“Mr. Bandures, I am Petrov Backov. I am honored you have decided to visit my humble
establishment.” The words were polite and fawning but the look on the man’s face was anything but.

Griff put his hand out and smiled, “Mr. Backov, a pleasure I am sure. Please, call me Angel as this is a
social rather than a business call.”

Petrov takes the offered hand grudgingly as he replies. “Angel it is and I insist you call me Petrov.”
He turned to Michael, “Mikey take Mr. Bandures’s men to their table. I will escort Angel and his
protégée, personally.” Kane looked over to Griff who nodded and Michael led Kane, Shawn, Scott,
Troy and Dean deeper into the club. Over the heads of other patrons Griff could see they were headed
for a large table that was set up higher than most at the back of the club as part of a VIP section.
Hmmm, the man has some manners at least, Griff thought to himself.

Petrov in the meantime was focused on Diablo and the look on his face was anything but pleasant. “I
see you are moving up the food chain boy,” he snarled. “What are you trying to do, suck your way to
the top?”

Griff growled and went to respond but Diablo placed a hand on his arm to stop him and stepped
forward himself, drawing himself up into his full height so he was effectively looking down on the
man.

“As you can clearly see, I am not a ‘boy’ any longer, Petrov and how well I suck will never be a
concern of yours,” he snarled, the menace in his tone as clear as the evil look on his face. “Angel and I
are married and I am now his business partner as well as his closest advisor. I suggest that if you ever
want to consider doing business with my man that you learn to treat me with a bit of respect.”

The change in Petrov was instant. His sneer dropped right off his face and he immediately plastered on
a smile. It might not have quite met his eyes but it was probably about as happy as Petrov could get.
“You are married now Diablo? To Angel? Please accept my heartiest congratulations. Come,” he
gestured to both men, “Let me take you to your table and please, your food and drinks and anything
else you might enjoy are all on the house this evening - for your whole group of course,” he added to
Griff.

Griff and Diablo shared a puzzled look but started following Petrov across the club floor. Although it
wasn’t very late and many patrons were still eating, the place was busy with the music booming
through huge speakers that were placed strategically around the room. Once they reached the table
Griff went to sit down but Petrov tugged Diablo’s arm and pulled him aside. Diablo looked down at
the hand on his arm but followed the man anyway, knowing that Griff was watching closely.

“What do you want Petrov? We are here to have a good time this evening, nothing more.”

“I realize that Diablo,” the smaller man said quietly. “But did you hear what happened to Georgio and
his crew?”

Feigning ignorance, Diablo shook his head. “No, Angel and I flew out of Baton Rouge the day Georgio
gave me to him. We were married the next day and have been er…holed up since then. We have only
come back to pick up my stuff as I will be moving back to Florida with Angel.” He looked at Petrov
and then frowned at the man’s almost apologetic expression. “What happened Petrov?”

Petrov looked around nervously before leaning into Diablo. “Word on the street is that Georgio met a
nasty end in his club - he’s dead, man. There was FBI in there and everything. Next thing you know
the FBI are back the next day, just the next day man, and they round up six of Georgio’s men and have
taken them away. My source tells me that there is basically nothing left of Georgio’s operation and
that even some visiting foreign crims were also arrested or are dead. They found slaves man, slaves in
the basement of the club. Seems Georgio was selling people to foreigners.”

Diablo kept his face blank which wasn’t a hardship because of course Petrov wasn’t telling him
anything new. It was good to hear that obviously Tony had come through with the arrests that Diablo
had set up as part of his sting and the fact that the FBI found some of the people Georgio had been
using as product was equally heartening. That was one area of the business Georgio kept very close to
his chest although Diablo was aware it was going on - he just hadn’t been able to get many details on
where these people were being held.

“Well, that’s all good for you, isn’t it Petrov? Sounds like maybe your business can expand some if
you play your cards right,” Diablo said softly. Petrov looked at him closely and then laughed.

“We will see what happens, Diablo. I am not worried about that now. I want the FEEBS out of town
before I do anything rash. But you don’t look surprised.”

Thinking quickly Diablo said, “I am surprised about the whole thing but hey Petrov, I stopped thinking
about Georgio the minute I met Angel. I mean look at the man,” He indicated to Griff who while
looking the picture of elegance and power even in leathers, was watching them closely, “Can you
blame me?”

Laughing, Petrov said, “No, I can see your point. Who wouldn’t be blown away by the great Angel
Bandures? But hey I also wanted to apologize for the way I spoke to you when you came in.” The man
blushed and looked at his feet for a minute before looking up at Diablo again.

“Yes, what’s with that Petrov, I never did anything to you.”

“Er, it’s this guy, you know Georgio’s driver, Ben?” Petrov started. Diablo nodded.

“Yes, well, you know how it is. I have had a thing for him for ages and it seemed every time I got the
chance to talk to him all he would talk about is you and how much he hated the way Georgio was
treating you. I was well kinda jealous that he would think some boy of Georgio’s was more important
than a club owner, you know.”

Diablo shook his head laughing quietly. “Oh Petrov, Ben was a friend of mine that’s all. In fact he was
probably the only friend I had while I was with Georgio, but believe me he is not my type in any way
shape or form. Hell I didn’t even know he was gay. So what are you going to do about it now you
know I am safely married off and happy with my new man?”

Shuffling his feet Petrov looked embarrassed. “Well, I gave him a job as my driver as soon as I heard
Georgio was dead. Erm, what else am I supposed to do?”

“Seriously?”

“Yes, I mean I own the club man. My men come to me. I don’t do no chasing of anybody.” Petrov
almost yelled and he flailed his arms about. Diablo could see that Griff was getting agitated and was
ready to come over.

It’s okay lover, he’s not shitty at me. Settle down.

Griff eased back into his seat at Diablo’s words but Diablo was getting tired of this conversation. He
wanted to be with Griff. Looking at Petrov steadily he said quietly, “Look Petrov if you want Ben then
employing him as your driver was a dumb move. He couldn’t make a move on you now if he wanted
to because he could lose his job if you weren’t interested.”

“So what, I should fire him then?”

“No, Petrov.” Diablo shook his head, thinking quickly. “Look, where is he now? Is he awaiting
orders?”

Petrov nodded, “Yes he is out the back in the staff room.”

“Right, well why don’t you call him to drive you to somewhere nice. Order a table at a nice quiet
restaurant for dinner for the two of you and invite him to come with you when you go to eat. Face it,
now you are his employer then you are gonna have to make the first move. He is not going to risk
getting fired no matter how much he might be lusting after you.” Diablo could see that Petrov was
thinking about the idea and a few seconds later the smaller man said decisively, “I will do it.”

“Great,” said Diablo, “now can I go back to my man now? He seems to be getting a bit impatient.”

“Yes, go, enjoy, it’s all on the house,” but Petrov was already moving off, his cell phone pressed to his
ear. Diablo grinned and went and plopped down in the booth next to his lover. He picked up Griff’s
hand and kissed it.

“Miss me,” he said quietly.

Griff leaned over and licked up Diablo’s neck. “You know it babe, what did that arse hole want with
you anyway?” He growled in Diablo’s ear. Diablo looked around the club and then switched to mind-
speak as he noted patrons sitting at the booth next to them.

He was just filling me in on what happened at Georgio - that the man was dead…and that the arrests I
wanted were made the next day.

Hey that is awesome lover, so your case did get closed after all. But what was arse hole getting all
excited about.

He’s in lust and didn’t know what to do about it. Seems the object of his affections used to talk about
me a lot and Petrov got jealous and thought this guy might not be interested in him.

Is he?

I haven’t got a clue but that’s up to Petrov to work out. Not me. I just gave him some advice and given
that he has just walked out of the club I guess that he has taken it.

Hmmm, well Angel doesn’t take kindly to his new husband spending so much time with another man.
But I do love being able to talk to you while my mouth is otherwise occupied.

Diablo grinned because yes as they were ‘talking’ Griff had been nibbling up Diablo’s neck and was in
the process of sucking up a huge hickey on the side of his throat. Diablo moaned at the sensation that
seemed travel straight through to his dick and said out loud, “Come on lover, does the great Angel
Bandures actually dance?”

“Course I can babe.” And with his confident grin plastered on his face the great Angel Bandures,
crime lord of Florida led his new husband and partner onto the dance floor and proceeded to show
Diablo just how well he could dance.

Chapter Twenty Six

A week later

Diablo growled low in his throat as Griff pounded his body from above. Damn that man could make
his body sing and since returning to Cloverleah said lover had been more insatiable than ever. Griff
had taken him hard and fast over and over in the previous week, coming up on Diablo when he was
trying to work, or waking him through the night. And while Diablo certainly appreciated the attention
he wouldn’t mind having his own go at being top once in a while. He was starting to think he was
going to have to revisit his idea on FBI torture methods if Griff kept at him the way he was.

But in this moment Griff had once again pushed Diablo to the peak of pleasure and Diablo could feel
his orgasm pulling at his spine, building in his balls and just seconds later, his release spurting all over
his chest. With a roar Griff came straight afterwards as Diablo’s arse muscles clenched tight around
his lover’s cock and both men collapsed in a heap on the bed. Diablo soothed the rippling muscles on
Griff’s chest as the man fought to get his breathing under control.

“So,” Diablo said slowly, “Just a little bit nervous about today’s challenges?”

Griff rubbed his chin up the side of Diablo’s neck as he chuckled softly. “Not at all my lover, I am
simply making sure that everyone, and I mean everyone will smell my claim on you today. I have
marked you inside and out - I want the whole world to know you are mine.”

Diablo shouldn’t find his mate’s words so arousing, but maybe it was a shifter thing because he did.
He purred as he tilted his head to allow Griff greater access to his neck, his body shaking as Griff
licked across the mating mark on his shoulder, once again bright with scabs as Griff had bitten him yet
again.

“How many challengers turned up, do you know?” Diablo asked. Griff reached around the side of the
bed and found his cell phone in his jean’s pocket. Pulling it out he scanned the messages that had
arrived since he had jumped on Diablo as they had walked into their temporary room at Kane’s house.

Since Cheryl’s announcement about Griff and Diablo’s mating had gone out the week before Shawn
had received information that suggested a couple of shifters from the pack in Texas had decided not to
bother going through the challenge process and wanted to abduct Diablo themselves before the Mating
Ritual began. Since none of the pack wanted Griff to go through the agony of knowing that his mate
might be kidnapped for a second time Kane moved Griff and Diablo back into his house until after the
Mating Ritual was completed.

Normally in a Mating Ritual any challenges to the union would be held in the morning and then the
ritual itself would be held in the afternoon. However, given that Diablo was gay and Mating Rituals
with gay non-wolf shifters were a rare event the number of shifters signing up to challenge Griff for
the right to mate with Diablo was higher than had ever been seen before in a Mating Ritual event.
Because of the high amount of interest generated the Alpha’s of the three packs concerned agreed to
allow the challenges to be held on the one day with the Mating Ritual ceremony to held on the
following day.

“Twenty six so far,” Griff said with a grin, flopping back down on the bed next to Diablo who was
sprawled out naked on his back beside him.

“Twenty Six!” Diablo screeched. “Oh come on Griff this has gone on long enough. There are only five
of you to take on these idiots. Text Cheryl and tell her to stop allowing anyone else to sign up, right
now.”

“Can’t do that, my lover, under the Mating Ritual laws anyone has the right to sign up for the
challenge before the fights actually take place. Of course,” Griff said with a gleam in his eye and his
sexy drawl deepened by lust, “if those men could see you right here, right now then I imagine the list
would be a lot longer.” He ran his hand down Diablo’s tanned, toned flank reveling in the way his
mate always responded his touch.

“Griff honey,” Diablo purred as his own hands started working their magic on Griff’s solid thighs and
hips, “come on sweetie. Just make one little text for me and stop these sign ups and then we can have a
little more play before it’s time to show our faces.”

Groaning as Diablo’s hands found their way to his hardening cock, Griff still shook his head.

“No, sweetness, I told you the…”

There was a heavy banging at the bedroom door and Diablo released his prize and dove for his jeans,
slipping them on while Griff did the same thing on the other side of the bed. The pounding continued
until Griff wrenched open the door, a mean scowl on his face.

“What?” He snarled, stepping back as Kane and Shawn came into the room. Smirking, Kane ran his
eyes down Griff’s huge, hard body and obvious bulge in his jeans.

“Hey guys, come on, we did wait until we thought you were finished. How were we to know you had
started up again?”

Griff snorted and grabbed hold of Diablo’s hand pulling him into a one armed embrace.

“Because my mate is irresistible, that’s why,” he said although he smiled as he said it. Diablo was
actually blushing which tickled Griff no end. Who would have thought a hardened FBI agent could
still get embarrassed about the thought of other people hearing they were having sex.

“Yes, well, that’s fair enough,” said Shawn, “but it’s time for you two to make your appearance.
Apparently there are some indecisive blokes who are waiting to actually see Diablo before they make
up their mind about challenging you.” He grinned as Diablo groaned and shook his head.

“On a positive note however, given the prospective size of the challenge Lucius and my brother-in-law
Vincent from the Texas pack and one of your brothers and a brother in law have agreed to be included
in our pack for the day so that they can also fight on your behalf.”

“Which two brothers?” Griff asked, stunned that any of his family would fight on his behalf.

“Jordan and Seth,” said Kane. “Xander will be fighting as well but as a contender.” The grin on his
face lit up his bright green eyes.

“My youngest brother is challenging me for my mate? What the fuck?” Griff didn’t know if he should
be amused or angry.

“Yep,” Kane said happily. “It seems he caught a glimpse of Diablo’s body when he shifted at my
parent’s house. He ditched his girlfriend and headed on down to challenge you. We thought we might
let him be one of the first eight contenders so you can, er, teach him the error of his ways yourself,
Griff.”

“Too bloody right I will,” Griff growled.

“Because the newcomers all have Alpha blood, Scott and Troy are going to be held in reserve unless
we get that many contenders that they are actually needed,” Kane went on. “I haven’t got a problem
with their fighting skills but there is a hell of a lot of testosterone flying around outside and I would
feel a lot better for all of us if we had Alpha’s fighting for our pack member than betas.”

Griff’s phone beeped again and he flicked a glance at it, grinning harder than ever.

“Forty four,” he told the other men.

“Christ,” Diablo spat out. “Let’s get downstairs and get this show on the road. You say the signups
stop as soon as the challenge begins, right?”

“As soon as we step into the pack circle as a potential mated pair, my lover,” Griff said.

“Great. No talking to anybody, let’s get down to that circle now and put a stop to all this nonsense.”
Diablo pulled Griff from the room and headed down the stairs, Kane and Shawn following them.

Of course it wasn’t that easy. As soon as Griff and Diablo emerged from the front door of the house
onto the porch, people wanted to talk to them. First Diablo had to meet Lucius and Vincent, then
Jordon and Seth and because they were actually fighting on his behalf he couldn’t very well be rude to
them so he was forced to make small talk with them for a good five minutes.

Then Cheryl, Arthur and Margaret all came forward, Cheryl twittering on about how this was the
biggest Mating Ritual challenge she had ever attended. Diablo couldn’t be rude to them either but as
he stood he could feel the hungry stares of a whole lot of men who were obviously entranced. There
were almost 100 men on the pack grounds. All wolf shifters and more than half of them keen to grab
Diablo as their own. Diablo’s cat was pacing in his mind, ready to take off for the trees at the first
available opportunity. Only the thought of a horde of angry wolves on his tail stopped him. Well that
and the really possessive grip Griff had around his shoulders.

Griff. Diablo had to love his man. He stood tall and proud watching over the crowd while keeping a
firm hand on Diablo at all times. His huge muscles bulged and flexed under the sun and the gleam in
his eye was positively feral as he scoped out the competition.

You’re loving this aren’t you?

Hell yeah, honey, this is bigger than I had ever imagined. Fuck the Fates were smiling on me when
they picked you for my mate. No one has ever been more wanted than my mate today.

Well I am pleased for you my lover but if you don’t get us down to the pack circle right now then you
will be spending the first week of our official mated life in the spare room.

You wouldn’t do that to me.

I would. Move your butt. I have heard there are now over sixty contenders. There are only seven of
you. Now move it and let’s get this challenge started.

With his perpetual grin on his face Griff made their excuses from the gathering on the porch and head
held high the two men made their way to the pack circle, their extended pack following behind.

/~/~/~/

Diablo was getting positively antsy - there was just no other word for it. The fighting had started with
Griff taking on the first eight contenders. Diablo had to admit to himself that Griff as a fighter was an
impressive man and wolf. Under pack law the contender could chose whether or not to fight the
challenger in either human or animal form and given the high number of contenders it was decided by
the Shaman and Shawn as Shifter Guardian that none of the fights would be to the death - they were
submission only. If one of the contenders managed to best Griff or one of his pack then that winning
contender would then fight with Griff to the death. It would be physically impossible for Diablo to be
able to be mated to another person now he and Griff had claimed each other and only the death of
either or both of the men concerned would break that bond. While Diablo still thought the whole thing
was just barbaric he was wise enough to keep his opinions to himself.

In human form Griff was a solid and dynamic fighter. He had more speed than one would give him

credit for given his huge size and he didn’t just hit the men who were fighting him, he annihilated
them, going for a knock out every time. As a wolf Griff was larger than a lot of the animals he faced
and this combined with his Alpha power which rippled around the pack circle meant he could win
easily.

What Diablo couldn’t get over or ignore was that Griff was positively enjoying the whole experience.
In either form Griff’s huge muscles flexed and rippled under his skin as he kicked, punched, bit,
twirled and pounced on unsuspecting contenders. All with a perpetual grin on his face and a grin on
the face of a huge wolf was just freaky for so many reasons. He looked up as Griff, in wolf form, was
just finishing off another contender - his huge jaw wrapped around the throat of a slightly smaller
wolf, his growl menacing as he pushed his Alpha power at the other animal. Seconds later the
contender submitted and Griff moved back and shifted.

The crowd around the pack circle was in a festive and jovial mood. While the fights themselves were
serious enough Diablo came to realize as the day went on that most of the contenders were actually
good guys who probably loved a good fight as much as the next wolf. Only a couple of the contenders
seemed to have any malicious thoughts of harming Griff and his pack members but in most cases once
the match was over the two fighters would shake hands, the contender congratulating the pack on the
win.

After Griff had completed his eight fights Kane determined who among the pack, Griff included,
would fight each contender as he came up. Diablo could see that Kane was a good Alpha with a keen
sense of the type of man the contender would be. As the contender came into the circle and declared
which form he would fight in, Kane would quietly assess the man for a moment before calling out the
name of the pack member who would fight.

However Kane was extremely protective of his own mate Shawn and as the day wore on Kane had only
allowed the man to fight three times. This meant that each of the other pack members were fighting
more than they had probably anticipated and by the time the sun was starting it’s descent behind the
trees all of the men in the Cloverleah pack with the exception of Shawn and Diablo and Dean, who had
not been allowed to fight because of his Omega status were tired, scratched up and bruised. And there
were still eight more contenders to go.

Diablo was particularly worried about the last man on the list who was apparently from the Texas
pack. He was a big man, solid and had a menacing attitude. He has spent the whole day glaring at
Diablo with an almost feral look in his eye. Diablo knew that Griff would want to take him and he
actually feared for his mate and the outcome of the Mating Ritual.

Stepping close to Shawn, Diablo whispered in his ear. “What does pack law say about the shifter mate
fighting in these contests?”

Shawn looked at the man in surprise and then thought for a minute.

“You getting antsy cat? Want to have a go at a few wolves yourself?”

Shrugging, Diablo gave a small smile. “Well hey, with all this testosterone flying around and me just
sitting here like some bloody damsel waiting for someone to save and claim me, my cat is getting
pretty pissed about the whole thing. Can you blame me?”

Shawn threw a dirty look at Kane and nodded. “Yeah, this whole protective mate’s thing can be a bit
of a drag at times.” He pointed his chin at the last contender in line. “You want him don’t you?”

“I want the last eight,” Diablo said firmly. He faced Shawn as he spoke, the resolve clear in his eyes,
“Look I want to be an equal partner with Griff and I want to prove my worth to the pack. It’s bad
enough you guys have had to rescue me once all ready from Georgio’s men, but if I am ever going to

be taken seriously I need to show I can be a useful pack member as well. So is it against pack law or
what?”

“Well, no actually,” Shawn thought some more. “In most cases non-wolf shifters are smaller than
wolves so the idea has probably never come up. You are a pack member so technically you could be
allowed to fight.” He threw Diablo a grin. “You do know that Griff is going to be pissed, right?”

“Yep I guess he might be. But as Alpha Mate you have some sway on Kane’s decisions on who is next
up to fight so you could probably persuade him to let me go. And Kane is Griff’s Alpha at the end of
the day.”

Nodding, Shawn jerked his head at Kane who was standing talking to Lucius and Vincent. As Kane
headed over, Shawn said, “What about the shifting thing. You know Griff is not going to allow you to
be seen naked by all these guys who have been fighting for the right to have you all day. I could magic
your clothes but the use of magic might make the fights null and void and you are not going to want
that to happen.”

“You guys will just have to shield me then,” Diablo said quietly. “Griff is going to be unhappy enough
with me fighting, without the nudity aspect. But I can fight in my human form wearing my jeans and if
I have to shift you guys could just make like a human wall and shield me from the others, couldn’t
you?”

“Couldn’t you, what,” Kane asked as he slipped his arm around Shawn’s waist and buried his face in
Shawn’s long black hair. He took a long deep breath and then looked up at Shawn and Diablo. “What
are you two cooking up now?”

Shawn quickly filled Kane in on what Diablo wanted and while Kane looked surprised, when Shawn
explained that there weren’t actually any pack laws forbidding Diablo to fight, he nodded.

“Of course, it is your decision, Alpha,” Shawn said quietly, his arms loped around Kane’s neck.

Kane snorted. “Yes beloved, I know you are pissed because I wouldn’t let you fight much today. So if
I agree to this then are we okay?”

Shawn looked deeply into Kane’s eyes and the two men just stared at each other as they shared their
thoughts through their mind link. After a few minutes Kane blushed, which was an adorable sight in
itself, and then laughed.

“Okay Diablo. Thanks to my mate’s persuasive mind you can take on the last eight challengers.
Probably a good idea too, as you are fresh and full of energy while the rest of us,” he indicated to the
men around him, “not so much. We are not going to be able to protect your precious body from
watching eyes though if you do this because if anyone steps into the pack circle once a contender has
proclaimed his intent then the match becomes void and you would lose by default.” Kane grinned.
“But I am sure you will come up with something.” Diablo nodded.

“All right, come on then. Let’s announce it and get these challenges finished.”

“Thank you Alpha,” Diablo said quietly. Kane shot Diablo a surprised look at the use of his title but
got the message behind it loud and clear. Diablo would never be a wolf, but he did accept his position
in the Cloverleah pack and now he wanted to fight for it.

Kane strode to the middle of the pack circle as the next contender stepped into the ring. Holding up his
hand, Kane spoke loudly to attract the attention of all of the shifters.

“I have an unusual announcement,” he said clearly. When all of the men were quiet Kane said in a
slightly quieter voice. “After checking with the Shifter Guardian,” Kane indicated Shawn who stood
with Diablo on the side of the circle, “I have decided the last eight contenders will face Diablo in the

ring.”

The crowd went wild. Never in shifter history had a non-wolf shifter participated in the Mating Ritual
challenges and there were a number of questions thrown at Kane as he stood waiting for the ruckus to
quiet down.

“Enough,” Kane yelled firmly. “I have been advised that there is no law against Diablo fighting. It’s
just not something that has ever come up before. Diablo is a full member of the Cloverleah pack not
only because of his mating with Griff but because of his ties of friendship with the rest of us. He is a
valued member of our pack and as such has the right to fight with the rest of us.” Kane said the last
part with his gaze firmly on Griff.

But Griff wasn’t having it. “No,” he said stepping forward. “I forbid it.”

Raising his eyebrow, Diablo said quietly, “You forbid it? You forbid it?” All of a sudden the whole
situation, his trouble with the FBI, his having to be saved from Georgio and Griff’s constant need to
be a top since they had gotten home got the better of Diablo and he stalked over to Griff, his long
limbs easily showcasing the man’s devilish sexuality and the power of his hidden form. Diablo was
pissed and he wasn’t afraid to show it. Griff swallowed as Diablo got nearer.

I won’t let you put yourself in danger. You are my mate and it is my job to protect you.

You think I need protecting, my little wolf. Diablo quietly mocked the man as he prowled around him,
not quite touching but as the heat grew between them Griff was finding it difficult to breathe. All of a
sudden he longed to bend over, grab his ankles and submit to his mate. The power of Diablo’s cat
flowed around Griff, something he had never experienced before.

I just want you to be safe…I love you, you know that.

I love you too, my mate, but your pack is tired and if I am to be accepted as more than your mate then
understand I need to do this.

I…I…

And when I have finished your arse had better be ready for me, do you understand me? You have no
right to forbid me to do anything. Anything!

Yes, my mate.

Griff took a deep breath and shuddered, snapping his eyes open, eyes he didn’t even realize he had
closed. His body was awash with goose bumps and his prick pulsed painfully behind the zipper in his
jeans. While his logical brain tried to point out that he would never allow anyone to speak to him like
Diablo did through their mind link, he also had to admit it was one of the biggest turn-ons of his life.
As Diablo’s calm measured tones had washed through his brain Griff realized he should also be
extremely grateful that Diablo had used their mind connection rather than exercising his power over
Griff in a more verbal fashion. Griff would have never been able to live that down.

Griff felt his arse muscles clench with pleasurable anticipation as he thought of what was to come
later that evening. It was time for Griff to stop thinking about his mate as a weak man who relied on
his protection and instead recognize his lover as the lethally strong equal partner that he was.

As Diablo strode forward to meet his first contender he eyed up the man carefully. The contender was
shorter than he was but powerfully built like most shifters. When Diablo got closer the man’s face
twisted in a sneer.

“Trouble in paradise, pretty boy?” He asked.

“A misunderstanding between mates, nothing more. What form do you choose?” Diablo’s response

was quiet and deadly calm. It would not do for the contender to realize just how angry Diablo was
until they actually engaged.

“Oh definitely human, pretty boy. Wolves prefer to fight naked. Are you going to drop those pants for
me and show me what you’ve got?”

“My mate prefers me covered.”

“No matter, I’ll get them off you soon enough,” and with that the man moved towards Diablo throwing
a punch to his mid-section. Diablo quickly deflected the blow and swung round on one foot lifting his
leg to deliver a well placed kick to the contender’s rear end. The man, already in motion, fell to the
ground in a sprawling lump.

Recovering quickly the contender sprung to his feet and lunged at Diablo again, crouching low with
the clear intention to try and get Diablo off his feet. In an apparent move to help him Diablo waited
until the man was real close and then dropped to the ground allowing the stockier man to go over the
top of him. Once clear Diablo bounced back to his feet in one smooth liquid move and clasped the
man around the neck from behind. As the contender tried to remove his arm, growling and kicking all
the while Diablo’s quick fingers sought the pressure point he was looking for and seconds later the
man slumped in his arm, unconscious.

“Five minute break,” the Shaman called out as Diablo stepped from the circle. He had no wish to go to
Griff, or even see what the man had thought of his performance. He just wanted to centre his energy
and study the next contender who was watching him from the other side of the ring with a cocky smile
on his face. This wolf was bigger, about as tall as Diablo but he had a lot more muscle mass around
the chest and shoulder area. Diablo scanned the man carefully and noting the thinner legs smiled to
himself. He had always believed that every man had a weakness and part of being a good fighter
meant identifying the weakness and playing on it.

As the Shaman called time, Diablo moved back into the ring and asked again what the contender’s
preference was. When the contender asked again for “human” to the jeers of the crowd it was clear
that a secondary theme to this fight was the desire of the crowd to see Diablo naked. Well tough shit,
Diablo thought to himself as he broached himself for the man’s attack. Minutes later the contender
was unconscious on the ground and Diablo went to the side of the ring again.

The ritual repeated itself five more times. The contenders preferring to fight in human form, Diablo
assessing the weakness of each one and exploiting it within minutes. Each contender left eventually
unconscious on the ground. At one point when a punch actually landed on Diablo’s face he heard Griff
growling loud over the noise of the crowd and the shouts of Kane and the others who fought to hold
his lover back. If Griff stepped into the circle the fight was void and Diablo would lose by default. As
the contender tried to grope Diablo’s crotch when Diablo held him in a head lock, only then Diablo
lose a bit of control.

“I should break your neck for trying to touch me,” he snarled as he found the man’s weak point and
dropped him to the ground. Shaking himself, Diablo resisted the urge to kick the downed shifter and
went to the edge of the ring once more. Only one shifter left to go and Diablo knew he would need all
of his resources to fight this man if he decided to go with human form.

But the menacing man in front of him surprised the whole crowd as well as Diablo when he called out
“Animal” as his preferred choice of fighting.

“What?” The contender smirked as he looked at Diablo. “This crowd wants to see you naked and I’m
not afraid of a little kitty cat. Shift and show us what you’ve got.”

Shrugging, Diablo released the top button of his jeans and partially pulled down the zip. He could hear

Griff growling again and thought to himself that Griff really needed to get a grip and trust him more.
Diablo had no wish to be naked in front of this or any crowd of wolf shifters. Throwing the contender
a smirk, Diablo left his jeans on and leapt into the air. As he leapt he initiated his shift, the movement
of the air and his jump causing his jeans to drop as the shift took place.

Seconds later Diablo stood in his shifted form, black, powerful and completely lethal. Four hundred
pounds of fluid muscle combined with enhanced senses. Diablo sniffed, there was a tinge of fear in the
crowd. Smirking to himself as only a big cat shifter can Diablo shook out his fur and then lifted his
head, yowling across the top of the wolf shifters. The roar of a big cat is designed to inspire fear in its
prey and it was certainly working on this crowd. Unconcerned Diablo sat down waiting for the
contender to shift. He was amused to see a slight look of consternation on the contender’s face before
the man quickly shifted into a large, but no where near as large as Diablo, wolf. Diablo had enough
time to notice the crowd had gone deadly silent before the wolf made his approach. Hmmm, it seems
the wolves hadn’t seen a cat quite as big as his before. Well tough shit to that as well. What were they
expecting - a house cat?

As the wolf lunged towards Diablo, Diablo went into a crouch waiting until the shifter was over the
top of him before rising himself up and flinging the wolf off his shoulders. The wolf fell to the ground
about five feet away and got to his feet shaking his head before lunging at Diablo again, his teeth
bared. Diablo evaded him and then stepped back to swipe at the wolf’s side with his claws blunted.
Diablo had no wish to draw blood on the man although it would have been perfectly acceptable in a
challenge like this and given how the wolf hadn’t closed his mouth since Diablo had thrown him the
wolf obviously had every intention of drawing blood from Diablo.

On and on the fight went. The wolf intent on drawing blood and lunging and snapping wherever he
could. Diablo intent on staying bite free and just toying with the wolf, getting in thuds and knocks
where he could - simply winding the wolf without hurting him too much. Inside Diablo was grinning.
His cat hadn’t had the chance to play in a long time and driving this wolf to insanity was more fun
than he had had in a long time. Even though the wolf was tiring, Diablo did nothing to bring the fight
to an end. He was having far too much fun.

“Come on Diablo, stop playing with your food. Finish this already.” Griff’s snarls came across the
crowd and caused Diablo to stop for a second. He eyed the wolf who was circling him slowly. The
wolf’s chest was heaving and he was panting, his long tongue falling from his mouth. The fact that the
wolf was still standing was testament to how strong he must have been but after playing with Diablo’s
cat for more than twenty minutes the wolf’s strength was gone. Diablo shrugged and leapt, landing on
the wolf’s back pushing them both to the ground. Although the wolf tried to turn his head and snap at
Diablo, Diablo opened his mouth wide and pushed it over the wolf’s neck, gently piercing the skin
with his huge teeth.

With Diablo’s teeth in his neck, his weight on his back and Diablo’s huge paws holding his head firm
the wolf had no choice but to submit. He whined and then Diablo felt the tell tale shimmer of the wolf
shifting beneath him, Diablo’s teeth still in his neck.

“I submit,” he called out weakly, dropping his head to the ground as Diablo released his neck. Pushing
himself up Diablo padded over to the edge of the circle and allowed himself to be surrounded by his
pack members. Once hidden from the crowd’s eyes, Diablo shifted and pulled on the jeans that Griff
held out to him. Before the button was closed Griff had pulled him into a strong embrace. Inhaling
sharply Diablo purred as he felt Griff’s scent wash away any of his remaining tension and when
Griff’s lips sought his, he opened readily drinking in the man who was his in every way, kissing him
back with as much passion as he could muster. Only when the men needed to breathe did they pull

apart.

“You are amazing, my lover,” Griff snarled quietly.

“No more than you,” Diablo said simply. He looked up and looked at the rest of the pack, his pack.
“Thank you guys not only for fighting for me today, but for allowing me the chance to show you I can
be an asset to this pack rather than a weakness. I appreciate that.”

Kane grinned and nodded and then indicated that the Shaman was waiting for them in the centre of the
ring. Griff and Diablo went to stand before the man, their pack surrounding them on all sides.

“Griff, Diablo and the Cloverleah pack. You have all fought well today and managed to vanquish more
than sixty contenders for the right to keep Diablo in your pack. You are to be commended. This
Mating Ritual will go down in wolf pack folklore not only due to the high number of contenders but
also because it is the first time in wolf pack history that a non-wolf shifter has fought for his wolf
mate. That type of loyalty can’t be bought,” the Shaman said firmly.

“So tomorrow,” the Shaman continued, “we will conduct the Mating Ritual ceremony at noon, and no-
one will be allowed to question the validity of this union.” He scowled as he looked over the gathered
wolves. “No one will be allowed to issue challenge to this union and no challenge will be accepted. Is
that clear?”

A few of the wolves muttered and looked at their feet but eventually all of the gathered shifters
nodded their acceptance. The Shaman smiled and nodded the Kane.

“I think for now the party is all yours, Alpha of the Cloverleah pack. I will see you tomorrow,” and
with that the Shaman left the circle and went to talk to Cheryl and Arthur.

Kane looked around at the wolves that stood on his land. In all of his time of living in the area he had
never entertained as many wolves in the one place, but he was proud to do so. The links formed with
other gay wolf shifters only strengthened his own beliefs. Something he would never had thought
possible when he and Griff were booted out from their home pack all those years before.

Standing tall, every inch the Alpha that he was, Kane called for attention.

“Welcome to Cloverleah pack land. You are all welcome to stay for the ceremony tomorrow. Food and
drink has been provided and you can pitch a tent anywhere within this enclave. The forest areas,” Kane
indicated the trees beyond the clearing “are all predator and hunter free. We have over 1000 acres here
so you are free to run, hunt or whatever.”

The crowd roared.

“However,” Kane said firmly, “there will be no more fighting on this land today either with this pack
or between yourselves. The challenge is over and now is the time to celebrate the union between Griff
and Diablo. Any questions?”

“Yeah,” came a voice from the crowd. “How the hell can you let a big arsed cat shifter in your pack?
Aren’t you worried about him trying to take over your territory?”

Kane grinned as he looked at Diablo who had his arm wrapped around Griff’s waist, the bigger guy’s
arm firmly across his shoulder. He knew that the cat shifter was thinking of their first meeting when
Kane had indeed questioned the same thing himself.

“Why should I be worried? Diablo is a good man - loyal to his mate and thereby to his pack. He is
intelligent, strong and he has proven today that he can fight when he has too. As a pack we are really
proud to have him.” Kane stopped and pulled Shawn closer and smiled again at the crowd.

“Besides I have a Shifter Guardian as my mate so while Diablo is formidable in his own right and

Griff and he together make an unbeatable team, I have no doubt my own mate will protect the best
interests of the pack.” Looking over the crowd Kane’s voice was firm as he rolled out his Alpha
power.

“Make no mistake. The Cloverleah pack is very small but it is growing and will continue to grow
especially as more gay shifters look to find a place where they can be who they are without reprisals
from their pack and our own members find their mates. This is a gay shifter pack and will remain so
and we will never turn away anyone that is different in any way. Those of you that have a problem
with that are welcome to leave at any time. I don’t have a problem with your own beliefs provided you
keep them to yourself, but your issues are not mine and it is my beliefs that count on Cloverleah pack
land. While you are on this land you will respect that.”

Kane looked around the crowd, staring them all in the eye individually, his pack members tense and
ready to fight at his side. When he caught his father’s eye he saw the older man nod at him
approvingly. It was nice to see his father proud of him. Only when he had finished and was satisfied
that there would be no challenge from anyone in the crowd did he smile.

“Now, as I have said, there is food and drink available. It has been a long day and I am sure you are all
ready to relax and have some fun.” A cheer went up as Kane and his pack headed back into the house.
In front of the porch large trestle tables had been set up, all of them loaded with food, plates and
silverware. A bar was set up to the side of the porch and Kane could see Xander and another man from
his Dad’s pack serving the drinks.

Cheryl had set up a separate table for his pack on the porch and for a while the men sat around eating
and drinking, reliving some of the more entertaining points of the challenges through the day. Griff
noticed that Diablo was quiet but as his little slip of the tongue at the challenge hadn’t been addressed
yet, he felt it was probably best for him to not pursue the matter.

Griff had absolutely no idea why it was he thought he could forbid his mate to do anything. Then again
that wasn’t true either. Griff knew he spilled those fateful words simply because he didn’t want to see
Diablo fighting with other wolves. In his heart of hearts Griff had always been an old fashioned kind
of wolf and despite the fact that he was gay and he knew he would end up with a male partner he
always believed that he would be the one that would protect his mate from all others.

The Fates however had other ideas obviously. They had sent him a mate who was more powerful than
he was, at least in animal form. The fact that Diablo was also smart and a canny fighter as Griff had
witnessed today proved that in a lot of ways Diablo didn’t need Griff - definitely not to protect him.
But the more Griff thought about it, the more he realized that he really didn’t care. Diablo was his and
he belonged to Diablo and even though he knew he had some form of punishment coming for his lapse
in judgment, he knew his mate loved him and that was worth everything.

Smiling to himself Griff was about to get another drink when he felt Diablo in his head.

You have had enough to drink my lover.

Griff looked at Diablo who was sprawled back in his chair, one leg casually crooked over the other
apparently watching two wolves mock wrestling on the lawn below them. He had his FBI face on and
the disinterested look on his face combined with the lethality that only Diablo in black jeans and a
muscle shirt could create had Griff’s cock rock hard in seconds.

You know I would need a lot more than this to be drunk my angel.

Diablo sniffed and Griff knew that his mate could smell his arousal. Shit half the wolves on the
property probably could.

You’ve had enough. Get up. Go upstairs. Strip naked and be on the bed waiting for me when I get
there.

Griff took a deep breath and tried to will down the pressure in his cock. But when he breathed in all he
could smell was the intoxicating smell of his mate and his cock started to throb violently in his jeans.
He looked over at Diablo who was still watching the fights on the lawn. If it wasn’t for the significant
bulge in the man’s jeans Griff would have thought the man totally unaffected.

Move it Griff. And make sure you prepare yourself for me. We have ten hours until the ceremony
tomorrow and I plan on fucking you through the mattress for at least half of that time. Probably more.
Go now!

Stumbling to his feet, not even trying to hide his erection, Griff muttered a hurried “good night” to the
guys at the table and literally ran inside. Diablo leaned forward and picked up his own drink, still half
full. As he sat back Scott leaned over to his ear.

“Playing with that sexy mind link again, ha Diablo?”

“Maybe,” Diablo grinned. He took another sip of his drink and sat back to watch as another two
wolves were rolling around on the lawn together. It was hard to tell from where he was sitting if the
two men were actually wrestling or making out.

“What, you’re just going to leave the man hanging upstairs?” Scott whispered appalled.

“Only for another five minutes, he’ll wait” Diablo said smoothly.

“Damn you are a mean bastard,” Scott said with a grin. “But I like it. Are you really that good?”

Diablo finished his drink and put the empty glass on the table. He leant close to Scott and put his
mouth close to Scott’s ear.

“Yes, I am,” he said softly, grinning as he felt Scott shudder as his breath skated across Scott’s neck.
“I promise you though my friend, when you find your mate he will be a lot better for you than I could
ever be.”

Standing up, Diablo adjusted his jeans slightly and winked at Scott as he said his good nights. Then,
with the casual elegance that was all cat shifter he nonchalantly strolled across the porch and into the
house.

Scott sat back and willed his own erection to go down. He knew Claude was in the crowd but Scott had
broken off with him for a reason. He wanted to find a mate of his own and Claude just wasn’t it. While
he didn’t doubt the older man cared about him, probably more than just for sex, Scott knew he didn’t
feel the same way. Fuck, he thought, I sure hope my mate comes along soon or I am going to just plain
die from blue balls.

Swigging his own drink Scott decided to go and find his twin, Troy. That man hadn’t even met his
intended mate yet and he was half in love with him. Their relationship so far had consisted of
infrequent emails and chat sessions. All Scott hoped was that when he did meet his own mate that he
would be the kind and gentle soul that he had longed to find. After all life wasn’t just about sex
although the way his balls were hardened in his jeans, a bit of sex right now wouldn’t go amiss. Damn
Diablo. Hell what was he doing? There were at least sixty odd gay wolves on the property right now,
who weren’t Claude. He might not find his mate but he could find some satisfaction for his dick at
least and if his heart did ache when it was over and all he felt was crashing loneliness, well he would
ignore it. Just like he always did. Hips swinging, Scott left the porch and headed into the crowd.

Chapter Twenty Seven

The sun shone directly overhead as Diablo and Griff stood, once again, in the pack circle. Together
this time. Diablo was looking cool and impossibly sexy in his tailored black suit with his long blond
hair flowing down his back. Griff on the other hand looked wickedly debauched from the night before,
his lips still swollen, the bite marks on his neck evident despite his collared shirt and the dark grey
suit he had worn for the occasion. Diablo smirked as he flashed a picture into Griff’s head. Of Griff
bound to the bed hand and foot, arse high as Diablo prowled towards him, his cock hard enough to
pound concrete. Yep, it had been one hell of a night.

As Griff let out a small moan he wobbled a bit on his feet and only Diablo’s reassuring arm at his
elbow stabilized him. The tantalizing scent of Griff’s arousal wafted past Diablo’s nose and he idly
wondered how long this ceremony was going to last. Although his own prick was still sensitive thanks
to the marathon session he and his mate had enjoyed the thought of Griff’s soothing mouth on his
hardening appendage had him looking for the nearest tree or wall to lean on.

“Gentlemen, we are ready to start,” the Shaman’s voice cut through Diablo’s lecherous thoughts. The
Shaman was an older man from Arthur and Cheryl’s pack. It was the same one who had tried to break
the mating bond between Kane and Shawn and the same one who later performed the Alpha Mating
Ritual between Kane and Shawn once he had verified that indeed gay wolves could find their true
mates. The twinkle in the man’s eyes suggested to Diablo that the Shaman knew exactly where
Diablo’s thoughts had been going and he blushed a little under the knowing gaze.

Griff shook his head to clear his own nefarious thoughts and focused on the ceremony. While his arse
might hurt and his muscles ached his heart was full and his mind was clear. At last he was going to be
mated with the man of his dreams. His delicious cat shifter. Any doubts Griff might have had in the
past about the cat’s ability or desire to stay with him were firmly pounded away not only thanks to
Diablo’s sexual prowess but also the loyalty and strength he had shown since he and Diablo had
hooked up just over a month before. Even the fact that he, Griff, was the envy of at least sixty odd
shifters who stood witness to the ceremony couldn’t win out over the absolute peace in his heart that
stemmed from the man stood next to him - Diablo was his - absolutely and permanently and he was
owned just as completely.

The Shaman indicated that Diablo and Griff should face each other and then he started to speak. “We
have come together today to witness the Mating Ritual ceremony between Griff second in command
of the Cloverleah pack, Alpha in his own right and son of Margaret of the Denver Colorado pack and
Diablo, Alpha cat shifter and son of Hannah.”

“This is not something that is undertaken lightly as this bond is permanent and something that cannot
be broken by any other person, shifter, or wolf. At this time I would normally ask if any person
present objects to this union, but given the challenges performed yesterday and my comments
afterwards we are going to forego that part of the ceremony. It would be nice if we can finish this
before sunset at least,” he added with a smirk of his own.

Griff grinned at a few of the groans that rang out among the crowd. Not only did the Shaman have a
sense of humor but it seems at least a couple of the wolves present were hoping for another chance at
claiming Diablo for themselves.

“What if we want to fight Diablo for the right to claim Griff,” a voice called out from the crowd.

The Shaman closed his eyes and pinched the bridge above his nose. Diablo scanned the crowd looking
for the person who spoke. He picked him out because of the rampant smirk the man had on his face.

Not as big as Diablo and probably not as strong in animal form, Diablo prepared himself for yet
another fight.

“Not going to happen,” the Shaman’s voice rang out and when Diablo looked at him he could see the
resolve in the man’s eyes. “These two men and their pack fought long and hard yesterday so that these
two would have the right to have their true mate union blessed with this ceremony. True mates. That
means no wolf will disrespect this union with yet another challenge without serious consequences both
to him and his pack.” The Shaman let his words ring around the assembled wolves and sink in for a
moment.

“Now, if we are all finished with this mucking about, I will continue,” he said smoothly.

“Griff, please explain to the pack and to those others present why it is you chose Diablo above all
others.”

“How could I not?” Griff grinned. Then his face became serious and he stared deep into Diablo’s eyes.
Although his words were meant for Diablo alone, he knew the rest of the men assembled would hear
every one. For one split second he was nervous. He had never been much of a public speaker
especially about his feelings. But Diablo’s calm gaze centered him and he knew he would be all right.
This man loved him and he would do him proud before this gathering.

“Diablo is everything to me. He is the breath in my lungs, the sweat on my skin and the heart that
keeps me alive. I had reason recently to be parted from this man for just twelve hours and in that time
I knew quite simply that I could not function without him. Diablo is loyal, strong, intelligent and he
brings skills to this pack that will strengthen us all. But for me he is much more important than the
benefits he brings to the pack.”

Taking a deep breath, Griff continued. “I love this man with all that I am and all that I can be. There
will never be another for me because honestly there is nothing I want more than the perfection I see
before me. Inside and out Diablo is perfect for me in every way and I thank the Fates that he is my
chosen true mate. As I have claimed so I have been claimed and I want nothing more than to stay with
this man forever. I ask the pack and all those present to accept Diablo as my true mate.”

As the crowd howled their approval, because honestly how could they do anything else, Griff just
focused on Diablo and the love he saw shining in those deep chocolate eyes of his. Now he had said
his piece he was calm and content and just wanted the ceremony to be over.

The Shaman called for quiet and then spoke again, this time to Diablo.

“Diablo, now it is your turn. Please explain to the pack and those present why you chose Griff above
all others, and given that you are a cat shifter, why you want to be accepted as a member of the
Cloverleah pack.”

Wow, no pressure, Diablo thought to himself as he struggled to gather his thoughts. How did you
explain in simple words the torrent of emotions that buffeted him every time they were together and
the chronic loneliness he felt when they were apart? How can that type of love be put into words the
others would understand? Well, he had to try and looking at Griff who he knew loved him with all of
his heart, body, mind and soul, and who he loved in just the same way, suddenly the words came easily
to him and he spoke.

“Griff completes me,” Diablo said softly, knowing that the other wolves would hear him, his voice
like liquid dark chocolate, smooth and sensual. “He is the only one who can calm my beast, the only
one that can warm my heart and the only one who can soothe my soul. For me he is everything. Griff
took my life and turned it on a dime, changing it so completely it took my breath away. And yet every
time I look at the man before me I can only wonder at how I managed to live at all without him by my

side. Griff taught me the value of pack, but more importantly Griff stole my heart and without him I
would be nothing. I love this man with all that I am and all that I can be and I want nothing more than
to be with Griff forever. There will be no other. As I have claimed I have been claimed. I pledge to the
pack my loyalty, my commitment and my skills. To Griff I pledge all that I am. I want to be by Griff’s
side in all things, and as such I ask those present to accept me as Griff’s true mate and a part of the
Cloverleah pack.”

As the crowd howled their acceptance again the Shaman smiled saying, “not common emotions for a
cat shifter?”

“Perhaps not,” Diablo agreed, “but true in every sense for me and that is what counts here.”

The Shaman bought the two men’s right hands together and bound them by the wrist with a slim
leather strap. Speaking softly the Shaman chanted over the bound wrists while Diablo and Griff
continued to stare into each other’s eyes. As the chants grew and the crowd responded both men
remained focused on each other until suddenly there was a large flash of light that encompassed both
Griff and Diablo. It pulsed for just two seconds and then dissipated.

“Wow,” said the Shaman, stunned for a minute. “That’s never happened before.” He looked over to
where Shawn was standing on the circle’s edge with Kane.

“Do you have any idea what that was about?”

Shawn stood for a minute with his eyes closed as though channeling some higher thought. When he
opened them he smiled.

“The coming together of Griff and Diablo has significance far beyond this pack. They will be a
shining example of two shifters bound together by love and their desire to help others. Furthermore
they will also give hope to those wolf shifters and packs that don’t believe in pairing with non-wolves
and who don’t believe in mates for gay men. From what I’ve been told,” he pointed vaguely at the
heavens, “the Fates just wanted to recognize their importance with their own little light show.”

Shaking his head the Shaman turned back to Griff and Diablo who were still lost in each other. He
turned their wrists to plant the tattoos mated shifters wore to warn off others and to his astonishment it
was already done. Diablo was sporting a small wolf’s head, that he knew was exactly like Griff’s wolf,
while Griff of course was wearing the head of a panther on his inside wrist. Underneath the tattoos
were three small icons that looked a lot like ancient hieroglyphics.

“You have been marked by the Fates themselves,” the Shaman said, his voice quiet and filled with
wonder as he undid the leather tie. Then he shook his head again and said in a louder voice.

“It is done. Let no one come between this wolf and this cat on the pain of death as decreed by pack law
and in this case the Fate’s themselves. They are now as one.”

Griff moved towards Diablo and took his mouth in a soft and passionate kiss, ignoring the cheers of
the crowd and the scores of men who came forward to congratulate them. In the commotion the
Shaman pulled Shawn aside and spoke to him quietly, the two men looking over to where Griff and
Diablo were now hugging their pack members. After a short while, Shawn nodded to the Shaman and
then left to go and stand with Kane.

“What was all that about, my lover,” Kane asked softly.

“The Shaman thinks we should probably try and find out a bit more about who Diablo’s father was. It
seems the cat has more power than anyone here gives him credit for and the Shaman seems to think
that it might have something to do with his father being quite high up in cat shifter society.”

“But Diablo said his mother doesn’t even really know who the father is. Just some cat shifter she

released from a circus or something.” Kane was struggling to remember what Griff and Diablo had
told them about the man.

“Yes, well, it is not a big deal. But among cat shifters at least it would seem that Diablo is a big deal
even if he doesn’t realize it. Which he obviously doesn’t. Griff has said that he hasn’t had any contact
with other cat shifters apart from his mother.”

Shawn was quiet for a moment and then said, “We may have to go visit her at some time, don’t you
think?”

Kane nodded. “Yes I think that might be a good idea, but hey let’s not say anything about it today
alright. Today is for Griff and Diablo and their Mating Ritual. Surely shifter politics and all that other
crap can go out of the window for a little while?”

“Of course,” Shawn grinned at his mate. “But you know I have to wonder about you my mate. First
you mate with a Shifter Guardian and now Griff has mated with a high ranking and powerful cat
shifter. It kinda makes you wonder what Anton’s got going for him and who Dean and Scott are going
to mate with. You must be one hell of a strong Alpha to attract all of that power and energy.”

Nuzzling Shawn’s neck, which for Kane was his most favorite place on earth, Kane mumbled
something about his mate being biased and Shawn laughed. Slowly they made their way back up to the
house where already food and drinks were being served. Shawn flicked his fingers and music started
pouring out of the house and just like that, a party was started.

/~/~/~/

It was dark by the time Griff finally got Diablo on the make-shift dance floor, set out on the side of
the glade. They had spent their time eating, drinking and making new friends. A couple of the guys
they had met were interested in joining Kane’s pack and once Griff had determined that their interest
wasn’t just another ruse to get closer to Diablo, he talked to them about the types of work they could
find in the area and other useful information.

For the first time ever Griff saw Diablo totally relaxed in company. Although he was always touching
Griff in some form or another, he laughed and joked and questioned the men around him depending on
the situation. Now his mate was slightly tipsy and moving to the music, his head tilted up, his eyes
closed and his body pure sex on a stick as he danced. Unhappy about the amount of attention his mate
was getting, even when the man himself was totally oblivious, Griff was pleased when a slow song
came on and he had the perfect excuse to pull Diablo snug against his body.

To the other men on the dance floor, and those watching from the sides, the sight of Griff and Diablo
together was like watching soft porn. The fact that both men were so good looking was just part of the
appeal. It was the way they moved together - always in sync, bodies so close that nothing could come
between them. The fact that two big men could be so graceful surprised many in the crowd but no-one
disputed the fact that together they reeked of sex appeal.

When Griff tilted Diablo’s head to kiss him, with one hand plunged into Diablo’s hair and the other
firmly on his lower back, Diablo’s surrender was pure perfection and the crowd around them went
wild with catcalls and whistles. But Griff didn’t care. With his mate in his arms and their lips joined
in passion he was in heaven and nothing was going to stop him enjoying the moment. When the two
men finally broke for air and stared into each other’s eyes Griff could see Diablo’s promise - the
promise of forever. And that made him a really happy man.

Epilogue

Ten Days Later

Griff and Diablo were packing up their bikes, finally getting ready to leave on the road trip that Diablo
had been so looking forward to. First they were going to visit Diablo’s mother and then they were
going to wend their way through the states finally hitting New York in three weeks time where Angel
Bandures would marry Derrick Franklin. Diablo had tried to talk Griff out of the ceremony. A human
marriage meant nothing to shifters and Tony was more than capable of producing the documents
necessary to show that Angel and Diablo were married.

Griff held firm, however. He wanted to go through every type of ceremony possible to bind his lover
to him and while he wasn’t overly keen on the idea of having to go through the marriage as Angel he
really didn’t have a choice. Derrick Franklin couldn’t marry two men at the same time and they did
need the cover of those documents to help in their work with the FBI. Kane and Shawn along with
Tony had already promised to fly up and meet them in New York for the ceremony and Griff had
arranged three days for them all at the prestigious St. Regis hotel. He wanted to give his mate a
honeymoon that he would remember and besides, the FBI was footing the bill.

The men were just securing their possessions on their bikes when the rumble of other bikes came up
the road. Within seconds the rest of the pack had arrived to see Griff and Diablo off. Diablo’s bike had
needed a major refit after Diablo had been kidnapped and the man was quick to thank the men of
Custom Rides for their good work. Kane, Shawn and the rest of the pack had all worked tirelessly to
not only ensure that Diablo’s prized possession was safe to ride, it looked good too. Even the
paintwork had been restored and Diablo touched the wolf on his tank fondly. Griff’s bike now hosted a
panther on his tank, just as the man had promised.

“So are you all set for the trip guy’s?” Kane asked.

“Yep, all packed and ready,” Griff replied. “Hey thanks for keeping an eye on the place for us while
we are gone and all that. It’s really appreciated.”

“Hey Griff, you know I would do anything for you old friend. I really want you and Diablo to have a
hassle free and relaxing holiday. Lord knows the pair of you deserve it,” Kane said fondly.

Just then the sound of a cell phone ringing startled all of them. Shawn patted his pocket and pulled out
his phone, frowning at the screen. Moving closer to Kane, he said, “It’s Lucius,” and answered it,
putting the phone on speaker so all of the men could hear.

“Hi Lucius, what’s up?”

“Oh man, I am really sorry but there is some shit headed your way and it is all our fault,” Lucius
sounded really anxious over the phone.

“What do you mean, what shit?”

“Look you don’t have to worry. Damien is on this personally. We are heading down now and should be
there no later than tomorrow. He’s bringing six of his enforcers so you will be fine I promise.”

“What shit, Lucius, explain yourself,” the harsh tone of Shawn’s voice shocking the men around him.

“Fuck, I knew we should have killed him. It’s Bruce, the bear shifter. He’s out and he has caught up
with two other shifters and they are on their way to Cloverleah to take out you Shawn and grab Kane.
Damien is really sorry about this…”

“How the hell did the man escape? Damien gave me his word that he would be killed.”

“Look Shawn I am sorry. What can I say? Damien wanted to give the families of the subs that Bruce
had injured the right to fight and kill Bruce themselves. But the two families started fighting between
themselves about who had the most right to the kill and so the challenge just kept getting put off.
Bruce managed to soft talk one of the guards into giving him a blow job and while the man was
distracted Bruce knocked him out and escaped. We have been tracking him for days but it is clear he is
hell bent on getting to Cloverleah and will probably would have been there by now except he keeps
taking diversions, probably to drum up more support for his mission. He wants all of you to pay for
what you did to him Shawn.”

Shawn looked at Kane who had gone silent, his expressionless face not giving a hint to the turmoil that
Shawn knew his mate was feeling. Bruce had given Kane an almighty scare and if there were more
than one bear shifter involved this could turn into a nasty fight.

“All right,” he snapped into the phone. “We will expect you tomorrow but you can tell Damien from
me I will tear strips off his hide when he gets here.”

“Yes, he expects you too, man. Again we are all real sorry and we are already on the road. We will be
there as quickly as we can be.” Shawn didn’t even bother to reply and simply snapped his phone shut,
moving forward to give Kane a huge hug. Giving his mate a tight smile, Kane shrugged him off and
went over to Griff and Diablo who were sitting on their bikes.

“Okay, well you guys have a good trip and we will see you in New York in three weeks,” he managed
to get out.

Looking at Diablo, Griff got off his bike and seconds later Diablo did the same, grabbing their bags
and going back to the house.

“Hey, what you guys doing? Don’t let this little bear problem stop you from going on your trip. You
heard Lucius. Damien is bringing six enforcers with him - we will be fine,” Kane tried to keep his tone
light with Griff even though he was really worried. He knew how important this trip was to both men.

“Nothing doing Kane. Even if you weren’t my Alpha you are still my cousin and my very best friend.
We’ll go on our trip when all of this business is finished with. Shouldn’t take more than a couple of
days, right?” Griff said firmly.

“No,” he continued as Kane opened his mouth to speak. “Diablo and I are both agreed on this. You
guys come first. As long as Diablo and I are together we don’t care where we are. So give us five
minutes to sort out a bit of gear and we will head down to the shop with you.” As Kane started to
protest yet again, Griff overrode him.

“I mean this Kane. Until this Bruce is dead we are not leaving you on your own. It’s a pack thing as
well as a friend thing, so shut up. Don’t argue with your best friend and head off down to Custom
Rides. Diablo and I will be right behind you.”

“I’m not having anyone but Shawn in my bed man. We might be close but we are not that close,” Kane
tried to joke.

“And we will be in the room next door to yours, so keep the noise down,” Griff said smugly.

“Same goes for you two,” Shawn quipped as he and Kane went back to their bikes.

As Kane and the others took off on their bikes, headed towards town, Griff pulled Diablo close.

“I am sorry my lover, but I promise I will make it up to you.”

“Don’t be sorry for being a good friend and pack mate, Griff. Your caring for others is just one of the
many things I love about you,” Diablo said softly.

“Hmm, what else do you love?”

Eyes glinting with mischief Diablo said, “Well there is that you melt in my arms when I do this,” as
he raked his long canines up the length of Griff’s neck. Yes Griff melted.

“And then you shudder when I do this,” as he reached down and cupped Griff’s erection through his
jeans. Griff did shudder but then he was always blown away with just how intoxicating Diablo was.

“Shall I finish explaining what else I love about you in the bedroom my lover,” Diablo purred quietly.
Griff spared a quick glance down the road in the direction Kane and the others had taken but then
thought, to hell with it, and raced towards to the stairs of the porch. Yes there was a rampant bear
shifter coming, possibly more than one. Yes Damien was worried enough to travel down to Cloverleah
with six of his enforcers. But all of that was tomorrow and right now if Griff couldn’t give Diablo the
trip he was promised then he could at least give him one hell of a ride.

Sneak Peak of Book Three Cloverleah pack: When No Doesn’t Cut It

Damien, Alpha of the San Antonio Texas pack was angry. No strike that. He was angry, frustrated,
anxious and horny as hell. The anger, frustration and anxiety he could understand. Here he was in
bum-fuck Cloverleah chasing down a bear shifter who should have been dead a month ago. Thanks to
the politics of his huge pack Damien’s word to Shawn and Kane, that the bear would never leave his
pack lands alive again had been broken and he had just spent the past hour trying to apologize to the
two men for allowing shit to come onto Cloverleah pack land.

That explained the frustration and anxiety. Damien prided himself on keeping his promises. Bruce the
bear should never have been allowed to leave his cage. Ha, strike that too. The bear should have been
dead a month ago when Shawn had got his hands on him. But no, Damien wanted to get retribution for
the two sub’s families that had been hurt by the wannabe dominant bear shifter and had been so cocky
about his own security set up and the enforcers in his pack that he gave promises that he didn’t keep.

And now he was here, in Cloverleah. Trying to play nice with Kane, the Alpha when all he really
wanted to do was head home and sink into the nearest willing sub. It was bad enough that Shawn had
rejected his advances almost a year before, but to find him here now, mated to Kane and the pair of
them so sickly in love was enough to make him growl.

The other two mated men in the pack, Griff and that gorgeous looking cat shifter Diablo didn’t help
either. For goodness sake they were supposed to be working out how to catch the bloody bear shifter
and Griff had his nose in Diablo’s neck. Kane and Shawn weren’t much better. Damien scowled at the
two men. Shawn was sitting on Kane’s lap where he had been since they sat down. Kane obviously
wasn’t comfortable with Damien being around his mate and hadn’t let go of him since Damien and his
enforcers had arrived.

“Look,” Damien said more forcefully than he would have liked, “Can you guys stop playing sucky
face and concentrate for a moment. My enforcers and your three guys should have been back to report
by now. What’s keeping them?”

Kane lifted his head slowly from where it was nestled in Shawn’s hair and smirked at Damien before
sitting upright and back in his chair, his arm still clasped possessively around Shawn’s waist.

“Sorry Damien,” he rumbled softly, even though he wasn’t at all. “We are all newly mated as you
know. Somehow the thought of having to fight off bear shifters that shouldn’t be in this area anyway
tends to make an Alpha a little possessive. I’m sure you will feel the same way when you find your
intended.”

Damien growled in warning because yes damn it Kane was smirking at him again. The dig about

Bruce and his friends didn’t help either.

“Even if I did find my mate I wouldn’t be as sloppy as you four men. I’d be taking care of my
responsibilities like keeping track of my men when they were out on patrol,” Damien snapped out
angrily, the insult in his words intentional.

He stood up and paced towards the French doors, looking out over the wide grassy area that preceded
the forest area. Stepping through the doors he walked across the wide porch and leaned against the
porch rail trying to get control of his emotions. He had been out of sorts since he arrived and this lack
of control was not something he was used to.

Hell’s teeth he was Damien, Alpha of one of the largest packs in the United States. He was known for
his icy control, his calm manner and deadly efficiency. But ever since he had walked into Kane’s pack
house and caught a whiff of a delicious scent that permeated the air he had been edgy, angry and yes,
still horny.

“Damien my friend, what’s really wrong. You are not usually like this.” Shawn’s soft, deep voice
beside him nudged him out of his thoughts. Sighing heavily, Damien turned his head to look at the
man beside him. Damn Shawn still looked good. His lithe 6’ 2” frame had filled out a bit since
Damien had seen him last but his lean face, startling ice chip blue eyes and long straight black hair
was still the same. The confidence was a new thing though, as was the calmness and peace that
Damien could see in those eyes. For a split second he was ashamed of himself that he could still feel
something for the man beside him. Finding his true mate had allowed Shawn to grow into his power,
face his family and be the man slash Shifter Guardian he was meant to be.

Shawn had been more than a piece of eye-candy to Damien. He had been a true friend. Someone who
could see Damien for more than his position as Alpha or the owner of the largest BDSM club in the
States. Shawn treated Damien like a man first and everything else second. There weren’t too many
people in Damien’s life that were like that. Shit if he was really honest, there wasn’t anyone else like
that in Damien’s life. And because of that Damien owed his friend the truth.

“I don’t know what to tell you Shawn. It’s like, from the moment I walked into this house this smell
just hit me and I have been edgy and frustrated and angry ever since. Okay the situation with Bruce
was bad enough, same with meeting your lover for the first time. But fuck it, there is something in
your house that is driving me crazy. Shit what do you use for floor polish here anyway?”

“Smell, ha?” Shawn grinned and sniffed. “A smell that makes you horny no less. Is there something
about one of your enforcers you haven’t had the time to acknowledge as yet?”

“Shit no.” Damien was emphatic on that score. He had known his enforcers for years and had never
felt anything for any of them. “Besides,” he said, “if it was one of my men I would have felt
something like this before, and honestly this is the first time ever that I have felt this combination of
lust and angst. Like, standing out here I can barely smell it and that is making me more edgy than
ever. I don’t know what is happening to me.”

“Well what is happening, my friend is that you are scenting your mate. The question is who it is.”
Shawn looked thoughtful for a minute and then shook his head and laughed.

“What? Stuff you, Shawn this isn’t a laughing matter. I haven’t got the time to go searching for a
mate. I am trying to catch a bear shifter.”

Shawn toned down his laughter at Damien’s words but his grin split his usually solemn face. “It’s
obvious Damien. If you have felt this way since coming into our pack house then the chap you are
looking for has to be part of our pack. Given that our pack is so small it can only be one of two guys -
Scott or Dean and it can’t be Dean because you would have smelt it if your mate was an Omega. So

that only leaves one option in this house - Scott.”

“So where is he, this Scott person? Why haven’t I met him yet?”

“He’s was out on patrol before you guys arrived - him and his twin, Troy and Dean our Omega. They
have been out checking for new scents in the area since first light.”

Damien growled fiercely. “He’s out there and you haven’t seen him since this morning? What if they
come across Bruce and his friends? What if something has happened to him?”

Suddenly all Damien wanted to do was shift and find this man with the tantalizing smell. Every
protective urge he had ever had rushed to the surface of his brain and he was desperate to hunt the man
down and make sure that he was all right before he fucked him into the ground. He tugged his muscle
shirt off his chest intent on doing just that.

“Damien, stop it.” Shawn’s voice was still quiet but it was laced with power. “Scott is just fine. The
three men in our pack met up with your enforcers an hour ago and have paired off and are making
their way back. Scott is with…” he tapped his head and looked up at the sky and then said, “Levi and
Drake. He’s fine. They haven’t scented anything unusual.”

“Levi and Drake? Oh fuck no. That’s worse. They are a pair of horn dogs that will fuck anything that
moves. Why didn’t he go with Lucius and Vincent?”

“Because Lucius and Vincent know how important Dean is to us and he needed the most protection if
they come across the bear,” Kane’s deep voice sounded behind Damien. “Now do you want to tell me
why you as a visiting Alpha sees fit to not only insult me and the way I run things, but then presume to
tell me who of your enforcers is fit to be paired with my men?”

Damien was struggling with his control and his wolf. The thought of his potential mate running around
the forest with two of his enforcers, who were known for their promiscuous ways was enough to drive
him over the edge. He had never felt such an urgency to get to another person in his entire life but he
didn’t doubt for one second that this Scott must be his mate.

Older than the shifters in Kane’s pack, Damien had waited for more than a hundred and sixty years to
be mated with someone although he still looked like he was in his early thirties. It was his age
combined with his finely honed control that allowed him to be the Alpha of the San Antonio pack
despite constant challenges. But for all of his wealth, his power and his position, Damien had never
had anyone in his life that was solely there for him. Now that the possibility was within his grasp he
wanted to grab it, grab the man tight with both arms and never ever let him go.

Bending down to remove his boots, Damien ignored Kane and focused on getting shifted and finding
Scott. As he bent down he could hear the sound of wolves coming out from the forest into the clearing
and he quickly stood up, scanning the tree line. His mate was near, he could just catch a hint of that
delicious scent coming from the tree line.

Lucius and Vincent in wolf form broke the tree line first escorting a smaller wolf, Dean. Lucius noted
the men standing on the porch and headed straight towards Damien, obviously to give his report. As
they reached the porch steps Dean broke off and ran straight into the house, still with four feet. Kane
and Shawn didn’t seem to be surprised so Damien ignored it too.

Max and Isaac came running up from the outer edge of the forest. They had a dark brown wolf with
them. This must be Troy, Damien thought to himself, the twin. He watched as Troy and the other’s
shifted and was surprised to see a tallish, well built blond man emerge from the dark wolf. Troy had a
keen intelligent face, wide blue eyes, a straight nose and a full pink mouth. His sun kissed blond hair
hung at shoulder length and just grazed the broad tanned shoulders that tapered to a solid six pack and

strong legs. The man wasn’t pretty by anyone’s standards, but he was strong and handsome and
Damien caught himself hoping that the twins were identical before he tore his eyes away and spoke to
Lucius.

“Did you find anything? Where are the others?”

Lucius looked around to see who was missing before answering.

“Nothing to report, Damien. We didn’t find any suspicious scents in the area and we covered a five
mile area. If Bruce is coming through the forest area he hasn’t gotten close enough for us to scent him
yet.”

“And Levi and Drake? Why aren’t they back yet?”

Lucius shrugged as he wrapped an arm around his own mate Vincent, who was also Kane’s brother.
They were both wearing jeans supplied by Shawn, who was in the process of passing out similar
clothes to the other naked shifters on the porch.

“We heard them as we were coming through the trees. I…er…think that Levi and Drake were hoping
to convince Scott to shift before they got back to the house. They were already shifted when I heard
them, but Scott…”

“WHAT?” Damien yelled. Turning to face the trees Damien roared, his Alpha power zinging across
the grass. “LEVI, DRAKE, GET BACK HERE NOW, I COMMAND IT.”

Seconds later two large wolves came running out from the tree line and straight to the porch. Troy,
noticing that Scott wasn’t with them, murmured to Kane and then after receiving a nod in return,
shifted and took off back towards the trees.

Damien looked at the two men who were now naked and kneeling on the grass in front of the porch,
their necks turned submissively to the side. Both men were big, ugly brutes. Perfect enforcer material
but known for being rough and uncaring when they were looking for sex.

As Damien took in the Levi’s split lip and the swelling across Drake’s eye the rage he had been
keeping in check rose up and without warning he leapt over the porch rail to stand in front of the two
men. Now closer to them he could smell the same enticing scent that had been bugging him for more
than an hour and he felt sick to his stomach about what his two enforcers might have done to his
potential mate.

“Where’s Scott?” He growled.

Both men looked at each other and then back at the ground. Still growling Damien leant forward and
grabbed Levi by his hair, raising him up off the ground until Levi’s feet were swinging in the air.

“Where’s Scott?” He said again, the menace evident in his voice.

“In the trees…we left him in the trees when you called. We didn’t do anything to him honest…we just
wanted to play with him a little bit.”

Damien raised his fist as if to strike the enforcer but just then a single low howl filled the air.

“That’s Troy,” Kane growled as he and Shawn raced for the trees. Damien flung Levi to the ground
and then nodded to Max and Isaac and said, “Don’t let them move.” Swinging around to Lucius and
Vincent, Damien snapped out, “You two are with me,” as he too took off for the trees. He just knew
something had happened to his mate; he could feel it in his gut.

Due Out 14th April 2014

Amazon Kindle and AllRomanceEbooks.com

Don’t miss it

Did you read Book One of the Cloverleah Pack series?

The Reluctant Wolf

Kane Matthews, Alpha of his small wolf pack in Cloverleah has been raised to believe that mates are
not possible for gay men and has lived his life accordingly. Kicked out of his home pack years before
because of his sexual orientation Kane has built a solid and comfortable life for himself in the small
town of Cloverleah.

Imagine his surprise when an unscheduled visit to the small town's diner unleashes a flood of
emotions in the man he didn't think possible - not least of all, lust. But finding out it is possible for
wolf shifters to have gay mates is just one of the things that Kane has to overcome if he is to have the
forever future he has been hoping for.

Shawn Bailey never expected to find his mate. He is just too different - an "Other" who has the power
to instill fear in any other shifter. After spending ten years on the run from his Alpha father he spends
most days just trying to stay alive. When a chance encounter brings him face to face with his mate
Shawn has to decide if the man in front of him is worth staying for.

But with hunters, Alpha challenges, Kane's parents and a smitten Alpha from another pack all
interfering in Kane and Shawn's budding romance, not to mention some surprising answers about
Shawn's own unique talents can these two true mates find the happily ever after they are looking for?

Buy Here From Amazon

About the Author

Lisa Oliver had been writing non-fiction books for years when visions of half dressed, buff men
started invading her dreams. Unable to resist the lure of her stories Lisa decided to switch to fiction
books and now stories about her men clamor to get out from under her fingertips.
When Lisa is not writing she is usually reading with a cup of tea always at hand. Her grown children
and grandchildren sometimes try and pry her away from the computer and have found that the best
way to do it is to promise her chocolate. Lisa will do anything for chocolate.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers and other writers. You can friend her on

Facebook here

, or email

her directly at

[e-mail]

. If you are keen on getting some help writing your own

novel you can go to

Writing With Lisa

to see what services she offers there.

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