For the Love of Caden

By: Sandrine Gasq-Dion

Dedication:

For my family

My readers at LRO

Jenjo, Jen and Kim…

© Copyright 2011

~~Chapter One~~

Kellan leaned back on his elbows, tipping his

face to the sun. Denali was its own country; it was
so clean and fresh. The air smelled wonderful - like
trees and fresh grass. It was unspoiled and
beautiful. In his eyes, being part of the Denali pack
was an honor. The pack’s alpha, Wayne, was one
hell of a powerful wolf; Kellan was

still trying to get

used to the power flowing through him. They were
back for a meeting of the packs. Apparently the
Oregon and California packs wanted to combine. It
looked as if they’d be welcoming quite a few new
wolves into the fold. The front door to the cabin
opened and Preston, Wesley, Tucker and Nicholas
made their way over to him on the bench.

“Hey, Preston.” Kellan playfully hip-bumped

Preston. “How’s Wyatt?”

Preston sighed, collapsing on the bench. “He’s

growing up; John sent me some pictures of him. I
swear he’s more and more beautiful each time I get
a new picture.” Preston’s eyes shifted. Just thinking
about Wyatt had his blood pumping. “Dammit.”

Tucker chuckled, watching his pack mate’s

muscles ripple. “Damn, Preston. Horny much?”

“I’m waiting for Wyatt.” Preston growled.
Tucker put his hands up in defense. “Hey, I’m just

messing with you.”

Preston sat back, a wicked smile on his face.

“Besides, at least I

have a mate.”

Tucker sucked in a breath. “Oh, that’s just

so

wrong.”

Kellan smacked Preston in the arm. “Hey now,

some of us are still waiting for ‘the one’. Even
though Wyatt is so much younger than you, be
grateful you know who your mate is. At least you
know that at some point you can mark him as
yours.”

Preston clasped his hands together. “I know. I’ll

be in Washington for a few days. I just want to see
him, you know? He’s growing up so fast.”

“Well,” Wesley sat next to Preston, taking his

hand. “At least you can see him. I can’t wait for the
day that I get my mate.”

“Yep, we are all going to jack off until our dicks

fall off.” Nicholas winked.

Kellan smiled at his friends. “Let’s just hope when

we do find our mates, they are old enough for us to
do something about it.”

“No shit.” Tucker laughed.
They all heard Wayne calling them in for lunch.

Kellan stood, stretching his back and arms out.
“Thank God, I’m starving.”

“Last one in does dishes!” Tucker took off.
Nicholas hung back with Kellan and they walked

slowly towards the cabin. “We are going to have to
do dishes.”

Kellan shrugged. “Nothing new. How’s the job?”
“It’s easy. My captain keeps wondering how I

solve cases so fast.” Nicholas chuckled. “Could be
that I can smell the bad guy?”

Kellan laughed softly. “You’ll be making detective

before you know it.”

“Maybe.” Nicholas shrugged. “Right now, I’m just

enjoying keeping busy.”

“You mean keeping your mind off the mate you

don’t have.” Kellan sighed, looking up at the sky.
“What I wouldn’t give to have love in my life.”

“It will happen, I know it will.” Nicholas hugged

his brother. “We have to have faith.”

Kellan felt Nick’s arms around him and sighed. “I

know.”

~~

Kellan woke up with a loud groan. His ‘Clocky’

alarm clock was going off and rolling around the

room. Okay, so it was his fault he’d purchased the
damn thing, but after going into work late on more
than one occasion he’d had to do

something. He

could hear the thing rolling around under his bed; it
hit the frame and bounced, changing directions.
Before he could grab it, it went out of the bedroom
and into the hall.

“Ugh!” Kellan threw his legs over the side of the

bed. He knew he looked ridiculous in his black boxer
briefs chasing a damn alarm clock down his
hallway. But, he was up. Mission accomplished by
irritating alarm clock.

He grabbed it before it went into the bathroom.

Silencing it, he threw it on his bed. Kellan trudged
into the kitchen and flipped the coffee pot on.
Turning the TV to the morning news, he waited for
the coffee to finish percolating. Friday the thirteenth
and he was working today. Great. He’d moved to
Seattle six months ago with Jude and Scott and
they all worked as paramedics at the Harborview
Medical. Their alpha, Alexander Romasko, was a
doctor there.

The Seattle sky was turning a nasty greyish

color and Kellan sighed. A lot of accidents would be
happening today, he could just feel it. You’d think
that by living in Seattle most people would get used
to driving in the rain. Nope. And May seemed to be

the

worst month for torrential rain.

Kellan grabbed his towel and went to the

bathroom. Living with two other guys ensured you
never ran out of shaving cream and razors. They
took turns shopping once a week. Turning the water
to hot, Kellan got in and rinsed his jet black hair.
Being Irish and Italian gave him a look that girls
seemed to go crazy for. His eyes were black as
midnight and his six foot frame was covered in
sinewy muscles. Kellan sighed and gripped his dick.
He didn’t even have the energy to jack off; he
needed to get laid. Although Seattle was a hot-bed
of gays, Kellan had yet to find the ‘one’ - his mate.
Being a werewolf meant you had someone chosen
especially for you and when the time was right,
you’d meet. At almost twenty-six, Kellan was tired
of waiting.

The door to the bathroom opened and Kellan

could see Scott’s frame in the outline of the frosted
shower door.

“Well good morning, beautiful.” Kellan chuckled.
“I fucking hate your alarm clock, Kel.” Scott

leaned his head back, waiting for his morning wood
to subside so he could take a piss.

“You’re up aren’t you?” Kellan massaged the

shampoo into his scalp and rinsed.

They both heard the loud groan from the kitchen

and Scott laughed.

“Jude attacked the coffee.”
“Yep,” Kellan soaped up his chest. Unlike Scott

and Jude, he was a made werewolf. At the cusp of
death, Alex had bitten him, changing him into a
werewolf and saving his life.

He and his parents were on a camping trip when

he was fifteen and they were attacked by a grizzly.
His father, trying to shield them both, was killed. His
mother took his place in trying to shield her son and
lost. Kellan had rolled into a ball and played dead,
but the bear wasn’t buying it. His stomach had been
cut open by the bear’s massive claws and as he lay
dying he’d heard the howls of wolves. The change
had been painful, but not as painful as the bear
attack. When he’d woken up, Alex was there. From
that point on Alexander Romasko took care of him.
Although he’d still had his grandmother, she was
older and couldn’t take care of him. After a long talk
with Alexander, she’d agreed to let Alexander take
care of him. Now she was gone as well. All he had
left in the world was Alexander and the pack. Alex
put him through school and made sure he’d had
whatever he needed; Scott, Nicholas and Jude
became his brothers.

Stepping out of the shower, he wrapped the

towel around his waist and looked in the mirror.

Even as a made wolf, he would get a mate. He just
hoped his mate would find him soon. Throwing on
his pants and shirt, Kellan walked to the kitchen and
grabbed a cup of coffee. He put some bread in the
toaster and went to the pantry for peanut butter.

“Oh come on, Jude.” Kellan pulled the lid off.

“This has you written all over it!”

“What?” Jude sipped his coffee.
“Really?” Kellan dipped the jar so that Scott

could see inside.

“Jude,” Scott tsked. “Really? Clean the jelly off

your knife

before you put it in the peanut butter, and

or vice-versa. We really don’t like them mixed. If we
did, we’d buy that Goober shit.”

“Stop putting your underwear on the floor then.”

Jude pointed at Scott with his knife.

Scott sat up and leaned over. “Stop leaving your

pubes in the sink.”

“Okay, ew!” Kellan made a disgusted face.

“Stop, I’m trying to eat here.”

After shoving toast in his mouth and grabbing his

duffel bag, Kellan took the steps down to the street.
Their apartment was literally feet from the hospital
which made people wonder how Kellan could ever
be late for work. He sighed and walked through the
emergency room doors, finding Alex already
working. When his alpha saw him, his face lit up and

Kellan had to smile. The man was like a father to
him.

“Good morning, Kellan.”
“Morning, Alex.” Kellan put his bag down. “Friday

the thirteenth.”

“I know,” Alex sighed. “I have a feeling it is going

to be crazy around here.”

Kellan had to wonder how Alex could be a

doctor. More than once he’d asked Alex how he
could let people in his care die knowing he could
prevent it with just one bite. The answer Alex gave
him made him think.

“

Some people have lived their lives and are

ready to go, others have just started. I chose you,
Kellan, because you had a strength that I have not
seen very often. Others, I cannot explain away and
it would put us in danger. Could you imagine if a
little girl in my care was dying of cancer and then
miraculously became cancer free? To play God
with life is for God alone. I have broken my own
rules along the way but I do not regret changing
you, Kellan.”

Kellan smiled at the memory.
“You must get to work.” Alexander winked.
Kellan smiled and shuffled off to the locker room

to find Jude and Scott already in uniform.

“You guys ready for the madhouse?” Kellan

waggled his eyebrows.

“Always.” Scott smiled.

~~

The rain started coming down around noon and

then poured relentlessly for another two hours.
They were called to three different car wrecks in a
span of two hours. The third call was a woman who
hydroplaned into a concrete barrier. She’d been
hysterical and Kellan held her hand in the
ambulance as Scott started an IV drip. The
woman’s name was Helen and, once she calmed
down, she was trying to set Kellan up with her
daughter.

“Oh, that’s sweet, Helen,” Kellan had smiled at

her. “But I’m gay.”

Helen blinked once, then twice, and smiled. “I

have a son, too. He’s in the Navy.”

“A Seabee huh?” Kellan adjusted her drip. “Is he

gay?”

“I have no idea.” Helen laughed. “I wouldn’t care;

you are just hypnotically beautiful, Kellan.”

“Okay now, are you setting me up with your kids

or for yourself?” Kellan winked.

Kellan smiled. It wasn’t the first time, nor would it

be the last time, a woman tried to fix him up with
one of her grown children. Scott winked at him and
Kellan stuck his tongue out. After dropping her off at
the hospital dispatch alerted them to another
accident and Jude pulled into traffic.

“Here we go.” Kellan sighed.

~~Chapter Two~~

Caden sat in a line of traffic that seemed five

miles long. He sighed and looked at his watch. Any
chance he’d had of making it home by five was just
blown out the window. Magnolia Bridge was
bumper to bumper. He’d chosen a house not too far
away from downtown Seattle to avoid a long
commute. The small suburb of Briarcliff was
perfect. His house, a modest five bedroom,
overlooked the ocean and Caden could not have
been more pleased with it. The paparazzi had
calmed down over the last month and he could
finally go to the store without a damn parade.
Making the move from Vegas to Seattle was long

overdue. He needed to find love and in Sin City he
wasn’t finding it. He supposed he could go back to
France, but that didn’t appeal to him either. His new
hotel was being built in Egypt; he supposed he
could try to find an Egyptian man. Caden chuckled.
All he really wanted was someone who loved him
for himself, not his wallet.

Being Caden Fournier was a hindrance as far as

he was concerned. He would love to just be Caden,
just your average everyday Joe. Grayson Drake
treated him that way, in fact all of the Drakes did.
He was just ‘Caden’ to them. Caden smiled at the
memory of his first meeting with Grayson. His last
name was Quinton then, he hadn’t married Taylor
yet. He was so full of life, so curious. It made him
endearing and they had formed a tight friendship
even though Grayson was several years younger.
He’d given Grayson and his brother, Xander, cars
as wedding presents. They had both balked until
Caden promised to donate a matching amount to
charity, which seemed to put Grayson and Xander
at ease. Besides, turning down an Aston Martin and
a Jaguar was ridiculous. Caden chuckled.

He had also gained Riley Flynn-Esposito as a

friend, as well as Riley’s husband, Mateo, and the
rest of their friends. He hadn’t had too many friends
growing up. His father was a ruthless businessman

and made sure Caden attended all the finest
schools. But when Caden came out of the closet his
father stopped supporting him. With a college
degree in business, he struck out on his own. A
train ride from Paris to Pau had brought him fortune.
Sitting in a shared car, he happened to overhear a
man on the phone talking about money. Once the
man had hung up Caden struck up a conversation
with him. Armand Guilume was going through a
divorce and his wife was set to take all his money.

Caden talked to the man for the rest of the train

ride, explaining how to move his money legally and
after that, he had a job. Years of investing wisely
had fattened his bank account and knowing how to
spend it fattened it more. Now he could buy and sell
his father a thousand times over. Not that they
spoke anymore. His father divorced his mother for a
younger woman and, in her grief; his mother had
taken her own life. He’d never forgiven his father for
the betrayal. Caden shook his head clear of
memories and looked at the road ahead of him. The
traffic moved a little bit and then stopped again. He
banged his head on the steering wheel.

“Oh my God! What is the problem?”
A car behind him tried to switch lanes and got

stuck in between both lanes. Caden sighed and
tried to edge his BMW back to give the guy room.

Looking in the rearview mirror his eyes went wide; a
semi was flying down the open area of the bridge
and it was

not slowing down.

“

Merde!” Caden swore.

He honked his horn to warn the cars behind him

to move but they weren’t paying attention. The semi
came barreling down the bridge and hit the car five
back from him. The domino effect was in full force.
One by one they all crashed into each other until
they hit the back end of his car. Caden was forced
into the pick-up truck in front of him and the whole
front end of his car came into the driver’s seat,
pinning him.

“Oh fuck!” Caden roared in pain.
Two seconds later the air bag went off in his

face.

“Son of a bitch!” Caden pushed the air bag down

and looked in the rearview mirror, which was much
closer to him now. His face was covered in white
powder and blood seeped from his nose. He was
alive however.

~~

The call came through and Kellan looked at Jude

in the driver’s seat of the ambulance.

“Move it!” Kellan shouted.
They weaved in and out of traffic in a hurry; fire

trucks were already on the way to the scene on the
bridge. More and more emergency vehicles pulled
up alongside them. The police were out on the
bridge directing traffic to turn around as the
emergency workers spread out, blanketing the
bridge. The ambulance came to a stop and Scott
jumped out. Grabbing his bag, he ran to the first car
and looked inside.

“Are you all right?” Scott checked the woman’s

pulse and motioned for one of the other medics.
“Grab all the gear; we need to start assessing
everyone. You know the drill.”

Kellan looked around. The bridge was in utter

chaos as people covered in blood were exiting their
vehicles. People were screaming and crying.
Kellan’s instincts kicked in and he ran to the first car
in line. The man in the pick-up truck was slumped
over his steering wheel. Kellan checked his pulse, it
was strong. He grabbed his radio only to find it
dead. “Fuck!” Kellan whistled and motioned to one
of the firemen who ran right over.

“What’s up?” The fireman asked.
“Is your radio working?” Kellan ran a hand

through his hair. The fireman checked it and shook
it.

“So that’d be a no? Fuck. See if you can get one

of the radios up and working. If not, there’s going to
be a lot of whistling going on. We need to
coordinate among all of us so that we aren’t running
around like chickens with our heads cut off and
checking victims who have already been checked
out.”

Kellan turned his attention to the black BMW

behind the pick-up; the whole front end was in the
driver’s seat. “Shit.”

~~

Caden opened his eyes. He heard sirens and

looked in the rearview mirror; massive amounts of
rescue workers spread out over the bridge tending
to the worst cases. Caden waited his turn, but his
legs were going numb. He tried to pry his leg loose
only to scream out loud when he felt something
crack. He seemed to be in and out of
consciousness when he heard a voice by his ear.

“Sir? Can you move?”

Caden turned his face and looked into eyes black

as night. “Would I be in the damn car if I could?”

The man looked into the crushed car and

assessed Caden’s wounds. “We’re going to have to
cut you out.” The man backed away from the

window and whistled loudly. When he came back
into the driver’s side window he took Caden’s wrist
and closed his eyes. “My name is Kellan, what’s
yours?”

Caden felt the warm hand on the pulse in his

wrist and smelled the sweat mixed with shampoo of
the man half in his car. “Caden.”

Kellan opened his eyes after making sure

Caden’s pulse was strong and looked into beautiful
eyes. They were so blue they were sapphire.
Caden looked like a young Colin Farrell. God, he
loved Colin Farrell. Kellan shivered. “Well, Caden, I
hate to tell you this but you are going to be stuck in
the car for a little while longer.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Caden sighed and lay

back in the seat.

“In the meantime, I can clean your face.” Kellan

pulled out the gauze and alcohol and leaned back
into the car to wipe the blood from Caden’s face.
“I’m going to put an IV line in you. I have no idea
how long you’re going to be stuck in the car and you
need fluids.”

“Well seeing as I am crushed in my car, I cannot

say no can I?” Caden pursed his lips.

Kellan got the kit ready and prepped the area

with alcohol. He found a nice vein and slid the
needle in smoothly. He heard a soft curse and

looked at Caden in the car. “Okay?”

“You stabbed me!”
“I assure you, I am one of the best at this.”

Kellan taped the area and held up the bag of saline.
The firemen were making their way over with the
Jaws of Life. “Well, you should be free soon.
Hopefully.”

Caden sighed. “Great.”
After an hour, they’d finally freed Caden from his

crumpled BMW prison. He was loaded into the
ambulance and his chatty paramedic was along for
the ride. He couldn’t focus on anything but the man’s
black-as-night eyes. They were so mesmerizing.
The man, Kellan, was looking over his leg and
touching it. It hurt like hell.

“Stop touching me!” Caden balked.
“I have to assess your wound.” Kellan looked at

the damage. He cleaned the area as best he could.
The bone was broken and sticking out of the skin.
Ugh, a compound fracture.

“How bad is it?” Caden hissed.
“You want the good news or the bad news?”

Kellan looked over at Caden’s face.

He felt a hand on his jacket and was face to face

with Caden in seconds. His mouth opened in protest
and that’s when it hit him full force. The smell. He’d
been so fixated on doing his job; he’d never realized

the delicious smell coming from the man. Now he
did. Oh shit, this guy was his mate. Before he could
even say anything, Caden growled at him.

“This is not funny!”
Kellan grabbed the oxygen masked and placed it

over Caden’s face. “You need to calm down.”

“Do you know who I am?” Caden roared.
“Nope, and I don’t care either.” Kellan chuckled

as Scott injected Caden with morphine. He looked
up at Scott with a small smile. “Did you ask?”

“Nope, figured he was hysterical. Alex will cover

me.” Scott laughed.

Kellan looked down at the man on the gurney.

His eyes were closing slowly and his breathing
evened out. Kellan checked his blood pressure.
“He’s my mate.”

Scott looked up. “No shit?”
Kellan sighed. “Nope, no shit.”

~~

As soon as they got to the hospital, Kellan

sought out Alex. He found him getting ready for
surgery and pulled him aside.

“The man we just brought in, he’s my mate.”
Alex nodded. “I’ll see what I can do; we’re filling

up fast from this accident.”

“Don’t let anyone else touch him, please.” Kellan

looked at his alpha.

Alex sighed. “All right, I’ll keep you posted.”
For the next four hours, Kellan walked around in

a daze. He’d finally found his mate and the guy was
an asshole. Kellan sighed. Great. This was his lot in
life.

By the time they came off shift they were

covered in blood and puke, and some other shit
Kellan didn’t even want to think about. They
showered and changed in the locker room, wishing
the next shift luck. Friday the thirteenth had been
one hell of a mixed blessing. He’d found his mate
and of all things the guy was French. He hadn’t
been sure at first, but when the curse words started
flowing he’d understood half of them. Alexander
wanted them to all know more than one language
so Kellan had taken French and Russian.

He went to the cafeteria and grabbed a cup of

coffee. Running a hand through his hair he sighed
and looked at the time. At least it was after
midnight now; it was now the fourteenth. Kellan
went back to the ER and looked for Alexander. He
sat in the chair and closed his eyes. It seemed like
seconds, but when he opened his eyes again
Alexander was shaking his shoulder gently and it

was three in the morning.

“Hey,” Kellan stretched his legs out. “How’s my

mate?”

“Out of surgery and doing just fine,” Alexander

smiled. “You can go sit with him if you’d like.”

Kellan debated going home, but he couldn’t. No

matter how much his mate had irritated him, he was
still his mate. “Okay.”

“Like it was ever a question Kellan,” Alexander

smiled. “You’ve been pacing the hospital and you
could have gone home hours ago. Give the man a
chance; you caught him at a very inopportune time.
He was scared and panicked. He’s your mate.”

Kellan stood up and cracked his back. “How

come you know so much?”

“I’m old,” Alex winked.
Kellan smiled and walked down the hall to

Caden’s room. The sign on the door read Caden
Fournier. Well, definitely French. Kellan opened the
door and looked inside. Caden was fast asleep, the
heart monitor beeping quietly. He grabbed the chair
next to the bed and sat down. Caden’s hands were
beautiful – long, slender fingers and clean,
manicured nails. Kellan gently took Caden’s hand
and brought it to his lips. The heart monitor beeped
a little faster, as he kissed the soft skin of his
mate’s hand. Kellan smiled.

“You feel it, too.” He whispered.
Laying his head on the bed, he closed his eyes

and listened to Caden’s heartbeat. Within minutes
he was asleep and dreaming of being with the man
whose hand he held.

~~Chapter Three~~

A ray of sunlight passed across Kellan’s lids and

he opened his eyes to see Caden still asleep. He
stood up and stretched his arms out. There was a
soft knock on the door and then it opened. A
woman stood in the doorway looking him over.

“Who are you?”
“I’m Kellan, a paramedic.” Kellan eyes stayed

focused on the woman as she crossed the room to
Caden’s side.

“Someone should have called me sooner. This is

unacceptable.”

“And you are?” Kellan crossed his arms over his

chest.

“I’m Evangeline. Why was I not informed

sooner?”

“There was a multi-car accident yesterday, we

were flooded with patients. We did the best we

could with the information we had.” Kellan moved to
the door of the room and opened it. Obviously this
was Caden’s wife or girlfriend; he could feel his
heart breaking. “Well, he should be awake soon.”

“Were you there?” Evangeline sat in the chair.

“He’s claustrophobic and he has anxiety attacks
sometimes.”

“I was there. I tried to keep him calm.”
Evangeline giggled. “Boy, you had your hands

full.”

There was a soft moan and Caden opened his

eyes. He looked at Evangeline, and then his eyes
came to a stop on Kellan.

“Why are you here? I do not wish to be poked

and prodded again.” Caden snarled.

“No problem, I wouldn’t put up with your attitude

anyway.” Kellan waved his hand in the air. “Good
luck.”

The door whispered shut and Caden looked at

Evangeline.

“What?”
“Weren’t you a little rude?” Evangeline arched a

perfect eyebrow.

“He stuck a needle in my arm!” Caden pouted.
“You are the biggest baby.” Evangeline

smoothed his hair back. “He was really hot, too.”

“You noticed?” Caden chuckled softly.

“How are you really? Was it awful?” Evangeline

sat back in the chair.

Caden lay back and sighed. “If I am truly honest,

the paramedic made things a bit easier. He was
very calm and told me everything he was doing
before he did it. I was very rude to him.” Caden
closed his eyes. “I shall make it up to him.”

“I’m kind of hoping he’s straight, boss.”

Evangeline giggled.

“Shut your mouth.” Caden smiled.
The door opened and the doctor strolled in

looking at his chart. He looked up and Caden tried
to smile.

“Well, doctor, how is my leg?”
Alexander looked at Kellan’s mate. The man was

beautiful; if he were gay he’d be fighting Kellan for
him. He smiled and cleared his throat. “You have a
compound fracture, Mr. Fournier; we have started
you on antibiotics to prevent infection. Because the
bone was exposed to the air, bacteria are one of
our greatest concerns. Thankfully, the paramedic on
call tried to wrap the area and keep it covered,
lessening your chances of infection. You are looking
at six weeks or more to recuperate.”

Caden sighed. “How long will I be in the

hospital?”

“Well, that depends,” Alexander narrowed his

eyes. “Can you stay in bed?”

Evangeline giggled and Caden smacked her

hand.

“If I must, I will do what I have to.” Caden looked

around the room. “Where are my things?”

“In the closet over there,” Alexander nodded to

the corner. “If you can resist getting up and follow
orders I’ll try to have you out in a week, but you
must promise to stay off your leg.”

“I will, doctor, thank you.”
“I will be back to discuss some other things with

you.” Alexander arched a brow.

“Yes, thank you.” Caden watched the doctor

leave and motioned to the closet. “Can you be a
dear and get my phone.”

“Are you calling someone about work? Because

if you are I’m not getting it for you.” Evangeline
crossed her arms.

“I’m calling Grayson, silly.” Caden rolled his eyes.
“Already did that.” Evangeline propped Caden’s

pillows. “Now relax, I’ll take care of everything.”

“I do love you.” Caden crooned.
“Uh huh, if only I had a dick we’d be perfect.”

Evangeline smiled.

“Don’t be crass!” Caden laughed.
Evangeline looked down at her boss. The man

could be a royal pain in the ass and sitting on said

ass was not something Caden could do easily. It
was going to be a long month.

~~

For six weeks Caden thought of nothing but

recovery, and the paramedic. He’d sent gifts, cards,
flowers, chocolates and all were returned
unopened. It was pissing him off. He’d apologized
over and over for his behavior and had gotten the
cold shoulder from paramedic Kellan Brady. The
man was delicious and Caden couldn’t stop thinking
about him. He dreamt of him at night, fantasied
about him during the day. The best part of it all?
Kellan had no idea who he was. Or if he did, he
couldn’t have cared less.

Caden could finally walk without the aid of a cane

and decided to hit Pikes Place Market. He obeyed
the rules, stayed off his leg and got the green light
from Doctor Romasko. Grayson came to visit a few
times in the six weeks of recovery, but Caden was
too embarrassed to tell him about his crush and
subsequent brush-off from the paramedic. He was
not used to being told no.

The day was warm and dry and Caden walked

slowly, trying to take it easy on his leg. Up ahead, a
nice round ass was bent over looking at fresh

vegetables and Caden had the urge to bite it. The
man stood up and Caden’s breath stopped. It was
the paramedic. He stopped in his tracks trying to
decide if he wanted to speak to the man or not; he
was not ready to be turned down again. Caden
swore softly. Since when was he such a pussy? He
made his way over and stood behind Kellan Brady.
He hadn’t said a word when the man in front of him
stiffened, and turned slowly. Caden gave him a
weak smile.

“Hello, Kellan Brady.”

Kellan crossed his arms over his chest. “Are you

stalking me now?” Jesus, but the man was
beautiful. Kellan wanted to throw him on top of the
vegetables and fuck his brains out. For over a
month he’d dreamt of Caden Fournier, what it would
be like to make love to him, kiss him and hold him. It
was stupid, really; the man had a girlfriend, or wife,
whatever. It was pointless to lust over a straight
man. That hadn’t stopped him from getting updates
on the man from Alexander. Kellan looked at the
man’s perfect cupid bow lips. Fuck, he wanted to
bite them.

“No, I am not stalking you.” Caden frowned. “I

needed groceries for my house and I have not been
here yet. After weeks of staying inside, I wanted to

get out.”

“Why not just send your girlfriend?” Kellan turned

back to the bin of vegetables.

“My girlfriend?” Caden furrowed his brows.
“Yes, the woman at the hospital.” Kellan sighed

in frustration. “Did you hit your head, too?”

“Evangeline is not my girlfriend, she is my

assistant. I do not have a girlfriend Mr. Brady.”

“I’m surprised,” Kellan turned to look at Caden.

“She looked like your girlfriend or wife.”

“Unless she sprouted a penis, she is not my

type.” Caden crossed his arms over his chest.

Kellan stopped mid-reach for a bell pepper.

“What?”

“I’m gay, Mr. Brady. I have no interest in women.

It does translate the same in the states does it
not?”

Kellan stood there. He couldn’t even speak. His

mate was gay. He opened his mouth then closed it.

“Oh, please do not tell me you are homophobic.”

Caden raised a brow.

Kellan stammered. “Jesus! No, I’m not a

homophobe.”

Caden looked up at Kellan. At his five foot ten,

Kellan stood taller than him. “Then why did you look
like that just now?”

“I was surprised is all.” Kellan smiled. “I should

have known.”

“Excuse me?” Caden arched a brow.
“The chocolates, flowers and gifts?” Kellan

chuckled, softly.

“I was trying to apologize; you would not take my

calls or see me.” Caden blushed, this was not like
him. He was being reduced to a babbling idiot in
front of this man. In all fairness, Kellan Brady was
absolutely breathtaking. He could think of nothing
but sucking his dick until them man screamed his
name. “I would have apologized in person, but I was
stuck in bed.”

Kellan’s mind went directly into the gutter on that

statement. He had a vision of Caden underneath
him, writhing on the bed as Kellan fucked him
senseless. “Well, I’m standing right here.” Kellan
gave him a wry smile.

Caden blustered. “You are quite an ass; I am not

sure you deserve an apology.”

Kellan stepped into Caden’s private space,

looking down at him. He lifted the man’s face to his
own with his fingertips, and smiled. “No more than
you were.”

All the air left his lungs as he looked into midnight

pools. Caden fought and reached for words, but
none came. He was completely transfixed to the
spot, captivated by the man in front of him.

Kellan lowered his head and tilted it, as if to kiss

Caden. He stopped within inches of Caden’s pouty,
cupid bow lips. “You could just say sorry. I’ll accept
that.” He whispered.

Caden nodded.

“No, you say sorry.” Kellan smiled.
“Sorry.” Caden whispered.
“Good,” Kellan stepped away and looked at his

watch. “Well, as much as I’d love to stand here and
talk all day, I have a job to do.” Kellan looked at the
dazed expression on his mate’s face and had to
smile. It’d taken every damn ounce of control he’d
had not to kiss the man. “You take care, Caden.”

“Wait,” Caden snapped out of his daze. He

couldn’t let Kellan get away. “Could we maybe have
dinner? You know, so I can make it up to you?”

Kellan pretended to think about it. “I’m off Friday

—”

“Perfect!” Caden smiled. “Would you like me to

pick you up?”

Kellan pulled a card out of his wallet and handed

it to Caden. “This is my home number and cell, call
me this week and we’ll figure it out. Since you sent
me cards and, well, stuff, you know my address.”

Caden nodded. “I’ll see you Friday, Mr. Brady.”

Caden watched the man walk away, that tight ass

swaying back and forth. His mouth watered. “I have
a date.”

~~Chapter Four~~

Caden swore time was going backwards. He’d

made Evangeline hide Kellan’s card from him so he
wouldn’t call him until Wednesday. They’d had a
brief conversation on the phone and Caden invited
him out to his house for dinner. Kellan agreed and
the date was set - seven on Friday. Now Caden
was walking frantically around his kitchen. It had
taken him a good two days to plan the menu and in
the end he decided to make couscous, a Moroccan
meal. He’d never been so nervous; his damn palms
were sweating. His eyes drifted to the clock again.
Dammit it was only five. Caden sighed and checked
the pot again. The smell of cumin invaded his
senses and he sighed; he loved the dish and only
made it with lamb. His hand hovered over the pot
with the cayenne pepper. Should he make it spicy?
What if Kellan was allergic? Dammit, he should
have asked. His ringing phone brought him out of his
argument with himself.

“Hello?”
“Caden, it’s Kellan. Look we’re at the scene of an

accident and I don’t know how long I’ll be so I just
wanted to call you and let you know.”

“Are you all right?” Caden could hear Kellan’s

tone of voice, he sounded upset.

“I’m fine, just a little shaken up.” Kellan ran hand

through his hair; they’d gotten the kid and mom out
of the van right before it exploded. The mother was
screaming at them to take her child first. Scott had
pulled her out as he was trying to unbuckle the kid’s
seatbelt. He’d gotten out seconds before the van
exploded and was hit with the blast trying to protect
the child.

“If you’d like to make it another night…”
“No, it’s okay, Caden, I’ll be there. I just wanted

to let you know.”

“All right, if you’re sure,” Caden held the phone a

little tighter. He felt…he didn’t know what the feeling
was. Concerned? Worried for Kellan? “Please be
careful.”

Kellan smiled into the phone. It was cute, the

concern in Caden’s voice. “I will, see you as soon
as I can.”

“All right, I look forward to it.”
“Me too, Caden.”
Caden hung up the phone and stared at it. He

picked it back up and dialed Grayson’s number. The
phone rang a few times before Grayson’s cheerful
voice came over the line.

“Hey, Caden!”
“Grayson,” Caden smiled. Grayson always

sounded so happy. It was probably due to the drop
dead gorgeous husband he had. “I wanted to call
you and tell you I have a date.”

“You do! That is so awesome, Caden! What

does he do?”

“He’s a paramedic. His name is Kellan and he’s

so beautiful Grayson - dark hair and eyes and he’s
taller than me—”

“Kellan Brady?”
Caden stopped. “Why yes, that is his name. You

know him?”

Grayson laughed. “Yes, I know him. I’ve known

him for years. You’ve got a good man, Caden.”

Caden smiled and played with the string on his

apron. “He’s so beautiful, Grayson.” Caden sighed.
“I don’t think he even knows who I am.”

“Tell me all about it.”

~~

Kellan rinsed the blood out of his hair and took a

deep breath. If he hadn’t been a werewolf he’d be
dead. The kid would have died as well. As it was,
the ten year old looked at him with wide eyes as the
explosion knocked him on his ass. When the child
had seen the cut disappear on his face, Kellan had
put a finger to his lips and smiled. The kid probably
thought he was a superhero. The child smiled and
pretended to lock his mouth with an invisible key.
Kids were easier as far as Kellan was concerned,
eager to believe that he, Scott and Jude were
superheroes. He stepped out of the shower and
tousled his short black hair.

His body was buzzing; he was going to be alone

with his mate, hopefully naked and sweating. Kellan
chuckled and grabbed his duffel bag; he walked out
to the parking lot and hit the remote on his black
Ford Raptor. It was the one thing he’d bought with
money from Alexander after he’d graduated. He
hardly ever drove it; he could walk to work so why
bother? Sliding into the seat, he pulled out of the
hospital parking lot and headed for Caden’s. Caden
Fournier, a walking wet dream, and he was all
Kellan’s. Kellan smiled and drummed his fingers on
the steering wheel. He’d resisted calling the man or
even looking for him after their encounter at the
hospital - why ponder what could be? At the time

he’d thought Caden was straight, a cosmic joke
played on him by the mate gods, if that’s what they
were.

Driving over Magnolia Bridge he had the weirdest

sensation of déjà vu. It seemed like just yesterday
he was standing next to Caden’s crumpled BMW
trying to calm the man down. He turned onto
Constance Drive and looked at the house numbers;
finding Caden’s house he pulled over and parked
next to the curb. Caden had a beautiful view of
Puget Sound. Kellan looked in the rearview mirror
and checked his appearance one more time.
Satisfied, he got out and made his way up the walk
to the front door. He rang the bell and waited
patiently. The door opened and Kellan’s heart
stopped. Caden was in faded blue jeans with a
black t-shirt.

Fuck.

“Hi.” Kellan blurted.
“Hello,” Caden smiled, moving out of the

doorway. “Please come in.”

Kellan stepped over the threshold and looked at

the house. It was beautifully decorated, a warm
coffee-colored paint covered the walls and the
furniture was modern; a sectional couch surrounded
a fireplace with a plasma TV above it. Kellan could
see himself on the floor fucking Caden in front of a
roaring fire.

“Kellan?”
Kellan realized he’d been staring at the fireplace.

“Yes?”

“Would you like me to start a fire?” Caden

stuffed his hands in his pockets, better to have them
in there than roaming Kellan’s body.

“I can do it,” Kellan looked around. “Just tell me

where the wood is.”

It’s in my pants. Caden smiled. “It’s right next to

the fireplace.”

Kellan inhaled a wonderful fragrance. “Is that

cumin?”

“It is. You have a good sense of smell. I made

couscous.”

“With lamb?” Kellan’s mouth watered.
Caden was shocked. “Why yes, have you had

it?”

“I love it.” That was the truth. Alexander had

made it one time and Kellan was hooked, he’d
varied the recipe himself quite a few times. “Did you
use cayenne?”

“I did,” Caden felt like he should sit down, the

man knew about couscous? “I wasn’t sure how
much I should use, not knowing if you could handle
the spice.”

“Oh, I like it spicy.” Kellan looked right at Caden.

Caden swallowed hard. “Well, I have some wine.

Would you like some?”

Kellan crossed the space between them and his

hand went directly to Caden’s face, his thumb gently
caressed the man’s cheekbone. “Depends. Am I
driving home?”

“You are very direct.” Caden licked his lips,

nervously.

“I’ve wanted to kiss you since I walked through

that door.” Kellan pulled Caden into his chest.
“Fuck, I have to taste your lips.” Kellan breathed.

“

Mon dieu…” Caden moaned.

“No shit.” Kellan brought Caden’s lips up to his

own; Caden’s mouth opened to him instantly and he
moaned. His hand gripped Caden’s hair at the nape
of his neck as his tongue dove inside the warm,
tantalizing mouth. Caden’s arms wrapped around
his neck and Kellan pulled their hips flush together.
The feel of Caden’s erection on his thigh fueled the
desire within him and he found himself picking
Caden up off the floor, devouring the man in the
front hallway. A warm hand slid up his stomach,
under his shirt and Kellan broke from the kiss.
Caden’s lips were red and he was breathing hard.
Kellan put him back down on the floor. “I’m sorry; I
didn’t mean to attack you like that.”

“I am not complaining.” Caden tried to fix his

raging hard-on; he was so horny he wanted to fuck
Kellan standing up. Jesus, the man could kiss! “We
should eat dinner, I think.”

Kellan looked Caden up and down, licking his

lips. “I like what I see so far.”

Caden actually blushed. What the fuck? Since

when was he so…stupid, around a man? “Are you
hungry?” As soon as the words left his mouth, he
saw a flash of desire in Kellan’s dark eyes.

“Oh yes, I’m

very hungry.” Kellan looked at the

nice sized bulge in Caden’s Levi’s. The smell of
arousal permeating from Caden had his canines
threatening to elongate. He stepped away and
smiled. “So, shall we?” Kellan moved past Caden
grabbing his hand along the way. They walked into
the kitchen and Kellan’s stomach growled. “That
smells so good.”

Caden finally recovered from the kiss and moved

into action, he grabbed plates and made sure Kellan
was seated comfortably at the table. He spooned a
generous amount of couscous for Kellan, and
poured him a tall glass of wine. Seating himself
across the table, Caden picked up his own wine
glass.

“

Bon appétit.” Caden sipped his wine, eyeing

Kellan over his glass.

“Guess this answers the question of if I’m driving

home.” Kellan looked at the tall glass of wine in his
hand.

“I think after that kiss you should not be

surprised.” Caden sipped his wine, looking over
Kellan’s athletic physique.

Kellan spooned a generous helping of couscous

into his mouth and licked his lips. “It’s perfect, just
the right amount of seasoning. You’re a good cook.”

“I am when the dish interests me.” Caden

spooned his own helping into his mouth; he closed
his eyes and savored the taste.

“It’s much better made with lamb; I’m not fond of

any other meat in mine.” Kellan licked the spoon
and slid it back into his mouth.

“I agree,” Caden slid the spoon between his lips.

“The lamb is much more tender and succulent.”

“Yes,” Kellan nodded slowly. “Succulent.” Kellan

couldn’t stop watching Caden’s mouth. He wanted
to suck on those pouty lips. “Is your leg feeling
better?”

“Yes it is, why?”
Kellan flew across the table; he picked Caden up

in one arm and carried him down the hall. “Where’s
the bedroom?”

“Last door,” Caden breathed.
Caden’s mind was on auto pilot. From the

second he hit the bed Kellan ravaged him. His pants
were almost torn off and his dick was inhaled. He
gripped the sheets crying out as the first orgasm
ripped through him. He didn’t even have a dick in
him yet and he was spouting like a geyser. Kellan’s
fingers expertly fingered his ass and Caden swore
he passed out. The next thing he knew, Kellan’s
warm mouth was enveloping him again, sucking him
hungrily. A finger fucking him and a good hard
suction on his cock and Caden was gone. He came
crying out, his fingers gripping Kellan’s hair. His
back arched as he shot a stream of cream into
Kellan’s mouth as Kellan’s hands gripped his ass,
shoving his member even further down his throat.
Caden lay back panting as his orgasm ebbed away.
He felt Kellan’s warm lips traveling up his abdomen
and then they were on his mouth, kissing him gently.

“Oh God, I’m sorry.” Kellan let his forehead rest

against Caden’s. “I didn’t mean to go crazy like
that.”

Caden chuckled. “Do not apologize for that. It

was absolutely fantastic.”

“I couldn’t stop myself,” Kellan whispered. “I had

to taste you.”

“I’m yours, I am not going anywhere.” Caden

caressed Kellan’s face. “You are beautiful.”

Kellan kissed Caden’s raw lips softly. “You have

such beautiful eyes. I thought you were straight,
that’s why I sent everything back, Caden. I couldn’t
bear the thought of not being able to have you. I
thought that I would have to suffer watching you
touch a woman, kiss a woman and think of you
making love to a woman. I couldn’t take it.”

Caden was speechless. Kellan had wanted him

all along? “I have not stopped thinking about you
since that day, Kellan. I have wanted you just as
much.”

“You have?” Kellan looked into those beautiful

blue eyes.

“Yes, I know I was not nice when we first met. I

do not do well in chaotic situations. I wanted to
apologize. I would like to see you again.”

“And again and again?” Kellan smiled, licking

Caden’s lips, nibbling gently on the lower one.

“And again.” Caden smiled, opening his mouth to

Kellan’s tease. The kiss was soft and sensual and
Caden actually heard himself whimper. Kellan’s
hand swept his face gently and threaded into his
hair settling into a relaxing massage; Caden
moaned as Kellan’s hips glided over his. He’d been
looking for the one man who made his heart beat a
bit faster, and he’d found a man who made his heart
hammer against his ribs. “Kellan….”

Kellan broke from the kiss looking into Caden’s

beautiful face. “God, that’s sexy, the way you say
my name.”

Caden realized Kellan was still dressed. “This

does not seem fair.”

Kellan chuckled. He sat up, straddling Caden. He

pulled his shirt over his head and threw it into the
corner; his hands slid down his toned stomach and
stopped at the button of his jeans. “You want to do
it?”

“No, I am very much enjoying your striptease.”

Caden waggled his eyebrows.

Kellan laughed and slowly popped the button out

of the fabric. He gripped the zipper and pulled it
down slowly. “You sure?”

Caden licked his lips looking at the washboard

abs in front of him; he ran his fingers over the
ridges. “Beautiful.” Caden looked at the impressive
biceps on Kellan. “You must work out a lot.”

“I do,” Kellan winked.
Kellan stood up on the bed, one foot on either

side of Caden and pulled his pants down. He
balanced on one foot and took one pant leg off.
Kicking the other leg off, the jeans flew into the
corner with his shirt. He adjusted his erection in his
tight black briefs and lowered himself on top of
Caden. Wrapping his arms underneath the smaller

man, he pulled him tightly to his chest.

“You fit just right.” Kellan kissed Caden’s nose.
“I do,” Caden breathed as Kellan’s lips touched

his softly. It was barely a whisper of a kiss but it
had him in a daze. He’d never been kissed like this;
Kellan’s lips flowed over his softly, long languid
flicks of his tongue teasing, rubbing and twining with
his own. He could orgasm just from kissing Kellan.
The way the man’s hands held his face, the thumb
gently rubbing back and forth - it was so …
romantic. Caden actually sighed into Kellan’s mouth.

Kellan raised his head. “You all right?”
Caden nodded. He felt fingertips tracing his jaw,

moving up to his eyebrows, down his nose and
finally across his lips. He opened his eyes to see
Kellan looking at him. “The way you kiss me…”

Kellan blushed. “I haven’t had a lot of practice. I

really haven’t been with too many guys.”

“No?” Caden tried to keep the shock from his

face. The way the man kissed him, touched him, he
would have thought he’d had many men.

Kellan shook his head. “I always wanted

something they couldn’t give me.”

“What is that?”
“The feeling that you get when you know this is

the one. That this is the one person you should be
with just from the kiss.” Kellan caressed Caden’s

face. “The feeling I get when I’m with you.”

Caden pulled Kellan down and kissed him. “I feel

the same way.” He whispered. “It is crazy.”

“Do you have to work tomorrow?” Kellan smiled

when Caden kissed his neck, running his fingers into
his hair.

“No, do you?” Caden licked a path up Kellan’s

neck to his jaw.

“No,” Kellan slid his hand under Caden’s ass

pulling him into his hips.

“If it is all right, I would like you to kiss me all

night.”

Kellan palmed Caden’s face. “Stop talking.”

~~Chapter Five~~

Caden woke to soft breathing above him, warmth

on his back and a protective hand on his stomach.
He laced his fingers through Kellan’s and sighed in
total comfort. Last night he’d been kissed for hours
and even now he wanted more. His lips still tingled
with the feel and taste of Kellan Brady. He couldn’t

get enough of the man. He closed his eyes and
remembered the feel of Kellan’s hands on his body.
He would have thought they’d be hardened by his
job, but they were smooth and soft as silk. He felt
Kellan’s nose nuzzling his hair and smiled.

“You are awake.”
Kellan smiled in Caden’s hair. “No, I’m not.”
Caden chuckled softly. “Would you like some

coffee? Breakfast maybe?”

Kellan turned Caden on his back and cupped his

face. “I can make you something.”

“You already make me something,” Caden

smiled. “I am excited, nervous and aroused all at
once.”

Kellan smiled wickedly. “All that and I haven’t

even made love to you.”

Caden shivered thinking about Kellan’s strong

hands on his body, being filled by the man on top of
him. “You are very different from most men.”

“You have no idea.” Kellan sighed. How the hell

was he going to tell Caden what he was? What if he
ran? He didn’t think he could handle that.

Caden brought Kellan’s face to his own. “I want

to know everything there is to know about you.”

“So, are we starting something here?” Kellan

brushed his lips against Caden’s.

“It has already started. I would like to keep

seeing you.” Caden looked at Kellan. “I would like to
only see you.”

“So, a relationship?” Kellan smiled and pulled

Caden into his arms. This was what he wanted;
he’d finally gotten his mate. Alexander always told
him that he and his mate would feel the same pull
towards each other. He believed him now.

“Yes, we…fit. I do not know why, but I feel as if I

have known you forever.” Caden touched the soft
skin of Kellan’s throat. “There are some things you
should know about me.”

Kellan arched a brow. “Were you once a

woman?”

Caden laughed loud. “No.”
“Then I don’t care, nothing you could tell me

would change anything, Caden.” Kellan looked at
the time. “I should get you fed.” Kellan moved down
the bed and looked at Caden’s leg; he ran his hands
over the scar. “It looks so much better.”

“It feels better.” Caden sat up. “Would you like a

shower?”

Kellan looked at his clothes in the corner. “If I’m

staying the whole weekend I should grab a bag of
clothes. I can’t fit into yours.” He dressed quickly
and leaned over to kiss Caden. “I’ll be right back, it
shouldn’t take too long.”

Caden got out of bed and threw some sweat

pants on. “All right, I’ll make breakfast.”

Kellan grabbed his keys and opened the door; he

turned and gave Caden a kiss again. “Be right
back.” Walking down the steps, Kellan turned and
smiled at Caden, giving him a short wave. He
unlocked his truck with the remote and went to open
the door. Within seconds he was swamped with
cameras in his face.

“Are you Mr. Fournier’s new love interest?”
“

Did you spend the night with Mr. Fournier?”

Kellan looked back at the house and saw

Caden’s look of horror. “Was this what you meant?”
Kellan motioned to the photographers.

As soon as they spotted Caden, they rushed him.

Kellan gave Caden a small smile as he jumped into
his truck. The door shut and he peeled away from
the curb and headed past the news vans. As soon
as he got back on the bridge he’d lost most of the
camera crews. Kellan sighed. In all fairness, Caden
had tried to tell him.

~~

Caden sighed. Kellan hadn’t been back and it

was going on almost two hours since he’d left. He
knew this would happen. Checking the time, he

pulled eggs out of the refrigerator and grabbed a
pan. He rubbed his face with his hands. It had been
so perfect and then the paparazzi ruined it all. He
should have told Kellan the truth; it was obvious the
man didn’t have a clue as to who he was. His heart
seized in his chest. What if Kellan couldn’t handle it?
He felt sick. He couldn’t lose the man already.
Caden heard a soft tap against the window and he
turned and walked to it. There, on the beach, stood
Kellan. Caden felt his heart soar and he raced out
the back door. Running across the sand, he flew
into Kellan’s arms. Theirs lips crashed into an urgent
kiss.

“I did not think you would come back.” Caden

breathed.

Kellan took Caden’s face in his hands. “I’m not

leaving you for anything. We’ll deal with it all.
Together.” Kellan dipped his head and took Caden’s
lips; he kissed him long and hard. They broke from
the kiss breathing hard and Kellan smiled. “I’m sorry
it took me so long, I didn’t want them following me
back.”

“I was worried, that it was too much—”
“You’re worth it.” Kellan held Caden close to him.

“Come on, let’s go inside.” Caden told him
everything over breakfast, well most of it. There
were some things he kept to himself for a later

time. Kellan took it in stride and even told him he
didn’t need to worry about anything.

Kellan sat back, regarding Caden. “It sounds like

a soap opera. I’m so sorry, about your mother.”

“I used to watch them, soap operas, as an

escape.” Caden smiled at Kellan rolling his eyes. “I
did, it is part of the reason I moved to the states. I
was tired of being months behind. But I found one I
absolutely loved. They had a gay couple on it.”
Caden sighed. “Unfortunately, one of them died.”

“In real life?” Kellan looked at Caden in shock.
“No, on the show; he was hit by a train.”
“Well that sucks.” Kellan looked at Caden’s face.

“Are you all right?”

“I was very upset; the other gay man was left all

alone.” Caden wiped his nose with a napkin. “I have
stopped watching soap operas.”

Kellan tried to be understanding, but a soap

opera? “I have no idea what to say.”

“I will make you watch it, you’ll see.”
“You are going to

make me watch it?” Kellan

raised a brow.

“I have it on DVD.” Caden smiled. “

Please?”

Kellan took Caden’s hand. “Okay, just…don’t tell

anyone.” Kellan ran his thumb over the soft skin of
Caden’s hand. “There is something I need to tell you

though.”

“Were you once a woman?” Caden smiled.
“No,” Kellan laughed.
“Then I do not care.” Caden looked over Kellan’s

body: The tight white t-shirt showed every muscle
on the man’s torso and the tight, faded jeans
outlined his amazing thighs, not to mention the bulge
in his pants. Caden licked his lips thinking about the
size of Kellan’s dick.

“Eight and a half inches.” Kellan winked, noticing

where Caden’s eyes were.

Caden’s eyes flew to Kellan’s face. “Ouch.”
Kellan smiled. “I’ll be gentle, I promise.”
“It has been,” Caden thought about it, when was

the last time he’d had sex? “I can’t even remember
the last time I had sex.”

“Do you…have anything here?” Kellan smiled.
“I have what we would need.” Caden looked at

Kellan. “I am clean.”

“So am I.” Kellan played with Caden’s fingers.
Caden swallowed hard. “I would like to be with

you, but there is no rush.”

“Well,” Kellan stood up and put his hand out. “I

plan on taking my time.”

Caden put his hand out and was pulled into

Kellan’s embrace. A hand was on his ass
massaging his cheek as Kellan’s other hand

caressed his face. As always, his heart hammered
in his chest. The feel of soft lips covering his made
Caden moan and then he was swept up into
Kellan’s arms. He felt as if they floated down the
hallway. He was gently lowered to the bed all while
Kellan efficiently removed what little clothing he
wore. Kellan had guessed where he kept his
supplies and when he entered Caden’s body, it was
as if he belonged there.

There was hardly any pain as Kellan made love

to him with slow, shallow thrusts, soft caresses and
deep sensual kisses. They moved together and just
when he thought he couldn’t hold back anymore
Kellan would slow down; the thrusts became deep
and the hand on his erection would ease back.
Caden wrapped his arms around Kellan’s neck as
he was picked up; he straddled Kellan and they
moved together. Mouths fused as they moved and
Kellan’s hands slid down his back to cup his ass.
His orgasm rose up so fast he cried out, gripping
Kellan so tightly he knew he’d leave bruises on the
man. A warmth spread through him as Kellan’s
orgasm entered him. Caden let his head fall back as
Kellan kissed his neck, licking at his collarbone.
Then he was lowered back onto the bed, Kellan still
safely buried inside him.

“Are you all right?” Kellan whispered softly.

“It was wonderful,” Caden smiled as Kellan’s

fingertips caressed his face.

“I didn’t want to hurt you.” Kellan moved a stray

strand of hair from Caden’s brow.

“You didn’t, I was surprised.” Caden chuckled.

“As big as you are, I thought you would rip me in
half.”

“I’m not that big.” Kellan smiled.
Caden looked at his own penis. “Yes, you are.”
Kellan looked between their bodies at the man’s

penis. “I saw it, I felt it. It’s not small.”

Caden closed his eyes. “I could stay here

forever.” Caden let out a sated sigh. He could see
spending the rest of his life with this man. It had
taken him by surprise; his feelings for Kellan Brady
were strong. He felt a strong arm pulling him in
closer and the warmth from Kellan settled into him,
lulling him to sleep.

Kellan kissed Caden’s forehead. “Get some

sleep, we have all weekend.” Kellan closed his eyes
and lie back on the pillow. The soft sound of
Caden’s heartbeat drifted into his ears and he
smiled. He could hear everything. He’d wanted to
mark his mate; he’d have to control his lupine side
around Caden. The man was just that, a man. And
he needed to stay that way; a lot of werewolves

had human mates. He could do it, too.

“You’re mine, Caden Fournier.” Kellan whispered.
“I am all yours, Kellan Brady.” Caden mumbled.
Kellan smiled.

~~Chapter Six~~

From that weekend on, Kellan and Caden were

inseparable. They dealt with the camera crews and
the media in their faces. After a month, things
calmed down and Kellan was just ‘the paramedic’
Caden Fournier was dating. They dined together,
went to the beach, football games and shopped at
Pikes Place Market together. They spent every
waking moment together whenever they could.
Kellan spent most nights at Caden’s; his Raptor
was getting some mileage finally. He was
recognized on the job now, which was comical
sometimes. He didn’t get as many women trying to
hook him up for one. After all, he was dating a
billionaire.

The first weekend Caden had gone out of town

on business, Kellan went to Cougar Mountain with
Scott and Jude for a run. They ran through the

forest playing and chasing the wildlife. It had been
too long since he’d run full out in wolf form. He
wanted to tell Caden the truth,

needed to tell him.

He wanted Caden to know everything; they weren’t
whole unless the truth was out. They were back by
the cars getting dressed when Scott looked at him.

“I know what you’re thinking.” Scott smiled.
“I want him to know.” Kellan sighed. “What if he

freaks out?”

“He’s your mate Kel; it sounds like he’s in love

with you.” Jude pulled his pants up.

“You think so?” Kellan pulled his shirt on.
“Are you serious?” Scott leaned against the

truck. “Have you seen some of the photos of the
two of you?” Scott shook his head, chuckling. “The
way he looks at you says it all Kellan.”

“Yeah?” Kellan knew he was blushing. After a

month with Caden he was already in love with him.
He wanted to scream it from the top of the Space
Needle. “I’m in love with him.”

“No way!” Jude laughed. “I couldn’t tell.”
“Shut up.” Kellan grumbled smiling. He suddenly

felt eyes on him and stiffened. “Do you feel that?”

“I did,” Scott looked around. “Are we paranoid?”
“Not sure.” Jude looked towards the forest. “We

should go anyway, though. We’re on in two hours.”

Kellan opened the truck door and looked around

the forest. He didn’t smell anything and the feeling
of being watched had eased. He shrugged his
shoulders and got into the truck. He grabbed his
phone and saw he had a text from Caden.

Miss you!
He smiled and sent one back.
Miss you too!
Kellan smiled, putting the phone on the seat; he

backed out of the parking lot and pulled behind
Scott’s Ford F-250. They’d be at work in two hours
and after that he’d see Caden again. The thought
made him smile.

~~

Caden was in a hurry to leave the office. He’d

missed Kellan so much his heart was aching for the
feel of the man’s hands on his body. Due to their
schedules, they’d only been able to make love a
handful of times. Caden sighed; he couldn’t bring
himself to make love to Kellan. It’d been so long
since he’d been with a man he didn’t think he could
do the man justice. He knew he was being stupid
but he couldn’t help it. Kellan hadn’t complained, he
didn’t mind being the top and Caden had no problem

being a bottom. He looked in the mirror and
scowled at himself.

“Chicken.”
Caden left the bathroom and stopped. Sitting in

front of his desk was a man.

“Can I help you?” Caden was shocked when the

man turned around with a wide smile.

“Hello, Caden.”
“Carson Drake? What the hell are you doing

here?” Caden walked to his desk. “I have nothing to
say to you.”

“No?” Carson smiled and leaned forward. He put

a DVD player on the desk and hit ‘play’. “Pay
attention Caden, I wouldn’t want you to miss any of
this.” Carson sat back and crossed his arms.

Caden watched the video. It was of Kellan, Jude

and Scott; it looked like they were in the forest.
Kellan started taking his clothes off as did the other
two. Caden watched as Kellan closed his eyes and
then something happened. Caden’s mouth dropped
open as Kellan changed into a wolf right in front of
his eyes. “What…?”

Carson smiled demonically. “Your boyfriend is a

werewolf Caden. Guess he didn’t tell you, did he?”

Caden sat down in his chair, mouth agape. Kellan

was a werewolf? Why didn’t he tell him? Caden
closed his eyes. He knew why. He would never

have believed it. It dawned on him what Carson
Drake wanted and he opened his eyes.

“How much to keep you quiet, Carson?” Caden

pulled his checkbook out.

“Well, well, Caden. I guess I’m not surprised you

took it so well. That just convinces me you are in
love with Kellan.”

“Don’t you dare hurt him.” Caden stood up and

leaned over the desk.

“Oh, trust me this isn’t about hurting Kellan, it’s

about hurting you, Caden. I don’t want your money.”

“Then what do you want?”
“It’s very simple Caden; break it off with Kellan

Brady. You are never to see him again or I take this
tape and distribute it to every news channel in
Washington State.”

“They would never believe you, it’s a trick of the

camera.” Caden balled his fists.

“Maybe,” Carson sat forward. “But one medical

checkup and they’d know for sure.”

Caden slumped in his chair. “Why?”
“You ruined any chance I had of ever making a

living, Caden. When you turned me down no one
would work with me. I look at this as a fitting
punishment for you; you’ll spend the rest of your life
knowing you broke Kellan’s heart and you can never
have him.” Carson rose from the chair and smiled.

“You can keep that copy, I have plenty more.”

Caden waited until the door shut behind Carson

and covered his face with his hands. How could he
possibly give up Kellan? He was in love with the
man and he didn’t care what he was. But if he
didn’t, Kellan would be exposed, followed by
cameras at every turn and if they did take his blood
they would run tests on him, maybe even cage him.
Caden sighed in frustration. He looked out the
window of his office, his throat was closing up and
he knew he was crying. The wetness ran down his
cheeks and landed on the window sill. How could he
walk away? Caden closed his eyes, he had no
choice. He walked back to his desk and picked up
the phone.

“This is Mr. Fournier; please have the jet fueled

and ready to go.” Caden hung up the phone and
heard a soft knocking at his door. “Come in.”

Evangeline walked in holding a folder in her

hands. By the look on her face, Caden knew what
she had to say. It was just more bad news on top
of what he’d already have to do.

“Caden…” Evangeline tried to smile.
“I’m leaving for a while; please alert me to

anything of importance.” Caden grabbed his jacket.

“Are you leaving with Kellan?” Evangeline looked

at her boss. “Caden?”

“No, I will be going alone.” Caden grabbed his

briefcase.

“You shouldn’t be alone.” Evangeline grabbed his

hand. “At least let me come with you.”

“I will call,” Caden kissed her cheek. “Watch out

for Kellan, please.”

“Did you two break up?”
Caden stopped at the door. “I’m bored; you

know how I can get Evangeline. The relationship ran
its course.”

“Bullshit.” Evangeline crossed her arms. “You

didn’t tell him and now you’re running. Don’t you
think he deserves to know? Let him make his own
decision.”

“I shall call you when I am settled.” Caden looked

over his shoulder. “I trust you to keep quiet.”

Evangeline watched the door shut and sighed.

“Stubborn ass.”

~~

Two days. It’d been two days since he’d heard

from Caden. He’d called his office, his home, his
cell, nothing. Evangeline didn’t even know where
he’d gone. He left on his jet and didn’t even file a
flight plan. He’d just left. Kellan felt empty. He
couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat. He stared out the

window of his apartment at the falling rain. The door
opened and Scott and Jude walked in with the mail.

“There’s a letter here for you.” Scott handed it to

Kellan. “It’s from Caden.”

Kellan looked at the letter on the table. He picked

it up and opened it, his eyes taking in every word. It
was handwritten.

Kellan,

As much fun as we had, we both know we are

from two different worlds. I hope you can find true
love someday, and that they will appreciate you in
a way I could not.

Caden.

Kellan sat back in the chair and dropped the

letter on the table, the pain in his chest making it
difficult for him to breathe. He couldn’t believe it; this
was how it was ending? Caden was his mate, as
far as he knew no mate had ever walked away. He
didn’t even tell him he was a werewolf and it was
over; he put his head on the table and breathed in
deep. He felt a hand on his back.

“I’m sorry, Kellan.” Scott rubbed his brother’s

back. “I don’t understand it.”

Jude shook his head. “I’m not buying it, that guy

is head over heels in love with you.”

Kellan wiped his eyes and stood up. “I’m going to

my room.”

Scott watched as Kellan walked slowly to his

room, closing the door behind him. He looked at
Jude with a brow arched. “Something is fucked up
about this.”

“Where do we start?” Jude picked up his cell

phone.

“Grab the address book,” Scott grabbed his own

cell phone. “We have a lot of work to do.”

~~

Caden walked along the beach feeling the ocean

air across his face. The sun was out for once, not a
cloud in the sky - a very rare occurrence in the
South of France. He’d come home, and it felt empty
without Kellan. His toes sank into the sand and a
feeling of peace swept over him. His childhood
home loomed behind him in the distance; he’d
purchased it a few years back hoping to make new
memories in it, now it was filled with sadness. He
wanted to bring Kellan here, fill it with new
memories. He tipped his face up to the sun and felt

it warming his skin. His hands reached out to the
side and a gust of wind swept across his body. He
could almost feel Kellan’s hands on him.

Putting his shoes on, he started walking toward

the cemetery. Flowers lined the walls and lavender
was all around. The town of Vitrolles had been
stuck in time when he’d been a child, now it was
more modernized and had lost some of its allure. It
was still beautiful however, and Caden came home
as much as he could. The cemetery was empty as
Caden walked along the path; he sat down at the
bench and looked at all the tombstones of loved
ones gone.

“Caden?”
Caden turned to see Claire Charmaigne. She

owned the bakery in town and they had been
childhood friends before Caden was shipped off to
boarding school. He’d kept in touch however, and
knew her husband had passed away last year of
cancer.

“Hello, Claire.”
“I did not expect you so early in the season, what

brings you to town?” Claire sat on the bench.

“Missed home.” Caden tried to smile.
“You are full of shit, no?” Claire smiled.
Caden’s eyes went wide and he feigned shock.

“Claire! Such language.”

“You should know, you taught me all the bad

English words.” Claire winked.

Caden noticed the bag in her hands and could

smell fresh croissants. “Are you going to share?”

Claire smiled and pulled the warm, flaky pastry

out. “Now, tell me why you are looking so sad.”

Caden told her everything, well everything he

could without exposing Kellan. Claire listened, her
face going from a smile to a frown when Caden told
her he’d left Kellan in Seattle. Without the whole
story she couldn’t know the sacrifice he’d made for
the man he loved. Caden sighed and looked at the
half eaten croissant in his hand.

“I could not stay.”
“That is a load of

merde.” Claire looked at him.

“You did not even give him the chance - you were
afraid he would leave you, so you left first.”

“It’s not that simple.” Caden sighed in frustration.
“Do you love this man?” Claire took a bite of her

croissant.

“I do, very much. I have never loved anyone as I

do him.” Caden looked at the sky. “It does not
seem fair, why choose for me to find love now?”

“It is better than to have never found it at all.”

Claire gave him a sad smile. “I do not regret one
day I spent with Giles. If I had known he was going

to die would I change anything? I think not, the time
we spent together was worth it.” Claire took
Caden’s hand and smiled at him. “You must do what
makes you happy, and this man, he loves you.”

“I don’t know that, he’s never said it.”
“Sometimes,” Claire palmed his face. “Words are

not needed.”

Caden smiled and took her hand. “And how are

you? Everything is going well with the bakery? I see
you expanded.”

“

Oui,” Claire smiled. “That would not have

anything to do with you purchasing the buildings and
selling them to us cheaper would it?”

“I have no idea what you are talking about.”

Caden smiled.

“You are an extraordinary man Caden Fournier.

You are nothing like your father and you have
proven it throughout the years. The people of this
town know what you have done, even though you
have tried to stay anonymous.” Claire looked up at
the sky. “You have left your mark in the world.”

Caden closed his eyes as a breeze caressed his

face. He could almost feel the spirits around him. “I
have missed it here.”

“I hope you do not stay.” Claire squeezed his

hand. “I hope you go to your man.”

“I wish I could,” Caden looked at Claire with a

sad smile. “I really do.”

~~

Kellan rolled over and looked at the clock. He

sighed and rubbed his eyes with the heels of his
hands. Another sleepless night. A week had gone
by and he still couldn’t sleep or eat. Alexander
threatened to set him up with an IV if he didn’t start
eating. He rolled onto his back and looked at the
ceiling; he missed Caden. He knew he was wasting
away and he didn’t care. His cell phone chirped and
he looked at the caller ID hoping it was Caden. It
wasn’t. He grabbed the phone and flipped it open.

“Hello?”
“Kellan?”
“Grayson?” Kellan sat up on his elbows. “Is

something wrong?”

“I can’t get a hold of Caden. It’s been a week

and he won’t answer his phone. He never does that
to me. I know he said you guys were dating, so I
thought maybe he was so preoccupied with you he
kind of just turned it off or something.”

Kellan sighed and lay back down. “Caden ended

it with me, Grayson.”

“What?” Grayson looked right at his husband,

Taylor, in the kitchen. “What do you mean he ended
it? Aren’t you guys mates? I mean when he told me
you guys were together I assumed you’d found your
mate —”

“Yes, he is. I mean was.” Kellan wiped his eyes.

“He left. I don’t know where he is and all he said
was that it was over. No one knows where he is,
not even Evangeline.”

Grayson furrowed his brows. “Something’s not

right with this shit; I know he cares about you.”

“Well, he obviously doesn’t, Grayson. He left and

he hasn’t tried to get a hold of me.”

Grayson looked at the time. “Look, I’m going to

find him okay? I’ll call you and let you know what’s
going on.”

Kellan sighed. “How are you going to find him

when no one else can?”

Grayson smiled. “I think I have an idea where he

went. I’ll call you Kellan. Just remember one thing,
Caden Fournier cares for you, I’d even say he’s in
love with you. So don’t give up. I’ll call as soon as I
know something.”

“Okay, bye, Grayson.”
“Bye, Kellan.” Grayson hung up the phone and

looked at Taylor. “Something’s wrong. I know
Caden loves Kellan, he wouldn’t just leave.”

Grayson picked the phone up again and hit speed
dial. He smiled when Riley’s voice came across the
line.

“Grayson, sweetie, how are you?”
“Hi, Riley, I’m fine. Look, I need a favor.”
“Anything you need, you know that.”
“Good,” Grayson smiled. “I need to borrow your

jet.”

~~Chapter Seven~~

Grayson looked out the window of the cab at

Marseilles. France was truly beautiful, it was a
shame he was coming on business and not
pleasure. There was no way Caden would have
broken it off with Kellan; just seeing pictures of
them together in the tabloids told Grayson that
Caden was in love. He knew Caden would be in
Vitrolles, he just knew. When he’d met Caden he
could see the look in his eyes when they discussed
France; the man would come back here, and
Grayson could feel it. As they pulled into Vitrolles,
Grayson looked at all the little shops and smiled. He
paid the cab driver and got out in front of a bakery.

Caden’s house wasn’t too far from it and Grayson
was hungry. The bell above the door chimed as he
walked in and the smell of almonds invaded his
senses. He looked at all the pastries, his mouth
watering.

“

Allo?”

Grayson looked up to see a short dark-haired

woman looking at him. “Hello, do you speak
English?”

“Yes I do. What can I help you with?”
Grayson looked at all the pastries. “Wow, I don’t

even know where to start.” He laughed.

“Well, I can recommend a few favorites. There

are of course croissants,

pain au chocolat, eclairs,

profiterole — which is a cream puff — beignet,
mille-feuille —”

“Oh! That one looks good, what is it?” Grayson

bent over looking through the glass.

“Oh, that is a croissant with almond paste inside;

it is very good.”

“I’ll take six of those.” Grayson looked up to see

the woman looking at him with an arched brow.
“What?” Grayson blushed. “I’m hungry.” The woman
laughed and Grayson smiled. “I thought I’d bring
one to my friend, Caden.”

“You are here to see Caden?”
“Well, yes. He is a good friend of mine.” Grayson

looked at the woman. “What is your name?”

“Claire. Caden and I have been friends for a long

time.” Claire eyed the younger man. “You are not
the one he loves.”

“No, my name is Grayson Drake, but I know the

man he loves. He’s miserable and I want to know
why Caden left him.”

Claire nodded. “He was just here this morning; he

should be at the beach below his house.” Claire
smiled. “I hope you can convince him to go home.”

“I’m not leaving until I do.” Grayson smiled taking

the bag from Claire. “Thank you, what do I owe
you?”

“Oh, it is free. Tell Caden I said go home.” Claire

winked.

“I will, thank you very much Claire. You have a

good day.”

“You as well, Grayson Drake.”

~~

Grayson stepped onto warm sand and looked

down the beach. Just as Claire had said, Caden
was facing the water. Grayson smelled the warm
sea air and closed his eyes, he already loved it

here. The town was quaint and the people were
very nice. He smiled looking into his pastry bag;
he’d eaten three of the croissants already and was
now in love with them. As he got closer to Caden he
could see the man was barefoot, his face was
tipped up and his hands were out at his sides, his
dress shirt flapping open with the ocean breeze
rolling off the water.

“Hello, Caden.” Grayson stood about twenty feet

from him.

Caden turned at the sound of a voice. “Jesus!

You scared the shit out of me.”

“What are you doing here, Caden? Why did you

leave Seattle?” Grayson stepped closer. “Don’t say
you don’t love Kellan.”

“I don’t, now, go home.” Caden turned toward

the path up the hill.

“Why are you lying to me? I thought we were

friends, Caden!” Grayson shouted.

“You don’t understand! I can’t tell you! There are

some things about Kellan Brady you don’t know and
I refuse to hurt him!” Caden trudged up the path to
his house.

“Oh, Caden…” Grayson sing-songed.
“What?” Caden turned around to see Grayson

standing naked on the beach. “What the hell are you
doing?”

“Is that thing about Kellan something like this?”

Grayson shifted. He looked at the shocked look on
Caden’s face and trotted over to him, smelling the
air. Caden wasn’t scared, just shocked. He’d taken
a risk in shifting, but the beach was secluded and
he didn’t feel anyone else watching them.

“

Mon dieu,” Caden whispered. He crouched

down to look at the black wolf with green eyes.
“You are one, too.” Caden smiled when Grayson
huffed at him, he ran his fingers through the soft fur
on Grayson’s neck. He looked around the secluded
beach. “Let us go to the house.”

~~

Caden waited patiently for Grayson to shift back

to his human form and get dressed, his mind going
a mile a minute. What did this mean? If Grayson
was a werewolf as well, how many more were
there? How could this help Kellan? Grayson came
back out pulling his shirt over his head and Caden
smiled at his friend.

“Well now, I was not expecting that.”
Grayson smiled. “Now, tell me what the hell is

going on.”

“Carson Drake is what’s going on.” Caden

rubbed his face with his hands. “He came to me a

little over a week ago. He had a video of Kellan
shifting into a werewolf and he threatened to go to
the news channels with it if I didn’t break it off with
Kellan. He wanted to hurt me.” Caden smiled sadly.
“It worked. I miss Kellan so much. I love him,
Grayson.”

Grayson sat down on the couch and looked at

Caden. “You should have come to me; you could
have trusted me with this.”

“I trusted no one,” Caden looked at Grayson. “I

would never let anyone hurt Kellan. If I go back,
Carson will follow through with his threat.”

“That’s where you’d be wrong.” Grayson stood

up. “Carson Drake would never leak that video to
the press.”

“What makes you so sure?” Caden arched a

brow.

“Because he would risk exposing himself as

well,” Grayson looked at Caden. “Carson Drake is a
werewolf, Caden.”

Caden sat back on the dining room table.

“What?”

“Taylor, Jagger, Xander, me, the list goes on and

on. We are all werewolves Caden, eventually Kellan
would have told you. It’s not something you can
keep a secret for long, especially during sex.”

“So he really would not go to the press? What

makes you so sure?”

Grayson leaned against the wall smiling.

“Because Wayne Maccon would kill him on the spot,
that’s why. And if there’s one thing I know about
Carson Drake, it’s that he’s scared shitless of
Wayne.”

“Wayne is?”
“Not someone you ever want to mess with.”

Grayson smiled. “He’s the alpha of the Denali pack
and he comes from created werewolves. If he looks
at Carson sideways the guy pisses his pants.”

“What does this mean then?” Caden stood up.
“It means,” Grayson took Caden by the

shoulders. “You, are going home to the man you
love.”

~~

Wayne hung up the phone looking at Jagger.

“We have a problem.”

“I figured that out when Grayson called you out

here from Denali.” Jagger ran a hand through his
hair. “What’s he done now?”

“So, you know it’s your father.” Wayne looked at

his beta.

“Well, he’s the only one who would bring you to

the city.” Jagger looked out the window. “Are you
going to have to kill him?”

Wayne stood by Jagger and put a hand on his

shoulder. “I won’t, unless it’s absolutely necessary. I
don’t want to leave you an orphan.”

Jagger laughed. “That man wasn’t my father; you

are more of a father to me than he ever was.”

“I’d be proud to call you my son, Jagger.” Wayne

looked at the city of Anchorage spread out for
miles. “We are going to have to lure him out. He
threatened to expose Kellan Brady if Caden didn’t
break it off with him; he even showed him a video of
Kellan, Scott and Jude shifting.”

“Son of a bitch.” Jagger sighed. “What do we

do?”

“We go to Seattle; we call in all the packs and

nab him.” Wayne looked at Jagger. “And we hope
he goes without a fight.”

“If it comes to that, let me do it, Wayne.” Jagger

looked at the man who had become a father to him.

Wayne nodded. “You have my word.”
“Good enough.”

~~

Kellan came off shift in a daze, his shirt was

covered in blood and he just wanted to go home
and sleep for twenty four hours straight. Once
again, he’d had the power to save a life and had let
it slip through his fingers. If he’d taken the time with
the grandmother, the grandson would have died.
Alexander had a point, who was he to pick and
choose? The grandmother was in her eighties and
she had pleaded with him to save the grandson
instead of her. Life was a crapshoot. It didn’t make
me him feel any better; the only thing he could be
thankful for was that she’d seen her grandson take
a breath before she had passed on.

The hot water rinsed away the gasoline on his

skin and the blood from his hair and face. He
scrubbed his skin hard and closed his eyes.
Caden’s face was right there, it always was. He
would live the rest of his long life loving one man.
Kellan turned the water off and stepped out of the
shower, toweling himself dry. Scott and Jude were
in the office filling out paperwork. He just couldn’t do
it today. He dressed, grabbed his bag and walked
down the hall to his brothers.

“I’m going home guys.”
“Okay, take care and get some sleep.” Scott

smiled. “You did what you had to do Kellan.”

“Yeah, I know.” Kellan sighed. “See you guys at

home.”

Kellan walked through the emergency room and

out the doors, zipping his jacket against the chill. A
gust of wind blew his hoodie right off and a very
familiar smell wafted up his nostrils. Kellan turned
quickly and saw Caden standing by the hospital
doors.

“Caden?” Kellan narrowed his eyes. It was a

mirage, he was seeing things.

“You look good.” Caden smiled, making his way

over.

“So do you.” Kellan straightened up. “What

brings you by?”

“Well, I missed my boyfriend.” Caden smiled and

walked closer. “Tell me something, did you smell
me just now?”

“What?” Kellan stammered.
Caden leaned into Kellan’s ear. “I hear

werewolves have a fabulous sense of smell.” He
whispered.

Kellan backed up so fast he almost fell over; he

ended up holding onto a car parked beside him.
“What did you just say?”

“I think we should take this discussion

elsewhere.” Caden smiled taking Kellan’s hand.
“Don’t you?”

Kellan nodded and then realized no words were

coming out. “Um yes, I’m right down the street.”

They walked hand in hand, stealing glances at

each other. Kellan couldn’t believe it was real; he
was still convincing himself he was in bed, asleep
and having a wonderful dream. They climbed the
stairs to his unit and Kellan unlocked the door then
threw the keys on the table. He took his jacket off
and looked at Caden; he was standing at the
window looking out over the courtyard.

“I dreamt of this you know.” Caden put his hand

on the window. “Coming back here, you still wanting
me.”

“I do still want you Caden, I never stopped.”

Kellan came up behind him, wrapping his arms
around Caden’s waist.

“I didn’t want to leave you; I did not go by choice.

It is because of what you are that I left to protect
you.”

Kellan turned him around. “And what is it you

think I am?”

“You are a werewolf.” Caden smiled at the look

of shock on Kellan’s face. “Carson Drake came to
my office; he showed me a video of you and your
brothers shifting into werewolves. He told me if I
didn’t end it with you, he’d expose you. I couldn’t let
that happen, Kellan.” He palmed Kellan’s face. “I am

in love with you.”

Kellan pulled Caden into his arms. “You should

have told me, I thought you didn’t want me
anymore.”

“I will always want you Kellan.” Caden wrapped

his arms around Kellan’s neck.

“I love you, too. You should have come to me;

Carson would never follow through —”

“Yes, I know that now. Grayson came to

France.” Caden chuckled. “He gave me quite the
shock.”

Kellan chuckled. “Let me guess, he shifted?”
“Right there on the beach.” Caden nodded. “I

would have never left; I felt I had no choice. If
Carson had leaked the video,” Caden shivered. “I
would have blamed myself for what could have
been done to you. They would experiment on you,
maybe lock you up.” Caden choked on the words.

Kellan pulled Caden into his arms. “It’s okay; it’s

not going to happen.” He ran his nose through
Caden’s hair taking in the scent of the man he
loved. “I missed you so much.” Kellan whispered.

“I have missed you,” Caden looked up. The

midnight eyes searched his. “I would love it if you
kissed me now.”

“You don’t have to ask me twice.” Kellan’s hand

went directly to Caden’s cheek; he looked into

sapphire eyes and took Caden’s mouth.

They were walking backwards, clothes discarded

along the way. The bedroom door was open and
Kellan kicked it shut with his foot as he picked
Caden up. His hand gripped the soft globes of
Caden’s ass as he eased him onto the bed. Lips
soft as silk met his and then a warm mouth opened
to him. A soft whimper escaped his lips as Caden
took over the kiss.

Kellan found himself on his back as Caden’s

tongue investigated him. Soft kisses along his torso
and a gentle bite to his nipple and Kellan arched his
back as Caden’s strong hand gripped his erection.
His eyes closed as he felt a tongue gliding along the
shaft of his penis, licking and teasing. It was as if
they’d never been apart, the heat exploded between
them and Kellan heard himself crying out as Caden
entered him in one thrust. His canines exploded
from his gums and claws jetted from his fingertips;
there was a soft gasp and he opened his eyes to
see Caden smiling at him.

“Look at how beautiful you are.” Caden

whispered. He drew back almost completely before
sliding back into Kellan’s warmth. “Does that feel
good?”

“Yes, oh God yes…” Kellan whined. The noises

leaving his mouth shocked him - he’d never been

so…vocal during sex. “Harder…” Kellan groaned as
Caden’s dick slid out almost completely again, the
blunt tip sliding in and out to the crown. It was a
torturous tease. If he thought Caden was a
submissive bottom he couldn’t have been more
wrong. The sheer sexual prowess the man showed
in bed had Kellan’s mouth wide open and he was
actually screaming Caden’s name. He was

not

gentle; in fact, Kellan had an idea that Caden was
fucking him through the bed because he

knew he

could. His legs spread out to the side, Caden’s
fingers gripping his ankles, his whole body moved
with the sheer strength of the man’s thrusts.

He couldn’t stop staring at him; Caden was

biting his bottom lip and grunting as he fucked like a
man on a mission. It was want, need and absolute
I-have-to-own-you sex and, God help him, Caden
owned his ass. He had never been taken with such
raw power before. His orgasm hit and Kellan almost
flew off the bed. His back arched high and the
whole time Caden fisted his cock, milking it. It was
crazy and all Kellan could do was watch Caden’s
biceps as he hammered himself home, driving into
him like he hadn’t hit the end yet. A loud agonizing
groan rose from Caden and Kellan’s ass was
immediately overcome with a scorching heat; Caden
collapsed on top of him and gripped his hair tightly.

“I love you, Kellan Brady,” Caden growled. “You

are mine.”

“I am yours,” Kellan breathed. “I always will be.”
They lay in bed for hours, just touching each

other - fingers caressing arms, legs, abdomens.
Kellan sighed as Caden’s lips covered his again.
The pure passion in the kiss took him by surprise
and he gasped when Caden bit his bottom lip. Hard.

“I want to eat you alive.” Caden smiled wickedly.
Kellan chuckled, pulling Caden down by his hair.

“Oh, yeah?” He felt a pressure on his tunnel and
looked up at Caden smiling demonically. “What are
you up to?”

Caden looked down. “Seven inches.” He pushed

in.

“Ohhh…fuck!” Kellan felt fingers gripping his balls

and instantly-hard dick and then Caden’s thumbnail
was dipping into his slit.

“How does that feel, my love?” Caden drove in

hard and bottomed out; seconds later Kellan’s dick
erupted all over his hand. He had to admit that
watching Kellan come unglued did wonderful things
to his ego. He’d always been worried about his
dominant side; he didn’t need to be with Kellan.

“Jesus,” Kellan breathed out slowly. “Who knew

you’d be such an animal in bed.” He chuckled softly.

Caden laughed loud. “Oh yes? It takes an animal

to please another.”

Kellan took Caden’s face in his hands. “So you

are okay with this? I mean you’re not freaked out?”

Caden smiled and pulled out slowly; he rolled

over on his side and looked at the beautiful face in
front of him. “Although I was quite surprised when I
saw the video, I was more concerned about
protecting you. I could not nor will I ever allow
Carson Drake to hurt you.” He took Kellan’s hand in
his own and laced their fingers together. “I have
been informed of a plan. We will be seen in public
and then we will leave for France.”

“Why France?” Kellan arched a brow.
“Wayne, the alpha wolf?” Caden watched as

Kellan nodded. “He is convinced Carson will not try
anything in the states. They will be flying over
before us on Riley Esposito’s jet and lay in wait.”

“Is Alexander going, too?” He saw the confused

look on Caden’s face. “Doctor Romasko, he is my
alpha.”

Caden’s eyes widened. “I did not know. I believe

they said all the packs, something about Northern
and Queets as well as Denali.”

“That makes sense; Carson could have back-up,

although I would hope not after the last time.
Wayne showed him what would be coming to him if

he ever tried to come after any of the packs.”

“You were there?” Caden sat up on his elbow.
“Yes, there was a huge fight in the Denali Park.

Me, Scott, Jude and Nicholas were there. We’d
never seen anything as huge as Wayne in wolf
form; he’s almost as big as a horse. Anyway once
Carson was beat, Wayne broke his leg in half with
one hand.” Kellan shivered

Caden gasped. “That would take quite a bit of

strength.”

“No shit,” Kellan chuckled. “I think we all stood

there with our mouths hanging open.”

“And your alpha? Is he as strong?”
“Alex? Oh no, he’s just the regular kind.” Kellan

laughed. “Sam Waters and Troy Bishop have that
line running through them, though. Sam’s husband,
Dakota, was forced to change him after Carson
tore Sam open.”

“That is awful!” Caden sat up. “And Troy

Bishop?”

“Shot by an ex-boyfriend.” Kellan shook his head.

“Sawyer had no choice; they both would have died
if not for the bite of their mate.”

“Wait, are you saying they were saved by the

bite of a werewolf?”

“Yes, I know how they feel. If anything would

happen to you I would do the same to spare you

death. Alex is always going on and on about the
repercussions of saving a life that was meant to
move on.” Kellan caressed Caden’s face. “I couldn’t
not help you.”

Caden tried to smile. “There are rules that cannot

be broken, Kellan. Sometimes that life is meant to
expire.”

“I don’t buy it, not when I have the ability to stop

it. Look, Sam wasn’t meant to die that day and
neither was Troy. Horrible circumstances happened
to those guys. They have been deployed numerous
times to the damn desert. They’ve been shot,
stabbed, blown up and came home safe. It was

not

their time to die.”

Caden rolled over on top of him and smiled. “So,

I am your mate.”

“Yes you are, Caden Fournier.” Kellan smiled.

“For life.”

Caden closed his eyes and felt strong arms

come around him. “Tomorrow we go out to dinner,
and then we will leave for France.”

“How do you know the camera crews will follow

us?”

Caden smiled. “I have a great PR person.”

~~

Kellan looked out over the Sound; they’d gone to

Seacrest Park and were seated overlooking the
water. They had been hounded all the way from the
apartment to the waterfront and Kellan had to
laugh. The paparazzi’s main question is when had
they gotten back together and was it for good.
Caden answered all their questions calmly all while
holding his hand tightly. Now they sat in peace and
Caden was looking over the wine list. Kellan smiled
at his mate.

“Hey.”
Caden looked up to see that gorgeous smile.

“Yes?”

“I love you.” Kellan winked.
Caden felt his heart race. “I love you, too. May I

ask you a question?”

“Sure,”
“Grayson has said he wanted to wait for his

mate before making love. You did not, why?”

Kellan sat forward. “Are you upset by that?”
“No, just curious.”
“Well, Grayson was what? Eighteen? He could

afford to wait a bit. I was starting to give up hope.”
Kellan shrugged. “I mean it’s not like I was banging
everything that moved; I’ve had maybe four

partners. If I’d known you’d be my mate, I would
have waited for you Caden, no matter how long it
took for us to find each other.”

“You are very romantic.” Caden smiled taking

Kellan’s hand in his own. “The way you are, the way
you kiss, it is like I am in a romantic movie.”

Kellan felt his cheeks heat. “Well I watched

enough of them. I always loved the way the man
would kiss, almost like in slow motion. I always
thought it was so sexy. There is something to be
said for passionate kisses, too, though.” Kellan
picked up his crab leg and cracked it. Pulling the
meat out he dipped it in butter sauce and sucked it
into his mouth, his eyes never leaving Caden’s.

“You have a way of making everything sexy.”

Caden breathed. “I am very fortunate to have such
a sexy mate.”

“As am I.”
“Are you ready for France?”
“Well, seeing as I’ve never been there, yes.”

Kellan wiped his mouth off. “Would you like some of
my crab?”

Caden leaned forward and opened his mouth,

Kellan placed the tender meat on his tongue and he
sucked Kellan’s fingers into his mouth. “Mmm, so
good.”

“You are so scandalous.” Kellan chuckled.

Caden sat back smiling and licking his lips. “You

hadn’t even heard of me, therefore I am far from
scandalous. I try to stay out of the public eye as
much as possible. When I made my money I could
not even shop. In France they do not give a shit
who you are, only in America do they chase you
down.”

“Not true,” Kellan pointed at him with a crab leg.

“Paris is bad, look what happened there.”

“They were American paparazzi.” Caden smiled

wicked.

“Agree to disagree then, although right now I

tend to agree with you.” Kellan looked out at the
water; the media were actually on boats snapping
pictures.

“Over the years I have given them exclusives,

they have to eat just as everyone else does. They
choose to print only what they want. Two years ago
I gave quite a bit of money to cancer research.”
Caden frowned. “That barely registered a blip, my
breakup however…” Caden rolled his eyes, “was
front page news for weeks.”

“Oh really? So what did this guy do for a living?”
“You will laugh.”
“Okay, now I’m really intrigued.” Kellan arched a

brow.

“He was a stripper from Australia.” Caden wiped

his mouth with his napkin and took a big gulp of
wine.

Kellan chuckled. “Oh, not the Thunder from Down

Under,” He laughed when Caden’s face turned red.
“Oh my God! It was!”

“He had very sexy moves.” Caden smiled taking

Kellan’s hand. “But nothing like yours, you are very
different.”

“So are you,” Kellan lowered his voice. “I didn’t

even think you were like that in bed, Jesus.” Kellan
smiled at the mischievous look on Caden’s face.
“What?”

“I have a very overpowering side.”
“Yes, I saw that, or should I say felt that. I

actually loved it, that you were so forceful. It was a
total turn-on.”

“So you would like it if I did that again?” Caden

leaned forward, his foot sliding up Kellan’s pant leg.

Kellan gulped his wine. “Yes, I would like that.”

He sucked in a breath, as Caden’s foot traveled
between his legs. “I think I’m ready to go now.”

“Yes, that is a good idea.”

~~Chapter Eight~~

Kellan looked out the window of the jet as the

lights of New York came into view. The city was
beautiful at night; he wished they were stopping for
a longer period of time. As soon as the jet pulled up
and stopped, Caden was up and on his way to the
cockpit. Kellan stretched his legs out and cracked
his neck from side to side. He smiled when Caden
came back down the aisle; he had a boyish grin on
his face.

“What are you up to?” Kellan narrowed his eyes.
“Are you hungry? There is a wonderful pizza

place not too far from here.”

“Pizza?” Kellan tilted his head. “You, eat pizza?”
“Yes, I eat pizza.” Caden chuckled, smacking

Kellan’s arm.

“Does it have caviar on it?” Kellan side-stepped

the next hit.

The cab ride almost gave Kellan a heart attack.

The cabbie weaved through traffic on the Grand
Central Parkway and almost sideswiped another
vehicle merging onto the Brooklyn Queens
expressway. By the time they arrived at their
destination, Kellan was sweating. Caden paid the
cabbie and as they walked to a lighted restaurant
Kellan turned and saw the Brooklyn Bridge was

right across from them. He looked up and saw the
sign, Grimaldi’s pizza. Caden took his hand as they
waited in a long line of others waiting for the
almost-midnight snack. Kellan looked at the others
walking by with their slice and his mouth watered.
When it was their turn, Caden not only ordered four
slices, he ordered a whole pie.

“Wow, are you hungry?” Kellan laughed.
“No, but you are.” Caden smiled and took a bite.

The rich sauce made him moan, as did the flavor of
the cheeses.

Kellan took a bite and almost came in his pants.

“Holy shit, this is really good.”

“You have no idea,” Caden chuckled, with his

mouth full.

They sat down at one of the tables and Kellan

took his time savoring the taste of the pizza. The
sound of the traffic on the bridge was almost
comforting; New York had a feeling to it.

“I say when all this crap with Carson is done and

over with we come back here.”

Caden nodded. “Yes, I would like you to see the

city at night - other than Brooklyn, that is.”

“As long as I get to see it with you,” Kellan

smiled.

Caden felt his heart aching, and he took Kellan’s

hand. “Let’s get back to the plane; I cannot wait for

you to see my home.”

Kellan almost shit his pants on the cab ride back

to La Guardia; he swore the cab driver was trying
to kill them. Once they were seated back on the
plane Kellan relaxed and reclined the seat.

“This is a very nice jet.” Kellan chuckled. “Do you

have a lot of them?”

“No, smartass.” Caden laughed and sat down

next to him. He laced their fingers together. “Try to
get some sleep; we have another eight hours.”

“Gimme a kiss.” Kellan leaned over.

Caden leaned in to meet Kellan’s warm lips, the

taste of sauce still lingered. “Get some rest.”

~~

Alexander dropped the last chart on the desk and

stood up, cracking his back and neck. He’d been on
all night and was late for the rendezvous with the
rest of the packs. He knew Wayne would be able to
handle Carson along with Archer, but his own pack
was there as well. He grabbed his coat off the back
of his chair and looked at his watch; Riley’s jet
would be coming back for him. As he left his office,
a wonderful floral smell wafted up his nostrils and

he turned to see a dark-haired woman looking at
him.

“May I help you?”
“I hope so Doctor Romasko. I believe you

treated my patient. Caden Fournier? I’m his doctor,
Evangeline Coulier.”

Alexander nodded, looking into very grey eyes.

“Yes, I did.”

“I hope you did not disclose Mr. Fournier’s

medical condition to anyone.” Evangeline eyed the
doctor. Jesus but he was tall, at least six foot three.
His black hair was short and complemented his
green eyes.

“I am bound just as you are by doctor–patient

confidentiality, Mrs. Coulier.”

“I am not married, and Evangeline is fine Dr.

Romasko.”

Alexander smiled. “Alexander.”
“Do I detect a Russian accent, Alexander?”

Evangeline smiled. He had strong hands and his
broad shoulders fit into his leather jacket just right.

“Yes you do - Leningrad. I detect a hint of

French?”

“Coulier is a French name, not a stretch.”

Evangeline chuckled.

“Neither is Romasko.” Alexander put his hand

out. “May we walk and talk? I have an appointment

I must meet.”

“I wanted you to look at Caden’s newest scans,”

Evangeline sighed.

“I can do that,” Alexander took the x-rays and

walked over to a corner, making sure no one could
see them; he held the scans up to the hospital light.
“It has spread further.” Alexander sighed. “Did he
not do chemotherapy? Radiation?”

“I have tried every drug protocol there is, he’s

done everything he can. Now he’s resigned to try
and live his last days happily.”

Alexander looked at the scans again. “A few

months?”

Evangeline nodded. “That’s what I think.”
Alexander cursed softly. This would kill Kellan

and if he knew he would certainly change Caden on
the spot. Alexander knew the pain that changing
caused in someone who was in perfect health; to
change Caden would bring the man unspeakable
pain, if he survived the change at all. “I will be back
in a few days.” Alexander looked at the beautiful
face in front of him; it had been a long time since
he’d had the company of a woman. “Maybe I could
take you out to dinner? If you are agreeable?”

“You need some lessons in English slang,”

Evangeline smiled and tilted her head. “I would love
to have dinner.” Evangeline produced a card from

her purse. “This is my number; call me when you
get back.”

“We will discuss Mr. Fournier’s options; I am not

one to give up hope easily.” Alexander smiled.

“Neither am I, Alexander.” Evangeline adjusted

her purse. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Yes, yes you will.”

~~

“Dakota, stop stuffing your face.” Sam

whispered.

“I can’t help it,” Dakota’s words were muffled by

the almond paste-filled croissant in his mouth. “God.
These are so good.”

“I told you.” Grayson giggled.
They were on the ridge above Caden’s house, all

of them downwind to avoid detection. So far they
had seen nothing except some nude bathers, who
were female. They were all eating French pastries
like they were going out of style and Claire was
keeping them well fed. The house they’d rented was
a few down from Caden’s and they spent their time
outside in shifts, switching out the night shift with the

day. Right now the day shift, which consisted of
Dakota, Sam, Grayson and Taylor were watching
the roads and the people on the beach below.
They hadn’t seen Carson, but were sure after that
with all of the media coverage that followed Caden
and Kellan to La Guardia, he’d be following right
behind them.

“Jesus, I’m glad I’m a werewolf.” Taylor took a

bite of the pastry and moaned. “I could eat these
for every meal.”

“When this is all over I say we spend a whole

week here.” Grayson sat back on his elbows,
smelling the air.

“Why don’t we just buy a house here, babe? I

mean if you love it that much.” Taylor squeezed
Grayson’s thigh.

“Really?” Grayson sat up. “We could do that?”
Taylor arched a brow. “Did you really just ask me

that?”

Grayson threw his arms around Taylor. “I love

you so much!”

“Shhh!” Sam looked at Grayson. “Hello?

Werewolf hearing.”

Grayson zipped his lip and turned back to Taylor

smiling wide. “God, you are an awesome husband.”
Grayson whispered.

Taylor winked. “Love ya, baby.”

Sam looked out over the water. “So, I don’t get

it. If Caden owns this entire beach, why are there
people walking all over his property?”

“Oh,” Grayson sat up. “I got the story from

Claire. Turns out Caden’s father owned all the
properties that covered the beach. When Caden got
enough money, he bought them all out from under
his dad and opened them to the public again.”

“That was nice of him.” Dakota smiled.
“Oh, he’s done a lot for Vitrolles.” Grayson

looked up at the sky. “He’s a good man.”

“Yes, he is.” Taylor took Grayson’s hand and

laced their fingers together.

Sam looked at his watch. “It’s almost lunch time.”
“Good, I’m hungry.” Dakota crammed another

croissant in his mouth.

“Jesus…” Sam smiled and looked around. “I’ll go

this time.”

“Bring me some of those little pickles please,

babe.” Dakota winked.

“Keep your eyes and ears open.” Sam crouched

down and climbed up the hill.

“He’s so stealthy.” Grayson giggled.
“He’s an assassin.” Dakota chuckled. “Now, give

me that other bag of pastries.”

~~

Kellan looked out the window of the limo.

Marseilles was beautiful. So far he loved everything
about it, and they weren’t even out of the town limits
yet. Caden was on the phone speaking in French
and Kellan was trying hard not to eavesdrop, but he
caught enough to figure out that Caden was revising
his will. Kellan hoped Caden wasn’t putting him in
his will; he didn’t want the man’s money. They got
off the main road and turned onto another. Kellan
caught the sign - well the sign and numbers.

Av.

Jean Moulin and the road was D55F, whatever that
meant. Houses lined the streets and there was
beautiful greenery was as far as the eye could see.
The smell of lavender was strong.

“We will be stopping at my friend Claire’s

bakery.” Caden smiled.

“Sounds good.” Kellan’s stomach growled in

agreement.

Caden chuckled. “You are still hungry?”
“I’m always hungry.” Kellan pulled Caden into his

lap; he kissed his neck and ran a hand into Caden’s
soft hair. “I love the way you smell, it’s unique.”

“It’s Frenchman ‘

Eau de toilette’.” Caden

laughed, as Kellan bit his lips.

“Well whatever it is, it’s delicious.” Kellan ran his

tongue up the rapid pulse in his lover’s neck. “You
taste good, too.”

Caden felt his dick getting hard in his chinos.

“You need to stop that, or I will be walking into the
bakery with an erection.”

“Mmm, I love the sound of that.” Kellan cupped

Caden’s crotch. “I can smell you, babe.” Kellan
growled into Caden’s ear.

Caden leaned back as Kellan’s hand gripped him

through his pants; his breath was taken from him
seconds later when Kellan took his mouth in a rough
kiss.

“Kellan…” He gripped Kellan’s hair.
The car stopped and Kellan growled into Caden’s

mouth. “I was just getting started.”

Caden moaned as Kellan’s hand released his

aching prick. He sat up looking out of the window.
“Ah, we are here.”

Kellan got out of the limo and helped Caden out.

They walked into the bakery, announcing their
arrival with the bell on the door. The smell of the
pastries made his mouth water instantaneously.

“Oh God, that smells wonderful.” Kellan inhaled.
Caden smiled as Claire came out of the back

room. “

Allo, chéri .”

Claire smiled at Caden, and her eyes fell on the

gorgeous man beside him. “

Eh ban, mon salaud!”

Kellan smiled. “That I understood - now why

would you be damned?”

“Caden was not lying, you are breathtaking.”

Claire looked him over. “Claire Charmaigne.”

Kellan took her hand. “Kellan Brady, a pleasure

to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine, I assure you.” Claire

blushed.

“Tsk tsk, Claire, stop drooling over my man.”

Caden winked.

“I am just glad that he

is your man.” Claire smiled

wide. “I have been taking care of your friends, they
eat a lot.” Claire giggled.

“Oh, you’re going to be making so much money.”

Kellan looked through the glass at all of the food.

“Claire, please give me four of everything.”

Caden smiled at Kellan who was hypnotized by the
food. His cell phone rang and he looked at the caller
ID. “I will be right back.”

Kellan stared at the food. “What is that?”
“You all seem to like the smell of it; it’s a

croissant with almond paste inside.” Claire handed
him one. She watched it disappear in one bite. “You
are hungry?”

“Always famished,” Kellan smiled looking at

Claire.

“You are in love with Caden.”
Kellan smiled, it wasn’t a question it was stated

as fact. “Yes, I am.”

“You would not leave him for any reason, would

you?”

“No, not for any reason.”
“Good,” Claire smiled. “It is what he needs, to be

loved unconditionally.”

“It’s what he deserves.” Kellan smiled. The bell

over the door rang, and Caden walked back in.
“Everything okay?”

“Yes,” Caden smiled. “Are you ready to go to the

house?”

“Yes, it was a pleasure to meet you, Claire.”

Kellan kissed her hand.

“You as well.” Claire said.
“I expect you at the house for dinner when I call

Claire.” Caden arched a brow.

“I will come, if only for the couscous.” Claire

laughed.

Caden narrowed his eyes. “

Pouffiasse.”

Claire’s eyes went wide. “Such language!”
Kellan furrowed his brows “Slut?”
Caden cracked up. “My man knows French.”
“Take your pastries you foul-mouthed man.”

Claire laughed hysterically.

“Bye, we’ll see you soon.” Caden kissed Claire

on her cheeks.

Caden dismissed the limo driver and they walked

the rest of the way. Kellan didn’t mind, it was
beautiful out. The streets were quiet. Most people
rode bikes from what he could tell and those who
did have cars had very

small cars. Kellan had never

seen cars so small. They walked up a gravel road
and Kellan looked at the property; vineyards
surrounded both sides of the long driveway.

“You make wine?”
“For my personal collection, I do not sell it.”

Caden smiled gripping Kellan’s hand tighter.

“It’s so beautiful; I’ve never seen so much

lavender.”

“It gives the wine a unique taste; I let it grow wild

all over the property.”

The two story house came into view and Kellan

gasped. Red roses weaved up the front of the
house almost reaching the roof. There was a table
and chairs off to the side of the front porch with an
umbrella, lavender surrounded the house.

“It’s beautiful, Caden.”

“Thank you, come inside.” Caden unlocked the

front door and went about opening all the shutters,
letting light and air in.

Kellan walked around the house, all the furniture

had an antique look. The kitchen was light and airy
with a small table and four chairs; a pantry was
across from the stove with only a curtain to hide it.
Kellan smiled and walked towards the first
bedroom, the king sized bed took up most of the
wall and the frame reminded him of crowns.

“It is solid oak,” Caden peeked over Kellan’s

shoulder. “Rococo style.”

Kellan smiled. “Late Baroque.”
“Ah, we have a scholar?”
“I studied France a lot when I was learning the

language,” Kellan looked at the antique armoire in
the corner. “It’s beautiful, you know.”

Caden walked around the room. “I always

wanted some kind of antique feel to my home, and
that is also why my hotels have antique furniture in
some of the rooms.” Caden smiled, pulling Kellan
out of the room. “I wanted people to have a sense
of home if they needed it. The other two bedrooms
have walnut beds; I love the smell of real wood.”
Caden pulled Kellan back into the kitchen. “My
mother loved the kitchen; the window opens to a
beautiful view of the ocean. It was right here that I
learned to make couscous.” Caden smiled, closing
his eyes. “I can almost smell the seasonings, hear
her softly humming.”

“You miss her,” Kellan held Caden tightly.
“I do, she had a way of making me smile when I

was sad.” Caden looked up at Kellan. “The way you
do.”

Kellan looked into beautiful blue pools; he

touched his lips softly to Caden’s as he wrapped
him up tight. “I couldn’t have asked for a better
mate.”

“You are sweet,” Caden smiled. “You should go

take a shower; I’ll get us something to eat.”

“Okay,” Kellan stepped away, giving Caden a

smack to his ass. “I’m sure I can find the
bathroom.”

“Towels are right next to the shower.” Caden

called over his shoulder. He looked in the pantry
and found fresh bread; thank God for Claire. Caden
chuckled and looked in the refrigerator, it was
stocked as well. He grabbed the Camembert and
Brie cheeses, as well as salad fixings. He heard a
low whistling from the bathroom and smiled. “You
have found the tub?”

“Jesus, is this copper?” Kellan’s mouth dropped

open.

“Yes it is.”
“How much did this set you back?” Kellan

laughed.

“Almost seventy thousand dollars.”

Kellan coughed and almost choked. “I don’t even

want to touch it now.”

“It is just a tub,” Caden laughed. “Just get in it.”
After a half an hour, Kellan came back fresh from

the shower and looked at the kitchen table. A large
salad bowl was filled with what looked like romaine
lettuce, spinach leaves and cherry tomatoes. The
smell of garlic filled the kitchen, as well as vinegar.
Kellan sat down and looked at the loaf of bread.

“Wow, this looks good.” Kellan took a bite of one

of the cheeses.

“Eat as much as you want, there is more.” Caden

smiled, filling a large bowl with salad.

“You know how much I can eat right?” Kellan

arched a brow.

“I love that you have such a voracious appetite.”

Caden sat back, munching on his bread.

“It’s not just for food, either.” Kellan looked over

Caden’s body; he was dressed casually in jeans
and a t-shirt.

Caden smiled wickedly. “Eat first; you will need

your strength.”

Kellan laughed and took a bite of his salad. It

wasn’t a huge meal, but it was enough. Kellan sat
back and looked at Caden sipping his wine. They
talked about Caden’s job, which was really not a

job, just fun. Kellan listened intently, while Caden
told him how he came into so much money, how his
life changed when his mother died and how he
managed to survive when his father told him he’d
fail. By the end of dinner, Kellan wanted to know
every damn thing there was to know about Caden.
They fell into bed after washing up and Kellan pulled
Caden close to him. The bedroom window was
open and the sound of waves crashing onto the
shore was peaceful, as well as the warm breeze
with the smell of lavender.

“I already love it here.” Kellan kissed Caden’s

forehead.

“I’m glad.” Caden closed his eyes; he’d left

everything to Kellan, all his money and properties.
He was happy in the knowledge that Kellan loved
the house, and hoped he would still love it once he
was gone. Caden felt his throat constricting, he’d
been ready to go, and then he met Kellan. “Good
night, my love.”

“Night Caden, I love you.”
“I love you, too.”

~~Chapter Nine~~

Dakota sat with Wayne and Conner for the

morning shift. Sam was on his way back and
Sawyer and Troy were patrolling the road with
Jagger and Xander. They were joined by Mateo
and Josh overnight, and now the two of them sat on
top of the house with tranquilizer rifles. Dakota
heard rocks rolling down the embankment and
looked up to see Alexander. He smiled and cocked
his head to the side.

“Not very stealthy,” Dakota winked.
“I am not in wolf form.” Alexander whispered.
The hair on his neck stood straight up and

Dakota took a deep breath. “Oh my God, what is
that?”

Wayne stiffened as well. “You smell it, too?”
Dakota looked up as Sam joined them. “Do you

smell that?”

“Smell what?” Sam looked at Dakota and

Wayne. “I don’t smell anything but the air and
Caden.” Sam motioned below to the beach below.
A slight breeze wafted another scent, Sam inhaled
deeply. “Oh God, now I do. What is that?”

Wayne closed his eyes. “It’s Caden, he’s sick.”

Wayne opened his eyes, looking at Alexander. “You
should know anyone with my bloodlines has unique
abilities.”

Alexander couldn’t help the intake of breath; both

Dakota and Wayne looked at him. “What?”

“It’s the smell of death, Dakota,” Wayne

narrowed his eyes at Alexander. “We can smell it,
Alexander. Tell me now.”

Alexander sighed. “He has cancer, a very

aggressive cancer. It has spread throughout his
body.”

“Oh no,” Dakota looked at Caden smiling, as he

walked barefoot down the beach.

Sam heard a loud whistle, and looked up to see

Mateo waving his rifle. “Something’s up.”

Wayne shielded his eyes, scanning the beach.

He moved closer to Conner. “You stay right by me,
understood?”

Conner nodded.

~~

Kellan woke up in bed alone; he went to the

kitchen to find a note from Caden telling him to meet
him down at the beach. Kellan changed and walked
down the path, hearing the waves hitting the shore.
He smiled, seeing Caden down the beach quite a

ways down. Almost as if he sensed him there,
Caden turned and gave him a brilliant smile. Kellan
waved and started walking. His smile turned to
horror as Carson flew out onto the beach, grabbing
Caden.

“No!” Kellan ran.

~~

Caden felt the arm across his throat and tried to

breathe. “Carson, let go.”

Carson’s eyes darted around the beach, the

smell of werewolves hit him full force. “I see you’re
not alone.”

“No, I’m not.” Caden watched as men came

down from the hill; one in particular looked very
menacing. “That one does not look happy.”

“Don’t come any closer, Wayne!” Carson

shouted. “I’ll bite him!”

Wayne stopped; Caden might not survive the

bite, not with his immune system so weak. “Just let
him go.”

“No way, you’ll kill me this time.” Carson shook

his head, growling as his eyes fell upon Conner.

Wayne pulled Conner behind him, glaring at

Carson. “Back off, Carson. Now. This won’t end
well for you.”

The sound of rapidly approaching feet had

Carson turning in the direction of the sound. Kellan
was almost on top of him. In a flash, his canines
elongated and he bit Caden.

“No!” Wayne shifted and sent a mental message

to Dakota, who shifted seconds later.

“Caden!” Kellan shouted. He ran into Carson,

shoving him full force into the sand.

All hell broke loose as Jagger and Taylor jumped

on their father. Seconds later Mateo and Josh
pumped Carson full of tranquilizers. The beach was
pure chaos and the shouting was deafening. They
all stopped as Caden’s roar of pain sliced through
all of them. Kellan saw Caden on his knees in the
sand, his hands out in front of him, his fists balled
tightly. His face was one of pure agonizing pain.

“Caden!” Kellan flew to Caden’s side. He was

promptly knocked out of the way by Wayne and
Dakota. “What are you doing?” Kellan shouted. He
watched in horror as Wayne bit down on Caden’s
throat and Dakota sunk his canines into Caden’s
thigh. “What the hell!” Kellan felt a hand on his
shoulder and he was being dragged away by Scott.
“Let go!”

Alexander grabbed Kellan. “They must do this

Kellan, or Caden will surely die.”

“What? No one dies from a werewolf bite!”

Kellan shouted.

“Kellan!” Alexander turned Kellan to face him.

“They will if their immune system is compromised,
their body is too weak to handle the change.”

“What…what do you mean?” Kellan looked at

Caden writhing on the sand. “Let me go to him.”
Kellan ran to Caden’s side. “Oh God, Caden.”

Caden tried to open his eyes but the heat was

searing through every part of his body. He managed
to open one and look at his arm. Where the vein
was supposed to be blue under his thin skin, it was
red. Fire was shooting up his arm at an incredible
rate.

“Kellan…” Caden opened both eyes to look at his

lover’s face.

“Oh God, I’m so sorry.” Kellan whispered.
“I…” Caden’s body convulsed, his back snapped

and he screamed in pain.

“Oh God, Caden…” Kellan tried to hold him in his

arms but Caden’s body was thrashing about. The
change was different; Caden’s hands would form
claws, and then go back to fingers, his skin rippled
and hair grew then receded. Kellan winced, hearing
bones cracking and Caden’s agonizing screams
were hurting his heart. “Jesus!” Kellan looked at
Alexander. “We have to help him!”

Alexander shook his head sadly. “We cannot. I’m

sorry Kellan, but it has to be like this.”

“Why?” Kellan looked at Alex. “What aren’t you

telling me?” Caden stilled in his arms and Kellan
realized he’d stopped breathing. “No!” He put Caden
down and started CPR.

“Kellan…” Alexander started forward.
“Don’t you come any closer!” Kellan shouted. He

resumed CPR, giving Caden breaths. “Oh God,
don’t leave me.” Caden remained lifeless and Kellan
pumped his hand over his heart. “Come on! Don’t
you dare fucking leave me, Caden! Do you hear
me?!” Kellan’s hand came down hard in a fist on
Caden’s chest and Caden’s eyes flew open. “That’s
it, come on, take a breath.” Kellan wrapped his
arms around Caden, crying. “Breathe, please…”

“Kell…” Caden’s eyes closed and he felt his body

exploding with heat.

“Talk to me,” Kellan caressed Caden’s face.
“Love…you.”
Kellan felt Caden’s body go limp, the panic hit

and he searched for a pulse. It was there, going a
mile a minute. Kellan looked up at the circle of
werewolves around him. “What the fuck is going
on?”

Wayne looked at all the men. “Get Caden to the

house; take Carson to the house as well. Keep him

pumped full of that shit until I can get him out of
here.”

“Wayne,” Jagger looked at his alpha. “Why didn’t

you just kill him?”

“I know what you said Jagger, but family is

family. He won’t be killed, but where he’s going he’ll
be wishing he was.” Wayne looked down at Kellan.
“Get Caden into a bed, he’s not done yet.”

Kellan picked Caden up and looked at Alexander.

“I want answers.”

Alexander nodded. “I will give them to you.”
They all turned to see Archer running with John,

Sawyer and Troy, they all came to a stop and
Archer looked at Carson down on the sand.

“Well, I see he made it here.” Archer raised a

brow.

Sawyer looked at them. “He came in by sea; we

didn’t realize it until we smelled it on the sand.”

“Well, I see you guys had some problems.” Troy

motioned to Caden in Kellan’s arms.

Archer looked at the sky. “Let us get inside.”

~~

It was so quiet in the bedroom you could hear a

pin drop. Caden’s body was shifting back and forth
from wolf to human, as if trying to make up its mind.

Kellan kept a cool wash cloth on Caden’s forehead,
he was soaked in sweat and his body kept
convulsing. Kellan looked up at Alexander.

“What the hell is going on? Why is his body

reacting like this?”

Alexander sighed and rubbed his face. “Caden

has a very aggressive form of cancer Kellan; he had
maybe a few months left to live.”

Kellan looked down at Caden on the bed. “Why

didn’t he tell me?”

“He wanted to live the last months of his life

happily. I think he knew if he told you, you’d try to
change him and he didn’t want you to have the
guilt.”

“Fuck that!” Kellan stood up. “I couldn’t give a

rat’s ass about guilt! I would have saved him!”

Dakota coughed softly and walked to Kellan’s

side. “Look, you say that now, but those of us who
have done it do feel guilt. I know I do over Sam and
I know Sawyer does because of Troy. But even
those were in the best of circumstances, if you
could call it that, both Troy and Sam were in perfect
health. Wayne explained it to me about Caden.
Carson’s bite would have surely killed him, but
because Wayne and I are different, Caden may
have a chance.”

“Well he’s not fucking dead is he? “ Kellan

growled at Alexander. “You had no right to keep
this from me!”

“I had every right, I am his doctor first, your

alpha second. I took an oath Kellan, and now I have
to call his other doctor and bring her here.”

“What? Who?” Kellan sat on the bed and took

Caden’s hand.

“Evangeline is his doctor; she is the only one

besides us who knows the truth of his condition.
She must be told what has happened.” Alexander
looked at Wayne and Archer. “We have no choice,
but I will not act without both of your blessings.”

Wayne nodded. “If this woman has kept his

condition secret, we can assume she will keep
ours.” Wayne turned his attentions to Kellan. “You
should not be in here, Dakota and I will look over
Caden now.”

“Excuse me?” Kellan stood up.
Caden’s loud shriek had them all turning to look

at the bed. His body flailed on the bed and he
shifted in the blink of an eye. A black wolf with
sapphire eyes looked at all of them; the lips curled
and a menacing growl resonated through the room.
Wayne stepped in front of Kellan and pushed him
back.

“Get out now.”

“What the fuck?” Kellan backed up, as Caden’s

growls got louder.

Dakota pushed the rest of them towards the

door. “Move, now.”

“His human side has been taken over by his

lupine side; he’s not Caden right now.” Wayne
pushed Kellan further back. “Get out now!”

Caden’s fur stood up on end and he flashed his

canines as he moved around the bed. Another
menacing growl filled the room as he bared his
teeth, snarling. Wayne shifted along with Dakota
and let out growls of their own. Wayne turned to
Sawyer and sent the mental message.

“Shit, get out right now.” Sawyer opened the

door motioning everyone out.

They all left the room and stood outside in the

hallway. It was quiet for a few seconds and then
the sounds of a fight inside could be heard. Kellan
stiffened when he heard a snarl and then a soft
whine, more loud growls and then a body thumped
against the door. They all waited with bated breath
as more snarling was heard. Something broke
inside the room and Kellan put his hand on the
doorknob.

“Don’t,” Alexander put his hand over Kellan’s.

“You don’t know what’s going on in there, none of
us do. Wayne knows what he’s doing.”

More snarling, more thumps around the room

and more sounds of something breaking. Kellan
couldn’t wait anymore; he shoved Alexander out of
the way and turned the knob. A growl shook the
whole house and then a whimpering came from
behind the door. They all turned to see Sawyer
chuckling.

“Someone got spanked.” Sawyer winked, trying

to ease the tension in the hallway.

The door opened and Dakota walked out in

human form, he shut the door behind him and
looked at all the men in the hall. “Could someone
get me some pants?”

“What the hell happened?” Kellan looked at

Dakota; he had blood on his arms.

“Your boyfriend is very stubborn,” Dakota smiled.

“Wayne had to put him in his place. I’ll tell you what,
man; Caden has one hell of a vicious streak. I think
you’re going to be the bitch in this relationship.”

Scott chuckled.
“Anyway,” Dakota smiled at Scott and then

turned his attention back to Kellan. “Wayne’s going
to come out in a second and talk to you. But I can
tell you this much - Caden is not in there right now.”

“What the fuck does that mean?” Kellan sighed in

frustration.

“That means,” Wayne came out in human form

and shut the door behind him. “Your boyfriend’s
body is in serious need of repair, and right now the
stronger half is taking over. Caden’s lupine side will
continue to override the human side until it’s
satisfied that Caden’s human body is fully repaired.
So, on that note, you don’t go in there unless you’re
in wolf form. Just like any other animal that’s
wounded, Caden’s lupine side is in defense mode.”

“Can I see him?” Kellan looked at Wayne.
“Yes, but only for a little while, he still needs to

rest and we need to make him eat.” Wayne looked
at all the men standing around. “So maybe we
should get some food cooking?”

“Yes,” Archer nodded.
“I think there are steaks in the refrigerator along

with a rabbit.” Kellan took his shirt off. “I’ll be in
there with him until you make me leave.” Kellan
watched them all leaving and finished undressing;
he opened the door and closed it quickly behind
him. Caden was on the bed on his side, breathing
heavily. He raised his head as Kellan walked into
the room and let out a low growl. “I know, babe,
just give me a second.” Kellan tried to smile. He
shifted into his wolf form and jumped up on the bed,
Caden growled again and Kellan moved closer. He
whined softly and lay beside his mate nuzzling his

neck, Caden growled again and Kellan felt canines
in his neck. He whined softly and licked Caden’s
nose; the canines let up and he heard a soft huff.
Kellan closed his eyes and listened to his mate’s
heartbeat, he sighed and let the warmth envelope
him.

~~

Conner took a glass of water and a plate to the

bedroom where Carson was being held. He opened
the door and peeked in. Carson was in chains in the
corner. Conner crept in and left the plate on a
nearby table. He heard a low growl and backed up
quickly, hitting the armoire behind him.

“So, you turned on me,” Carson eyed Conner,

“little faggot that you are.”

“If you need anything else Scott or Jude will bring

it to you.” Conner turned to leave.

“What are you afraid of, Conner? I’m chained

up.” Carson chuckled.

As Conner turned to open the door, the sound of

metal scraping the floor flooded his ears and
Carson gripped his ankle. “Let go!” Conner shouted.

The door almost flew off the hinges; a loud,

menacing growl filled the room as Wayne flew in.
Conner backed up as Wayne picked Carson up in
one hand and threw him against the wall.

“Do not ever put your hands on him again!”

Wayne growled, his claws and teeth appearing.

Nearly everyone flew into the room. Dakota

stepped in front of Wayne, taking his hands.
“Breathe, Wayne.”

Wayne shook his head clear, his eyes shifted

back to color. It seemed as if the every eye in the
room was on him. He backed up, looking into
Dakota’s eyes. “Make sure Carson is out of here by
morning.”

Wayne left and the room was very quiet until

Preston coughed quietly.

“Well, that was…interesting.”
Dakota palmed Conner’s face. “Are you all

right?”

Conner nodded. “I was just dropping off his food.

I thought he’d still be drugged up.”

Mateo smirked, flipped the tranquilizer gun off his

shoulder and shot a round into Carson. “There.”

Josh shot Carson again. The men in the room

were all looking at him with raised eyebrows.
“What? Just making sure.” Josh chuckled.

Wayne went out the front door. He bent over,

putting his hands on his knees trying to regulate his
breathing. His eyes shifted again and claws sprung
from his fingertips. The overwhelming urge to rip

Carson to shreds was building inside him. Wayne
shut his eyes tightly.

Get a grip.

“Wayne?”
Wayne’s skin rippled, he turned to see Conner

fidgeting nervously. “Yes?”

“I’m sorry, you said to take shifts feeding

Carson. It was my turn. I should have been more
careful.”

Wayne studied Conner. He was looking down at

his hands, like a child ready to be reprimanded.
Wayne let out a loud sigh, walking over to Conner.
He lifted the younger man’s face up to his own and
tried to smile. “It wasn’t you, it’s me. I should have
known better than to have you be part of the shifts.
You shouldn’t be anywhere near Carson Drake.”
Wayne looked into honey-brown eyes; Conner was
breathtaking. Wayne cleared his throat, stepping
back.

“So…you’re not mad at me?” Conner stepped

closer to Wayne.

The energy and aroma permeating from Conner

sent delicious tingles down Wayne’s spine. He
stepped back again, trying to put some space
between them.

“No, I’m not mad at you.” Wayne turned toward

the house to see Preston, Tucker and Wesley
coming out. “Why don’t you get cleaned up for

dinner, all right?”

Preston high-fived Conner on his way into the

house. He stood in front of Wayne and tilted his
head. “What’s up, Wayne?”

Wayne cocked an eyebrow at his pack. Jagger

and Taylor stepped out onto the veranda. Wayne
let out an irritated sigh. “What is with the
inquisition?”

“You tell us.” Jagger crossed his arms over his

chest. “That was definitely an alpha move in there.
Except for one thing, you acted like Conner belongs
to you.”

“Because he does!” Wayne shouted.
“Whoa…” Preston backed up as Wayne’s claws

flared from his fingertips.

“Carson had no right to turn Conner.” Wayne

growled.

“Why?” Taylor came down the steps and stood in

front of Wayne. “Because you should have?
Because after all this time, you have feelings for
someone?”

Wayne blinked and his eyes shifted. “Why are

you all ganging up on me?”

Jagger chuckled. “Come on guys, back off and

leave Wayne be.” Jagger raised an eyebrow, when
the pack didn’t move. He cleared his throat,

narrowing his eyes. “That’s your beta talking, boys.
Move it.”

Xander sighed, watching from the window with

Grayson. “God, that’s so hot.”

Grayson chuckled.
Conner went about setting the table. He stirred

the pot of stew as Archer sat down at the table
eyeing him. Conner felt eyes on him and looked
over his shoulder. He smiled uncomfortably at the
scrutiny. “Archer?”

“You have feelings for your alpha.” Archer stated

it plainly.

Conner knew his face turned five shades of red.

“Um…well...I…”

Archer sat back and chuckled at the flustered

boy. “It is all right, Conner. It is just the two of us
for now. I am not the only one who has noticed.”

Conner dropped the spoon. It hit the floor with a

loud clank. “Who… who else knows?”

Archer raised a brow, smiling. “Most of the

pack.” Archer laughed as Conner lowered himself
onto a chair in shock. “It is all right, Conner. I
believe your alpha is highly confused at his own
feelings.”

“But, Wayne had a female mate.” Conner

whispered.

Archer waved his hand in the air. “When it comes

to matters of the heart, love knows no bounds,
young one. Be patient with him; he will come to
terms with his feelings in time.”

Sawyer strolled in and sat at the table with

Archer and Conner. He looked over at Conner. The
kid had the most beautiful eyes; they were almost
hypnotizing. No wonder Wayne was so confused.
“Wayne?” Sawyer sat back, chuckling softly at
Conner’s look of astonishment.

“I swear my thoughts are off.” Conner shook his

head.

“Yeah? But your eyes still work.” Sawyer winked

at Conner.

“Oh shit.” Conner banged his head on the table.
Archer stood. “Let us get dinner on the table.”
“Food?” Josh poked his head in the kitchen.
“Come on.” Sawyer laughed, pulling Conner up

from the table.

~~

When Kellan opened his eyes again it was dark

outside. Caden’s warm body was in front of him and
Kellan’s eyes went wide at the size of his mate.
Caden was a least twice the size he was before.
He nuzzled Caden’s neck and whined softly, there
was a reciprocating nuzzle and a soft huff from

Caden. At least Caden’s lupine side recognized his
mate. The door opened and Wayne came in with a
plate of food. Caden raised his head and growled.
Wayne raised a brow.

“Watch your tone. I’ll put the smack down on you

again.” Wayne turned his attentions to Kellan. “Are
you all right?”

Kellan whined softly and nuzzled into Caden’s

warmth.

“All right, if you need anything just holler.” Wayne

chuckled. “Get some sleep.”

The door shut softly and Kellan raised his head

to smell the food. He nudged Caden trying to get
him up. Caden let out a low growl of protest and
Kellan nipped at him playfully. He realized just then
how that could be interpreted; he was not about to
get it on in wolf form. He felt canines in the back of
his neck and let out a growl of his own, one that
meant ‘Oh hell no.’ Caden released his grip and
padded around the bed before jumping off; he hit
the floor and sniffed the air. Kellan watched as his
mate devoured all the food on the plate and then
scratched at the door. Ah shit. Kellan howled softly
until the door was opened and Dakota peeked in.

“Bathroom?” Dakota looked at Caden and

furrowed his brows. “You better do your shit without
a fight or I’ll put you down. Got it?”

Caden huffed softly and tilted his head.
“Yeah, I can kick your ass.” Dakota arched a

brow. “Come on.”

Dakota opened the door further and Kellan

followed his mate out into the house. All the men
were now in wolf form guarding an area outside.
They all waited, ready to pounce if Caden made a
run for it. Kellan did his business then waited by the
front door for Caden; he took his time and then
looked up when he was finished. Kellan whined at
his mate, getting his attention. He didn’t know if
Caden was just tired or truly wanted to be close to
him but he padded over and nuzzled his neck,
whining softly. Kellan pushed Caden in the ass with
his nose, urging him inside the house. Caden went
straight to the bed and jumped on it. Kellan jumped
up and lie down comfortably, within seconds he felt
Caden behind him nuzzling his neck and whining
softly. He closed his eyes and listened to the strong
heartbeat on his back. He could at least be thankful
that Caden wanted him in wolf form. Maybe he’d
heal fast and then he’d have his mate back. He
hoped.

~~

Evangeline showed up the next day; Alexander

had sent the jet back to get her. She was escorted
into the house and stood looking at the group of
men all looking at her. It was strange; she expected
to hear from Alexander, but not like this. He’d been
cryptic on the phone and she was worried when he
mentioned Caden had gone through a change. She
walked into the kitchen and saw a large pot of stew
boiling. Putting her briefcase down she turned to
look at the men who had followed her into the
kitchen.

“Well, is anyone going to tell me what is going

on?” Evangeline looked at all of the uneasy faces.
“Alexander?”

Alexander moved forward and took her hands in

his. “This will not be easy to hear—”

Evangeline lost her footing. “Oh God, he’s…”
“No, no, no, he is very much alive.” Alexander

sighed. “He is not quite himself right now.”

“What does that mean?”
“I think you should see for yourself.” Alexander

led her to the master bedroom and cracked the
door open.

Evangeline peeked inside and saw what looked

like two wolves sleeping on the bed. One of them
looked up, sniffing the air and looked right at her.
Evangeline sucked in a breath. The eyes were
sapphire.

“I…what is this?” Evangeline turned to look at

Alexander.

“Caden is no longer dying of cancer; he is,

however, now a werewolf.”

“Pardon?” Evangeline raised an eyebrow.
Alexander closed the door and escorted her back

to the kitchen. “Look, I know how this sounds, but I
am telling the truth. If you do not believe me I can
provide you with proof.”

“And how would you go about doing that?”
Scott raised his hand. “Oooh, can I?”

Alexander rolled his eyes. “Yes Scott, go ahead.”

Alexander turned to face Evangeline. “I am a
werewolf myself, the alpha of the Northern pack.
Scott, Jude, Kellan and Nicholas are my pack
members.” Alexander turned her to face Scott and
held her around her shoulders. “Now, watch.”

Evangeline watched the man in front of her; he

removed his shirt, all while smiling. She averted her
eyes when his pants came down. She felt a hand on
her shoulder urging her to keep her eyes on the
man undressing. The man’s skin was rippling, and
right before her eyes he was on the floor, claws
sprung from his fingers. With a shake of his head,
ears protruded from the top of his head and then it
was over. A black wolf sat on its haunches staring

at her.

“Shit,” Evangeline whispered. She turned to look

at Alexander. “This is obviously something that
needs to be kept quiet.”

Alexander nodded in relief. “I knew you would

see it that way.”

“My loyalties lie with my patient, Alexander, and

if Caden truly is a werewolf than I will protect him,
just as I always have. Your secret is safe with me.”

Wayne stepped forward putting his hand out.
“Thank you ma’am. Caden is going through some

changes right now. His body will remain in wolf form
until the lupine side is assured Caden’s body is
strong enough to shift back to human form.” Wayne
motioned for her to sit at the table. “In the
meantime, no one goes in there unless they are in
wolf form.”

Evangeline shook her head. “I must see him; he

will understand me, won’t he?”

“I would think so, he understands me when I tell

him I’m going to tear him a new one.” Wayne
chuckled softly.

Evangeline smiled. “You must give me a few

moments with him.”

“I will go in with her,” Dakota stood up. “I think I

proved myself when I threw him into the door.”

“That was you?” Sawyer laughed. “I thought it

was Wayne.”

“Nope, Wayne bit him in the ass.” Dakota smiled.

“Then he threw him into the wall.”

“Well, let’s go,” Evangeline stood up. “The faster

I do this, the faster I can get used to the idea.”

Dakota walked in front of her to the bedroom, he

put his hand on the doorknob and looked at
Evangeline. “If at any time you feel threatened by
him, just give me the signal okay?”

“What is the signal?”
“Screaming?” Dakota shrugged his shoulders. “I’ll

be watching his body language, anyway.” Dakota
opened the door and stepped inside; he allowed
Evangeline in behind him and then shut the door.
Caden raised his head again and growled softly.

Evangeline made her way over to the bed and

looked at her boss; he was truly beautiful as a wolf.
The teeth snapped as she made her way closer and
sat on the edge of the bed.

“Um, I don’t think that’s wise,” Dakota watched

Caden closely.

Evangeline smiled. “Look at you, aren’t you

beautiful. They have told me you are cancer free
now Caden; I cannot tell you how happy I am to
hear that. I didn’t want to think of life without you.
You took me in, schooled me, gave me a place to
live; I will forever be grateful to you, Caden.”

Evangeline smiled and leaned forward as Caden
came closer to her. There was a loud growl and his
nostrils flared. Evangeline frowned.

Dakota’s mouth dropped open in surprise as

Evangeline smacked Caden on his muzzle.

“Don’t you growl at me, Caden Fournier!”

Evangeline crossed her arms over her chest.

Dakota couldn’t believe it. Caden whined and lay

down next to Evangeline and settled his head in her
lap. He shook his head in disbelief. “Well, I wasn’t
expecting that.”

“He is like a spoiled child.” Evangeline sighed.

“He has to be disciplined with a hard hand.”

“Yeah I got that yesterday.” Dakota chuckled

softly.

Evangeline smiled as the other wolf came to her

and laid on her other side. “Kellan?”

“Yes, that’s Kellan. He hasn’t left Caden’s side

since the change.” Dakota sat down in the chair by
the door. “You’ll find that when he returns to his
human form he won’t have one trace of cancer left
in his body. We were very lucky and got to him in
time, it could have gone either way and Kellan
actually saved his life.”

Evangeline ran her fingers through the soft fur on

Caden’s back. “You are very lucky, Caden, to have

a man who loves you so much. Now, I am going to
the kitchen with everyone else, try and behave
yourself.” Evangeline bent and kissed Caden’s cold
nose. She rose from the bed and walked out the
door with Dakota. They stopped in the hallway and
Dakota closed the door. “How long will he remain
like that?”

“Well now, that is a good question. Hopefully his

lupine side will see fit to let Caden shift; it’s a wait
and see game right now.” Dakota smiled. “Are you
hungry?”

“Yes, I am actually.” Evangeline smiled. “So you

are one as well?”

“Yes, I am.” Dakota smiled walking towards the

kitchen. “Wayne changed me; I was on the brink of
death.”

“And the others?”
“Some were made; my husband is one of them.

The man we were waiting for, Carson Drake, he
mortally wounded my husband. I had no choice.”
Dakota smiled sadly.

“You do not seem happy you had to change him.”

Evangeline took Dakota’s hand. “You must not look
at it that way, you saved his life. You must always
look at him and know he has a second chance at
life because you loved him enough to save him.”

Dakota smiled. “Thank you, that means a lot to

me.”

“You are not a monster.” Evangeline smiled. As

they neared the kitchen, Evangeline noticed one
person missing, Alexander. She excused herself
and went out the front door. There, standing on the
veranda, was Alexander. The ocean breeze blew
through his hair softly and Evangeline had never
seen a man so sexy. “Alexander?”

Alex turned and smiled. “I take it, it went well?”
“Yes, I disciplined him.” Evangeline came to

stand next to him. She looked up at his face, the
green eyes searching hers. “What is it?”

“You know what I am now,” Alexander sighed. “I

will not hold you to our dinner plans.”

“The hell you won’t.” Evangeline arched a brow.

“You don’t get to make decisions for me, Alexander,
you are not

my alpha. Yet.” Evangeline smiled at

Alexander’s look of shock. “Werewolf or not, you
are smart, talented, a doctor and not to mention
drop-dead gorgeous. Let’s not forget straight,
because that seems to be something we women
don’t find often in a sexy man.” Evangeline chuckled
softly. “So, what do you say?”

Alexander took her hands in his. “I think I am very

lucky to have found someone so understanding. I
have been alone a long time; it is hard to be with a
woman without my lupine side wishing to go free.”

Evangeline smiled wickedly. “Oh, really?”
Alexander stifled a laugh. “Oh my, I can see we

are evenly matched, Evangeline.”

~~Chapter Ten~~

Kellan’s eyes opened. It was light outside and he

had no concept of time anymore. He stretched his
legs out and looked at Caden still in wolf form. He
closed his eyes and concentrated on shifting to
human form. He felt confident that Caden would not
attack him now. The bones crunched and
readjusted, talons became fingers and his eyesight
was back to color. Kellan rolled over and faced
Caden; he ran his fingertips over his soft muzzle.

“I love you, do you know that? This would have

happened one way or another Caden, you are my
mate and I would have saved you no matter what
the cost.” Kellan smiled as Caden’s eyes opened. “I
can see the love in your eyes, please come back to
me.” Kellan moved closer to Caden and put his
arms around him, there was a soft huff and whine in
his ear. “I love you, more than anything.”

~~

When Kellan opened his eyes again it was dark

out, time seemed to fast forward. Caden was still
asleep and Kellan moved slowly; he needed to eat
and take a shower badly. He kissed Caden’s nose
and smiled. Closing the door softly, he made his
way to the kitchen to find the men all gathered
around the table eating. Wayne looked up as he
entered the room.

“Clothes would be good, there is a lady present.”

Wayne smiled.

“Oh, shit, I mean shoot.” Kellan blushed and left

the kitchen.

“I don’t mind.” Evangeline giggled. “I’m a doctor

you know.”

Kellan returned with sweats on, he took a bowl

out of the cupboard and smelled the stew on the
stove. “Rabbit?”

“Yes,” Wayne nodded to Dakota. “Take some

food to Caden, please; Kellan needs to get cleaned
up.” Wayne turned his attentions back to Kellan.
“How is he?”

“Well he didn’t attack me when I shifted back to

human form, so that’s progress.” Kellan sat down
and grabbed a piece of bread.

Wayne nodded. “He knows you are his mate, it

will take him a bit to get used to the power flowing
inside him.”

Sam coughed and looked up from his bowl.
“Yes, I remember what that was like.” Sam

looked at Troy. “You do too, don’t you?”

“Oh hell yes,” Troy shivered. He saw Sawyer’s

face and took his hand. “Don’t, you know I’m
grateful, so pull your head out of your ass.”

Kellan looked up from his bowl. “What day is it?”
Wayne smiled. “It’s been three days, he’s coming

along nicely, Kellan, don’t worry. The first twenty
four hours were the most crucial. He is a lot
stronger than we give him credit for.”

“Oh I know he is, trust me.” Kellan sighed. “I just

miss his voice.”

“He’ll come around,” Wayne took Kellan’s hand.

“He loves you very much.”

“Yes,” Evangeline nodded. “He is very much in

love with you. His attorney called me; he changed
his will, Kellan. You would own everything if Caden
were to die.”

“I don’t want his money,” Kellan looked up. “I just

want him.”

Evangeline reached out to take Kellan’s hand.

“He knows that, we all do. I have never seen Caden
so happy before he met you. You have changed him

in a way no one else could, you gave him hope.”

“Well, now he’ll have life and I won’t apologize for

what I would have done if this hadn’t happened.”
Kellan looked at Alexander. “Sometimes rules are
made to be broken.”

Alexander nodded. He’d thought the same thing

when he saw Kellan lying in a pool of blood, ripped
open by a bear. In that moment, he’d made the
decision to save Kellan’s life and he would never
question that decision. Alexander palmed Kellan’s
face. “You are like a son to me, I will never regret
saving your life, Kellan.”

Kellan closed his eyes; Alexander had become

the father he’d lost. “I love you, Alexander.”

“And I you.” Alexander smiled and kissed Kellan’s

forehead. He looked up to see Jude and Scott with
their arms crossed. “I love you two as well, I love all
my boys.”

“As long as you love me the most.” Scott

chuckled and winked.

“Finish your food.” Evangeline looked at Scott.
“Yes, Mom,” Scott chuckled and saw the look of

shock on Alexander’s face. “Oh come on, you’ve
been alone for how long? A decade?”

“Must we talk about my love life?” Alexander

sighed.

“Or lack of it,” Jude grumbled.

Alexander shot him a look. “Shush.”
Kellan ate like a starving man, he’d been letting

Caden eat all the food that was brought to the room
and now felt his body finally getting some strength
back. He wiped his mouth and smiled at all of them
staring at him.

“What? I was hungry.” Kellan got up and put the

bowl in the sink. He turned and looked at the men
again. “I’m going to shower and then I’ll be back to
eat some more.”

~~

After a long hot shower and another overfilling

bowl of stew, Kellan made his way back into the
bedroom to find Caden sitting on the bed. There
was a soft whine and Kellan smiled, he sat on the
edge of the bed and ran his fingers through the fur
on Caden’s neck.

“I miss you, I really want to kiss you but I can’t

do that when you’re still in wolf form. I miss your
hands on me.” Kellan took his pants off and
watched as Caden’s lupine eyes looked at him from
head to toe. Kellan crawled under the covers and
lay on his side. “Don’t you miss me Caden?
Wouldn’t you like to make love to me?” Kellan ran
his hand under the blanket making sure Caden knew

what his hand was doing. “Oh yes…” Kellan
moaned stroking his cock. “Caden…I miss your
hands on me.” Kellan opened his eyes to see
Caden’s mouth open, tongue lolling out to the side.
“Look at me, all hard and leaking for you.” Kellan
breathed. “Take me Caden, make me yours.” Kellan
could see the longing in Caden’s eyes, but it wasn’t
enough. Kellan sighed and released his cock. He
rolled over on his side and closed his eyes. “Good
night Caden.”

~~

Over the next few days Caden followed him

everywhere, always in wolf form. Kellan stayed in
human form after the night he’d tried unsuccessfully
to seduce Caden. Kellan turned his face into the sun
and took a deep breath of lavender and grape
infused air. They were walking through the vineyard
this morning, Caden by his side. Kellan looked down
and ran his fingers through Caden’s fur. He was at
his hip now, his transformation complete. Kellan
sighed, it was all well and good to know that Caden
knew they were mates, but he wanted to make love
to his man. More than once he’d smacked Caden on

his muzzle when he tried to mount him, they were
not having sex like that.

The sound of an approaching vehicle caught

Kellan’s attention. The men were back from
dropping Carson off in Siberia. Literally. Wayne had
purchased land out in the far reaches that were
untouched and he’d explained that Carson would be
forced to remain in his wolf form in order to survive
the cold harsh winter. Kellan smiled as Nicholas
waved at him from the driver seat; it occurred to
him right then and there what he could do. He made
his way up to the house and into the bedroom
shutting the door behind him. Caden jumped on the
bed and Kellan opened the shutters leaving just
enough space to see out, but not get out. He turned
to see Caden waiting for him on the bed and gave
him a wide smile.

“Be right back, gorgeous.”
Kellan went out front and helped Taylor and

Jagger unload the car. He smiled at Nicholas and
got a raised eyebrow from him.

“What?” Nick put his hands on his hips.
“I need a favor.” Kellan watched the house out of

his peripheral vision and saw Caden watching them
out the window.

“What kind of favor are we talking about?” Nick

shut the car door.

Kellan leaned into his ear and whispered his idea.

“Well?”

Nick scrunched his brow. “Do you think it will

work?”

“Are you opposed to the idea?” Kellan arched a

brow.

Nick looked Kellan over from head to toe with a

seductive smile. “Nope.”

Kellan laughed. “You

so need to get laid.”

Nick waggled his eyebrows. “Come here, sexy.”
Kellan was pulled forcefully into Nick’s arms and

then lips were on his. The loud howl from the house
was followed by sounds of breaking glass. Caden
was trying to get out of the room.

“I think it’s working,” Nick smiled, lips still

attached to Kellan’s.

Seconds later the front door of the house opened

and a buck-naked Caden walked out, a look of rage
on his face.

“Hello, honey.” Kellan smiled.
“What the fuck?” Caden shouted.
“I think I’m going to back away now.” Nick took a

step back from Kellan.

“You dare to kiss my man!” Caden lunged for

Nicholas; he was stopped by Wayne’s hand inches
before his fingers ripped into Nick’s face.

“Back. Off. Right. Now.” Wayne growled. “Kellan

did what he had to do, and it worked.”

Caden blinked, looking at his fully formed hand.

His

human hand. He sucked in a breath and looked

up at Kellan. “

Mon amour.”

Kellan took Caden in his arms and held him. “I’m

so glad to see you.”

Wayne motioned to Jagger to get Caden some

clothes, and he smiled at Caden and Kellan in a
warm embrace.

“It’s good to see you Caden.” Wayne ran a hand

through his hair. He’d been worried Caden might not
ever be fully human again.

Caden looked at Kellan and smiled. “It is good to

be back.”

Kellan threaded his fingers through Caden’s soft

hair and kissed his cheek. “I’ve missed you so
much.”

Caden pulled away slightly and looked at Kellan,

his face looked haggard. “I am sorry for what you
have been through.” Caden smiled as Jagger
offered him a pair of sweat pants. He pulled them
on and looked at the group of men all smiling at
him. His eyes fell on one of them and he put his
hand out. “I am sorry I took a bite of your arm.”

Dakota shrugged his shoulders and smiled,

taking Caden’s hand and shaking it. “I’m sorry I

threw you into the door.”

“I’m

not sorry I threw you into a wall.” Wayne

laughed. “You needed a good smack down.”

“And you gave it to me good.” Caden smiled. “Is

it strange that I remember everything?”

“No, it’s normal.” Wayne shook his head.
Caden felt the hair on his arms prickling and he

took a deep breath, the smell was like an
aphrodisiac and it was coming from Kellan. “Oh
my,” Caden licked his lips looking at Kellan.

“Um, so anyway,” Dakota looked at Kellan. “We

should let you guys, um, go into the house.”

Kellan looked at Caden’s eyes. They were blown

wide open. “Oh.”

Caden grabbed Kellan, throwing him over his

shoulder with a growl.

Dakota watched Caden almost run to the house.

“See?” Dakota looked at all the guys. “The bitch.”

Scott chuckled.

~~

Kellan hit the bed and bounced once before

Caden jumped on top of him. He was whipped onto
all fours and in seconds Caden entered him with
one thrust. The pain speared his tunnel causing him
to cry out in pain.

“I’m sorry my love,” Caden slammed into Kellan

with abandon, God help him, he couldn’t stop. The
need to own Kellan, mark him as his own, was
overwhelming.

“Oh Jesus,” Kellan held onto the bed and

squeezed his eyes shut as the pain in his ass
became almost unbearable and then Caden came.
The howl resonated throughout the house and
Kellan roared in pain when Caden’s canines sunk
into his shoulder meeting with bone. The effect was
immediate. Wayne’s bloodline raced through him
and Kellan’s breath was sucked out of his lungs as
Caden’s bite tore through his veins, scorching him
internally. His body jerked and shuddered as the
power raced through him and his fingers gripped the
headboard ripping it right off.

“Shit!” Caden jumped backwards as a loud growl

left Kellan’s chest. Blood slid down his back from
where he’d bitten him. “Kellan, oh God…I’m so
sorry.”

Kellan could hear his fucking heartbeat in his

ears; he released the headboard and collapsed
onto the bed, panting. His pulse was through the
roof and he blinked his eyes, the color fading in and
out as his lupine side was fighting to come out.
Kellan felt hands on his ass and then a tongue laved
at his aching hole. His legs were spread out further

and he looked over his shoulder to see Caden
feasting on him.

“Caden…” Kellan dropped his head onto the

pillow and arched his ass.

“I am sorry I hurt you, my love.” Caden speared

his tongue inside tasting his own release.

Kellan sighed in pleasure; the perks of being a

werewolf meant that pain was fleeting. His body
was already recuperating and the warm tongue
bath almost put him to sleep. Warm lips moved up
his spine accompanied by a hot tongue and hands
massaged the globes of his ass. Kellan turned his
head and met with Caden’s lips, their mouths
opened to each other and Kellan moaned as his
mate finally kissed him. Deep, languid kisses,
tongues rubbing, searching and Kellan was rolled
onto his back.

“I missed you.” Kellan caressed Caden’s face

softly.

“I wanted to come back to you,” Caden ran his

fingertips down Kellan’s cheek. “I have missed you
in my arms.”

“Why didn’t you tell me, Caden? You had to

know I’d change you. We’re mates.”

“That is precisely why I did not.” Caden kissed

Kellan’s lips softly. “I accepted my fate; I was
willing to happily live with what time I had left. I did

not want to be in a hospital and when the accident
happened I thought God was going to give me a
quicker route.” Caden laughed softly. “And then
there you were,” Caden smiled as tears slid down
Kellan’s face. “I thought, how unfair can God be to
give me someone so beautiful? As it turned out,
God had plans of his own.” Caden wrapped his
arms around Kellan. “You did not change me,
Kellan, and you should not blame yourself for those
who did. I am forever grateful to Wayne and
Dakota.”

“Not Carson?” Kellan chuckled softly.
Caden shook his head. “He lit the fuse, Dakota

and Wayne set it off. I feel so much power coursing
through me.” Caden tipped his head. “And voices.”

Kellan nodded. “Wayne’s line of werewolf is

much, much stronger than my own. You’ll have to
talk to him about dealing with it.” Kellan closed his
eyes as Caden’s lips descended on his own, soft
moans escaped his lips. His eyes flew open.
“What?”

“I did not say anything.” Caden arched a brow.
“You said you love me.” Kellan smiled.
“You heard me,” Caden licked a path across

Kellan’s neck. “You are tired my love; please, close
your eyes and sleep. Everything is all right now, we
are together.”

Kellan relaxed and closed his eyes as Caden’s

soft breathing lulled him to sleep.

~~

Kellan woke up to a warm breath across his

neck. Caden’s arms were wrapped around him
protectively. Kellan sighed and closed his eyes.
Thank God, Caden was still in human form. It’d
taken him a while to go to sleep last night, worrying
about Caden shifting back to wolf form. The warm
arms around him convinced him otherwise. Kellan
turned over slowly and looked into the peaceful face
of the man he loved. His plan with Nicholas worked
perfectly, just as he hoped it would. Knowing Caden
had a vicious dominant side; he’d used it against
him and gotten his mate back. Kellan chuckled at
the memory of Caden walking out of the house
naked as the day he was born, ready to take Nick
out.

“It was not funny.” Caden opened his eyes.

“Ooops forgot you can hear my thoughts. Yes it

was. It was hilarious.” Kellan smiled wide.

“Another man kissing you is not funny,” Caden

growled playfully and bit Kellan’s lip.

Kellan chuckled as Caden flipped him on his

back, straddling him. “Well, I knew you had a
dominating side, I just didn’t know how strong it
was.”

Caden took Kellan’s hands and pinned him to the

bed, threading their fingers together. He leaned
over and brushed his lips across Kellan’s. “Are you
all right with it?”

“Mmm, yes, I love how forceful you are.”
Caden sat back and smiled. “Oh yes?”
“Ohhhh yesss.” Kellan pulled him down.

~~

An hour later they emerged from the room,

dressed and famished. Kellan’s legs were wobbly
as he entered the kitchen. Caden had almost fucked
him

through the bed. He smiled at all the men at the

table and took a seat next to Nicholas. There was a
low growl and Kellan looked up to see Caden
staring at Nick.

“Honey, it was just to get you to shift. Nick is like

a brother to me.”

Nicholas smiled wide. “I get it, Caden. Kellan’s

right, though, it’s not like that. I’m still waiting to find
my mate.”

Caden’s shoulders relaxed and he sat down with

a sigh. “Sorry, I don’t know why I reacted like that.”

“It’s your dominating side,” Dakota sipped his

coffee. “Sam has one, too, but we both know who
the top wolf is in our marriage.” Dakota giggled.

Sam sat back in his chair and threaded his

fingers together behind his head. “Yup, it’s me.”
Sam laughed and then grimaced when Dakota
kicked him under the table. “Ow.”

Xander shot a look at Jagger.
“What? I didn’t say shit.” Jagger zipped his lip.
“It’s not always about who the stronger wolf is,”

Wayne sipped his coffee. “It’s about the man that
you are. Kellan is a strong, domineering man;
Caden is,” Wayne raised a brow, “extremely
stubborn.”

“I agree with that statement.” Evangeline stood

at the kitchen entrance smiling.

Caden stood and made his way over to her. He

took both her hands in his and tried to smile. “I am
sorry I growled at you.”

“It’s all right darling, which is why I smacked

you.” Evangeline giggled. “I wish I could have taken
a picture of you just then.”

“Me, too,” Dakota laughed. “It was priceless.”
Caden looked at Evangeline closely. “You are all

right with all of this?”

“Of course I am, I’m just so happy you’re cancer

free Caden.” Evangeline smiled at Kellan. “You have
a very good man at your side.”

“I know,” Caden looked over his shoulder at

Kellan. “He puts up with a lot.”

Kellan chuckled. “Trust me, if that’s the worst you

got, it isn’t shit.”

Caden turned his attentions back to Evangeline.

“Are you all right? Have you been taken care of?”

“Yes, I have.” Evangeline smiled at Alexander.

Caden followed her line of sight and smiled wide.

“Well, Doctor Romasko it is good to see you. I do
appreciate you keeping my condition to yourself.”

“Please, call me Alexander. It’s my job as a

doctor to keep your condition between us, Caden. It
was hard to keep it from Kellan.”

“Yes, I really didn’t appreciate that.” Kellan sat

back crossing his arms.

“Too bad,” Caden smiled wide. “Suck it up.”
Scott chuckled and took another bite of toast.

“Yep, you guys are perfect for each other.”

There was a knock on the door and they all

looked at each other. Kellan frowned as no one
moved.

“Okay then, I’ll get it.” Kellan pushed his chair out

and made his way to the front door. He opened it to
see Claire with a large bag. “Good morning, Claire.

What have you brought us this morning?” Kellan
inhaled deeply. “Almond croissants!”

Claire chuckled. “Yes, I can tell how much you all

love them.”

“Well come on in.” Kellan moved aside and

allowed Claire in the house. “Let me just get that for
you.” Kellan took the bag and stuck his face in it.

Claire laughed. “I am so glad you all enjoy my

pastries. I have never had to make so many. I
added a few loaves of French bread as well.”

“Well come on in, everyone’s in the kitchen.”

Kellan led the way and smiled as he walked back
into the kitchen. As soon as he put the bag down it
was ripped in half and the men devoured the
pastries.

“Oh my,” Claire smiled. “I am thinking I should

have brought more.” Claire’s eyes fell upon Caden.
His face almost glowed and his cheeks were pink.
“Caden? You look…so healthy.”

“Evangeline has started me on a new treatment.”

Caden looked at Evangeline with a raised brow.
“Isn’t that right, dear?”

“Yes, and he’s responding very well.” Evangeline

smiled. “Why don’t you have a seat, Claire? Would
you like some coffee?”

“Yes, that would be lovely.” Claire sat down

looking at all the men at the table. It was like

looking at an all-male review, they were all
breathtaking. “I am glad to see you all looking so
happy.”

“And well fed,” Dakota smiled. “Thanks to you.”
Wayne coughed quietly. “Excuse me? I made the

stew.”

“With the ingredients Claire brought.” Dakota

pointed at him with his croissant.

“Yes. Thank you very much, Claire.” Wayne

smiled taking her hand. “We appreciate all that you
have done for us.”

Claire blushed and smiled. “Of course, I could

not let you all starve.”

Caden watched the exchange with a smile. Claire

obviously found Wayne attractive. His eyes fell upon
Conner; the younger man’s face showed his feelings
for Wayne. Caden cleared his throat and sat down
at the table next to Kellan.

~~

After Claire went back to the bakery, Caden sat

at the table full of werewolves and smiled.

“So, what are the plans now?” Caden kissed

Kellan’s hand.

“Well some of us have to get back to work.”

Jude sat back in his chair. “We’ve already taken
almost two weeks off.”

“Sorry,” Caden looked at them. “I do appreciate

you all taking the time to come out and help.”

“It’s not a problem.” Scott smiled. “You’re family

Caden, and that’s what family does.”

Caden looked at Kellan with a wide smile.

“Family, it has been a long time since I have had a
family.”

“Well how about we all meet up in Denali next

week?” Wayne bit into the flaky croissant and
moaned. “Oh God, that is good.” He closed his
eyes chewing.

“Sounds good.” Jagger sat back drinking his

coffee. “Some lessons still need to be learned.”

“Can’t wait.” Kellan laughed.
Mateo coughed and looked at Sam, Troy and

Josh. “You know we need to let two more people in
on this.”

Troy nodded and looked at Sawyer. “James and

Derek need to be made aware.”

Wayne looked at Archer and Alexander. “Well?

They are both government officials, what are your
thoughts?”

Archer chewed his croissant and furrowed his

brows. “If Sam and Troy trust these men, I believe
we should as well.”

Alexander nodded his head in agreement. “I am

with Archer.”

“Then it’s settled,” Wayne looked at the table.

“We bring them to Denali.”

Josh rubbed his hands together. “Oh, this is

going to be

so much fun.”

~~

Over the next few days the house cleared out

and Caden and Kellan were left alone. They spent
countless hours making love and walking the beach
hand in hand talking about life. Kellan wanted to
know everything about Caden’s condition and was
surprised at how little time Caden had left before
the change. Kellan was furious at the thought that
Alexander had known and refused to tell him.

“Kellan, he had no choice.” Caden pulled Kellan

into his arms.

“That’s a load of crap!” Kellan pulled away. “You

would have died, how is that right, Caden? Were
you ever going to tell me at all or were you just
going to pass away by yourself? How could you
even

think that was okay?”

Caden took Kellan’s hand. “I was going to tell

you, I swear I was, but then when I found out that
you were a werewolf and you had the power to
save my life,” Caden shook his head. “I felt as if I
would be selfish if I allowed you to spare my life.
People die every day, Kellan, and they do not have
that luxury.”

“You’re lucky Carson bit you,” Kellan growled. “If

you died,” Kellan shook his head. “I would have…I
don’t know what I would have done. A part of me
would have died with you; you are my mate, Caden.
You have no idea what that means, your pain is
mine. We are connected in a way others never will
be.”

Caden pulled Kellan back into his arms and

rested his head on his chest. The heartbeat was
strong and Caden sighed. “I love you so much; let
us not speak of things we cannot change. We are
together now.”

Kellan wrapped his arms around him and smelled

Caden’s soft hair. “I love you, more than life itself
Caden Fournier.”

Caden looked up. “Then show me.”
The windows were open and a soft breeze blew

into the bedroom, billowing out the curtains and
bringing in the smell of ocean air. Caden’s fingers
were wrapped in his lover’s hair as they devoured

each other. Legs entwined, bodies moving, Caden’s
body floated on a wave of pure ecstasy as Kellan
made love to him. He had never felt such love, and
his face was wet with tears as Kellan held his face
and kissed him. The taste of Kellan, the feel of him
inside his body, Caden was on an overdose of
pleasure as they rocked together, skin against skin,
lips pressed together. Caden’s body, now pumping
with lupine blood was on the verge of an explosion;
Kellan’s final thrust sent him over the edge, almost
screaming.

“Kellan….”
“I love you, I love you so much Caden.” Kellan

exploded, his release filling Caden.

Kellan slumped on top of Caden and kissed his

neck, he’d wanted to bite him so many times, mark
him, but he was afraid Caden would revert back to
his lupine side. He knew he was being stupid, but
after days of not having Caden in his arms, the fear
wouldn’t leave him.

“I’m in control now, Kellan,” Caden whispered. “I

will never leave you again.”

Kellan broke down and felt strong arms come

around him holding him tight. They lie quietly, just
holding one another until they both drifted off, Kellan
still buried deep inside his mate.

~~

The Alaska air hit James Pruitt like a whip to the

face. He’d been in Arizona for so long; he’d
forgotten what cold was. Being invited out to Denali
National Forest was strange to say the least, but he
went with it. When Mateo Esposito called, you
didn’t ask questions. James shielded his eyes from
the sun as a limo pulled up in front of him. A blonde
kid got out of the backseat and smiled.

“James Pruitt?”
“That’d be me.” James smiled.
“Preston Dalton.” Preston put his hand out.

“Welcome to Alaska.”

James shook his hand and got into the limo. “So,

how do you fit into this little meeting, Preston?”

Preston smiled wide. “You’ll be finding out very

soon, Mr. Pruitt.”

“Please, call me James.” James looked out the

window.

“So, are you friends with the Derek guy?”
James’ head snapped back to Preston. “Excuse

me?”

Preston arched a brow. “Um, we picked up some

huge guy named Derek this morning.”

James sat back in the seat, Derek was here?

James felt his pulse racing. He hadn’t seen Derek in

a little over four months. He’d gotten the occasional
phone call from him, usually at two in the morning
and they spoke for a little over an hour each time. It
was never on a personal level, it was always about
work, but James could tell Derek was calling to
hear his voice. Being a world away was taking its
toll on the General.

“You could say we’re friends.” James smiled.
Preston blushed. “He’s gorgeous.”
“That’s what I hear.” James smiled. He’d never

told anyone the truth about his visit to the fortune
teller, the truth would come out when the time was
right. So far she’d been right on with the rest of
them. Sam had his man with eyes like the stars;
Troy, the emerald eyes; Josh with his surprise love.
He didn’t know what the fortune teller had told
Derek and he’d never asked. As they pulled into the
park, James smiled at his men waiting for him with
big smiles. The limo stopped and James got out
looking over his guys, he hadn’t known them as long
as Derek had, but they’d become family to him.
“Miss me?”

“Hell yes, we did.” Josh chuckled, grabbing

James and hugging him.

“I can’t breathe, Josh.” James wheezed.
“Ooops, sorry boss.” Josh smiled wide.

“Welcome, to Denali.”

James looked around, snow was still on the

ground and it was June. The wind was bone chilling
and James rubbed his arms, his teeth chattering.
“Jesus, it’s cold.”

“This is warm,” Sam smiled. “Come on in and

let’s get you some coffee.”

James smiled as Sam put an arm around him.

Compared to the men who worked for him, he was
short. At five foot ten, they all towered over him.
Derek was six foot four and weighed in at a
whopping two hundred thirty pounds. All muscle.
James weighed in at a measly one hundred eighty.
They walked into the warm cabin and James’ eyes
immediately made contact with Derek’s. He rose
from the couch and walked over to James.

“James,” Derek put his hand out. “It’s good to

see you.”

James took the offered hand and felt it

swallowed by Derek’s massive size. “I was
surprised to find out you were here. I thought you
were still in the sandbox.”

“Leave is a wonderful thing.” Derek smiled still

holding James’ hand. “Let’s sit.”

They both sat, and James sucked in a breath as

a black wolf wandered into the living room. It sat
down in front of them and tilted its head to the side,

grey eyes looking them over.

“Um, guys?” James motioned to the wolf.
“Oh,” Sam smiled and sat down rubbing Dakota

behind the ears. “Derek, James, this is my husband,
Dakota.” He knew it was going to be hard to accept
and they had all agreed this was the best way.

“Okay,” James said slowly. “I’ve seen pictures of

your husband, Sam, and he had two legs, not four.”

Josh came around the couch with a robe and

hung it in front of Dakota, just enough to cover his
lower body when he shifted. “Do your thing,
Dakota.” Josh chuckled.

James felt his hand being squeezed, as the wolf

in front of them shook; in seconds a man stood in
front of them. James sucked in a breath when the
pressure on his hand became unbearable.

“Derek, my hand.” James whispered, his eyes

never leaving the man in front of him.

Derek sat back, jaw hanging open. “Well, fuck.”
“Well,” Mateo leaned against the door frame.

“I’m impressed, no screaming or running.”

“He,” Derek looked at Sam. “He…”
“Is a werewolf, Derek, just like me and Troy.”

Sam smiled, helping Dakota into his robe.

“Troy?” Derek looked over at Troy, who was

grinning from ear to ear.

“Yup, Sawyer had to change me after my ex

decided I needed a bullet in the chest.” Troy smiled,
sitting down next to Derek and James. “Are you
guys going to be okay? I mean if anything, this shit
gives us an edge in our jobs.”

James licked his lips slowly; they had suddenly

gotten very dry. “I’m…yeah, I’m good I think. I need
a shot of something though.”

Derek nodded slowly. “Yes…alcohol is good

right now.”

Josh smiled wide. “I wish I had my camera.”
Mark smacked his husband. “Go get them a

shot, babe.”

Riley giggled as Mateo wrapped his arms around

him. “You should see your faces.”

Wayne sat forward looking at both men; they

seemed to be in shock. “Seeing as you are both
government, you can see where discretion is the
key here. I can’t have my boys exposed. The other
alphas agreed that this had to happen; Sam and
Troy still work for you and sometimes
circumstances happen when the need to shift is a
must. We felt it was better to have you in the loop,
rather than out of it.”

James nodded. “Yes, I understand. You have our

word; we will never discuss what we have seen
here today with anyone.”

“Uh huh,” Derek tilted his head looking at Troy.

“So you too, huh?”

“Yep,” Troy smiled. “It’s kind of weird at first, you

can hear everything and see further than before,
smell ten times more. It takes some getting used to,
but in the end, I’m here and alive thanks to my
husband.”

“Werewolves,” Derek shook his head smiling.

“Just when I think I’ve heard it all.”

James looked at the man in the corner and

smiled. “I know you, you’re Caden Fournier.”

“I am Caden,” Caden smiled. “And also a

werewolf.”

“Is anyone not a werewolf?” Derek raised a

brow.

“I’m not,” Josh raised his hand. “Mark and I as

well as Mateo and Riley are still human.”

James laughed. “If anyone could benefit from

being a werewolf, it’s Josh.”

“Hey!” Josh laughed.

~~

The fire was roaring, and so were the men in

laughter, after two bottles of Jack Daniels lay
empty on the coffee table. Wayne explained to the
newest members, Kellan and Caden, what to

expect from their newfound power. All in all, Derek
and James had taken the news quite well, even
laughing when Troy and Sam shifted in front of
them. James rubbed behind Troy’s ears and smiled
when he got a cold nose in his face.

“I wonder why the fortune teller didn’t see this

coming.” James smiled, petting Troy’s head.

“Maybe she did,” Mateo shrugged his shoulders.

“But the most important part was the love Troy
would find in Sawyer.” Mateo kissed Riley. “And the
love I found with Riley.”

“And Sam with me.” Dakota kissed Sam on his

nose.

Josh grabbed Mark. “My surprising love.”
“I’ll say.” Mark laughed softly.
“Well gentlemen, it’s late.” Wayne stood up. “I

have cabins set up for you guys, breakfast will be
up at the lodge in the morning. If you need anything
we have radios. Preston will accompany you to your
cabins.”

James stood up and stretched. “I am tired; I

think the alcohol went straight to my head.”

“Well, you and the general have the first cabin.”

Preston smiled and grabbed his jacket.

“Wait, we what?” Derek stood up in shock.
“Bow chick a bow wow.” Josh snickered and

then put on his serious face when both James and
Derek raised brows at him.

Preston giggled, zipping up his jacket against the

cold. “Well, let’s go.” Preston opened the cabin
door and waited for James and Derek to walk out.
He followed out behind them and walked down the
path. “So, you guys have the closest cabin in case
you need anything.”

“Like what?” James smiled.
“Food, water, whatever.” Preston grabbed the

keys from his pocket. “Wayne keeps them pretty
much stocked though, so that stuff is already there.”
Preston unlocked the cabin and flipped the switch
on, illuminating the living room. “There’s wood next
to the fireplace, one bedroom and the couch pulls
out.” Preston handed them a radio. “If you need
anything, just give us a call.” Preston smiled at the
two men; they looked petrified. “Night.”

“Yes, goodnight, Preston, and thank you.” James

finally found his voice. The door shut leaving him
and Derek alone, in a cabin, in the woods. “Um, you
should probably take the bed, I’m shorter.”

Derek looked at the couch then made his way

into the bedroom. A queen sized bed sat against
the wall and Derek swallowed hard. “Well, it’s not
really the width so much as it is the length.” Derek
felt James standing next to him, and looked down.

“So couch or bed, really doesn’t make a difference.
I’m going to start a fire and we can flip a coin for
the bed.”

James looked at the difference between the

couch and the bed. “No need, I’ll take the couch.”
James went to the small bathroom with his bag and
removed his t- shirt and pants. He pulled on a pair
of sweats and brushed his teeth. He was going to
be alone with Derek. His heart hammered just
thinking about it. He heard what sounded like
cursing coming from the front room and rinsed his
mouth out. He shut the bathroom door quietly and
peeked around the corner. Derek was crouched in
front of the fireplace trying to light newspaper on
fire, except the match kept going out. James smiled
and dug in his bag for a lighter; he bent down and
handed it to Derek. “This might help.”

Derek looked at the lighter and then up at

James. He was shirtless, in sweat pants, shit.
“Thanks.” Derek turned his attention back to the
fireplace and finally got the newspaper lit. He turned
to see James opening up the couch and helped him.
A large blanket was folded neatly off to the side
and Derek grabbed it, opening it up to fit the bed.
“Are you going to be warm enough?”

“With the fire and the blanket I should be.” James

stretched his arms up and cracked his neck and

back. He felt eyes on him and looked up to see
Derek’s eyes fixated on his chest. “Derek?”

“Yes?” Derek snapped his head up and looked at

James’ eyes.

“You okay?” James crawled onto the couch and

pulled the blanket over his shoulders. He watched
as Derek came over and sat on the edge of the
couch. “What is it?”

Derek’s hand hovered in front of James’ face

before his fingertips closed the last remaining
inches, touching the soft skin. “I missed you.”

James closed his eyes as Derek’s fingers

brushed across his cheek. “I missed you, too.” The
fingertips moved across his cheek to his lips; James
opened his eyes and looked into Derek’s. “What are
you doing?”

Derek pulled his hand back. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t

have done that.”

James sat up and looked at Derek’s face, the

eyes told him everything. Derek wanted him. “Why
do you keep fighting this, Derek? I know you want
me, and as more than a friend. I can see it in your
eyes, you want to kiss me.”

Derek sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

“I…I can’t…I just can’t.”

James rolled over on his side away from Derek.

“It’s okay, I understand. Goodnight, Derek.”

Derek stood up and looked at James on the

couch. Yes he wanted him, more than anything he
did. He just didn’t know how to make himself take
him.

~Chapter Eleven~

When Derek woke up, James was gone. He

took a quick shower and made his way towards the
lodge, where Riley and Mark were standing out
front. They both looked over at him and smiled,
waving. Derek waved back and jogged the
remaining distance.

“Morning,” Derek looked at the lodge. “Is

everyone already inside?”

Riley took Derek’s hand. “James left this

morning.”

“What do you mean,

left?”

“He said something about work,” Riley gave

Derek a sad smile. “But that wasn’t why, was it?”

Derek heard more voices coming up the trail.

Josh, Mateo, Troy and Sam were all joking around

with Kellan and Caden. They stopped when they
caught his eye and Derek sighed. Here comes the
lecture. The men smiled as they passed him and all
went inside, except for Josh.

“Oh God, they left you to talk to me?” Derek

sighed.

Josh crossed his arms and fixed Derek with a

look. “Yeah, they did. Want to know why?”

“Do I have a choice?”
“No,” Josh pushed Derek onto the bench in front

of the lodge. “You run into buildings with heavily
armed men inside. You’ve been shot, stabbed,
blown up and God help me I’ve never thought you
were a coward, until now.”

“Excuse me?” Derek stood up. “You’d better

watch your fucking mouth!”

“Or what?” Josh tilted his head. “You are in love

with James Pruitt. You don’t even have to say it; all
of us know it, Derek. You’ve done twenty-five years
in the Army. You can retire and work solely with the
team now, you know you can. Yet you stay in the
Army because you can hide there. You think staying
in gives you a reason not to tell the truth. The worst
part is I know James loves you and he’s stupidly
waiting for a man who can’t, or won’t, be with him.
So either let him off the hook completely or reel him
in and tell him you love him. Be with him, out in the

open and fuck what anyone else thinks. Because if
you don’t, you may just end up losing the one thing
in your life you can’t live without.”

Derek opened his mouth then closed it. He

looked at Josh. The man was definitely angry.
“When did you become such an asshole?”

“The day we met.” Josh sighed and took a deep

breath. “Just think about it Derek, don’t let James
get away. You think I was ready for Mark? Look
what I did. I ran away because, first off, I kissed
the man after the abuse he’d been through, and
secondly, I have fucked women my whole life. Don’t
you think I was a little freaked out when I couldn’t
stop getting hard around Mark? I’m in love with him;
fuck I

married him and I wouldn’t change one damn

thing about the man. You love James and James
loves you, although right now I have no idea why.”

“Thanks,” Derek stood up and looked at Josh.

“How long have you guys known?”

“Forever Derek, it’s all over your face whenever

you look at him. James is a good-looking guy, how
long do you think he’s going to stay single?”

Derek’s head snapped to attention at that

statement. “Has he said anything?”

“See, right there Derek, look at how you reacted

to just the thought of James being with someone

else. What will you do if he finally moves on and
then you have to watch him with someone else?”

Derek sat back down on the bench. “I haven’t

thought about him with anyone else. I choose not to
think that way. I’m deployed half the time and I can’t
bear the thought of him with anyone else. I call him
all the time.”

“Yeah? Do you tell him you miss him? Or do you

just talk about bullshit?”

“I told him I missed him last night.”
“And?” Josh crossed his arms.
“And then I…” Derek looked up at Josh. “I fucked

it all up.”

“You have to go back. I suggest you fix this shit

before you lose James altogether.” Josh sat down
next to Derek and smiled. “Don’t let fear cloud your
judgment, take what’s yours. Because you and I
both know James

is yours.” Josh stood up and

rubbed his hands together. “Now, let’s go eat
before I pass out. My husband fucked my brains out
last night and I need to recharge.”

“Jesus Christ, Montgomery,” Derek stood up and

chuckled.

“Think about it, Derek - you and James,” Josh

smiled and winked. “You belong together.”

Derek sighed as Josh went into the lodge. He

looked at the sky. He had a lot of thinking to do.

~~

Caden sighed at the mountain of paperwork on

his desk. He’d put it off thinking he’d be dead by the
time it had to be dealt with. Now he had no choice.
Kellan was back at work and he already missed
him. They’d been back in Washington almost a
week now and Kellan had moved in with him. They’d
fucked in every room of the house and had started
on the porch and beach. Caden smiled at the
thought. Being with Kellan, everything fell into place.
He’d always been a dominant lover; with Kellan he
could be as rough as he wanted to. Kellan had
promised him a run over the weekend and Caden
was confident that he’d be able to shift back
afterwards. His lupine side was strong, but he’d
become stronger. A knock on his door had him
looking up. Evangeline poked her head in.

“Hey boss, is it okay to come in?”
Caden smiled. “Get in here, how have you been

my dear?”

Evangeline pulled out a scan and put it on the

desk. “Never been so happy to see a clear scan,
not one trace of the cancer exists anymore.”
Evangeline smiled sitting on the edge of the desk.
“You and Kellan were fated to meet.”

Caden picked up the x-ray and smiled. “I cannot

believe it. Kellan told me it would be gone, but to
see it for myself.” Caden shook his head. “It is truly
a miracle.”

“They offered me chief of staff at the hospital.”

Evangeline waited for Caden to have a coronary.
She’d been his doctor from the very beginning. “I’ll
still be your personal physician.”

“I am so happy for you!” Caden jumped up and

hugged her hard. “You know I do not need a doctor
now.” Caden’s smile faded. “What about Dr.
Romasko? Is he aware?”

“I haven’t told him yet,” Evangeline sighed. “I’m

headed to the hospital now.”

Caden smiled. “He is a strong alpha male

Evangeline; I hope you know what you are doing.”

“I’m not letting a man make decisions for me,

Caden. Yes he’s gorgeous and smart and
everything I have ever looked for in a man, but at
the end of the day this is my career.”

“That’s my girl!” Caden hugged her hard. “Now

go, be a good doctor.” Caden smiled and smacked
her ass. “I must call my man.”

Evangeline smiled and made her way to the

door. “Caden?”

“Yes?”

“I love you.” Evangeline blew him a kiss.
“As I do you.” Caden winked. Caden picked up

the phone and dialed Kellan’s cell, it rang twice
before Kellan’s gorgeous, sexy voice came over the
line and Caden hardened.

“Hello baby,” Kellan chuckled.
“You are the only one I allow to call me that.”

Caden played with his tie as he smiled from ear to
ear.

“It’s because I’m good in bed isn’t it?”
“That may have something to do with it. It could

also be that you are fantastic looking and I cream
my pants looking at you.”

“Well now,” Kellan laughed. “You are picking up

some American sayings aren’t you?”

“Will you be home for dinner?”
“Yes, I will be. I look forward to being alone with

my man.”

Caden smiled to himself. “I will make you

something fantastic and we will have dessert in
bed.”

“Can’t wait, baby, love you and see you soon.”
“Love you, too.” Caden hung up and couldn’t help

his huge smile. This was what love felt like. He
never wanted it to end.

~~

Alexander looked through the chart on one of his

patients and sighed. The woman was not making as
much progress as he had hoped she would. He
placed the chart back in the door and exited the
room quietly. Walking the silent hospital corridor he
thought about the conversation he’d had with Wayne
and Archer. It came as a shock to know that Wayne
could heal with a drop of his blood without having to
change the person into a werewolf. Wayne had
passed that on and now Caden had the same
power, as did Kellan. Alexander sighed; he was
between a rock and a hard place. The
responsibilities that came with the ability to heal the
sick were more than he believed Kellan could carry.
The man would kill himself trying to save everybody.
Alexander entered his office and smiled when he
saw Evangeline in the chair behind his desk.

“Making yourself at home?”
Evangeline stood up and smoothed out her skirt.

“I wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Could it be about the chief of staff position?”

Alexander smiled when Evangeline looked
surprised. “You do not need to talk to me about it, I
recommended you.”

“You what?” Evangeline sat back down.

“None of the doctors here want the job, I asked

beforehand. None of us want to be stuck behind a
desk; we are doctors first. The others,” Alexander
shrugged his shoulders. “are not as qualified as
you.”

“So you’re really okay with this?” Evangeline

stood up and made her way around the desk.

“Of course I am. I would not be smiling would I?”
Evangeline gave her wicked smile. “You only

have to take orders from me at work.” Evangeline
ran her hand down Alexander’s chest. “I’ll take
orders from you in bed.”

“Oh my…”
“Oh yes…”

~~

Kellan parked his truck on the side of the street;

he shut the ignition off and looked up and down the
block. The street was clear, no media vans. Kellan
let out a sigh of relief and got out of the truck.
Unlocking the front door, he smelled dinner and then
heard the sounds of water. He dropped his bag off
by the front door and followed the sounds to the
bathroom. Caden was in the shower, surrounded by

steam. Kellan’s mouth filled with saliva watching his
boyfriend’s muscles flex as he washed his hair. He
undressed and got in behind Caden, running his
hands up and down his torso.

“Hello, my love.” Caden leaned his head back,

connecting with Kellan’s lips.

“Mmm.” Kellan bit Caden’s lower lip, sucking it in.

“You taste so good.” Kellan ran his hardened cock
along Caden’s crease.

Caden wrapped his arms behind Kellan’s neck

and arched his back. “I want to feel you.” Spreading
his legs out, Caden coaxed Kellan’s cock between
his legs and slid down.

“Ohhh fuck!” Kellan sunk into Caden in one thrust.

He held onto the bathroom wall trying to steady
himself as Caden grabbed the top of the shower
door. Gripping Caden’s hips, Kellan began a slow
fuck.

Caden gripped the top of the shower and thrust

back onto Kellan. His feet left the floor as Kellan
gripped his hips, elevating him and fucking him at an
angle. Caden’s teeth elongated and a loud growl
rose from his chest; Kellan’s fingers tightened on his
hips as the thrusting became pounding. Being
slammed into the shower door was fucking turning
him on beyond belief, Caden was afraid they’d
break it. His orgasm spilled as Kellan’s exploded

inside him. His feet back on the bathroom floor,
Caden leaned against Kellan’s chest trying to regain
his sanity. Kellan was stroking his still-sensitive cock
as their lips met and Caden gripped Kellan’s hair,
deepening the kiss.

“The water is turning cold.” Caden smiled.
“It is?” Kellan pulled Caden around and wrapped

his arms around him. “What’s for dinner?”

“Rack of lamb.” He laughed softly as Kellan

sucked in his bottom lip.

“God, I’m so spoiled.” Kellan picked Caden up

and stepped out of the shower. Grabbing a towel,
he started at Caden’s feet and made his way up.
Kellan stopped at Caden’s leg; the scar was
completely gone. “I know I shouldn’t be surprised
but I am. I’ve never been present before when
someone was changed.”

Caden looked down at his leg. “It is odd not to

see the scar; it’s even odder to know I’m not dying
anymore.”

Kellan stood up and took Caden’s face in his

hands. “No you’re not, and I’m so fucking grateful
for that. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Caden wrapped his arms

around Kellan’s neck. “I have whipped cream in the
bedroom.” Caden waggled his eyebrows.

“Rawr.”

~~

With dinner done, Kellan lie on the bed a sticky

and sweaty mess. As always, Caden’s dominant
side had fucked him into a near coma. Not that he
was complaining; he loved Caden’s rough side.
Besides, Caden found new ways to play with
whipped cream. He licked the sweat from Caden’s
neck and kissed the rapid pulse. He got a chuckle
and a sigh.

“What is it, baby?” Kellan bit Caden’s earlobe

and sucked it in, licking it.

“I’m just so happy. It should be a crime to be this

happy.” Caden closed his eyes, it hadn’t hit him yet
and now it was. He was alive and he was going to
stay that way for a long time. The tears came
before he could stop them and he felt strong arms
holding him closer.

“Hey, it’s okay.” Kellan looked into Caden’s eyes.

“This is going to take some time to get used to. I’ll
remind you every day that life is a precious gift and
you have many more years to enjoy it.”

“And I will spend it with you.” Caden sighed and

wrapped his arms around Kellan. “How did I get so

lucky?”

“A semi-driver fell asleep behind the wheel.”

Kellan smiled.

“Is that what happened?” Caden propped himself

up on his elbow. “I always wondered why the man
didn’t stop.”

“Yep, and because of that I ended up on that

bridge and I found you in your car.” Kellan caressed
Caden’s face. “You looked like a sardine in a can.”

Caden growled and jumped on top of Kellan,

pinning him to the bed. “You will pay for that.”

“And pay and pay and pay….” Kellan grabbed

Caden around his waist.

“I have not forgotten what you said.”

Caden smiled, getting off the bed.

“What did I say?”
“You said you would watch the show with me.”

Caden grinned, putting in the first disc.

“Now?” Kellan sat up.
“Yes.” Caden jumped back on the bed, settling

into Kellan’s arms. “You must watch this; the doctor
is such an ass.”

Almost twelve hours later Kellan was exhausted.

He’d cried so hard he didn’t have any tears left. He
felt like a gigantic girl. Wiping his nose and eyes, he
looked over at Caden, who was still crying.

“Do you see what I mean? He is left all alone!”

Caden blew his nose.

“I see it, babe.” Kellan kissed Caden’s forehead.

“That will never happen for us, I’ll be with you
always.”

“I love you.” Caden kissed Kellan’s lips, wrapping

his arms around the man he loved.

“And I you.”

~~

Saturday had the Northern pack at Wenatchee

National Forest. They were joined by Preston,
Tucker and Wesley from the Denali pack.
Evangeline had come with them and now stood
watching Alexander getting undressed to shift. She
let out a low whistle at Alexander’s body.

“Well, you work out.” She winked.
Alexander blushed.
Scott laughed and pointed at his alpha. “Oh shit!

Look! Alex is blushing.”

Jude smacked Scott on the back. “Leave him

alone man.”

They all turned at the sound of an approaching

vehicle and smiled when they saw Troy’s black Ford
pulling up, loaded with the Queets pack.

“Hey, guys!” Preston ran over to them and

stopped. He bent over and put his hands on his
knees. “Oh, hell.”

“Shit,” Sawyer stepped back with Xander and

Grayson. “You can smell Wyatt.”

Preston fought for control as his teeth elongated

and his eyes shifted. He looked at Sawyer. “You
were holding him.”

“I didn’t even think…” Sawyer tried to smile. “I’m

sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Preston backed away. “I’ll just sit with

Evangeline while you guys run.”

“You sure? Troy can stay behind with Xander

and Grayson.” Sawyer looked at Troy. “Do you
mind, babe?”

“No, really,” Preston shook his head. “I’m good, I

can run anytime. Besides, I can hang out with
Taylor and Jagger.”

“Yes, you can.” Taylor grabbed Preston in a tight

hug. “We were going to hang out while they ran
anyway.”

“Okay, if you’re sure. He still believes in you.”

Sawyer sighed. “We’ve tried everything.”

Preston smiled. “I didn’t think I’d made that big of

an impression. It was for a few minutes, just to
protect him. He’s stayed with me as well.”

“You’re his mate, he’s never forgotten you.”

Jagger hugged Preston.

Evangeline looked at them in confusion. “Why are

you not with your mate?”

“It’s a long story, one that I have time to tell as

they go exercise.” Preston sat down on the hood of
his Jeep.

Caden sighed as Kellan wrapped him up in his

arms. He was finally going to get to run free with
others of his kind. He’d looked forward to this day.
Getting out of his clothes, he watched as Kellan did
the same. Kellan’s muscular physique was truly
amazing, the strong thighs flexed as Kellan took his
pants off.

“Darling…” Kellan smiled, twirling his boxer briefs

around on his finger.

“Catch me if you can!” Caden winked and shifted

in seconds flat. He took off running through the
forest.

“Hey!” Kellan shifted and ran after his boyfriend.
“That’s our cue.” Alexander looked at the rest of

them. “Let’s go.”

Caden had never felt so free, the wind whipping

through his fur, the exhilaration of running in wolf
form, it was like a drug. He could feel Kellan’s
presence right behind him and pushed harder,

running faster. A single thought from Kellan stopped
him in his tracks causing Kellan to run into his ass.
He turned and huffed at Kellan.

“What did you say?”
Kellan tilted his head.

“I didn’t say anything.”

Caden padded around Kellan.

“You thought it.”

“Did not.” Kellan sat down on his haunches.
“I heard you.” Caden nuzzled Kellan’s neck. “You

want to marry me.”

“You can’t prove it.” Kellan lowered his head,

nuzzling Caden’s muzzle.

Caden nipped at Kellan’s ears and huffed.

“No,

but they can.” Caden nodded to the rest of the
wolves, all sitting down looking at them.

“Crap.” Kellan looked back at Caden. “Fine, but I

will ask you in human form and the right way.”

Caden rubbed up against Kellan.

“All right my

love.”

Kellan ran next to his mate, his life was

complete now. He’d almost died, been changed and
found the love of his life on a bridge. As they ran
through the forest, he kept close to Caden. The
man would have died if they’d never met, and if he’d
known about Caden’s cancer, he would have
changed him. No excuses and no apologies. He’d
marry his mate and protect him above all else.
Kellan felt the wind in his fur and ran side by side

with Caden, the rest of the pack right behind them.
As they came to a stop, Kellan jumped on Caden
knocking him onto his back. He looked down into his
mates’ blue eyes and realized he’d do
anything…..for the love of Caden.

~~Epilogue~~

The fire was roaring and the men sat around it as

Wayne told stories of his life. Kellan relaxed in
Caden’s arms and took everything in. He’d moved in
with Caden and they’d gotten married in Canada.
They’d come to the Queets reservation for a
meeting of the packs, which seemed to be
expanding at a rapid rate.

There were four men from the California pack

and four from the Oregon. He’d met the alphas but
not the pack members as yet. California’s alpha
was extremely impressive to say the least; Jackson
Murphy stood over six feet tall with sun-bleached
hair and slate grey eyes. The Oregon alpha was
just as impressive. At six feet, Jonas Brooks was
easily movie star material. He had chestnut brown
hair and amber eyes. He and Caden had been lucky

enough to meet both men before any of the others
had. Now Jude, Nicholas and Scott were the only
three who hadn’t met them.

Wayne was slowly incorporating his bloodline

through the West. He’d been the last of his kind until
he’d changed Dakota. Now his line was spreading.

Kellan had been lucky enough to find his mate; he

hoped Scott, Jude and Nicholas would find love
soon. Tucker and Wesley were still mateless as
well, and Kellan felt bad for them. To not know what
love felt like was truly heartbreaking.

In other matters of the heart, Kellan could see

the confusion in Wayne each and every time he was
close to Conner. The man did not know how to deal
with his rapidly growing feelings for the younger
wolf. The fates, as they say, had given Wayne
another chance at love and Kellan hoped that
Wayne would someday take Conner as his own.

Nadine had her own issues to deal with. The

youngest of the wolves had left the reservation and
she was feeling the loss. Wyatt had gone off to
school in Seattle, citing he had to spread his wings
and try to find his mate. Kellan guessed he
understood why the pack had tried to convince him
he didn’t have a mate. Preston – his mate - was
much older and wouldn’t be able to make Wyatt his
until he was of age. Well, that time was rapidly

approaching.

They were waiting for Wyatt to come home for

Christmas break and his father, John, was
nervously sipping his beer, watching the road.

“He’ll be here, John.” Joe took John’s hand.
“He’s grown so fast. Where did my little boy go?”

John asked.

“He grew up, it happens to all of us.” Dakota put

an arm around John’s shoulders. “I know you’ve
missed him, but he feels betrayed by all of us. We
keep telling him he doesn’t have a mate when we all
know he does. His anger will eventually subside.”
Dakota squeezed John’s shoulders.

“He’s still angry. When he asked to leave, it

almost ripped my heart out.” John sighed. “I can’t
stand not seeing him every day.”

“Teenagers are a bitch, Dad, you know that from

experience.” Xander tried to smile. “We did what
we thought was right. Besides, this is what Preston
wants; we have to abide by his wishes.”

“I miss babies; will you guys please hurry up?”

Nadine shot looks at all the men around the fire.

“We can’t

make babies appear, but we are

trying.” Mateo said.

“And trying, and trying…” Sawyer snickered.
They all turned at the sound of an approaching

vehicle. Jagger’s truck came to a stop by the fire pit

and Wyatt jumped out of the passenger side. There
was a collective gasp from everyone around the
fire. Wyatt had grown up.

“

Holy shit.” Josh’s mouth dropped open.

Wyatt put his hands on his hips. “Hello, family.”
“Jesus, Wyatt.” Grayson stood up and walked to

his brother. He had to be almost six feet tall. “Did
you eat your Wheaties?”

“Nope, Cheerios, but I work out every day and I

eat right.” Wyatt smiled at his father. “Dad.”

John stood up slowly. The sight of his baby

looking so grown up brought tears to his eyes.
“Wyatt.”

“Aw, Dad.” Wyatt walked to his father, hugging

him tightly. “I missed you,” Wyatt whispered.

“I missed you, too.” John held his son close.
Wyatt smiled at Josh, his mouth still hung open.

“Uncle Josh?”

“Yeah?” Josh finally snapped out of his daze.
Riley had just come out of the house; the screen

door slapped shut and he stopped in his tracks
looking at Wyatt. “Wyatt?”

“Hey, Uncle Riley!” Wyatt ran to Riley, enveloping

him in a tight hug.

“Oh my God, look at you!” Riley took Wyatt by

the shoulders. He had to look up at him; it was
weird to say the least. “What happened to you? Are

you taking steroids?”

Wyatt laughed and punched his uncle in the arm

playfully. “Nope, just work out, run and eat right, all
the stuff Uncle Mateo told me to do.”

They all looked at Mateo, who shrugged his

shoulders.

“He asked, I answered.” Mateo said.
“At least he stopped wearing the eyeliner.”

Sawyer whispered to Troy.

“I heard that.” Wyatt looked over his shoulder.
“Your hair,” Nadine whispered. The tears flowed

freely now as she looked at Wyatt. “You cut your
hair.”

“Nay,” Wyatt walked to her, and took her in his

arms. “I had to, for football. I couldn’t look like that
palomino guy.”

Grayson snickered. “Polamalu.”
“Whatever.” Wyatt waved his hand in the air,

dismissing his older brother’s statement. “Look
guys, this is life and I will be growing up. Please
stop acting like I’m dead or something because I
put some inches on. It’s not the end of the world.”

“Will you be wanting a beer, too?” Josh arched a

brow.

“Maybe later, with my shot of scotch.” Wyatt

winked. “Chill, people.”

Caden stood, looking at all the men gathered

around the fire. “Wyatt is growing up; I suggest you
all start treating him as such. He couldn’t stay your
little wolf puppy forever.”

“Thanks, Uncle Caden.” Wyatt walked over to

Caden and Kellan. He smiled, taking their hands.
“I’m happy for you both. It’s about time Uncle Kellan
found his true love.”

Kellan stood; he still towered over Wyatt, which

at least made him feel better about that. “I’m so
going to kick your ass in ‘Halo’.”

“Bring it.” Wyatt snickered.
“Dinner should be ready.” Nadine tried to smile,

but seeing Wyatt grown up had hurt her heart. “I
think we should all settle inside.”

Caden waited for everyone to clear out before

taking Kellan’s hand. He looked up at his husband
with a wide grin. “I want one.”

“You want one what?” Kellan asked.
“A child with you, and I would like to start right

away.”

“Like tonight?” Kellan chuckled, pulling Caden

toward the house.

“If I could make it happen that way I would.”

Caden stopped, pulling Kellan to him. “Do you want
that?”

“I would love a little Caden.” Kellan kissed

Caden’s lips softly.

“We shall have a little Kellan first.”
“Oh?” Kellan smiled wickedly.
“Oh yes, Kellan Brady. I want it all.” Caden said.
“Well, Mr. Brady-Fournier, then you will have it.”

~~The End~~

Sneak Peek

The General’s Lover

~PROLOGUE~

September 11, 2005

“Well hell, have you ever seen so many suits in

one room?” James looked over at his partner,
Lucas.

They were sitting at the bar, people watching.

James was pointing out the gay men and Lucas

was checking out the women. The party was not
only for the remembrance of the

September eleventh attacks, but he and Lucas

were meeting their new liaison as well. The last
one, Command Sergeant Major Fitzpatrick, was
retiring. James couldn’t have been happier. The
man hated gays.

Lucas slammed back his shot. “Yep, at the last

Peacock party. Now wasn’t that one fun?” Lucas
smiled wide.

“Yeah, no.” James scowled. The dick head

Command Sergeant Asshole had told most of the
room that James was gay. Not that he gave a shit,
he’d come out a long time ago. Lucas had actually
hit Command Sergeant Asshole and was
suspended for a week. James had to smile at his
partner; Lucas Cain didn’t give a shit about rules.

“Oh, Holy Mother Mary,” Lucas whispered under

his breath. “Check out the woman who just walked
in.”

“Why on Earth would I check out a woman,

Lucas? Have you slammed too many shots of
scotch?

“It’s the man she’s attached to, dipshit.” Lucas

smiled and turned James’ face around.

James could have sworn he stopped breathing.

The man who had just entered was an Adonis. His

hair was so black it almost shone blue in the light.
He had to be at least six foot four and, judging by
his body in his dress blues, he was extremely
muscular.

“Oh. My. God.” James breathed.
Lucas chuckled softly. “I told you. Hey, he’s

talking to our boss.”

James felt his heart hammering in his chest. The

very tall, gorgeous Adonis was talking to the head
of Homeland Security, and they were now looking
his way.

“Ohgodohgodohgod…” James gripped the bar as

they started walking right towards him and Lucas.

“Don’t talk; I’ll do all the talking. You just stand

there and look pretty, sweetheart.” Lucas said.

As they made their way closer, James got a

good look at the man. He had an aristocratic face,
strong jaw, square chin with a dimple and broad
cheekbones. James’ eyes traveled further up and
saw long, luscious black lashes that hovered above
aquamarine eyes. And those aquamarine eyes were
giving him a once-over. James froze in place.

“Ah, here they are. Major General Derek Jacobs,

these are my finest men, Agents Lucas Cain and
James Pruitt.”

“It’s very nice to meet you both.” Derek shook

Cain’s hand first and then his eyes settled on the

man next to him. Good Lord. Arctic blue eyes were
looking at him in awe. The caramel-colored hair was
cut short, not buzz cut, but clean. The man, James,
had perfect lips. Full bottom lip and not too full top,
strong long nose and chiseled features. Jesus. He
realized he was still shaking James’ hand and pulled
his hand away slowly.

“So are you our new guy then?” Lucas tried to

keep James upright; he was sliding down the bar
staring at the new liaison.

“I am the new guy.” Derek cracked a grin. “I

heard what happened to Fitzpatrick.”

“Homophobic asshole,” Lucas sneered. “Oh, I’m

sorry ma’am.” Lucas smiled at the woman on their
new liaison’s arm.

“Cynthia, why don’t you go find a higher ranking

official and cozy up?” Derek smiled at his date.

Lucas raised his hand. “I’m a higher ranking

official.”

“See, sweetie?” Derek pushed her into Lucas.
James watched as his wingman took off with

Derek’s date, leaving him alone with the gorgeous
man. “Do you always pawn off your girlfriends at
functions?”

Derek waved the bartender over. “Give me

whatever he’s drinking.” Derek unbuttoned his jacket
and leaned against the bar. “She’s not really my

girlfriend.”

“She’s not?”
Derek shook his head. “Nope, escort.”
James’ mouth dropped open. “Why would you

need an escort?”

Derek took the drink when the bartender came

back and slammed it. He dropped the shot glass
upside down and signaled for another. “Okay, first
off, any woman I would bring to one of these would
take it as a sign of something else. Whether it’s a
commitment of some kind, or a promise of
something more and I really don’t need that. I don’t
want a girlfriend or a wife. I love my remote.” Derek
chuckled. “Not only that, but God forbid you sleep
with one of them and then it’s the why-didn’t-you-
call-me routine. Then it’s that trap, the dependent ID
card and the placard in the front of their car.” Derek
sighed and took another shot. “I just don’t have the
patience for women.”

“Yeah? Well men aren’t much different.”
“So it’s true, you really are gay.” Derek sat back

and eyed James.

“Are you going to have a problem with that?”

James crossed his arms and looked up at Derek
defiantly.

Derek bit his bottom lip to try and hold back his

laugh. His first thought was Mateo Esposito. When

he was in Bosnia with his sniper unit, he and Mateo
had gotten into a wrestling match. The question of
whether or not Derek was gay was answered that
day. “Nope, no problems from me.”

James scowled. “You say that now, but in a

month from now you’ll be calling me a homo.”

Derek leaned forward and bent down to be at

eye level with James Pruitt. “I will never call you a
homo.”

James blinked and then smiled. “Okay.”
Derek raised his shot glass. “To a long

partnership.”

They spent most of the night at the bar drinking

shot after shot. James could hold his liquor but after
about fifteen shots of scotch, he was toast. Derek
accompanied him back to his hotel and made sure
he got to his room. James leaned back against the
door and gave a lopsided smile.

“Don’t freak out or anything, but I have never

seen anyone as beautiful as you.” James slurred.

Derek rested his hand on the wall by James’

head. “Why would I freak out? You complimented
me, thank you very much.”

James licked his lips and looked up to see

Derek’s eyes gleaming under lowered lashes. “So,
um, thanks for bringing me back.”

“No problem, are you going to be okay?”
James’ liquid courage kicked in and he grabbed

the front of Derek’s jacket pulling him in closer.
They were mere inches apart when voices could be
heard coming down the hallway. Derek stepped
back from him and righted his uniform.

“Oh God, I’m sorry.” James wanted to crawl in a

hole and die. How embarrassing! Crap, shit, fuck.

“It’s okay, I’m just not - well, you know.” Derek

tried to smile.

“Gay,” James nodded. “Yeah, I’m so sorry. It

won’t happen again I promise. Are we…will we be
okay?”

“We’re fine, James.” Derek shook James’ hand.

“I’ll see you at the first meeting.”

“Okay,” James nodded and opened his door; he

felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see
Derek smiling at him.

“Goodnight, James Pruitt.”
“Goodnight, Major General Derek Jacobs.”
Derek laughed. “Derek is fine.”
Yes you are. “James will do, Derek.”

~~Chapter One~~

PRESENT DAY

“Mom, I’m fine.” Derek sighed in frustration.

Every time he’d been deployed, he’d had to deal
with his mother. She made it a point to have every
number he owned and called him at least once a
day.

“Well, darling, I am your mother. You can’t think I

wouldn’t call you. How is the weather?”

Derek sat back and looked at the phone in his

hand. He was in a combat zone and his mom
wanted to know about the weather? “It’s gorgeous
out Mom; not a drop of humidity and the birds are
singing.”

“Stop being sarcastic, Derek. I know I’m not

allowed to ask anything else, such as, have you
informed the person you are in love with that you
are indeed in love with them?in f

“Mom,” Derek had to smile, Victoria Jacobs

knew better than to broadcast his sexual
preferences over a telephone line. “No, I have not.”

“You are going to lose the love of your life if you

don’t do something about it dear.”

“Yes, Mother.”
“You know I abhor when you call me Mother,

Bradly.”

“I abhor when you call me Bradly.” Derek

chuckled softly.

“It’s a family name, you’ll get over it. I’m warning

you darling, if you wait much longer—”

“I know, Mom. Trust me, I know.”
“Your father, God rest his soul, would be

shouting at you to be a man about this.”

“I am being a man, I’m just…I don’t know, Mom.”
“Oh stop blubbering! I raised a good boy, now

get off your butt and grab love with both hands!”

“Jesus, Mom.” Derek laughed.
“I must go darling; the book club members are

here. I love you Derek, be careful.”

“Love you too, Mom.”
The connection broke and Derek sighed and

threw a dart at the door. He was back in the sand
box and hating every moment. The time difference
was making it hard for him to get a hold of James,
and after Denali he really wanted to talk to him.
He’d finally put in his paperwork for retirement and
was ready to run the team fulltime. He’d fucked up
colossally this time with James. He’d lost control
and touched him and then backed off. Derek ran his
hands over his face and sat back in his chair staring
at the ceiling. Why couldn’t he just say what he
wanted to say? That after six years he’d fallen in
love with James and wanted to be with him.

Derek got up and walked to the window, the sun

was just coming up on the horizon. Soldiers were
starting their morning routine, and he would be out
there with them today. He was going to be forty-
three and had never gotten married. Not that he
looked it. Great genetics from his mother ensured
he looked thirty-three. He didn’t even have a grey
hair, which was impossible, given his job. He
supposedly looked just like his father, although he’d
never known the man. He’d died before he was
born. He’d seen pictures of Derek Bradly Jacobs;
they both had the same color eyes and hair, but
Derek knew he took after his mother as well.

She’d raised him all on her own. His

grandparents felt she’d married beneath her when
she married an Army man and had cut her off. He
didn’t even know his grandparents; never met them,
never wanted to. He’d come out to his mother a few
years ago and had been shocked when she’d
already known. The fact that he’d never married
and never brought a woman home was apparently a
big clue. Then, he’d told her about James. Derek
smiled and closed his eyes thinking about James
again. He’d known James had a thing for him from
their first meeting and he couldn’t deny he’d found
James gorgeous.

Derek picked up the phone and dialed James’

home number. It rang four times before it was

picked up by an obviously sleepy James.

“Hello?”
“Hey, James, did I wake you?” Derek sat back

down and looked at his papers.

“Not really,” James yawned and stretched his

legs out in bed. “I was just lying here, kinda not
watching TV.”

“Are you watching TV Land again?” Derek

chuckled softly.

“I like Betty White; she puts you guys to shame

with her wit.”

“I know I watched it the other night. You were

right, it is funny.”

James sat up in bed. “You actually did what I

asked you to do?”

“Don’t sound so surprised, I’ve done a lot of

things you’ve recommended.”

James smiled to himself. “What else have you

done?”

Derek’s spine tingled at James’ sexy tone of

voice. “What do you mean?”

“Well,” James lay back and spread his legs.

“Right now, I’m holding something in my hand.”

Derek’s mind was in the bed with James now.

“Oh?” Derek swallowed hard and felt his dick
hardening.

“Mmm hmm, I’m running my thumb over

something.” James tried hard not to giggle as his
finger pushed the ‘down’ button on the remote.

Derek actually felt the sweat running down his

back. He’d never been this turned on before and
James had never talked to him like this. “Yeah?”

“Oh yessss.” James put his hand over his mouth

to stop from laughing. Derek’s breathing had gotten
much quicker. Derek righted his erection and right
then realized he was on an unsecured line. “Shit,
James, I’m not on the other phone.”

“Well, I was just fingering the remote.” James

chuckled softly.

“Ass,” Derek sighed and found himself laughing.
“Where was your filthy mind?” James smiled and

lay back in bed. His dick was rock hard and he
wrapped his hand around it.

“I…well I was…”
“Oh, quit,” James laughed. “Are you okay? Any

close calls?”

Derek had to smile; James always asked him the

same thing every time he called him. The fact that
James had been in the Army before he left for the
FBI made it hard for Derek to lie about the goings
on. “Nothing we couldn’t take care of.”

“Okay, I get it.” James smiled. He needed to

remind himself of OPSEC, no discussing missions
or attacks. “So, a month left, huh?”

“Yes, I thought maybe,” Derek closed his eyes

and blurted it out. “I thought we could go to
Washington and fish.”

James almost fell off the bed in surprise.

“Really?”

“Well if you want to. We could go somewhere

else if you want.”

“No, Washington’s perfect Derek.” James

gripped the phone tighter. “Thank you for inviting
me.”

Derek looked at the phone and wondered how

much he could get away with. “It’s no problem. I’d
really like to spend some time with you.” The line
got very quiet and Derek was afraid they’d been
disconnected. “James?”

“I’m here,” James took a deep breath. “Okay, so

when is this little vacation taking place?”

“Well, I’m home next month. So let’s say August?

Would that be okay?”

“Sure, I’ll clear my schedule.” James had the

urge to jump up and down on his bed; he stifled it
and kept his voice even. “So I’ll see you then?”

“Yes, you will.” Derek knew he was smiling from

ear to ear. “I’ll call you soon, take care James.”

“You too. Bye Derek.”
“Bye.”

James hung up the phone and let out a loud

whoop. He was going to be alone with General
Derek Jacobs. A vacation six years in the making.
James looked at the phone, he wanted to call
someone and scream it. He picked up the phone
and prayed the right person would answer. It rang
twice before it was picked up and James let out a
sigh of relief when Riley’s voice came over the line.

“Morning, James.” Riley giggled.
“Caller ID,” James sighed. “I should have blocked

my number.”

“Now where is the fun in that?” Riley laughed.

“What’s up, James? You sound like you just got a
free subscription to an all-male porn site.”

“Very funny.” James sat back and looked at the

ceiling. “You busy this morning? Can we have
breakfast?”

“Sure, you want to come here?” Riley pushed

Mateo over in the bed and giggled when he got a
finger up his butt. “Stop that.” Riley whispered.

“Um, is it just going to be you?”
“Yes, Mateo’s going to the range today.” Riley

laughed when Mateo pinned him to the bed and
licked his chest in one long swipe.

“Okay, I can be there in about an hour. That

should give you and Mateo time to fuck the shit out
of each other.” James chuckled.

“Takes longer than that, James,” Mateo

snickered. “I can hear you.”

“Yeah, TMI Mateo.” James sighed. “I’ll see you

soon, Riley.”

“Okay James, bye.” Riley hung up and smacked

Mateo’s ass. “Listen here sex fiend…”

“Sex fiend?” Mateo bit Riley’s lip.
Riley took Mateo’s face in his hands and smiled

at his husband. “Lord, you are drop dead sexy.”

“Okay, see now I want to have sex with you.”

Mateo licked Riley’s lips. “But, I don’t like to be
rushed, so let’s make a date for tonight.”

“I’ll put it in my appointment book.” Riley laughed

and squealed when Mateo bit his ass. “Hey!”

“Love you, sexy.” Mateo got up and sauntered

into the bathroom naked.

“I love you, too.”

~~

After a long, hot shower that consisted of him

jacking off to a vision of Derek, James got dressed
and looked at his answering machine. It was
blinking and James had an idea of who’d called. He
pushed the button and sure enough, his mother’s
voice filled the room.

“James, your father and I are worried about you.

We haven’t heard from you in over two weeks,
could you please call us and let us know you’re
alive? We hope to see you soon.”

James pushed the ‘delete’ button and ran a hand

through his hair. He’d have to deal with them sooner
or later. He knew what the conversation would be
about. He was going to be thirty-eight, he had no
boyfriend and grandkids were not popping out of a
surrogate. James grabbed his keys and wallet and
left the house. The heat hit and James cursed under
his breath; it was over a hundred degrees and his
car was black. James sighed and climbed into his
Chevy Camaro. At least it was a convertible.

James pulled onto I-10 and headed for Riley and

Mateo’s. The two of them were a perfect match.
Mateo was an asshole and Riley was a sweetheart.
It was comical watching Mateo give in to Riley’s
pout. He envied them sometimes. Riley had come
out of the closet for Mateo and now they were
married and planning for kids.

James sighed and thought about Derek. Six

years and they hadn’t even kissed. He’d been
holding onto a fantasy that someday Derek would
make a move. And it seemed as if the day was
finally here. Derek had invited him out to
Washington to go fishing.

The night they’d met he’d stupidly tried to kiss

Derek and Derek had said he wasn’t gay. But
looking back on that night, Derek hadn’t really come
out and said it at all. James had said it for him, and
in the six years they’d been friends that night had
never come back up.

James sighed and changed lanes, taking the exit

for Riley’s. The streets were pretty empty; it was
fucking hot. People were probably in their pools
with a nice tall drink. James turned into Riley’s
driveway and shut the car off. He looked at the
house and had to smile. Riley was not the kind of
billionaire who showed off his wealth. In fact, Riley
was like no one he’d ever met. His smile was
infectious and he had a way of making you do
whatever he wanted. Only Mark Montgomery
seemed immune. Mark had his own damn special
powers. Jesus, the man married Josh. That came
out of left field. James chuckled as he made his
way up the walk. He rang the bell and could hear
Riley shouting to come in.

James opened the door and was hit with a blast

of arctic air; he stepped in and shut the door
quickly.

“Jesus, you missing Alaska?” James laughed.
“I am, actually.” Riley came down the hall in

cargo shorts with flip-flops. “What’s up with you?
You’re smiling.” Riley shivered. “It’s freaking me

out.”

“Shut up.” James smacked Riley playfully.

“What’s for breakfast?”

“What makes you think I cooked?” Riley smiled

making his way into the kitchen.

“I can smell it.” James looked around the kitchen.

He had to laugh; Riley had three different coffee
machines. “Mateo?” James gestured to the coffee
makers.

“Yup, he likes his espresso.” Riley pulled rolls out

of the oven. “You know how he gets without his
caffeine. I sent Mark and Josh a coffeemaker for
Christmas.” Riley giggled. “In fact, I sent all the
guys coffeemakers. Dakota and Sawyer were very
thankful.”

“Yes I got mine, too.” James laughed. “Thank

you

so much.”

“Welcome.” Riley put the rolls on the table and

took out eggs and bacon from the oven. “So,” Riley
grabbed two plates and silverware. “Tell me what’s
going on.”

“Derek called me this morning.” James took a

bite of eggs and moaned. “What do you put in
these?”

“Can’t tell you.” Riley sipped his coffee. “Now go

on.” Riley gestured with his hand. “Derek called.”

“He invited me to Washington to fish.”
Riley’s jaw dropped open. “Seriously? And he

didn’t take it back?”

“Nope,” James shook his head. “It wasn’t like

when you were in the hospital. I didn’t hear anything
in his voice either, he meant it.”

“This is huge!” Riley stood up. “Oh my God,

Derek asked you to go on vacation with him!”

“Riley, calm down. I think your whole

neighborhood just heard you.” James laughed,
buttering his roll.

“Why are you so calm? You’ve waited six years

for this.” Riley narrowed his eyes. “You think he’ll
back out?”

“No, I’m sure he meant to ask me.” James

shrugged his shoulders. “I’m not going to freak out
until he’s standing in front of me on a boat.”

“Or lying underneath you on a bed.” Riley

snickered.

James laughed and pulled up

that mental image.

“Damn, could you imagine Derek naked? Splayed
out on a bed for me to play with?” James sighed
and sat back in the chair. “Gives me goose bumps
just thinking about it.

Riley smiled and thought about Mateo. “My God,

the first time I laid eyes on Mateo I thought, ‘Fuck,
could this guy be any hotter?’” Riley sighed and

smiled at the memory of Mateo making love to him
for the first time.

James raised a brow. “Get out of bed with

Mateo.”

Riley giggled. “I want a full report!”
“You know I’ll call when I come up for air.”

James chuckled softly.

Riley sighed and rested his chin in his hands.

“This is so cool. I always wondered how long it
would take for Derek to come to his senses. Josh
gave him a beat down in Alaska, you know.” Riley
smiled when James’ mouth fell open. “Oh, you didn’t
know?” Riley laughed. “Oh yeah, Josh yelled at him.
Called him a coward and shit.”

James sat back. “And Josh survived? If there’s

one thing I know, Derek Jacobs is no coward.”

“He is when it comes to you and Josh told him in

no uncertain terms that if he waited too long, he’d
lose you to someone else.”

“Oh, really?”
“Yes, and Derek did not like that thought at all.”
James shrugged. “Whatever works, I mean if

that’s why he invited me I’m not going to complain.”

“So when is this little ‘trip’ taking place?”
“August, he comes home in July, which is good

for me because I’m due vacation time. I’m headed
to D.C. for a few days to talk to Keegan about

Markov.”

“You still plan on sending him in to bring Markov

in? Isn’t Keegan a bit…” Riley scrunched his brow.
“Delicate?”

James smiled and leaned back in the chair.

“Keegan is perfect. First, he’s been working this
case since he started at the bureau, and believe me
we’ve been training him for months just for this
assignment. Second, he’s so fucking adorable you
can’t help but like him.”

“This is true. If he were my type I’d be all over

him.” Riley sat back in thought. “Why not just talk to
Vince yourself?”

James shook his head. “Nope. Even Devin

agrees - I have a look of seniority and Vince hates
government officials.”

“The Russian thing, huh?” Riley said. “I kinda feel

bad for the guy, even though he’s notoriously
vicious. Could you imagine? Having to watch your
mother and sister slaughtered right in front of you?”
Riley shivered. “No wonder he’s damaged.”

The front door opened and Riley smiled at

James. “Uh oh.”

“I heard that!” Mateo shouted from the front

room.

“Do you not want him to know?” Riley whispered.

“I don’t want him calling Derek and freaking him

out.” James sighed and watched as Mateo came
into the kitchen. He stopped and looked from Riley
to James.

“Okay, what did I miss?” Mateo sat down at the

table.

Riley took Mateo’s face in his hands. “You are

sworn to secrecy, and if you open your mouth I cut
you off for a month.”

“Jesus!” Mateo put his hands up in defense. “I

won’t say a word.”

“Promise!” Riley growled.
“I promise.” Mateo kissed Riley. “Now what’s

up?”

“Derek asked me to go to Washington with him

when he comes back from Afghanistan.” James
said.

Mateo sat back in the chair and looked from

Riley to James. “So Josh’s talk worked.”

Riley nodded. “Yep, I think so. I think the thought

of James with anyone other than himself freaked
him out enough.”

“It’s about time.” Mateo smiled grabbing a roll.

“You two belong together, always have.”

“Thanks Mateo.” James looked at his watch. “Ah

crap, I have to get back home and pack. I will call
you when I know what’s going on though.” James

stood up and got a hug from Riley and a handshake
from Mateo. “You two have fun.”

“Always.” Riley smiled. “You take care of

yourself, James. I look forward to hearing from
you.”

“Oh, you will.” James winked.

~~

Derek was sweating like a drunken celebrity at a

sobriety test. The MRAP was packed, and being in
close quarters with so many men in the fucking heat
was stifling. He grabbed another bottle of water and
poured it over his head. They were driving down a
dirt road, weaving back and forth to avoid IEDs on
their way to a small village. He was going to have
dinner with one of the village leaders. He’d wanted
to go with just a few of his men but was given a no-
go on that shit. As a general, he was a target.

“Sir?”

Derek wiped the sweat from his brow. “Yes?”
“We’re here.”
An explosion rocked the MRAP and Derek stood

up. “Back the fuck up!” Derek looked at his men;
most of them were frozen in place. “Jesus!”

Derek pushed his way to the front of the vehicle

and hauled the driver out of the seat. More IEDs
were going off under them as he pulled back and
turned the monster vehicle around. He got on the
radio and informed the base of what was
happening. One of his soldiers was finally blinking.

“Jessup!” Derek shouted. “Pull your head out of

your ass!”

“Yes sir!”
“Get behind the fucking wheel!” Derek grabbed

Jessup by his sleeve and hauled him up.

“Sir?”
“Drive!” Scrambling into the turret, Derek

positioned himself and waited for the gunfire to
erupt. He didn’t have to wait long. Rounds hit the
side of the MRAP and Derek fired back with the .50
caliber machine gun. Insurgents were running
around the meeting house and Derek tore up the
ground all the way to the front door.

“Get us the fuck out of here!” Derek shouted

down below.

The MRAP ran over another IED and the vehicle

almost flipped. Derek kept firing until they were far
enough away; he slipped down from the turret and
looked at the men. They were all ready and waiting
for orders. Derek ran a hand through his hair.

“Look, I know for some of you guys this is your

first tour, but you cannot freeze up like that! All it

takes is one damn second and you’re gone. It’s you
or them, do you get that?” Derek shouted.

“Sir?”
Derek looked at the private who’d spoken, he

looked about eighteen. “Connelly?”

“We…” Connelly looked at the rest of the guys.

“A lot of us have never been deployed, sir. This is
our first tour. I wasn’t prepared for this, sir.”

“You’re never prepared for this shit, Connelly.”

Derek put his hand on Connelly’s shoulder. “Learn a
lesson from this because if you don’t, you just left
your wife a widow and your kids without a father.
Got it?”

“Yes, sir!” the chorus of men erupted.
By the time they pulled back into the base the

sun was down. Derek jumped from the MRAP and
was greeted by the General of the Army, Prescott.

“Jesus, Jacobs, you really like living life on the

edge.” Prescott smiled. “Looks like our MRAP are
just that, mine resistant and ambush protected.”
Prescott laughed at the look on Derek’s face.

“What the hell happened, sir? This was supposed

to be a friendly meeting.” Derek followed the
general back to operations.

“I am trying to get intel on that now. As far as we

knew, that’s exactly what this was.”

“Well, their welcome was a little less than

desirable.” Derek sat down and put his feet up. “My
guys were shitting themselves.”

“We should have sent you with more seasoned

soldiers.”

“No, this was good for them. They need to know

what to do when shit like this happens. None of
them were prepared. Jessup was the only one who
snapped out of it.”

Prescott leaned over the desk. “You loved every

second of it.”

Derek smiled and leaned back in the chair.

“Come on, you know what it’s like. Once you put
rank on, they feel like you can’t take a piss
anymore. Today just proved I can be in the fight just
like my men.”

“Well, you get to leave all this soon.” Prescott

motioned to the miles and miles of sand.

Derek sighed and looked out the window. “I

wasn’t sure if I was ready to retire.” Derek looked
up. “It’s time. I’ve been deployed for most of my
career in one way or another. Sure, it’s great for
rising in the ranks but my personal life is shit.”

“Hell, I’ve been divorced three times.” Prescott

leaned against the desk. “Being gone half the
marriage didn’t help.”

“That’s why I never got married.” Derek looked

at his bare ring hand.

“Oh?” Prescott leaned over. “I thought it was

because you are in love with Agent Pruitt.”

Derek almost fell off the chair. As it was, he

stumbled getting up and stammered. “What?”

Prescott laughed loud. “Oh my God, if you could

see your face right now. Calm down Derek, I
figured it out a long time ago at one of the
meetings. The way you look at him says it all. And
no, I haven’t said a fucking word. It’s your business
who you fuck or don’t fuck and you are one hell of a
soldier.”

Derek sighed and sat back down. “Jesus, and

here I thought I was being all covert and shit.”

“I pay attention.” Prescott winked. “Now, call

your man and tell him you are just fine and you’ll be
home soon.”

Derek stood and shook Prescott’s hand and

watched as the man left his office. He looked at the
time and wondered if James was even up. Looking
out the window, he watched the men he’d just
returned with getting an ass chewing. He knew what
that was like. He’d only frozen up one time and that
was in Somalia. Derek put his head on the desk and
banged it.

“Sir?”
Derek looked up to see Jessup looking at him.

“Yes?”

“I just wanted to tell you…” Jessup sighed loudly.

“Permission to speak freely, sir?”

“Granted.”
“I fucked up, sir. It won’t happen again.”
Derek stood up and came around the desk. “Yes

it will and let me tell you why. Every situation is
different out here and you have to know what to do.
You won’t always have the luxury of knowing that.
Sometimes you have to improvise.” Derek sat
against the desk and crossed his arms. “You came
through today after a little screaming.”

“You are one hell of a badass.” Jessup smiled. “I

hope one day I am as confident as you are.”

“Years and years of practice.” Derek took

Jessup by the shoulders. “Don’t get dead.”

“Yes, sir.” Jessup walked to the door and turned.

“So, a game of spades later with the guys?”

Derek chuckled. “Prepare to lose.”
“No, sir.” Jessup laughed and left.
Derek smiled and sat down looking at his desk.

It’d been close today. Derek looked at the time, he
had just enough time to get a shower and eat
before heading out to play cards. As a general he
wasn’t supposed to consort with lower ranking
soldiers. Derek laughed and stood up, as if he ever
followed the rules. Camaraderie was important, and

he made it his business to know the men that took
orders from him. Derek flipped the light off in his
office and headed for the showers, he’d call James
later.

~~The General’s Lover~~
Coming this summer.